JP2013031047A - Image formation apparatus and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus and image formation system which enable a user to register changed print setting with proper timing, thereby improving user-friendliness.SOLUTION: An image data storage part 401 stores image data with print setting for printing by an image formation part 140. When the image data stored in the image data storage part 401 is printed by an image formation part 140, a determination part 402 determines whether print setting in the printing is equal to the print setting associated, by the image data storage part 401, with the image data to be printed. If the determination part 402 determines that the print setting is not equal and a previously designated registration condition is satisfied, a print setting update processing part 403 registers the print setting for the printing so as to be readable in association with the image data subjected to the printing.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

  In recent years, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) having functions such as scanners, facsimiles, printers, and copiers have been used in offices and the like. A multifunction machine is often used in a situation where it is connected to an information processing terminal such as a personal computer through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Then, it functions as an image forming device that prints image data input from the information processing terminal on paper, functions as an image reading device that acquires image data used in the information processing terminal, and searches document image data. It functions as a document management device that accumulates as possible.

  The multi-function peripheral functioning as a document management apparatus stores stored document image data in association with various settings for each document image data or each document box (folder) in which the document image data is stored. (For example, refer to Patent Documents 1 to 4).

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that sets a replication management attribute for document image data. In this image processing apparatus, when a user duplicates document image data to generate new document image data, the new document image data has the same duplication management attribute set in the original document image data. The attribute value is set as a copy management attribute of new document image data. Therefore, if the original document image data is set to add a watermark image or the like to prevent unauthorized copying and the watermark cannot be deleted, the watermark is also added to the copied document image data. In addition, the deletion prohibition of the watermark is set, and unauthorized copying can be suppressed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a setting clear function for returning a print condition reset by a user when printing document image data stored in association with a print setting to the print setting set at the time of registration in the document image data. A printing system is provided. In this printing system, even when the document image data is shared by a plurality of people, if the user uses the setting clear function before giving a print instruction, other users temporarily set the print settings of the document image data. Even if it has been changed, printing can be executed according to the print settings set at the time of registration. Therefore, a complicated operation of returning the print setting to the original setting is not necessary.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a document processing apparatus that associates print settings with a document box. In this document processing apparatus, a document box in which a document is stored is determined according to the processing stage for the document such as editing, editing completion, and approval completion. For this reason, in this configuration, when a document is printed, it is automatically printed with the print settings corresponding to the processing stage of the document, and a complicated operation of changing the print settings according to the processing stage is unnecessary.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a document management system capable of customizing a print setting screen used for changing print settings when printing document image data stored in association with print settings. In this document management system, when the print setting screen is displayed, it is possible to set and display the display form of the print setting screen for each document or each document box in which the document is registered. It becomes possible to improve.

JP 2006-270513 A JP 2007-215160 A JP 2004-227476 A JP 2006-074601 A

  In a multi-function peripheral having a function of storing document image data to be stored in association with various settings for each document image data (or for each document box storing document image data) as described above, certain document image data When any processing is performed on the above, the settings registered in advance are always applied first. Such a setting is registered at the same time when document image data is stored in the multifunction peripheral. Therefore, when processing is performed on the stored document image data with settings different from the settings registered in advance, the user is registered with the document image data each time the processing is performed. It is necessary to change the setting.

  For example, when document image data is stored in association with print settings, it is assumed that the print settings are set to print in color. In this case, when printing the print data, the pre-registered print settings are applied. Therefore, when the user prints the document image data in black and white, “Color”, which is the pre-registered print setting, is used. Need to be changed from "black and white" to Such a change is necessary even when other document image data is printed immediately before with monochrome print settings.

  If such a change in print settings occurs infrequently, there is no problem, but if it occurs at a certain frequency, a complicated operation occurs every time. For this reason, the device occupying ratio for changing the setting becomes high and the device operating rate decreases, so it cannot be said that this is a preferable state. For example, when the user changes the setting, if the changed setting is registered in the multifunction peripheral by itself, it may not be necessary to change the setting every time printing is performed. However, since the first purpose is to obtain a printed material, the user often forgets an additional process of registering the setting after printing. In addition, when printing, the user is rarely aware of whether or not the changed settings will be used at a certain frequency in the future. In many cases, it is implemented. Therefore, it is not easy for the user himself / herself to register the changed setting in the multifunction peripheral.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and allows the user to register the changed print settings at an appropriate timing, thereby improving the convenience of the user. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means. That is, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit, an image data storage unit, a determination unit, and a print setting update processing unit. The image forming unit prints image data on a sheet. The image data storage unit stores the image data together with print settings for printing in the image forming unit. When the image data stored in the image data storage unit is printed in the image forming unit, the determination unit is configured such that the print setting in the printing is the print setting associated with the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit. It is determined whether or not they are the same. When the print setting update processing unit determines that the determination unit is not the same and satisfies the registration condition specified in advance, the print setting in the printing is associated with the image data that is the target of the printing, Register as readable. For example, the print setting update processing unit can store the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit together with the print settings for the printing. The “print setting” may be configured with all items that can be set by the user regarding printing in the image forming unit, or may be configured with a part of the items that can be set by the user. . In the latter case, whether or not the print settings are the same is determined based on whether or not the setting contents (setting values) of some print setting items specified in advance match.

  In this image forming apparatus, when the image data is printed with a print setting different from the print setting associated with the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit, when the registration condition specified in advance is satisfied, The print settings in the printing are registered so as to be readable in association with the image data to be printed. In other words, the changed print settings can be appropriately registered by appropriately setting the predesignated conditions.

  The image forming apparatus may include a printing number counting unit. The print count counting unit holds the number of prints for each print setting in association with the image data stored in the image data storage unit. When the determination unit determines that they are not the same, the print count counter is the target of printing. The number of prints corresponding to the image data and the print setting for the printing is counted up. In this case, “the printing number held by the printing number counting unit reaches the number designated in advance” is the above-specified registration condition in the print setting update processing unit. In this configuration, when the same image data is repeatedly printed a predetermined number of times with a print setting different from the associated print setting, the print setting is automatically registered. Therefore, the user can register the print setting to be registered at an appropriate timing without having to be aware of whether or not the print setting should be registered. In this configuration, it is preferable to further include a notification unit that notifies the print setting update processing unit when the storage is completed. Thus, the user can be surely notified that the print setting has been registered.

  On the other hand, the above-described image forming apparatus may include a process selection unit. The process selection unit requests the user to select whether or not to perform the storage when storing the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit together with the print settings for the printing. In this case, “the user has selected to store in the image data storage unit with respect to the process selection unit” is the registration condition designated in advance in the print setting update processing unit. In this configuration, when printing is performed with a print setting different from the print setting associated with the image data, the user is inquired whether the print setting should be registered. Therefore, even if the user is not conscious of whether or not to register the print setting, the user can register the print setting to be registered at an appropriate timing by responding to the inquiry. In this configuration, when the process selection unit requests the user to select whether or not to perform the above storage, the process selection unit also requests the user to select whether or not to register only the print settings so as to be readable. When the user selects registration of only print settings for the selection unit, only the print settings for the printing are registered so as to be readable independently of the image data. In this configuration, if the user is given only the print authority for the image data and does not have the change authority for the image data, the user can register the print setting in the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the print setting update processing unit may store the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit as new image data together with the print setting for the printing. Good. As a result, image data with the changed print settings is generated as image data different from the image data with the previous print settings. Therefore, the original print setting is not erased.

  On the other hand, from another viewpoint, the present invention can also provide an image forming system. That is, an image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and an image data storage apparatus. The image forming apparatus prints image data on a sheet. The image data storage device includes an image data storage unit, a determination unit, and a print setting update processing unit. The image data storage unit stores image data together with print settings for printing in the image forming apparatus. When the image data stored in the image data storage unit is printed by the image forming apparatus, the determination unit is configured such that the print setting in the printing is the print setting associated with the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit. It is determined whether or not they are the same. When the print setting update processing unit determines that the determination unit is not the same and satisfies the registration condition specified in advance, the print setting in the printing is associated with the image data that is the target of the printing, Register as readable.

  According to the present invention, the user can register the changed print setting at an appropriate timing. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing procedure performed by the multifunction machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention displays. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention displays. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention displays. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention displays. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention displays. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention displays. Functional block diagram showing another multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows an example of the printing procedure which the other multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention implements The figure which shows an example of the operation screen which the other multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention displays.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the present invention is embodied as a digital multifunction machine.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a main body 101 including an image reading unit 120 and an image forming unit 140, and a platen cover 102 attached above the main body 101. A document table 103 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 101, and the document table 103 is opened and closed by a platen cover 102. Further, the platen cover 102 includes a document conveying device 110.

  An image reading unit 120 is provided below the document table 103. The image reading unit 120 reads an image of a document with the scanning optical system 121 and generates digital data (image data) of the image. The document can be placed on the document table 103 or the document transport device 110. The scanning optical system 121 includes a first carriage 122, a second carriage 123, and a condenser lens 124. The first carriage 122 is provided with a linear light source 131 and a mirror 132, and the second carriage 123 is provided with mirrors 133 and 134. The light source 131 illuminates the document. The mirrors 132, 133, and 134 guide reflected light from the document to the condenser lens 124, and the condenser lens 124 forms an optical image on the light receiving surface of the line image sensor 125. In the scanning optical system 121, the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 are provided so as to be able to reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction 135. By moving the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 in the sub-scanning direction 135, the image of the document placed on the document table 103 can be read by the image sensor 125. When reading an image of a document set on the document conveying device 110, the image reading unit 120 temporarily fixes the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 according to the image reading position, and passes the image reading position. Are read by the image sensor 125. The image sensor 125 generates image data of a document corresponding to, for example, each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) from the light image incident on the light receiving surface. The generated image data can be printed on paper in the image forming unit 140. Further, it can be transmitted to other devices (not shown) through the network 162 by the network interface 161.

  The image forming unit 140 prints image data obtained by the image reading unit 120 or image data received from another device connected to the network 162 on a sheet. The image forming unit 140 includes a photosensitive drum 141. The photosensitive drum 141 rotates in one direction at a constant speed. Around the photosensitive drum 141, a charger 142, an exposure unit 143, a developing unit 144, and an intermediate transfer belt 145 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. The charger 142 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 141. The exposure device 143 irradiates the surface of the uniformly charged photoconductor drum 141 with light according to the image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 141. The developing device 144 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 141. The intermediate transfer belt 145 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 141 onto a sheet. When the image data is a color image, the intermediate transfer belt 145 transfers each color toner image onto the same sheet. The RGB color image is converted into C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) format image data, and the image data of each color is input to the exposure unit 143.

  The image forming unit 140 feeds paper from the manual feed tray 151, the paper feed cassettes 152, 153, and 154 to the transfer unit between the intermediate transfer belt 145 and the transfer roller 146. Various sizes of paper can be placed or stored in the manual feed tray 151 and the paper feed cassettes 152, 153, and 154. The image forming unit 140 selects a sheet specified by the user or a sheet corresponding to the automatically detected document size, and feeds the selected sheet from the manual feed tray 151 or the cassettes 152, 153, and 154 by the feeding roller 155. . The fed paper is transported to the transfer section by transport rollers 156 and registration rollers 157. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 148 by the conveyance belt 147. The fixing device 148 has a fixing roller 158 and a pressure roller 159 with a built-in heater, and fixes the toner image on the sheet by heat and pressing force. The image forming unit 140 discharges the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 148 to the discharge tray 149.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an operation panel included in the multifunction peripheral. The user can use the operation panel 200 to give the MFP 100 a start of copying and other instructions, and to confirm the status and settings of the MFP 100. On the operation panel 200, a display 201 with a touch panel and operation keys 203 are arranged. The display 201 includes a display surface including a liquid crystal display that displays operation buttons, messages, and the like, and a sensor that detects a pressed position on the display surface. The detection method of a press position is not specifically limited. Any method such as a resistance film method, a capacitance method, a surface acoustic wave method, and an electromagnetic wave method can be employed. The user can input through the display 201 using his / her finger or the touch pen 202.

  The display 201 displays an operation screen having a button display unit 204, a message display unit 205, and a status display unit 206. A plurality of tabs 208 are prepared in the button display unit 204, and operation buttons corresponding to the tab category are arranged on each tab. The “easy setting” tab has operation buttons used for basic setting. In the example of FIG. 2, operation buttons for setting paper size, copy magnification, density, printing surface, page aggregation, and post-processing are arranged. For example, when the user performs an operation of pressing the “density” button 207, a pop-up screen having selection buttons such as “light”, “normal”, and “dark” for selecting the density is displayed over the operation button. The density is set by the user's selection (pressing). In the example of FIG. 2, in addition to the “easy setting” tab, a “document / paper / finish” tab, a “color / image quality” tab, a “layout / edit” tab, and an “application / others” tab are also provided. The user can switch to the display of these tabs by performing an operation of selecting the tab button 208. While one tab is selected, other tabs and their elements are hidden on the operation screen.

  The message display unit 205 displays a message notifying the user of settings such as whether copying is possible and the number of copies. Note that the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to perform user authentication processing (login processing) for confirming the user's usage qualification when the MFP 100 is used. FIG. 2 shows a state before the user authentication processing is performed, and a message “Please enter authentication information” requesting input of user authentication information is displayed on the message display unit 205. . Here, the user inputs user authentication information using the numeric keypad 210 or a software keyboard displayed on the touch panel 201 as necessary. For example, a use-permitter list that records who is permitted to use the multifunction device 100 is registered in advance, and the user authentication process is executed when the input user authentication information is included in the use-permitted user list. do it.

  The status display unit 206 displays device status information as necessary. In this display, detection results of various sensors included in the multifunction peripheral 100 are reflected. The device status information means a message that notifies the user of a warning that prompts the user to respond to an abnormality although the device is in an operable state. For example, the fact that the remaining amount of paper is low, the document platen 103 is dirty, and the facsimile document is stored in the memory when the facsimile memory reception is set is included. Further, the device status information may include out-of-paper, conveyance jam, and the like.

  The operation keys 203 include a main power key 209, a numeric keypad 210, a start key 211, a clear key 212, a LogOut key 213, and the like. For example, the main power key 209 is used to switch the main power supply of the multifunction peripheral 100 on and off. The numeric keypad 210 can be used for specifying the number of copies and setting the copy magnification. When the user makes these settings, the multi-function device 100 displays a message such as “Can be copied (with settings)” on the message display unit 205 to notify the user that the settings have been made. The start key 211 is used for a start instruction for copying or image printing. The user operates the clear key 212 when canceling the setting made by the user. Since whether or not the machine accepts the setting by the user can be determined by the above-described message, the clear key 212 may be operated if the setting becomes unnecessary. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the operation through the operation panel 200 is prohibited until the user qualification is confirmed by the above-described user authentication processing. When the authenticated user presses the LogOut key 213 after using the multifunction peripheral, or when the operation of the operation panel 200 and the operation of the image reading unit 120 and the image forming unit 140 are not performed for a predetermined time after the authentication, the multifunction peripheral 100 It is configured to return to the state before the authentication process is performed.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control system in the multifunction machine. The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 302, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, an original transport device 110, and an image reading unit 120. A driver 305 corresponding to each drive unit in the image forming unit 140 is connected via an internal bus 306. The ROM 303, the HDD 304, and the like store programs, and the CPU 301 controls the multifunction peripheral 100 in accordance with the instructions of the control program. For example, the CPU 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work area, and controls the operation of each driving unit by exchanging data and commands with the driver 305. The HDD 304 is also used to store image data obtained by the image reading unit 120 and image data received from an external device through the network interface 161.

  An operation panel 200 and various sensors 307 are also connected to the internal bus 306. The operation panel 200 receives a user operation and supplies a signal based on the operation to the CPU 301. The display 201 displays the above-described operation screen according to a control signal from the CPU 301. The sensor 307 includes various sensors such as an open / close detection sensor for the platen cover 102, a document detection sensor on the document table 103, a temperature sensor for the fixing device 148, and a detection sensor for the conveyed paper or document. The CPU 301 executes, for example, a program stored in the ROM 303 to realize each of the following means (functional blocks) and controls the operation of each means according to signals from these sensors.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image data storage unit 401, a determination unit 402, and a print setting update processing unit 403.

  The image data storage unit 401 stores image data together with print settings when the image forming unit 140 prints. The image data storage unit 401 can be configured as a part of the storage area of the HDD 304, for example.

  To store image data together with print settings means that both image data and print settings are stored in the image data storage unit 401. Therefore, it does not matter whether the image data and the print settings are one file or separate files. In the present embodiment, the image data and the print settings are described as one file unless otherwise specified.

  In addition, the print setting of the image data may be configured by all of various print setting items that can be changed by the user with respect to printing in the image forming unit 140. Each time, print settings are configured by some print setting items except print setting items that are likely to be changed by the user. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which four items of “color setting”, “printing surface”, “staple”, and “punch” are designated as print settings. That is, other print setting items can be changed in terms of the function of the multifunction peripheral 100, but in the present embodiment, only the four items are handled as print settings for printing in the image forming unit 140. The items “staple” and “punch” are not shown in FIG. 1, but are connected to the downstream side of the multifunction peripheral 100 instead of the paper discharge tray 149, and the paper that has passed through the fixing device 148 is carried in. This is a setting item for a finisher that can perform post-processing such as sorting, stapling, punching, and folding. In the following example, it is assumed that the setting content (setting value) for the item “color setting” is “full color”, “mono color”, or “monochrome”. It is assumed that the setting content for the item “print side” is “single side” or “double side”. It is assumed that the setting content for the item “staple” is “present” or “none”. It is assumed that the setting content for the item “Punch” is “Yes” or “No”.

  When the image data stored in the image data storage unit 401 is printed by the image forming unit 140, the determination unit 402 associates the print settings for the printing with the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit 401. It is determined whether the print settings are the same. As described above, in this embodiment, the print settings are configured by the four items “color setting”, “printing surface”, “staple”, and “punch”, and therefore various setting items that can be changed by the user are set. Of these, only the four items of “color setting”, “printing surface”, “staple”, and “punch” determine whether or not the setting contents have been changed.

  The print setting update processing unit 403 determines that the print setting in the printing and the print setting associated with the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit 401 are not the same, and has been designated in advance. When the registration condition is satisfied, the print setting in the printing is associated with the image data to be printed and registered so as to be readable. The print setting to be registered can be associated with the image data and can adopt any configuration as long as it can be read. Here, however, the print setting update processing unit 403 displays the image data to be printed. Are stored in the image data storage unit 401 together with the print settings for the printing.

  As the registration condition, a condition that allows the user to register the changed print setting at an appropriate timing can be specified. In the present embodiment, the MFP 100 is configured to include a printing number counting unit 404, and the registration condition is that “the number of printings held by the printing number counting unit reaches a predetermined number” is specified in advance. Yes. The print count counting unit 404 holds the print count for each print setting in association with the image data stored in the image data storage unit 401. That is, the number of times of printing is held for all combinations of the above-described setting contents (setting values) that can be taken in each of the four items “color setting”, “printing surface”, “staple”, and “punch” . When the determination unit 402 determines that the print setting in the printing and the print setting associated with the print target image data in the image data storage unit 401 are not the same (that is, changed), The number of times of printing corresponding to the image data targeted for printing and the print settings for the printing is counted up.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a notification unit 405, an operation recognition unit 411, and a print execution unit 412.

  The notification unit 405 notifies the user of a message in response to an instruction from the print setting update processing unit 403. The notification can be performed by any method capable of notifying the user, such as display or voice, but in the present embodiment, the notification unit 405 performs notification to the user by displaying a message on the display 201. .

  The operation recognition unit 411 recognizes pressing of the operation key 203 and pressing of the display 201 on the operation panel 200, and recognizes the operation content of the user. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the coordinates of the pressed position detected by the sensor that detects the pressed position of the display 201 are input to the operation recognition unit 411, and the operation recognition unit 411 includes an operation button and the like held by itself. Based on the coordinates of the screen elements and the coordinates of the input pressing position, the user's operation content on the display 201 is recognized. The operation recognition unit 411 also recognizes pressing of the operation key 203. When the operation recognizing unit 411 recognizes an operation related to printing in the image forming unit 140, the operation recognizing unit 411 inputs the operation to the print executing unit 412.

  The print execution unit 412 instructs the image forming unit 140 to execute printing according to the content of the operation input from the operation recognition unit 411. As a result, printing is executed in the image forming unit 140.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral 100. This procedure is started, for example, when the main power supply of the multifunction peripheral 100 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds with a selection operation of image data to be printed from the image data stored in the image data storage unit 401 as a trigger (step S501 Yes). The user presses the “Document Box” button included in the operation key 203 when selecting image data to be printed. As a result, a print target image data selection screen is displayed, and the user can select print target image data.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image data selection screen that the print execution unit 412 displays on the display 201 of the operation panel 200 through the operation recognition unit 411 when selecting image data to be printed. In this example, the image data selection screen 601 displays a list of image data stored in the image data storage unit 401 and confirms the user selection in the list display column 602 and the list display column 602 for accepting selection by the user. “Print” button 603 selected when performing the selection, “Cancel” button 604 used when canceling the selection, and setting contents of the print setting of the image data selected in the list display field 602 are displayed on the display 201. A “detail” button 605 is provided. This figure shows a state in which the user has selected “Document C” in the list display field 602.

  In this state, for example, when the user selects the “detail” button 605, the print execution unit 412 displays the setting contents of the print setting “document C” on the display 201. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting display screen that the print execution unit 412 displays on the display 201 through the operation recognition unit 411. In this example, the print setting display screen 701 includes a setting content display field 702 for displaying print settings of the image data stored in the image data storage unit 401 together with the image data selected on the image data selection screen 601. And a “return” button 703 used when returning to the image data selection screen 601. In this figure, for “document C”, the item “color setting” has the setting value “full color”, the item “printing side” has the setting value “single side”, the item “staple” has the setting value “none”, and the item “punch” has The print setting “None” is registered. Note that the multifunction peripheral 100 stores not only image data with print settings but also image data without print settings in the image data storage unit 401. When the “detail” button 605 is selected for such image data, a message such as “no print setting” is displayed on the print setting display screen 701, for example.

  On the other hand, when the “print” button 603 is selected in the state of the image data selection screen 601 shown in FIG. 6, the print execution unit 412 selects the image data selected in the list display field 602 as print target image data. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the print execution unit 412 is configured to read and hold the selected image data from the image data storage unit 401.

  The print execution unit 412 that has read the print target image data first checks whether there is a print setting corresponding to the selected image data (step S502). If there is no print setting corresponding to the print target image data, the print execution unit 412 reads the print setting setting contents set in advance as a default in the multi-function peripheral 100 and sets it in itself (steps S502 No, S512). Note that the print settings set as default in the multi-function device 100 include all print setting items that can be changed for printing in the image forming unit 140.

  On the other hand, if there is a print setting corresponding to the print target image data, the print execution unit 412 inquires of the user whether or not to use the print setting (steps S502 Yes, S503).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inquiry screen that the print execution unit 412 displays on the display 201 through the operation recognition unit 411 at the time of the inquiry. In this example, the inquiry screen 801 is associated with the “print as it is” button 802 that is selected when printing is performed as it is using the setting contents of the print settings associated with the print target image data. “Print with changed settings” button 803, which is selected when printing is not performed with the settings of the specified print settings, and print settings associated with the print target image data when the settings are changed and printed. “Use print settings” button 811 selected when the setting is changed to the base, and “Selected when changing the setting and changing the setting based on the default print setting of the MFP 100”. “Do not use print settings” button 812, “Enter” button 804 selected when confirming user selection for each of these buttons, Comprising a "Cancel" button 805 is used when returning to the image data selection screen 601 sealed. This figure shows a state in which the user has selected a “print with changed settings” button 803 and a “use print settings” button 811. In this example, the “use print settings” button 811 and the “do not use print settings” button 812 can be selected only when the “print with changed settings” button 803 is selected. Yes.

  In this state, when the user selects the “OK” button 804, the print execution unit 412 reads the print setting content according to the user's selection and sets it to itself. When the “do not use print settings” button 812 is selected, the print execution unit 412 reads the setting contents of the default print settings and sets them in itself (No in steps S503 and S512). If the “print as it is” button 802 or the “use print settings” button 811 is selected, the print execution unit 412 stores the setting contents of the print settings associated with the print target image data in the image data. The data is read from the unit 401 and set in itself (steps S503 Yes, S504). As described above, in the present embodiment, the print settings stored in the image data storage unit 401 include only some print setting items that can be changed for printing in the image forming unit 140. For this reason, the print execution unit 412 reads the setting contents of the print settings that are set as defaults in the multifunction peripheral 100 for print setting items that are not included in the print settings stored in the image data storage unit 401. Set to self.

  At this time, if the “print as it is” button 802 is selected, the print execution unit 412 waits for the user to input the number of print copies, and if there is an input of the number of prints (print instruction), the print execution unit 412 executes the print as it is. Ends (steps S505 Yes, S507, S508 Yes).

  If the “print with changed settings” button 803 is selected, the print execution unit 412 that has set the setting contents of each print setting item waits for a print instruction from the user (No in step S505). At this time, the user changes the setting contents of the print setting items through the operation panel 200 as necessary (step S506).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting change screen that the print execution unit 412 displays on the display 201 through the operation recognition unit 411 when changing the setting content of the print setting item. In this example, the print setting change screen 901 displays the print settings set in the print execution unit 412 and accepts changes, and other prints not displayed in the setting content display change column 902 and the setting content display change column 902. An “other setting item” button 903 used when changing the setting item, and a “cancel” button 904 used when canceling printing of the selected print target image data are provided. Although not particularly limited, in this example, the setting content (setting value) of each print setting item displayed in the setting content display change field 902 can be selected from a pull-down menu. Further, this example shows a state after the setting change is performed for the above-described “document C”. Unlike the setting content display field 702 in FIG. 7, the setting content is changed to a printing setting in which the item “color setting” is the setting value “black and white” and the item “printing surface” is the setting value “double-sided”. When an “other setting item” button 903 is selected, a change screen for changing the setting contents of other print setting items is displayed on the display 201. The user can change the setting contents of other print setting items through the change screen.

  When a print instruction is input by pressing the start key 211 in this state, the print execution unit 412 causes the image forming unit 140 (and a finisher (not shown)) to perform printing according to the set contents of the set print setting items. (Step S507). At this time, the print execution unit 412 notifies the determination unit 402 that there has been a print instruction.

  Upon receiving the notification, the determination unit 402 compares the setting contents of the print settings set in the print execution unit 412 with the setting contents of the print settings of the print target image data stored in the image data storage unit 401. (Step S508). When both are the same, the procedure ends as it is (Yes in step S508). On the other hand, if they are different, the determination unit 402 notifies the print setting update processing unit 403 to that effect (No in step S508).

  Upon receiving the notification, the print setting update processing unit 403 inquires the print count counting unit 404 about the number of times the print target image data has been printed with the print settings set in the print execution unit 412. In response to the inquiry, the print count counting unit 404, through the determination unit 402, sets the print setting information set in the print execution unit 412 and information (for example, a file name) for specifying the print target image data. get. The printing frequency counting unit 404 counts up the count value of the printing frequency corresponding to the setting contents of the acquired print setting, which is held for the image data specified from the acquired information (step S509). For example, in the above-described example of “document C”, the item “color setting” and the item “printing surface” are set in the print count counter 404 in association with “document C”. The print count value of the print setting in which the value “double-sided”, the item “staple” is the set value “none”, and the item “punch” is the set value “none” is counted up.

  At this time, the print count counting unit 404 notifies the print setting update processing unit 403 of the count value after counting up. Upon receiving the notification, the print setting update processing unit 403 confirms whether or not the notified count value has reached a pre-designated number of times of printing (for example, “5 times”) (step S510). If the designated number of printing times has not been reached, the procedure ends as it is (No in step S510). On the other hand, when the designated number of times of printing has been reached, the print setting update processing unit 403 stores the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit 401 together with the print settings for the printing (step S511). Although not particularly limited, the print setting update processing unit 403 uses the determination unit 402 to specify information (for example, a file) for specifying the print setting setting content and print target image data set in the print execution unit 412. Name). The print setting update processing unit 403 reads the image data (“Document C” in the above example) from the image data storage unit 401, and print settings included in the image data are acquired from the determination unit 402. Replace with the setting contents of. Then, the newly generated image data is stored in the image data storage unit 401 as image data different from the original image data. Note that the print setting update processing unit 403 is configured to add information for specifying the original image data to the new image data, and when generating the new image data, the image having the same original image data information. It is preferable to generate new image data when there is no image data having the same print setting in the data. Here, the original image data means not the original image data immediately before generating new image data, but the image data first registered in the multifunction peripheral 100. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a plurality of pieces of image data having the same print setting from being generated.

  When the storage of the image data in the image data storage unit 401 is completed, the print setting update processing unit 403 notifies the notification unit 405 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the notification unit 405 displays a message on the display 201 through the operation recognition unit 411. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen displayed by the notification unit 405 at this time. In this example, the notification screen 1001 notifies the user that new image data reflecting the print settings set in the print execution unit 412 has been generated and stored, and the name of the generated and stored image data. A message 1002 and an “OK” button 1003 selected by the user who confirmed the notification. In this example, since new image data has been generated for “document C”, “copy of document C” is assigned as the name.

  Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the newly generated image data is stored in the same storage hierarchy (folder, directory) as the original image data. Therefore, when the image data selection screen 601 is displayed after the above-mentioned “copy of document C” is stored, “copy of document C” is displayed in the same column as “document C” in the list display field 602 as shown in FIG. Is displayed. It should be noted that the contents of the print setting of “copy of document C” can be confirmed by selecting the “detail” button 605 on the image data selection screen 601. The newly generated image data may be stored in a specific folder designated in advance.

  As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the same image data is repeatedly printed a predetermined number of times with a print setting different from the associated print setting, the print setting is automatically set. Registered. Therefore, the user can register the print setting to be registered at an appropriate timing without having to be aware of whether or not the print setting should be registered. In this configuration, the notification unit 405 can reliably notify the user that the print setting has been registered. Furthermore, in this configuration, since a part of the print setting items excluding the print setting items that may be frequently changed by the user can be adopted as the print settings, for example, a large amount of new image data that differs only in the number of copies to be printed. It is never created.

  In the above description, the configuration in which new image data is generated (added) in addition to the existing image data has been described. However, the existing image data may be replaced (updated) with new image data. Moreover, the structure which a user selects either addition and update may be sufficient.

  In the above-described multifunction peripheral 100, the same image data is repeatedly printed a predetermined number of times with a print setting different from the associated print setting, so that the print setting will continue in the future. Therefore, the print setting is automatically registered. However, even if the specified number of times is not reached, if the user recognizes that there is a high probability that the print setting will continue to be used in the future, the change is made by prompting registration as appropriate. Print settings can be registered at an appropriate time. Therefore, in the following, a configuration that prompts the user to register as appropriate and registers the print settings changed at an appropriate timing will be described. In the following description, elements having the same functions and effects as those of the above-described multifunction device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing another multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the MFP 1200 includes an image data storage unit 401, a determination unit 402, and a print setting update processing unit 403. Further, a process selection unit 1206 and a print setting storage unit 1207 are provided in place of the print count counting unit 404 and the notification unit 405.

  In the MFP 1200, the user can register the changed print setting at an appropriate timing in the print setting update processing unit 403 as “the user stores the image in the image data storage unit 401 with respect to the process selection unit 1206. “Selected” is designated in advance. As described above, the determination unit 402 determines that the print setting of the print execution unit 412 and the print setting associated with the print target image data in the image data storage unit 401 are not the same, and satisfies the registration condition. In this case, the print setting update processing unit 403 registers the print settings in the printing so that the print settings can be read in association with the image data to be printed. Similar to the multi-function device 100, the print setting update processing unit 403 stores the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit 401 together with the print settings for the printing.

  In the MFP 1200, when the image data to be printed is stored in the image data storage unit 401 together with the print settings for the printing, the process selection unit 1206 allows the user to select whether or not to perform the storage. Request. That is, in the MFP 1200, when the print setting has been changed, the print setting update processing unit 403 inquires of the user whether to register the print setting through the process selection unit 1206, and the user selects registration. The print settings after the change are stored in the image data storage unit 401 together with the image data to be printed.

  Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, when the process selection unit 1206 requests the user to select whether or not to perform the above storage, the user can also select whether or not to register only the print settings so as to be readable. To request. When the user selects registration of only print settings in the process selection unit 1206, the process selection unit 1206 registers only the print settings in the printing in the print setting storage unit 1207 so that the print settings can be read out independently of the image data. To do.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing procedure executed by the MFP 1200. This procedure is started, for example, when the main power supply of the multifunction device 1200 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds with a selection operation of image data to be printed from the image data stored in the image data storage unit 401 as a trigger (step S501 Yes). Steps S501 to S508 and step S512 are the same as the steps shown in FIG.

  As described above, the determination unit 402 that has received a notification that there has been a print instruction from the print execution unit 412 is stored in the print settings set in the print execution unit 412 and the image data storage unit 401. The setting contents of the print setting of the print target image data are compared (step S508). If they are different in the comparison, the determination unit 402 notifies the print setting update processing unit 403 to that effect (No in step S508).

  In the MFP 1200, the print setting update processing unit 403 that has received the notification instructs the processing selection unit 1206 to make an inquiry to the user. Upon receiving the instruction, the process selection unit 1206 requests the user to select whether or not to store the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit 401 together with the print settings for the printing (step S1309).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration method selection screen that the process selection unit 1206 displays on the display 201 of the operation panel 200 through the operation recognition unit 411 at this time. In this example, the registration method selection screen 1401 includes an “update print setting” button 1402 that is selected when the image data to be printed is stored in the image data storage unit 401 together with the print settings for the printing, and the storage is performed. “Register only print settings” button 1403 that is selected when registering in the print setting storage unit 1207 so that only the print settings in the printing can be read without being performed, and when confirming the user's selection for each of these buttons A “decision” button 1404 to be selected and a “skip” button 1405 used when no button is selected are provided. This figure shows a state where the user has selected the “update print settings” button 1402.

  In this state, when the user selects the “OK” button 1404, the process selection unit 1206 that has recognized the operation through the operation recognition unit 411 notifies the print setting update processing unit 403 to that effect (Yes in step S1310). Receiving the notification, the print setting update processing unit 403 stores the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit 401 together with the print settings for the printing (step S1311). Although not particularly limited, here, the print setting update processing unit 403 acquires information for specifying the print setting setting contents and print target image data set in the print execution unit 412 through the determination unit 402. The print setting update processing unit 403 reads the image data (“Document C” in the above example) from the image data storage unit 401, and print settings included in the image data are acquired from the determination unit 402. Replace with the setting contents of. Then, the newly generated image data is stored in the image data storage unit 401. Here, the print setting update processing unit 403 is configured to replace (update) the original image data with new image data, but stores (adds) new image data in addition to the existing image data. It may be a configuration. Moreover, the structure which a user selects either update and addition may be sufficient.

  In FIG. 14, when the user selects the “OK” button 1404 in a state where the “Register only print settings” button 1403 is selected, the process selection unit 1206 that has recognized the operation through the operation recognition unit 411 includes: This is notified to the print setting update processing unit 403 (No in steps S1310 and S1313). Upon receiving the notification, the print setting update processing unit 403 stores the print setting for the printing in the print setting storage unit 1206 (step S1314). Although not particularly limited, here, the print setting update processing unit 403 acquires the setting contents of the print settings set in the print execution unit 412 through the determination unit 402. Then, the print setting update processing unit 403 stores the acquired print settings in the print setting storage unit 1206.

  In this embodiment, in order to facilitate reading of the print settings stored in the print setting storage unit 1206, the print setting update processing unit 403 provides information for specifying print target image data through the determination unit 402. To get. Then, information for specifying the print target image data is added to the print setting registered in the print setting storage unit 1206. Thereby, the print setting registered in the print setting storage unit 1206 alone can be read using the information as a clue. Also, for example, with this configuration, when image data to be printed is selected, print settings corresponding to the image data are automatically read from the print setting storage unit 1206, or the user can respond to the image data. It is also possible to present selection candidates for print settings to be promoted.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 14, when the user selects the “skip” button 1405, the process selection unit 1206 that has recognized the operation through the operation recognition unit 411 notifies the print setting update processing unit 403 to that effect (No in steps S 1310 and S 1313). ). The print setting update processing unit 403 that has received the notification ends the procedure without doing anything.

  As described above, in the MFP 1200 according to the present embodiment, when printing is performed with a print setting different from the print setting associated with the image data, the user is inquired whether the print setting should be registered. Therefore, even if the user is not conscious of whether or not to register the print setting, the user can register the print setting to be registered at an appropriate timing by responding to the inquiry. Further, according to this configuration, for example, when image data is temporarily stored in the MFP 1200 and then the print setting is changed according to the use of the image data, the user forgets to store it by prompting the user to store the print setting as appropriate. Can also be prevented.

  In this configuration, only print settings can be registered. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the storage area such as the HDD 304 from being compressed by the same type of image data that differs only in print settings. Further, in this configuration, it is possible to select storing the changed print setting together with the image data, or saving only the print setting alone. Therefore, for example, even when the user is given only print authority for the image data and does not have change authority (change of print settings), the print settings can be registered in the MFP 1200. In addition, although it is not desired to create new image data, it is possible for a user who wants to temporarily store print settings to satisfy the request. Furthermore, in this configuration, since a part of the print setting items excluding the print setting items that the user may change the settings frequently can be adopted as the print settings, for example, when only the number of copies is changed, etc. The selection screen is displayed even when the storage inquiry is unnecessary, and the user's operability is not impaired.

  Note that all the configurations of the above-described multifunction peripheral 100 and multifunction peripheral 1200 may be used together, or a part of them may be arbitrarily combined.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can register the changed print setting at an appropriate timing. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  The above-described embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various modifications and applications other than those already described are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the multi-function device 100, the configuration including the notification unit 405 has been described as a particularly preferable form. However, even if the configuration does not include the notification unit 405, the changed print settings can be stored together with the image data. Further, in the MFP 1200, the configuration including the print setting storage unit 1207 has been described as a particularly preferable form. However, even if the configuration does not include the print setting storage unit 1207, the changed print settings can be stored together with the image data. Is possible. Furthermore, in the above description, when the number of times of printing reaches a predetermined number of times or when the user selects storage, the changed print settings are stored together with the image data. However, the print settings are registered in the print setting update processing unit 403. Other conditions may be adopted as registration conditions. For example, it is possible to adopt a registration condition such that a predetermined number of times printing is performed within a predetermined period.

  Further, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 13, the order of the steps can be appropriately changed within a range in which equivalent actions are achieved. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image data with the changed print setting is generated when the registration conditions registered in advance in the print setting update processing unit 403 are satisfied. A similar effect can be obtained by a configuration in which image data accompanied with the image data is generated and the generated image data is stored when the registration condition is satisfied.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is embodied as a digital multifunction peripheral. However, the present invention is not limited to a digital multifunction peripheral, and the present invention is applied to an arbitrary image forming apparatus having a printing function such as a printer and a copying machine. Is also possible.

  In the above description, the multi-function peripheral that is an image forming apparatus includes the image forming unit, the image data storage unit, the determination unit, and the print setting update processing unit. However, each unit is appropriately configured separately. Alternatively, it may be configured as an image forming system connected through a network or the like. For example, even when the image data storage device including the above-described image data storage unit, determination unit, and print setting update processing unit is configured separately from an image forming apparatus that prints image data on paper. The same effects as those of the multifunction machine of the above embodiment can be obtained. In such an image forming system, for example, an image data storage device can be shared by a plurality of image forming devices.

  According to the present invention, the user can register the changed print settings at an appropriate timing. As a result, the convenience of the user can be improved, and the image forming apparatus and the image forming system are useful.

100, 1200 MFP 140 Image forming unit 401 Image data storage unit 402 Judgment unit 403 Print setting update processing unit 404 Print count counting unit 405 Notification unit 1206 Process selection unit 1207 Print setting storage unit

Claims (8)

An image forming unit that prints image data on paper;
An image data storage unit that stores image data together with print settings for printing in the image forming unit;
When the image data stored in the image data storage unit is printed in the image forming unit, the print setting in the printing is the same as the print setting associated with the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit A determination unit for determining whether or not
When the determination unit determines that they are not the same and satisfies a pre-specified registration condition, the print setting in the printing is associated with the image data to be printed and registered so as to be readable A setting update processing unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting update processing unit stores the image data to be printed together with print settings for the printing in the image data storage unit. The number of times of printing for each print setting is held in association with the image data stored in the image data storage unit, and when it is determined that the determination unit is not the same, the image data to be printed and A printing number counting unit for counting up the number of printings corresponding to the print setting in printing;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the registration condition designated in advance is that the number of printings held by the printing number counting unit reaches a number designated in advance.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the print setting update processing unit when the storage is completed. When storing the image data to be printed together with the print settings in the printing in the image data storage unit, the image data storage unit further includes a processing selection unit that requests the user to select whether to perform the storage,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the registration condition designated in advance is that the user selects storage in the image data storage unit with respect to the processing selection unit.   When the process selection unit requests the user to select whether or not to perform the storage, the process selection unit also requests the user to select whether or not to register only the print settings so as to be readable. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the user selects registration of only the print setting, only the print setting in the printing is registered so as to be readable independently of the image data.   7. The print setting update processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the print data update processing unit stores the image data to be printed together with print settings for the printing in the image data storage unit as new image data. The image forming apparatus described. An image forming apparatus for printing image data on paper;
An image data storage unit that stores image data together with print settings for printing in the image forming apparatus;
When the image data stored in the image data storage unit is printed in the image forming apparatus, the print settings in the printing are the same as the print settings associated with the image data to be printed in the image data storage unit. A determination unit for determining whether or not
When the determination unit determines that they are not the same and satisfies a pre-specified registration condition, the print setting in the printing is associated with the image data to be printed and registered so as to be readable Setting update processing unit,
An image data storage device comprising:
An image forming system comprising:

Images