JP2013126213A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that is capable of, under a circumstance where simultaneous operation by a plurality of users is possible, enhancing efficiency of use by the users.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: a storage part for storing a first list, on which information concerning a plurality of applications is registered, and a second list, on which information concerning exclusive control for carrying out exclusive control concerning execution of the applications is registered; operation request reception means; first determination means for determining whether an operation request from a user involves use of an application registered on the first list; second determination means for, when a result of the determination by the first determination means is affirmative, determining whether the application is usable; and change means for, when a result of the determination by the second determination means is negative, changing operation screen information for forming an operation screen displayed on an external terminal or an operation panel in response to the operation request on the basis of the information concerning the exclusive control registered on the second list.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting operations by a plurality of users.

  In recent years, a system has been devised in which a user terminal operated by a user can remotely operate an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer connected via a network. At this time, by displaying the same screen as the operation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus on the user terminal, it is possible to ensure consistency of operation inputs on the information processing apparatus side and the user terminal side, and Since it is always the same screen image, operation input becomes easy.

  In an environment where remote operation is possible, a plurality of users can perform remote operation simultaneously. Therefore, in order to prevent operation contradiction and operation confusion due to simultaneous operation of each user, exclusive control that prohibits operation input of another user is necessary while one user is performing operation input.

  In this regard, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-86642 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-299040 (Patent Document 2) disclose a method of notifying that another user is using the exclusive control. Has been.

JP 2006-86642 A JP 2007-299040 A

  However, it is not necessary to exclude all operations when other users are using them, and it is desirable to enable operations within a range that does not cause operation contradiction or confusion.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of improving the use efficiency of users in an environment where a plurality of users can operate simultaneously. Objective.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that can be simultaneously accessed by a plurality of users via an external terminal connected via a network or an operation panel, and each of the plurality of jobs is executed by the image forming apparatus. The first list in which information related to a plurality of applications necessary for the application is registered, and the exclusive control for executing the exclusive control for the execution of the application corresponding to each of the applications registered in the first list A storage unit having a second list in which information is registered, an operation request receiving unit that receives an operation request from at least one of a plurality of users, and an operation request received by the operation request receiving unit is A first determination means for determining whether to use an application registered in one list, and the first list by the first determination means When it is determined that the registered application is to be used, a second determination unit that determines whether the application can be used and a second determination unit that determines that the application cannot be used A changing means for changing operation screen information for forming an operation screen to be displayed on an external terminal or an operation panel in response to an operation request from a user based on information relating to exclusive control registered in the second list With.

  Preferably, the changing unit changes a portion serving as an instruction when the application is executed in the operation screen information.

  Preferably, the changing unit changes the execution instruction of the application that executes the job to the reservation execution instruction.

  Preferably, the storage unit further includes a job execution unit that has a third list for determining the order of use, and executes a job based on the third list.

  In particular, the third list is updated based on the execution result of the job execution means, and the third determination means for determining whether or not the order of use based on the third list is changed to the first for every predetermined period. And a notification means for notifying when the order of use based on the third list is changed to the first by the third determination means.

  In an environment where a plurality of users can operate at the same time, it is possible to improve the use efficiency of the users.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the internal structure of the remote terminal 6 according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the conventional problem in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram explaining exclusive control when a plurality of users operate in image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the login screen according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the copy setting screen transmitted as a copy operation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the application list and change list according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the initiative list according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing for a job operation request according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the job execution process according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the program which changes when displaying the copy setting screen according to embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process with respect to the polling signal according to the modification of embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a remote terminal 6 which is an external information processing terminal.

  The image forming apparatus 1 and the remote terminal 6 which are a kind of information processing apparatus are all connected via networks 4 and 5. In addition, although the structure provided with one remote terminal 6 is demonstrated in this example, it is not restricted to the said number in particular, Of course, it can also be set as the structure provided with two or more. The remote terminal may be a PC (Personal Computer) or the like.

  Here, the network 4 may be any one of a network using a dedicated line such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a network using a general line, and a network using wireless communication. The network 4 is connected to other networks via the external network 5.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms a scanned original image and a copy image of an image generated from print data on a sheet. Here, the print data is, for example, a page description language obtained by converting a drawing command issued by an operating system or application program such as the remote terminal 6 or PC into a page description language that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 1 by the printer driver. Or a data described in a file format such as PDF, TIFF, JPEG, XPS.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can execute various jobs such as a scan job, a FAX job, and a BOX job as well as a print job for printing print data.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 can be operated not only from an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus 1 but also from an external terminal 6 such as an external device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes overall control unit 18, storage unit 20, operation panel 22, LAN control unit 36, power supply management unit 34, and external interface. (I / F) 32.

  The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a scanner 12, a print data creation unit 14, a print data storage unit 16, a fax 24, a paper supply unit 26, a printer 28, and a paper discharge processing unit 30. Each unit is connected to each other by an internal bus.

  The overall control unit 18 is a part that controls the overall control of the image forming apparatus 1 and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The overall control unit 18 reads and executes a program stored in advance in the storage unit 20 or the like, thereby realizing the processing according to the present embodiment.

  The operation panel 22 is a device that includes a function of displaying various information display screens and setting screens to the user and a function of accepting operation input by the user. Typically, the operation panel 22 is a liquid crystal equipped with a touch panel on the surface thereof. It consists of panels. As will be described later, when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1, the user operates the operation panel 22 and inputs his / her user ID and password on the login screen. When the authentication process is successful, various job setting operations can be performed.

  The LAN control unit 36 is a part for data communication with the remote terminal 6 or a PC via the network 4. The remote terminal 6 and the PC can also access the image forming apparatus 1 and perform various job setting operations.

  The power management unit 34 is a part that manages the power state of the image forming apparatus 1, and switches the image forming apparatus 1 to power ON or power OFF according to a command from the overall control unit 18.

The external I / F 32 is a part for connecting a USB memory or the like.
The scanner 12 is a part for realizing an image reading function, and reads an original to generate image data. Typically, the scanner 12 is read with a loading table for setting a document, a document table glass, and a transport unit that automatically transports the documents set on the loading table one by one to the document table glass. And a discharge table for discharging the document (both not shown).

  The print data creation unit 14 performs predetermined image processing on the image data read by the scanner 12 or the print data transmitted from the remote terminal 6 or a PC as necessary to create print data suitable for printing. To do. If the image forming apparatus 1 is typically a color system, the print data creation unit 14 converts the print data into raster data of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Conversion is performed, and raster data (print data) of each color is output to the print unit 116.

  The print data storage unit 16 temporarily stores the data created by the print data creation unit 14 and sequentially outputs the data to the printer 28.

  The Fax 24 is a part for realizing a facsimile function, and transmits image data read by the scanner 12 to a destination designated by the user via a telephone line (not shown).

  When the image forming apparatus 1 functions as a copying machine or a printer, the paper supply unit 26 supplies paper stored in advance in a paper tray (not shown) to the printer 28.

  The printer 28 is a part for performing an image printing process (printing process) on paper, and is typically formed by a toner unit that supplies toner, an imaging unit including an exposure device and a developing roller, and an imaging unit. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer roller that transfers the toner image to a paper medium, a fixing device that fixes the transferred toner image, and a control circuit that controls the operation of each unit.

  The paper discharge processing unit 30 is a part that performs processing related to discharge of paper that has been subjected to print processing by the printer 28, and typically includes “sort processing”, “group processing”, “staple processing”, and “punch processing”. And so on.

  Further, the storage unit 20 stores a reservation job, which will be described later, and stores information such as authentication data and a list necessary for authentication.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of remote terminal 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, remote terminal 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, and a fixed storage device (HDD) 116. The network I / F 118, the input unit 120, the display unit 122, and the like are general computer devices connected to each other via an internal bus 124.

  The remote terminal 6 is a tablet terminal provided with an input unit 120 as a touch panel in the display unit 122.

  The display unit 122 displays the same screen as the image forming apparatus 1, accesses the image forming apparatus 1, and displays the same contents as the contents displayed on the operation panel 22 of the image forming apparatus 1. It is possible to execute this operation.

  Note that the configuration of a PC or the like (not shown) has the same configuration, and the same operation as that of the remote terminal 6 is possible.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a conventional problem in image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 4, for example, a case where user A operates image forming apparatus 1 and user B operates remote terminal 6 will be described.

  First, for user A, (1) it is assumed that a document to be copied is set and copy settings are being made. At the same time, it is assumed that (2) scanning (destination) is being set for user B to perform scanning. Assume that the user B presses the execution button. Here, if the exclusive control is not executed, (3) a scan job is executed according to the operation of the user B. Specifically, there is a possibility that the document set by the user A is scanned according to the operation of the user B, and information is leaked to the business partner C set as the destination by the user B. Therefore, exclusive control is performed so that the problem does not occur in image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating exclusive control when a plurality of users operate in image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 5, here, as an example, a case where user A operates image forming apparatus 1 and user B operates remote terminal 6 will be described.

  User A executes login when operating image forming apparatus 1 (sequence sq2). Specifically, the user ID and password are input on the login screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a login screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 6, in the login screen, the user inputs a user ID and a password and presses an “OK” button to execute an authentication process. Specifically, an authentication process is performed to check whether the authentication data stored in advance in the storage unit 20 by an administrator or the like matches the data input on the login screen. Is determined to be successful. When the authentication is successful, the user A can perform operations such as execution of various jobs on the image forming apparatus 1.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, user A starts setting a copy job (sequence sq4). The initiative for the copy job is set for the user A in accordance with the setting start operation. That is, only the user A can execute the copy, and the exclusive control that cannot be executed for the copy job by other users is executed. In the exclusive control, other users can perform processing such as reservation related to copy settings.

  Next, user A executes job setting relating to copying (during job setting) (sequence sq6).

  On the other hand, the user B executes login when operating the image forming apparatus 1 using the remote terminal 6 (sequence sq8). Specifically, the login screen of FIG. 6 is displayed on the remote terminal 6, and the user ID and password are input on the login screen.

  Next, user B requests a copy operation screen to start setting a copy job (sequence sq10).

  Upon receiving the request for the copy operation screen, the image forming apparatus 1 confirms the application (sequence sq12). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the application requested by the user B is an application that requires exclusive control. If there is an application that does not require exclusive control, for example, a request for checking the remaining amount of toner, operation contradiction or confusion does not occur, and exclusive control described later is not executed.

  Next, regarding an application that has requested an operation that requires exclusive control, it is confirmed whether or not another user has initiative over the application. In this example, the application requested by the user B for the operation is an application related to copying and needs to be exclusively controlled. It is assumed that the user A has the initiative.

  Therefore, next, the image forming apparatus 1 executes a change process for the request for the copy operation screen (sequence sq14). Specifically, in response to the request for the copy operation screen, a change process for displaying another copy operation screen (replacement version) instead of the normal copy operation screen is executed.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the changed copy operation screen (replacement version) (sequence sq16). With this processing, the changed copy operation screen is displayed on the display unit 122 of the remote terminal 6.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a copy setting screen transmitted as a copy operation screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, here, a normal copy setting screen is shown. Specifically, various settings relating to copying, such as image quality and number of copies, can be executed, and execution of copy processing in accordance with the set contents can be instructed by selecting an “execute” button.

  On the other hand, referring to FIG. 7B, here, a copy setting screen of the changed copy operation screen (replacement version) is shown. Specifically, various settings relating to copying, such as image quality and number of copies, can be executed, and a reservation for copy processing according to the set contents can be instructed by selecting a “reservation” button.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, user B executes setting of a job related to copying on the displayed copy operation screen (during job setting) (sequence sq18).

  Then, job reservation is executed (sequence sq20). Specifically, a “reservation” button for instructing the reservation for the copy process described above is selected.

  The remote terminal 6 transmits the reserved job set according to the selection to the image forming apparatus 1 (sequence sq22). The transmitted reservation job is stored in the storage unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, after setting the job, user A executes the job and logs out (sequence sq24). Thereby, the initiative of the application relating to copying is shifted from user A to user B.

  Next, image forming apparatus 1 transmits an execution screen related to the reserved job to remote terminal 6 (sequence sq26). Remote terminal 6 displays the execution screen transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and user B instructs the execution of the job (sequence sq28). Specifically, on the remote terminal 6, it is possible to display a screen on which the “execute” button can be selected, for example, along with the display “Do you want to execute the reservation job?”. Alternatively, regarding the setting of the copy setting screen, the copy setting screen reflecting the contents of the reserved job may be displayed again. At this time, it is assumed that the “reservation” button has been changed to an “execution” button.

  Next, remote terminal 6 transmits an execution instruction to image forming apparatus 1 (sequence sq30). The image forming apparatus 1 executes the copy job set by the user B according to the execution instruction (sequence sq32).

  As a result of this processing, when user A has initiative over the copy job, exclusive control is executed when a copy job is to be executed for user B. That is, since a copy job cannot be executed, there is no operation inconsistency or confusion. If another user has the initiative, it is possible to set a job for the copy job and instruct reservation. When the initiative is acquired, for example, the execution screen is notified to the user who has acquired the initiative, and the job can be executed reliably. At this time, regarding the setting of the copy job, since the reserved job has already been transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to operate efficiently without having to redo the setting from the beginning.

  In this example, the case where the execution screen is notified to the user who has acquired the initiative will be described. However, the job is executed according to the reserved job without the user's instruction, and only the job completion notification is transmitted to the remote terminal 6. It is also possible to do so.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an application list and a change list according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the application list and the change list are stored in the storage unit 20 in advance.

  Referring to FIG. 8A, here, a case where an application list in which a plurality of applications are registered is registered.

  Specifically, as an example, a copy application, a box storage application, a box setting application, and a scan application are registered as a part of various applications stored in the storage unit or the like of the image forming apparatus 1. The case is shown. The application is an application that requires exclusive control. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 stores other applications for realizing other functions, and some applications do not require exclusive control. For example, an application for checking the remaining amount of toner, an application for checking history information, an application for checking the degree of ecology, and the like can be given as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 8B, here, a case where a change list according to the embodiment of the present invention is registered is shown. The change list is for changing the program so as to execute exclusive control that does not cause operation contradiction or confusion with the process of the user having the initiative. In this example, a case where a part of the program is changed will be described, but the program may be replaced with another program instead of a part.

  Specifically, as an example, each application registered in the application list is shown, and in each of the copy application, the box storage application, the box setting application, and the scan application, contents to change a part of the program The case where the “execution” button, which is the part that triggers the execution instruction on the setting screen, is changed to the “reservation” button is registered. Here, as an example, for example, the case where the “execution” button is changed to the “reservation” button is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the case where other display parts are changed may be registered. It is good, or it is good also as a change which adds the button which performs another function, and the content which needs a change suitably according to an application shall be registered. By checking the change list, for example, a part of a script in a program for displaying a screen is changed to another script and the program is rewritten. Thereby, for example, it is possible to change the content of the screen to be displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a initiative list according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the initiative list is stored in the storage unit 20 in advance.

  Referring to FIG. 9A, here, a case where user A is registered first as the initiative list and user B is registered second is shown. The initiative list is registered when it is determined that the user uses an application. As an example, in FIG. 5, when the user A starts setting a copy job, it is determined that the copy application is to be used, and the user A is registered first. When user B requests the copy operation screen, it is determined that user B uses the copy application and is registered second.

  With reference to FIG. 9B, the case where the initiative list is updated and user B is registered first is shown. Specifically, in FIG. 5, since user A executed a copy job and logged out, the content in the initiative list is updated, user A is deleted, and user B becomes the first.

  The initiative list may be a initiative list for the entire image forming apparatus 1, or a initiative list may be provided for each application.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for a job operation request according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is a process executed mainly by the overall control unit 18 based on a program stored in the storage unit 20.

  Referring to FIG. 10, it is determined whether a job operation request has been received (step S2). If it is determined in step S2 that no job operation request has been received (NO in step S2), the state of step S2 is maintained.

  Next, when it is determined that a job operation request has been received (YES in step S2), the application list is confirmed (step S4). Specifically, with reference to the application list described with reference to FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the application that requested the job operation is an application that requires exclusive control.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a registration in the application list (step S6).
If it is determined in step S6 that the application list is registered (YES in step S6), the initiative list registration and confirmation processing is executed (step S8). When it is determined that there is registration in the application list, exclusive control may be necessary, so registration of the initiative list and confirmation processing thereof are executed. Specifically, information about the user who requested the job operation is registered in the initiative list.

  Next, it is determined whether another user is at the top (step S10). The user registered in the initiative list is checked to determine whether the first user is himself or another user.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the other user is the first (first) user (YES in step S10), then the change list is confirmed (step S12). If it is determined that the other user is at the top, the change list described with reference to FIG.

  Next, change processing is executed (step S14). Specifically, a part of the program that displays the screen is rewritten according to the contents registered in the change list.

  Next, display processing of the changed job operation screen is executed (step S16). Specifically, the changed job operation screen (for example, copy setting screen) is displayed on the operation panel 22 or the display unit 122 of the remote terminal 6. The display processing includes processing for transmitting data to display the changed job operation screen on the remote terminal as necessary.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the application list is not registered (NO in step S6), or if it is determined that another user is not the head (NO in step S10), it is not necessary to perform exclusive control. Therefore, a normal job operation screen display process is executed (step S18). Specifically, a job operation screen (for example, a copy setting screen) is displayed on the operation panel 22 or the display unit 122 of the remote terminal 6. The display processing includes processing for transmitting data to display the changed job operation screen on the remote terminal as necessary.

Then, the process ends (END).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating job execution processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is a process executed mainly by the overall control unit 18 based on a program stored in the storage unit 20.

  Referring to FIG. 11, it is first determined whether or not there is a job execution request (step S20).

  In step S20, when there is no job execution request, the state of step S20 is maintained.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that there is a job execution request (YES in step S20), the job is executed (step S22). For example, in the case of a copy job, an instructed copy (printing) process is executed using the printer 28.

  Next, the initiative list is updated (step S24). Specifically, the first user name of the initiative list described with reference to FIG. 9 is deleted, and the second user is placed at the top (first).

  Next, it is determined whether there is a reserved job (step S26). Specifically, it is determined whether a reservation job according to an instruction from another user is stored in the storage unit 20.

  If it is determined in step S26 that there is a reservation job (YES in step S26), the reservation job corresponding to the first initiative list among the reservation jobs stored in the storage unit 20 is selected (step S28). .

  Next, a job execution confirmation process is executed (step S30). Specifically, a process of confirming whether or not to execute the job is executed for the user who has instructed the reservation job according to the content of the selected reservation job. For example, it is possible to display a screen on which the “execute” button can be selected, for example, along with the display “Do you want to execute the reservation job?” On the remote terminal 6. Alternatively, regarding the setting of the copy setting screen, the copy setting screen reflecting the contents of the reserved job may be displayed again. At this time, it is assumed that the “reservation” button has been changed to an “execution” button.

Then, the process returns to step S20.
For example, when the remote terminal 6 gives an instruction to execute a job, the same processing as described above is repeated and the job is executed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program for changing processing when displaying the copy setting screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the script of the program is analyzed, and (1) it is specified that it is a copy application. It is determined whether or not the copy application is registered in the application list. When it is determined that the application is a registered application, the change list is confirmed. Based on the change list, the execution button of the copy application of the program is specified, and the program is changed to change the execution button of the copy application to the reservation button.

  Then, the changed program is transmitted to the remote terminal 6, for example, and the copy setting screen shown in FIG. 7B is displayed.

  By this process, the user's initiative is confirmed, and if another user has the initiative, exclusive control is executed in the case of an application that causes operation contradiction or confusion. That is, the application cannot be executed, but the reservation process can be executed and the operation can be efficiently performed.

(Modification of the embodiment)
In the above example, in step S26 to step S30 in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not there is a reserved job when the job is executed, and if there is a reserved job, it corresponds to the first user in the initiative list. The case where the reservation job to be selected is selected and the processing for confirming the execution of the job has been described. For example, the processing for confirming the execution of the job is performed by using a polling signal transmitted from the remote terminal 6 at a constant cycle as a trigger. Also good. The polling signal is output not only from the remote terminal 6 but also from the operation panel 22 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the overall control unit 18.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing for a polling signal according to the modification of the embodiment of the present invention. This process is a process executed mainly by the overall control unit 18 based on a program stored in the storage unit 20.

  Referring to FIG. 13, first, it is determined whether or not a polling signal is input (step S32). Specifically, it is determined whether there is an input of a polling signal for confirming the contents of the initiative list from the remote terminal 6 or the operation panel 22.

  If it is determined in step S32 that a polling signal has been input (YES in step S32), the initiative list is confirmed (step S34).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user of the remote terminal 6 or the operation panel 22 that has transmitted the polling signal is the first in the initiative list (step S36).

  If it is determined that the initiative list is first (YES in step S36), a job execution confirmation process is executed (step S38). Specifically, for the reservation job stored in the storage unit 20, a process for confirming whether or not to execute the job for the user who has instructed the reservation job is executed. For example, it is possible to display a screen on which the “execute” button can be selected, for example, along with the display “Do you want to execute the reservation job?” On the remote terminal 6. Alternatively, regarding the setting of the copy setting screen, the copy setting screen reflecting the contents of the reserved job may be displayed again. At this time, it is assumed that the “reservation” button has been changed to an “execution” button.

  If there is no reserved job in the storage unit 20, the job execution confirmation process is not executed.

  This is an alternative to step S26 to step S30 in FIG. 11, and the other points are the same as described in FIG. That is, as described with reference to FIG. 11, for example, when the remote terminal 6 instructs execution of a job, the same process as described with reference to FIG. 11 is repeated to execute the job.

  On the other hand, if no polling signal is input in step S32, or if the initiative list is not the first in step S36, the process exits the flow and maintains the state of step S32.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the MFP, and may be a printer apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, or the like.

  It is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function and execute control as described in the above flow. Such a program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. And can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. As such storage media, semiconductor memories such as flash memory, mask ROM, EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), IC (Integrated Circuit) card, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) and optical disc storage media such as DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), magneto-optical disc storage media such as MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) and MD (Mini Disc), FD ( Magnetic storage media such as Flexible Disk), magnetic tape, and cassette tape can be used.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus, 4,5 network, 6 Remote terminal, 12 Scanner, 14 Print data creation part, 16 Print data storage part, 18 Overall control part, 20 Storage part, 22 Operation panel, 26 Paper supply part, 28 Printer, 30 paper discharge processing unit, 34 power management unit, 36 LAN control unit, 116 print unit, 120 input unit, 122 display unit, 124 internal bus.

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus that can be simultaneously accessed by a plurality of users via an external terminal connected via a network or an operation panel,
A first list in which information related to a plurality of applications necessary for executing each of a plurality of jobs in the image forming apparatus is registered, and an application registered in the first list, respectively. A storage unit having a second list in which information related to exclusive control for executing exclusive control for execution is registered;
An operation request receiving means for receiving an operation request from at least one of the plurality of users;
First determination means for determining whether the operation request received by the operation request reception means uses an application registered in the first list;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the application can be used when the first determination means determines that the application registered in the first list is to be used;
If it is determined by the second determination means that the application cannot be used, the external terminal or the operation request from the user based on information related to exclusive control registered in the second list An image forming apparatus comprising: changing means for changing operation screen information for forming an operation screen to be displayed on an operation panel.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes a portion serving as an instruction when the application is executed in the operation screen information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes an execution instruction of an application that executes the job to an execution instruction of a reservation. The storage unit has a third list for determining the order of use,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising job execution means for executing a job based on the third list. The third list is updated based on the execution result of the job execution means,
Third judging means for judging whether or not the order of use based on the third list is changed to the first one every predetermined period;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a notification unit that notifies when the third determination unit changes the use order based on the third list to the first.

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