JP2015122710A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that notifies a user of a batch execution function of printing and transmission at an appropriate timing on the basis of the state of use by the user so as to effectively provide an opportunity to use the batch execution function to a user not familiar with the operation of the image forming apparatus, and thereby improve the efficiency of work.SOLUTION: When an operation unit of an image forming apparatus receives a command to print or transmit image data, if a control unit determines that image data corresponding to a document is identical to image data held in a history information holding unit, causes a notification unit to notify a user of a message that the transmission and printing of the image data can be executed in a batch.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a transmission function.

  Conventionally, in an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) or a multifunction device (hereinafter referred to as an “image forming apparatus”) having a printing function such as copying and a transmission function such as mail / facsimile (FAX). One having a batch execution function for executing printing and transmission in a batch based on image data acquired by reading a single original is known. By utilizing such a batch execution function, the user can execute batch printing and transmission based on image data that has been read once, so that it is possible to save the trouble of repeatedly reading the same document.

  As an image forming apparatus having such a batch execution function of printing and transmission, for example, an invention of a communication terminal apparatus capable of simultaneously setting a copy function and a facsimile transmission function and capable of executing both functions with optimum image quality has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-295387 A

  However, even if the image forming apparatus has a batch execution function for printing and transmission by reading a single document, a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus knows that it has the batch execution function itself. Often not. Therefore, there was the actual situation that the precious functions were not fully utilized.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances as described above, and its purpose is to notify the user of the batch execution function of printing and transmission at an appropriate timing based on the usage situation of the user, and to An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that improves the efficiency of work by effectively giving a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the forming apparatus an opportunity to utilize the batch execution function.

  The present invention provides a document reading unit that reads a document and generates image data corresponding to the document, a printing unit that prints the image data, and an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to an external device An operation unit that receives a command to print or transmit the image data from a user, and a batch execution command to collectively execute printing and transmission of the image data, and a history of image data related to execution of the printing and transmission A history information holding unit for holding information, a notification unit for notifying a user of a predetermined message, the document reading unit, the printing unit, the image data transmission unit, the operation unit, the history information holding unit, A control unit that controls the notification unit, and the control unit corresponds to a document when the operation unit receives an instruction to print or transmit image data. When it is determined that the image data is the same as the image data held in the history information holding unit, the notification unit is notified of a message indicating that transmission and printing of the image data can be performed collectively. An image forming apparatus is provided.

  According to this invention, the control unit has the same image data as the image data held in the history information holding unit when the operation unit receives an instruction to print or transmit image data. In order to make the notification unit notify the message that the transmission and printing of the image data can be executed in a batch when the determination is made, the batch execution function for printing and transmission is set to an appropriate timing based on the usage status of the user. Thus, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that improves the work efficiency by notifying the user and effectively giving an opportunity to utilize the collective execution function even to a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system including the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. (Embodiment 1) 3 is a flowchart showing a printing and transmission processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an initial screen for printing displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an initial screen for transmission displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a destination selection screen before selection of a transmission destination in processing of a batch execution function of printing and transmission of image data. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a destination selection screen after selection of a transmission destination in processing of a batch execution function of printing and transmission of image data. (Embodiment 1) 6 is an example of an assist dialog for notification of a batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data. (Embodiment 1) It is an example of the display of the assist message attached to the E-mail body for notification of the batch execution function of printing and transmission of image data attached to the body of the E-mail related to transmission of image data. (Embodiment 2) 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. (Embodiment 3) It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the system containing the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. (Embodiment 3) 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10. (Embodiment 3)

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following description is an illustration in all the points, Comprising: It should not be interpreted as limiting this invention.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a control unit 10, a document reading unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a printing unit 14, a storage unit 15, and an image data transmission unit 16.
The storage unit 15 includes a history information holding unit 151 and a message holding unit 152.

  Hereinafter, each component of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The control unit 10 is a part that controls the operation of each component of the image forming apparatus 1. It is mainly realized by a microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O controller, timer and the like. The control unit 10 is a circuit mainly composed of a CPU or a microprocessor. The control unit 10 operates each hardware organically based on a control program stored in advance in a ROM or the like, and performs a batch execution function or message for printing and transmitting image data according to the present invention as described later. Execute the notification function.
Note that the peripheral circuit may include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that is an integrated circuit designed and manufactured for a specific application, or a circuit having other arithmetic functions.

  The document reading unit 11 is a part that detects and reads a document placed on a document table of the image forming apparatus 1 or a document sheet 20 conveyed from a document tray with a laser light source and generates image data.

  The operation unit 12 is an interface for operating the image forming apparatus 1. The user executes an instruction for the image forming apparatus 1 by operating the operation unit 12. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a keyboard having a numeric keypad 121 for inputting the number of copies to be printed and a transmission destination number, an arrow key for selecting a setting menu, and a start key 122 for executing printing or transmission. It is a touch panel.

  The display unit 13 is a part that displays various types of information to the user of the image forming apparatus 1. The display unit 13 includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, and the like, and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display for displaying electronic data such as a processing state by an operating system or application software.

The printing unit 14 is a part that outputs image data to printing paper. The printing unit 14 does not need to be built in the image forming apparatus 1 and may be externally attached.
The storage unit 15 stores information and programs necessary for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a storage element such as a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, or a flash memory is used. .

The history information holding unit 151 is a part that stores history information of document data that has been printed or transmitted in the past.
The message holding unit 152 is a part that stores data of a predetermined message to notify the user.

  The image data transmission unit 16 transmits various kinds of information such as e-mail and FAX to the external image forming apparatus 1 a via the wired or wireless network 2, and the computer or portable information terminal via the wireless communication 4. It is a part which transmits to external information equipment 3, such as.

<Configuration Example of System Including Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a system including the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the communication system using the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus 1, another image forming apparatus 1 a connected to the image forming apparatus 1 through the network 2, and an image through the wireless communication 4. It comprises an information device 3 that can communicate with the forming apparatus 1.

As the network 2, any network such as a wide area network (WAN) such as a LAN or the Internet, a dedicated communication line, or the like may be used.
Examples of the communication standard of the wireless communication 4 include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g, and IEEE802.11n, which are wireless LAN standards.

As shown in FIG. 2, after the user sets the original paper 20 on the original reading unit 11 (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 1, the read image data is printed on the printing paper and output.
Further, the image data read by the document reading unit 11 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 a through the network 2 or to the information device 3 through the wireless communication 4.
Furthermore, printing and transmission of image data acquired by one original reading may be executed collectively.

<Specific Example of Printing and Transmission Processing Procedure of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, a specific example of the printing and transmission processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a printing and transmission processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention.

  The control unit 10 performs processing according to the procedure shown in the following steps.

In step S1 of FIG. 3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a command for printing (or transmitting) image data has been received (step S1).
Specifically, in the case of printing after the document reading unit 11 reads the image data, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the number of copies is designated by the ten key 121 and the start key 122 is pressed. In the case of transmission, the transmission destination input from the operation unit 12 is determined by the destination determination key 126 and is determined by whether or not the start key 122 is pressed.

In step S1, when a command for printing (or transmitting) image data is received (when the determination in step S1 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S2 (step S2).
On the other hand, when the command for printing (or transmitting) the image data is not received (when the determination in step S1 is No), the control unit 10 executes printing (or transmitting) the image data in step S7 (step S7). S7).

Next, in step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not image data has been printed (or transmitted) before (step S2).
Specifically, the control unit 10 refers to the history information held in the history information holding unit 151 to determine whether or not image data has been printed or transmitted before.

In step S2, when image data has been printed (or transmitted) before (when the determination in step S2 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S3 (step S3).
On the other hand, when printing (or transmission) of image data has not been executed before (when determination of step S2 is No), the control unit 10 executes printing (or transmission) of image data in step S7 (step S7). Step S7).

  Next, in step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the image data related to the print (or transmission) command is the same as the image data transmitted (or printed) previously (step S3). .

Whether or not the image data is the same is determined in consideration of the following (1) to (3), for example.
(1) Whether or not the number of documents related to the image data is the same (2) Whether or not the analysis results of the image data are the same (3) OCR (Optical Character Recognition) In the case of the image forming apparatus 1, a comparison result of characters read from image data by OCR

  As a specific analysis method of (2) above, a histogram is created by calculating the total value of the number of image data in the sheet conveying direction of the image forming apparatus 1 or the total value of the number of image data in the main scanning direction. Compare by.

In step S3, when the image data related to the printing (or transmission) command is the same as the image data transmitted (or printed) previously (when the determination in step S3 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs step S4. Is performed (step S4).
On the other hand, when the image data related to the print (or transmission) command and the previously transmitted (or printed) image data are not the same (when the determination in step S3 is No), the control unit 10 determines that the image data in step S7. Data printing (or transmission) is executed (step S7).

  Next, in step S4, the control unit 10 displays an assist message on the display unit 13 (step S4).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, an assist dialog 127 is displayed at the center of the initial screen for printing displayed on the display unit 13 after the document reading is completed.
Thus, by displaying the assist dialog 127, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to execute the batch execution function of printing and transmitting image data.

Next, in step S5, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an instruction to execute printing and transmission of image data in a batch has been received (step S5).
Specifically, it is determined whether or not an instruction to execute printing and transmission of image data from the user is received in accordance with an instruction displayed in the assist message.

In step S5, when a command to execute batch printing and transmission of image data is received (when the determination in step S5 is Yes), the control unit 10 batches printing and transmission of image data in step S6. Execute (Step S6).
On the other hand, when the command to execute batch printing and transmission of image data is not received (when the determination in step S5 is No), the control unit 10 performs printing (or transmission) of the image data in step S7. (Step S7).

Finally, in step S8, the control unit 10 causes the history information holding unit 151 to record the history information of the image data related to printing / transmission (step S8).
Thereafter, the control unit 10 ends the process.

<Specific Example of Printing and Transmission Processing Procedure of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, a specific example of printing and transmission processing of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial screen for printing displayed on the display unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial screen for transmission displayed on the display unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the initial printing screen displayed on the display unit 13, the user sets the original paper 20 in the original reading unit 11 and performs print settings using the numeric keypad 121 and the setting panel 123 of the operation unit 12. After that, the start key 122 is pressed to execute printing.

  When image data is transmitted by E-mail, as shown in FIG. 5, on the initial screen for transmission displayed on the display unit 13, the user sets the manuscript paper 20 on the manuscript reading unit 11 and operates the operation. After setting the transmission using the setting panel 123 or the destination input form 124 of the unit 12, the transmission is executed by pressing the start key 122.

<Specific example of processing procedure of batch execution function for printing and transmission>
Next, a specific example of processing of the batch execution function of printing and transmission of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 6, and 7.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a destination selection screen before selection of a transmission destination in the processing of the batch execution function of printing and transmission of image data.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a destination selection screen after selection of a transmission destination in the processing of the batch execution function of printing and transmission of image data.

  In the initial printing screen shown in FIG. 4, the user uses the batch execution function of printing and transmission by pressing the batch execution key 125.

When the batch execution key 125 is pressed, a destination selection screen for the batch execution function is displayed on the display unit 13 as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 6, the user selects a transmission destination from the destinations displayed in the destination list 129.

In FIG. 6, when a destination is selected by the user, the selected destination is highlighted as shown in FIG.
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the user presses the lower right destination determination key 126 to determine the destination to which the image data is to be transmitted, and batch execution of printing and transmission is performed.

As described above, there is conventionally known a batch execution function that collectively executes printing and transmission on the basis of image data obtained by reading a single original, and the user can sufficiently use such a batch execution function. This makes it possible to save the trouble of reading the same document many times.
On the other hand, users who are unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 often do not know the collective execution function of such printing and transmission, so there is a situation that the functions are not fully utilized. .

<Specific example of assist dialog display>
Next, a specific example of the display of the assist dialog 127 for notifying the batch execution function of printing and transmitting image data of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 shows an example of an assist dialog 127 for notification of a batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when it becomes necessary for the control unit 10 to display an assist message for notification of the batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data (see step S <b> 4 in FIG. 3), the control unit 10 causes the display unit 13 to display it. The assist dialog 127 is displayed at the center of the displayed initial screen for printing.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the message “E-mail can be sent at the same time as copying to shorten the work time. Please use it next time” and “Setting method” as “Action on the right side of the copy basic screen” On the panel 120, a message “Select to send at the same time as printing” pops up.

After confirming the message, the user can turn off the display of the assist dialog 127 by pressing the “OK” button at the lower right of the assist dialog 127.
Thereafter, by pressing a collective execution key 125 on which “Send at the same time as printing” on the action panel 120 is pressed, the image data and the collective execution function of transmission can be used.

  In this way, by displaying the assist dialog 127 as necessary, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to execute a batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data.

(Embodiment 2)
<Specific example of assist message display>
Next, a specific example of the assist message display 128 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is an example of the assist message display 128 for notifying the batch execution function of printing and transmitting image data attached to the E-mail text relating to the transmission of image data.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when it becomes necessary to display an assist message for notifying the batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data (see step S4 in FIG. 3), the control unit 10 transmits E. -An assist message display 128 is added to the body of the mail.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the message “E-mail can be sent simultaneously with copying to shorten the work time. Please use it next time” and “Setting method” as “Action on the right side of the copy basic screen” A message “Select to send at the same time as printing” on the panel 120 is attached to the body of the E-mail.

  In this way, by displaying the assist message display 128 as necessary, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to execute the batch execution function of printing and transmitting image data.

(Embodiment 3)
<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention includes a control unit 10, a document reading unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a printing unit 14, a storage unit 15, and an image data transmission unit. 16, a card interface unit 17 and a user authentication unit 18 are provided.
The storage unit 15 includes a history information holding unit 151, a message holding unit 152, a user ID 153, and a password 154.

  10 is similar to the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Here, a configuration not described in FIG. 1 will be described.

The user ID 153 is user information such as an ID for user authentication.
The password 154 is data determined corresponding to each user ID 153 and is data for performing user authentication depending on whether or not the password 154 matches the password 154 input from the operation unit 12.

The card interface unit 17 is a part that reads the IC card 5 in which the user ID 153 is recorded.
For example, NFC (Near Field Communication) is used as a read / write method of the card interface unit 17. NFC is a 13.56 MHz band short-range wireless communication standard and has been approved by the International Standards Organization (ISO) as a next-generation standard for RFID technology (IC card / IC tag). As the communication protocol, there are four types, for example, ISO14443 Type A, B, FeliCa (registered trademark), and ISO15693.
Further, the reading method is not limited to the non-contact method, and may be a contact method.

  Whether the user authentication unit 18 matches the user ID 153 read from the IC card 5 through the card interface unit 17 and the password 154 input from the operation unit 12 with the user ID 153 and password 154 recorded in the storage unit 15 in advance. By comparing, the user is authenticated whether the user is a legitimate user.

<Configuration Example of System Including Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a system including the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, a communication system using an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus 1, another image forming apparatus 1a connected to the image forming apparatus 1 through a network 2, and a wireless communication. The information device 3 and the IC card 5 are communicable with the image forming apparatus 1 through the communication 4.

In FIG. 11, the user brings the IC card 5 close to the card interface unit 17, reads the user ID 153, and inputs the password 154 from the operation unit 12 to perform login processing. When it is confirmed by the user authentication that the user is a legitimate user, a login process is performed. After the user sets the original paper 20 on the original reading unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, the read image data is printed on a printing paper and output.
Further, the image data read by the document reading unit 11 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 a through the network 2 or to the information device 3 through the wireless communication 4.
Furthermore, printing and transmission of image data acquired by one original reading may be executed collectively.

<Specific Example of Processing Procedure of Image Forming Apparatus>
Finally, a specific example of the processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 10 performs processing according to the procedure shown in the following steps.

In step S11 of FIG. 12, the control unit 10 displays a user authentication screen on the display unit 13 at the start of the image forming process (step S11).
In the user authentication screen, input of the user ID 153 and the password 154 is requested. Further, instead of inputting the user ID 153, it may be requested to hold the IC card 5 over the card interface unit 17. Here, a case where the IC card 5 is held over will be described.

Next, in step S12, the control unit 10 determines whether user authentication should be accepted based on the result of user authentication (step S12).
As a specific determination method, the control unit 10 includes a user ID 153 read from the IC card 5 through the card interface unit 17 and a password 154 input from the operation unit 12, a user ID 153 previously stored in the storage unit 15, and User authentication is performed by comparing passwords 154.

If it is determined in step S12 that user authentication should be accepted (if the determination in step S12 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs a login process in step S13 (step S13).
On the other hand, when it determines with not accepting user authentication (when determination of step S12 is No), the control part 10 displays a user authentication screen again in step S11 (step S11).

Next, in step S14, the control unit 10 performs image forming processing according to a predetermined procedure (step S14).
Specifically, the control unit 10 performs image processing, for example, according to the procedure of steps S1 to S8 illustrated in FIG.

Next, in step S15, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a logout process has been accepted at the end of the image forming process (step S15).
Specifically, the control unit 10 determines whether or not logout processing should be performed based on whether or not a logout processing command is issued from the operation unit 12. Alternatively, it may be determined that the logout process has been accepted when there is no instruction from the operation unit 12 for a certain time or more.

In step S15, when the logout process is accepted (when the determination in step S15 is Yes), the control unit 10 deletes the history information in step S16 (step S16) and ends the process.
On the other hand, when the logout process is not accepted (when the determination in step S15 is No), the control unit 10 continues the image forming process in step S14 (step S14).

  As described above, the control unit 10 performs the log-in process by the user authentication, and then performs the image forming process. After performing the log-out process, the control unit 10 erases the history information related to printing and transmission of the image data of the user. Therefore, even if another user performs login processing immediately after that, the record of the image data of the user used last time is not referred to.

(Other embodiments)
1. In the first embodiment, the notification of the batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data is not limited to the notification by the display unit 13 but may be a notification by voice, or the notification by the display unit 13 and voice may be used in combination. Good. (Embodiment 4)
In this way, it is possible to effectively notify the user of the batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data.

2. In the second embodiment, in addition to adding the assist message display 128 to the E-mail at the time of transmission, the assist message may be transmitted to the user's mail address. (Embodiment 5)
In this way, it is possible to effectively notify the user of the batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data.

3. In the third embodiment, when the control unit 10 determines that the assist dialog 127 should be displayed, the control unit 10 stores the determination result in the storage unit 15 and displays the assist dialog 127 when the same user logs in again. You may make it display on the part 13. FIG. (Embodiment 6)
In this way, when the same user logs in again, the user is notified of the batch transmission function of printing and transmitting image data, thereby realizing efficient work without interrupting the user's work.

4). In the third embodiment, when the control unit 10 detects that printing and transmission related to the same image data is executed, the cumulative number of detection times after the user logs in exceeds a predetermined number of times. In addition, the user may be notified of a batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data. (Embodiment 7)
In this way, when the control unit 10 determines whether or not the image data is the same, the determination is made without considering the detection result of the currently logged-in user. Notification of batch execution function of data printing and transmission can be realized.

5. In the seventh embodiment, when the user logs out, the history information corresponding to the user ID 153 is saved, so that when the user logs in again later, based on the history information corresponding to the user ID 153 of the user, the image data It may be determined whether or not the batch execution function for printing and transmission should be notified. (Embodiment 8)
In this way, in order to determine whether or not to notify the batch execution function for printing and transmitting image data with reference to the history information for each user, the batch execution function is notified according to the user history information. realizable.

As mentioned above,
(I) The image forming apparatus of the present invention is
An original reading unit that reads an original and generates image data corresponding to the original, a printing unit that prints the image data, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to an external device, and a user An operation unit that receives a command for printing or transmitting the image data, and a batch execution command for collectively executing printing and transmission of the image data, and holds history information of the image data related to the execution of the printing and transmission A history information holding unit, a notification unit for notifying a user of a predetermined message, the document reading unit, the printing unit, the image data transmission unit, the operation unit, the history information holding unit, and the notification unit. A control unit that controls the image data corresponding to the document when the operation unit receives a command to print or transmit image data. When it is determined that the image data is the same as the image data held in the record history information holding unit, the notification unit is notified of a message indicating that the transmission and printing of the image data can be performed collectively. .

In the present invention, the “image forming apparatus” refers to a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) having a copy (copy function) function such as a printer and a transmission function such as mail or facsimile (FAX). A device that forms and outputs an image and transmits image data.
“Image data” is data for printing and transmission read from original paper, and includes data including only characters (or symbols), data including characters and graphics, data including only graphics, and the like.
The “external device” is a device having a reception function for receiving data such as FAX and mail from the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The external device is not limited to the image forming apparatus of the present invention or a communication device such as a FAX, but may be an information device such as a portable terminal or an external server.
The “collective execution command for collectively executing printing and transmission of image data” is a command for collectively executing printing and transmission, for example, based on image data acquired by one original reading.

Furthermore, the preferable aspect of this invention is demonstrated.
(Ii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit is the same as the image data held in the history information holding unit based on the number of image data, the characters of the image data, and the position distribution thereof. It may be determined whether or not. (Embodiment 9)

  In this way, it is possible to easily and quickly determine whether the image data is the same, and thus it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that enables quick notification to the user.

The “number of image data” is the number of document sheets read by the document reading unit or the number of image data transmitted in the past.
The “character and position distribution” is, for example, the distribution of the number of pixels (number of dots of laser output) and the number of pixels of image data in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the document sheet in the document reading unit. Whether or not the image data read from the original paper and the image data held in the history information holding unit are the same by counting the number of pixels in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction and creating a histogram for comparison Determine.

  When the image forming apparatus has an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function, it is determined whether the image data is the same by comparing the read character information.

  (Iii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the number of times that the control unit determines that the image data is the same as the image data held in the history information holding unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. At this time, the notification may be performed by the notification unit. (Embodiment 10)

  In this way, since the batch execution function is notified to the user only when printing and transmission are executed a predetermined number of times or more based on the same image data, the necessity for notification is particularly high for the user. Only notify. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a burden from being generated on the user by notifying the user many times even though the necessity for the notification is not so much.

  (Iv) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit causes the notification unit to notify a message that the image data can be transmitted and printed in a batch after the image data is printed or transmitted. It may be. (Embodiment 11)

  In this way, after the image data is printed or transmitted, the user is notified of the batch execution function of printing and transmission, so that the work can be performed by notification when printing or transmission is urgent. Without being interrupted, the user can know the batch execution function after finishing the work.

  (V) The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a user information authentication unit that performs user authentication using user information for user identification or authentication, and the control unit is configured to change a user by the user information authentication unit. When it is determined that there is, it may not refer to history information related to the previous user. Embodiment 12

  In this way, since notification is determined based on the history information of the user who is logged in to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to perform appropriate notification according to the needs of the current user.

“User information for user identification or authentication” is, for example, a user ID and password used for login authentication.
Examples of the “user authentication” method include an authentication method by inputting a user ID and password on a login screen and a non-contact authentication method using an IC card.
For example, NFC (Near Field Communication) is used as an IC card reading method. The reading method is not limited to the non-contact method, and may be a contact method using a magnetic card or USB.

  (Vi) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the transmission of the image data is by electronic mail, the notification unit performs the notification by adding the message to the body of the electronic mail related to the transmission. It may be a thing. (Embodiment 13)

  In this way, when performing transmission by E-mail, the notification unit performs notification by displaying an assist message display informing the batch execution function of printing and transmission of image data in the body of the E-mail. The batch execution function can be effectively notified to a user unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include combinations of any of the above-described plurality of embodiments.
In addition to the above-described embodiments, there can be various modifications of the present invention. These modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include the meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a: Image forming apparatus, 2: Network, 3: Information equipment, 4: Wireless communication, 5: IC card, 6: Near field communication, 10: Control part, 11: Document reading part, 12: Operation part, 13: Display unit, 14: Printing unit, 15: Storage unit, 16: Image data transmission unit, 17: Card interface unit, 18: User authentication unit, 20: Original paper, 30: Output paper, 120: Action panel, 121 : Numeric keypad, 122: Start key, 123: Setting panel, 124: Destination input form, 125: Batch execution key, 126: Destination confirmation key, 127: Assist dialog, 128: Display assist message, 129: Destination list, 151: History Information holding unit, 152: message holding unit, 153: User ID, 154: Password

Claims (6)

An original reading unit that reads an original and generates image data corresponding to the original;
A printing unit for printing the image data;
An image data transmitter for transmitting the image data to an external device;
An operation unit that receives a command for printing or transmitting the image data from a user, and a batch execution command for collectively executing printing and transmission of the image data;
A history information holding unit that holds history information of image data related to execution of the printing and the transmission;
A notification unit for notifying a user of a predetermined message;
A control unit that controls the document reading unit, the printing unit, the image data transmission unit, the operation unit, the history information holding unit, and the notification unit;
When the operation unit receives an instruction to print or transmit image data, the control unit determines that the image data corresponding to the document is the same as the image data held in the history information holding unit. An image forming apparatus that causes the notification unit to notify a message that image data transmission and printing can be performed in a batch.   The control unit determines whether or not the image data is the same as the image data held in the history information holding unit based on the number of image data, the characters of the image data, and the position distribution thereof. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The control unit causes the notification unit to perform the notification when the number of times that the image data is determined to be the same as the image data stored in the history information storage unit exceeds a predetermined number of times. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein after the printing or transmission of the image data, the control unit notifies the notification unit of a message indicating that the transmission and printing of the image data can be performed collectively. 5. Image forming apparatus. A user information authentication unit that performs user authentication using user information for user identification or authentication;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the user information authentication unit determines that the user has been changed, the control unit does not refer to history information relating to a previous user. 6.   The notification unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when the transmission of the image data is by electronic mail, the notification is performed by adding the message to a body of the electronic mail related to the transmission. The image forming apparatus described.