JP2016010975A - Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To request approval of unapproved print data from an image forming apparatus, in a print system which stores print data temporarily in a storage device and outputs the print data after input of print instructions for the print data which are thus approved are received by the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: Print data related to a user identified by log-in processing are acquired and displayed on a list. Unapproved print data are selected out of the print data which are thus displayed on a list, and an approver of the print data is notified when approval request instructions for the print data are received.

Description

  The present invention relates to printing of document data, and more particularly to a technique for permitting printing of document data only after receiving approval for printing of document data.

  From the viewpoint of information security, when printing document data, particularly confidential documents, document data is printed by an operation in which printing is performed after the approval of the senior manager.

  However, even when the operation is such that the document data can only be printed out after the verbal or written approval is received from the senior manager, the document data that is actually printed out is not approved. The printer or the like cannot be controlled to permit / prohibit the print output depending on whether it is set.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, print data created from document data that needs to be approved for printing is temporarily stored in a storage device, and the print output of the print data is permitted only after the approval is made. The technique of doing is disclosed.

JP 2010-157169 A

  In a printing method in which print data as in Patent Document 1 is temporarily stored and then printed after a user's print instruction is received, the user operates the multifunction device or the like to specify print data to be printed out. A print instruction is issued. Then, after receiving the print instruction, the multifunction device or the like performs print data output processing.

  In the invention of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228867, it is possible to perform print output only after receiving approval for print data. However, it is considered that the user makes an approval request for print data printing from the image forming apparatus. Absent. In Patent Document 1, if the print data is not approved, it is necessary to go to the approver and request verbal approval of the print data.

  Therefore, the present invention can issue an approval request for print data that has not been accepted from the image forming apparatus in a printing system that can perform print output only after accepting approval for print data once stored in a storage device. The purpose is to do so.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that prints out print data stored in a storage device, and that receives print data transmitted from a client device. Means, storage means for storing the print data received by the receiving means in a storage device, user information for instructing printing of the print data, and bibliographic information including information on approval / denial of printing for the print data Creating means, a first notifying means for notifying the print data approver of a request for approval / denial of printing of the print data, and an instruction to approve / deny the print data from the approver. First accepting means for accepting, updating means for updating information relating to approval / denial according to the approval / denial instruction accepted by the first accepting means, and the image formation A display for displaying list data of print data corresponding to the user on the display unit based on the bibliographic information data including the user information of the user specified by the specifying unit and the user specified by the specifying unit Control means, second acceptance means for accepting selection of print data from the list data displayed by the display control means, and the approval / denial of bibliographic information corresponding to the print data accepted by the second acceptance means When the information is print approval, the print control means for printing out the print data, and the information on the approval / denial of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received by the second reception means is print approval. In the case where the print data is approved, the print data approver is authorized to print / And second notification means for notifying the instruction request certified, characterized in that it comprises a.

  In order to achieve the above object, a control method for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is a control method for an image forming apparatus that prints out print data stored in a storage device, and is transmitted from a client device. A reception step for receiving print data, a storage step for storing the print data received in the reception step in a storage device, user information for issuing a print instruction for the print data, and information on approval / denial of printing for the print data A creation step of creating bibliographic information including: a first notification step of notifying the print data approver of an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data; and a print data from the approver A first reception step for accepting an approval / denial instruction, and an update for updating information on the approval / denial according to the approval / denial instruction accepted in the first reception step. Based on the bibliographic information data including the identification process for identifying the user who uses the image forming apparatus and the user information of the user identified in the identification process, the list data of the print data corresponding to the user is obtained. A display control process to be displayed on the display unit, a second reception process for receiving selection of print data from the list data displayed in the display control process, and bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received in the second reception process If the information on the approval / rejection is print approval, the print control process for printing out the print data and the approval / disapproval of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received in the second reception process. When the information on the approval is print approval, the print data approver is notified to the approver of the print data according to the operation instruction by the user who uses the image forming apparatus Characterized in that it comprises a second notification step of notifying the instruction request approval / denial of printing over data, the.

  In order to achieve the above object, a computer program according to the present invention includes: an image forming apparatus that prints out print data stored in a storage device; a receiving unit that receives print data transmitted from a client device; Storage means for storing the print data received by the reception means in a storage device, and creation means for creating bibliographic information including user information that issued a print instruction for the print data and information related to print approval / denial for the print data A first notifying unit for notifying the print data approver of a request for an instruction to approve / deny the print data, and a first unit for accepting an instruction to approve / deny the print data from the approver. Receiving means, an updating means for updating information relating to approval / disapproval according to the approval / disapproval instruction received by the first receiving means, and the image Based on the bibliographic information data including the specifying means for specifying the user who uses the generating apparatus and the user information of the user specified by the specifying means, the list data of the print data corresponding to the user is displayed on the display unit. A display control unit; a second reception unit that receives a selection of print data from the list data displayed by the display control unit; and the approval / denial of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received by the second reception unit. If the information on the approval is print approval, the print control unit that prints out the print data and the information on the approval / denial of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received by the second reception unit are printed. In the case of approval, according to the operation instruction by the user using the image forming apparatus, the print data approver is authorized to print the print data. / Computer program for causing to function as a second notifying means for notifying the denial instruction request.

  According to the present invention, an approval request for print data that has not been accepted is issued from an image forming apparatus in a printing system that can perform print output only after accepting approval for print data that has been once stored in a storage device. It becomes possible.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the information processing system of this invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a client apparatus 102. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 101. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 101. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data transmission processing according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the print approval process of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of a printing process according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of print data output processing according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the approval request process of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a print data approval screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a printing instruction | indication screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of an approval request screen. It is a figure which shows the detail of an approval reception dialog. It is a figure which shows the detail of a denial acceptance dialog. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of a bibliographic information data table. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of an approval document determination rule data table.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral or a printer that prints out print data received from a client apparatus 102 described later.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes an information processing apparatus in which various application programs are installed, and print data is created by a printer driver and designated in order to print out document data created using the application program. The image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a network such as a local area network (LAN) for connecting the image forming apparatus 101 and the client apparatus 102 so that they can communicate with each other.

  Here, the document data printing process according to the present invention will be briefly described. Upon receiving print data from the client apparatus 102, the image forming apparatus 101 of the present invention does not immediately perform print processing but temporarily stores it in the storage device. Thereafter, login processing of a user who uses the image forming apparatus is performed. Then, a list of print data of the logged-in user stored in the storage device is displayed on the display unit, and selection of print data for print output processing is accepted. Thereafter, when a print output instruction is received, print processing of print data for which selection has been received is performed. It is also possible to issue an instruction to delete print data that has been selected.

  By adopting such a printing method, it is possible to suppress useless printing by deleting print data erroneously transmitted from the client apparatus 102 to the image forming apparatus 101 without performing print output. Become. In addition, since the user must go to the image forming apparatus and give a print instruction in order to perform the print output, it is possible to suitably prevent forgetting to remove the printed material on which the print output has been performed.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client apparatus 102 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. In addition, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 is configured to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by a client device or each server device. Various necessary programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 202 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard and a pointing device. A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the display device 210. These are used by the operator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F (interface) controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 103 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 202, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display device 210.

  The processing of each step shown in the flowchart to be described later for realizing the present invention is executed by a program that can be read and executed by a computer, and the program is recorded in the external memory 211. Then, it is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 103 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). ) (For example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. The print data received from the client device 102 is also stored in the HDD 304.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  A network interface (network I / F) 305 is connected to a network such as the LAN 103 and inputs / outputs data. A modem 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, RS-232C, and the like, and is required when performing user authentication in this embodiment. A card reader 319 for reading a non-contact IC card (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  An image bus interface (image bus I / F) 320 connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts a data structure. The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data. Then, the image processing unit 317 drives the scanner 314 to perform image processing on the image data that has been read, converts the image data into a file outputable format (for example, a PDF format file), and cooperates with the CPU 301 to perform network processing. A file of image data can be transmitted to an external device via the I / F 305.

  The scanner 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and an image is directly printed on paper by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array. There are inkjet methods for printing, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user or manually performing logout processing of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in the non-contact IC card under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration described above, the image forming apparatus 101 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 103, and print out the print data received from the LAN 104 by the printer unit 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312.

  Next, an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a print data acquisition unit 401, a bibliographic information creation unit 402, a storage unit 403, an approval request determination unit 404, an approval request notification unit 405, an approval / denial acceptance unit 306, and print output. A portion 407 is provided.

  The print data acquisition unit 401 is a functional unit that acquires (receives) print data transmitted from the client apparatus 102. The bibliographic information creation unit 402 is a functional unit that creates bibliographic information related to the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 401. The data structure of the bibliographic information created by the bibliographic information creation unit 402 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The storage unit 403 is a functional unit that stores print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 401, bibliographic information generated by the bibliographic information generation unit 402, an approved document determination rule used by the approval request determination unit 304, and the like. The data structure of the approval document determination rule will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The approval request determination unit 404 has a function of determining whether the print data acquired from the client device 102 by the print data acquisition unit 401 is print data having approval for printing using an approval document determination rule. Part.

  The approval request notifying unit 405 is a functional unit that notifies the user who has been determined as the approver of the print data determined to need approval by the approval request determining unit 404 that there is print data that needs to be approved. is there.

  The approval / denial acceptance unit 406 is a functional unit that accepts an instruction on whether print data can be printed (approved) or not (denied) from a user who has been determined as an approver of print data by the approval request determination unit 404.

  The print output unit 407 is a functional unit that performs print processing of print data stored in the HDD 304 or the like. The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 has been described above.

  Next, the print data transmission process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 (executes the processes of steps S501 to S504) and the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 (executes the processes of steps S521 to S526).

  First, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 creates and edits document data using an application program installed in the external memory 211 (step S501). When a print instruction for the created / edited document data is received (YES in step S502), the process proceeds to step S503, and print data is created using the printer driver installed in the external memory 211. Then, the generated print data is transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus 101 (step S504).

  When receiving the print data transmitted from the client apparatus 102 (step S521), the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 stores the print data in a storage device such as the HDD 304 (step S522). Then, bibliographic information of the acquired print data is created and stored (step S523).

  Here, the data structure of the bibliographic information registered in the bibliographic information data table will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the bibliographic information data table 1500 includes, as data items, ID 1501, user 1502, document name 1503, print setting 1504, paper size 1505, number of pages 1506, transmission date and time 1507, approver 1508, approval / denial. 1509 and the like.

  The ID 1501 is a data item in which identification information for uniquely identifying bibliographic information is registered. A user 1502 is a data item in which user information that has instructed transmission of print data is registered. A document name 1503 is a data item in which the document name of the print data is registered.

  A print setting 1504 is a data item in which print settings for print data are registered. For example, data such as monochrome / single side, color / double side is registered. The paper size 1505 is a data item in which the paper size used when the print data is printed out is registered. The page number 1506 is a data item in which the number of pages of the print data is registered.

  A transmission date / time 1507 is a data item in which date / time information when the print data is transmitted is registered. The approver 1508 is a data item in which approver information for approving / denying the print data is registered. The approval / denial 1509 is a data item for registering approval information indicating that the print data has been approved, rejected, neither approved nor rejected.

  The above is an example of the data structure of bibliographic information. Needless to say, the bibliographic information may include other information such as the number of copies to be printed and layout setting information such as 2 pages / sheet.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the process of step S523 is completed, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether the print data received in step S521 is print data that requires approval to execute the print process, as shown in FIG. (Step S524).

  Here, an example of the data structure of the approved document determination rule will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the approval document determination rule 1600 includes data items such as a keyword 1601, a target user 1602, an approver 1603, and the like. It should be noted that a plurality of individual rules can be set for the approved document determination rule.

  A keyword 1601 is a data item for registering a document name of print data and a keyword condition included in the print data. The target user 1602 is a data item for registering user conditions for creating and transmitting print data.

  In the present invention, a user registered as a target user 1602 of any individual rule issues a print instruction for print data including the keyword registered in the keyword 1601 of the individual rule in the document name or the print data itself. In this case, that is, when the image forming apparatus 101 receives such print data, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 determines that the print data is print data that requires approval.

  The approver 1603 is a data item for registering an approver who approves print data that is determined to need approval in accordance with the individual rule. For example, when “[superimposed user] is superior”, it means that the superior of the user who issued the print data print instruction is the approver of the print data.

  The above is an example of the data structure of the approved document determination rule 1600. Needless to say, the approval document determination rule 1600 may include other data items, or may not include some of the data items shown in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. If the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 determines in the determination process in step S524 that the print data needs to be approved for print processing (required print data) (YES), the process proceeds to step S525. Then, the approver of the print data is specified by the registration information of the approver 1603 of the individual rule of the approval document determination rule that matches the print data. The approver specified here is registered in the approver 1508 of the bibliographic information of the print data. Thereafter, the approver identified in step S525 is notified that print data that requires approval has been registered by a method such as e-mail (step S526). Note that information indicating approval is registered in the approval / denial 1509 of the bibliographic information of the print data determined by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 that the approval is not necessary in step S524. The above is the description of the flowchart of the print data transmission process of FIG.

  Next, the print approval process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This processing is performed by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 101 (execution of steps S621 to S634) and the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 used by the user identified as the print data approver in step S525 of FIG. 5 (steps S601 to S601). (Execute processing in step S609).

  First, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 transmits a print data approval request to the image forming apparatus 101 (step S601). When the print data approval request is received from the client apparatus 102 (step S621), the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 approves the bibliographic information set in the approver 1508 from the bibliographic information data table. The bibliographic information in which / denial 1509 is waiting for approval (no approval / denial is registered) is acquired (step S622).

  After that, using the bibliographic information acquired in step S622, screen information for displaying the list information of print data to be approved by the user (approver) is generated, and the client apparatus 102 that has issued the print data approval request. (Step S623).

  When the screen information is received from the image forming apparatus 101, the client apparatus 102 performs screen display according to the screen information (step S602). Here, the print data approval screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display device 210 of the client device 102.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the print data approval screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes an approval target print data list display unit, which includes an ID (displayed in 1001-1), a document name (displayed in 1001-2), and a user included in the bibliographic information of the print data to be approved. The name (displayed in 1001-3), the transmission date and time (displayed in 1001-4), and the like are displayed.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes an approval / denial target print data selection check box, which is used to select print data for which an approval or denial instruction is given.

  A detail button 1003 is a button for displaying details of print data to be approved. When the detail button 1003 is pressed, a request for screen information of a screen (not shown) for displaying the page data of the print data of the line where the pressed detail button is displayed is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101. In response to the request, the page data of the print data is displayed on the display device 210 of the client device 102 according to the screen information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 101 to the client device 102.

  Reference numeral 1004 denotes an approval button, which is used to approve printing of print data for which the approval / denial target print data selection check box 1002 is checked. Reference numeral 1005 denotes a denial button, which is used when denying printing of print data for which the approval / denial target print data selection check box 1002 is checked.

  The above is an example of the configuration of the print data approval screen in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the print data approval screen 1000 is displayed in step S602 and a detailed information request instruction for print data input by receiving a press of the detail button 1003 is received (YES in step S603), the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 receives the detailed information. A request for detailed information (page data) of the print data for which the request has been received is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 (step S604).

  When the print data detailed information request is received from the client apparatus 102 (step S624), the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives the detailed information request stored in the HDD 304 (the print data subject to the detailed request in the client apparatus 102). Print data (designated as) is acquired (step S625), and screen information for displaying detailed information (page data) of the print data is generated using the acquired data (step S626). Then, the screen information generated in step S626 is transmitted to the client apparatus 102 that has made the request (step S627).

  When the screen information for displaying the detailed information (page data) of the print data is received from the image forming apparatus 101, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 displays the detailed information (page data) of the print data according to the received screen information. (Step S605). As a result, the approver can confirm what the print data is.

  Further, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 inputs, for example, an approval instruction that is input when the approval button 1004 of the print data approval screen 1000 is pressed or a rejection instruction that is input when the reject button 1005 is pressed. If accepted (YES in step S606), the input approval / denial information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 (step S607). Here, the print data ID and approval / denial information are transmitted as a set so that the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 can identify which print data is approved or rejected.

  When the approval / disapproval information is received from the client apparatus 102 (step S628), the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives from the client apparatus 102 the approval / disapproval 1509 of the bibliographic information of the print data for which the approval / disapproval information is accepted. It is updated according to the approval / denial information (step S629).

  If the information received from the client apparatus 102 is information that denies printing of the print data (YES in step S630), the rejected print data is deleted from the HDD 304 (step S631). An e-mail is sent to the user who has executed printing of the print data, that is, to the user registered in the user 1502 of the bibliographic information of the print data that printing of the print data is denied. Etc. (step S632).

  If NO is determined in step S630, or after the process of step S632 is completed, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 acquires bibliographic information of unprocessed print data that has not been given an approval instruction or a denial instruction by the approver ( Step S633). After that, using the bibliographic information acquired in step S633, screen information for displaying the list information of print data to be approved by the user (approver) is generated, and the client apparatus 102 that has issued the print data approval request. (Step S634).

  When the screen information is received from the image forming apparatus 101, the client apparatus 102 performs screen display according to the screen information on the display apparatus (step S608).

  Thereafter, if it is determined that a print approval processing end instruction has not been received from the user operating the client apparatus 102 (NO in step S609), the process proceeds to step S603. If an end instruction is accepted (YES in step S609), the process ends. The above is the detailed description of the print approval process of the present invention.

  Next, the details of the printing process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101.

  First, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 performs an authentication process for a user who uses the image forming apparatus (step S701). At this time, for example, an input of a user ID and a password is accepted, and user authentication using the information is performed, or information on the IC card is read by the card reader 319 and user authentication is performed based on the information. Of course, this user authentication process may be performed by installing an authentication server (not shown) and allowing the authentication server to perform the process.

  Then, the bibliographic information of the print data transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 is acquired when the user specified by the user authentication process in step S701 issues a print instruction on the client apparatus 102 (step S702).

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether there is print data that has been rejected, that is, print data in which the approval / disapproval 1509 is denied in the bibliographic information acquired in step S702 (step S703). If it is determined that there is print data rejected in this determination process (YES), the process proceeds to step S704, and a message indicating that the print data is rejected is displayed. At this time, for example, by displaying a screen such as a denial acceptance dialog 1400 shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to make the user recognize which print data has been denied.

  After displaying the message in step S704, the bibliographic information is deleted from the bibliographic information data table of the rejected print data (step S705).

  If NO is determined in step S703, or if the processing in step S705 ends, the CPU 301 advances the processing to step S706, and displays a list of print data on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308. At this time, the print instruction screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the LCD display unit.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the print instruction screen 1100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1101 denotes a user display column, which is a display column for displaying user information of a user specified by performing the authentication process in step S701.

  A print data list display field 1102 displays a list of print data of the user. Items displayed here include document name (1102-1), print setting (1102-2), paper size (1102-3), number of pages (1102-4), transmission date and time (1102-5), There is approval (1102-6).

  When “O” is displayed in the approval 1102-6, it means that the print data does not need to be approved or the print data has already been approved. If “x” is displayed, the print data needs to be approved by the approver to perform the print output, but the approval process by the approver has not yet been performed (that is, the approval is not performed). Is waiting).

  A print data selection check box 1103 is a check box for selecting print data for issuing a print instruction or requesting approval. A selection cancel button 1104 is a button used to cancel the selection of the print data selection check box 1103.

  A print button 1105 is a button used to input a print instruction for selected print data. If the print data selected using the print data selection check box 1103 does not include print data that has been approved, the print button 1105 is grayed out and a print instruction cannot be issued.

  The approval request button 1106 is a button used to input an approval request instruction for selected print data. If unapproved print data is not included in the print data selected using the print data selection check box 1103, the approval request button 1106 is grayed out and an approval request instruction cannot be issued.

  A logout button 1107 is a button used to input a user logout instruction. In addition to this, it is of course possible to provide a delete button for instructing to delete print data. In this case, when an instruction to delete unapproved print data is received, the print data is deleted and a notification that the print data requiring approval has been deleted is sent to the approver of the print data. Become. The above is an example of the configuration of the print instruction screen 1100.

  Returning to the description of FIG. By displaying the print instruction screen 1100 in step S706 to display a list of print data, a print data selection instruction is accepted via the screen (step S707). When a print instruction input by receiving an instruction to press the print button 1105 on the print instruction screen 1100 is received (YES in step S708), the selected print data output process is performed (step S709). Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG. After the print data output process in step S709 is completed, the process proceeds to step S707, and the subsequent processes are performed.

  When an approval request instruction input by receiving an instruction to press the approval request button 1106 on the print instruction screen 1100 is received (YES in step S710), an approval request process is performed on the selected print data (step S711). . Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG. After the approval request process for the print data in step S711 is completed, the process proceeds to step S707, and the subsequent processes are performed.

  The above processing is repeatedly executed until a logout instruction input by receiving an instruction to press the logout button 1107 in the print instruction screen 1100 is received (until YES is determined in step S712). The above is the details of the printing process of the present invention.

  Next, details of the print data output process in step S709 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. This processing is performed by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101.

  The CPU 301 performs the processing from step S801 to step S804 for all print data for which a print instruction has been received.

  First, the CPU 301 acquires print data for which a print instruction has been received from the HDD 304 (step S801). Then, the obtained print data is printed out (step S802).

  After the print output is completed, the print data stored in the HDD 304 is deleted (step S803), and the bibliographic information of the print data is also deleted (step S804).

  After executing the processes in steps S801 to S804 for all the print data for which the print instruction has been received, the CPU 301 advances the process to step S805 and updates the display of the print data list. In this update process, the print data that has been printed out is removed from the print data list. The above is the details of the print data output process in step S709 of FIG.

  Next, details of the approval request process in step S711 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 (executes the processes of steps S901 to S915) and the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 used by the approver of print data (executes the processes of steps S921 to S923). This is a process to be performed.

  When receiving the approval request from the user, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 displays an approval request screen shown in FIG. 12 on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 (step S901).

  Here, an example of the configuration of the approval request screen 1200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1201 denotes a radio button that is selected when an approval request is made to an approver already registered in the bibliographic information. Reference numeral 1202 denotes a radio button that is selected when an approval request is made to the proxy approver, not the approver already registered in the bibliographic information.

  A proxy approver input field 1203 is an input field for receiving an input from the proxy approver when the radio button 1202 is selected.

  An approval request button 1204 is a button used to input a print data approval request instruction. When the radio button 1201 is selected, image formation is performed for the approver registered in the bibliographic information. When the radio button 1202 is selected, image formation is performed for the proxy approver entered in the proxy approver input field 1203. The CPU 301 of the apparatus 101 notifies the approval request using e-mail or the like.

  Reference numeral 1205 denotes a cancel button which is used to end the display of this screen without making an approval request. The above is an example of the configuration of the approval request screen 1200.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After displaying the approval request screen 1200 in step S901, the CPU 301 determines whether to approve the proxy approver depending on whether the radio button 1201 or the radio button 1202 on the approval request screen 1200 is selected. (Step S902).

  If the CPU 301 determines NO in the determination process of step S902, the process proceeds to step S905. On the other hand, if NO is determined in the determination process of step S902, the process proceeds to step S903, and the input of the proxy approver is accepted. This proxy approver input is performed in the proxy approver input field 1203 of the approval request screen 1200. Then, the input proxy approver is additionally registered in the bibliographic information approver 1508 (step S904).

  Thereafter, an approval request is transmitted to the approver or proxy approver using e-mail or the like (step S905). At this time, if NO is determined in step S902, the approver registered in the bibliographic information approver 1508 is notified to the approver registered in the bibliographic information approver 1508. If YES is determined in step S902, the bibliographic information approver 1508 is determined in step S904. It will be sent to the proxy approver who has additionally registered. Of course, the approval request may be made not only for the proxy approver but also for the approver originally registered in the bibliographic information.

  When the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 receives an approval request from the image forming apparatus 101 (step S921), the CPU 201 receives an approval or denial input for the print data (step S922). Also in this case, as already described with reference to FIG. 6, the approval / denial input is accepted using the print data approval screen 1000 in FIG. 10. Then, the accepted approval / disapproval input information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 together with an ID for specifying print data (step S923).

  When the approval / disapproval input information for the print data from the client apparatus 102 is received from the client apparatus 102 (step S906), the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 performs step S907 for all the print data for which the approval / disapproval input has been received. Step S915 is executed.

  First, the approval / denial instruction input for the print data is registered in the bibliographic information approval / denial 1509 of the print data for which the approval / denial input instruction is accepted (step S907). Thereafter, it is determined whether the received input instruction is approval or disapproval (step S908).

  If the determination process in step S908 determines approval, the process proceeds to step S909, and whether the user who made the approval request for the print data using the image forming apparatus 101 is still logged in to the image forming apparatus. Determine.

  If it is determined in step S909 that login is in progress (YES), the process proceeds to step S910, and the approval acceptance dialog shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308. By displaying the approval reception dialog 1300, the user is notified that the approval processing for the print data for which the approval request has been made has been performed. Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 executes print data output processing for the print data for which approval has been accepted (step S911). The details of this print data output processing are as already described with reference to FIG. With this configuration, when the user accepts the approval for the print data for which the approval request has been made before logging out, the user need not give a print instruction for the print data.

  If it is determined in step S908 that the rejection is accepted, the process proceeds to step S912, and the rejected print data is deleted from the HDD 304. Thereafter, it is determined whether the user who has performed the approval request process is logging in to the image forming apparatus (step S913).

  If the CPU 301 determines YES in step S913, the process proceeds to step S914, and a denial acceptance dialog shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308. Thereafter, the bibliographic information of the rejected print data is deleted from the bibliographic information data table (step S915). The above is the detailed description of the approval request process in step S711 in FIG.

  With the above configuration, when the user operates the image forming apparatus to issue a print instruction for print data, an approval request is issued from the image forming apparatus for print data for which an approval / denial instruction has not yet been issued. It becomes possible to do.

  At that time, if approval is not possible, such as when the approver leaves or leaves the office, a proxy approver can be set and an approval request can be sent to the proxy approver. is there.

  Further, if the user (the user who is logged in to the image forming apparatus) accepts the approval for the print data requested by the image forming apparatus before logging out, the user again issues a print instruction for the print data. Printing is started even if it is not performed. This leads to reduction of the operation load by the user.

The present invention can be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like, and can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. You may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus. The user authentication function of the image forming apparatus 101 of the present invention may be installed in an authentication server. Further, the print data storage process of the image forming apparatus 101 of the present invention may be installed in a file server.

  Note that the present invention includes a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely from a system or apparatus. The present invention also includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the downloaded key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

101 Image forming apparatus 102 Client apparatus 103 LAN
201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 System Bus 205 Input Controller 206 Video Controller 207 Memory Controller 208 Communication Interface (I / F) Controller 209 Input Device 210 Display Device 211 External Memory 301 CPU
302 RAM
303 ROM
304 Hard disk drive (HDD)
305 Network interface (I / F)
306 Modem 307 Operation unit interface (I / F)
308 Operation unit 309 System bus 310 RIP
311 Printer interface (I / F)
312 Printer 313 Scanner Interface (I / F)
314 Scanner 315 Image bus 316 Controller unit 317 Image processing unit 318 External interface (I / F)
319 Card Reader 320 Image Bus Interface (I / F)

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus that prints out print data stored in a storage device,
Receiving means for receiving print data transmitted from the client device;
Storage means for storing print data received by the receiving means in a storage device;
Creating means for creating bibliographic information including user information that issued a print instruction for the print data and information relating to print approval / denial for the print data;
First notifying means for notifying the print data approver of an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data;
First accepting means for accepting an instruction to approve / deny print data from the approver;
Updating means for updating information relating to approval / denial according to the approval / denial instruction received by the first accepting means;
Identifying means for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
Display control means for displaying list data of print data corresponding to the user on a display unit based on the bibliographic information data including user information of the user specified by the specifying means;
Second accepting means for accepting selection of print data from the list data displayed by the display control means;
A print control unit that prints out the print data when the information about the approval / denial of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received by the second reception unit is print approval;
When the information on the approval / disapproval of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received by the second receiving means is print approval, the print data approver is in accordance with an operation instruction by the user using the image forming apparatus. A second notification means for notifying an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data,
An image forming apparatus comprising: A third accepting means for accepting the input of the proxy approver;
The second notification unit notifies the proxy approver who has received an input by the third reception unit of an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of print data. Image forming apparatus. A login unit that performs a login process as a user who uses the image forming apparatus, the user specified by the specifying unit;
Logout means for performing logout processing of the user who performed the login processing;
Second accepting means for accepting an approval / denial instruction transmitted from the client device in response to an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of print data by the second notifying means;
The second receiving means further comprises first determining means for determining whether the user using the image forming apparatus has accepted the approval / denial instruction before the logout means performs logout processing;
The print control means receives the selection by the second selection means when the first determination means determines that the user has accepted the approval / disapproval instruction before logout processing is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a special steel is used. A second determination unit that determines whether the print data is print data that requires approval for printing;
The first notifying unit notifies an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data when the second determination unit determines that the print data is print data that requires approval. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that prints out print data stored in a storage device,
A receiving step of receiving print data transmitted from the client device;
A storage step of storing the print data received in the reception step in a storage device;
A creation step of creating bibliographic information including user information that issued a print instruction for the print data and information relating to print approval / denial for the print data;
A first notification step of notifying an approver of the print data of an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data;
A first accepting step for accepting an instruction to approve / deny the print data from the approver;
An update process for updating information on approval / disapproval according to the approval / disapproval instruction received in the first reception process;
A specific step of identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
A display control step of displaying a list of print data corresponding to the user on a display unit based on the bibliographic information data including the user information of the user specified in the specifying step;
A second receiving step for receiving selection of print data from the list data displayed in the display control step;
A print control step for performing print output of the print data when the information on the approval / denial of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received in the second reception step is print approval;
When the information on the approval / disapproval of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received in the second reception process is the approval of printing, the approver of the print data according to the operation instruction by the user using the image forming apparatus A second notification step for notifying an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data,
An image forming apparatus control method comprising: An image forming apparatus that prints out print data stored in a storage device.
Receiving means for receiving print data transmitted from the client device;
Storage means for storing print data received by the receiving means in a storage device;
Creating means for creating bibliographic information including user information that issued a print instruction for the print data and information relating to print approval / denial for the print data;
First notifying means for notifying the print data approver of an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data;
First accepting means for accepting an instruction to approve / deny print data from the approver;
Updating means for updating information relating to approval / denial according to the approval / denial instruction received by the first accepting means;
Identifying means for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
Display control means for displaying list data of print data corresponding to the user on a display unit based on the bibliographic information data including user information of the user specified by the specifying means;
Second accepting means for accepting selection of print data from the list data displayed by the display control means;
A print control unit that prints out the print data when the information about the approval / denial of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received by the second reception unit is print approval;
When the information on the approval / disapproval of the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received by the second receiving means is print approval, the print data approver is in accordance with an operation instruction by the user using the image forming apparatus. , A computer program that functions as second notification means for notifying an instruction request for approval / denial of printing of the print data.

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