JP2017140750A - Image formation device, program, and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device in which a security job is not visually recognized by other users.SOLUTION: A travel locus calculation part 20 which an image formation device includes samples a position of an output permission user being authenticated, to calculate a travel locus of the output permission user. A printing start possibility calculation part 21, based on security job and a travel locus of the output permission user present in a detection possible region, calculates printing start possibility. An image formation control part 22, in a case where the print start possibility is at least a threshold value used for determining permission of an image formation process made by an image formation part 10, performs control for making the image formation part 10 start the image formation process based on the security job issued by the output permission user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

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

  There is an image forming apparatus having a security printing function for preventing information leakage due to a printed matter output to a paper discharge tray being taken away or looked into by others. In this image forming apparatus, when an output permitted user who permits execution of printing related to a print job is set in advance in the print job, and the authentication apparatus attached to the image forming apparatus authenticates the output permitted user, the image forming apparatus Increases security by starting printing related to a print job. A print job in which an output-permitted user causes the image forming apparatus to perform security printing is referred to as a “security job”.

  Conventionally, an output-permitted user performs an authentication operation in front of an image forming apparatus in order to ensure security during printing by a security job. As this authentication operation, for example, a method in which personal identification information of an IC (Integrated Circuit) card held by an output-permitted user is read by a card reader attached to the image forming apparatus has been used. As described above, since the output permitted user is authenticated in front of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can perform printing based on the security job in a state where the output permitted user is in front of the image forming apparatus. Since the output permitted user can take out the printed material with high security immediately, the problem that the printed material reaches the hands of users other than the output permitted user is prevented.

  However, the output permitted user must wait in front of the image forming apparatus until printing based on the security job is completed. This is because if another user is near the image forming apparatus, the security is impaired at the moment when the printed matter is discharged to the discharge tray. In addition, since the image forming apparatus starts printing based on the security job from the time when the authentication apparatus authenticates the output permitted user, the printing time required for completion of printing becomes long, and the output permitted user prints in front of the image forming apparatus. The waiting time for waiting for completion also becomes longer.

  In order to shorten the waiting time of the output-permitted user, for example, there is a method in which an output-permitted user who has approached a certain distance from the image forming apparatus remotely logs in to the image forming apparatus using wireless communication. Even when the output permitted user is away from the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus automatically starts printing based on the security job issued by the output permitted user by remote login. Since the security job printing is completed to some extent when the output-permitted user reaches the image forming apparatus, the waiting time of the output-permitted user is shortened. As technologies for allowing an output-permitted user to remotely log in as described above, technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below are known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the operation of an information processing device based on a calculation result of a relative distance and a relative distance variation with respect to an identification information transmission device possessed by a user when the user approaches within a specified distance of the multifunction peripheral. Is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which an information server determines a warm-up start distance from a typical walking speed of a person and a warm-up time necessary for image formation preparation of a multifunction machine.

JP 2011-41132 A JP 2010-135993 A

  Conventionally, even when an output-permitted user approaches the image forming apparatus without intending to start printing, printing based on the security job is automatically started by remotely logging in to the image forming apparatus. However, when the output-permitted user moves away from the image forming apparatus, the output-permitted user does not notice that printing based on the security job has been performed. When printing based on a security job is performed without the user's knowledge, if another user is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, another user can visually recognize the printed matter, and the security performance of the security printing is reduced.

  Even if the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used, if an output-permitted user approaches the image forming apparatus unintentionally, printing based on a security job is performed from the image forming apparatus. Printing security will be reduced. In addition, with the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to set the threshold of the starting distance only to a fixed value. For this reason, there is a case where a waiting time is required until an output-permitted user who goes to the image forming apparatus acquires a printed matter.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and when an output-permitted user intentionally heads for an image forming apparatus while preventing printing from being started from an image-forming apparatus not intended by the output-permitted user. Aims to reduce the waiting time until the printed material is obtained.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a job acquisition unit that acquires a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by a user;
An image forming unit that performs an image forming process for forming an image on a sheet based on a print job;
A user detection unit for detecting a user existing in the detectable area;
A user determination unit that determines whether the user detected by the user detection unit is an output-permitted user who issued a print job or a user other than the output-permitted user;
An authentication unit for authenticating an output permitted user determined by the user determination unit;
Sampling the position of the output-permitted user authenticated by the authentication unit, and calculating the movement locus of the output-permitted user;
A process start possibility calculating unit that calculates a process start possibility indicating the possibility of starting the image forming process based on the movement locus of the output-permitted user existing in the detectable area and the print job;
In a process start area where the image forming unit can start the image forming process when the processing start possibility is equal to or higher than a threshold value used for determining whether or not the image forming process to be performed by the image forming unit is possible. An image forming control unit that controls the image forming unit to start an image forming process based on a print job issued by an existing output-permitted user.
An image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a terminal device that transmits user identification information for identifying a user, and a user detection unit of the image forming apparatus is transmitted from the terminal device. Receiving the transmission radio wave of the user identification information, the user existing in the detectable area is detected.

According to the present invention, when the output permitted user unintentionally enters the start start area, the image forming process by the image forming apparatus is not performed. On the other hand, when the output permitted user intentionally approaches the image forming apparatus, an image forming process is performed by the image forming apparatus. Since the image forming process is completed when the output-permitted user reaches the image forming apparatus, the output-permitted user can acquire the printed matter without waiting time. For this reason, the security of security printing can be improved.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the user detection distance of the detectable area | region which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, the starting start distance of a starting start area | region, and a user distance. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which the output permission user based on one embodiment of this invention unintentionally entered into the starting start area. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which the output permission user based on one embodiment of this invention unintentionally entered into the starting start area, and the example which entered into the starting start area intentionally. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main body of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the job number distance conversion table according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the job type distance conversion table which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the user distance and radio field intensity which concern on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the threshold value variation factor table according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the movement locus | trajectory of the output permission user which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of distance dependency possibility and angle dependency possibility which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the distance dependence possibility which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the angle dependence possibility which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the printing start possibility and threshold value which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the printing start possibility after threshold value fluctuation | variation and the threshold value which concern on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the starting start distance setting process of step S2 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the threshold value fluctuation process of step S3 of FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same function or configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[One Embodiment]
<Schematic Configuration Example of Image Forming System 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the user detection distance D1 of the detectable area A1, the activation start distance D2 of the activation start area A2, and the user distance L.

  The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, PC (Personal Computer) terminals P1 and P2, and a terminal apparatus 4 held by an output permitted user U1. The image forming apparatus 2 and the PC terminals P1 and P2 are connected through a network N such as a wireless or wired LAN (Local Area Network).

  The PC terminal P1 (an example of a communication terminal) is operated by an output-permitted user U1 who issues a security job J1. The security job J1 is a print job in which use of the security printing function is set. The security job J1 is not executed by the image forming apparatus 2 unless the login authorization of the output permitted user U1 is performed. For this reason, the security job J <b> 1 starts printing processing by the image forming apparatus 2 after the output-permitted user U <b> 1 logs in to the image forming apparatus 2 remotely. In the following description, the output permitted user U1 who has issued the security job J1 is referred to as the owner of the security job J1. The security job J1 includes an owner ID, and this owner ID matches the user ID (an example of user identification information) of the output permitted user U1. The printing process includes an image forming process performed by the image forming apparatus main body 3 and a post process performed by the post-processing apparatus FN, but only the image forming process is referred to as a printing process.

The PC terminal P2 (an example of a communication terminal) is operated by another user U2 who issues a normal job J2. The normal job J2 is executed by the image forming apparatus 2 even if the login authentication of the other user U2 is not performed. Therefore, the normal job J2 is printed by the image forming apparatus 2 as soon as it is issued by the PC terminal P2. The other user U2 who issued the normal job J2 is called the owner of the normal job J2. The regular job J2 also includes an owner ID, and this owner ID matches the user ID of the other user U2.
In the following description, when the security job J1 and the normal job J2 are not distinguished, they are called “print jobs”.

  The image forming apparatus 2 performs predetermined post-processing on an image forming apparatus main body 3 that forms an image on a sheet and a sheet on which an image discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 3 is formed (also referred to as “printed material”). And a processing device FN (an example of a post-processing unit). Detailed configuration examples and processing examples of the image forming apparatus main body 3 and the post-processing apparatus FN will be described later. Then, an image is formed by the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the paper that has been post-processed by the post-processing device FN is discharged to the paper discharge tray 14. The output permitted user U1 and the other user U2 can acquire the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 14. When the image forming apparatus 2 is not provided with the post-processing apparatus FN, the paper discharge tray 14 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 3.

  The terminal device 4 is a portable terminal device that is owned and used by each user, such as a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a mobile phone. The terminal device 4 is connected to a wireless communication unit 35 (see FIG. 6 described later) of the image forming apparatus main body 3 by communication connection of short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark), or the like. Communicate with each other. For example, the terminal device 4 wirelessly transmits a user ID or the like for identifying the user to the wireless communication unit 35, and the wireless communication unit 35 wirelessly receives the user identification information from the terminal device 4.

  In the image forming apparatus 2, a substantially hemispherical detectable area A1 centered on the image forming apparatus 2 and a start start area A2 are set. However, in the figure, the detectable area A1 and the activation start area A2 are two-dimensionally displayed. Here, the distance from the paper discharge tray 14 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the output permitted user U1 (terminal device 4) is represented as a user distance L. The user distance L is not limited to the paper discharge tray 14 and may be a distance from an arbitrary position of the image forming apparatus 2 to the output permitted user U1 (terminal device 4).

  The detectable area A1 is a substantially circular area centered on the image forming apparatus 2 and having a user detection distance D1 shown in FIG. The user detection distance D1 allows the user detection unit 17 (see FIG. 6 described later) of the image forming apparatus main body 3 to detect that the output permitted user U1 or another user U2 has approached the image forming apparatus 2. Distance. Whether or not the output-permitted user U1 or the other user U2 is in the detectable area A1 is determined by whether or not the user distance L of the output-permitted user U1 or the other user U2 is less than the user detection distance D1.

  The activation start area A2 is a substantially circular area centered on the image forming apparatus 2 (for example, the paper discharge tray 14) and having a radius of the activation start distance D2 (an example of the processing start distance). The activation start distance D2 used as an example of the process start distance is used when the security of printed matter discharged to the discharge tray 14 is ensured when the output authorized user U1 who has been authenticated for login approaches the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the distance is permitted to start printing related to the print job. When the output permitted user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2 to the activation start distance D2 and enters the activation start area A2, the image forming apparatus 2 that is in the power saving mode starts to be activated. Whether or not the output permitted user U1 is in the activation start area A2 is determined by whether or not the user distance L of the output permitted user U1 is less than the activation start distance D2.

  When the output permitted user U1 enters the activation start area A2, the output permitted user U1 logs in remotely to the image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 2 starts to be activated. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2 starts a printing process based on the security job J1.

  The image forming apparatus 2 changes the activation start distance D2 according to the number of pages to be printed by the print job, the number of copies, the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 2, and the like. The activation start distance D2 set when the output permitted user U1 reaches the user detection distance D1 is a value different from the user detection distance D1.

Here, a case where the output permitted user U1 who issued the security job J1 unintentionally enters the activation start area A2 will be described.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the output permitted user U1 has unintentionally entered the activation start area A2.

  Assume that the output permitted user U1 moves while holding the terminal device 4 after issuing the security job J1. The movement of the output permitted user U1 is shown as a movement locus R1 in the drawing. Here, it is assumed that the output-permitted user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2 without approaching the image forming apparatus 2 and does not intend to acquire the printed matter. However, the detectable area A1 and the activation start area A2 are areas set around the image forming apparatus 2, and the output-permitted user U1 cannot visually recognize each area. For this reason, if the output-permitted user U1 unintentionally enters the detectable area A1, the image forming apparatus 2 is remotely logged in. Further, when the output permitted user U1 unintentionally enters the start start area A2, the image forming apparatus 2 starts the printing process of the security job J1. For this reason, as shown in the movement locus R1, even if the output permitted user U1 enters the activation start area A2 and then exits from the activation start area A2 without approaching the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 2 performs the printing process. The printed matter is discharged to the paper discharge tray 14. In this case, the security of security printing is degraded.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the output permitted user U1 who issued the security job J1 is approaching the image forming apparatus 2, and the print start possibility P of the security job J1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. It is possible to determine whether or not. The print start possibility P is a value used to determine whether or not the output-permitted user U1 is intentionally approaching the image forming apparatus 2. When the output-permitted user U1 is intentionally approaching the image forming apparatus 2, the print start possibility P is increased, and when the output-permitted user U1 is unintentionally approaching the image forming apparatus 2, The printing start possibility P is lowered. The process for calculating the print start possibility P of the security job J1 will be described later.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the output permitted user U1 has unintentionally entered the activation start area A2, and an example in which the output permitted user U1 has intentionally entered the activation start area A2.

  Here, the movement locus R2 when the output permitted user U1 intends to approach the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. The image forming apparatus 2 can obtain the movement trajectories R1 and R2 by sampling the position of the output permitted user U1 from the time when the output permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1. The image forming apparatus 2 has a function of calculating the print start possibility P from the movement trajectories R1 and R2. When the print start possibility P reaches a certain threshold value, the print processing of the security job J1 is performed. To start. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 does not start the printing process of the security job J1 when the output permitted user U1 moves along the movement locus R1, and the security job J1 when the output permission user U1 moves along the movement locus R2. It becomes possible to start the printing process of J1.

FIG. 4 also shows a movement locus R3 when the output permitted user U1 moves straight toward the image forming apparatus 2. Also in this case, the image forming apparatus 2 starts the printing process of the security job J1 from the time when the output permitted user U1 enters the activation start area A2. The contents corresponding to the movement locus R3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Next, a specific configuration example of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.

<Example of Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 2.

The image forming apparatus 2 includes an image forming apparatus main body 3 and a post-processing apparatus FN.
The image forming apparatus main body 3 employs an electrophotographic method for forming an image using static electricity. For example, toners of four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) are used. Processing for forming a color image in which images are superimposed is possible. The image forming apparatus main body 3 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 5, an operation panel 6, a paper feeding unit 7, an image forming unit 10, an intermediate transfer belt 11 (image carrier), and secondary transfer. Part 12 and fixing part 13.

  The automatic document feeder 5 automatically feeds a document when the document is read. A scanner 45 (see FIG. 6 described later) provided in the automatic document feeder 5 is automatically conveyed by a document placed on the upper platen glass of the image forming apparatus main body 3 or by the automatic document feeder 5. The original image can be read.

  The operation panel 6 has a function as an operation unit 41 (see FIG. 6 described later) for instructing start of a job such as an image forming process. The operation panel 6 is provided with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The LCD is composed of a touch panel, and can be operated by the output permitted user U1 or another user U2 and various information can be displayed. The LCD also serves as an operation unit 41 and a display unit 42 shown in FIG.

  The paper feed unit 7 includes a plurality of paper storage units according to the size and type of paper. In the paper feeding unit 7, when a corresponding paper storage unit is selected based on an instruction from the image forming apparatus main body 3, the paper is taken out from the paper storage unit and sent to the conveyance path C.

  The image forming unit 10 includes four image forming units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K in order to form toner images of each color of Y, M, C, and K. The image forming unit 10 controls the operations of the image forming units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K of the image forming unit 10 to form Y, M, C, and K toner images. In addition, the image forming apparatus main body 3 includes a plurality of rollers (conveyance rollers) for conveying the sheet to the conveyance path C. These rollers are usually constituted by a pair of rollers.

  In the image forming mode, the image forming apparatus main body 3 charges the photosensitive member included in the image forming units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, erases the charge, and exposes it to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member. Then, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent images on the Y, M, C, and K photoconductors using a developing unit to form toner images of the respective colors. Next, the toner images formed on the Y, M, C, and K photoconductors are sequentially primary-transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 11 that rotates in the direction of the arrow.

  Next, the toner images of the respective colors primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 11 by the secondary transfer unit 12 (secondary transfer roller) are secondarily applied to the sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 7 and conveyed by the roller. Transcript. Each color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11 is secondarily transferred to a sheet to form a color image. The image forming apparatus main body 3 conveys the sheet on which the color toner image is formed to the fixing unit 13.

  The fixing unit 13 is a device that performs a fixing process on a sheet on which a color toner image is formed. The fixing unit 13 pressurizes and heats the conveyed paper, and fixes the transferred toner image on the paper. The fixing unit 13 includes, for example, an upper fixing roller and a lower fixing roller (not shown) that are fixing members. The upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller are arranged in pressure contact with each other, and a fixing nip portion is formed as a pressing portion between the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller.

  A heating unit (not shown) is provided inside the fixing upper roller. The roller part at the outer peripheral part of the fixing upper roller is heated by the radiant heat from the heating part. The sheet is conveyed to the fixing nip so that the surface on which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer unit 12 (fixing target surface) faces the fixing upper roller. The sheet passing through the fixing nip is subjected to pressure by the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller, and heating by the heat of the upper fixing roller. The sheet on which the fixing process has been performed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged to the post-processing device FN.

  The post-processing device FN includes, for example, a paper folding device FN1, a cutting device FN2, a stapling device FN3, and a bookbinding device FN4.

  The paper folding device FN1 performs paper folding processing on the paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 3 as necessary, and discharges it to the next cutting device FN2. Specifically, when the execution of the paper folding process is set for the print job, the paper folding apparatus FN1 performs the paper folding process and then discharges it to the cutting apparatus FN2. On the other hand, if the execution of the paper folding process is not set for the print job, the paper folding apparatus FN1 does not perform the paper folding process and directly outputs it to the cutting apparatus FN2.

  The cutting device FN2 performs a cutting process on the paper conveyed from the paper folding device FN1 as necessary, and discharges the paper to the next stapling device FN3. Specifically, when the cutting process is set to be executed for the print job, the cutting apparatus FN2 performs the cutting process, and then discharges it to the stapling apparatus FN3. On the other hand, when the execution of the cutting process is not set for the print job, the cutting apparatus FN2 does not perform the cutting process and discharges it as it is to the stapling apparatus FN3.

  The stapling device FN3 performs a stapling process on the paper conveyed from the cutting device FN2 as necessary, and discharges the paper to the next bookbinding device FN4. Specifically, when the execution of stapling is set for the print job, the stapling device FN3 performs stapling and then discharges it to the bookbinding device FN4. On the other hand, when the execution of stapling is not set for the print job, the stapling device FN3 does not perform stapling and discharges it as it is to the bookbinding device FN4.

The bookbinding device FN4 performs bookbinding processing on the paper conveyed from the stapling device FN3 as necessary, and discharges the paper onto the paper discharge tray. Specifically, the bookbinding apparatus FN4 discharges the booklet to the discharge tray 14 after performing the bookbinding process when execution of the bookbinding process is set for the print job. On the other hand, if the execution of the bookbinding process is not set for the print job, the bookbinding apparatus FN4 does not perform the bookbinding process and discharges it to the paper discharge tray 14 as it is.
In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 that forms a color image is illustrated, but an image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image may be used.

<Schematic configuration example of image forming apparatus main body>
Next, a schematic configuration example of the image forming apparatus main body 3 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 3.

  The image forming apparatus body 3 is a so-called MFP (Multi Function Printer) having a copy function, a scan function, a print function, and the like. The copy function is a function for optically reading a document and printing a duplicate image on paper. The scan function is a function of saving image data of a read original as a file or transmitting the image data to the PC terminals P1 and P2 through the network N. The print function is a function that prints a document or image on a sheet based on a print job received from the outside through the network N or the like and outputs it.

  The image forming apparatus main body 3 stores print jobs input from the PC terminals P1 and P2. Since the image forming apparatus main body 3 automatically starts printing of the print job when the output-permitted user U1 enters the start start area A2, the security of the printed matter discharged to the discharge tray 14 is increased. Can be secured.

  The image forming apparatus main body 3 includes a control unit 15 that comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 3. The control unit 15 executes various processes by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 15 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 31, a nonvolatile memory 32, a hard disk device 33, a network controller 34, a wireless communication unit 35, an operation panel 6, and a print interface 43 via a bus. The reading interface 44 and the like are connected. The print interface 43 is connected to the image forming unit 10. A scanner 45 is connected to the reading interface 44.

  The control unit 15 is based on an OS (Operating System) program and executes programs such as middleware and application programs. The processing of each unit executed by the control unit 15 will be described later.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 30, and each function of the image forming apparatus main body 3 is realized by the control unit 15 executing processes according to these programs. The ROM 30 also includes a job number distance conversion table Ta1 shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, a job type distance conversion table Ta2 shown in FIG. 8, a radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3 corresponding to the characteristic diagram shown in FIG. A threshold fluctuation factor table Ta4 shown in FIG. In addition, the ROM 30 stores user IDs, passwords, and the like for the output-permitted user U1 and other users U2 to log in to the image forming apparatus 2.

The RAM 31 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the control unit 15 executes a program. The RAM 31 temporarily stores the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 16.
Various settings are stored in the nonvolatile memory 32.
The hard disk device 33 stores print jobs received by the network controller 34.

The network controller 34 receives print jobs from the PC terminals P1 and P2 through the network N under the control of the job acquisition unit 16.
As described above, the wireless communication unit 35 communicates with the terminal device 4 through a short-range wireless communication connection using Bluetooth, WiFi, or the like. And the radio | wireless communication part 35 can measure the field intensity (reception signal intensity | strength) of the electromagnetic wave which the terminal device 4 transmits user ID. The radio field intensity of the terminal device 4 measured by the wireless communication unit 35 is sent to the user detection unit 17 in the control unit 15.

The operation panel 6 includes an operation unit 41 and a display unit 42.
The operation unit 41 includes various operation switches such as a start button, a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 42, and the like. The touch panel detects a coordinate position pressed with a touch pen or a finger. Further, a flick operation, a drag operation, an operation on a scroll bar, and the like are detected.
The display unit 42 is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and fulfills a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like.
The operation unit 41 may be configured with a mouse, a tablet, or the like, and may be configured separately from the display unit 42.

The image forming unit 10 is connected to the print interface 43.
The image forming unit 10 performs image forming processing for forming an image on a sheet based on the print job acquired by the job acquiring unit 16 under the control of the image forming control unit 22.

  Connected to the reading interface 44 is a scanner 45 that functions to optically read a document and acquire image data. The scanner 45 includes, for example, a line image sensor, a moving unit, an optical path, a conversion unit, and the like. The line image sensor reads a document for one line in the width direction by receiving a light source for irradiating light to the document and the reflected light. The moving unit sequentially moves the reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document. The optical path is composed of a lens, a mirror, or the like that forms an image by guiding the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor. The conversion unit converts the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data.

  Here, a configuration example of each unit included in the control unit 15 will be described.

  The job acquisition unit 16 controls the network controller 34 to acquire the print job transmitted from the PC terminals P1 and P2 through the network controller 34.

The user detection unit 17 detects the terminal device 4 held by the user existing in the detectable area A <b> 1 when the wireless communication unit 35 performs short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 4. Then, the user detection unit 17 refers to the radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3 stored in the ROM 30 based on the received signal intensity of the radio wave transmitted by the terminal device 4 measured by the wireless communication unit 35, and the user distance L (See FIG. 2) is calculated.
Note that the user detection unit 17 may detect an absolute position such as a user's orientation and latitude / longitude with respect to the image forming apparatus 2.

  The user determining unit 18 determines whether the user in the detectable area A1 detected by the user detecting unit 17 is the output permitted user U1 who has issued the security job J1 or the other user U2 by the wireless communication unit 35. The determination is made based on the user information received from the terminal device 4.

  The login processing unit 19 (an example of an authentication unit) performs login authentication of the output permitted user U1 determined by the user determination unit 18. At this time, the login processing unit 19 can perform login authentication of the output-permitted user U1 by remote login based on the user ID of the output-permitted user U1 that has entered the detectable area A1.

  The login processing unit 19 compares the user ID and password input from the operation panel 6 with the user ID and password stored in the ROM 30, and performs login authentication of the output permitted user U1. Further, the login processing unit 19 can perform login authentication by receiving user information from an IC card or the like including an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) in which user information is registered. In addition, the login processing unit 19 determines that the user in the detectable area A1 is the other user U2 based on the user information received by the wireless communication unit 35 from the terminal device 4 held by the other user U2. In this case, it is possible to perform login authentication for the other user U2.

  The movement trajectory calculation unit 20 samples the position of the output permitted user U1 authenticated by the login processing unit 19, and calculates the movement trajectory of the output permission user U1. The movement locus of the output permitted user U1 is calculated based on, for example, the user distance L calculated by the user detection unit 17 and the direction of the output permission user U1 with respect to the image forming apparatus 2 detected by the user detection unit 17. The calculation process of the movement locus is performed while the output permitted user U1 is present in the detectable area A1. In addition, the movement locus | trajectory calculation part 20 complete | finishes the process which calculates the movement locus | trajectory of the output permission user U1, when the output permission user U1 exists in the detectable area | region A1 is more than predetermined time. The time measured by the time measuring unit 27 is used as the time during which the output permitted user U1 exists in the detectable area A1.

  The print start possibility calculating unit 21 (an example of the process start possibility calculating unit) starts the image forming process of the security job J1 based on the movement path of the output permitted user U1 and the security job J1 existing in the detectable area A1. The print start possibility P (an example of the process start possibility) is calculated. The calculation of the print start possibility P is performed based on the movement locus of the output permitted user U1 in the detectable area A1 calculated by the movement locus calculation unit 20. When the output permitted user U1 intentionally approaches the image forming apparatus 2, the print start possibility P is high, and when the output permitted user U1 unintentionally approaches the image forming apparatus 2, the print start possibility P is low. Become.

  Based on the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 16, the image formation control unit 22 activates the image forming unit 10 through the print interface 43 and performs control for causing the image forming unit 10 to perform image formation. The image formation control unit 22 compares the user distance L received from the user detection unit 17 with the activation start distance D2 calculated by the activation start distance calculation unit 24, and compares the print start possibility P with a threshold value. The threshold value is used to determine whether or not the image forming process that the image forming control unit 22 causes the image forming unit 10 to perform is performed.

  For example, the image formation control unit 22 is authenticated by the log-in processing unit 19, and when the print start possibility P of the output permitted user U1 existing in the start start area A2 defined by the start start distance D2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Control is performed to cause the image forming unit 10 to start image forming processing based on the security job J1 issued by the output permitted user U1. The image formation control unit 22 can also cause the image forming unit 10 to execute the normal job J2 without authentication by the login processing unit 19 when the other user U2 issues the normal job J2. Here, before causing the image forming unit 10 to perform image forming processing, the image forming control unit 22 activates the image forming unit 10 and starts warm-up. For example, when the image forming unit 10 is in the power saving mode, the temperature of the roller unit of the fixing unit 13 is lowered. Therefore, the image forming control unit 22 activates the image forming unit 10 in advance to warm the roller unit of the fixing unit 13 so that the image forming process can be performed on the paper.

  The post-processing control unit 23 activates the post-processing device FN based on the job type set for the print job determined by the job type determination unit 25, and causes the post-processing device FN to perform predetermined post-processing on the printed matter. The job type is a type in which a job type (for example, post-processing) performed on a sheet (printed material) on which an image is formed is set as a print job.

  An activation start distance calculation unit 24 (an example of a process start distance calculation unit) calculates an activation start distance D2 at which the image forming apparatus 2 is activated and starts an image formation process. The activation start distance D2 is a value calculated by the activation start distance calculation unit 24 based on post-processing performed by the post-processing device FN, and is calculated based on the job type determined by the job type determination unit 25. When the activation start distance calculation unit 24 calculates the activation start distance D2, the job number distance conversion table Ta1 or the job type distance conversion table Ta2 stored in the ROM 30 is referred to. The activation start distance D2 calculated by the activation start distance calculation unit 24 is stored in the RAM 31. As shown in the processing of FIG. 18 described later, the activation start distance D2 is based on the job number distance conversion table Ta1 (see FIG. 7 described later) and the job type distance conversion table Ta2 (see FIG. 8 described later). Is calculated.

  The job type determination unit 25 determines the job type set for the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 16. The job type includes, for example, types of post-processing (paper folding, cutting, stapling, bookbinding) performed on the paper on which the image is formed.

  The threshold value changing unit 26 determines the possibility that the output permitted user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2 based on the factors and factors set in the print job (especially the security job J1) acquired by the job acquisition unit 16. The process which fluctuates the threshold value of is performed. A factor is an event that changes a threshold value, and an element is a detailed factor. As shown in the process of FIG. 19 described later, the threshold value is changed based on the threshold value change coefficient read by the threshold value change unit 26 from the threshold value change factor table Ta4 (see FIG. 10 described later). For example, if the threshold fluctuates low, the print start possibility P tends to exceed the threshold that has become lower than before. Therefore, the image forming control unit 22 can cause the image forming unit 10 to start the image forming process at a timing earlier than the timing at which the image forming unit 10 starts the image forming process before the threshold value fluctuates. .

  The time measuring unit 27 measures the time that has elapsed since the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 samples the position of the output permitted user U1 and starts the process of calculating the movement trajectory. The time measured by the time measuring unit 27 is referred to by the movement trajectory calculating unit 20.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the job number distance conversion table Ta1.
The job number distance conversion table Ta1 is a table for managing the relationship between the number of sheets set in the print job (number of jobs) and the activation start distance D2 at which the image forming apparatus 2 starts activation in association with each other. . The number of jobs is the number of sheets on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2, and is one when an image is formed on only one side of the sheet, and when an image is formed on both sides of the sheet. Is two. The job number distance conversion table Ta1 includes a job number field indicating the number of sheets set for the job, and an activation start distance field indicating a distance at which the image forming apparatus 2 is activated.

  Then, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 sets the activation start distance acquired from the job number distance conversion table Ta1 based on the number of jobs included in the print job as the activation start distance D2. For example, when the number of print jobs is “1”, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “0.5 m”. The activation start distance calculation unit 24 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “1 m” when the number of print jobs is “2”. The reason why the start start distance D2 is set longer as the number of jobs is larger is that the time from the start to the end of the image forming process is longer as the number of jobs is larger.

  In this embodiment, since the print start possibility P and the threshold value are determined, the image forming process is not started when the output permitted user U1 enters the start start area A2. For this reason, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 may add, for example, 1 m to the activation start distance D2 for each number of jobs stored in the job number distance conversion table Ta1. For example, when the number of print jobs is “1”, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 can determine the activation start distance D2 as “1.5 m”.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the job type distance conversion table Ta2.
The job type distance conversion table Ta2 shown in FIG. 8A is a table for managing the relationship between the job type set for the print job and the activation start distance at which the image forming apparatus 2 starts activation in association with each other. Stores the start distance specified for each process. The job type distance conversion table Ta2 includes a management number which is a number for managing post-processing of the post-processing device FN so as to be identifiable, a job type indicating the type of post-processing executed by the post-processing device FN, and the image forming apparatus 2. Each field of activation start distance indicating the distance to start activation of The job type distance conversion table Ta2 is used by the activation start distance calculation unit 24 to calculate the shortest activation start distance D2 that should be used so that the activation start distance calculation unit 24 does not impair security.

  Then, the activation start distance calculating unit 24 determines the activation start distance obtained from the job type distance conversion table Ta2 based on the job type included in the print job as the activation start distance D2. For example, when the security job J1 includes a plurality of job types, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 uses the activation start distance D2 as the sum of the activation start distances acquired from the job type distance conversion table Ta2 for each job type. And decide. When the present embodiment is set as the basic mode, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 increases the calculated activation start distance D2 in consideration of other modes in which complicated folding processing and bookbinding processing are performed. As a result, the waiting time of the user can be further reduced.

  For example, in the top record of the job type distance conversion table Ta2, the paper folding device FN1 corresponding to the management number “FN1” executes the job type “paper folding” process, and the activation start distance is “2 m”. It is shown that there is. The second record indicates that the cutting device FN2 corresponding to the management number “FN2” executes the job type “cutting” process and the activation start distance is “1 m”. The third record indicates that the stapling apparatus FN3 corresponding to the management number “FN3” executes the job type “staple” processing and the activation start distance is “0.5 m”. The fourth record indicates that the bookbinding apparatus FN4 corresponding to the management number “FN4” executes the job type “bookbinding” process and the activation start distance is “3 m”.

8B to 8D show combinations of job types.
As shown in FIG. 8B, when four job types are combined and post-processing is performed by the post-processing apparatus FN, the post-processing combines “paper folding”, “cutting”, “staple”, and “binding” processing. It will be.
As shown in FIG. 8C, when post-processing is performed by the post-processing apparatus FN by combining three job types, the post-processing includes four processes of “paper folding”, “cutting”, “staple”, and “binding”. Three post-processing selected from the three post-processing are combined.
As shown in FIG. 8D, when two types of jobs are combined and post-processing is performed by the post-processing apparatus FN, the post-processing includes four processes of “paper folding”, “cutting”, “staple”, and “bookbinding”. Two post-processing selected from the two post-processing are combined.

  Then, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 refers to the job type distance conversion table Ta2 and sets the total distance obtained by adding the activation start distances when performing the post-processing combined in FIGS. 8B to 8D as the activation start distance D2. calculate.

  When there is only one post-processing by the post-processing device FN, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 uses the activation start distance illustrated in FIG. 8A as the activation start distance D2. When post-processing by the post-processing device FN is not performed, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 calculates the activation start distance D2 based on the process shown in step S24 of FIG. Further, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 calculates a total distance obtained by adding the activation start distance of the job number distance conversion table Ta1 and the activation start distance of the job type distance conversion table Ta2 shown in FIG. 7 as the activation start distance D2. May be.

  Similarly to the case where the activation start distance D2 is determined based on the number of jobs described above, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 sets the activation start distance D2 for each job type stored in the job type distance conversion table Ta2, for example, 1m may be added. For example, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 can determine the activation start distance D2 as “7.5 m” by adding “1 m” to the total distance “6.5 m” illustrated in FIG. 8B. .

FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the user distance L and the radio wave intensity.
The characteristic diagram shown in FIG. 9 indicates that the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the wireless communication unit 35 from the terminal device 4 is lower as the user distance L is longer and higher as the user distance L is shorter. The relationship between the user distance L and the radio wave intensity shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the ROM 30 as a radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3.

When the radio communication unit 35 receives a radio wave from the terminal device 4 held by the output-permitted user U1 entering the detectable area A1, the radio communication unit 35 measures the radio wave intensity of the radio wave and outputs the radio wave intensity to the user detection unit 17. The user detection unit 17 refers to the radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3 stored in the ROM 30, and converts the radio wave intensity input from the wireless communication unit 35 into the user distance L. Thereby, the user detection unit 17 can obtain the user distance L from the image forming apparatus 2 (self apparatus) to the output permitted user U1.
Note that the user detection unit 17 can also obtain the user distance to the other user U2 or detect the other user U2 near the image forming apparatus 2 using a human sensor or the like.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the threshold variation factor table Ta4.
The ROM 30 includes a threshold variation factor table Ta4.
The threshold variation factor table Ta4 stores a threshold variation coefficient for varying the threshold based on factors and factors set in the security job J1. The threshold is variable depending on a threshold variation coefficient based on the characteristics of the security job J1, the user ID of the output permitted user U1, and the like. Then, the image formation control unit 22 determines whether or not the image formation processing to be performed by the image forming unit 10 is possible based on the threshold value changed based on the threshold value change coefficient acquired from the threshold value change factor table Ta4. Therefore, when the threshold value is smaller than the threshold fluctuation coefficient, the image forming control unit 22 performs the printing process based on the security job J1 on the image forming unit 10 even when the print start possibility P is lower than the threshold value before the fluctuation. Will be started.

The threshold variation factor table Ta4 has fields of factors, elements, and threshold variation coefficients.
The factor field stores a factor that causes the threshold to fluctuate. The factor is set in the security job J1. The factors include, for example, the security level of the security job J1, the location where the output-permitted user U1 is located, the time zone when the security job J1 was issued, the schedule of the output-permitted user U1, the title of the output-permitted user U1, and the contents of the security job J1. There is.
In the element field, elements constituting the factor are stored. Elements are also set in the security job J1. The element is, for example, a parameter indicating whether the security level of the security job J1 is high or low when the factor is the security level.
In the threshold variation coefficient field, a threshold variation coefficient associated with each element is stored. Although the threshold variation coefficient has different values for different factors, the same value may be used (for example, personnel data, financial data, technical data when the factor is the content).

  The threshold variation coefficient is stored in the threshold variation factor table Ta4 as follows. The threshold variation factor table Ta4 includes “0%” or a negative value (for example, “−10%”), but may include a positive value (for example, “+ 10%”). .

For example, if the security job J1 has a high security level, the threshold fluctuates low, and if the security job J1 has a low security level, the threshold is maintained.
For example, if the office where the output-permitted user U1 is located is a business trip destination, it is considered that the purpose of the output-permitted user U1 to approach the image forming apparatus 2 is to perform security printing as compared to the case where the user is in a normal office. , The threshold fluctuates low.
For example, in the morning, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the output-permitted user U1 performs security printing at the beginning of work.
For example, if it is known from the schedule of the output permitted user U1 that the current time is before the meeting, it is considered that the output permitted user U1 is likely to perform security printing, and thus the threshold value varies.
For example, when the user ID of the output-permitted user U1 indicates a managerial position, the possibility that the output-permitted user U1 performs security printing increases, so the threshold value fluctuates low.
For example, if the user ID of the output-permitted user U1 has the authority to view documents related to personnel and finances, it is considered that the output-permitted user U1 is likely to perform security printing. To do.

  The security job J1 may include a plurality of factors. For example, if the job of the output-permitted user U1 is a general job but is engaged in a business that handles personnel data, threshold fluctuation coefficients of “0%” and “−30%” are included in the security job J1. In this case, the image forming control unit 22 uses the lowest threshold fluctuation coefficient for the threshold fluctuation. Note that the image formation control unit 22 may change the threshold value by a value obtained by adding a plurality of threshold value change coefficients.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a movement locus of the output permitted user U1.
As shown in FIG. 4 described above, the output permitted user U1 that has entered the detectable area A1 enters the activation start area A2 unintentionally, and intentionally enters the activation start area A2 to form an image. It may arrive at the device 2.

  Here, the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 samples the position of the output permitted user U1 detected by the user detection unit 17 every predetermined time. For example, when the output permitted user U1 unintentionally enters the activation start area A2, the movement locus calculation unit 20 samples the position of the output permitted user U1 as positions M1, M2, M3,. . When the positions M1 to Mm are connected, it is represented as a movement locus R1 (m is a natural number). Since the movement locus R1 indicates that the output permitted user U1 leaves the start start area A2 without reaching the image forming apparatus 2, the output permitted user U1 does not intend to start the printing process based on the security job J1. Conceivable.

  On the other hand, when the output-permitted user U1 intentionally enters the activation start area A2, the movement locus calculation unit 20 samples the position of the output-permitted user U1 such as positions N1, N2, N3,. When the positions N1 to Nn are connected, it is represented as a movement locus R2 (n is a natural number). Since the movement locus R2 indicates that the output-permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, it is considered that the output-permitted user U1 intends to perform security printing and acquire a printed matter.

Next, an example in which the print start possibility calculation unit 21 calculates the print start possibility P will be described.
First, the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 calculates the distance and angle of the output permitted user U1 with respect to the own apparatus for each position of the output permitted user U1 sampled and calculated by the movement trajectory calculation unit 20. Then, the print start possibility calculation unit 21 calculates the print start possibility P based on the distance and angle of the output permitted user U1.
For example, the print start possibility P is calculated as follows.

First, the distance dependency possibility that is the possibility of starting printing based on the distance between the image forming apparatus 2 and the output permitted user U1 is defined as P _L [%].
Next, an angle dependency possibility that is a print start possibility based on an angle between the output permitted user U1 and the image forming apparatus 2 is defined as P _θ [%]. Here, the angle dependency possibility P _θ changes according to the user distance L.

Then, the print start possibility P is defined as the following equation (1).
P = P _L + P _θ (1)
The expression (1) indicates that the print start possibility P is a function of the distance dependency possibility P _L and the angle dependency possibility P _θ . Both the distance dependency possibility P _L and the angle dependency possibility P _θ vary in the range of 0 to 50%. The print start possibility P is a value obtained by adding the distance dependence possibility P _L and the angle dependence possibility P _θ, and thus varies in the range of 0 to 100%.

Here, the distance dependency possibility P _L and the angle dependency possibility P _θ will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of the distance dependency possibility P _L and the angle dependency possibility P _θ .
For example, when the position Q0 at which the output permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1 is used as the origin, the user distance L from the origin Q0 to the image forming apparatus 2 and the angle θ are determined as the amount of change.

  Here, when the output permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1, the angle θ is defined by the reference line and the output permitted user U1 when a broken line connecting the output permitted user U1 and the image forming apparatus 2 is used as a reference line. Represents an angle formed by a vector indicating the traveling direction of. For example, the length of the reference line connecting the origin Q0 and the image forming apparatus 2 when the output permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1 is equal to the user detection distance D1 shown in FIG. 2, for example, 10 m. . The angle θ at the origin Q0 takes an initial value of 0 degrees. The traveling direction of the output permitted user U1 is indicated by the angle θ shown in FIG.

  After the output permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1, the movement locus calculation unit 20 calculates the position of the output permitted user U1 every predetermined time. The user detection unit 17 measures, for example, a change in radio field intensity measured by at least three wireless devices (not illustrated) arranged around the image forming apparatus 2 or the floor surface of the image forming apparatus 2. Detecting the position of the output-permitted user U1 by acquiring pressure signals generated by a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged in the image sensor or by acquiring an image captured by a camera provided in the image forming apparatus 2 Is possible. And the movement locus | trajectory calculation part 20 can calculate the position of the output permission user U1 based on the position of the output permission user U1 which the user detection part 17 detected.

  For example, it is assumed that the timing when the movement locus calculation unit 20 calculates the position of the output permitted user U1 is every second. At this time, the output-permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1 and is located at the position Q1 after 1 second, at the position Q2 after 2 seconds, at the position Q3 after 3 seconds, and at the position Q4 after 4 seconds. To do. When the output permitted user U1 is at the position Q1, the angle with respect to the reference line is θ1. Similarly, when the output permitted user U1 is at the positions Q2, Q3, and Q4, the angles with respect to the reference line are θ2, θ3, and θ4, respectively. Further, since the output permitted user U1 is approaching the image forming apparatus 2 with the passage of time, the user distance L gradually decreases from 10 m.

Figure 13 is a graph showing the change in the distance-dependent potential P _L.
The distance dependency possibility P _L is represented by a graph with the user distance L as the horizontal axis and the distance dependency possibility P _L as the vertical axis. If the user distance L is more than 10 m, the output authorized user U1 has not entered the sensing area A1, the distance-dependent potential P _L becomes 0%. When the output permitted user U1 enters the start start area A2 from when the output permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1, and when the output permitted user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2, the output permitted user There is a high possibility that U1 is intentionally heading toward the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, as the output authorized user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2, the user distance L becomes shorter, the distance-dependent potential P _L is increased. When the output authorized user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, the user distance L is 0m, and the distance-dependent potential P _L is 50%. Thus the graph of distance-dependent potential P _L varies linearly.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing changes in the angle dependency possibility _Pθ .
The output permitted user U1 sets the image forming apparatus 2 as the traveling direction at a point closer to the image forming apparatus 2 than when the output permitted user U1 moves at the position far from the image forming apparatus 2 as the traveling direction. It is considered that the possibility that the output permitted user U1 is intentionally heading toward the image forming apparatus 2 is higher when the user is moving. Further, if the output permitted user U1 is away from the image forming apparatus 2, the possibility that the output permitted user U1 intends to approach the image forming apparatus 2 is low regardless of the value of the angle θ. On the other hand, if the output-permitted user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2 and the angle θ further approaches 0 degrees, it is highly likely that the output-permitted user U1 intentionally approaches the image forming apparatus 2.

For this reason, if the user distance L is 10 m or more, the output-permitted user U1 has not entered the detectable area A1, and the angle dependency possibility _Pθ is 0%. As the output-permitted user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2, the user distance L is shortened and the angle dependency possibility _Pθ is increased. When the output-permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, the user distance L is 0 m, and the angle dependency possibility _Pθ is 50%. As described above, the graph of the angle dependence possibility P _θ changes nonlinearly based on the user distance L.

  FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the print start possibility P and the threshold value. In this graph, the horizontal axis indicates the time measured by the time measuring unit 27 from the time when the output permitted user U1 enters the detectable area A1, and the vertical axis indicates the print start possibility P. The movement trajectory calculation unit 20 starts calculating the movement trajectory of the output permitted user U1 from the time when the output permitted user U1 reaches the detectable area A1 (origin Q0), and the print start possibility calculation unit 21 may start printing. Start calculating P.

  For example, when the output permitted user U1 that has entered the detectable area A1 as shown in the movement locus R1 in FIG. 11 moves away from the image forming apparatus 2 before reaching the activation start area A2, the broken line W1 indicates. Thus, the print start possibility P is less than the threshold value. In this case, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 27 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time t1 and a timeout occurs, the image forming apparatus 2 does not start the printing process based on the security job J1. Then, after the time point V1 when the timeout occurs, the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 ends the process of calculating the movement trajectory of the output permitted user U1.

  On the other hand, when the output permitted user U1 that has entered the detectable area A1 moves straight to the image forming apparatus 2 as indicated by the movement locus R3 in FIG. 4, the print start possibility P is immediately determined as indicated by the solid line W2. It tends to be above the threshold. However, even if the print start possibility P is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the image forming apparatus 2 does not start the printing process unless the output-permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 waits until the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2. Thereafter, at the time V2 when the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2, the image forming apparatus 2 starts the printing process based on the security job J1. The timing at which the image forming apparatus 2 starts the printing process is time t2. As described above, when the process start possibility P before the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the image forming apparatus 2 has reached the point when the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2. The printing process is started. Then, after the time point V2 when the printing process is started, the movement locus calculation unit 20 ends the process of calculating the movement locus of the output permitted user U1.

  Further, when the output permitted user U1 that has entered the detectable area A1 reaches the activation start area A2 and further moves toward the image forming apparatus 2 as indicated by the movement locus R2 in FIG. 11, it is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line W3. In this way, the print start possibility P changes. At the time point V31 when the print start possibility P is less than the threshold value, the output permitted user U1 may move away from the image forming apparatus 2, and thus the image forming apparatus 2 does not start the printing process. Thereafter, at time V32 when the print start possibility P becomes equal to or higher than the threshold, the image forming apparatus 2 starts print processing based on the security job J1. The timing at which the image forming apparatus 2 starts the printing process is time t3. Then, after the time point V3 when the printing process is started, the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 ends the process of calculating the movement trajectory of the output permitted user U1.

  FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the threshold value and the print start possibility P after the threshold value change. This graph shows that the timing at which the printing process is started also fluctuates because the threshold value fluctuates.

  It is assumed that the threshold value changing unit 26 changes a predetermined threshold value to a new threshold value by a threshold value changing process (see step S3 in FIG. 17) to be described later based on factors and elements set in the security job J1. In the present embodiment, the new threshold value is lower than the threshold value before the change. In this case, as shown by the broken line W1, if the print start possibility P is less than the new threshold value, the printing process by the image forming apparatus 2 is not started. As indicated by the solid line W2, the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2 even if the print start possibility P becomes equal to or greater than the new threshold before the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2. Until then, the printing process by the image forming apparatus 2 is not started.

  On the other hand, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line W3, when the output permitted user U1 is in the start start area A2, the image forming apparatus 2 performs the security job at the time V33 when the print start possibility P becomes equal to or greater than the new threshold. The printing process based on J1 is started. The time t11 indicated by the time V33 is earlier than the time t3 of the time V32 shown in FIG. When the print start time is advanced in this way, the time until the end of printing is shortened. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the printing waiting time of the output permitted user U1 that has reached the image forming apparatus 2.

Next, processing examples of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the image forming apparatus 2.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the activation start distance setting process in step S2 of FIG.

  Here, a case where the output permitted user U1 operates the PC terminal P1 and transmits one security job J1 to the image forming apparatus main body 3 will be described as an example. This process is performed even during the power saving mode.

  First, when acquiring the security job J1 from the PC terminal P1, the job acquisition unit 16 acquires the job information and the owner ID of the owner of the security job J1 from the security job J1 (S1). The job information of the security job J1 includes information indicating the job type of the security job J1, information indicating the number of sheets set in the security job J1 (number of jobs), and the type of image set in the security job J1 (image Information), threshold fluctuation factors and factors, and the like.

  Next, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 performs an activation start distance setting process with reference to the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 and the job type distance conversion table Ta2 (see FIG. 8). (S2). In the start start distance setting process, the start start distance D2 of the image forming apparatus 2 (the image forming apparatus main body 3 and the post-processing apparatus FN) is set.

Here, with reference to FIG. 18, the setting process of the starting start distance D2 is demonstrated.
First, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 determines whether or not post-processing is set for the security job J1 acquired in step S1 of FIG. 17 (S21). Here, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 refers to the job type of the security job J1, and when at least one of paper folding processing, cutting processing, stapling processing, and bookbinding processing is set for the security job J1, It is determined that processing is set. If the activation start distance calculation unit 24 determines that post-processing is not set for the security job J1 (NO in S21), activation activation starts based on the time when the first sheet (first print) is discharged. The distance D2 is determined (S24), and the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the post-processing machining is set (YES in S21), the activation start distance calculation unit 24 proceeds to the next step S22. If post-processing is set for the security job J1, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 can calculate the activation start distance D2 with reference to the job type distance conversion table Ta2.

For this reason, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 refers to the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 and the job type distance conversion table Ta2 (see FIG. 8) (S22), and determines the activation start distance D2. It determines (S23) and transfers to step S3 of FIG. For example, when the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 is “paper folding”, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “2 m”. The activation start distance calculation unit 24 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “1 m” when the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 is “cut”.
The activation start distance calculation unit 24 stores the activation start distance D2 determined by the activation start distance setting process in step S2 in the RAM 31 in a table format in association with the management number of the security job J1 and the owner ID of the security job J1.

  When two or more job types are set for the security job J1 acquired in step S1, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 adds all the activation start distances D2 set for each job type. The starting start distance D2 is determined. For example, when the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 is “paper folding” and “cut”, the activation start distance calculation unit 24 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “2m + 1m = 3m”.

  Since the printed matter that is post-processed by the post-processing apparatus FN in this manner does not touch the human eyes until the output-permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, security can be ensured. In this embodiment, paying attention to this point, the time required for post-processing is converted into the activation start distance D2, and when the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2 defined by the activation start distance D2, the image forming apparatus 2 Starts up and starts the printing process. As described above, when the activation start distance calculation unit 24 sets the activation start distance D2, it is possible to improve user convenience while maintaining security.

Returning again to the description of FIG.
After the process of step S2, the threshold value changing unit 26 performs the threshold value changing process with reference to the elements and factors included in the security job J1 acquired in step S1 and the threshold value change factor table Ta4 (see FIG. 10). Perform (S3).

Here, the threshold value fluctuation process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the threshold fluctuation unit 26 extracts a threshold fluctuation factor from the security job J1 stored in the RAM 31 (S31). Further, the threshold fluctuation unit 26 extracts elements from threshold fluctuation factors. Next, the threshold fluctuation unit 26 refers to the threshold fluctuation factor table Ta4, and whether the extracted threshold fluctuation factor element has a threshold fluctuation coefficient, that is, whether the threshold fluctuation coefficient is “0” or other than “0”. It is determined whether there is (S32).

  If the threshold variation coefficient is other than “0” (YES in S32), since the element has the threshold variation coefficient, the threshold variation unit 26 sets a new threshold based on the threshold variation coefficient (S33), and sets the new threshold. Save in the RAM 31. If the threshold variation coefficient is “0” (NO in S32), the element does not have the threshold variation coefficient, and thus the process proceeds to step S34 without varying the threshold.

  Next, the threshold value changing unit 26 determines whether or not all the change factors have been extracted from the security job J1 (S34). If not all variation factors have been extracted from the security job J1 (NO in S34), the threshold value variation unit 26 proceeds to step S31 and repeats the process of extracting variation factors. When all the variation factors are extracted from the security job J1 (YES in S34), the threshold value variation unit 26 ends this process.

Returning again to the description of FIG.
After the process of step S3, the user detection unit 17 starts detecting an approaching person (user) using radio waves transmitted from the terminal device 4 existing in the detectable area A1 (S4). The detectable area A1 is an area where the wireless communication unit 35 can receive a radio wave transmitted from the terminal device 4, and is 10 m, for example.

  Next, the user detection unit 17 detects the user's entry into the detectable area A1 (S5). The user detection unit 17 can detect a user who owns the terminal device 4 by receiving a radio wave transmitted from the terminal device 4.

  Next, the user determination unit 18 acquires the user ID transmitted from the terminal device 4 existing in the detectable area A1 based on the user information extracted from the radio wave received by the wireless communication unit 35 (S6). Then, the user determination unit 18 determines whether the approaching person is the owner of the security job J1 based on the owner ID of the owner of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 and the user ID acquired in step S6. Is determined (S7). Specifically, the user determination unit 18 determines that the owner of the security job J1 is the owner of the security job J1 when the owner ID of the owner of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 matches the user ID acquired in step S6. judge.

  When it is determined by the user determination unit 18 that the approaching person is not the owner of the security job J1 (NO in S7), the process proceeds to step S6, and the user transmitted from the terminal device 4 existing in the detectable area A1 again. Get an ID. On the other hand, when the user determination unit 18 determines that the approaching person is the owner of the security job J1 (YES in S7), the login processing unit 19 performs login authentication of the output permitted user U1 (S8).

  After the log-in process of the output-permitted user U1 is performed, the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 samples the position of the output-permitted user U1 based on the terminal device 4 existing in the detectable area A1, and the output-permitted user U1. A movement trajectory is calculated (S9). Then, the print start possibility calculation unit 21 calculates the print start possibility P based on the position of the output permitted user U1 (S10).

  Next, the user detection unit 17 reads the activation start distance D2 from the RAM 31, and the output permitted user U1 determined to be the owner of the security job J1 in step S7 is indicated by the activation start distance D2 set in step S2. It is determined whether or not the activation start area A2 has been reached (S11). Also in this case, the user detection unit 17 acquires the strength of the radio wave transmitted from the terminal device 4 possessed by the output permitted user U1 determined to be the owner of the security job J1 through the wireless communication unit 35. Then, the user detection unit 17 refers to the radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3 and calculates the user distance L with respect to the acquired radio wave intensity, thereby determining whether or not the output permitted user U1 has reached the start start area A2. To do.

  If the user detection unit 17 determines that the output permitted user U1 has reached the start start area A2 (YES in S11), the user detection unit 17 proceeds to step S12 indicated by the connector A. On the other hand, if the user detection unit 17 determines that the output permitted user U1 has not reached the activation start area A2 (NO in S11), the process returns to step S9, and the position of the output permitted user U1 is sampled again and output. The movement trajectory of the authorized user U1 is calculated.

  After the YES determination in step S11, the image formation control unit 22 determines whether the print start possibility P is equal to or greater than a threshold value (S12). If it is determined that the print start possibility P is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S12), the image formation control unit 22 executes the security job J1 acquired in step S1, and the image formation unit 10 assigns the security job J1 to the security job J1. Based on this, the image forming process is started (S13). When post-processing is set for the security job J1, the post-processing control unit 23 starts post-processing of the post-processing device FN based on the security job J1. Thereafter, the image formation control unit 22 ends this process. When the image forming apparatus 2 is in the power saving mode, the image forming control unit 22 performs the image forming process in step S13 after canceling the power saving mode and starting the image forming apparatus 2.

  On the other hand, when the image formation control unit 22 determines that the print start possibility P is less than the threshold (NO in S12), the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 samples the position of the output permitted user U1 and outputs the permitted output user U1. The process of calculating the movement trajectory is continued (S14). Then, the print start possibility calculating unit 21 continues the process of calculating the print start possibility P based on the position of the output permitted user U1 (S15).

  Next, the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 determines, based on the time counted by the time counting unit 27, whether or not a timeout has occurred in which the time during which the output-permitted user U1 exists in the detectable area A1 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. (S16). If the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 determines that a timeout has not occurred (NO in S16), the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, when it is determined that a timeout has occurred (YES in S16), the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 ends the sampling process (S17) and ends this process.

  Even in the case of NO determination in step S11, the movement trajectory calculation unit 20 determines that a timeout has occurred if the output-permitted user U1 does not reach the activation start area A2 even after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, the sampling process is terminated and the present process is terminated.

  In the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment described above, the print start possibility P can be calculated from the movement locus calculated from the position of the output permitted user U1. If the print start possibility P is not greater than or equal to the threshold value, the image forming apparatus 2 does not start print processing. That is, even if the output permitted user U1 unintentionally enters the detectable area A1 and the activation start area A2, the printing process is not started unless the movement path of the output permitted user U1 is directed toward the image forming apparatus 2. . For this reason, it is possible to reduce the risk that the printed material printed based on the security job J1 is not discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 without being known by the output-permitted user U1, and the printed material is read by a third party.

  On the other hand, when the output permitted user U1 intends to go to the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 2 is secured so that the printed material is discharged at the timing when the output permitted user U1 arrives at the image forming apparatus 2. Printing processing based on job J1 is started. For this reason, when the output permission user U1 arrives at the image forming apparatus 2, it is possible to acquire a printed matter, and the waiting time of the output permission user U1 can be reduced.

  Note that when the output permitted user U1 enters the start start area A2, but the print start possibility P has not reached a certain threshold, the output permitted user U1 has a print completion waiting time. Therefore, a predetermined threshold value can be changed to a new threshold value using a threshold value change coefficient determined based on factors and factors set in the security job J1. For this reason, even when the print start possibility P is low, the timing at which the print start possibility P exceeds the new threshold is advanced, and the image forming apparatus 2 can start the printing process early. That is, the waiting time of the output permitted user U1 who intentionally approaches the image forming apparatus 2 can be reduced by moving the print start time forward.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other application examples and modifications can of course be taken without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims.
For example, the above-described embodiments are detailed and specific configurations of the apparatus and the system in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Further, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment described here with the configuration of another embodiment, and further, the configuration of another embodiment is replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. It is also possible to add. Moreover, it is also possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.
Further, the control lines and information lines indicate what is considered necessary for the explanation, and not all the control lines and information lines on the product are necessarily shown. Actually, it may be considered that almost all the components are connected to each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system, 2 ... Image forming apparatus, 3 ... Image forming apparatus main body, 4 ... Terminal device, 10 ... Image forming part, 14 ... Paper discharge tray, 15 ... Control part, 16 ... Job acquisition part, 17 ... User Detection unit, 18 ... user determination unit, 19 ... login processing unit, 20 ... movement trajectory calculation unit, 21 ... print start possibility calculation unit, 22 ... image formation control unit, 23 ... post-processing control unit, 24 ... start start distance Calculation unit, 25 ... job type determination unit, 26 ... threshold value variation unit, 27 ... timing unit, FN ... post-processing device

Claims (10)

A job acquisition unit for acquiring a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by a user;
An image forming unit that performs an image forming process for forming an image on a sheet based on the print job;
A user detection unit for detecting the user existing in the detectable region;
A user determination unit that determines whether the user detected by the user detection unit is an output-permitted user who has issued the print job or a user other than the output-permitted user;
An authentication unit for authenticating the output permitted user determined by the user determination unit;
Sampling a position of the output permitted user authenticated by the authentication unit, and calculating a movement locus of the output permitted user;
A process start possibility calculation unit that calculates a process start possibility indicating the possibility of starting the image forming process based on the movement locus of the output-permitted user existing in the detectable area and the print job;
Processing that enables the image forming unit to start image forming processing when the processing start possibility is equal to or higher than a threshold value used to determine whether image forming processing is to be performed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming control unit configured to control the image forming unit to start an image forming process based on the print job issued by the output permitted user existing in a start area. The movement trajectory calculation unit calculates a distance and an angle of the output permitted user with respect to the own device based on the position of the output permitted user,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing start possibility calculation unit calculates the processing start possibility based on the distance and the angle. A threshold variation factor table storing a threshold variation coefficient for varying the threshold;
A threshold variation unit that varies the threshold based on the threshold variation coefficient read from the threshold variation factor table based on factors and factors set in the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit, and
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming control unit determines whether or not an image forming process to be performed by the image forming unit is performed based on the changed threshold value. The said movement locus | trajectory calculation part complete | finishes the calculation of the said movement locus | trajectory of the said output permission user, when the time when the said output permission user exists in the said detectable area | region is more than predetermined time. The image forming apparatus according to one item. The movement trajectory calculation unit starts calculating the movement trajectory of the output permitted user when the output permitted user reaches the detectable region,
The image formation control unit, when the process start possibility before the output permitted user reaches the process start area is equal to or higher than the threshold, when the output permitted user reaches the process start area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is configured to perform an image forming process based on the print job issued by the output permitted user. A post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the paper on which the image is formed;
A process start distance calculation unit that calculates a process start distance that defines the process start region based on a time until the sheet is discharged through the post-processing unit;
A job type determination unit configured to determine a job type set for the print job and indicating the post-processing performed on the paper;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing start distance calculation unit calculates the processing start distance based on the job type determined by the job type determination unit. And a job type distance conversion table for storing the processing start distance for each post-processing,
The processing start distance calculation unit uses the sum of the processing start distances acquired from the job type distance conversion table based on the job type set for the print job as the processing start distance. Image forming apparatus. And a job number distance conversion table for storing the processing start distance defined for each image forming number set for the print job.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processing start distance calculation unit acquires the processing start distance from the job number distance conversion table based on the number of jobs set for the print job. A procedure for obtaining a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by the user;
A procedure for detecting the user existing in the detectable region;
Determining whether the detected user is an output-permitted user who issued the print job or a user other than the output-permitted user;
A procedure for authenticating the determined output permitted user;
Sampling the location of the authenticated output-permitted user and calculating the movement locus of the output-permitted user;
Based on the movement trajectory of the output-permitted user and the print job existing in the detectable area, the image forming unit based on the print job indicates a possibility of starting an image forming process on the sheet. A procedure for calculating the possibility of starting processing;
Processing that enables the image forming unit to start image forming processing when the processing start possibility is equal to or higher than a threshold value used to determine whether image forming processing is to be performed by the image forming unit. A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for controlling the image forming unit to start an image forming process based on the print job issued by the output-permitted user existing in a start area. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet; and a terminal device that transmits user identification information for identifying a user,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A job acquisition unit for acquiring a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by the user;
An image forming unit that performs an image forming process for forming an image on a sheet based on the print job;
A user detection unit that receives a transmission radio wave of the user identification information transmitted from the terminal device and detects the user present in the detectable region;
A user determination unit that determines whether the user detected by the user detection unit is an output-permitted user who has issued the print job or a user other than the output-permitted user;
An authentication unit for authenticating the output permitted user determined by the user determination unit;
Sampling a position of the output permitted user authenticated by the authentication unit, and calculating a movement locus of the output permitted user;
A process start possibility calculation unit that calculates a process start possibility indicating the possibility of starting the image forming process based on the movement locus of the output-permitted user existing in the detectable area and the print job;
Processing that enables the image forming unit to start image forming processing when the processing start possibility is equal to or higher than a threshold value used to determine whether image forming processing is to be performed by the image forming unit. And an image forming control unit that controls the image forming unit to start an image forming process based on the print job issued by the output-permitted user existing in a start area.

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