JP2018061184A - Image forming apparatus, control program, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can perform appropriate notification according to the type of an event, a control program, and a control method.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a display, a human detection sensor, and a CPU, and stores a notification control table that sets whether to perform notification according to the type of a predetermined event and a result of detection performed by the human detection sensor. When the predetermined event occurs, the image forming apparatus refers to the notification control table under the instruction from the CPU, and when the combination of the type of the event and a result of detection performed by the human detection sensor is a combination for performing notification, performs the notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control program, and a control method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus, a control program, and a control method that include a display unit, for example.

  An example of a background art image forming apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707. The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects the occurrence of an error in the own apparatus, and determines the error notification destination based on whether the user is in the vicinity of the own apparatus when the occurrence of the error is detected.

JP 2014-8758 A

  However, in the background art image forming apparatus, only the error notification destination is determined based on whether or not the user is in the vicinity of the own apparatus. For this reason, when the determination method of the notification destination of background art is applied to other events, even if the notification is not indispensable, the notification is performed to one of the notification destinations. For example, when interrupt printing is executed, if there is no user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, there is no need to notify either the image forming apparatus or an external device that has instructed interrupt printing. However, when the background art notification destination determination method is applied, either the image forming apparatus or the external device that has instructed interrupt printing is determined as the notification destination based on whether or not the user is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. The As described above, when the background art notification destination determination method is applied to other events, an inappropriate notification may be performed.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus, control program, and control method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control program, and a control method capable of appropriately performing notification.

  A first invention is an image forming apparatus that performs notification when a predetermined event occurs, and includes an existence determination unit, a storage unit, and a notification unit. The presence determination unit determines whether a person is present in a range set around the image forming apparatus in the light-off state. As the presence determination means, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser distance sensor, or the like is used. The storage unit stores a table in which whether or not to perform notification is set according to the combination of the event type and the detection result by the presence determination unit. The notifying means performs notification in accordance with the table stored in the storage means when the combination of the event type and the detection result by the presence determining means is a combination for performing notification. That is, the notification unit does not perform notification when the combination of the event type and the detection result by the presence determination unit is a combination that does not perform notification.

  According to the first invention, for each predetermined event, it is automatically determined whether or not to notify according to whether or not the user exists around the image forming apparatus. No notifications are made. Therefore, notification can be performed appropriately.

  A second invention is an image forming apparatus according to the first invention, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal, and the notification unit is configured to notify at least one of the image forming apparatus and the external terminal when performing notification. To notify.

  According to the second aspect, since the notification destination is automatically selected for each predetermined event, it is possible to appropriately notify.

  A third invention is an image forming apparatus subordinate to the second invention, wherein the table stored in the storage unit includes notification destination information indicating whether to notify the external terminal or the image forming apparatus, The notification means determines the notification destination according to the notification destination information.

  According to the third aspect, since the notification destination is automatically selected according to the notification destination information, it is possible to appropriately notify.

  A fourth aspect of the invention is an image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein the notifying means sends a notification including selection information for allowing the user to select whether or not to permit processing according to the event. Do.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the user using the notification destination device can select whether or not to permit the process according to the event in the notification destination device, the notification can be performed more appropriately.

  A fifth aspect of the invention is an image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein when notification including selection information is performed and processing according to the event is permitted, processing according to the event is executed. When notification including selection information is performed and processing according to the event is not permitted, processing according to the event is not executed.

  According to the fifth invention, when the process is permitted, the process according to the event is executed, and when the process is not permitted, the process according to the event is not performed. Processing can be appropriately performed accordingly.

  A sixth invention is an image forming apparatus subordinate to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the notification means determines whether one of the external terminal and the image forming apparatus is permitted to perform processing according to the event. The notification including the selection information for making the user select is performed, and the notification including the selection result of the user is performed on the other side.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, one of the notification destination devices performs an appropriate process according to the user's instruction for the notification, and the other notification destination device receives the selection result of the user of the one notification destination device. Since the notification is included, it is possible to appropriately perform the process and appropriately notify.

  A seventh aspect of the invention is a control program for an image forming apparatus that notifies when a predetermined event occurs, and a person exists in a range set around the image forming apparatus with respect to the computer of the image forming apparatus. Presence determination means for determining whether or not, a storage means for storing a table that sets whether to perform notification according to the combination of the type of event and the detection result in the presence determination means, and the event stored in accordance with the table stored in the storage means When the combination of the detection result by the type and the presence determination unit is a combination for performing notification, the combination is performed as a notification unit for performing notification.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image forming apparatus that performs notification when a predetermined event occurs, wherein the computer of the image forming apparatus is: (a) a person within a range set around the image forming apparatus. Is stored, and (b) stores a table in which notification is set according to the combination of event type and detection result in step (a), and (c) stores in step (b) In accordance with the table, notification is performed when the combination of the type of event and the detection result in step (a) is a combination for notification.

  In each of the seventh and eighth inventions, notification can be appropriately made as in the first invention.

  According to this invention, notification can be performed appropriately.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a range set around the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a case where a person is present in the range. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a notification control table. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of notification control processing of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a confirmation screen in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a notification control table in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification control process in the third embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. The present invention can be applied not only to a multifunction peripheral but also to other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine (copying machine), a printing apparatus (printer), and a facsimile machine.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 36 including an image reading unit 30, an image forming unit 32, a manual document insertion unit 34, a paper feeding device 38, and a paper discharge tray 40.

  The image reading unit 30 includes a document placing table formed of a transparent material, and is built in the apparatus main body 36. A document pressing cover 30a is attached to the upper side of the document placing table via a hinge or the like so as to be freely opened and closed. The document pressing cover 30a is provided with a manual document insertion portion 34. Further, the document pressing cover 30 a is provided with an ADF (automatic document feeder) that automatically feeds the document placed on the manual document insertion portion 34.

  The image reading unit 30 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 30 exposes the document surface with a light source, and guides reflected light reflected from the document surface to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates read image data based on the image on the surface of the document. As the line sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a contact image sensor (CIS) is used.

  The image forming unit 32 is built in the apparatus main body 36 and is provided below the image reading unit 30. The image forming unit 32 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. The image forming unit 32 forms an image by an electrophotographic method on a recording medium (paper) conveyed from the manual document insertion unit 34 or the paper feeding device 38 and discharges the image-formed paper to the paper discharge tray 40. . However, image data read by the image reading unit 30, image data transmitted from an external computer, or the like is used as image data for forming an image on a sheet. Further, the recording medium is not limited to paper made of paper, and a sheet other than paper such as an OHP film is also used.

  The paper discharge tray 40 is provided between the image reading unit 30 and the image forming unit 32. The bottom surface of the paper discharge tray 40 is partitioned by the image forming unit 32. The top surface of the paper discharge tray 40 is partitioned by the image reading unit 30. Further, the left side surface of the paper discharge tray 40 (the left side surface as viewed from the front) is defined by the right side surface of the connection housing 42. That is, the front side, the back side, and the right side of the paper discharge tray 40 are opened. The bottom surface of the paper discharge tray 40 has an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the connection housing 42 side.

  An operation panel 26 is provided on the front side of the image reading unit 30. The operation panel 26 includes a display (display unit) 22 with a touch panel 20 and a plurality of operation buttons 26a.

  The display 22 with the touch panel 20 displays software keys and messages for receiving various settings or printing instructions from the user. As an example, the display 22 displays a home screen that is a screen for selecting a desired job from various jobs that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10. However, in the first embodiment, the job means copying (including document scanning), printing, fax transmission, and the like.

  The operation button 26a is a hardware key, and includes, for example, a home key, a power saving key, a main power key, and the like. The home key is a key for displaying the home screen on the display 22. The power saving key is a key for switching between a power saving state (power saving mode) in which power consumption is restricted and a normal state (normal mode) in which power consumption is not restricted. The main power key is a key for turning on / off the main power of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The software key refers to a key reproduced in software on the display surface of the display 22 with the touch panel 20, for example. On the other hand, a hardware key refers to a key (button) provided as a physical device.

  A human detection sensor 28 for detecting a person existing in front of or near the apparatus main body 36 is provided at the center of the front surface of the operation panel 26.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 12. The CPU 12 is connected to the RAM 14, the touch panel control circuit 16, the display control circuit 18, the operation button detection circuit 24, the human detection sensor 28, the image reading unit 30, the image forming unit 32, and the communication circuit 44 via the bus 60. A touch panel 20 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 16, a display 22 is connected to the display control circuit 18, and an operation button 26 a is connected to the operation button detection circuit 24.

  The CPU 12 governs overall control of the image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 14 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 12.

  The touch panel control circuit 16 applies necessary voltage and the like to the touch panel 20, detects a touch operation (touch input) within the touch effective range of the touch panel 20, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to the CPU 12. Output to.

  The touch panel 20 is a general-purpose touch panel, and an arbitrary system such as an electrostatic capacity system, an electromagnetic induction system, a resistance film system, and an infrared system can be used. In the first embodiment, a capacitive touch panel is used as the touch panel 20, and the touch panel 20 is provided on the display surface of the display 22. However, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 20 and the display 22 are integrally formed may be used.

  The display control circuit 18 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like. Under the instruction of the CPU 12, the GPU uses the image generation data stored in the RAM 14 to display display image data for displaying various screens on the display 22. The image data is generated in the VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to the display 22. As the display 22, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used.

  The operation button detection circuit 24 outputs an operation signal or operation data corresponding to the operation of the operation button 26a described above to the CPU 12.

  The person detection sensor 28 is a sensor for detecting whether a person (user) is present in a range A (see FIG. 3) set around the image forming apparatus 10, and is a distance sensor, for example. For example, as the distance sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser distance sensor, or the like is used. This distance sensor outputs distance data to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 has a person (user) in front of (in front of) the image forming apparatus 10 depending on whether the distance indicated by the distance data output from the human detection sensor 28 is within a predetermined distance that defines the range A. Determine whether or not. Accordingly, it can be said that the range A is a range set for determining whether a person is present in front of the image forming apparatus 10.

  As the human detection sensor 28, a pyroelectric sensor or a floor sensor (pressure sensor) can be used instead of the distance sensor. When the pyroelectric sensor is used, the pyroelectric sensor detects a temperature change in the range A, and the CPU 12 determines whether or not a person exists in the range A according to the output of the pyroelectric sensor. When a floor sensor is used, a floor sensor is provided in the floor surface range corresponding to the range A of the image forming apparatus 10, and the CPU 12 determines whether a person exists in the range A according to the output of the floor sensor. Judge whether.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a range A set around the image forming apparatus 10. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a case where a person exists in the range A. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the range A is a range in which there is a possibility that there is a person who may use (operate) the image forming apparatus 10. As an example, the range A is defined by a semicircle having a first distance L <b> 1. The However, the first distance L1 is a distance in the horizontal direction from the center of the front surface of the apparatus main body 36 of the image forming apparatus 10, and in this first embodiment, from the center of the front surface of the apparatus main body 36 to both ends in the left-right direction. It is set to be longer than. That is, in the first embodiment, the range A is the front side (front) of the image forming apparatus 10 (apparatus main body 36), and the position where the image forming apparatus 10 can be operated (for example, the operation panel 26 can be reached). Set to a range in which a person existing at (position) can be detected.

  However, as long as the size and shape of the range A are on the front side of the image forming apparatus 10 as described above and can detect a person present at a position where the image forming apparatus 10 can be operated, the range A is appropriately selected. It can be changed. Although the detailed description is omitted, the number of the human detection sensors 28 is not necessarily limited to one, and may be two or more as long as a person existing in the set range A can be detected.

  It should be noted that the detectable range of the human detection sensor 28 only needs to include the range A and does not need to coincide with the range A. Further, when a fixed obstacle exists in the range A, the obstacle may be excluded from the detection result in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when a person is present in the range A, the person detection sensor 28 outputs distance data corresponding to a distance shorter than the first distance L1 to the CPU 12. When the CPU 12 receives (acquires) distance data of a distance shorter than the first distance L1, the CPU 12 determines that there is a person in the range A. If no person is present in the range A, the human detection sensor 28 outputs distance data corresponding to a distance longer than the first distance L1 to the CPU 12. When the CPU 12 receives the distance data of a distance longer than the first distance L1, the CPU 12 determines that no person exists in the range A.

  Although detailed description is omitted, in the first embodiment, the CPU 12 determines that there is a person in the range A when distance data having a distance equal to the first distance L1 is received. However, in this case, the CPU 12 may determine that no person exists in the range A.

  Although detailed explanation is omitted, when the CPU 12 receives distance data corresponding to a distance shorter than the first distance L1 after receiving distance data corresponding to a distance longer than the first distance L1, It is determined that the range A is entered from outside the range A. Further, when the CPU 12 receives distance data corresponding to a distance longer than the first distance L1 after receiving distance data corresponding to a distance shorter than the first distance L1, the person moves from within the range A to outside the range A. Judge that it came out.

  The communication circuit 44 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet. The communication circuit 44 is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer (external terminal) via a network in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 12. However, the communication circuit 44 can directly communicate with an external computer without using a network by short-range wireless communication or the like.

  Note that the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, the occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus is detected, and the error notification destination is determined based on whether or not the user exists around the image forming apparatus when the occurrence of the error is detected. There is. In a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, a notification destination is determined by the image forming apparatus itself or an external computer.

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, only the error notification destination is determined depending on whether or not the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10. For this reason, when the conventional notification destination determination method is applied to other events, even if the notification is not essential, the notification is performed to one of the notification destinations. For example, when interrupt printing is executed, if there is no user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, there is no need to notify either the image forming apparatus or an external device that has instructed interrupt printing. However, when the conventional notification destination determination method is applied, either the image forming apparatus or the external device instructing the interrupt printing is determined as the notification destination based on whether or not the user is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. . As described above, when the conventional notification destination determination method is applied to other events, an inappropriate notification may be performed.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not notification is made according to whether or not the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10. When it is determined that notification is to be performed, the notification destination is determined depending on whether or not the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10.

  In the first embodiment, first, when a predetermined event occurs, it is determined whether or not to perform notification depending on whether or not the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10. Predetermined events include jobs such as copying, document scanning, printing, and fax transmission, settings of the image forming apparatus 10 being changed, and errors such as paper jams or running out of toner. Various events that occur in the image forming apparatus 10 are included.

  Further, in the first embodiment, whether to perform notification and the notification destination are determined according to a preset notification control table. Specifically, the notification is performed when the combination of the event type and the detection result of whether or not the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10 is a combination for performing the notification. On the other hand, if the combination of the event type and the detection result of whether the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10 is a combination that does not perform notification, it can be said that notification is not performed.

  FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a notification control table. As shown in FIG. 5, in the notification control table, person detection information and notification destination information are described corresponding to an event (event) name. The data of this notification control table is stored in the RAM 14 (see FIG. 6). Although not shown in the figure, the notification control table describes the content of notification about what content is notified in correspondence with the event name.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, “change screen layout”, “receive / print fax”, “normal print”, “interrupt print”, and “remote operation” are described in the event name column. However, the contents described in the event name column are only created and used in internal processing in the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, if the event name can be identified, the event name may be a number or may be described with a symbol that cannot be deciphered by a human.

   “Screen layout change” means an event in which the layout of the home screen displayed on the display 22 is changed by an instruction from an external computer.

  “Reception / printing of fax” means an event of printing a document or an image corresponding to the received fax signal when a fax signal transmitted from another image forming apparatus or a facsimile is received.

  “Normal print” refers to an event in which a print job transmitted from an external computer is received and printed, and the print job is executed in the order received by the image forming apparatus 10.

  “Interrupt printing” refers to a case where a print job transmitted from an external computer is received and printed, and the image forming apparatus 10 prints by interrupting other jobs such as copying, scanning, printing, or faxing. An event that executes a job. In addition, “interrupt printing” includes executing a print job before other waiting jobs after the other running jobs are completed when there are other waiting jobs. .

  “Remote operation” means an event in which the same screen as that displayed on the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed on a display device or the like of an external computer, and the image forming apparatus 10 is operated from the external computer. Note that a user existing around the image forming apparatus 10 cannot operate the image forming apparatus 10 while the “remote operation” is being executed.

  In the human detection information column, “present” or “not present” characters are described. “Existing” described in the column of human detection information means that the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, and “not existing” described in the column of human detection information means that the user exists. This means that it does not exist around the image forming apparatus 10.

  Further, identification information of the notification destination device is described in the notification destination column. For example, as the identification information of the notification destination device, the MAC address of the communication module provided in the notification destination device can be used. However, in FIG. 5, for simplification, the name of the notification destination device is described.

  When notification is performed, as described above, a notification destination is determined according to the notification control table shown in FIG. When the notification is performed, the content of the notification corresponding to the event is displayed on the display device of the notification destination device. Therefore, the user who uses the notification destination device can recognize the content of the notification.

  Hereinafter, an operation example of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the notification control table illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described. For example, when “screen layout change” is executed and the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 itself is determined as the notification destination. However, when the image forming apparatus 10 itself is determined as the notification destination, the content of the notification is displayed on the display 22. Although illustration is omitted, as the content of notification, when “change screen layout” is executed, a message for notifying the user that the layout of the home screen has been changed is displayed. Further, when a job instructed by a user using the image forming apparatus 10 is being executed in the image forming apparatus 10, the layout of the home screen displayed on the display 22 is changed after the job being executed ends.

  On the other hand, even when “screen layout change” is executed, if the user does not exist around the image forming apparatus 10, no notification is sent to any notification destination. In this case, the layout of the home screen immediately displayed on the display 22 is changed.

  When “fax reception / printing” is executed and the user is not present around the image forming apparatus 10, the external terminal is determined as the notification destination. Specifically, an external computer or the like used by the system administrator is determined as the notification destination. In this case, the content of the notification is displayed on the display device of the external computer determined as the notification destination. As the contents of the notification, a message indicating that “fax reception / printing” has been executed and a message prompting collection of the printed paper are displayed.

  On the other hand, even when “fax reception / printing” is executed, if the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, no notification is sent to any notification destination. This means that if the user is present around the image forming apparatus 10, it can recognize that the fax has been received and has been printed. This is because there is no need to notify.

  When “normal printing” is executed and the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, an external computer that is the transmission source of the “normal printing” print job is determined as the notification destination. . In this case, a message or the like indicating that there is a person around the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed on the display device of the external computer that is the transmission source of the print job. Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 is being used (operated) by another user, the image forming apparatus 10 is being used by another user on the display device of the external computer that is the transmission source of the print job. A message or the like is displayed.

  When “normal printing” is executed and the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, a sheet printed by a print job instructed by the user using the image forming apparatus 10, and The paper is discharged so as not to be mixed with the paper printed by the “normal print” print job. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be provided with a plurality of paper discharge trays, and the paper may be sorted into each paper discharge tray and discharged. In this case, the sheet printed by the print job instructed by the user using the image forming apparatus 10 is discharged to one of the discharge tray 40 and the other discharge tray, and the “normal print” The sheet printed by the print job “” may be discharged to the other discharge tray.

  On the other hand, even when “normal printing” is executed, if the user does not exist around the image forming apparatus 10, no notification is sent to any notification destination. In this case, the paper printed by the “normal print” print job is discharged in a normal manner.

  When “interrupt printing” is executed and the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 itself is determined as the notification destination. In this case, the display 22 displays a message indicating that there is a request for interrupt printing from an external computer and / or canceling the job currently being executed.

  When “interrupt printing” is executed and the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, “interrupt printing” is not executed and jobs are processed in the order received by the image forming apparatus 10. Executed.

  On the other hand, even when “interrupt printing” is executed, if the user does not exist around the image forming apparatus 10, no notification is sent to any notification destination. In this case, “interrupt printing” is executed.

  When the “remote operation” is executed and the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10, an external computer that performs the remote operation is determined as a notification destination. In this case, a message indicating that there is a person around the image forming apparatus 10 and / or that the image forming apparatus 10 is being used by another user is displayed on the display device of the external computer that performs remote operation. Is done. In this case, the “remote operation” is not executed.

  On the other hand, even when the “remote operation” is executed, if the user is not present around the image forming apparatus 10, the remote operation is executed without being notified to any notification destination.

  As described above, the operation example of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the notification control table has been described. However, the above-described event is an example, and information on other events may be described in the notification control table. Moreover, what kind of case should be notified should just be set suitably for every event.

  Further, in the first embodiment, it is made with reference to the notification control table to determine whether or not to perform notification and to determine a notification destination when it is determined to perform notification. This is because whether the notification is performed only by updating the contents described in the notification control table when the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 10 is changed or when the setting related to notification is changed. This is because the previous settings and the contents of the notification can be changed.

  However, if an event not described in the notification control table occurs, all notifications are made. In this case, if the event is executed according to an instruction from an external computer, the external computer or the image forming apparatus 10 is notified. If the event does not depend on an instruction from an external computer, the image forming apparatus 10 is notified.

  The above-described operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 12 executing a control program stored in the RAM 14. Specific processing will be described later with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 70 of the RAM 14 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 14 includes a program storage area 72 and a data storage area 74. As described above, the control program is stored in the program storage area 72 of the RAM 14. The control program includes a display program 72a, an operation detection program 72b, a presence determination program 72c, a notification program 72d, a print program 72e, and a communication program 72f.

  The display program 72 a is a program for displaying various screens such as an operation screen or a screen including a message indicating the content of notification on the display 22.

  The operation detection program 72b is a program for detecting an operation on each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the operation detection program 72b is a program for acquiring touch coordinate data output from the touch panel 20 and detecting that software keys included in various screens displayed on the display 22 have been operated. The operation detection program 72b is also a program for detecting an operation input from the operation button 26a.

  The presence determination program 72c acquires the distance data output by the human detection sensor 28, and depending on whether the distance indicated by the distance data is within a predetermined distance (the first distance L1 in the first embodiment). This is a program for determining whether or not a person exists in the range A.

  The notification program 72d is a program for determining a notification destination with reference to notification control table data 74d described later and notifying the determined notification destination.

  The print program 72e is a program for forming a multi-color or single-color image on a recording medium (paper) according to image data 74c described later.

  The communication program 72f is a program for communicating with an external computer or the like directly or via a network.

  Although not shown, the program storage area 72 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions.

  The data storage area 74 of the RAM 14 stores operation input data 74a, operation screen data 74b, image data 74c, notification control table data 74d, and the like.

  The operation input data 74a is, for example, touch coordinate data or / and operation data detected (acquired) according to the operation detection program 72b. The detected touch coordinate data and / or operation data is stored in time series.

  The operation screen data 74 b is image data regarding various operation screens such as a home screen displayed on the display 22.

  As described above, the image data 74c is image data read from a document by the image reading unit 30, or image data input from an external computer.

  The notification control table data 74d is data of the notification control table as shown in FIG. However, the notification control table data 74d is stored in, for example, a storage unit (nonvolatile memory such as an HDD) of the image forming apparatus 10 or a server connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network. The notification control table data 74d is read from the storage unit or server of the image forming apparatus 10 and stored in the RAM 14. When the notification control table is created, the notification control table data 74d corresponding to the notification control table as shown in FIG. The notification control table data 74d is overwritten when the notification control table is updated. When the notification control table data 74d is newly created or overwritten in the RAM 14, the latest notification control table data 74d is stored in the storage unit or server of the image forming apparatus 10.

  Although not shown, the data storage area 74 stores other data necessary for execution of the control program, and is provided with a timer (counter) and a register necessary for execution of the control program.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of notification control processing of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. This notification control process is executed when a predetermined event occurs.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when starting the notification control process, the CPU 12 reads the notification control table data 74d in step S1, acquires an event name in step S3, and acquires person detection information in step S5.

  In a succeeding step S9, it is determined whether or not notification is performed. Here, with reference to the notification control table corresponding to the notification control table data 74d, it is determined whether or not to perform notification according to the combination of the event name and the person detection information.

  If “NO” in the step S7, that is, if it is determined that the notification is not performed, the notification control process is terminated without performing notification to any notification destination. If “YES” in the step S7, that is, if it is determined that a notification is to be performed, a notification is made to the notification destination determined by referring to the notification control table corresponding to the notification control table data 74d in a step S9. The notification control process ends. However, the content of the notification performed in step S9 is the content described in the notification control table corresponding to the notification control table data 74d.

  According to the first embodiment, for each predetermined event, it is automatically determined whether or not to notify the user depending on whether or not the user is present around the image forming apparatus 10, and thus the notification is not essential. There is no notification. Therefore, notification can be performed appropriately.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the notification destination is automatically determined for each predetermined event, so that notification can be performed appropriately.
[Second Embodiment]
In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, when notification is performed, the first operation is performed except that the user using the notification destination device confirms (selects) whether or not processing according to the event is permitted. Since it is the same as the image forming apparatus 10 of the embodiment, the different contents will be described in detail, and the description of the overlapping contents will be omitted or simply described.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, as a part of the contents of the notification (selection information), the notification destination device is used as to whether or not the display device of the notification destination device is permitted to perform processing according to the event. A selection screen 120 for allowing the user to select is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a selection screen 120 in the second embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a selection screen 120 when “interrupt printing” is executed. As shown in FIG. 8, when “interrupt printing” is executed, a selection screen 120 for selecting whether to permit “interrupt printing” is displayed on the display 22. That is, the user who uses the image forming apparatus 10 is confirmed whether to permit “interrupt printing”.

  The selection screen 120 displays a message 122 for prompting the selection determination as to whether or not “interrupt printing” is permitted, and the selection screen 120 also includes a permission button 124 for permitting “interrupt printing” and “interrupt printing”. A non-permission button 126 that does not permit “is displayed.

  When the permission button 124 is selected on the selection screen 120, that is, when the user who uses the image forming apparatus 10 has an intention of permitting “interrupt printing”, “interrupt printing” is executed. Specifically, when a job instructed by a user using the image forming apparatus 10 is being executed in the image forming apparatus 10, the job being executed is interrupted and a print job of “interrupt printing” is executed. If the job instructed by the user using the image forming apparatus 10 is before execution, the job instructed by the user using the image forming apparatus 10 is executed after the “interrupt print” print job is completed. The

  Further, when the non-permitted button 126 is selected on the selection screen 120, that is, when the user who uses the image forming apparatus 10 has an intention not to permit “interrupt printing”, “interrupt printing” is not executed. Specifically, when a job instructed by a user who uses the image forming apparatus 10 is being executed in the image forming apparatus 10, a print job of “interrupt printing” is executed after the job being executed ends. In addition, even when the job instructed by the user using the image forming apparatus 10 is before execution, after the job instructed by the user using the image forming apparatus 10 is completed, a print job of “interrupt printing” is performed. Executed.

  As described above, the case where “interrupt printing” is executed has been described as an example. However, even when another event is executed, the notification destination device is used to determine whether or not processing according to the event is permitted. A selection screen 120 that allows the user to select is displayed.

  For example, although illustration is omitted, when “normal printing” is executed, the selection screen 120 is displayed on a display device of an external computer. In this case, similarly to the case where “interrupt printing” is executed, when the permission button 124 is selected on the selection screen 120, a print job of “normal printing” is executed. However, when a job instructed by a user who uses the image forming apparatus 10 is being executed in the image forming apparatus 10, the “normal print” print job is executed after the job being executed ends. When the non-permission button 126 is selected on the selection screen 120, the “normal print” print job is canceled.

  However, if a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses in a state where neither the permission button 124 nor the non-permission button 126 is operated, it is determined that the processing corresponding to the event is permitted. In this case, the selection screen 120 is hidden and processing corresponding to the event is executed.

  Further, when the user does not exist around the image forming apparatus 10, that is, there is a case where there is no user who confirms whether or not to permit processing according to the event. In this case, the selection screen 120 is not displayed on the display 22 and processing corresponding to the event is executed.

  In the second embodiment, only the selection information is included in the notification performed in step S9 of the notification control process shown in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, since the user using the notification destination device can select whether to permit the processing corresponding to the event in the notification destination device, the notification can be performed more appropriately.
[Third embodiment]
In the third embodiment, when the user exists around the image forming apparatus 10 and an event that is executed by an instruction from an external computer occurs, both the image forming apparatus 10 and the external computer Since the second embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except that notification is made, different contents will be described, and redundant descriptions will be omitted or simply described.

  FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a notification control table in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, “normal print”, “interrupt print”, and “remote operation” correspond to events executed by an instruction from an external computer, for example. In the third embodiment, when these events occur, notification is made to both the image forming apparatus 10 and an external computer according to the notification control table.

  In the third embodiment, when an event to be executed in accordance with an instruction from an external computer occurs, a notification including selection information is first given to one device (hereinafter referred to as “first notification destination”) according to the notification control table. And the user who uses the first notification destination selects whether or not the process corresponding to the event is permitted in the first notification destination. The other device (hereinafter referred to as “second notification destination”) is notified including the selection result according to the result (selection result) selected by the user of the first notification destination. However, in some events, the second notification destination may not be notified depending on the selection result of the first notification destination user.

  For example, when “normal printing” is executed, the first notification destination is determined by the external computer that has issued the “normal printing” instruction. Further, the second notification destination is determined by the image forming apparatus 10 that has received an instruction of “normal printing”. In this case, the external computer that issued the “normal print” instruction is notified first, and the selection screen 120 is displayed on the display device of the external computer. The permission button 124 displayed on the selection screen 120 is selected. In the case where it has been selected, a notification indicating that “normal printing” has been permitted is sent to the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10. When the non-permitted button 126 is selected on the selection screen 120, There is no notification.

  When “interrupt printing” is executed, the first notification destination is determined by the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the “interrupt printing” instruction. The second notification destination is determined by the external computer that has issued the “interrupt print” instruction. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the “interrupt print” instruction is notified first, and the selection screen 120 is displayed on the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10. When the user using the image forming apparatus 10 selects the permission button 124 displayed on the selection screen 120, “interrupt printing” is started, and an external computer that has issued an instruction for “interrupt printing” The display device is notified of the content indicating that “interrupt printing” is permitted. When the non-permission button 126 is selected on the selection screen 120, a notification indicating that “interrupt printing” is not permitted is displayed on the display device of the external computer that has issued the “interrupt printing” instruction. Done.

  When the “remote operation” is executed, the first notification destination is determined by the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the “remote operation” instruction. Further, the second notification destination is determined by the external computer that has given the instruction of “remote operation”. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the “remote operation” instruction is notified first, and the selection screen 120 is displayed on the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10. When the user using the image forming apparatus 10 selects the permission button 124 displayed on the selection screen 120, the “remote operation” is started, and an external computer that has instructed the “remote operation” The display device is notified of the content indicating that “remote operation” is permitted. When the disallow button 126 is selected on the selection screen 120, a notification indicating that “remote operation” is not permitted is displayed on the display device of the external computer that has issued the “remote operation” instruction. Done.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification control process in the third embodiment. The description of the same processing as that described in the notification control processing (FIG. 7) of the first embodiment will be omitted or briefly described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the CPU 12 starts the notification control process, if “YES” in the step S7, that is, if it is determined that the notification is to be performed, the first notification destination in accordance with the notification control table in a step S31. And a notification including the selection information is sent to the determined first notification destination.

  Subsequently, in step S33, a result (selection result) selected by the first notification destination user is acquired. In step S35, the second notification destination is notified including the selection result acquired in step S33, and notification control is performed. The process ends. However, as described above, in some events, the second notification destination may not be notified depending on the selection result of the first notification destination user. In this case, after acquiring the result selected by the first notification destination user in step S33, step S35 is omitted and the notification control process is terminated.

  According to the third embodiment, when an event to be executed in response to an instruction from an external computer occurs, notification is made to both the image forming apparatus 10 and the external computer, so that notification can be performed more appropriately. .

  Further, according to the third embodiment, first, the notification including the selection information is performed first in the first notification destination, and the notification including the selection result in the first notification destination is performed in the second notification destination. 2 The user of the notification destination can recognize the selection result at the first notification destination. For this reason, the user of the second notification destination can recognize the status of the job instructed by the user.

  The aspect shown in the third embodiment can be employed in combination with the second embodiment.

  In addition, the specific numerical values, screen configurations, and the like given in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to actual products.

  Furthermore, the order in which the steps of the flowcharts shown in the above-described embodiment are processed can be changed as appropriate as long as the same result is obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 12 ... CPU
14 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Touch panel 22 ... Display 28 ... Human detection sensor 36 ... Main body 40 ... Paper discharge tray

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus that performs notification when a predetermined event occurs,
Presence determination means for determining whether a person is present in a range set around the image forming apparatus;
A storage unit that stores a table that sets whether to perform notification according to a combination of the event type and the detection result by the presence determination unit, and the event type according to the table stored in the storage unit An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit that performs notification when a combination of detection results by the presence determination unit is a combination that performs notification. A communication means for communicating with an external terminal;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies at least one of the image forming apparatus and the external terminal when performing the notification. The table stored in the storage unit includes notification destination information indicating whether to notify the external terminal or the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit determines a notification destination according to the notification destination information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit performs notification including selection information for allowing a user to select whether or not to permit processing according to the event. When the notification including the selection information is performed and the process according to the event is permitted, the process according to the event is executed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the notification including the selection information is performed and the process according to the event is not permitted, the process according to the event is not executed.   The notification means executes a notification including the selection information for allowing a user to select whether to permit processing according to the event to one of the external terminal and the image forming apparatus, and the external terminal and the image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a notification including the selection result of the user is sent to the other image forming apparatus. A control program for an image forming apparatus that performs notification when a predetermined event occurs,
A computer of the image forming apparatus;
Presence determination means for determining whether a person is present in a range set around the image forming apparatus;
A storage unit that stores a table that sets whether to perform notification according to a combination of the event type and the detection result in the presence determination unit, and the event type according to the table stored in the storage unit And a control program for an image forming apparatus that functions as a notification unit that performs notification when a combination of detection results by the presence determination unit is a combination that performs notification. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus that performs notification when a predetermined event occurs,
The computer of the image forming apparatus
(A) determining whether a person exists in a range set around the image forming apparatus;
(B) storing a table in which whether or not to perform notification is set according to the combination of the event type and the detection result in the step (a); and (c) the table stored in the step (b). The control method of the image forming apparatus that performs notification when the combination of the type of the event and the detection result in the step (a) is a combination for performing notification.

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