JP2018062177A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system that can determine order of image formation of image formation data in accordance with a feature of each image formation data, and an image forming method.SOLUTION: A data creation device creates order data indicating order of priority related to image formation on the basis of authentication data acquired from a user identification unit and applies the order data to image formation data to be subjected to image formation. An image forming apparatus determines order of image formation on the basis of the order data when there are a plurality of image formation data to be subjected to the image formation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, for example, a user issues an image forming instruction using software on a personal computer, and the image forming apparatus receives the instruction to perform printing.

  Also, depending on the image forming apparatus, in consideration of the security of data to be imaged, the user who instructed the image formation goes in front of the image forming apparatus and holds his / her ID card over the authentication apparatus on the image forming apparatus side. There is also an image forming apparatus configured to start image formation only after performing personal authentication such as inputting a password.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when a user with an RFID tag comes in front of the image forming apparatus, the user is identified based on information acquired from the RFID tag, and the job priority is automatically changed. An image forming apparatus that can be used is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, the IC tag reader of the printer accesses the user's IC tag existing around the printer by wireless communication, identifies the user located around the IC tag reader, and measures the waiting time for each user ID. Thus, a printing system that executes a print job of the user with the longest waiting time in preference to a print job of another user is disclosed.

JP 2006-27170 A JP 2010-105401 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus or printing system as described above, when there are a plurality of data to be printed, priority is given to a job with a long waiting time, and the printing is not considered, and characteristics of each data to be printed are not considered. Job priorities were determined.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to determine an image formation order based on rank data when there are a plurality of image formation data to be formed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or the like that can determine the image forming order of such image forming data according to the characteristics of each image forming data.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes:
Acquiring authentication data associated with the user, generating image formation data to which priority data indicating priority for image formation is attached based on the authentication data, and forming an image based on the generated image formation data In an image forming apparatus that performs
When there are a plurality of image forming data to be image-formed, an order determining means for determining an image forming order based on the order data is provided.

The image forming method of the present invention comprises:
Obtaining authentication data associated with the user; generating image formation data to which rank data representing priority order for image formation is attached based on the authentication data; and based on the generated image formation data And performing image formation,
When there are a plurality of image forming data to be image-formed, the method includes a step of determining an image forming order based on the order data.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, when there are a plurality of image forming data to be image-formed, the image forming order is determined based on the order data. The image forming order of the image forming data can be determined.

1 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a user identification device in the image forming system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of a personal computer in the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing in a personal computer when a user carrying a user identifier approaches the personal computer in the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing in a personal computer when an image formation instruction is received from a user in the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing between the digital multifunction peripheral and the user identifier in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram conceptually showing priority setting in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a print job table in the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of ordering (or rearrangement) on a print job table in the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation screen of a print job table in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of ordering (or rearrangement) on the print job table in the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing between the digital multifunction peripheral and the user identifier in the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the image forming system and the image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention are applied to an image forming system having a multifunction peripheral and a personal computer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing an image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a digital multi-function peripheral 100 (image forming apparatus), a user identification device 200, and a personal computer 300 (data generating apparatus). In the following description, the case where the image forming system 400 includes one digital multifunction peripheral 100, one user identification device 200, and one personal computer 300 will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There may be a plurality of each.

  The user identifier 200 stores authentication data representing one user and is carried by the one user. The digital multi-function peripheral 100 has a touch panel function, acquires image formation data to be imaged, and forms an image based on the image formation data. In the personal computer 300, image forming data such as documents and images is generated by the user.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 in the image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the personal computer 300 in the image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. .

  The digital multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control unit 10, a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an image input unit 14, an image output unit 15, a wired communication unit 16, a storage unit 17, an operation panel 18, a display unit 19, a display control unit 20, and a first. Hardware such as the communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22 is provided, and the digital multi-function peripheral 100 is configured as a whole.

  The ROM 12 stores in advance fundamentally fixed data among various control programs and calculation parameters, and the RAM 13 temporarily stores the data and reads it regardless of the storage order, storage position, etc. Is possible. The RAM 13 stores, for example, a program read from the ROM 12, various data generated by executing the program, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like.

  The CPU 11 loads the control program stored in advance in the ROM 12 onto the RAM 13 and executes it, thereby controlling the various hardware described above via the bus, and operating the entire apparatus as the digital multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention. Let

The image input unit 14 is a reading unit that optically reads an image of an original, and includes a light source that irradiates light to the original for reading, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image input unit 14 forms a reflected light image reflected from the document set at a predetermined reading position on the image sensor, and outputs RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog electrical signals. Output.

  For example, the image output unit 15 forms an image on a sheet such as paper or an OHP film based on image formation data acquired from the user identifier 200 or the personal computer 300. For this reason, the image output unit 15 generates a latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting a laser beam in accordance with image data received from outside, a photosensitive drum, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and externally received image data. Laser writing device to be generated, developing device for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the paper Etc. (not shown), and an image desired by the user is formed on the sheet by electrophotography. In addition to image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing apparatus, an image formation may be performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like.

  The wired communication unit 16 includes a network card, a modem, and the like that receive the image forming data from the outside. For example, the wired communication unit 16 receives the image formation data or an image formation instruction for performing image formation based on the image formation data from the personal computer 300 via an I / F (not shown).

  The storage unit 17 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, EEPROM (registered trademark), HDD, MRAM (magnetoresistance memory), FeRAM (ferroelectric memory), or OUM, for example. The storage unit 17 stores, for example, image data input via the image input unit 14 for each predetermined file name. The storage unit 17 stores a user ID (authentication data) representing a user who is permitted to use the apparatus, and includes image formation data received from the outside, an image formation instruction related to the image formation data, and the like. Is memorized.

  Also, a partial area of the storage unit 17 stores a print job table that is used for a so-called print queue function that stores generated print jobs and controls to print in a predetermined order. For example, the print job table includes a print job ID representing a generated print job, a priority order of image formation data related to the print job, a user ID related to the image formation data, and the like in the order to be printed. They are arranged (see FIG. 9).

  The operation panel 18 includes various buttons for receiving user instructions, an enter key for receiving confirmation of instructions, a numeric keypad, and the like. Further, the operation panel 18 includes a “priority change button” for receiving a priority change instruction to be described later, and the user operates the priority change button so that the priority order of the image formation data to be formed is determined. Can be changed.

The display unit 19 includes, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel,
When the user operates the priority order change button on the operation panel 18, an operation screen for the print job table is displayed. In addition, since a touch panel is provided so as to cover the display surface of the display unit 19, the user can change the priority order of the predetermined image forming data by appropriately operating the operation screen (touch panel) of the print job table. Can do.

  The display control unit 20 is configured by a processor such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls image display on the display unit 19. For example, when the priority order change button on the operation panel 18 is operated by the user, the operation screen of the print job table is displayed on the display unit 19.

  The first communication unit 21 is a communication unit that can transmit and receive data up to several meters. The first communication unit 21 is, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) compatible device, an IEEE 802.11 compatible device, a non-contact communication method (RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system) compatible device, or the like. In the following description, a case where the first communication unit 21 is compatible with a non-contact communication method will be described as an example.

  For example, the first communication unit 21 establishes communication with the first communication unit 203 of the user discriminator 200 when the first communication units 203 of the user discriminator 200 (to be described later) approach to such an extent that they can communicate with each other. Is configured to do.

  Specifically, the first communication unit 21 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 serves as a so-called reader / writer, and the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200 serves as a so-called contact / non-contact IC card. These are configured to use an electrostatic coupling system or an electromagnetic coupling system. In this case, an activation signal (electromagnetic wave) is constantly transmitted from the first communication unit 21, and the first communication unit 203 and the first communication unit 21 approach to such a degree that they can communicate with each other (several meters). In this case, the first communication unit 203 receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the first communication unit 21. When the first communication unit 203 receives the electromagnetic wave, the first communication unit 203 rectifies the carrier wave of the electromagnetic wave to generate a DC power supply, and drives the internal circuit with it. Then, the first communication unit 203 performs amplitude modulation and sends a response signal to the first communication unit 21 according to the activation signal. As a result, communication between the first communication unit 21 and the first communication unit 203 is established.

  The second communication unit 22 is a communication unit that has a shorter communicable distance and a higher communication speed, that is, a data transmission / reception speed, than the first communication unit 21. The second communication unit 22 is, for example, TRANSFER JET (registered trademark). In the present invention, as will be described later, since the image formation data is received from the user identifier 200 via the second communication unit 22, since the communication distance is short and the speed is no longer high, data leakage, interception, etc. Can be suppressed.

  The control unit 10 includes an order determination unit 1, a rank change unit 2, a cancellation unit 3, a presence determination unit 4, an authentication unit 5, and a return unit 6.

  For example, when there are a plurality of pieces of image formation data to be printed (image formation), in other words, when a plurality of print jobs are waiting, the order determination unit 1 determines the plurality of pieces of image formation data based on rank data described later. The order in which image formation data should be formed (hereinafter referred to as the image formation order) is determined. That is, in the present invention, the image forming order of the image forming data is determined by the order determining unit 1 based on the order registered in the print job table (the order in which the print jobs are generated) and the order data.

  As described above, the order changing unit 2 operates when the user operates the priority order change button on the operation panel 18 to change the priority order of the predetermined image formation data, that is, the predetermined image formation via the operation panel 18. When an instruction to change the priority order of data is received, the priority order of the predetermined image forming data is changed according to the change instruction.

  Further, for example, when the priority of one image forming data is changed to the specific priority by the order changing unit 2, more specifically, when the priority is changed to the “SS” priority described later, the order determining unit 1 The image forming order of the one image forming data is set to No. 1, and the arrangement order on the print job table is changed.

  In the case where the priority order of one image forming data is changed to a specific priority order by the order changing unit 2, and when other image forming data is currently being printed, the order determining unit 1 forms the one image forming data. The image forming order of the data is set to No. 1, and the canceling unit 3 temporarily stops the image forming of the other image forming data.

  The presence determination unit 4 determines whether or not the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance. In other words, the presence determination unit 4 determines whether or not the user identifier 200 is within a range in which communication between the first communication unit 21 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200 can be established. judge.

  For example, the first communication unit 203 receives the activation signal transmitted from the first communication unit 21 and transmits a response signal to the first communication unit 21 in response to the activation signal, so that the first communication unit 21 When the response signal is received, the presence determination unit 4 determines that the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance.

  The authentication unit 5 determines that the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance by the presence determination unit 4, and communication between the first communication unit 21 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200 is performed. If established, the authentication data is acquired from the user identifier 200 and authentication is performed. Such authentication is performed by comparing the authentication data acquired from the user identification device 200 with the user ID stored in the storage unit 17 and representing the user who is permitted to use the own device, or using the digital multifunction device 100. This is done by comparing the stored contents of an external server (not shown) in which a user ID representing an authorized user is stored.

  The return unit 6 returns the digital multifunction peripheral 100 from the power saving state to the normal state. More specifically, for example, when authentication by the authentication unit 5 is completed as described above, when the own device (digital multifunction peripheral 100) is in a power saving state in which the power supply is partially limited, the return unit 6 may It returns to the normal state where there is no restriction on the power supply.

  On the other hand, the user identification device 200 has a size that can be held by a user, for example. The user identification device 200 includes a control unit 201 having a CPU (not shown) that controls the entire apparatus, a storage unit 202, a first communication unit 203, and a second communication unit 204.

  The control unit 201 controls the hardware described above to operate as the user identification device 200 according to the image forming system 400 of the present invention.

  The storage unit 202 is, for example, a flash memory, and stores authentication data representing the user of the own device (user identification device 200). The storage unit 202 stores image formation data received from the personal computer 300 via the second communication unit 204 or an image formation instruction related to the image formation data.

  The first communication unit 203 corresponds to communication with the first communication unit 21 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and the first communication unit 308 of the personal computer 300 described later. Similar to the first communication unit 21, the first communication unit 203 is a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data up to several meters, such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) compatible device, an IEEE 802.11 compatible device, and a non-contact method. And a communication system (RFID system) compatible device. In the following description, a case where the first communication unit 203 is compatible with a non-contact communication method will be described as an example.

  For example, the first communication unit 203 establishes communication with the first communication unit 21 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 or the first communication unit 308 of the personal computer 300 to the extent that they can communicate with each other. It is configured as follows. Details have already been described and are omitted here.

  The second communication unit 204 corresponds to communication with the second communication unit 22 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and a second communication unit 309 of the personal computer 300 described later. The second communication unit 204 is a communication unit that has a shorter communicable distance and a higher communication speed, that is, a data transmission / reception speed, than the first communication unit 203. The second communication unit 204 is, for example, TRANSFER JET (registered trademark), similarly to the second communication unit 22 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100.

  The personal computer 300 includes a control unit 310, a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a wired communication unit 304, a storage unit 305, an input unit 306, a display unit 307, a first communication unit 308, and a second communication unit 309. .

  The CPU 301 is connected to each hardware part of the personal computer 300 via a bus, and controls them and executes various software functions according to a control program stored in the storage part 305.

  Various control programs are recorded in the ROM 302. The RAM 303 temporarily stores data and can be read regardless of the storage order, storage position, and the like. The RAM 303 stores, for example, a program read from the ROM 302, various data generated by executing the program, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like.

  The wired communication unit 304 includes a network card, a modem, and the like that perform wired communication with the wired communication unit 16 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and transmit the image forming data from the outside. For example, the wired communication unit 304 transmits the image formation data or an image formation instruction related to the image formation data to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via an I / F (not shown).

  The storage unit 305 includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores various programs such as basic software (OS), application software such as word processor software for creating documents, and browsers such as Internet Explorer (registered trademark). . The storage unit 305 stores a user ID (authentication data) representing a user who is permitted to use the device.

  The input unit 306 includes a keyboard and a mouse. That is, the user can input predetermined data and create the image formation data by appropriately operating the input unit 306.

  The display unit 307 is composed of, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel. As described above, when the user creates image formation data by appropriately operating the input unit 306, an image related to the image formation data is displayed. In addition, a reception image for receiving an image formation instruction for the image formation data from the user is displayed. The user can instruct image formation of such image formation data by appropriately operating the received image.

  The first communication unit 308 corresponds to communication with the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200 and can receive the authentication data from the user identifier 200. Since the first communication unit 308 has the same configuration as the first communication unit 203, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The second communication unit 309 corresponds to communication with the second communication unit 204 of the user identifier 200 and transmits the image formation data or an image formation instruction related to the image formation data to the user identifier 200. Since the second communication unit 309 has the same configuration as the second communication unit 204, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The control unit 310 includes an authentication data acquisition unit 311, a data generation unit 312, a transmission control unit 313, a presence determination unit 314, and an authentication unit 315.

  The authentication data acquisition unit 311 acquires authentication data from the user identifier 200. More specifically, the authentication data acquisition unit 311 receives the authentication data from the user identifier 200 via the first communication unit 308.

  The data generation unit 312 generates image formation data and an image formation instruction related to the image formation data. For example, when the user creates predetermined document data and instructs to form an image of the document data, the data generation unit 312 generates specific data for specifying the document data (image formation data), and the specific data is It is attached to the image formation data and the image formation instruction. Such specific data includes rank data representing the priority order related to image formation, which is generated based on the authentication data acquired by the authentication data acquisition unit 311.

  The transmission control unit 313 controls transmission of the generated image formation data and an image formation instruction for the image formation data. The transmission control unit 313 transmits the image formation data and the image formation instruction to the user identifier 200 via the second communication unit 309 in response to an instruction from the user. Alternatively, the transmission control unit 313 transmits such image formation data to the user identifier 200 via the second communication unit 309 in response to an instruction from the user, and transmits the image formation instruction via the wired communication unit 304. It transmits to the digital multi-function peripheral 100.

  The presence determination unit 314 determines whether or not the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance. In other words, the presence determination unit 314 determines whether or not the user identifier 200 is within a range in which communication between the first communication unit 308 of the personal computer 300 and the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200 can be established. To do. The determination method by the presence determination unit 314 is the same as the determination method of the presence determination unit 4 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the presence determination unit 314 determines that the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance and the authentication unit 315 establishes communication between the first communication unit 308 and the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200, The authentication data is acquired from the user identifier 200 and authentication is performed. Such an authentication method is the same as the authentication method by the authentication unit 5 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the personal computer 300 when the user carrying the user identifier 200 approaches the personal computer 300 in the image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  First, the presence determination unit 314 determines whether or not the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance (step S101). That is, the presence determination unit 314 determines whether or not a response signal to the activation signal transmitted from the first communication unit 308 has been received from the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200.

  When the response signal is not received from the first communication unit 203, the presence determination unit 314 determines that the user identifier 200 does not exist within a predetermined distance (step S101: NO), and repeatedly performs such determination.

  On the other hand, when the response signal is received from the first communication unit 203, the presence determination unit 314 determines that the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance (step S101: YES), and the first communication unit 308 and the user identification are determined. Communication with the first communication unit 203 of the device 200 is established.

  Next, the authentication data acquisition unit 311 acquires the authentication data from the user identifier 200 via the first communication unit 308 (step S102), and the authentication unit 315 performs authentication using the acquired authentication data. Such an authentication method has already been described, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The CPU 301 determines whether authentication has been successful based on the authentication result by the authentication unit 315 (step S103).

  If the CPU 301 determines that the authentication has failed (step S103: NO), the process returns to step S101. If the CPU 301 determines that the authentication has been successful (step S103: YES), the CPU 301 considers that the login has been completed, and sets the own device in a state where the login has been completed by the user (step S104).

  Through the processing as described above, in the present invention, the user having the user identification device 200 can log in to the personal computer 300 only by approaching the personal computer 300, and can save labor.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the personal computer 300 when an image forming instruction is received from a user in the image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where a user creates document data (image formation data) using a word processor will be described as an example.

  The user appropriately operates the input unit 306 to create document data, and appropriately operates the received image to instruct printing (image formation) of the document data.

  At this time, the CPU 301 monitors the received image to determine whether a print instruction has been received (step S201).

  If the CPU 301 determines that a print instruction has not been received (step S201: NO), it repeats such determination. If the CPU 301 determines that a print instruction has been received (step S201: YES), the data generation unit 312 generates image formation data and an image formation instruction related to the image formation data (step S202). That is, the data generation unit 312 generates image formation data (document data) to which specific data specifying such document data is attached and an image formation instruction related to the document data to which the specific data is attached.

  Subsequently, the CPU 301 displays, for example, a text “Do you want to send only image forming data to the user identifier” on the display unit 307, and displays “YES” and “NO” soft keys on the display unit 307. To do.

  Further, the CPU 301 determines whether or not to transmit only the image formation data wirelessly to the user identification device 200 by monitoring the “YES” and “NO” soft keys (step S203).

  For example, when the user operates the “YES” soft key, the CPU 301 determines that only the image formation data is wirelessly transmitted to the user identification device 200 (step S203: YES).

  At this time, the authentication data acquisition unit 311 acquires the authentication data from the user identifier 200 via the first communication unit 308 (step S204), and the authentication unit 315 performs authentication using the acquired authentication data.

  Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the authentication has been successful based on the authentication result by the authentication unit 315 (step S205).

  If the CPU 301 determines that the authentication could not be performed (step S205: NO), the CPU 301 regards it as an unauthorized use by a person who is not permitted to use the own device, and forcibly logs out (step S208). Thereafter, the process ends.

If the CPU 301 determines that the authentication has been successful (step S205: YES), the transmission control unit 313 transmits such image forming data to the user identifier 200 via the second communication unit 309 (step S206). . Furthermore, the transmission control unit 313 transmits such an image formation instruction to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via the network using the wired communication unit 304 (step S207). Thereafter, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the user operates the “NO” soft key, the CPU 301 determines that only image formation data is not transmitted to the user identification device 200 wirelessly (step S203: NO). The text “Do you want to send a forming instruction to the user identifier” is displayed on the display unit 307, and “YES” and “NO” soft keys are displayed on the display unit 307.

  At this time, the CPU 301 monitors the “YES” and “NO” soft keys to determine whether to transmit image formation data and an image formation instruction to the user identifier 200 wirelessly (step S209). ).

  For example, when the user operates the “YES” soft key, the CPU 301 determines to transmit the image formation data and the image formation instruction to the user identifier 200 wirelessly (step S209: YES).

  At this time, the authentication data acquisition unit 311 acquires the authentication data from the user identifier 200 via the first communication unit 308 (step S210), and the authentication unit 315 performs authentication using the acquired authentication data.

  Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the authentication is possible based on the authentication result by the authentication unit 315 (step S211). When it is determined that the authentication is not possible (step S211: NO), the use of the own device is permitted. It is regarded as unauthorized use by a person who is not present and forcibly logs out (step S208). Thereafter, the process ends.

  If the CPU 301 determines that the authentication has been successful (step S211: YES), the transmission control unit 313 transmits the image formation data and the image formation instruction to the user identifier 200 via the second communication unit 309. (Step S212). Thereafter, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the user operates the “NO” soft key, the CPU 301 determines that the image formation data and the image formation instruction are not transmitted to the user identification device 200 wirelessly (step S209: NO). At this time, the transmission control unit 313 transmits the image formation data and the image formation instruction to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the network using the wired communication unit 304 (step S213). Thereafter, the process ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing between the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and the user identifier 200 in the image forming system 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, after the user instructs the personal computer 300 to transmit the image formation data and the image formation instruction to the user identification device 200 wirelessly, the digital multifunction peripheral 100 with the user identification device 200 is carried. As an example, the case of moving to will be described. That is, the image forming data and the image forming instruction are stored in the storage unit 202 of the user identifier 200.

  First, the presence determination unit 4 determines whether or not the user identification device 200 exists within a predetermined distance (step S301). That is, it is determined whether a response signal to the activation signal transmitted from the first communication unit 21 is received from the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200.

  When the response signal is not received from the first communication unit 203, the presence determination unit 4 determines that the user identifier 200 does not exist within a predetermined distance (step S301: NO), and repeats this determination.

  On the other hand, when the response signal is received from the first communication unit 203, the presence determination unit 4 determines that the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance (step S301: YES), and the first communication unit 21 and the user identification are determined. Communication with the first communication unit 203 of the device 200 is established.

  Next, the authentication unit 5 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 requests the user identification device 200 for the authentication data via the first communication unit 21. In response to this, the control unit 201 of the user identification device 200 transmits the authentication data to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the first communication unit 203 (step S401).

  When the authentication data is acquired from the user identifier 200 by the first communication unit 21 (step S302), the authentication unit 5 performs authentication using the acquired authentication data. Such an authentication method has already been described, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  CPU11 determines whether it was able to authenticate based on the authentication result by the authentication part 5 (step S303).

  If the CPU 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S303: NO), the process returns to step S301. If the CPU 11 determines that the authentication has been completed (step S303: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the device itself is in the power saving state. If the CPU 11 is in the power saving state, the CPU 11 returns to the normal state. The return unit 6 is instructed. In response to this, the return unit 6 returns from the power saving state to the normal state (step S304).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user identifier 200 is within a distance where data can be received (step S305). Such a determination is made based on, for example, the intensity of the radio wave received from the user identifier 200.

  When the CPU 11 determines that the user discriminator 200 is not within the distance where data can be received (step S305: NO), the CPU 11 repeats the determination until the user discriminator 200 exists within the distance.

  In addition, when the CPU 11 determines that the user identifier 200 is within a distance where data can be received (step S305: YES), the user transmits the image formation data and the image formation instruction via the first communication unit 21. A request is made to the discriminator 200 (step S306).

  In response to this, the control unit 201 of the user identification device 200 transmits the image formation data and the image formation instruction stored in the storage unit 202 to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the second communication unit 204 (step S402). ).

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 receives the image formation data and the image formation instruction (step S307) and stores them in the storage unit 17. In the present invention, since the image forming data and the image forming instruction are received from the user identification device 200 through the second communication unit 22 having a short communication distance and a low speed as described above, data leakage, interception, etc. Can be suppressed.

  Further, since the image forming data is sent to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the user identification device 200, it is possible to prevent printing delay due to network congestion.

  Next, the order determining unit 1 determines the image forming order of the image forming data based on the received image forming data and the specific data attached to the image forming instruction (step S308). In other words, the order determining unit 1 determines the image forming order of the image forming data based on the order data representing the priority order of the image forming data included in the specific data, and accordingly, Change the order in the print job table.

  FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram conceptually showing priority setting in the image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, “SS”, “S”, “A”, “B”, “C” are given priority in descending order of priority, and emergency, emergency, officer, Assigned for general use and events.

  Since the specific data of such image formation data includes the rank data indicating the priority as shown in FIG. 8, the order determination unit 1 determines the image formation order based on the rank data.

  FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a print job table in the image forming system 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The print job table includes a print job ID representing received image formation data (generated print job), a priority (priority before change) included in specific data of the image formation data, or the priority If changed, the priority is changed and the user ID related to the image forming data is arranged in the order to be printed.

  The higher the priority of the priority relating to the generated print job (that is, the received image formation data), the higher the order in the print job table. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of ordering (or rearrangement) on the print job table in the image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  For example, when all the image formation data waiting for printing has a priority “B” as shown in the print job table of FIG. 9, new image formation data is received. It can be assumed that the priority is “A”. In such a case, the new image formation data has the highest priority, and as shown in FIG. 10, the image formation data is placed in the top order of the print job table.

  On the other hand, when the priority order of the new image formation data is the same as the priority order of the other image formation data already registered in the print job table, immediately below the other image formation data with the same priority, The new image formation data is inserted.

  As described above, when the image forming order is determined by the order determining unit 1, the CPU 11 determines whether or not an instruction to change the priority order of the received image forming data has been received (step S309). This determination is performed by the CPU 11 monitoring whether or not the priority order change button on the operation panel 18 is operated.

  For example, when the user is in a hurry to form an image of the image formation data and desires to change the priority order of the image formation data, the user operates the priority order change button to display the operation screen of the print job table, and By appropriately operating the operation screen of the print job table, the priority order of the image formation data is changed.

  For example, if the user does not operate the priority order change button for a predetermined time, it is determined that the CPU 11 has not received an instruction to change the priority order of the received image formation data (step S309: NO), and the process is performed. Move to step S311.

  On the other hand, when the operation screen of the print job table is operated by the user, the CPU 11 determines that an instruction to change the priority order of the received image formation data has been received (step S309: YES).

  At this time, the order changing unit 2 changes the priority order of the received image forming data according to the priority order change instruction received via the operation screen of the print job table (step S310). The order determining unit 1 changes the image forming order of the image forming data. As a result, the arrangement order of the received image formation data in the print job table is also changed.

  Thereafter, the image output unit 15 prints the received image formation data based on the image formation order on the print job table (step S311).

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation screen of the print job table in the image forming system 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the digital multifunction peripheral 100, when the print job status is as shown in FIG. 11A, the operation screen of the print job table as shown in FIG. The

  The user can confirm the image forming order of his / her image forming data through the print job table of FIG. Further, as described above, the user can change the priority of the image forming data by selecting his / her image forming data and appropriately operating the “priority” soft key on the operation screen of the print job table. You can also. Since the user is authenticated at the time of such a change, the user can usually change only his own image forming data. If image forming data having the same priority as the changed priority already exists, the order of registration is set.

  Further, it can be assumed that the priority order after the change is higher than the priority order of the image forming data currently being printed. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of ordering (or rearrangement) on the print job table in the image forming system 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the priority order of the predetermined image formation data is changed to the “S” priority order and higher than the priority order of the image formation data that is currently being printed, the image formation data being printed continues to be printed. Subsequently, the image formation data whose priority order has been changed is changed in the image formation order as the next order of the image formation data being printed.

  In addition, the number of image forming data waiting for printing has reached a predetermined threshold value, and it may not be possible to register any more in the print job table. In such a case, the CPU 11 displays such information on the display unit 19 and notifies the user, and then discards the image forming data and the image forming instruction.

  Furthermore, it can be assumed that the priority order is changed by a plurality of users. In such a case, if the priorities after the change are the same but the priorities before the change are different, the image formation data having the same priorities after the changes are compared with the priorities before the change, and the images according to the comparison result. Determine the order of formation.

  The present invention is not limited to this, and the order may be determined in the order registered in the print job table with the image forming data having the same priority after the change.

  Moreover, it is configured so that which of the two methods is selected can be set in advance. Such a setting is performed on the digital multi-function peripheral 100 side, but can also be performed from the personal computer 300 through the network.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining processing between the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and the user identification device 200 in the image forming system 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, after the user instructs the personal computer 300 to transmit only the image forming data to the user identifier 200 wirelessly, the user moves toward the digital multifunction peripheral 100 while carrying the user identifier 200. A case will be described as an example. That is, only the image formation data is stored in the storage unit 202 of the user identifier 200, and an image formation instruction for the image formation data is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the network.

  Accordingly, in the digital multifunction peripheral 100, the wired communication unit 16 receives such an image formation instruction from the personal computer 300 (step S501). The received image formation instruction (hereinafter referred to as a received image formation instruction) is stored in the storage unit 17.

  At this time, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the device itself is in the power saving state. If the CPU 11 is in the power saving state, the CPU 11 instructs the return unit 6 to return to the normal state. In response to this, the return unit 6 returns from the power saving state to the normal state (step S502).

  Further, the presence determination unit 4 determines whether or not the user identification device 200 exists within a predetermined distance (step S503). That is, it is determined whether a response signal to the activation signal transmitted from the first communication unit 21 is received from the first communication unit 203 of the user identifier 200.

  When the response signal is not received from the first communication unit 203, the presence determination unit 4 determines that the user identifier 200 does not exist within a predetermined distance (step S503: NO), and repeats this determination. On the other hand, when the response signal is received from the first communication unit 203, the presence determination unit 4 determines that the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance (step S503: YES), and the first communication unit 21 and the user identification are determined. Communication with the first communication unit 203 of the device 200 is established.

  Next, the authentication unit 5 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 requests the user identification device 200 for the authentication data via the first communication unit 21. In response to this, the control unit 201 of the user identification device 200 transmits the authentication data to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the first communication unit 203 (step S601).

  When the authentication data is acquired from the user identifier 200 by the first communication unit 21 (step S504), the authentication unit 5 performs authentication using the acquired authentication data, and the CPU 11 performs authentication by the authentication unit 5. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful (step S505).

  If the CPU 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S505: NO), the process returns to step S503. If the CPU 11 determines that the authentication has been successful (step S505: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to the process of step S506.

  Since the subsequent processing in steps S506 to S512 and the processing in step S602 are the same as the processing in steps S305 to S311 and the processing in step S402 in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the image formation data is wirelessly transmitted to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via the user identification device 200, and the image formation instruction is not transmitted via the user identification device 200 but wired. Sent to.

  Therefore, for example, when there are a plurality of separately received image formation data and image formation instructions, the digital multi-function peripheral 100 refers to the image formation data and the specific data attached to the image formation instruction. Image formation data and an image formation instruction can be associated with each other.

  The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, when the priority after the change is higher than the priority of the image formation data currently being printed, the image formation data being printed continues to be printed, and the image formation data whose priority has been changed is changed. Has been described as changing to the next order of the image forming data during printing. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, if a job that is currently being printed is likely to take time, it is possible to temporarily stop the current printing and execute its own image forming data. This will be described in detail below.

  In such a case, the user changes the priority order of the registered image forming data. However, the priority after the change is “SS”. As described above, when the priority of the image formation data is changed to “SS”, the cancel unit 3 temporarily stops printing currently being executed.

  Next, the CPU 11 searches for an empty tray serving as a paper output destination. However, if a tray for “SS” priority is set, the output is set to that tray. If there is no empty tray, the output destination of the job currently being printed is used.

  At that time, a function of shifting the paper to be output in the vertical direction (main scanning direction) with respect to the output direction of the paper to be printed (sub-scanning direction) may be provided, and such a function may be used. This is because the print output currently being executed and the print output of the “SS” priority order to be executed in the future are easily separated.

  When the printing of the image forming data whose priority is changed to “SS” is finished, the printing of the temporarily stopped image forming data is resumed. At that time, if it is output to the same tray, a message is displayed on the display unit 19, a voice guidance is played from a speaker (not shown), or a warning sound is sounded before resuming the printing that has been paused. The user may be prompted to take out the output result of the image forming data having the immediately preceding “SS” priority by ringing.

  As a result, in the present invention, when a large amount of image forming data is waiting to be printed and a person who needs to urgently print on the job wants to perform immediate printing, it can be dealt with by changing the priority order. .

  The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a user identifier 200 having authentication data representing a user, an image forming apparatus 100 that forms an image based on image forming data to be imaged, and generation of the image forming data. In the image forming system 400 including the data generation device 300, the data generation device 300 is generated based on the authentication data acquisition unit 311 that acquires the authentication data from the user identifier 200 and the acquired authentication data. Data generating means 312 for generating the image forming data to which the order data indicating the priority order for image formation is attached, and the image forming apparatus 100 has a plurality of image forming data to be imaged. The image forming apparatus includes an order determining unit 1 that determines an image forming order based on the order data.

  According to the present invention, when the authentication data acquisition unit of the data generation device acquires the authentication data from the user identifier, the rank data is generated based on the acquired authentication data. At that time, the data generation means attaches the ranking data to the image formation data. The order determining means of the image forming apparatus determines the image forming order based on the order data when there are a plurality of image forming data to be image formed.

  In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 includes order changing means 2 that receives the priority order change instruction and changes the priority order, and the order determining means 1 sets the priority order after the change. The image forming order is determined based on the image forming order.

  According to the present invention, when the order changing unit receives an instruction to change the priority order from the user and changes the priority order, the order determining unit determines the image forming order based on the changed priority order.

  In Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus 100, when there are a plurality of pieces of image forming data having the same priority after the change by the order changing means 2, the order determining means 1 gives priority before the change. The image forming order is determined based on the order.

  According to the present invention, when the priority is changed by the order changing unit and there are a plurality of pieces of image forming data having the same priority after the change, the order determining unit sets the order before the change. The image forming order is determined based on the priority order.

  In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus 100, when there are a plurality of pieces of image forming data having the same priority after the change by the order changing means 2, the order determining means 1 is based on the order of change. The image forming order is determined.

  According to the present invention, when the priority order is changed by the order changing means and there are a plurality of image forming data having the same priority order after the change, the order determining means uses the plurality of order determining means. The image forming order is determined based on the order of changing the image forming data.

  In Embodiment 5 of the present invention, when one image forming data is changed to a specific priority by the order changing unit 2, the order determining unit 1 determines that the one image forming data is stored in the image forming apparatus 100. It is characterized in that the image forming order is the first.

  According to the present invention, when the order changing unit changes the priority of one image forming data to a specific priority, the order determining unit changes the image forming order of the one image forming data to the first. .

  In Embodiment 6 of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 is a case where one image forming data is changed to a specific priority by the order changing means 2, and other image forming data is being formed. In some cases, the image forming apparatus includes stop means 3 for stopping image formation of the other image forming data.

  According to the present invention, when the priority changing unit changes the priority of one image forming data to a specific priority, and when other image forming data is currently being formed, the order determining unit The image forming order of the one image forming data is changed to the first, and the canceling unit stops the image forming of the other image forming data.

  In Embodiment 7 of the present invention, the data generating device 300, the user identifier 200, and the image forming apparatus 100 are configured to be able to communicate with each other, and the data generating device 300 includes the generated image forming data and the image forming data. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a transmission control unit 313 that transmits an image formation instruction of formation data to the user identifier 200, and the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to acquire the image formation data and the image formation instruction from the user identifier 200. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, in the data generation device, the transmission control unit transmits the generated image formation data and an image formation instruction for the image formation data to the user identifier. In the image forming apparatus, the image forming data and an image forming instruction are acquired from the user identifier.

  In Embodiment 8 of the present invention, the data generation device 300, the user identifier 200, and the image forming device 100 are configured to communicate with each other, and the data generation device 300 transmits the generated image formation data to the user. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a transmission control unit 313 that transmits the image forming instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 and transmits the image forming instruction of the image forming data to the image forming apparatus 100. It is comprised as follows.

  According to the present invention, in the data generation device, the transmission control unit transmits the generated image formation data to the user identifier, and transmits an image formation instruction for the image formation data to the image formation device. . In the image forming apparatus, only the image forming data is acquired from the user identifier.

  In Embodiment 9 of the present invention, the user identifier 200 includes a first communication unit 203 that transmits the authentication data to the image forming apparatus 100, a communication distance shorter than the first communication unit 203, and a communication speed. The second communication means 204 is configured to transmit the image forming data to the image forming apparatus 100 by the second communication means 204.

  According to the present invention, the user discriminator transmits the image forming data to the image forming apparatus using the second communication unit having a communication distance shorter and a higher communication speed than the first communication unit.

  In Embodiment 10 of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 has a power saving state in which power supply is partially limited, and determines whether or not the user identifier 200 exists within a predetermined distance. When the user discriminator 200 exists within a predetermined distance from the determination unit 4, the authentication data is obtained from the user discriminator 200 and authentication is performed. In this case, a return means 6 for returning to a normal state is provided.

  According to the present invention, when the presence determination unit determines whether or not the user identifier exists within a predetermined distance, and determines that the user identifier exists within the predetermined distance, the authentication unit receives authentication data from the user identifier. Obtain and authenticate. If the authentication is successful and the self-device is in the power saving state, the return means returns to the normal state.

  In Embodiment 11 of the present invention, a user identifier 200 having authentication data representing the user, an image forming apparatus 100 that forms an image based on image forming data to be imaged, and generation of the image forming data. In the image forming method for forming an image in the image forming system 400 including the data generating apparatus 300 to perform, the data generating apparatus 300 acquires the authentication data from the user identifier 200, and Generating the image forming data to which the order data indicating the priority order related to image formation is attached, which is generated based on the authentication data, and in the image forming apparatus 100, image forming data to be imaged A plurality of image forming orders, the image forming order is determined based on the ranking data. .

  According to the present invention, when the authentication data is acquired from a user discriminator, the data generation device generates the rank data based on the acquired authentication data, and the rank data is attached to the image formation data. Is done. In the image forming apparatus, when there are a plurality of image forming data to be formed, the image forming order is determined based on the ranking data.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Order determination part 2 Order change part 3 Cancellation part 4 Existence determination part 5 Authentication part 6 Return part 10 Control part 11 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital multifunction device 200 User identification device 201 Control part 203 1st communication part 204 2nd communication part 300 Personal computer 301 CPU
310 Control Unit 311 Authentication Data Acquisition Unit 312 Data Generation Unit 313 Transmission Control Unit 400 Image Forming System

Claims (7)

The authentication data associated with the user is acquired, and based on the authentication data, image formation data to which order data indicating the priority order for image formation is attached is generated, and image formation is performed based on the generated image formation data. In an image forming apparatus that performs
An image forming apparatus comprising: order determining means for determining an image forming order based on the order data when there are a plurality of image forming data to be imaged. Order change means for receiving the priority change instruction and changing the priority;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order determining unit is configured to determine an image forming order based on the changed priority order. When there are a plurality of image forming data having the same priority after change by the rank changing means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the order determining unit is configured to determine an image forming order based on a priority order before the change. When there are a plurality of image forming data having the same priority after change by the rank changing means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the order determining unit is configured to determine an image forming order based on a change order. When one image forming data is changed to a specific priority by the order changing unit,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the order determining unit is configured so that the image forming order of the one image forming data is the first. 5.   When one image forming data is changed to a specific priority by the order changing means, and other image forming data is being formed, the stopping means for stopping the image forming of the other image forming data The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: Obtaining authentication data associated with the user; generating image formation data to which rank data representing priority order for image formation is attached based on the authentication data; and based on the generated image formation data And performing image formation,
An image forming method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a step of determining an image forming order based on the ranking data when there are a plurality of image forming data to be imaged.

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