JP2018069481A - Image formation apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus and program which can be more user-friendly in the image formation apparatus executing a printing job after success of user authentication.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 10 includes: a printing request acquisition unit 101 which acquires an execution request of a printing job from an information processing device 20 operated by a user; a user authentication unit 105 which executes user authentication for executing the printing job; a distance determination unit 106 which determines a distance between the image formation apparatus and the user; and a notification determination unit 103 which determines that notification is performed to the user when the state of the image formation apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition in a case where the user authentication is not executed within the specific time from acquisition of the printing request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a program that require user authentication in order to execute a print job acquired from an information processing apparatus.

  From a security perspective, after receiving print data from the information processing device (personal computer used by the user), the user is authenticated by receiving a login operation from the user, and the print job is executed only after the user authentication is successful. An image forming apparatus is known (see Patent Documents 1 to 5).

JP, 2006-048894, A JP 2005-140873 A JP, 2006-057995, A JP 2010-154030 A JP 2009-282667 A

  An image forming apparatus that executes a print job after successful user authentication requires an active login operation from the user to the image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A print request acquisition unit that acquires a print job execution request from an information processing apparatus operated by a user;
A user authentication unit for executing user authentication for executing the print job;
A distance determining unit that determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user;
If the user authentication is not executed within a specific time after obtaining the print request, the user is notified when the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition. And a notification determination unit for determining.

  The notification determining unit determines to notify the information processing apparatus when the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition. This is because execution of a print job involves not only the state of the image forming apparatus (a state suitable for starting a print job) but also the convenience of a user who performs an operation for user authentication. The image forming apparatus performs notification based on the state of the image forming apparatus (a state suitable for starting a print job) and the distance to the information processing apparatus carried by the user who performs the login operation. This reduces the risk that the image forming apparatus cannot be used even though the information processing apparatus receives a notification from the image forming apparatus.

  The notification determining unit further determines to notify the information processing apparatus that printing is impossible when the image forming apparatus starts executing a print job different from the print job after determining the notification.

  This also reduces the risk that the image forming apparatus cannot be used even though the information processing apparatus receives a notification from the image forming apparatus.

  The notification determining unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job.

  At this time, since the image forming apparatus is ready to execute a print job, it can be determined that one condition for notifying the information processing apparatus is satisfied.

  The notification determining unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is executing a print job and the number of prints of the print job being executed is less than a threshold value. .

  At this time, the image forming apparatus is not ready to execute the print job immediately, but is ready to execute the print job soon, so it can be determined that one condition for notifying the information processing apparatus is satisfied.

  The notification determination unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the print request acquisition unit has not acquired a print job execution request that does not require user authentication.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus does not have another print job that does not require user authentication (a print job that is executed immediately after obtaining a print request). For this reason, since the image forming apparatus is currently in a low possibility of executing another print job, it can be determined that one condition for notifying the information processing apparatus is satisfied.

  The notification determination unit acquires the image when the print request acquisition unit acquires a print job execution request that requires user authentication and does not execute the user authentication within a specific time after acquiring the print request. It is determined that the state of the forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus has another print job that requires user authentication. However, since the user has not performed a login operation, the other print job cannot be executed. For this reason, since the image forming apparatus is currently in a low possibility of executing another print job, it can be determined that one condition for notifying the information processing apparatus is satisfied.

  The notification determining unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is in a time zone in which the print job is not frequently executed.

  At this time, since the image forming apparatus is currently in a state of low possibility of executing another print job, it can be determined that one condition for notifying the information processing apparatus is satisfied.

The distance determination unit determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus as a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user;
The notification determination unit determines to notify the information processing apparatus as a notification to the user.

  In this case, the information processing apparatus is a mobile device carried by the user.

The distance determination unit determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and a portable terminal linked to the information processing apparatus as a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user,
The notification determination unit determines to notify the mobile terminal as a notification to the user.

  In this case, the information processing apparatus may not be a mobile device. The portable terminal is a mobile device that is carried by a user of the information processing apparatus.

A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is:
A print request acquisition unit that acquires a print job execution request from an information processing apparatus operated by a user;
A user authentication unit for executing user authentication for executing the print job;
A distance determining unit that determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user;
If the user authentication is not executed within a specific time after obtaining the print request, the user is notified when the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition. It functions as a notification judgment unit for judgment.

  An image forming apparatus that executes a print job after successful user authentication can be made more user-friendly.

  Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure.

1 shows an information processing system according to a first embodiment. 1 shows a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. 1 shows a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 2 shows an operation flow of the image forming apparatus. An information processing system concerning a 2nd embodiment is shown. 1 shows a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

I. First Embodiment Information Processing System FIG. 1 shows an information processing system according to the first embodiment.

  The information processing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an information processing apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) installed in an office, and is simply referred to as MFP 10 hereinafter. The information processing apparatus 20 is a mobile device that is carried by an employee (hereinafter referred to as a user) in the office, and typically includes a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like. The network N is typically a LAN (Local Area Network) in the office. The MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 can communicate with each other via the network N.

  The information processing apparatus 20 supplies print data and an execution request for the print job to the MFP 10 via the network N. The MFP 10 acquires print data and an execution request for the print job from the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N. The MFP 10 executes user authentication in response to a login operation from the user, and executes the print job when the user authentication is successful.

2. FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  The MFP 10 includes a control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. A computer program that causes the MFP 10 to function as each functional unit (described later) is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a ROM.

  The control unit 11 is connected to an image reading unit 12, an image processing unit 14, an image memory 15, an image forming unit 16, an operation unit 17, a storage unit 18, a network communication unit 13, and the like. The control unit 11 performs operation control of each of the above connected units and transmission / reception of signals or data to / from each unit.

  The control unit 11 operates for each function such as a scanner function, a print function, and a copy function function in accordance with a job execution instruction input from the user through the operation unit 17 or a network-connected personal computer (not shown). Controls the drive and processing of the mechanisms necessary to perform the control.

  The image reading unit 12 reads an image from a document.

  The image processing unit 14 performs image processing on the image data of the image read by the image reading unit 12 as necessary. For example, the image processing unit 14 performs image processing such as shading correction in order to improve the quality after the image read by the image reading unit 12 is formed.

  The image memory 15 has an area for temporarily storing document image data obtained by reading by the image reading unit 12 and temporarily storing data to be printed by the image forming unit 16.

  The image forming unit 16 forms an image of the image data read by the image reading unit 12.

  The operation unit 17 includes a touch panel unit and operation key units that receive instructions from the user regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the MFP 1. The touch panel unit includes a display unit 17a such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided with a touch panel.

  The network communication unit 13 is an interface for connecting to a network.

  The storage unit 18 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores a document image read by the image reading unit 12.

3. Hardware configuration of information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus 20 is a typical information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, and the hardware configuration is not shown. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the information processing apparatus 20 loads a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) to a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executes it. The information processing apparatus 20 supplies print data and an execution request for the print job to the MFP 10 via the network N.

4). Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  The MFP 10 loads an information processing program stored in a ROM, which is an example of a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, into the RAM and executes it, thereby executing a print request acquisition unit 101, a user authentication unit 105, and a job execution Functions as a unit 102, a distance determination unit 106, a notification determination unit 103, and a notification unit 104.

  The print request acquisition unit 101 acquires a print job execution request from the information processing apparatus 20.

  The user authentication unit 105 performs user authentication for executing a print job.

  When the user execution is successful, the job execution unit 102 executes a print job.

  The distance determination unit 106 determines the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20.

  The notification determination unit 103 determines to notify the information processing device 20 when a specific condition is satisfied (described in detail later).

  The notification unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20.

5. Operation Flow of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 4 shows an operation flow of the image forming apparatus.

  As a premise, the information processing apparatus 20 acquires a specific operation from the user as a request for printing specific print data. The information processing apparatus 20 supplies print data and an execution request for the print job to the MFP 10 via the network N.

  The print request acquisition unit 101 of the MFP 10 acquires print data and an execution request for the print job from the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N (step S101). The print request acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired print data in the image memory 15 (step S102).

  In order for the MFP 10 to execute this print job, it is necessary to perform user authentication upon receiving a login operation (for example, an operation on the operation unit 17) to the MFP 10 from the same user and succeed in user authentication.

  After the MFP 10 acquires the print data and the print job execution request (step S101), if the job execution unit 102 is not executing another print job (step S103, NO), the user normally logs in to the MFP 10 immediately. Expected to do the operation. When the MFP 10 receives a login operation from a user within a specific time and the user authentication unit 105 of the MFP 10 succeeds in user authentication (YES in step S106), the job execution unit 102 executes a print job (step S107).

  However, for example, when the job execution unit 102 is already executing another print job (step S103, YES), the user may or may not perform a login operation on the MFP 10.

  Therefore, when the job execution unit 102 is already executing another print job (step S103, YES), the notification determination unit 103 terminates the print job (step S104, YES). It is determined that the device 20 is notified that printing is possible. The notification determination unit 103 requests the notification unit 104 to notify the information processing apparatus 20 that printing is possible.

  The notification unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N that the MFP 10 is ready for printing (step S105).

  When the information processing apparatus 20 receives a notification from the MFP 10 via the network N that the MFP 10 is ready for printing, the information processing apparatus 20 notifies the user by display, audio output, vibration, or the like. As a result, the user learns that the MFP 10 can currently execute a print job, and performs a login operation on the MFP 10.

  After notification that printing is possible (step S105), the MFP 10 receives a login operation from the user within a specific time, and when the user authentication unit 105 of the MFP 10 succeeds in user authentication (YES in step S106), the job execution unit 102 executes a print job. Execute (Step S107).

  On the other hand, if the job execution unit 102 is already executing another print job (step S103, YES), a new work is started and the work is unclear even though a printable notification is given (step S105). For example, the user may not log in to the MFP 10 within a specific time (step S106, NO). In addition, after the MFP 10 acquires the print data and the execution request for the print job (step S101), the user executes the specific time for a specific time even though the job execution unit 102 is not executing another print job (step S103, NO). In some cases, a login operation is not performed on the MFP 10 (NO in step S106).

  In these cases, the notification determination unit 103 determines whether or not to notify the information processing apparatus 20 of forgetting to print (steps S108 and S109). Specifically, the notification determining unit 103 specifies that (A) the current state of the MFP 10 satisfies a specific condition, and (B) the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 carried by the user is specified. If the above condition is satisfied, it is determined that the information processing apparatus 20 is notified of forgetting to print. This is because the execution of the print job involves not only (A) the state of the MFP 10 (a state suitable for starting the print job) but also (B) the convenience of the user who performs the login operation.

  Specific examples of the condition (A) “when the current state of the MFP 10 satisfies a specific condition” (a state suitable for starting a print job) include the following (1) to (5). Note that all of the following specific examples (1) to (5) may be determined, or at least one of them may be determined.

(1) The MFP 10 is not executing a print job.
... A print job can be executed immediately.

(2) The MFP 10 is executing a print job, but the number of prints of the print job being executed is less than the threshold value.
... It is not ready to execute a print job immediately, but is ready to execute a print job soon.

(3) The print request acquisition unit 101 has not acquired a print job execution request that does not require user authentication.
... There is no other print job that does not require user authentication (a print job that is executed immediately after obtaining a print request). Therefore, the possibility that the MFP 10 executes another print job is currently low.

(4) The print request acquisition unit 101 acquires a print job execution request that requires user authentication, and does not execute user authentication within a specific time after acquiring the print request.
... There exists another print job that requires user authentication, but this other print job cannot be executed because the user has not logged in. Therefore, the possibility that the MFP 10 executes another print job is currently low.

(5) A time period when the MFP 10 executes the print job less frequently.
... The possibility that the MFP 10 will execute another print job is currently low. Note that the execution frequency of the print job depending on the time zone can be predicted from, for example, the execution history of past print jobs.

  Return to the description of the operation flow. When the notification determination unit 103 determines that (A) the current state of the MFP 10 satisfies a specific condition (step S108, YES), (B) the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 carried by the user is: It is determined whether or not a specific condition is satisfied (step S109). Specifically, the distance determination unit 106 acquires the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 and notifies the notification determination unit 103 of the acquired distance. The notification determination unit 103 determines whether the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 notified from the distance determination unit 106 satisfies a specific condition.

  An example of “distance between MFP 10 and information processing apparatus 20” will be described. The distance determination unit 106 can determine the “distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing device 20” based on, for example, the wireless communication status of the network communication unit 13. Depending on the size of the office, when the information processing apparatus 20 moves and the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is large (for example, in a different room), the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is Compared to the small case, the wireless communication from the MFP 10 to the information processing apparatus 20 takes time (that is, the communication speed is low), and the radio wave intensity is low. Accordingly, the distance determination unit 106 of the MFP 10 determines whether the information processing apparatus 20 is close to the MFP 10 based on a specific condition based on the communication status of the network communication unit 13 (for example, in the same room as the MFP 10 or specified It is possible to determine whether the distance is less than or less than (for example, a room different from the MFP 10 or a specific distance or more).

  Specific examples in the case where the “distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20” satisfies a specific condition include the following (1) to (3). Note that all of the following specific examples (1) to (3) may be determined, or at least one of them may be determined.

(1) The communication speed of wireless communication from the MFP 10 to the information processing apparatus 20 is equal to or higher than the threshold value.
(2) The radio wave intensity between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is greater than or equal to the threshold value.
(3) A connection by short-range wireless communication is established between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20.

  When the information processing apparatus 20 is close to the MFP 10 based on specific conditions (for example, in the same room as the MFP 10), a user carrying the information processing apparatus 20 accesses the MFP 10 and logs in relatively easily The operation can be performed. Therefore, when the information processing apparatus 20 is close to the MFP 10 on the basis of the specific condition, that is, when the “distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20” satisfies the specific condition, The device 20 may be notified of forgetting to print.

  In this case, when the information processing apparatus 20 is near the MFP 10, it is not necessary to notify the information processing apparatus 20 of forgetting to print. The fact that the information processing apparatus 20 is in the vicinity of the MFP 10 is because the possibility that the user is using the MFP 10 is high. Specific examples in which the information processing apparatus 20 is near the MFP 10 include the following (1) to (2). It should be noted that both of the following specific examples (1) and (2) may be determined, or one of them may be determined.

(1) The communication speed of wireless communication from the MFP 10 to the information processing apparatus 20 is such that the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 allows the user to use the MFP 10 (for example, the distance from the MFP 10 is 0.1. It is a value equivalent to 3 m or less).
(2) The radio wave intensity between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is such that the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 allows the user to use the MFP 10 (for example, the distance from the MFP 10 is 0. It is a value equivalent to 3 m or less).

  Conversely, when the information processing apparatus 20 is far from the MFP 10 based on specific conditions (for example, in a room different from the MFP 10), the user carrying the information processing apparatus 20 forgets the print job. Therefore, there is a high need for notification of forgetting to print. Therefore, if the information processing apparatus 20 is far away from the MFP 10 based on a specific condition, the information processing apparatus 20 may be notified of forgetting to print.

  In this case, specific examples in the case where the “distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20” satisfies the specific condition include the following (1) to (3). Note that all of the following specific examples (1) to (3) may be determined, or at least one of them may be determined.

(1) The communication speed of the wireless communication from the MFP 10 to the information processing apparatus 20 is less than the threshold value.
(2) The radio wave intensity between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is less than the threshold value.
(3) A connection by short-range wireless communication is not established between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20.

  In view of the above, there is a significance that the information processing apparatus 20 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 of forgetting to print, regardless of whether the information processing apparatus 20 is near or far from the MFP 10 based on a specific condition. Accordingly, depending on the user's needs and applications, forgetting to print to the information processing apparatus 20 when the information processing apparatus 20 is relatively close to the MFP 10 or when it is far away. May be set to be notified.

  Return to the description of the operation flow. When the notification determination unit 103 determines that (B) the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing device 20 carried by the user satisfies a specific condition (step S109, YES), the notification determination unit 103 notifies the information processing device 20 to the notification unit 104. Request that it be printable.

  The notification unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 of forgetting to print via the network N (step S110).

  When the information processing apparatus 20 receives a notification of forgetting to print from the MFP 10 via the network N, the information processing apparatus 20 notifies the user to that effect by display, audio output, vibration, or the like. As a result, the user understands that the MFP 10 currently forgets to print, and performs a login operation on the MFP 10.

  After the notification of forgetting to print, when the job execution unit 102 starts executing another print job (step S111), the notification determination unit 103 further determines to notify the information processing apparatus 20 that printing is impossible. The notification determination unit 103 requests the notification unit 104 to notify the information processing apparatus 20 that printing is not possible.

  The notification unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N that the MFP 10 has become unprintable (step S112).

  When the information processing apparatus 20 receives a notification from the MFP 10 via the network N that the MFP 10 has become unprintable, the information processing apparatus 20 notifies the user by display, audio output, vibration, or the like. As a result, the user knows that the MFP 10 cannot currently execute the print job.

II. Second Embodiment In the following description, configurations and operations similar to those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

1. Information Processing System FIG. 5 shows an information processing system according to the second embodiment.

  An information processing system 2 according to the second embodiment includes an MFP 10, an information processing apparatus 20, and a mobile terminal 30. The information processing apparatus 20 may not be a mobile device, and is typically a desktop computer. The information processing apparatus 20 supplies print data and an execution request for the print job to the MFP 10 via the network N. The portable terminal 30 is a mobile device that is carried by the user of the information processing apparatus 20, and typically includes a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like. The MFP 10, the information processing apparatus 20, and the mobile terminal 30 can communicate with each other via the network N.

  The main differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment are the following two points.

  (1) In the first embodiment, the MFP 10 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 (step S105, step S110, step S112). In contrast, in the second embodiment, the MFP 10 notifies the portable terminal 30 (of the same user) associated with the information processing apparatus 20.

  (2) In the first embodiment, the MFP 10 determines the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 (the supply source of print data and an execution request for the print job) (step S109). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the MFP 10 determines the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 30 (of the same user) associated with the information processing apparatus 20.

2. Hardware Configuration of Mobile Terminal The mobile terminal 30 is a typical mobile device such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone, and the hardware configuration is not shown. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the portable terminal 30 loads a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) into a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executes it.

3. Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 6 shows a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  This will be described with reference to the functional configuration of FIG. 6 and the operation flow of FIG. As a premise, the MFP 10 stores the information processing apparatus 20 (the supply source of print data and print job execution requests) and the portable terminal 30 of the same user in association with each other.

  Steps S101 to S104 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 105, the notification unit 104 notifies the mobile terminal 30 associated with the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N that the MFP 10 can be printed.

  Steps S106 to S108 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  In step S109, when the notification determination unit 103 determines whether the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 30 carried by the user satisfies a specific condition (step S109, YES), the notification determination unit 103 causes the notification unit 104 to It requests the terminal 30 to notify that printing is possible. The notification unit 104 notifies the mobile terminal 30 of forgetting to print via the network N (step S110).

  Here, the first embodiment can be applied mutatis mutandis to a specific example when a specific condition is satisfied.

  After the notification of forgetting to print, when the job execution unit 102 starts executing another print job (step S111), the notification determination unit 103 further determines to notify the portable terminal 30 that printing is impossible. The notification determination unit 103 requests the notification unit 104 to notify the portable terminal 30 that printing is not possible. The notification unit 104 notifies the mobile terminal 30 via the network N that the MFP 10 has become unprintable (step S112).

III. Summary For security reasons, after receiving print data from the information processing device (personal computer used by the user), the user authenticates by receiving a login operation from the user, and the print job is executed only after successful user authentication. An image forming apparatus is known.

  In an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for the first time after successful user authentication, the user may not be able to execute a login operation for a long time, for example, during mass printing after the image forming apparatus receives print data. In this case, there is a concern that the image forming apparatus may continue to hold the print data, which is a security concern.

  Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to notify the mobile terminal according to the distance between the mobile terminal held by the user and the image forming apparatus. However, it is determined whether or not to notify only according to the distance, for example, when the image forming apparatus cannot currently print due to execution of mass printing or the like. Therefore, immediately after the notification, the user cannot execute a login operation to the image forming apparatus, or even if the login operation can be executed, printing cannot be performed. As a result, the user may feel annoyed by the notification, or may forget to print as a result of being unable to print.

  On the other hand, according to each embodiment, the MFP 10 includes: (A) the current state of the MFP 10 satisfies a specific condition; and (B) the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 (or portable terminal) carried by the user. 30), the information processing apparatus 20 (or the portable terminal 30) is notified when the specific condition satisfies the specific condition. This is because the execution of the print job involves not only (A) the state of the MFP 10 (a state suitable for starting the print job) but also (B) the convenience of the user who performs the login operation.

  In this way, the MFP 10 makes a notification based on (A) the state of the MFP 10 (a state suitable for starting a print job) and (B) the convenience (distance) of the user who performs the login operation (step S108). To S110). This reduces the risk that the MFP 10 cannot be used even though the information processing apparatus 20 (or the portable terminal 30) receives a notification of forgetting to print from the MFP 10, thereby reducing bothersomeness for the user and forgetting again. be able to.

  Further, the notification unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N that the MFP 10 has become unprintable (step S112). This also reduces the possibility that the MFP 10 cannot be used despite the fact that the information processing apparatus 20 (or the portable terminal 30) has forgotten to print from the MFP 10, and is less troublesome for the user and eliminates forgetting again. Can be planned.

  Although the embodiments and modifications of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. Of course.

10. MFP (image forming apparatus)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Information processing apparatus 30 ... Portable terminal 101 ... Print request acquisition part 102 ... Job execution part 103 ... Notification judgment part 104 ... Notification part 105 ... User authentication part 106 ... Distance judgment part

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus,
A print request acquisition unit that acquires a print job execution request from an information processing apparatus operated by a user;
A user authentication unit for executing user authentication for executing the print job;
A distance determining unit that determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user;
If the user authentication is not executed within a specific time after obtaining the print request, the user is notified when the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition. An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification determination unit for determining. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus further determines that the information processing apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus that printing is impossible when the image determining apparatus starts executing a print job different from the print job after determining the notification. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The notification determining unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The notification determining unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is executing a print job and the number of prints of the print job being executed is less than a threshold value. Image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The notification determination unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the print request acquisition unit has not acquired a request to execute a print job that does not require user authentication. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The notification determination unit acquires the image when the print request acquisition unit acquires a print job execution request that requires user authentication and does not execute the user authentication within a specific time after acquiring the print request. An image forming apparatus that determines that a state of the forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The notification determining unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is in a time zone in which the print job is not frequently executed. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The distance determination unit determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus as a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user;
The image determination apparatus, wherein the notification determination unit determines to notify the information processing apparatus as a notification to the user. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The distance determination unit determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and a portable terminal linked to the information processing apparatus as a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user,
The notification determination unit determines to notify the mobile terminal as a notification to the user. The computer of the image forming device
A print request acquisition unit that acquires a print job execution request from an information processing apparatus operated by a user;
A user authentication unit for executing user authentication for executing the print job;
A distance determining unit that determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user;
If the user authentication is not executed within a specific time after obtaining the print request, the user is notified when the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition. A program that functions as a notification judgment unit for judgment.

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