JP2018144448A - Image formation device, method for controlling image formation device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device that can appropriately evaluate each user even when multiple users take an action to an image formation device, and to provide a method for controlling an image formation device and a program.SOLUTION: An image formation device identifies a user who takes an action, for each of the actions reorganized between prohibition of execution of print control and permission of execution of print control. Thus, a point is imparted to each of the users who are involved till the permission of execution of print control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a program.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that performs print control according to a print job is known. In this type of image forming apparatus, it is possible to execute the print control when there is a situation in which the print control cannot be performed such as a paper jam or a remaining amount of toner below a predetermined value. Until then, there is something that prohibits execution of print control. When execution of print control is prohibited, the image forming apparatus stops its operation and cannot be used by the user. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to take action on the image forming apparatus and deal with the cause so that the print control can be executed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a mechanism for adding points to a user corresponding to a warning. In this image forming apparatus, the total value of points is stored for each user, and a request from a user with a larger total value of points is preferentially executed for an image forming job. That is, by giving an incentive to the user according to the points, the user is encouraged to actively participate in the image forming apparatus.

JP 2008-246679 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a mechanism in which only one user is involved in an image forming apparatus before execution of print control is possible. Therefore, when a plurality of users are involved, there is a possibility that each of the users is not properly evaluated. Therefore, there is an inconvenience that unfairness is created among users.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately evaluating individual users even when a plurality of users act on the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus control method and program are provided.

  In order to solve such a problem, a first invention includes a print control unit that executes print control according to a print job, an action recognition unit that recognizes a user's action on the image forming apparatus, and print control. For each action recognized by the action recognition unit from when the execution of printing is prohibited until the execution of the printing control becomes possible, the user specifying part that specifies the user who performed the action and the user specifying part are specified. For each user, a point granting unit that grants points corresponding to the actions performed by the user, a user management table in which the user and the points held by the user are associated, and a point granting unit There is provided an image forming apparatus having a table update unit for updating a user management table according to points.

  Here, in the first invention, it is preferable that the print control unit searches the user management table and gives an incentive corresponding to a point held by the user to the user who issued the print job.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the first invention further includes a defect detection unit that detects a defect occurring in the image forming apparatus and detects that the defect has been eliminated. Here, the failure detection unit prohibits the print control unit from executing print control when it detects a failure, and permits the print control unit to execute print control when it detects the resolution of the failure. It is desirable to do.

  In the first invention, it is preferable that the action recognition unit recognizes the action performed by the user with respect to the defect detected by the defect detection unit.

  In the first invention, the print control unit refers to the user management table when the execution of the print control is permitted by the defect detection unit, and from the user described in the user management table in the held print job. It is preferable to determine whether there is an issued print job.

  In the first invention, when there is a print job issued by a user described in the user management table, the print control unit prints the print job in descending order of the points described in the user management table. It is preferable to rearrange the execution order.

  In the first invention, when there is no print job issued by the user described in the user management table, the print control unit prints the print job according to the user management table when the user issues the print job. It is preferable to rearrange the execution order.

  In the first invention, the print control unit preferably rearranges the execution order of the print jobs when the user intends to rearrange.

  In the first invention, it is preferable that the table update unit deletes the user record whose print job execution order has been rearranged by the print control unit from the user management table.

  The first invention preferably further includes a group management table in which a group to which one or more users belong and a total of points held by all users belonging to the group are associated. In this case, it is desirable that the table updating unit updates the group management table according to the points given by the point giving unit.

  In the first aspect of the invention, it is desirable that the print control unit gives incentives to users of the group by consuming points described in the group management table.

  In the first invention, the user management table is further associated with a defect that has been eliminated by the action performed by the user, and the image forming apparatus has a user management table when the defect detection unit detects a defect. It is preferable to further include a notification processing unit for notifying a user whose points described in the above satisfy a predetermined condition.

  Furthermore, in the first invention, it is preferable that the point awarding unit changes the point to be given to the user from the specified value when the action taken by the user corresponds to a predetermined action content.

  The second invention provides a control method of an image forming apparatus that executes print control according to a print job. In this control method, the first step of recognizing the action performed by the user with respect to the image forming apparatus and the first period from when the execution of the print control is prohibited until the execution of the print control becomes possible For each action recognized by the process, a second step for identifying a user who has performed the action, and for each user specified in the second process, a point corresponding to the action performed by the user is given. And a fourth step of updating the user management table in which the user and the points held by the user are associated with each other according to the points given in the third step.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a processor mounted on an image forming apparatus that executes print control according to a print job. The program includes a first step of recognizing an action performed by the user with respect to the image forming apparatus and a period from when the execution of the print control is prohibited until the execution of the print control is enabled. For each action recognized in the first process, a second process for specifying the user who has performed the action and a point corresponding to the action performed by the user are given to each user specified in the second process And a fourth step of updating the user management table in which the user and the points held by the user are associated with each other according to the points given in the third step.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately evaluate individual users even when there are a plurality of users who act on the image forming apparatus.

Explanatory drawing which shows typically the structure of the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the function of the control part which concerns on 1st Embodiment Diagram explaining member table Diagram explaining the behavior management table Diagram explaining the point management table The figure explaining the addition point table Explanatory drawing explaining the user management table Explanatory drawing explaining a group management table 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Flowchart showing the procedure of addition point processing Explanatory drawing explaining the concept of giving points as an example of a situation where a jam occurs in the fixing unit Explanatory drawing which shows the user management table after point grant Explanatory drawing which shows the function of the control part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing explaining the user management table

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a print system according to the present embodiment. The print system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and an information processing apparatus (for example, PC) 2 that issues a print job to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 and the PC 2 are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and configured to be able to communicate with each other.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and is a so-called tandem type color image forming apparatus that forms a full-color image.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is mainly composed of a document reading device SC, image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, a conveyance unit 13, a fixing unit 16, and a control unit 18. The image forming apparatus 1 may include a finisher unit that performs a predetermined process on the paper P on which an image is formed.

  The document reader SC illuminates the image of the document with the illumination device, reads the reflected light with the line image sensor, and obtains an image signal. The image signal is subjected to processing such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression, and then input to the control unit 18 as image data.

  The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are an image forming unit 10Y that forms a yellow (Y) image, an image forming unit 10M that forms a magenta (M) image, and an image that forms a cyan (C) image. The forming unit 10C includes an image forming unit 10K that forms a black (K) image.

  The image forming unit 10Y includes a photosensitive drum, and a charging unit, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a drum cleaner arranged around the photosensitive drum. In the image forming unit 10Y, an image corresponding to yellow (toner image) is formed on the photosensitive drum, and the image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt which is an endless belt by the primary transfer roller. 11 is transferred to a predetermined position. The remaining image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K are also composed of a photosensitive drum and a charging unit, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a drum cleaner arranged around the photosensitive drum. This is the same as the unit 10Y.

  The image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 11 is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 12 onto the paper P that is transported at a predetermined timing by the transport unit 13.

  The transport unit 13 includes a plurality of transport rollers, and transports the paper P along the transport path. The paper P is stored in the paper feed tray 14, and the paper P stored in the paper feed tray 14 is taken in by the paper feed unit 15 and sent out to the transport path. The paper P sent out to the transport path is transported to the downstream side by a plurality of transport rollers arranged along the transport path.

  The fixing unit 16 is a device that performs a fixing process for fixing an image (transferred image) to the paper P. The fixing unit 16 includes a fixing roller, a pressure roller, and a heater that heats the fixing roller. The fixing unit 16 transports the paper P and fixes the image on the paper P by performing pressure fixing with a fixing roller and a pressure roller and heat fixing with a heater.

  The paper P on which the fixing process has been performed is discharged to a paper discharge tray provided outside the housing by a paper discharge roller (paper discharge unit) provided on the downstream side of the fixing unit 16. When image formation is performed also on the back surface of the paper P, the switching gate G1 is switched and sent to the reverse conveyance path.

  The operation panel 17 is an input unit that receives a user operation. For example, the operation panel 17 is a touch-type input unit that includes a display and a touch panel that can input information according to information displayed on the display. Information input via the operation panel 17 is acquired by the control unit 18. The user can issue a print job through an operation on the operation panel 17. When issuing a print job, the user sets print conditions, specifically, image density, magnification, paper feed tray 14 as a paper feed source, paper size and paper type, priority print control selection to be described later, and the like. can do. The operation panel 17 also functions as a display unit that displays various information to the user under the control of the control unit 18.

  The control unit 18 has a function of controlling the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 18 forms an image on the paper P by controlling the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, the conveying unit 13, the fixing unit 16, and the like (printing control). The control unit 18 is connected to the network via the network interface 19.

  As the control unit 18, a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O interface can be used. The CPU controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing various programs (processor). The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU in the form of program codes readable by the CPU. The ROM stores data necessary for program execution. The RAM is a memory serving as a working storage area. The program and data stored in the ROM are expanded on the RAM when read by the CPU. The CPU performs various processes based on the program and data developed on the RAM.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating functions of the control unit 18 according to the present embodiment. When this is functionally grasped, the control unit 18 includes a print control unit 18a, a defect detection unit 18b, an action recognition unit 18c, a user identification unit 18d, a point granting unit 18e, and a table updating unit 18f. Has been.

  The print control unit 18a performs print control according to the print job based on the print job issued by the user.

  The defect detection unit 18b detects a defect that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1. The defect refers to various events in which the print control is normally performed in the image forming apparatus 1 or the print control cannot be continued if the print control is being executed. For example, the jam of the paper P, the paper P Lack of toner and toner. In addition, the defect detection unit 18b detects that the defect has been eliminated. In addition, when a defect is detected, the defect detection unit 18b prohibits the print control unit 18a from executing the print control, and when it detects the resolution of the defect, the print control unit 18a executes the print control. Allow.

  The behavior recognition unit 18 c recognizes the behavior performed by the user with respect to the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the action recognition unit 18c recognizes an action performed by the user for the defect detected by the defect detection unit 18b.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a detection device 30 for detecting the action performed by the user (see FIG. 2), and recognizes the action performed by the user with reference to information from the detection apparatus 30. The detection device 30 is, for example, a camera, and the behavior recognition unit 18c recognizes the behavior performed by the user using a known image processing technique. In addition, the detection apparatus 30 may be comprised from various sensors other than a camera. Examples of this type of sensor include a sensor that detects opening / closing of a housing door, and a sensor that detects attachment / detachment of the fixing unit 16.

  The user specifying unit 18d specifies the user who has performed the action for each action recognized by the action recognition unit 18c after the execution of the print control is prohibited until the execution of the print control is enabled. Specifically, the user specifying unit 18d acquires information (user information) for specifying a user from the information obtained from the detection device 30 described above. For example, when the detection device 30 is configured by a camera, the user specifying unit 18d uses image processing technology to detect information (user information) indicating the characteristics of the face of the user who performed the action. The user specifying unit 18d searches a member table 21 described later based on the user information, and specifies a user (user ID).

  The method for specifying the user is that the user holds an IC tag storing user information (which may be the user ID itself), and the user specifying unit 18d specifies the user based on the information read from the reader. It may be a thing. Further, user information (which may be the user ID itself) may be input from the operation panel 17 when the user performs an action or after performing an action.

  The point giving unit 18e gives points corresponding to the actions performed by the user for each user specified by the user specifying unit 18d. Specifically, the point granting unit 18e searches a point management table 23 described later, identifies a point associated with the action performed by the user, and grants the identified point.

  The table updating unit 18f updates a user management table 25 and the like described later according to the points given by the point giving unit 18e.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a storage device 20 (see FIG. 2), and the control unit 18 accesses information updated in the storage device 20 or updates the information. can do. The storage device 20 stores a member table 21, an action management table 22, a point management table 23, an addition point table 24, a user management table 25, a group management table 26, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the member table 21. The member table 21 is a set of records created for each user, and each record includes three fields of “user ID”, “user information”, and “affiliation group”. The “user ID” is a unique identifier assigned to the user so that the image forming apparatus 1 identifies the user. The “user information” stores user information specified by the detection device 30. “Affiliation group” is a group to which the user belongs.

  In the member table 21, fields in the same record are associated with each other. Thereby, the user specifying unit 18d can specify the user (user ID) and the group to which the user belongs by searching the member table 21 based on the user information specified through the detection device 30. The member table 21 is created by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 and can be updated as necessary.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the behavior management table 22. The behavior management table 22 is a set of records created for each behavior performed by the user with respect to a defect, and each record includes two fields of “defect location” and “action content”. The “failure location” is a location where a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus 1. “Action content” is an action performed by the user.

  In the behavior management table 22, the fields in the same record are associated with each other. Accordingly, the behavior recognition unit 18c can determine whether or not the behavior is for the defect by searching the behavior management table 22 based on the behavior recognized by the behavior recognition unit 18c. The behavior management table 22 is created by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1 or the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 and can be updated as necessary.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the point management table 23. The point management table 23 is a set of records created for each action described in the action management table 22, and each record has three fields of “defect location”, “action content”, and “granting point”. It is configured. The “failure location” is a location where a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus 1. “Action content” is an action performed by the user. The “granting point” is a point (normal point) given to the user.

  In the point management table 23, fields in the same record are associated with each other. Thereby, the point provision part 18e can specify the point which should be provided to a user by searching the point management table 23 based on the user's action which the action recognition part 18c recognized. The point management table 23 is created by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1 or the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 and can be updated as necessary.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the addition point table 24. The addition point table 24 is a set of records created for each action to which points are to be added, and each record includes two fields of “addition contents” and “addition points”. “Addition content” is the content of the user action in which point addition is performed. An “addition point” is a point (addition point) to be added to a normal point (specified value) when points are given.

  Here, the contents of addition are (1) replacement before the consumables of the image forming apparatus 1 are consumed, (2) time required for the user to solve the problem, and (3) a problem with high difficulty. (4) The work to get dirty hands, (5) The number of jobs staying in the image forming apparatus 1, (6) The time zone in which the problem was solved, (7) High usage frequency The problem of the image forming apparatus 1 has been solved.

  In the addition point table 24, fields in the same record are associated with each other. Thereby, the point provision part 18e can specify the addition point which should be provided to a user by searching the addition point table 24 based on the user's action which the action recognition part 18c recognized. The addition point table 24 is created by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1 or the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 and can be updated as necessary.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the user management table 25. The user management table 25 is a set of records created for each user, and each record has five fields of “user ID”, “point”, “action content”, “print job”, and “affiliation group”. It consists of “User ID” is a unique identifier for the image forming apparatus 1 to identify a user. The “point” is a point held by the user, that is, a total value of points given to the user. “Behavior content” is a user's behavior recognized by the behavior recognition unit 18c. The “print job” is a print job issued by the user. “Affiliation group” is a group to which the user belongs.

  In the user management table 25, the fields in the same record are associated with each other. In the user management table 25, the table update unit 18f can add and delete records, and update the contents of each field constituting an existing record.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the group management table 26. The group management table 26 is a set of records created for each group, and each record includes three fields of “group”, “point”, and “color printing upper limit”. The “group” is a unique identifier assigned to the group so that the image forming apparatus 1 identifies the group. “Points” are points held by the group. The “color printing upper limit” is the upper limit number of color printing that can be used in the group.

  In the group management table 26, the fields in the same record are associated with each other. In the group management table 26, the table update unit 18f can add and delete records, and update the contents of each field constituting an existing record.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 having such a configuration, a print job can be issued to the image forming apparatus 1 using the operation panel 17 of the image forming apparatus 1 or from the PC 2.

  10 and 11 are flowcharts illustrating the control procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 18.

  In step 10 (S10), the defect detection unit 18b determines whether a defect has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1. If a problem has occurred, an affirmative determination is made in step 10 and the process proceeds to step 11 (S11). On the other hand, if no malfunction has occurred, a negative determination is made in step 10, and the process returns to step 10.

  In step 11 (S11), the defect detection unit 18b prohibits the print control unit 18a from executing print control. As a result, the print control by the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped, and the print job described in the job list to be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 stays as it is.

  In step 12 (S12), the action recognition unit 18c detects an action performed by the user via the detection device 30.

  In step 13 (S13), the behavior recognition unit 18c refers to the behavior management table 22.

  In step 14 (S14), the behavior recognition unit 18c searches the behavior management table 22 based on the detected user behavior and determines whether or not the behavior for the defect has been recognized. When the action performed by the user matches the action management table 22, that is, when the action for the defect is recognized, an affirmative determination is made in step 14, and the process proceeds to step 15 (S15). On the other hand, if the action performed by the user does not match the action management table 22, that is, if the action for the defect is not recognized, a negative determination is made in step 14, and the process returns to step 12.

  In step 15, the point granting part 18e searches the point management table 23 based on the action performed by the user. Thereby, the point granting part 18e gives the user the point searched in the point management table 23, that is, the point (normal point) corresponding to the action performed by the user.

  In step 16 (S16), the user specifying unit 18d specifies a user who has performed the action recognized by the action recognition unit 18c. Specifically, when the user specifying unit 18d specifies user information through the detection device 30, the user specifying unit 18d searches the member table 21 based on the specified user information. Thereby, the user specifying unit 18d specifies the user ID searched in the member table 21, that is, the user ID of the user who performed the action.

  In step 17 (S17), the user specifying unit 18d searches the user management table 25 and determines whether or not the user ID specified in step 15 exists. If the user ID does not exist in the user management table 25, a negative determination is made in step 16, and the process proceeds to step 18 (S18). On the other hand, if the user ID exists in the user management table 25, an affirmative determination is made in step 17, and the process proceeds to step 19 (S19).

  In step 18, the table update unit 18 f adds a new record corresponding to the user ID specified in step 15 to the user management table 25.

  In step 19, the table update unit 18f refers to the record corresponding to the user ID specified in step 15.

  In step 20 (S20), the point awarding unit 18e performs addition point processing. Here, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the addition point process.

  First, in step 40 (S40), the point giving unit 18e refers to the addition point table 24.

  In step 41 (S41), the point giving unit 18e searches the addition point table 24 based on the action performed by the user, and determines whether or not the addition content described in the table 24 matches. If it matches the addition contents of the addition point table 24, an affirmative determination is made in step 41, and the process proceeds to step 42 (S42). On the other hand, if it does not coincide with the addition contents of the addition point table 24, a negative determination is made in step 41, and this routine ends.

  In step 42, the point giving unit 18e gives the user a point corresponding to the addition content searched in the addition point table 24, that is, an addition point for the action performed by the user.

  In step 21 (S21), the table update unit 18f updates the “point” field for the record referred to in step 19. The “point” is updated based on the points (ordinary points) given in step 14. When points are already described in the “point” field, the field is updated with the total value. That is, the points given in step 15 are added to the existing points, and the added value is reflected in the field. If there is an addition point processed in step 20, the addition point is further added.

  The table updating unit 18f also updates the three fields of “action content”, “print job”, and “affiliation group”. In “action content”, the action recognized in step 14 is described. In “affiliation group”, the membership group specified by searching the member table 21 based on the user ID specified in step 16 is described. Further, when a print job is issued by a user with this user ID and exists in the job list of the image forming apparatus 1, information on the print job is described in “print job”.

  In step 22 (S22), the failure detection unit 18b determines whether or not the failure has been resolved. If the problem is resolved, an affirmative determination is made in step 22 and the process proceeds to step 23 (S23). On the other hand, if the problem has not been resolved, a negative determination is made in step 22 and the process returns to step 12.

  In step 23, the defect detection unit 18b permits the print control unit 18a to execute print control.

  In step 24, the print control unit 18 a refers to the user management table 25.

  In step 25 (S25), the print control unit 18a determines whether or not priority print control is selected. In the priority print control, printing is performed with priority on a user who has points over other users who have few points. The selection of the priority print control can be set by the user as a print condition of the print job when the print job is issued, for example. In this case, the print control unit 18a determines whether or not priority print control is selected for a print job currently in the job list. If priority print control is selected, an affirmative determination is made in step 25, and the flow proceeds to step 26 (S26). On the other hand, if priority print control is not selected, a negative determination is made in step 25, and the process proceeds to step 29 (S29).

  In step 26 (S26), the print control unit 18a rearranges the print jobs in the job list. Normally, print jobs are arranged in the job list in the order issued by the user. In this step, the print control unit 18a searches the user management table 25, identifies the points of the user who has selected the priority print control, and rearranges the print jobs in descending order of the points. As a result, the job list is updated.

  In step 27 (S27), the print control unit 18a executes the print job according to the job list.

  In step 28 (S28), the table update unit 18f deletes the record corresponding to the user who has selected the priority print control from the user management table 25.

  On the other hand, in step 29 (S29), the table updating unit 18f refers to the user management table 25. As a result, “points” and “affiliation groups” described in the user management table 25 are specified for the users who have not selected the priority print control.

  In step 30 (S30), the table update unit 18f updates the group management table 26. Specifically, the table update unit 18 f updates the “point” field of the group management table 26 by adding the points to the group points based on the points and groups specified in step 29.

  In step 31 (S31), the print control unit 18a executes a print job according to the job list.

  Here, the points of the group can be used by users belonging to the group to increase the upper limit number of colors, and the points of the group are consumed according to the number of printed pages used. When the points are consumed, the group management table 26 is updated by the table updating unit 18f.

  For example, when the upper limit number of sheets is 100 and the current number of prints is 50, the number of printable sheets can be increased to 120 by adding 20 sheets (the remaining 70 sheets). Further, when the number of printed sheets has reached 100 sheets and when it is desired to print another 20 sheets, color printing can be executed using group points. At this time, 20 points are consumed. In this case, the points of the group may be cleared in a unit period (for example, one month). This leads to prompting the use of points.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a jam has occurred in the fixing unit 16 based on the concept of giving points. First, the user whose user ID is 001 is a user who opened the housing door of the image forming apparatus 1 but closed the door as it is. For the user, two actions of opening and closing the door are recognized, and points corresponding to each action are given (2 points (door opening) +2 points (door closing) = 4 points).

  A user with a user ID 002 is a user who removed the fixing unit 16 and then attached the fixing unit 16. Since the user recognizes two actions of removal and attachment of the fixing unit 16, points corresponding to the respective actions are given (5 points (removal of the fixing unit 16) +5 points (fixing unit 16). Mounting) = 10 points).

  Furthermore, the user whose user ID is 003 is a user who opened the housing door of the image forming apparatus 1, removed the paper P, and then closed the door. Since the user recognizes three actions of opening / closing the door and removing the paper P, points corresponding to each action are given (2 points (opening the door) +5 points (removing the paper P). ) +2 points (door closed) = 9 points).

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the user management table 25 after the points are given. In this way, the user who has performed the action is identified for each action that is recognized after the execution of the print control is prohibited until the execution of the print control becomes possible. Thereby, points are given to each of the users who have been involved until the execution of the print control becomes possible.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, for each user who has acted on the image forming apparatus 1 from when execution of the print control is prohibited until the execution of the print control becomes possible, Points will be awarded. Thereby, even if the user who performed action is multiple, each person's contribution can be evaluated appropriately. As a result, it is possible to eliminate unfairness that occurs between users.

  In the present embodiment, the user is given incentives corresponding to points. The content of the incentive is to preferentially execute the print job. In the example shown in FIG. 14, since the user 002 has not issued a print job, the print order after the execution of the print control is permitted is the user with the user ID 003, then the user with the user ID 001. Become.

  According to this configuration, the print job is preferentially executed according to the given points. Thereby, it is possible to give the user motivation to participate in solving the problem of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, it is possible to expect a user's initiative. In addition, since the user is actively involved in solving the problem of the image forming apparatus 1, the downtime of the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced, so that the productivity of the office environment can be increased.

  Moreover, since the addition point is provided, it can be expected that the user is more actively involved. In the present embodiment, the addition point has been described, but a decrease point that decreases from a normal point may be given. For example, the housing door is opened, but it is left unattended. In this case, a reduction point may be given to the left action.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it is supposed that the action which the user performed with respect to the malfunction is recognized. According to this configuration, it is possible to grasp the action performed by the user with respect to the malfunction that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately evaluate users who are involved in solving the problem.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the action which the user performed with respect to the malfunction is recognized, the action performed by the user regardless of the malfunction may be recognized and evaluated. For example, in a situation where the remaining amount of the paper P is reduced, the remaining amount of the paper P becomes zero, and the paper P is replenished in a situation where the remaining amount of the paper P is reduced prior to the situation where the print control cannot be executed. It is like recognizing action and evaluating it. According to this structure, since the prior action before reaching a malfunction is also evaluated, a user can be actively involved. As a result, the downtime of the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced, so that the productivity of the office environment can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, when there is an intention to rearrange the print order, the print job execution order is rearranged. Thereby, the intention of the user is reflected in the control, and a device having high utility value for the user can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, points owned by users can be shared by groups. As a result, the points can be used not only for individuals but also for groups, so that convenience for the user can be improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the incentive according to a point is provided with respect to a group. As a result, not only the individual but also the entire group is actively involved in solving the problem of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the downtime of the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced, so that the productivity of the office environment can be increased.

  In this embodiment, the increase in the color printing upper limit is exemplified as the incentive to be given to the group, but other incentives may be used as incentives.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating functions of the control unit 18 according to the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that a notification processing unit 18g is further provided. In addition, suppose that description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure which overlaps with 1st Embodiment, and demonstrates below centering on difference.

  The notification processing unit 18g notifies the user that the point described in the user management table 25 satisfies a predetermined condition when the failure detection unit 18b detects a failure. Hereinafter, an aspect of the notification processing unit 18g will be described.

(First aspect)
In the user management table 25, as shown in FIG. 16, a field for managing a problem solved by the user is added. Then, the notification processing unit 18g notifies the user who has a high point among the users who have solved the problem detected by the problem detection unit 18b so as to prompt the user to solve the problem.

  According to this configuration, a user who is skilled in solving the problem is notified, so that the user can be requested to cooperate in solving the problem. As a result, it is expected that the problem can be solved smoothly.

(Second aspect)
Similar to the first mode, in the user management table 25, a field for managing a problem solved by the user is added. In addition, for each problem solved by the user, a user with a high point is managed as an “in-office maintenance man”. Then, when the failure detection unit 18b detects a failure, the notification processing unit 18g notifies the user corresponding to the “in-office maintenance man” of the failure to urge the solution of the failure.

  According to this configuration, a user who is skilled in solving the problem is notified, so that the user can be requested to cooperate in solving the problem. As a result, it is expected that the problem can be solved smoothly.

(Third aspect)
Similar to the first mode, in the user management table 25, a field for managing a problem solved by the user is added. The notification processing unit 18g notifies the user who has a low point among the users who have solved the defect detected by the defect detection unit 18b so as to prompt the user to solve the problem.

  According to this configuration, a situation in which only a specific user continues to be involved in solving the problem is suppressed. Thereby, the unfair feeling which arises in a user feeling can be eliminated.

  The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. . In addition to the image forming apparatus, a control method for controlling the image forming apparatus and a computer program executed by a computer for controlling the image forming apparatus itself function as part of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Image forming part 11 Intermediate transfer belt 12 Secondary transfer roller 13 Conveying part 14 Paper feed tray 15 Paper feed part 16 Fixing part 17 Operation panel 18 Control part 18a Print control part 18b Fault detection Unit 18c action recognition unit 18d user specifying unit 18e point assigning unit 18f table updating unit 18g notification processing unit 20 storage device 21 member table 22 behavior management table 23 point management table 24 addition point table 25 user management table 26 group management table

Claims (15)

A print control unit that executes print control according to the print job;
An action recognition unit that recognizes an action performed by the user on the image forming apparatus;
For each action recognized by the action recognition unit between the time when execution of the print control is prohibited and the time when execution of the print control becomes possible, a user specifying unit that specifies a user who has performed the action;
For each user specified by the user specifying unit, a point granting unit for granting points corresponding to actions performed by the user,
A user management table in which a user and points owned by the user are associated;
A table updating unit for updating the user management table according to the points given to the user by the point granting unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit searches the user management table and gives an incentive according to a point held by the user to a user who has issued a print job. apparatus. In addition to detecting a failure that has occurred in the image forming apparatus, it further includes a failure detection unit that detects that the failure has been resolved,
The defect detection unit prohibits the print control unit from executing the print control when the defect is detected, and detects the print control with respect to the print control unit when the resolution of the defect is detected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of the image processing apparatus is permitted.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the behavior recognition unit recognizes a behavior performed by a user with respect to the defect detected by the defect detection unit.   The print control unit is issued by a user described in the user management table in the held print job with reference to the user management table when the execution of the print control is permitted by the defect detection unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not there is a print job.   When there is a print job issued by a user described in the user management table, the print control unit rearranges the execution order of the print jobs in descending order of points described in the user management table. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:   When there is no print job issued from the user described in the user management table, the print control unit arranges the execution order of the print jobs according to the user management table when the user issues the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is replaced.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the print control unit rearranges the execution order of the print jobs when the user intends to rearrange.   The said table update part deletes the user's record by which the execution order of the print job was rearranged by the said print control part from the said user management table, The one of Claim 6 to 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. A group management table in which a group to which one or more users belong and a total of points held by all users belonging to the group are associated;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the table update unit updates the group management table in accordance with the points given by the point grant unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the print control unit gives an incentive to a user of the group by consuming points described in the group management table. The user management table is further associated with the problem solved by the action performed by the user,
The image forming apparatus includes:
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a notification processing unit configured to notify a user that a point described in the user management table does not satisfy a predetermined condition when the defect detection unit detects the defect. 10. The image forming apparatus described in any one of 1 to 9.   13. The point granting unit according to claim 1, wherein when the action performed by the user corresponds to a predetermined action content, the point granting part is given by changing the point to be given to the user from a specified value. An image forming apparatus described in any one of the above. In a control method of an image forming apparatus that executes print control according to a print job,
A first step of recognizing a user's action on the image forming apparatus;
A second step of identifying a user who has performed the action for each action recognized by the first step from when the execution of the print control is prohibited until the execution of the print control becomes possible. When,
For each user identified in the second step, a third step for giving points corresponding to the actions performed by the user;
A fourth step of updating a user management table in which a user and points owned by the user are associated with each other according to the points given in the third step;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: In a program executed by a processor mounted on an image forming apparatus that executes print control according to a print job,
In the processor,
A first step of recognizing a user's action on the image forming apparatus;
A second step of identifying a user who has performed the action for each action recognized by the first step from when the execution of the print control is prohibited until the execution of the print control becomes possible. When,
For each user identified in the second step, a third step for giving points corresponding to the actions performed by the user;
A fourth step of updating a user management table in which a user and points owned by the user are associated with each other according to the points given in the third step;
A program characterized by having executed.

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