JP2019010790A - Job execution device and job execution method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a job execution device and job execution method in which a running or pausing job can be prevented from being canceled by other users.SOLUTION: An execution processing unit 161 executes a job. An acceptance processing unit 162 accepts lock operation to the job in the running or pausing of the job. A change processing unit 164 changes a state of the job to a locked state of limiting the cancel operation to the job according to the lock operation being accepted by the acceptance processing unit 162. A restriction processing unit 165 restricts a cancel operation to the job while the job is in the locked state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a job execution apparatus and a job execution method for executing jobs such as a print job, a copy job, an image reading job, and an image transmission job.

  A printing apparatus capable of preventing confidential printing from being restarted by another user by requesting input of a user ID and a password when the confidential printing is resumed when confidential printing is suspended. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-98413 A

  On the other hand, for normal print jobs that are not confidential prints, other users may be able to view the output paper, so it is particularly problematic if a paused print job is resumed by another user. There is no. However, if a paused print job is canceled unintentionally or intentionally by another user, the print job must be re-executed from the beginning, and the time and paper spent so far It will be useless.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a job execution apparatus and a job execution method capable of preventing a job being executed or being suspended from being canceled by another user.

  A job execution apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an execution processing unit, a reception processing unit, a change processing unit, and a restriction processing unit. The execution processing unit executes a job. The acceptance processing unit accepts a lock operation for the job during execution or temporary suspension of the job. The change processing unit changes the state of the job to a locked state in which a cancel operation for the job is restricted in response to the lock operation being received by the reception processing unit. The restriction processing unit restricts a cancel operation for the job while the job is in the locked state.

  A job execution method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an execution step, a reception step, a change step, and a restriction step. In the execution step, a job is executed. In the accepting step, a lock operation for the job is accepted during execution or temporary suspension of the job. In the changing step, the job state is changed to a locked state in which the canceling operation for the job is restricted in response to the receiving of the locking operation in the receiving step. In the restricting step, the cancel operation for the job is restricted while the job is in the locked state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a job execution apparatus and a job execution method capable of preventing a job being executed or being suspended from being canceled by another user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of lock information used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a lock processing procedure used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the lock process used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lock operation reception screen used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a password setting screen used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a password input screen used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a password input screen used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an operation display unit 10, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage. Unit 15 and control unit 16. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 is an example of a job execution apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention is not limited to a multifunction machine, and can be applied to any job execution apparatus such as a copier, a printer, and a facsimile machine.

  The operation display unit 10 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays information, and an operation unit such as a touch panel and operation buttons that accept user operations.

  The ADF 11 is an automatic document conveyance device that includes a document setting unit, a conveyance roller, a document pressing unit, and a paper discharge unit, and conveys a document to be read by the image reading unit 12.

  The image reading unit 12 includes a document table, a light source, a mirror, an optical lens, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and can read an image of the document and output it as image data.

  The image forming unit 13 can execute a printing process based on image data by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method, and forms an image on a sheet based on the image data. For example, when the image forming unit 13 is an electrophotographic image forming unit, the image forming unit 13 includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a fixing device.

  The communication I / F 14 executes communication processing according to a predetermined communication protocol with an information processing apparatus such as an external facsimile apparatus or a personal computer via a communication network such as a telephone line, the Internet, or a LAN. It is a communication interface that can.

  The storage unit 15 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a hard disk or an EEPROM (registered trademark). The storage unit 15 stores various control programs executed by the control unit 16, various data, and the like. The storage unit 15 also stores lock information D1 (FIG. 2) described later. The storage unit 15 is an example of the storage unit of the present invention.

  The control unit 16 includes control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or nonvolatile storage unit used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU. The RAM is an example of the storage unit of the present invention.

  By the way, when confidential printing is temporarily stopped, a printing apparatus capable of preventing the confidential printing from being restarted by another user by requesting input of a user ID and a password when the confidential printing is resumed. It has been known. On the other hand, for normal print jobs that are not confidential prints, other users may be able to view the output paper, so it is particularly problematic if a paused print job is resumed by another user. There is no. However, if a paused print job is canceled unintentionally or intentionally by another user, the print job must be re-executed from the beginning, and the time and paper spent so far It will be useless. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as described below, it is possible to prevent a job being executed or paused from being canceled by another user.

  The control unit 16 includes an execution processing unit 161, a reception processing unit 162, a storage processing unit 163, a change processing unit 164, and a restriction processing unit 165. The control unit 16 functions as each of these processing units by executing various processes according to the control program. Moreover, the control part 16 may be provided with the electronic circuit which implement | achieves a part or some processing function of each of these process parts.

  The execution processing unit 161 executes jobs such as a print job, a copy job, an image reading job, and an image transmission job in response to a job start request input through the operation display unit 10 or an external information processing apparatus. The execution processing unit 161 executes various jobs by appropriately controlling the ADF 11, the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 13, the communication I / F 14, and the like. The execution processing unit 161 can execute different jobs in parallel, for example, by executing a print job and an image transmission job in parallel.

  The reception processing unit 162 receives a lock operation for the job while the job is being executed or paused. The lock operation is an operation for restricting the cancel operation for the job, and is, for example, an operation of the operation key K11 on the lock operation reception screen P1 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the lock operation may be an operation of a lock key (not shown) provided on the operation display unit 10. The stop operation is, for example, an operation of a stop key (not shown) provided on the operation display unit 10.

  The reception processing unit 162 may receive the lock operation at a timing when the job is temporarily stopped. For example, the reception processing unit 162 displays the lock operation reception screen P1 shown in FIG. 5 on the operation display unit 10 at the timing when the job is temporarily stopped due to an abnormality such as out of paper, out of toner, or paper jam. The lock operation may be accepted. Alternatively, the reception processing unit 162 displays the lock operation reception screen P1 shown in FIG. 5 on the operation display unit 10 at a timing when a pause key (not shown) provided in the operation display unit 10 is operated. The lock operation may be accepted. Since the user is likely to leave the image forming apparatus 1 at the timing when the job is paused, the lock operation acceptance screen P1 is displayed on the operation display unit 10 at this timing, so that the user can be effectively stopped. A lock operation can be prompted.

  In addition, the reception processing unit 162 sets a plurality of document bundles in the document setting unit in a plurality of times, and continuously reads one bundle of the plurality of document bundles during continuous reading. The lock operation may be accepted during document standby, which is the timing when reading of the document is completed. Since the user may take another document between the bundles of documents, and is likely to leave the image forming apparatus 1, the lock operation acceptance screen P <b> 1 is displayed on the operation display unit 10 at this timing. Thus, it is possible to prompt the user to perform a lock operation at an effective timing.

  The reception processing unit 162 may receive the lock operation at an arbitrary timing during execution of the job. For example, the reception processing unit 162 may receive an operation of the lock key performed at an arbitrary timing by the user as the lock operation.

  The storage processing unit 163 acquires authentication information for releasing the locked state when the lock operation for the job is received by the reception processing unit 162 and associates the authentication information with the job in the storage unit 15 or the RAM. Remember. The locked state is a state in which the cancel operation for the job is restricted (for example, a cancel operation cannot be accepted unless a correct password is input). In response to the reception of the lock operation by the reception processing unit 162, the change processing unit 164 changes the job state to the locked state. The authentication information is, for example, an arbitrary password (number or character string) input by the user through the operation display unit 10. For example, the storage processing unit 163 stores the password input by the user through the password setting screen P2 illustrated in FIG. 6 in the storage unit 15 in association with the job as in the lock information D1 illustrated in FIG. In another embodiment, the authentication information may be user identification information that is electrically read from an IC card carried by the user.

  The change processing unit 164 changes the state of the job to the locked state in response to the lock operation being received by the reception processing unit 162. For example, the change processing unit 164 changes the “status information” corresponding to the job from the unlocked state (that is, not the locked state) to the locked state in the lock information D1 shown in FIG.

  The restriction processing unit 165 restricts the cancel operation for the job while the job is in the locked state. For example, the restriction processing unit 165 may display a password input screen P3 as shown in FIG. 7 on the operation display unit 10 when a cancel operation for the job is performed. Then, when the password input through the password input screen P3 matches the password stored in the storage unit 15 in association with the job, the cancel operation may be accepted. This can prevent the job from being canceled by another user.

  The change processing unit 164 changes the job state from the lock state to the lock state in response to elapse of a preset time (for example, 15 minutes) after the job state is changed to the lock state. You may change to an unlocked state. The preset time may be fixed or may be changed according to a user operation.

  Note that the execution processing unit 161 may continue the execution of the job even when the state of the job is changed to the locked state during the execution of the job. As a result, the user can leave the image forming apparatus 1 in the locked state while continuing to execute the job. Therefore, the job can be completed more quickly.

  The execution processing unit 161 also executes the job resumption according to a resume operation (for example, operation of a start key provided in the operation display unit 10) for the job even when the suspended job is in the locked state. Execution may be resumed. As a result, for example, even when the job is temporarily stopped due to running out of paper and the user is away from the image forming apparatus 1 in search of new paper, other users can replenish the paper and restart the job. is there. Therefore, the job can be completed more quickly. Note that, for example, a job that does not use paper (for example, an image reading job, an image transmission job, or the like) can be executed while the print job is temporarily stopped due to running out of paper.

  The restriction processing unit 165 restricts a reading restart operation (for example, operation of a start key provided on the operation display unit 10) for the job when the job waiting for the document is in the locked state. Also good. For example, when the job waiting for the original is in the locked state, the restriction processing unit 165 displays the password input screen P4 as shown in FIG. 8 when the resuming operation for the job is performed. It may be displayed on the unit 10. Then, when the password input through the password input screen P4 matches the password stored in the storage unit 15 in association with the job, the reading resume operation may be accepted. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an original of another user from being erroneously read while the user is away from the image forming apparatus 1 during the continuous reading process. Note that a job that does not use the image reading unit 12 (for example, a print job) can be executed even while waiting for a document.

[Lock processing]
Next, an example of the procedure of the lock process executed by the control unit 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Here, steps S1, S2,... Represent processing procedure (step) numbers executed by the control unit 16. The lock process is started when a job start request is input to the image forming apparatus 1 through the operation display unit 10 or an external information processing apparatus, for example.

<Step S1>
First, in step S1, the control unit 16 (execution processing unit 161) starts execution of jobs such as a print job, a copy job, an image reading job, and an image transmission job in response to the job start request. The step S1 is an example of the execution step of the present invention.

<Step S2>
In step S2, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the execution of the job has been paused. For example, when an abnormality such as out of paper, out of toner, paper jam, or the like occurs, during continuous reading, when waiting for a document at the end of reading one bundle of a plurality of document bundles, or the operation display unit 10 When a pause key (not shown) provided in is operated, the control unit 16 (execution processing unit 161) pauses the execution of the job. If it is determined that the execution of the job has been suspended (S2: Yes), the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution of the job is not paused (S2: No), the process proceeds to step S5.

<Step S3>
In step S3, the control unit 16 (reception processing unit 162) causes the operation display unit 10 to display a lock operation reception screen P1 as shown in FIG. The step S4 is an example of a reception step of the present invention.

<Step S4>
In step S4, the control unit 16 (reception processing unit 162) determines whether or not the lock operation has been performed on the job. Specifically, the control unit 16 determines that the lock operation has been performed when the operation key K11 on the lock operation reception screen P1 is operated. On the other hand, when the operation key K12 on the lock operation reception screen P1 is operated, the control unit 16 determines that the lock operation is not performed. If it is determined that the locking operation has been performed (S4: Yes), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the locking operation has not been performed (S4: No), the process proceeds to step S5. The step S4 is an example of a reception step of the present invention.

<Step S5>
In step S5, the control unit 16 (reception processing unit 162) determines whether or not the lock operation has been performed on the job. Specifically, the control unit 16 determines that the lock operation has been performed when a lock key (not shown) provided in the operation display unit 10 is operated. If it is determined that the locking operation has been performed (S5: Yes), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the locking operation has not been performed (S5: No), the process proceeds to step S8. The step S5 is an example of a reception step of the present invention.

<Step S6>
In step S6, the control unit 16 (storage processing unit 163) causes the operation display unit 10 to display a password setting screen P2 as shown in FIG. The user can input a desired password in the input field B21 on the password setting screen P2 by operating a numeric keypad (not shown) provided on the operation display unit 10 or the like. Thereafter, when the operation key K21 is operated, the control unit 16 stores the password input in the input field B21 in the storage unit 15 in association with the job as in the lock information D1 shown in FIG.

<Step S7>
In step S7, the control unit 16 (change processing unit 164) changes the job state to the locked state. Specifically, the control unit 16 changes the “state information” corresponding to the job from “unlocked state” to “locked state” in the lock information D1 shown in FIG. Further, the control unit 16 records the current date and time in the “lock date and time” corresponding to the job in the lock information D1. Then, the process proceeds to step S8. The step S7 is an example of a changing step of the present invention.

<Step S8>
In step S8, the control unit 16 determines whether or not a cancel operation for the job has been performed. For example, the control unit 16 determines that the stop operation has been performed when a stop key (not shown) provided in the operation display unit 10 is operated. If it is determined that the cancel operation has been performed (S8: Yes), the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancel operation has not been performed (S8: No), the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG.

<Step S9>
In step S9, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the job is in the locked state based on the lock information D1. If it is determined that the job is in the locked state (S9: Yes), the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is in the unlocked state (S9: No), the process proceeds to step S12.

<Step S10>
In step S10, the control unit 16 (restriction processing unit 165) causes the operation display unit 10 to display a password input screen P3 as shown in FIG. The user can input a password in the input field B31 on the password input screen P3 by operating a numeric keypad (not shown) or the like provided on the operation display unit 10. Thereafter, when the operation key K31 is operated, the process proceeds to step S11. The step S10 is an example of a limiting step of the present invention.

<Step S11>
In step S11, the control unit 16 (restriction processing unit 165) determines whether or not the password input in the input field B31 on the password input screen P3 matches the password stored in association with the job in the lock information D1. Determine whether. If it is determined that these passwords match (S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that these passwords do not match (S11: No), the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. The step S11 is an example of a limiting step of the present invention.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the control unit 16 (execution processing unit 161) stops the execution of the job. Then, the lock process ends.

<Step S13>
On the other hand, in step S13 of FIG. 4, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the reading resumption operation has been performed. For example, the control unit 16 operates the operation display unit while waiting for the next document bundle to be set during the continuous reading process in which the image reading unit 12 sequentially reads a plurality of document bundles. 10 is operated, the reading restart operation is determined to have been performed. If it is determined that the reading restart operation has been performed (S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reading restart operation has not been performed (S13: No), the process proceeds to step S18.

<Step S14>
In step S14, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the job is in the locked state based on the lock information D1. If it is determined that the job is in the locked state (S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is in the unlocked state (S14: No), the process proceeds to step S17.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 16 (restriction processing unit 165) causes the operation display unit 10 to display a password input screen P4 as shown in FIG. The user can input a password in the input field B41 on the password input screen P4 by operating a numeric keypad (not shown) or the like provided on the operation display unit 10. Thereafter, when the operation key K41 is operated, the process proceeds to step S16.

<Step S16>
In step S16, the control unit 16 (restriction processing unit 165) determines whether or not the password input in the input field B41 on the password input screen P4 matches the password stored in association with the job in the lock information D1. Determine whether. If it is determined that these passwords match (S16: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined that these passwords do not match (S16: No), the process proceeds to step S18.

<Step S17>
In step S <b> 17, the control unit 16 (execution processing unit 161) restarts the continuous reading process. Then, the process proceeds to step S18. At this time, the control unit 16 (change processing unit 164) may change the state of the job from the locked state to the unlocked state. Specifically, the control unit 16 changes the “status information” corresponding to the job from “locked state” to “unlocked state” in the lock information D1 shown in FIG. “Lock date” may be cleared. This eliminates the need to input the password again when the job is canceled after the continuous reading process is resumed.

<Step S18>
In step S18, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the job is in the locked state based on the lock information D1. If it is determined that the job is in the locked state (S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is in the unlocked state (S18: No), the process proceeds to step S21.

<Step S19>
In step S <b> 19, the control unit 16 determines whether a preset time has elapsed since the job state was changed to the locked state. For example, the control unit 16 calculates an elapsed time from when the job state is changed to the locked state based on the “lock date and time” information and the current date and time in the lock information D1 shown in FIG. And the control part 16 judges that the said preset time has passed, when the calculated elapsed time is more than preset time (for example, 15 minutes). If it is determined that the preset time has elapsed (S19: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if it is determined that the preset time has not elapsed (S19: No), the process proceeds to step S21.

<Step S20>
In step S20, the control unit 16 (change processing unit 164) changes the job state from the locked state to the unlocked state. Specifically, the control unit 16 changes the “status information” corresponding to the job from “locked state” to “unlocked state” in the lock information D1 shown in FIG. Clear “lock date”. Then, the process proceeds to step S21.

<Step S21>
In step S21, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the job is completed. Then, when it is determined that the job is completed (S21: Yes), the lock process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is not completed (S21: No), the process returns to step S2 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the cancel operation for the job is restricted according to the lock operation for the job being executed or paused. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a job being executed or paused from being canceled by another user.

[Modification]
In the present embodiment, the password setting screen P2 is displayed in response to the acceptance of the lock operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the state of the job may be temporarily changed to the locked state for a preset time (for example, 15 minutes) in response to acceptance of the locking operation. In this case, no user can cancel the job until the preset time elapses after the lock operation is accepted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the job from being canceled by another user between the time when the lock operation is accepted and the time set in advance.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 16 Control part 161 Execution process part 162 Reception process part 163 Storage process part 164 Change process part 165 Restriction process part

Claims (9)

An execution processing unit for executing a job;
An acceptance processing unit that accepts a lock operation for the job during execution or pause of the job;
A change processing unit that changes the state of the job to a locked state in which a cancellation operation for the job is restricted in response to the lock operation being received by the reception processing unit;
While the job is in the locked state, a restriction processing unit that restricts a cancel operation for the job;
A job execution apparatus comprising: The reception processing unit receives the lock operation at a timing when the job is temporarily stopped.
The job execution apparatus according to claim 1. The reception processing unit receives the lock operation at an arbitrary timing during execution of the job;
The job execution device according to claim 1 or 2. A storage processing unit for acquiring authentication information for releasing the locked state and storing it in the storage unit in association with the job when the lock operation for the job is received by the reception processing unit;
The restriction processing unit accepts the cancellation operation when authentication information acquired when a cancellation operation is performed on the job matches authentication information stored in the storage unit in association with the job. ,
The job execution device according to claim 1. The change processing unit changes the job state from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to elapse of a preset time after the job state is changed to the locked state.
The job execution device according to claim 1. The execution processing unit continues the execution of the job even when the state of the job is changed to the locked state during the execution of the job.
The job execution device according to claim 1. The execution processing unit resumes execution of the job in response to a resume operation for the job even when the suspended job is in the locked state.
The job execution device according to claim 1. The restriction processing unit restricts the reading restart operation for the job when the document waiting job is in the locked state;
The job execution device according to claim 1. An execution step to execute the job;
An accepting step for accepting a lock operation for the job during execution or suspension of the job;
A change step of changing the state of the job to a locked state in which a cancel operation for the job is restricted in response to the lock operation being received in the reception step;
A limiting step of limiting a cancel operation for the job while the job is in the locked state;
Job execution method including

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