JP2019034546A - Image forming system and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problem that when a user gets a resident card, a concert ticket and the like through a conventional image forming device, a plurality of operation screens different for every service are displayed on an operation terminal, and a user has to read explanatory texts on the operation screens, push a button for 'consent' and input a user ID and a password and the like, so that if there is a user who is unfamiliar with operating in accordance with the plurality of operation screens, the next user has to keep waiting although the image forming device has not yet executed processing for printing and the like.SOLUTION: An image forming device 210, when a plurality of users try to use the image forming device 210 simultaneously, performs requested processing by a user B who has requested the processing to be started more preferentially than a user A who is authenticated ahead of the user B, which can suppress deterioration in processing efficiency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming system and an image forming method.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a copy function, a print function, a scan function, and the like is installed in a convenience store. In addition, services that can print resident cards, concert tickets, and the like using an image forming apparatus have been started. Therefore, the number of users of the image forming apparatus is increasing.

  In addition, one image forming apparatus can accept a copy process or the like by a plurality of users using an operation terminal at the same time (see Patent Document 1). As a result, even if the number of users of the image forming apparatus increases, it is possible to respond flexibly.

  However, when the user obtains a resident card, a concert ticket, or the like with the image forming apparatus, a plurality of operation screens that are different for each service are displayed on the operation terminal. Then, the user needs to read the explanatory text on the operation screen, press the “agree” button, and input a user ID, a password, and the like. Therefore, when there is a user who is not accustomed to operating according to a plurality of operation screens, the state in which the next user waits continues even though the image forming apparatus is not executing processing such as printing. Become. As described above, when a plurality of users try to use the same image forming apparatus, there arises a problem that processing efficiency deteriorates.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image having a plurality of operation terminals and an image forming apparatus that executes the predetermined process by obtaining a start request for the predetermined process from each operation terminal in the plurality of operation terminals. In the forming system, each of the operation terminals receives the start of the predetermined process, and when the authentication result for using the image forming apparatus is valid, the operation terminals are in the received order. Transmitting means for transmitting process start request information indicating a request for starting the predetermined process to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus receiving the process start request information, and the order of authentication. Regardless of whether the processing start request information is received by the receiving means, processing means for starting the predetermined processing indicated by the processing start request information. An image forming system.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even if a plurality of users try to use the same image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the processing efficiency from being deteriorated.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system and an authentication server according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardware block diagram of an image forming system. It is a hardware block diagram of an authentication server. It is a functional block diagram of an image forming system and an authentication server. It is a conceptual diagram of a request processing management table. It is a conceptual diagram of an authentication data management table. It is the sequence figure which showed the request | requirement of a process and reception of a process. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus. It is the sequence diagram which showed the transmission / reception process of output position information. (A) is the figure which showed the display screen of the operating terminal 220b, (b) is the figure which showed the display screen of the operating terminal 220a.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<< Overall outline >>
First, an outline of an image forming system and an authentication server according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system and an authentication server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming system 101 includes an image forming apparatus 210 and a plurality of operation terminals 220 a and 220 b that receive user operations. Here, a state in which the user A operates the operation terminal 220a and the user B operates the operation terminal 220b with respect to the same image forming apparatus 210 is shown.

  “Operation terminal 220” is a general term for the operation terminals 220a and 220b. Here, although two users A and B are operating the same image forming apparatus 210, there are three or more operation terminals, and three or more users may operate. .

  The image forming apparatus 210 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that realizes various image forming functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 210 is provided with two paper discharge trays 210a and 210b, to which printed printing paper is output, respectively. The paper discharge tray 210a is the first level, and the paper discharge tray 210b is the second level. Further, there may be three or more paper discharge trays.

  The operation terminal 220 includes an operation screen such as a touch panel, displays an explanatory text and an “agreement” button, and receives an input of a user ID, a password, and the like from a user. The operation terminal 220 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 210 by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or Wi-Fi. The operation terminal 220 may be a dedicated terminal installed in the image forming apparatus 210, or may be a user's personal smartphone or the like.

  The authentication server 500 is connected to the image forming apparatus 210 via a network 240 such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate with each other. The authentication server 500 is a computer that authenticates each user who authenticates the user of the transmission source based on the user ID and password sent from the operation terminal 220 via the image forming apparatus 210. The authentication server 500 may be constructed by a single computer or may be constructed by a plurality of computers.

<< Hardware configuration >>
Subsequently, the hardware configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

<Hardware configuration of image forming system>
The hardware configuration of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus)
First, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 210 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, a storage unit 214, a network I / F (Interface) 215, A communication I / F 216, an engine unit 217, a moving body sensor 218, a system bus 219, and the like are included.

  The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 210 by executing a program stored in the ROM 212 or the storage unit 214 using the RAM 213 as a work area (work area). For example, the CPU 211 uses the engine unit 217 to realize various functions such as the copy function, the scanner function, the fax function, and the printer function described above.

  The ROM 212 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory that stores a basic input / output system (BIOS) that is executed when the image forming apparatus 210 is started up, various settings, and the like. The RAM 213 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 211. The storage unit 214 is a non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, an OS (Operating System), application programs, various data, and the like, and includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The

  The network I / F 215 is a network interface such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN for connecting the image forming apparatus 210 to the network 240 and communicating with an external apparatus connected to the network 240. The communication I / F 216 is an interface for communicating between the image forming apparatus 210 and the operation terminal 220 by wireless communication.

  The engine unit 217 is hardware that performs general-purpose information processing and processing other than communication for realizing functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function. The engine unit 217 includes, for example, a scanner that scans and reads an image of a document, and a plotter that performs printing on a sheet material such as printing paper. Furthermore, the engine unit 217 may include specific options such as a finisher that sorts printed sheet materials and an ADF (automatic document feeder) that automatically feeds documents.

  The moving body sensor 218 is a sensor that detects a moving body such as a human body within the detection range around the image forming system 101. For example, a pyroelectric sensor or the like is used. In the present embodiment, the image forming system 101 does not have to include the moving body sensor 218.

  A system bus 219 is connected to each of the above components, and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

(Hardware configuration of operation terminal)
Next, the hardware configuration of the operation terminal 220 will be described. 2, the operation terminal 220 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a flash memory 224, a network I / F 225, an operation panel 226, a communication I / F 227, an external communication I / F 228, an RF tag reader 103, a camera 104, and A system bus 229 and the like are included.

  The CPU 221 controls the operation of the entire operation terminal 220 by executing a program stored in the ROM 222, the flash memory 224, or the like using the RAM 223 as a work area (work area).

  The ROM 222 is a non-volatile memory that stores, for example, a BIOS executed when the operation terminal 220 is activated, various settings, and the like. The RAM 223 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 221. The flash memory 224 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device that stores an OS, application programs, various data, and the like.

  The network I / F 225 is a network interface such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN in order to connect the operation terminal 220 to the network 240 and perform communication with an external device connected to the network 240. This network I / F 225 may not be provided.

  The operation panel 226 accepts various inputs according to user operations and displays various information. The operation panel 226 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a touch panel function, but is not limited thereto. The operation panel 226 may be configured by, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device equipped with a touch panel function. Furthermore, the operation panel 226 can be provided with an operation terminal such as a hardware key or a display unit such as a lamp in addition to or instead of this.

  The communication I / F 227 is an interface for communicating between the operation terminal 220 and the image forming apparatus 210 using wireless communication.

  The external communication I / F 228 is an interface such as a USB for connecting an external device. The external devices connected to the external communication I / F 228 can include, for example, the camera 104 attached to the outside of the image forming system 101, the RF tag reader 103, and the like.

  The RF tag reader 103 corresponds to the RF tag reader 103 in FIG. 1 and is an example of a wireless communication apparatus that acquires predetermined information used for wireless authentication from the RFID tag 102. As described above, the RF tag reader 103 may be provided outside the image forming system 101.

  The camera 104 corresponds to the camera 104 in FIG. 1 and is an example of an imaging device that captures an image of a user. As described above, the camera 104 may be provided outside the image forming system 101.

  The system bus 229 is connected to each of the above components, and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

  Note that an operation panel having the same configuration as the operation panel 226 may be provided on the image forming apparatus 210 side. In this case, both the image forming apparatus 210 and the operation terminal 220 are provided with operation panels.

<Hardware configuration of authentication server>
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the authentication server 500. The authentication server 500 is constructed by a computer, and as shown in FIG. 3, a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 505, recording medium 506, media I / F 507, display 508, A network I / F 509, a keyboard 511, a mouse 512, a CD-ROM drive 514, and a bus line 510 are provided. Note that since the authentication server 500 functions as a server, an input device such as a keyboard 511 and a mouse 512 and an output device such as a display 508 may be omitted.

  Among these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire authentication server 500. The ROM 502 stores a program used for driving the CPU 501 such as IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 505 controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. A media I / F 507 controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to a recording medium 506 such as a flash memory. The display 508 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, character, or image. A network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using the communication network 100. The keyboard 511 is a kind of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. The mouse 512 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The CD-ROM drive 514 controls reading or writing of various data with respect to a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 513 as an example of a removable recording medium.

  The authentication server 500 includes a bus line 510. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG.

<< Functional configuration >>
Subsequently, functional configurations of the image forming system and the authentication server according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the image forming system and the authentication server. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the request processing management table. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of an authentication data management table.

<Functional configuration of image forming apparatus>
First, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 210 in the image forming system 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 210 includes a transmission / reception unit 11, an image processing unit 15, a determination unit 17, a communication unit 18, and a storage / reading processing unit 19. The image processing unit 15 includes a reading unit 15a and a printing unit 15b. The reading unit 15a and the printing unit 15b can execute processing independently of each other. For example, even when the printing unit 15b is being executed, the reading unit 15a can start the process without waiting for the end of the process of the printing unit 15b. The image forming apparatus 210 includes a storage unit 1000 constructed by a ROM 212, a RAM 213, and a storage unit 214.

(Request processing management table)
In the storage unit 1000, a request processing management DB 1001 configured by a request processing management table as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows the contents of the request processing management table at a certain point in time, and FIG. 5B shows the contents of the subsequent request processing management table. FIG. 5C shows the contents of the subsequent request processing management table.

  The request processing management table manages one request process (request job) for each record (row). Specifically, the request processing management table is managed in association with processing order, processing ID (Identification), processing type information, user ID, setting data, and execution state information. Among these, the order of processing indicates the order of processing in which the image forming apparatus 210 has received a processing start request described later from the operation terminal 220. The process ID is an ID assigned by the storage / read processing unit 19 and is an example of process identification information for identifying each process. The processing type information indicates any of copying, scanning (including FAX), and printing. The user ID is an example of user identification information for identifying a user. The setting data is data indicating various settings of image processing received by the operation terminal 220 from the user. The execution state information is information indicating the execution state of the reading unit 15a and the printing unit 15b at that time. The storage / read processing unit 19 obtains execution state information from each of the reading unit 15a and the printing unit 15b in real time when the execution state is changed in the reading unit 15a and the printing unit 15b, thereby request processing management. Update DB execution status information.

(Each functional configuration of the image forming apparatus)
The transmission / reception unit 51 is realized by the processing of the CPU 211 and the network I / F 215 illustrated in FIG. 2, and transmits / receives data (signals) to / from the authentication server 500 via the network 240.

  The reading unit 15a is realized by the processing of the CPU 211 and the engine unit 217 shown in FIG. 2, and reads a document to create image data. The printing unit 15b is realized by the processing of the CPU 211 and the engine unit 217 shown in FIG. 2, and prints image data.

  The determination unit 17 is realized by the processing of the CPU 211 shown in FIG. 2 and makes various determinations.

  The communication unit 18 is realized by the processing of the CPU 211 and the communication I / F 216 shown in FIG. 2, and transmits and receives data (signals) to and from the operation terminal 220 side using wireless communication.

  The storage / reading processing unit 19 is realized by the processing of the CPU 211 shown in FIG. 2, and performs processing of storing various data in the storage unit 1000 and reading out various data stored in the storage unit 1000.

<Functional configuration of operation terminal>
The operation terminal 220 includes a storage unit 2000 constructed by a ROM 222, a RAM 223, and a flash memory 224.

(Functional configuration of operation terminal)
The accepting unit 22 is realized by the processing of the CPU 221 and the operation panel 226 shown in FIG. 2, and accepts an operation from the user.

  The display unit 23 is realized mainly by a display function of the operation panel 226 shown in FIG. 2, and displays various screens.

  The display control unit 24 is realized by the processing of the CPU 221 and the operation panel 226 shown in FIG. 2 and causes the display unit 23 to display various screens.

  The determination unit 27 is realized by the processing of the CPU 221 shown in FIG. 2 and makes various determinations.

  The communication unit 28 is realized by the processing of the CPU 221 and the communication I / F 227 shown in FIG. 2, and transmits and receives data (signals) to and from the image forming apparatus 210 side using wireless communication.

  The storage / reading processing unit 29 is realized by the processing of the CPU 221 shown in FIG. 2, and performs processing of storing various data in the storage unit 1000 and reading out various data stored in the storage unit 1000.

<Functional configuration of authentication server>
Next, the functional configuration of the authentication server 500 will be described. The authentication server 500 includes a transmission / reception unit 51, an authentication unit 55, and a storage / read processing unit 59. In addition, the image forming apparatus 210 includes a storage unit 5000 configured by a ROM 502, a RAM 503, and an HD 504.

(Authentication data management table)
In the storage unit 5000, an authentication data management DB 5001 configured by an authentication data management table as shown in FIG. 6 is constructed.

  In the authentication data management table, a user ID and a password for identifying a user are associated and managed.

(Functional configuration of authentication server)
The transmission / reception unit 51 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 and the network I / F 509 shown in FIG. 3, and transmits / receives data (signals) to / from the image forming apparatus 210 via the network 240.

  The authentication unit 55 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 3 and authenticates the user based on the user ID and password sent from the image forming apparatus 210.

  The storage / reading processing unit 59 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 3, and performs processing of storing various data in the storage unit 5000 and reading out various data stored in the storage unit 5000.

<< Processing or Operation of Embodiment >>
Subsequently, the image forming method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a process request and a process acceptance. Here, while the image forming apparatus 210 is printing by the third user executing the print function for the first time, the user A comes to the place of the image forming apparatus 210 and finishes the user authentication. However, since it takes time to input the operation screen and the like, a case will be described in which the user B who comes last performs input or the like on the operation screen earlier than the user A after the user authentication.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the receiving unit 22 of the operation terminal 220a receives the user ID and password of the user A from the user A (S11). Then, the communication unit 28 of the operation terminal 220a transmits authentication request information indicating an authentication request to the image forming apparatus 210 (S12). This authentication request information includes the user ID and password accepted in step S11. Thereby, the communication unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 210 receives the authentication request information.

  Next, the transmission / reception unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 210 transmits authentication request information to the transmission / reception unit 51 of the authentication server 250, and receives authentication result information indicating an authentication result from the transmission / reception unit 51 (S13). In this case, in the authentication server 500, the authentication unit 55 determines whether the user is valid depending on whether or not the authentication data management DB 5001 manages the same combination as the user ID and password included in the authentication request information. Authenticate whether you have authority. Hereinafter, a case where the user has a valid authority will be described.

  The communication unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 210 transmits authentication result information to the operation terminal 220a (S14). Thereby, the communication unit 28 of the operation terminal 220a receives the authentication result information.

  Next, in the operation terminal 220a, the display control unit 24 displays an authentication result indicating that it is valid on the display unit 23 (S15).

  Subsequently, the user B who comes to the place of the image forming apparatus 210 after the user A performs the same processing as steps S11 to S15 using the operation terminal 220b (S16 to S20). And while the user A takes time to input the operation screen, etc., the user B selects the processing type and makes various settings on the operation screen, so that the receiving unit 22 of the operation terminal 220b The processing type and various settings are accepted (S21). The processing type indicates one of copy, scan (including FAX), and print. If the various settings are copying, for example, monochrome print on one side indicates A4 consolidated printing.

  Next, the reception unit 22 of the operation terminal 220b receives a process start request from the user B on the operation screen (S22). Then, the communication unit 28 of the operation terminal 220b transmits process start request information indicating a process start request to the image forming apparatus 210 (S23). This process start request information includes the process type and setting data received in step S21. Thereby, the communication unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 210 receives the processing request information.

  Next, the storage / reading processing unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 210 manages processing start request information (S24). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the storage / reading processing unit 19 generates a process ID according to the order of the process start request, and sets the process type information and the settings included in the process start request information. Associate and manage data. Further, the storage / reading processing unit 19 manages the execution states of the reading unit 15a and the printing unit 15b for each processing ID. For example, in FIG. 5A, a print request process (process ID “10001”) by a user as a third party who first makes a process start request to the image forming apparatus 210 is managed, and the printing unit 15b. Is shown to be running. Then, the storage / reading processing unit 19 manages the copy request processing (processing ID “10002”) by the user B who made the next processing start request with the processing order being second. The copy process (an example of the third process) is a process that combines a scan process (an example of the first process) and a print process (an example of the second process).

  Also, the operation terminal 220a of the user A and the image forming apparatus 210 perform the same processing as steps S21 to S24 (S25 to S28). Note that the request processing of user A (processing ID “10003”) is in the third processing order in FIG.

  Subsequently, processing of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing processing of the image forming apparatus.

  First, the determination unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 210 determines whether request processing that has not been completed is managed in the request processing management DB 1001 (S101). If the request processing management DB 1001 does not manage request processing that has not ended (S101; NO), the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the request processing that has ended is managed (S102). If the completed request process is managed (S102; YES), the storage / read processing unit 19 deletes the completed request process and the corresponding setting data (S103). For example, in FIG. 5C, the request process with the process ID “10001” is deleted in the entire record (row) because the use state is “finished”. Thereby, a series of processes of the image forming apparatus 210 is completed.

  On the other hand, if the completed request process is not managed in step S102 (S102; NO), the process returns to step S101.

  Next, in step S101, when request processing that has not been completed is managed in the request processing management DB 1001 (S101; YES), the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the processing type is “print”. Judgment is made (S104). If the processing type is “print” (S104; YES), the determination unit 17 determines whether the printing unit 15b is being executed (S105). If the printing unit 15b is being executed (S105; YES), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, in step S105, when the printing unit 15b is not being executed (S105; NO), the printing unit 15b starts executing the printing process (S106).

  Next, when the processing type is not “print” in step S104 (S104; NO), the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the processing type is “scan” (S107). When the processing type is “scan” (S107; YES), the determination unit 17 determines whether the reading unit 15a is being executed (S108). If the reading unit 15a is being executed (S108; YES), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, when the reading unit 15a is not being executed in step S108 (S108; NO), the reading unit 15a starts executing the reading process (S109).

  Next, when the processing type is not “scan” in step S107 (S107; NO), as shown in FIG. 9, the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the processing type is “copy”. Is determined (S201). When the processing type is “copy” (S201; YES), the determination unit 17 determines whether the reading unit 15a is being executed (S202). If the reading unit 15a is being executed (S202; YES), the process returns to the process of step S101 shown in FIG. On the other hand, in step S202, when the reading unit 15a is not being executed (S202; NO), the determination unit 17 determines whether the printing unit 15b is being executed (S203). If the printing unit 15b is being executed (S203; YES), the reading unit 15a starts executing the scanning process (S204). For example, even if the single “print” process requested to start earlier is being executed, the processes of the reading unit 15a and the printing unit 15b are independent. The “scan” process is started by the reading unit 15a.

  Next, the storage / reading processing unit 19 changes the processing type from “copy” to “print in copy” in the request processing management DB 1001 (S205). Further, the storage / reading processing unit 19 changes the execution state of the reading unit to “executing” and the execution state of the printing unit to “reserved” in the request processing management DB 1001 (S206). After that, the process returns to step S101 shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the processes in steps S205 and S206 are the same as those in FIG. 5B when the scan process with the process type “copy” of the process ID “10002” starts. As shown, the process type of the same process ID “10002” is changed from “copy” to “print in copy”, the execution state of the reading unit is changed to “running”, and the execution state of the printing unit is changed. Change to “Reservation 1”. The order of “reservation” is given by the storage / reading processing unit 19 based on the order of request processing.

  Next, when the printing unit 15b is not being executed in step S203 (S203; NO), the reading unit 15a starts executing the scanning process, and then the printing unit 15b executes the printing process. Start (S207). After that, the process returns to step S101 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the process type is not “copy” in step S201 (S201; NO), the determination unit 17 determines whether there is a request process whose process type is “print in copy” in the request process management DB 1001. Is determined (S208). When there is a request process that is “print in copy” (S208; YES), the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the printing unit 15b is being executed in the request processing management DB 1001 (S209). If the printing unit 15b is being executed (S209; YES), the process returns to the process of step S101 shown in FIG.

  In step S209, if the printing unit 15b is not being executed (S209; NO), the printing unit 15b starts execution of the printing process for copying (S210). This completes the copy process.

  On the other hand, if there is no request process of “print in copy” in step S208 (S208; NO), the process returns to the process of step S101 shown in FIG.

  Next, the case where the image forming apparatus 210 performs printing processing based on the processing start requests of the operation terminals 220a and 220b will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a transmission / reception process of output position information. FIG. 11A shows a display screen of the operation terminal 220b, and FIG. 11B shows a display screen of the operation terminal 220a.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, the printing unit 15b of the image forming apparatus 210 discharges the printed paper after printing based on a request from the operation terminal 220b to the first-stage discharge tray 210a. (S31). Then, the communication unit 18 transmits the paper discharge position information to the operation terminal 220b (S32). The paper discharge position information is information for specifying the paper discharge tray, and indicates that the print paper has been discharged to the first paper discharge tray. Thereby, the communication unit 28 of the operation terminal 220b receives the paper discharge position information. Then, the display control unit 24 of the operation terminal 220b displays the paper discharge position information as shown in FIG. 11A on the display unit 23 (step S33).

  Next, the printing unit 15b of the image forming apparatus 210 discharges the printed paper after printing based on a request from the operation terminal 220b to the second-stage paper discharge tray 210b (S34). Then, the communication unit 18 transmits the paper discharge position information to the operation terminal 220a (S35). In this case, the paper discharge position information indicates that the print paper has been discharged to the second-stage paper discharge tray. Thereby, the communication unit 28 of the operation terminal 220a receives the paper discharge position information. Then, the display control unit 24 of the operation terminal 220a displays the paper discharge position information as shown in FIG. 11B on the display unit 23 (step S36).

  When the “Confirm” buttons b1 and b2 are pressed by the user, the screen shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is not displayed by the display control unit 24.

<< Main effects of embodiment >>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of users intend to use the same image forming apparatus 210, the image forming apparatus 210 is not a user who has been authenticated first, but has received a processing start request first. Since the request processing is performed with priority given to the user who has performed, it is possible to prevent the processing efficiency from being deteriorated.

  Further, since the image forming apparatus 210 notifies the discharge request trays 210a and 210b to be discharged to the operation terminals 220a and 220b of the print request source (S32 and S35), even if the printing process is interrupted. Thus, the user can be prevented from accidentally taking out the printing paper of another user.

  If a problem affecting the image forming operation, such as out of paper or paper jam (jam), occurs when print processing or copy processing has been performed on the image forming apparatus 210, request processing management is performed. The processing that should be executed next may be executed by changing the order of the processing of the tables or skipping the processing to be processed. In this way, the processing efficiency of the image forming system 101 can be further improved.

15 Image processing unit (an example of third processing means)
15a Reading unit (an example of first processing means)
15b Printing section (an example of second processing means)
17 Judgment part (an example of judgment means)
18 Communication unit (an example of receiving means, an example of second transmitting means)
22 Reception part (an example of reception means)
23 Display section (an example of display means)
24 display control unit (an example of display control means)
28 Communication unit (an example of transmission means)
101 Image forming system 210 Image forming apparatus 210a (first stage) discharge tray 210b (second stage) discharge tray 220 Operation terminal 1000 Storage unit 1001 Request processing management DB
5000 storage unit 5001 authentication data management DB

JP 2014-11619 A

Claims (8)

An image forming system comprising: a plurality of operation terminals; and an image forming apparatus that executes the predetermined process by acquiring a start request for the predetermined process from each operation terminal in the plurality of operation terminals,
Each operation terminal is
Accepting means for accepting the start of the predetermined process;
Transmitting means for transmitting processing start request information indicating a request for starting the predetermined processing to the image forming apparatus in the accepted order when the result of authentication for using the image forming apparatus is valid;
Have
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the processing start request information;
Regardless of the order of authentication, processing means for starting the predetermined processing indicated by the processing start request information in the order in which the processing start request information is received by the receiving means;
An image forming system comprising: The processing means includes a first processing means and a second processing means that can be processed independently of the first processing means,
When the receiving means receives the processing start request information of the second process by the second processing means after receiving the processing start request information of the first process by the first processing means, The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit executes the first processing, and the second processing unit executes the second processing. The image forming system according to claim 2,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A process for indicating a single start request for the first process after the reception means receives process start request information indicating a request for starting a third process that combines the first process and the second process. A determination means for determining whether or not the first processing means is being executed when the start request information is received;
If it is determined by the determining means that the first processing means is being executed,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit executes the first process requested to start independently after executing the first process included in the third process. The image forming system according to claim 2,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A process indicating a start request for a third process in which the first process and the second process are combined after the receiving unit receives process start request information indicating a single start request for the second process. A determination means for determining whether or not the second processing means is being executed when the start request information is received;
If it is determined by the determination means that the second processing means is being executed,
The first processing means executes the first processing included in the third processing,
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the second processing unit executes the second process requested to start independently after executing the second process included in the third process.   The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the first process is a scan process, and the second process is a print process. The image forming system according to claim 5,
The image forming apparatus transmits, after the end of the second processing, paper discharge position information, which is information for specifying a paper discharge tray, to an operation terminal that is a transmission source of processing start request supply information. Having a transmission means,
The image forming system, wherein the operation terminal as the transmission source includes display control means for displaying the paper discharge position information on a display means.   5. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the third process is a copy process. An image forming method executed by an image forming system including: a plurality of operation terminals; and an image forming apparatus that executes the predetermined process by receiving a request to start the predetermined process from each operation terminal in the plurality of operation terminals There,
Each operation terminal is
An accepting step for accepting the start of the predetermined process;
A transmission step of transmitting process start request information indicating a request to start the predetermined process to the image forming apparatus in the accepted order when an authentication result for using the image forming apparatus is valid;
Run
The image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving step for receiving the processing start request information;
Regardless of the order of authentication, a processing step of starting the predetermined processing indicated by the processing start request information in the order in which the processing start request information is received by the receiving step;
An image forming method which is executed.