JP2020075497A - Image formation apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

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

  From the viewpoint of security, after receiving print data from the information processing device (personal computer used by the user), the user is authenticated by receiving the login operation from the user, and the print job is executed only after the user authentication is successful. Image forming apparatuses are known (see Patent Documents 1 to 5).

JP, 2016-048894, A JP, 2005-140873, A JP, 2016-057995, A JP, 2010-154030, A JP, 2009-282667, A

  An image forming apparatus that executes a print job after successful user authentication requires an active log-in operation from the user to the image forming apparatus, and is therefore desired to be more user-friendly.

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

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

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

  This also reduces the possibility that the image forming apparatus cannot be used although the information processing apparatus is notified by the image forming apparatus.

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

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

  The notification determination unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is executing a print job and the number of printed sheets of the print job in execution is less than a threshold value. ..

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

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

  At this time, the image forming apparatus does not have another print job that does not require user authentication (a print job that is executed immediately after obtaining a print request). Therefore, since the possibility that the image forming apparatus will execute another print job is low at present, it can be determined that one condition for notifying the information processing apparatus is satisfied.

  When the print request acquisition unit acquires a print job execution request that requires user authentication, and the user authentication is not executed within a specific time after the print request is acquired, the notification determination unit determines the image It is determined that the state of the forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus has another print job that requires user authentication, but cannot execute this other print job because the user has not logged in. Therefore, since the possibility that the image forming apparatus will execute another print job is low at present, it can be determined that one condition for notifying the information processing apparatus is satisfied.

  The notification determination unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition during a time period when the image forming apparatus executes a print job at a low frequency.

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

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

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

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

  In this case, the information processing device does not have to be a mobile device. The mobile terminal is a mobile device carried by a user of the information processing device.

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

  Image forming apparatuses that execute print jobs after successful user authentication can be made even more user-friendly.

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

1 shows an information processing system according to a first embodiment. 1 shows a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. 1 shows a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 3 shows an operation flow of the image forming apparatus. The information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown. 1 shows a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus.

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

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

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

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

2. Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 2 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

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

  The control unit 11 is connected to the image reading unit 12, the image processing unit 14, the image memory 15, the image forming unit 16, the operation unit 17, the storage unit 18, the network communication unit 13, and the like. The control unit 11 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned connected units and transmits / receives signals or data to / from each unit.

  The control unit 11 operates for each function such as a scanner function, a print function, and a copy function function according to a job execution instruction input from a user through the operation unit 17 or a personal computer (not shown) connected to a network. It controls the drive and processing of the mechanisms needed to carry out the control.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device The information processing device 20 is a typical information processing device such as a personal computer, and its hardware configuration is omitted from the drawing. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the information processing device 20 loads a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) into a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executes the program. The information processing apparatus 20 supplies print data and a print job execution request to the MFP 10 via the network N.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The notification unit 104 notifies the information processing device 20.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the information processing apparatus 20 receives a notification from the MFP 10 via the network N that the MFP 10 is ready for printing, the information processing apparatus 20 notifies the user by displaying, voice output, vibration, or the like. As a result, the user knows that the MFP 10 is currently capable of executing a print job, and performs a login operation on the MFP 10.

  When the MFP 10 receives a login operation from the user within a specific time after the print enable notification (step S105) and the user authentication unit 105 of the MFP 10 succeeds in the user authentication (YES in step S106), the job execution unit 102 executes the print job. Execute (step S107).

  On the other hand, when the job execution unit 102 is already executing another print job (step S103, YES), a new work is started and the work is unsuccessful despite the print enable notification (step S105). The user may not perform the login operation to the MFP 10 within the specific time because of the absence (step S106, NO). After the MFP 10 acquires the print data and the print job execution request (step S101), the user does not execute another print job (step S103, NO). In some cases, the login operation may not be performed on the MFP 10 (step S106, NO).

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

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

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

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

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

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

(5) It is a time period in which the MFP 10 rarely executes a print job.
The possibility that the MFP 10 will execute another print job is currently low. Note that the print job execution frequency depending on the time period can be predicted from the past print job execution history, for example.

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

  An example of the “distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20” will be described. The distance determination unit 106 can determine the “distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing device 20” based on the wireless communication status of the network communication unit 13, for example. Depending on the size of the office, when the information processing apparatus 20 moves and the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is large (for example, they are in different rooms), the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is large. Wireless communication from the MFP 10 to the information processing apparatus 20 takes time (that is, the communication speed is low) or the radio field intensity is low as compared with the case of a small value. Therefore, the distance determination unit 106 of the MFP 10 determines whether the information processing apparatus 20 is close to the MFP 10 based on the communication status of the network communication unit 13 based on a specific condition (for example, in the same room as the MFP 10, or in the specified state). It is possible to determine whether or not the distance is less than (1) or the distance (for example, in a room different from the MFP 10 or a specific distance or more).

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

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

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

  In this case, when the information processing apparatus 20 is near the MFP 10, it is not necessary to notify the information processing apparatus 20 of the forgetting to print. The information processing device 20 being near the MFP 10 is highly likely to be used by the user. Specific examples in which the information processing apparatus 20 is near the MFP 10 include the following (1) and (2). It should be noted that both the following specific examples (1) and (2) may be determined, or any one of them may be determined.

(1) The communication speed of wireless communication from the MFP 10 to the information processing apparatus 20 is within a range in which the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 allows the user to use the MFP 10 (for example, the distance from the MFP 10 is 0. It is a value corresponding to being within 3 m).
(2) The radio field intensity between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is within a range in which the distance between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 allows the user to use the MFP 10 (for example, the distance from the MFP 10 is 0. It is a value corresponding to being within 3 m).

  Conversely, when the information processing apparatus 20 is far away from the MFP 10 based on a specific condition (for example, in a room different from the MFP 10), the user who carries the information processing apparatus 20 no longer forgets the print job. Therefore, there is a high possibility that there is a high need to notify that the user has forgotten to print. Therefore, when the information processing apparatus 20 is far away from the MFP 10 on the basis of a specific condition, the information processing apparatus 20 may be notified of the forgetting to print.

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

(1) The communication speed of wireless communication from the MFP 10 to the information processing device 20 is less than the threshold value.
(2) The radio field intensity between the MFP 10 and the information processing device 20 is less than the threshold value.
(3) The connection by the near field communication is not established between the MFP 10 and the information processing device 20.

  In view of the above, it is significant that the information processing apparatus 20 notifies the MFP 10 of forgetting to print regardless of whether the information processing apparatus 20 is near or far based on a specific condition. Therefore, depending on the needs and uses of the user, the information processing apparatus 20 forgets to print the information processing apparatus 20 depending on whether the information processing apparatus 20 is relatively close to the MFP 10 or far. Can be set to notify.

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

  The notification unit 104 notifies the information processing device 20 via the network N that printing has been forgotten (step S110).

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

  When the job execution unit 102 starts execution of another print job after the notification of printing forgetting (step S111), the notification determination unit 103 further determines to notify the information processing apparatus 20 that printing cannot be performed. The notification determination unit 103 requests the notification unit 104 to notify the information processing apparatus 20 that printing cannot be performed.

  The notification unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N that the MFP 10 cannot print (step S112).

  When the information processing apparatus 20 receives a notification from the MFP 10 via the network N that the printing of the MFP 10 is disabled, the information processing apparatus 20 notifies the user by displaying, voice output, vibration or the like. As a result, the user knows that the MFP 10 is currently unable to execute the print job.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Hardware Configuration of Mobile Terminal The mobile terminal 30 is a typical mobile device such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone, and its hardware configuration is omitted from the drawing. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the mobile terminal 30 loads a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) into a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executes the program.

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

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

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

  In step S105, the notification unit 104 notifies the mobile terminal 30 associated with the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N that the MFP 10 is ready for printing.

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

  In step S109, when the notification determination unit 103 determines whether or not the distance between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 30 carried by the user satisfies a specific condition (YES in step S109), the notification unit 104 notifies the mobile device It requests the terminal 30 to notify that printing is possible. The notification unit 104 notifies the portable terminal 30 of the forgetting to print via the network N (step S110).

  Here, as a specific example in the case of satisfying a specific condition, the first embodiment can be applied correspondingly.

  When the job execution unit 102 starts executing another print job after the print forget notification (step S111), the notification determination unit 103 further determines to notify the portable terminal 30 that printing cannot be performed. The notification determination unit 103 requests the notification unit 104 to notify the portable terminal 30 that printing is impossible. The notification unit 104 notifies the mobile terminal 30 via the network N that the MFP 10 cannot print (step S112).

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

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

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

  On the other hand, according to each embodiment, the MFP 10 is (A) the current state of the MFP 10 satisfies a specific condition, and (B) the MFP 10 and the information processing device 20 (or the mobile terminal) carried by the user. When the distance to the information processing device 20 (or the mobile terminal 30) satisfies a specific condition, the information processing device 20 (or the mobile terminal 30) is notified. This is because executing the print job involves not only (A) the state of the MFP 10 (a state suitable for starting the print job), but also (B) the convenience of the user performing the login operation.

  In this way, the MFP 10 makes a notification based on (A) the state of the MFP 10 (a state suitable for starting a print job) and (B) the convenience (distance) of the user who performs the login operation (step S108). Through S110). As a result, the possibility that the information processing apparatus 20 (or the mobile terminal 30) cannot be used even though the MFP 10 notifies the user that the printing has been forgotten is reduced. be able to.

  Further, the notification unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 via the network N that the MFP 10 is not printable (step S112). This also reduces the risk that the information processing apparatus 20 (or the mobile terminal 30) will not be able to use the MFP 10 despite the fact that the MFP 10 has notified that printing has been forgotten. Can be planned.

  Although each embodiment and each modification example of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. Of course.

10 ... MFP (image forming apparatus)
20 ... Information processing device 30 ... Mobile terminal 101 ... Print request acquisition unit 102 ... Job execution unit 103 ... Notification determination unit 104 ... Notification unit 105 ... User authentication unit 106 ... Distance determination unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus,
A print request acquisition unit that acquires a print job execution request from an information processing device operated by a user;
A user authentication unit that executes user authentication for executing the print job;
A distance determination unit that determines the distance between the image forming apparatus and the user,
If the user authentication is not executed within a specific time after obtaining the print request, and if the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition, the user is notified. An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification determining unit for determining. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The notification forming unit further determines that if the image forming apparatus starts executing a print job different from the print job after the notification is made, the notification forming unit notifies the information processing apparatus that printing cannot be performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The notification forming unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:
The notification determination unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the image forming apparatus is executing a print job and the number of printed sheets of the print job in execution is less than a threshold value. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The notification forming unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition when the print request acquiring unit has not acquired a print job execution request that does not require user authentication. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the print request acquisition unit acquires a print job execution request that requires user authentication and does not execute the user authentication within a specific time after the print request is acquired, the notification determination unit determines whether the image An image forming apparatus that determines that the state of the forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
The notification forming unit determines that the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies the specific condition during a time period when the image forming apparatus executes a print job at a low frequency. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:
The distance determination unit determines a distance between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus as a distance between the image forming apparatus and the user,
The notification forming unit determines that the information processing apparatus is notified as a notification to the user. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:
The distance determination unit determines the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal associated with the information processing apparatus, as the distance between the image forming apparatus and the user,
The notification forming unit is an image forming apparatus that determines to notify the mobile terminal as a notification to the user. The computer of the image forming device
A print request acquisition unit that acquires a print job execution request from an information processing device operated by a user;
A user authentication unit that executes user authentication for executing the print job;
A distance determination unit that determines the distance between the image forming apparatus and the user,
If the user authentication is not executed within a specific time after obtaining the print request, and if the state of the image forming apparatus satisfies a specific condition and the distance satisfies a specific condition, the user is notified. A program that functions as a notification determination unit.

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