JP2021093677A - Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can be used by a user without boredom and discomfort and can prevent a reduction in use efficiency.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 comprises: a storage unit 184 that stores a plurality of pieces of image data different in length of a video time from each other; an external display device 300 that displays an image based on the image data; an image forming unit 113 that performs printing on a sheet; a time prediction unit 182 that predicts a time at which the image forming unit 113 completes the printing; and an image selection unit 183 that, based on the time predicted by the time prediction unit 182 and the plurality of pieces of image data, selects an image displayed by the external display device 300 while the image forming unit 113 performs printing. The image selection unit 183 selects an image so that display of at least one image is completed within the predicted time that is predicted based on the length of the video time of a plurality of images, and the external display device 300 displays the selected image while the image forming unit 113 performs printing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus system capable of displaying an image.

Conventionally, image forming devices, which are multifunction devices such as copiers, facsimile machines, and printers, have been installed in convenience stores and the like, and are used by an unspecified number of users. The user uses service functions such as a copy service, a facsimile service, a print service, and a content service in the image forming apparatus. The content service is a service function capable of downloading and printing, for example, photographs, bromides, sheet music, newspapers, maps, and other information.

When the user uses the above service function in the image forming apparatus, the user performs an operation for executing the service function, but after the operation, there is a waiting time until the processing of the service function is completed. Occurs. For example, when printing a plurality of photographs using a content service, the image processing device downloads the photo data after the user operates the image forming device, and prints based on the downloaded data. There is a waiting time while doing this. In particular, as the number of photos increases, the waiting time increases accordingly. During this waiting time, the user has nothing to do, which is boring. In addition, if the user leaves the image forming apparatus during this waiting time, other users may misunderstand that the image forming apparatus can be used, which may cause a trouble. You cannot leave the image forming device.

Here, Patent Document 1 describes an advertisement information providing system that displays advertisement information on a monitor during a printing waiting time from a print request to a print completion. Therefore, for example, as in the invention described in Patent Document 1, if the image forming apparatus is to display the advertisement information on the monitor during the printing waiting time from the printing request to the printing completion, the user. Can spend the waiting time for the printing process without getting bored. Since the user gets tired of the advertisement information in the still image, for example, a moving image such as a privilege video prepared in advance may be displayed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-157101

However, as described above, in an image forming apparatus used by an unspecified number of users such as a convenience store, it is decided to display a privilege image or the like prepared in advance on the monitor during the printing waiting time. In that case, the following problems occur.

First, if the bonus video is longer than the printing time, there is a problem that the user will not be able to leave the image forming device even after printing to see all the bonus videos, and the user will be stranded. .. Further, since the user does not leave the image forming apparatus even after the printing is finished, there is a problem that the next user cannot use the image forming apparatus and feels uncomfortable. In addition, there is also a problem that it is not possible to calmly watch the privilege video because there are the following users. Also, after printing is completed, if the user gives up watching the bonus video to the end and leaves the image forming device even in the middle of the bonus video, the bonus video is displayed, so next. There is a problem that the user who has come determines that the image forming apparatus cannot be used and the utilization efficiency of the image forming apparatus is lowered.

In addition, in order to solve such a problem, when the processing such as printing is completed, the display of the privilege video may be stopped even in the middle of the process, but in that case, the user may stop displaying the privilege video. There is a problem that you cannot see all of them and you feel uncomfortable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can be used without being bored or uncomfortable for the user and can prevent a decrease in utilization efficiency. To provide a system.

The image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage means for storing image data of a plurality of images having different lengths of video time, a display means for displaying the image based on the image data, and a sheet of paper. Based on the printing means for printing on the image, the printing time predicting means for predicting the time when the printing means completes printing, the time predicted by the printing time predicting means, and the image data of the plurality of images. The image selection means includes an image selection means for selecting the image to be displayed by the display means while the printing means is printing, and the image selection means is based on the length of each video time in the plurality of images. The image is selected so that the display of at least one image is completed within the predicted time predicted by the printing time predicting means, and while the printing means is printing, the display means is the image selecting means. It is characterized in that the image selected by is displayed.

As a result, the user can enjoy the image displayed on the display means until the printing is completed, and the user is prevented from getting bored in the time waiting for the printing. In addition, since the time to complete printing is predicted and the image of the video time ending within this predicted time is displayed, the image display does not continue even though the printing is completed. The user will not be stranded. Therefore, the user evicts as soon as the printing is completed, so that the next user does not feel uncomfortable. In addition, since the next user does not feel uncomfortable, the user can calmly enjoy the image display. Further, since the image display does not continue after the printing is completed, the utilization efficiency of the image forming apparatus does not decrease. Moreover, since the image display does not stop in the middle, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the image selection means may select an image within the predicted time and having a video time closest to the predicted time from the plurality of images.

As a result, an image having a video time closer to the predicted printing completion time is displayed, so that the user can be prevented from getting bored.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the image selection means preferentially selects an image having a long video time from the plurality of images, and the total video time of all the selected images is within the predicted time. Therefore, the image is selected so that the remaining time, which is the time obtained by subtracting the total of the video times of all the selected images from the predicted time, is shorter than the video time of any of the plurality of images. It may be that.

As a result, an image having a video time closer to the predicted printing completion time is displayed, and it is possible to prevent the user from getting bored.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the plurality of images include still images, and after the display means displays all the images selected by the image selection means in order, the printing means prints. The still image may be displayed until the completion.

As a result, even if the display of the moving image is completed by the time the printing is completed, the still image is displayed, so that the user can be prevented from getting bored.

Further, the image forming apparatus described above includes a processing means for executing a process other than printing on paper, and a processing time predicting means for predicting the time for the processing means to complete the process, and the image selection means. Selects the image to be displayed by the display means while the processing means is executing the processing, based on the time predicted by the processing time predicting means and the image data of the plurality of images. The image selection means selects the image so that the display of at least one image is completed within the predicted time predicted by the processing time predicting means based on the length of each video time in the plurality of images. The display means may display the image selected by the image selection means while the processing means is executing the process.

This makes it possible to prevent the user from getting bored even while waiting for a process other than printing.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the processing executed by the processing means may be at least one of a data download processing, a data transmission processing, and a data reading processing.

This makes it possible to prevent the user from getting bored in the waiting time while the image forming apparatus is executing at least one of the data download process, the data transmission process, and the data read process.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the display means may be an external display means provided on the outside.

This increases the degree of freedom of the display means. For example, an external display means having a large screen can be used, and the user can enjoy the image display more. Further, if the screen is large, the image display can be viewed by anyone other than the user, so that the image display can be used as an advertisement.

The image forming apparatus system according to one aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus system including the above-mentioned image forming apparatus and a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to the image forming apparatus, and the server is said to be said. The image data of a plurality of images is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

As a result, the image to be displayed on the display means is not limited to the one stored in the image forming apparatus, the degree of freedom of the image to be displayed can be increased, and the user can enjoy the image display more. Can be done.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus system that can be used by the user without becoming bored or uncomfortable and can prevent a decrease in utilization efficiency.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance schematic structure of the image forming apparatus and the external display apparatus provided in the image forming apparatus system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic the control structure in the image forming apparatus and the external display apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the approximate printing time in the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the combination of privileged images to be displayed on an external display device in the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of the combination of privileged images to be displayed on an external display device in the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart in the copy service of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart in the photographic print service of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart in the content service of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart in the scan service of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus system 400 is a content server 200 that transmits / receives data between the image forming apparatus 100, the external display device 300 connected to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100. And have. The image forming apparatus 100 is installed in, for example, a convenience store.

The external display device 300 is installed in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100, and displays an image so that the user of the image forming apparatus 100 does not get bored while using the image forming apparatus 100. The external display device 300 preferably has a large screen so that the user can enjoy the displayed image. The external display device 300 is electrically connected to the image forming device 100, and is controlled by the image forming device 100 to display an image.

The content server 200 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via, for example, the Internet. The content server 200 is managed by the content provider, and specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a contact point for providing the content service provided by the content provider.

Here, the content is, for example, a photograph, a bromide, a score, a newspaper, a map, or other information, which is printed and output by the image forming apparatus 100 based on the data sent from the content server 200. Is. The user can obtain these contents by using the image forming apparatus 100.

When the user uses the content service function in the image forming apparatus 100, the content server 200 transmits data related to the content to the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 and the external display apparatus 300 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic external configuration of an image forming apparatus and an external display device included in the image forming apparatus system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration in the image forming apparatus and the external display apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 110 and a document reading apparatus 120.

The document reading device 120 is provided above the image forming apparatus main body 110, and includes a document mounting table 121, a document reading unit 122, and an automatic document feeding device 123. The document reading device 120 uses the document reading unit 122 to read the image of the document placed on the document loading table 121, or the document reading unit 122 to read the image of the document automatically sent by the document automatic feeding device 123. The image data of the scanned document is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110. The document reading device 120 ejects the document conveyed by the document automatic feeding device 123 and read by the document reading unit 122 to the document ejection tray 123a.

The image forming apparatus main body 110 includes a paper accommodating unit 111, a paper conveying unit 112, an image forming unit 113, a paper discharging unit 114, an operating unit 115, and a connection connector 110a. The image forming apparatus main body 110 stores paper such as recording paper and postcards in the paper storage unit 111, transports the paper stored in the paper storage unit 111 by the paper transport unit 112, and is conveyed by the paper transport unit 112. A color image or a monochrome image is formed by the image forming unit 113 based on the image data transmitted from the document reading device 120 or the image data transmitted from the outside on the paper, and the image is formed by the image forming unit 113. The recorded paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 114a in the paper ejection unit 114. Further, the image forming unit 113 can also print a document on paper based on the document data transmitted from the outside.

The operation unit 115 includes a display unit 161 and includes an operation member 165 having a soft keyboard and the like. The display unit 161 is a touch panel display, and not only displays an image related to the operation, but also input is possible by touching the screen of the display unit 161. In addition, the display unit 161 can also display a preview of a document or an image to be printed.

The user can use various functions (services) in the image forming apparatus 100 by operating the operation unit 115. For example, by operating the operation unit 115, a content service, a copy service, a photo print service, a scan service, and the like can be used. Here, the content service is a service for downloading, printing, and outputting the content as described above, the copy service is a service for copying and outputting the manuscript, and the photo print service is a service for copying and outputting the manuscript, and the photo print service is from the data taken by a camera or the like. A service that prints and outputs a photo, and a scan service is a service that reads a document, forms image data, and writes the image data to a storage medium such as a USB memory.

When using a content service, for example, the user specifies desired content by the operation unit 115 and instructs the start of the service. Further, for example, when using the copy service, the user instructs the service start by designating the color or black and white, the copy content such as enlargement / reduction, the number of copies, etc. by the operation unit 115. Further, for example, when using a photo print service, the user selects a photo to be printed from a storage medium such as a USB memory in which photo data is stored by the operation unit 115, and instructs the start of the service. Further, when using the scan service, for example, the user instructs the operation unit 115 to start the service.

Further, the connector 110a is provided near the operation unit 115. The user transfers data from the external device, storage medium, or the like to the image forming apparatus 100 via the connector 110a, or conversely transfers data from the image forming apparatus 100 to the external device, storage medium, or the like. be able to. The connection connector 110a is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, and by connecting a USB memory, data can be transmitted and received between the USB memory and the image forming apparatus 100. Since the connector 110a is provided near the operation unit 115, the user can connect the USB memory to the connection connector 110a while operating the operation unit 115, and the operability is high. Further, the connection connector 110a is not limited to the USB connector, and may be connected to another storage medium, or a plurality of different types of connection connectors 110a may be provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the above, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a content transmitting / receiving unit 166 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the content server 200, and a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. It has 180 and.

When the content is requested by the instruction of the control unit 180, the content transmission / reception unit 166 transmits an instruction to request the content to the content server 200.

Upon receiving the instruction requesting the content from the content transmission / reception unit 166, the content server 200 transmits the data related to the content data, the content data, and the data of the privilege video related to the content to the content transmission / reception unit 166. Here, the data related to the content data includes information on the number of contents, the type of paper to be printed, and the privilege video related to the contents described later. The content data is image data of the content. Based on this image data, the image forming unit 113 prints the content on the paper. Further, the data of the privilege video related to the content is the image data of the privilege video related to the content described later. The external display device 300 displays an image based on this image data.

The data transmitted from the content server 200 and received by the content transmission / reception unit 166 is stored in the control unit 180.

The control unit 180 includes a processing unit 181, a time prediction unit 182, an image selection unit 183, and a storage unit 184. Here, the control unit 180 is, for example, a microcomputer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and includes a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a data rewritable non-volatile memory. There is.

The storage unit 184 is these storage devices. The storage unit 184 stores in advance a program or the like for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the storage unit 184 stores data related to images and documents formed by the image forming unit 113 when the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image, and stores data and the like read by the document reading apparatus 120. To do.

Further, the storage unit 184 stores data transmitted from the content server 200 and received by the content transmission / reception unit 166. Specifically, the storage unit 184 stores data related to the content data, the content data, and image data of the privilege video related to the content.

Here, the privilege video related to the content is an image created in advance for each content, and includes a moving image and a still image. As a moving image, there are a plurality of images having different video times. For example, a moving image having a video time of 60 seconds (hereinafter referred to as a 60-second image), a moving image having a video time of 30 seconds (hereinafter referred to as a 30-second image), and a moving image having a video time of 10 seconds (hereinafter referred to as a 10-second image) It is prepared. Further, a still image which is a still image can be said to be a moving image having a video time of 0 seconds. When the content data is downloaded from the content server 200 to the image forming apparatus 100, the image data of each of the 60-second image, the 30-second image, the 10-second image, and the still image is also downloaded from the content server 200 and stored in the storage unit 184. It will be remembered.

The type of moving image is not limited to the 60-second image, the 30-second image, and the 10-second image as described above, and may be a moving image having a video time other than these. Also, the number of videos is not limited to three. Further, the moving image and the still image are not only downloaded from the content server 200 together with the content data, but may be downloaded at other timings. For example, the administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 connects. A storage medium such as a USB memory may be stored in the storage unit 184 via the connector 110a. Further, when a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 184 is executed in the CPU, the processing unit 181 The functions of the time prediction unit 182 and the image selection unit 183 are realized.

The processing unit 181 controls the operation of various components in the image forming apparatus 100 by executing a control program stored in advance in the storage unit 184. Specifically, the operation of the document reading device 120, the image forming unit 113, and the like is controlled. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the image data on the document and prints the image on the paper. The storage unit 184 provides the processing unit 181 with a work area for work, an image memory for storing image data, and an area as a memory for storing document data.

When the content service is used, the time prediction unit 182 predicts the time from the start of operation of the image forming unit 113 to the end of printing of all the contents based on the number of contents, the type of paper to be printed, and the like. .. This prediction method will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of approximate printing time in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

When the user operates the operation unit 115, selects the use of the content service, specifies the desired content, and instructs the start, the content transmission / reception unit 166 sends an instruction requesting the desired content to the content server 200. .. As a result, data related to the content data is transmitted from the content server 200, received via the content transmission / reception unit 166, and stored in the storage unit 184.

As described above, the storage unit 184 stores data related to the content data of the content to be printed, and the time prediction unit 182 forms an image based on the number of contents included in this data, the type of paper to be printed, and the like. The estimated time from the start of operation of unit 113 to the end of printing of all the contents is calculated.

Here, in the storage unit 184, data on the printing time is stored in advance for each number of sheets to be printed for each type of paper. Specifically, the data shown in FIG. 4 is stored. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing time varies depending on the size of the paper or the type of paper. Here, the FPT (first print time) is the time required for the image forming unit 113 to be able to print. That is, it is the time required to start up the image forming unit 113. For example, if the content is to be printed on B4 size paper, the FPT is 7 seconds. Therefore, the printing time is at least 7 seconds or longer. As shown in FIG. 4, when printing on one sheet of B4 size paper, the printing time is estimated to be 8 seconds, and when printing on two sheets, the printing time is estimated to be 9 seconds. Will be done. Further, when printing on one sheet of A4 size paper, the printing time is predicted to be 9 seconds, and when printing on two sheets, the printing time is predicted to be 9 seconds.

In this way, the time prediction unit 182 calculates the predicted time from the start of operation of the image forming unit 113 to the end of printing of all the contents based on the data as shown in FIG. 4, and stores the predicted time. Part 184 memorizes.

The image selection unit 183 selects and sets a privilege image displayed by the external display device 300 while the image forming unit 113 prints the content, based on the predicted time calculated by the time prediction unit 182. This selection method will be described below with reference to the drawings.

5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a combination of privilege images to be displayed on an external display device in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The image selection unit 183 selects the privilege video of the content so that the privilege video fits within the printing time predicted by the time prediction unit 182, and when the image forming unit 113 prints the content, the external display device 300 displays the image. The privilege image selected by the selection unit 183 is displayed. Specifically, the image selection unit 183 selects the privilege video based on the information of the privilege video related to the predicted time and the content stored in the storage unit 184. As described above, the privilege video includes a 60-second image, a 30-second image, a 10-second image, and a still image. Of these, for moving images, make sure that they are not in the middle of the moving images when printing is completed. That is, all the privilege images displayed on the external display device 300 are displayed without being cut off in the middle. Further, when the image forming unit 113 finishes printing, the display of the external display device 300 ends almost at the same time. The image selection unit 183 selects the privilege video to be displayed on the external display device 300 so as to satisfy such conditions.

Specifically, the image selection unit 183 selects and sets a privilege video having a video time closest to the predicted print time and within the predicted print time. Then, the bonus video that is the closest to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the video time of the bonus video from the predicted time and the video time within this remaining time is selected and set. The same privilege video may be continuously selected. Further, the privilege video that is closest to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the video time of the selected privilege video from the remaining time and the video time within this remaining time is selected and set. This work is repeated until there are no more bonus videos within the remaining time. Then, a still image is set to be displayed for the remaining time remaining at the end.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the printing time predicted by the time prediction unit 182 is 82 seconds, the image selection unit 183 is 60 seconds, which is the privilege image closest to 82 seconds and within 82 seconds. Select and set the image. Next, the 10-second image, which is the privilege video closest to 22 seconds and within 22 seconds, which is obtained by subtracting 60 seconds from 82 seconds, is selected and set. Further, the 10-second image which is the privilege video closest to 12 seconds and within 12 seconds, which is obtained by subtracting 10 seconds from 22 seconds, is selected and set. Since there is no privilege video within 2 seconds, which is obtained by subtracting 10 seconds from 12 seconds, a still image is set for these 2 seconds.

In this way, the image selection unit 183 is set to display the 60-second image, the 10-second image, the 10-second image, and the still image (2 seconds) in this order. As a result, when the content transmission / reception unit 166 receives (downloads) the content data and the data of the privilege video related to the content, the processing unit 181 causes the image forming unit 113 to print the content based on the content data, and in parallel with this. The external display device 300 displays a 60-second image, a 10-second image, a 10-second image, and a still image (2 seconds) in order based on the bonus video data related to the content. As a result, the display of the external display device 300 ends almost at the same time as the printing of the content in the image forming unit 113 ends.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the printing time predicted by the time prediction unit 182 is 130 seconds, the 60-second image which is the privilege image closest to 130 seconds and within 130 seconds is selected and set. To do. Next, the 60-second image, which is the privilege video closest to 70 seconds and within 70 seconds, which is obtained by subtracting 60 seconds from 130 seconds, is selected and set. Further, the 10-second image which is the privilege video closest to 10 seconds and within 10 seconds, which is obtained by subtracting 60 seconds from 70 seconds, is selected and set. If 10 seconds are subtracted from 10 seconds, it is 0 seconds, so no still image is set.

In this way, the image selection unit 183 is set to display the 60-second image, the 60-second image, and the 10-second image in this order. As a result, when the content transmission / reception unit 166 receives (downloads) the content data and the data of the privilege video related to the content, the processing unit 181 causes the image forming unit 113 to print the content based on the content data, and in parallel with this. The external display device 300 displays the 60-second image, the 60-second image, and the 10-second image in order based on the data of the privilege video related to the content. As a result, the display of the external display device 300 ends almost at the same time as the printing of the content in the image forming unit 113 ends.

As a result, the user can enjoy the privilege video displayed on the external display device 300 until the printing of the content is completed, so that the user does not get bored in the time waiting for printing. In addition, even though the printing of the content has been completed, the privilege video is not continued, so that the user is not stranded. Further, the next user can immediately use the image forming apparatus 100 and does not feel uncomfortable. In addition, since the next user does not feel uncomfortable, the user can calmly enjoy the privilege image displayed on the external display device 300. In addition, since the bonus video is not cut off in the middle, the user does not have to worry about the content of the part that was not displayed in the bonus video.

Next, the control operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The user selects the use of the content service by operating the operation unit 115. As a result, the processing unit 181 recognizes that the use of the content service has been selected (step S1). The content transmission / reception unit 166 sends an instruction requesting the desired content to the content server 200 (step S2).

The content server 200 receives a request from the content transmission / reception unit 166 and transmits data related to the content data to the content transmission / reception unit 166. The content transmission / reception unit 166 receives data related to the content data transmitted from the content server 200 (step S3). The data related to the content data received by the content transmission / reception unit 166 is stored in the storage unit 184.

The processing unit 181 determines whether or not there is a privilege video related to this content based on the data related to the content data stored in the storage unit 184 (step S4). When the processing unit 181 determines that there is no privilege video (step S4: No), the content transmission / reception unit 166 downloads the content data (step S15). That is, the content transmission / reception unit 166 receives the content data, and the storage unit 184 stores the content data. Based on this content data, the image forming unit 113 prints the content (step S16). That is, the image forming unit 113 forms an image of the content on the paper. When the image forming unit 113 completes printing (step S17), the operation ends.

If the processing unit 181 determines in step S4 that there is a bonus image (step S4: Yes), the time prediction unit 182 determines the number of contents included in the data related to the content data stored in the storage unit 184. From the type of paper to be printed and the like, the estimated time from the start of operation of the image forming unit 113 to the end of printing of all the contents is calculated (step S5).

The image selection unit 183 selects and sets a privilege video that is closest to the predicted print time and has a video time within the predicted print time (step S6). Then, the video time of the bonus video is subtracted from the predicted time to calculate the remaining printing time (step S7), and it is determined whether or not there is a bonus video that is within the remaining printing time (step S8). If there is a bonus video that is within the remaining printing time (step S8: Yes), the process returns to step S6. If there is no privilege video that is within the remaining print time (step S8: No), a still image is set for the remaining print time (step S9).

The processing unit 181 organizes and organizes the set privilege images so that they are displayed within the printing time (step S10). The content transmission / reception unit 166 downloads the content data and the data of the privilege video related to the content (step S11). That is, the content transmission / reception unit 166 receives the content data and the data of the privilege video related to the content, and the storage unit 184 stores the content data and the data of the privilege video related to the content. Based on this content data, the image forming unit 113 prints the content (step S12). That is, the image forming unit 113 forms an image of the content on the paper. Further, the external display device 300 displays the privilege video in parallel with printing based on the data of the privilege video related to the content (step S13). When the image forming unit 113 completes printing and the display of the privilege image by the external display device 300 is completed (step S14), the operation ends. Printing and display are completed almost at the same time.

The image forming apparatus system 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment have been described above. According to the image forming apparatus system 400 and the image forming apparatus 100, the user can use the image without getting bored or uncomfortable, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in utilization efficiency. In addition, it is possible to prevent the next user who is waiting to use the image forming apparatus 100 from feeling uncomfortable. Further, since the privilege video is displayed on the external display device 300 which is a large screen, even a person other than the user of the image forming device 100 can see the privilege video, and the display of the privilege video functions as an advertisement for the content. Also plays the effect of.

It should be noted that the external display device 300 displays not only the privilege video of the content but also the video having nothing to do with the content.

(Second Embodiment)
Since the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus system according to the second embodiment of the present invention have the same configurations as the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus system 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the same members are used. Will be described using the same reference numerals. The image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus system 400 according to the first embodiment are privileged to fit within the printing time when the image forming unit 113 is performing image forming, that is, when the printing process is being executed. Although the image was displayed on the external display device 300, the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus system 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention also display the image even when a process other than the printing process is performed. The image is displayed on the external display device 300.

Specifically, even when a process that causes a waiting time for the user, such as a data download process, a data transmission process, or a data read process, is executed, the time prediction unit 182 performs each process. Is calculated, the image selection unit 183 selects an image so that the image fits within this prediction time, and the image selection unit 183 selects the image while executing each process. The image is displayed by the external display device 300. As a result, the user can enjoy the image displayed on the external display device 300 even during the waiting time other than the operating time, and the boredom is suppressed.

The images displayed on the external display device 300 are moving images and still images, and these images may be stored in the storage unit 184 in advance. Then, these images may be a plurality of moving images having different video times and still images.

Next, each process in which the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed by the external display apparatus 300 will be described with reference to the drawings.

7A to 7D are time charts showing processing in each service in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a time chart in the copy service, FIG. 7B is a time chart in the photo print service, FIG. 7C is a time chart in the content service, and FIG. 7D is a time chart in the scan service.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the processing in each service of the image forming apparatus 100 is different. First, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the copy service is used in the image forming apparatus 100, the user operates the operation unit 115 to select the use of the copy service, and also sets the copy type and the like. Then, when the document is set on the document placing table 121 or the document automatic feeding device 123 and the start is instructed, the document is read by the document reading unit 122 and printed by the image forming unit 113. In the copy service, in the document reading process by the document reading unit 122 and the printing process by the image forming unit 113, the estimated time of each process is calculated, and the image selection unit 183 sets the image within the predicted time of each process. The image selected by the image selection unit 183 may be displayed by the external display device 300 while the image is selected and each process is being executed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the photo print service is used in the image forming apparatus 100, the user operates the operation unit 115 to select the use of the photo print service and connect the medium as the storage medium. Connect to the connector 110a (media set). As a result, the data stored in the media is read by the connector 110a, and the read data is stored in the storage unit 184. When the user removes the media from the connection connector 110a (media reset), operates the operation unit 115 to set the type and number of photo prints, and instructs the start, the image forming unit 113 prints the photo. In the photo print service, in the data reading process by the connection connector 110a and the print process by the image forming unit 113, the estimated time of each process is calculated, and the image selection unit 183 sets the image within the estimated time of each process. The image selected by the image selection unit 183 may be displayed by the external display device 300 while the image is selected and each process is being executed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the content service is used in the image forming apparatus 100, the user operates the operation unit 115 to select the use of the content service and instruct the desired content, and then the content server. The data transmitted from the 200 is downloaded to the content transmission / reception unit 166. When the user further operates 115 to select the content, set the number of prints, and instruct the start, the image forming unit 113 prints the content. In the content service, in the download process by the content transmission / reception unit 166 and the print process by the image forming unit 113, the estimated time of each process is calculated, and the image selection unit 183 selects the image so that the image fits within the predicted time of each process. The image selected by the image selection unit 183 may be displayed by the external display device 300 while the selection is made and each process is being executed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7D, when the scan service is used in the image forming apparatus 100, the user operates the operation unit 115 to select the use of the scan service and connects the medium as the storage medium to the connector. Connect to 110a (media set). Then, when the user sets the document to be scanned on the document mounting table 121 or the document automatic feeding device 123 and operates the operation unit 115 to instruct the start of scanning, the document is read by the document reading unit 122 and stored in the storage unit 184. Is remembered in. When the user operates the operation unit 115 to instruct the start of transmission of the read data to the media, the data is written from the connector 110a to the media. When the writing is completed, the user removes the media from the connection connector 110a (media reset), and the scan service is completed. In the scan service, in the document reading process by the document reading unit 122 and the data writing process by the connector 110a, the estimated time of each process is calculated, and the image selection unit 183 is set so that the image is within the predicted time of each process. Selects an image, and the external display device 300 may display the image selected by the image selection unit 183 while each process is being executed.

The image forming apparatus system 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment have been described above. According to the image forming apparatus system 400 and the image forming apparatus 100, since the image is displayed on the external display device 300 even while the processing other than the printing processing is being executed, the user does not become bored or uncomfortable. It has the effect of being able to be used and preventing a decrease in utilization efficiency.

(Third Embodiment)
The image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus system according to the third embodiment of the present invention have a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus system 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention do not include the external display device 300. .. Since the configuration is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus system 400 in the first embodiment except for this, the same members will be described with reference to the same reference numerals.

In the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus system 400 in the first embodiment, the image to be displayed by the external display device 300 is displayed by the display unit 161 in the third embodiment. As a result, it is not necessary to provide the external display device 300, so that the cost can be reduced. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can be installed even in a place where there is no space for installing the external display device 300.

It can be said that the display unit 161 is located on the operation unit 115 and is sufficient for the user to visually recognize. In addition, even an image that is difficult for anyone other than the user to see can be displayed. For example, it is possible to display a special image or the like that is not provided to an unspecified number of people and can only be seen by the user.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, such embodiments are merely exemplary in all respects and should not be construed in a limited way. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims and is not bound by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and modifications that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

100 Image forming apparatus 110 Image forming apparatus main body 110a Connector 111 Paper accommodating unit 112 Paper conveying unit 113 Image forming unit (printing means)
114 Paper ejection tray 114a Paper ejection tray 115 Operation unit 120 Document reading device 121 Document loading table 122 Document reading unit 123 Document automatic feeding device 123a Document ejection tray 161 Display unit 165 Operation member 300 External display device (display means)
200 Content server 400 Image forming device System 180 Control unit 166 Content transmission / reception unit 181 Processing unit 182 Time prediction unit (printing time prediction means)
183 Image selection unit 184 Storage unit

Claims (8)

A storage means for storing image data of a plurality of images having different video time lengths,
A display means for displaying the image based on the image data, and
Printing means for printing on paper and
A printing time predicting means for predicting the time when the printing means completes printing, and a printing time predicting means.
An image selection means for selecting the image to be displayed by the display means while the printing means is printing based on the time predicted by the printing time predicting means and image data of the plurality of images. With
The image selection means selects the image so that the display of at least one image is completed within the predicted time predicted by the printing time predicting means based on the length of each video time in the plurality of images. And
An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the display means displays an image selected by the image selection means while the printing means is printing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the image selecting means selects an image within the predicted time and having a video time closest to the predicted time from the plurality of images. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The image selection means preferentially selects an image having a long video time from the plurality of images, and the total video time of all the selected images is within the predicted time and is selected from the predicted time. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image is selected so that the remaining time, which is the time obtained by subtracting the total of the video times of all the images, is shorter than the video time of any of the plurality of images. .. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The plurality of images include still images.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the display means displays all the images selected by the image selection means in order, and then displays the still image until the printing means completes printing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A processing means that executes processing other than printing on paper, and
A processing time predicting means for predicting the time for the processing means to complete the processing is provided.
The image selection means displays the image displayed by the display means while the processing means is executing the processing, based on the time predicted by the processing time predicting means and the image data of the plurality of images. Selected,
The image selection means selects the image so that the display of at least one image is completed within the predicted time predicted by the processing time predicting means based on the length of each video time in the plurality of images. And
An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the display means displays an image selected by the image selection means while the processing means is executing the process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the process executed by the processing means is at least one of a data download process, a data transmission process, and a data read process. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The image forming apparatus, characterized in that the display means is an external display means provided on the outside. An image forming apparatus system comprising the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a server capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the image forming apparatus.
An image forming apparatus system, wherein the server transmits the image data of the plurality of images to the image forming apparatus.

Images