JP2022095789A - Image forming apparatus having printing completion notification function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To determine, when one function is divided into a plurality of jobs and executed, whether to notify the completion of each job.

SOLUTION: An image reading device comprises: an image processing unit; a document conveying unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of documents placed by a user so that the image processing unit reads the documents; a setting receiving section that receives settings of a document reading function to collectively output the documents that are divided into a plurality of bundles and placed on the document conveying unit bundle by bundle; a job control section that receives the settings received by the setting receiving section, and collectively outputs the document divided into a plurality of bundles and read bundle by bundle; a notification unit that notifies a user of the completion of a job related to the document reading and a job related to the output; and a notification control section that causes the notification unit to notify the completion of the job related to every document reading and the completion of the job related to every output, which are related to the job performed with the document reading function. The notification control section makes different the notification at the completion of the job related to every image reading and the notification at the completion of the job related to every output from each other.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a print end notification function.

It is known that image forming devices such as copiers, facsimiles, and printers notify the user by light or sound when a situation occurs in which the user's help is required for continuation. For example, it notifies when a job such as printing to be executed based on an instruction from a user or an external device is completed. Alternatively, a notification is given when a document is jammed or the print sheet runs out during job execution. Further, there is known that a user can set whether or not to perform a print end notification for each job to be executed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-119600

For example, a copier job is known to be equipped with a function (so-called "trial copy") of performing a test print of only a part or a part of pages in order to check the print result. It is known that printer jobs are equipped with a function to perform similar test printing (so-called "trial printing"). Hereinafter, in this specification, the functions of "trial copy" and "trial printing" are collectively referred to. Called "test print".

Copier jobs and printer jobs that are executed using the test printing function are books that are executed for the remaining number of copies and the remaining pages after the user confirms the results of the test printing and the copier job and printer job related to the test printing. It is executed separately from the copyer job and printer job related to printing. That is, the function of the test printing is realized by executing a plurality of jobs of the job related to the test printing and the job related to the main printing. Here, the job is a series of processes executed for one execution request received from a user or an external device, and refers to a process related to image formation as a scanner, a printer, or a copier.

In the test printing function, first, the test printing is executed in response to the job execution request related to the test printing. After the user confirms the result of the test print, the user decides whether to repeat the test print by changing the setting or to perform the main print. It is necessary to accept the job execution request.
There are other image forming devices, such as the test printing function, in which one function is divided into a plurality of jobs and executed. For example, it is a mass document reading function that makes a large number of copies of documents that exceed the number of sheets that can be set in the document feeder at one time. When the mass document scanning function is set, the document feeder is made to read the documents set in a plurality of bundles. Then, the documents read in each bundle are collectively treated as one volume and output collectively. The user sets the originals for each bundle and makes an operation input to request the execution of the job related to reading. Further, after the reading of the last bundle of documents is completed, the user also performs an operation input instructing the start of batch output.

Here, the mass document reading function has a job type of copy as a whole, but the job related to each document scanning does not involve printing, so it is common with the scanner job. Subsequent jobs related to batch output do not involve reading the original, so they are common to printer jobs. As described above, the copier job may be executed separately as a scanner job and a printer job.

As described above, in a job that accepts a plurality of execution requests and completes one function, it is not easy for the user to manually set whether or not to notify the end of each job individually.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when one function is divided into a plurality of jobs and executed, image formation for determining whether or not to notify the end of each job. The purpose is to provide the device.

This invention
(1) An image processing unit that can at least execute either a printer job as a printer or a copier job as a copier, and a setting reception unit that accepts settings by the user of the test printing function for checking the finish, have been set. Based on the test printing function, the image processing unit receives the execution request related to the test printing of the printer job or the copier job, causes the image processing unit to execute the test printing, and further receives the execution request of the job related to the main printing and the image. A job control unit that causes the processing unit to execute main printing, a notification unit that notifies the user of the end of the job related to test printing and the job related to main printing, and the attributes of the image to be set and processed related to the printer job or copier job. Provided is an image forming apparatus including a notification control unit that controls whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of a job related to test printing and the end of a job related to main printing, respectively, based on at least one of them.

Furthermore, the present invention
(2) An image processing unit capable of executing at least one of a scanner job as a scanner or a copier job, and each document is sequentially fed so that the image processing unit can read a plurality of documents set by the user. The document transfer unit to be used, the setting reception unit that accepts the settings made by the user of the mass document reading function that handles the documents set in the document transfer unit in multiple times as one document and outputs them all at once, and the document scanning for each time. A plurality of job execution requests related to the output are received, the set manuscript is fed to the manuscript transport unit, the fed manuscript is read by the image processing unit, and the job execution request related to the output is received. A job control unit that outputs the documents read in batches, a notification unit that notifies the user of the end of the job related to document reading and the job related to output, and settings and processing related to the job including the mass document reading function. Image formation including a notification control unit that controls whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of the job related to each document scanning and the end of the job related to output based on at least one of the attributes of the image to be processed. Provide the device.

Furthermore, the present invention
(3) An image processing unit that executes at least one type of job such as a scanner, a printer, and a copy, a setting reception unit that accepts settings related to the job by a user, and the same type that is predetermined for execution of one function. Alternatively, a job control unit that accepts execution requests related to a plurality of different jobs and causes the image processing unit to execute the accepted job, a notification unit that notifies the user of the end of each job, and an image that is set and processed for each job. Provided is an image forming apparatus including a notification control unit for determining whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of each job based on at least one of the attributes of.

Also, from a different point of view, the present invention
(4) The computer that controls the image processing unit relates to the step of accepting the user's setting of the test printing function for confirming the finish, and the test printing of the printer job or the copier job based on the set test printing function. A step of receiving an execution request and causing the image processing unit to execute a test print, a step of receiving an execution request of a job related to the main printing and causing the image processing unit to execute the main printing, and a printer job or a copier job. An image forming method comprising: I will provide a.

Furthermore, the present invention
(5) The computer that controls the image processing unit sets the originals to be read by the image processing unit in the original transfer unit in multiple times, and treats the originals as one original and outputs them all at once. The step of accepting, the step of accepting the execution request of the job related to each document reading, the step of feeding the set document to the document transport unit, and the step of causing the image processing unit to read the fed document, and the output. Each time, based on at least one of the steps of accepting the job execution request and batch-outputting the documents read in multiple times, and the settings related to the job including the mass document reading function and the attributes of the image to be processed. Provided is an image forming method including a step of determining whether or not to notify the user of the end of a job related to document reading and the end of a job related to output.

Furthermore, the present invention
(6) The computer controlling the image processing unit accepts settings by the user for at least one type of job such as a scanner, a printer, and a copy, and the same or different types predetermined for the execution of one function. Based on at least one of the steps of accepting execution requests for multiple jobs and causing the image processing unit to execute the accepted job, and at least one of the settings related to each job and the attributes of the image to be processed, the user is notified of the end of each job. Provided is an image forming method comprising a step of deciding whether to notify or not.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is
(1) A job control unit and a job that receive an execution request related to test printing and cause the image processing unit to execute test printing, and further receive a job execution request related to main printing and cause the image processing unit to execute main printing. A notification control unit is provided for controlling whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of the job related to test printing and the end of the job related to main printing, respectively, based on at least one of the settings related to the above and the attributes of the image to be processed. Therefore, in the test printing function in which one function is executed separately for the job related to the test printing and the job related to the main printing, it is possible to determine whether or not to notify the end of each job.
Manually setting the necessity of notification regarding the end of test printing and the necessity of notification regarding the end of main printing imposes a burden on the user, but unnecessary notification is given each time. Is not comfortable for users. According to the present invention, since the notification control unit determines whether or not the notification regarding the end of the job is necessary depending on the situation, only the necessary notification is provided without forcing the user to perform complicated operations.
The same applies to the invention according to (4) above.

(2) Accepts a job execution request related to document reading, feeds the set document to the document transport unit, causes the image processing unit to read the fed document, and further issues a job execution request related to output. Jobs related to document scanning based on at least one of the settings related to the job including the mass document scanning function and the attributes of the image to be processed, and the job control unit that accepts and outputs the documents scanned in multiple times at once. Since it is provided with a notification control unit that controls whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of the job related to the end and the end of the job related to the output, one function is executed separately for the job related to document reading and the job related to output. In the document reading function, it is possible to determine whether or not to notify the end of each job.
Manually setting the necessity of notification regarding the end of reading a document and the necessity of notification regarding the end of output imposes a burden of complicated operations on the user, but unnecessary notification is given each time. Is not comfortable for users. According to the present invention, since the notification control unit determines whether or not the notification regarding the end of the job is necessary depending on the situation, only the necessary notification is provided without forcing the user to perform complicated operations.
The same applies to the invention according to (5) above.

(3) Execution of the function 1 A job control unit that accepts execution requests for a plurality of predetermined jobs of the same type or different types and causes the image processing unit to execute the accepted jobs, and an image for setting and processing the job. Since it is provided with a notification control unit that determines whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of each job based on at least one of the attributes of the above, when one function is executed separately for a plurality of jobs. , You can decide whether to notify the end of each job. According to the present invention, since the notification control unit determines whether or not the notification regarding the end of the job is necessary depending on the situation, only the necessary notification is provided without forcing the user to perform complicated operations.
The same applies to the invention according to (6) above.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the digital multifunction device which is one Embodiment of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a top view of the digital multifunction device shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the mechanical structure of the main body part of the digital multifunction device shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the digital multifunction device shown in FIG. In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the copy peer job of the test printing function. (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the job of the test printing function. (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the operation screen which concerns on a copier job. (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the user interface screen which concerns on a print job. (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the flow of the trial printing process. (Embodiment 1) In the flowchart of FIG. 9, it is a flowchart which shows the process of the notification determination which concerns on the end of the test printing. (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the copy peer job of the mass original reading function. (Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the job of the mass original reading function. (Embodiment 4) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the mass document reading process in this embodiment. (Embodiment 4) In the flowchart of FIG. 13, it is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the notification determination at the time of the end of reading of the document set in the document tray. (Embodiment 4)

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is exemplary in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the invention.
(Embodiment 1)
<< Configuration example of image forming apparatus >>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a digital multifunction device according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the digital multifunction device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the mechanical configuration of the main body portion of the digital multifunction device 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital multifunction device 100 includes a document transport unit 103, a human body sensing unit 109, and ejection trays 39a and 39b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the digital multifunction device 100 includes an image reading device 111 for reading a document, a document transfer unit 103 for transporting a document to a reading unit, and an image forming device 115 for image formation. The digital multifunction device 100 executes a scanner, a printer, and a copy job based on an instruction from a user received via a document transfer unit 103 or a communication interface circuit (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

Here, the internal configuration of the digital multifunction device 100 shown in FIG. 3 will be briefly described.
In the digital multifunction device 100, a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) is printed on a print sheet. Alternatively, a monochrome image using a single color (for example, black) is printed on a print sheet. Therefore, four developing devices 12, a photoconductor drum 13, a drum cleaning device 14, a charger 15, and the like are provided. In order to form four types of toner images corresponding to each color, four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured, each of which is associated with black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

A toner image is formed in each of the image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd as follows. The drum cleaning device 14 removes and recovers residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor drum 13. After that, the charger 15 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 13 to a predetermined potential. Then, the optical scanning device 11 exposes the uniformly charged surface to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface. After that, the developing device 12 develops the electrostatic latent image. As a result, toner images of each color are formed on the surface of each photoconductor drum 13.
The intermediate transfer belt 21 orbits in the arrow direction C. The belt cleaning device 22 removes and recovers the residual toner of the intermediate transfer belt 21 that moves around. The toner images of each color formed on the surface of each photoconductor drum 13 are sequentially transferred and superposed on the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21.

The print sheet is drawn out from any one of the four feed trays 18 by the pickup roller 33, and is fed to the secondary transfer device 23 via the sheet transport path R1. Alternatively, it is fed from the manual feed tray 19 by a pickup roller (not shown), and is fed to the secondary transfer device 23 via the sheet transport path R1. In the sheet transport path R1, a resist roller 34 that temporarily stops the print sheet and aligns the tips of the print sheets is arranged. Further, a transport roller 35 or the like for promoting the transport of the print sheet is arranged. After temporarily stopping the printing sheet, the resist roller 34 conveys the printing sheet to the nip area sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 23a in accordance with the transfer timing of the toner image.

A nip region is formed between the transfer roller 23a of the secondary transfer device 23 and the intermediate transfer belt 21. When the print sheet passes through the nip area, the color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred to the print sheet. After passing through the nip area, the print sheet is sandwiched between the heating roller 24 and the pressure roller 25 of the fixing device 17 to be heated and pressurized. By this heating and pressurization, the color toner image is fixed on the printing sheet.
The printed sheet that has passed through the fixing device 17 is discharged to the discharge tray 39a or 39b via the discharge rollers 36a or 36b. The discharge destination of the print sheet is controlled by the control unit 101 described later, and the transfer route is switched so that the print sheet is guided to any of the discharge trays 39a and 39b by a switching mechanism (not shown). Since the mechanism for switching the transfer path of the printed sheet is well known in the technical field of the image forming apparatus, detailed illustration is omitted.

Next, the electrical configuration of the digital multifunction device 100 will be briefly described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital multifunction device 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the digital multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 101, an image processing unit 102, a document transport unit 103, an operation unit 105, a notification unit 107, and a human body sensing unit 109.
In FIG. 4, the control unit 101 controls the digital multifunction device 100 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU 101c, a ROM 101b, a RAM 101a, various interface circuits, and the like. The control unit 101 includes the functions of the setting reception unit, the job control unit, and the notification control unit. The control unit 101 manages the execution of the job based on the operation received by the operation unit 105 and the execution of the job based on the instruction received from the external device via the communication interface circuit 55. It also controls the image processing unit 102, the notification unit 107, and the human body sensing unit 109.

The image processing unit 102 includes an image reading device 111, a document transport unit 103, an image processing circuit 113, an image memory 114, and an image forming device 115, and performs processing related to image data input / output. The control unit 101 controls the image processing unit 102.
The image reading device 111 includes a mechanism for scanning a document, a sensor for reading the image of the scanned document, and a driving circuit thereof.
The document transport unit 103 is a mechanism and a circuit that transports the documents set in the document tray 103a one by one and causes the image reading device 111 to read them.
The image processing circuit 113 is a circuit for adjusting and editing the image of the original document read by the image reading device 111. Further, it is a circuit that converts, adjusts, and edits print data received via the communication interface circuit 55 into image data.

The image memory 114 is, for example, a storage means such as a hard disk device (HDD) or a flash memory, and is an image data of a document read by an image reading device 111, print data received from an external device via a communication interface circuit 55, or the like. To store.
The image forming device 115 comprises a mechanism and a circuit for printing a printed image on a print sheet by an electrophotographic method. The image forming device 115 includes an optical scanning device 11, a developing device 12, a photoconductor drum 13, a drum cleaning device 14, and an electrical component 15 according to FIG. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 21, the fixing device 17, the sheet transport path R1, the feed tray 18, and the electric components related to the discharge trays 39a and 39b are included.

The communication interface circuit 55 sends and receives communication data to and from an external device, for example, receives print data from an external computer, and receives a printer job execution request.
The notification unit 107 notifies the user of the completion of the job, and includes a notification device drive circuit 107a, an LED 107b, and a speaker 107c. Notification is performed by at least one of the light of the LED 107b and the sound from the speaker 107c. Further, the notification may be sent to an external device communicably connected via the communication interface circuit 55.
The operation unit 105 has an input device 105a including keys and a touch panel, and a display device 105b including a liquid crystal display device and the like.
The human body sensing unit 109 senses that the user is within a predetermined range from the operating unit 105.

In FIG. 2, the semicircular sensing area 53 indicates a region where the human body sensing unit 109 senses the human body. When the user enters the sensing area 53, the human body sensing unit 109 senses the user.
The human body sensing unit 109 detects the detected approximate distance to the human body. As the human body sensing unit 109, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like can be applied. It is also conceivable to perform face recognition processing using an image pickup device. When recognizing a person by using the face recognition process, not only the presence or absence of detection of an unspecified person but also a more advanced judgment may be made. For example, when a person is detected at the end of a job related to test printing or main printing, it is identified whether or not the same person is detected at the start of the job, and if different, the user is notified in the same manner as when no person is detected. May be notified.

For example, the control unit 101 controls the document transfer unit 103 to transfer documents by the document transfer unit 103. Then, the image of the original is read by the image reading device 111, and the image processing unit 102 is controlled to adjust the read image data. Then, the image data indicating the image of the original is stored in the image memory 114. Further, the image data in the image memory 114 or the image indicated by the received print data is printed on the print sheet.
The above is the outline of the configuration of the digital multifunction device 100.

≪End notification in the test print function≫
In this specification, the test printing function is a function that allows the user to change the setting as necessary by printing only one copy as a trial and checking the finish before copying the set number of copies. Alternatively, it may be possible to print only the page set by the user in one copy. The test print function is a function that can be set for a copyer job and a printer job. In the case of a copyia job, the image data of the read original is held in the image memory 114 until the set number of copies is copied. In the case of a printer job, the received print data or the expanded image data thereof is held in the image memory 114. When the user who confirms the test print changes the setting, there is no need to read the original or receive the print data again.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of a copier job (trial copy) using the test printing function as a specific example of the test printing function. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a job configuration of the test printing function in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the test printing function includes a job related to test printing and a job related to main printing, and each job starts execution in response to a start instruction from a user. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen related to a copier job in this embodiment. The operation screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 105b. On the other hand, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user interface screen related to a printer job in this embodiment. The user interface screen related to the printer job shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on an external computer communicably connected to the digital multifunction device 100 via the communication interface circuit 55.

An example of a specific flow of the trial copy will be described with reference to FIG. On the operation screen of the copier job shown in FIG. 7, the user shall make the settings related to the copier job including various functions by using the buttons related to various settings arranged on the left side. Further, it is assumed that the user touches the "trial copy" button 120b or 120c after setting the number of copies (5 copies in the example shown in FIG. 5) using the central numeric keypad.

The control unit 101 recognizes that the touch panel (corresponding to the input device 105a) arranged on the surface of the display device 105b on which the copier job operation screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed has detected the user's operation.
There are two "trial copy" buttons, and when the "trial copy" button 120b is touched, the control unit 101 executes a black and white copy test print according to the job setting. When the other "trial copy" button 120c is touched, the control unit 101 executes a color copy test print according to the job setting.

When the job related to the test print is completed, the control unit 101 may give a notification regarding the end of the test print. However, since the number of copies of the test print is smaller than that of the main print, it is highly likely that the job will be completed in a shorter period of time and the user will not leave the operation unit 105 to check the finish during the test print. Be done.
Therefore, according to the most basic aspect of this embodiment, the control unit 101 does not give a notification regarding the end of test printing. However, as will be described later, it is also possible that the control unit 101 determines whether or not to give a notification based on various settings related to the job.

The "test printing start instruction receipt" shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the recognition by the control unit 101 that any of the "trial copy" buttons has been touched. In response to the operation, the control unit 101 starts a copier job related to test printing (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 5, only one copy of the test print is copied. The user confirms the finish by a test print, and if necessary, changes the setting using the operation screen shown in FIG. 7. For example, the magnification is changed, the copy density is changed, and the setting related to "other functions" is changed. You may repeat the test print with the changed settings. In that case, in FIG. 6, the process returns to the "receipt of instruction to start test printing" at the beginning.
The test print is not limited to the printing of one copy shown in FIG. 5, and the user may be able to set which page of the copy is to be printed.

After the job related to the test print is completed, the user can check the finish, change the settings related to the copyia job, repeat the test print with the changed settings, and can also start the main printing. These operations may be performed using a user interface screen different from that shown in FIG.
In the example of FIG. 5, the main print corresponds to the job of printing the remaining four copies. The job related to the main printing is common to the printer job in that printing is performed using the image data held in the image memory 114 without reading the original. When the main printing is completed, the control unit 101 gives a notification regarding the end of the main printing. According to the most basic aspect of this embodiment, the control unit 101 gives a notification regarding the end of main printing. However, as will be described later, it is also conceivable to determine whether or not to notify based on various settings related to the job.
As described above, the test printing function is composed of one or more jobs related to the test printing and one job related to the main printing, and each job is started based on the instruction of the user. Although the copier job has been described as an example, the printer job may have a similar test printing function.

FIG. 8 is an operation screen of the printer job corresponding to FIG. 7. For example, when the print menu of the application software is selected, the operation screen of the printer job shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. Using the buttons arranged on the printer job operation screen 121 shown in FIG. 8, the user sets functions and other settings related to the printer job as necessary. For example, the color mode 121c is set. In addition, settings are made using the paper feed, finish, and layout buttons arranged above the printer job operation screen 121, and the image quality adjustment buttons (not shown). In addition, settings related to the printer job, such as setting the number of copies to be printed, are made. After that, when the OK button 121e is clicked with the trial print check box 121p checked, the print data is sent to the digital multifunction device 100 together with the information related to the job setting. Based on the received information and print data, the control unit 101 executes a printer job related to test printing while holding them in the image memory 114.

Even after the start of the test print, the printer job operation screen 121 continues to be displayed without disappearing. The user who has confirmed the test print can change the settings related to the job by using the displayed printer job operation screen 121, and can repeat the test print with the changed contents. When performing main printing, clear the check mark in the trial print check box 121p, and then click the OK button 121e. In the case of main printing, only the settings related to the job may be transmitted to the digital multifunction device 100 in response to the click of the OK button 121e, and the print data may not be transmitted. Further, the printer job operation screen 121 closes in response to the click of the OK button 121e.

As described above, when the test print function is set using the test print check box 121p, the test print is performed and the printer job operation screen 121 is held. In this state, when the check mark of the test print check box 121p is removed, the main printing is performed.
On the other hand, if the OK button 121e is clicked without setting the test print function, all the set number of copies are printed.
The control unit 101 executes a printer job related to the main printing by using the data held in the image memory 114 based on the setting of the job that received the instruction to start the main printing and the print data. The remaining 4 copies are printed.
The start of main printing may be instructed by using the operation unit 105 instead of the operation screen shown in FIG.

≪Flowchart≫
A flow chart will be used to explain the processing flow of a job for which the test printing function is set. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the test print process in this embodiment. Although it is assumed that the copyer job is performed, the same flow applies to the printer job, so that a person skilled in the art can easily infer from FIG. In the case of a printer job, the notification unit 107 sends a packet representing the notification to the device that has transmitted the print data in place of or together with the notification by light and sound via the communication interface circuit 55. May be good.
The control unit processes various other tasks in parallel (multitask processing). For example, the state of the document tray 103a of the document transfer unit 103 is sequentially monitored. Then, when the document is set by the user, the size of the document is detected. Then, the size of the original is displayed at the position of the "original" button on the copypear job operation screen 120 displayed on the display device 105b. Further, an icon indicating that the document has been set is displayed near the illustration showing the document transfer unit 103. However, in FIG. 9, the processing of other tasks is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 101 causes the display device 105b to display the copier job operation screen 120 (step S11), and accepts the operation by the user related to the setting of the copier job (step S13). When the setting operation is accepted (Yes in step S13), the control unit 101 updates the setting contents related to the copier job according to the accepted operation (step S15). After that, the routine returns to the process of step S11.
When the accepted operation is not the setting related to the job (No in step S13) and the "trial copy" button 120b or 120c is touched (Yes in step S17), the control unit 101 has an aspect according to the setting related to the job. The copier job related to the test printing is executed in (step S19). "Trial copy" button A copier job related to monochrome or color test printing is executed depending on which of 120b and 120c is touched.

When the copier job related to the test print is completed, the control unit 101 makes a notification determination related to the end of the test print (step S21), and determines whether or not to notify the end of the test print using the notification unit 107. The content of the process related to the notification determination in step S21 will be described later, but the end notification may or may not be performed depending on the situation. In this respect, it is different from the main printing, which gives a uniform end notification. Further, the control unit 101 causes the display device 105b to display a user interface screen for receiving the next instruction (step S23). After that, the routine returns to the process of step S11.

If the received operation is not a test print start instruction (No in step S17) but an instruction to start a job related to main printing on the screen displayed in step S23 (Yes in step S25), the control unit 101 is in the job. The copier job related to the main printing is executed in the manner according to the setting according to (step S27). When the copier job related to the main printing is completed, the notification unit 107 is used to notify the end of the copier job related to the main printing (step S29). Then, a series of jobs related to the trial copy are completed.

In step S25, if the instruction from the user is not the instruction to start the job related to the main printing (No in step S25), the control unit 101 determines whether or not the instruction to cancel the job has been accepted (step S31). When the instruction to cancel the job is received (Yes in step S31), the control unit 101 reads and erases the image of the original and the settings related to the job stored in the image memory 114 (step S32), and then makes a trial copy. End a series of jobs related to.

If the instruction from the user is not an instruction to cancel the job in step S31 (No in step S31), the routine returns to step S11 and waits for the instruction from the user.

The following modification examples are also conceivable. When the copy job related to the main printing is completed in step S29, the end notification is uniformly given. Instead, if the number of copies or the number of prints related to the main printing is smaller than the predetermined value, it is determined that the time from the start to the end of the copyia job related to the main printing is short. In that case, it is assumed that there is a high possibility that the user is not away from the operation unit 105, and the notification regarding the end of the main printing is not given. On the other hand, if the number of copies or the number of prints related to the main printing is equal to or more than the above-mentioned value, the notification regarding the end of the main printing is given.
Further, as another modification, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the digital multifunction device 100 is a model equipped with the human body sensing unit 109 shown in FIG. 4, and in the case of a model equipped with the human body sensing unit 109, the control unit 101 is further determined. It is determined whether or not the human body sensing unit 109 has detected a person in the sensing area 53. As a result, when the human body sensing unit 109 does not detect a person, it is determined that the user who instructed the main printing is not near the operation unit 105, and the notification regarding the end of the main printing is given. On the other hand, when the human body sensing unit 109 has detected a person, the notification regarding the end of the main printing shall not be given.
By the way, FIG. 9 shows only the flow of a series of jobs related to trial copying. In addition, for example, when the "black and white start" button or the "color start" button is touched on the copier job operation screen 120, the control unit 101 executes a normal copier job that copies the set number of copies at once. Other flows are omitted.

Subsequently, the content of the notification determination process related to the end of the test printing in step S21 will be described.
As a simple notification judgment mode, when the test printing is completed, the user is likely to be nearby to check the finish, and the final printing is not notified at the end of the job related to the test printing. It is conceivable to give a notification at the end of the job.
In this embodiment, a mode for performing a more complicated condition determination will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a notification determination process related to the end of test printing in the flowchart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the digital multifunction device 100 is a model equipped with the human body sensing unit 109 shown in FIG. 4 (step S41). In the case of a model provided with the human body sensing unit 109 (Yes in step S41), it is further determined whether or not the human body sensing unit 109 has detected a person in the sensing area 53 (step S42).

As a result, when the human body sensing unit 109 does not detect a person (Yes in step S42), it is determined that the user who instructed the test printing is not near the operation unit 105, and a notification regarding the end of the test printing is given. (Step S43).
On the other hand, when the human body sensing unit 109 detects a person (No in step S42), the end notification is basically not performed, but if the security-related function is set, the end notification should be performed with caution. To. For that determination, the routine proceeds to step S49 below.
On the other hand, in the case of the model not provided with the human body sensing unit 109 in step S41 (No in step S41), the test printing is completed based on the number of pages of the test printing or the number of originals related to the copypia job of the test printing. Whether or not to give a notification is determined as follows.
The control unit 101 determines whether the target of the test print is set to be performed through one copy or is set as a page having a limited range less than one copy (step S45).

When the target of the test print is not set on the page in the range of less than one copy (Yes in step S45), it is determined that it takes a considerable amount of time to perform the test print through one copy. In that case, it is assumed that the user may move away from the operation unit 105 until the test printing is completed, and basically the notification regarding the completion of the test printing is given. However, you may further determine the number of manuscripts that make up one copy before deciding to notify.
That is, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the number of documents constituting one copy is set to be less than a predetermined value (step S47). If the value is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (No in step S47), it is determined that it took time to read all the originals and finish printing one copy after starting the test printing. It is assumed that the user may move away from the operation unit 105 during the period from the start to the end of the test printing, and the notification regarding the end of the test printing shall be given (step S59).
On the other hand, when the number of originals constituting one copy is less than the predetermined value (Yes in step S47), the end notification is basically not performed. However, if security-related functions are set, be careful when notifying the end. For that determination, the routine proceeds to step S49, which will be described later.

Further, even when the test printing is set to a page in a range of less than one copy in step S45 (No in step S45), it is determined that the time required from the start to the end of the test printing is short. In that case, it is highly likely that the user is not away from the operation unit 105, and basically no notification regarding the end of the test print is given. However, if security-related functions are set, be careful when notifying the end. For that determination, the routine proceeds to step S49, which will be described later. In addition, it is determined whether the number of pages to be test-printed or the number of scanned documents is set to less than a predetermined value, and if it is more than the predetermined value, all the documents are scanned after the test-printing is started. It is determined that it took time to finish the test print, and the user may be separated from the operation unit 105 between the start and the end of the test print, and a notification regarding the end of the test print is given. May be good.

To determine whether or not a security-related function is set, the control unit 101 first sets a function for enhancing document security, for example, a function of superimposing a tint block, a tracking pattern, or a stamp pattern on an image of a document and printing it. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S49).
When the superimposed printing function for enhancing document security is not set (Yes in step S49), the routine proceeds to step S51 described later in order to determine whether another function related to security is set.
On the other hand, when the superimposed printing function is set (No in step S49), the routine proceeds to step S59 and notifies the end of the test print.

Here, the tint block is to hide characters for suppressing unauthorized copying, such as fixed phrases and input characters, in the background pattern (ground pattern) and embed them. When you copy a manuscript with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printed on it, the hidden characters come to the surface.
Further, the tracking pattern is to forcibly add and print traceable information set in advance by the user in order to prevent unauthorized use of the copy. The tracking pattern is printed outside the image frame, and examples of the added information are a user account for using the digital multifunction device and the date and time when the copy was made.
The stamp pattern for enhancing document security is, for example, a "top secret", "copy prohibited" or a similar standard pattern.

As the next determination as to whether or not the security-related function is set, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the manuscript or print data contains specific information related to document security enhancement (step S51).
If the specific information related to the document security enhancement is not included (Yes in step S51), the routine proceeds to step S53 described later in order to determine whether another function related to security is set.
On the other hand, if the information related to the enhancement of document security is included (No in step S51), the routine proceeds to step S59 and notifies the end of the test print.

Here, the specific information related to document security is information of a preset pattern, such as information related to personal information (for example, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, or a combination thereof). It is a registered trademark, "secret" or "copy prohibited" indicating that it is confidential information, or similar words or patterns. In the case of a copyia job, image recognition such as OCR may be performed to determine whether or not the specific information is included.

As the next determination as to whether or not the security-related function is set, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a specific setting related to security enhancement is made to the copier job related to the test printing and the main printing (step). S53).
If the settings of the copypear job do not include a specific setting related to security enhancement (Yes in step S53), the routine proceeds to step S55 described later and does not notify the end of the test print.
On the other hand, if the settings of the copier job include a specific setting related to security enhancement (No in step S53), the routine proceeds to step S59 and notifies the end of the test print.

Here, the specific setting related to the security enhancement is, for example, a case where the secret information attribute is set for the image data held in the image memory 114, the document file to be the target of the printer job, and the like. For image data, document files, etc. for which such attributes are set, user authentication may be required before selection or printing may be performed to further enhance security.
The above is the process of determining the notification regarding the end of the test printing.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, it is described that the notification unit 107 notifies by at least one of the light of the LED 107b and the sound from the speaker 107c.
As a more detailed embodiment, the control unit 101 may have variations in the length of the blinking cycle of the light, the time ratio of lighting and extinguishing, the color of the light, and the like. As for the sound, the type of the notification sound, the length of the on / off cycle of the notification sound, the on / off time ratio, the tone color, and the like may be varied.
Then, for example, the variation of the notification may be different between the end of the test print and the end of the main print so that the user can identify the type of the notification.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, a mode is described in which a model equipped with a human body sensing unit 109 is used to notify the end of a copier job related to test printing and main printing by light and sound. As a different aspect, the notification may be sent to the mobile communication terminal (smartphone or the like) registered in advance by the user via the communication interface circuit 55 in place of or together with the notification.
For the printer job, an external device that has sent the print data may be the destination, but instead of or together with the destination, a mobile communication terminal (smartphone, etc.) registered in advance by the user is connected to the mobile communication terminal (smartphone, etc.) via the communication interface circuit 55. You may send a notification.

When a job is executed using a user account when executing a copypear job or printer job, the user can register in advance a token, email address, etc. that identifies the mobile communication terminal to be notified by linking to that user account. You may.
As a notification method, a notification mail may be requested to be delivered to the SMTP server via the communication interface circuit 55. Alternatively, a notification packet containing the notification content and a token that identifies the user account or mobile communication terminal is sent to the relay server installed on the network, and the relay server that receives the notification packet sends a notification mail to the SMTP server. A delivery request or a push notification may be sent to the mobile communication terminal. Regarding the printer job, a notification packet including the notification content is transmitted to an external device that has transmitted print data via the communication interface circuit 55, and the device that has received the notification packet is displayed on the printer job operation screen 121 or the like. The content of the notification may be displayed.
In this embodiment, since it is necessary for the user to confirm the finish of the test print, the notification regarding the end of the test print may be always sent to the registered notification destination.

(Embodiment 4)
In this embodiment, one function is executed by dividing it into a plurality of jobs, and a mass document reading function will be described as an example of a function different from the test printing function.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a copier job (mass document copy) using the mass document scanning function as a specific example of the mass document scanning function. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a copier job of the mass document reading function in this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the mass document copy includes a document scanning job related to document scanning and a printing job for outputting the scanned document, and each job starts execution in response to a start instruction from the user. The selection of the mass document reading function is performed using a function selection screen (not shown) displayed by the control unit 101 when "another function" is touched on the operation screen shown in FIG. 7.

A specific flow of mass manuscript copying will be described with reference to FIG. Mass document copying is a function related to a job of reading an image of a document using the document transport unit 103. This function can be selected for scanner jobs as well as copyer jobs. In the case of a scanner job, as an output mode, the image of the original document read in place of the above-mentioned print job is held in the image memory 114, or transmitted to an external device via the communication interface circuit 55.
There is an upper limit to the number of documents that can be set in the document tray 103a of the document transfer unit 103 at one time. If the number of originals exceeding the upper limit is set, the originals may not be normally conveyed from the original tray 103a. In one example, the upper limit is 100 sheets.

When a user wants to make a copy of a copy of a copy of a document that exceeds the upper limit, the user selects the mass document scanning function and then divides the document into a plurality of bundles. The number of documents in a bundle is less than or equal to the upper limit (see FIG. 11). The user sets each bundle in the document tray 103a and then reads the document. Each time a bundle of originals is read, the control unit 101 causes the display device 105b to display a user interface screen (not shown) and executes the next bundle of originals, or finishes scanning the originals and outputs (copia). Start printing) or wait for user instructions. As long as there is a remaining bundle of originals, the user sets the next bundle of originals in the original tray 103a and gives an instruction to perform scanning of the next bundle of originals.

The user repeats the operation until there are no more manuscript bundles left. The two "reception of the document reading start instruction" shown in FIG. 12 means that the user has given the document scanning instruction twice. Once all the originals have been scanned, the user is instructed to finish scanning the originals and start printing. In response to the instruction, the control unit 101 starts a job related to printing, and outputs a set number of copies of the originals read up to that point. “Receiving a document scanning end instruction” shown in FIG. 12 indicates that the user has instructed to finish scanning the document and start printing after scanning the document twice.
As described above, the mass document copy is composed of one or more jobs related to document reading and one job related to printing, and each job is started based on a user's instruction. Although the copier job has been described as an example, the large-volume document reading function is realized in the same flow for the scanner job.

Hereinafter, the flow of processing of a job in which the mass document reading function is set will be described using a flowchart.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the mass document reading process in this embodiment. Although it is assumed that the copyer job is performed, the same flow applies to the scanner job, so that a person skilled in the art can easily infer from FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 101 displays the copier job operation screen 120 on the display device 105b (step S61), and accepts the user's operation related to the setting excluding the mass document reading function of the copier job (step S63). ). When the operation of the setting other than the mass document reading function is accepted (Yes in step S63), the control unit 101 updates the content of the setting related to the copier job according to the accepted operation (step S65). After that, the routine returns to the process of step S61.

When the mass document reading function of the copypear job is set on the copypear job operation screen 120 and then the touch operation of the "black and white start" button or the "color start" button is accepted (Yes in step S67 via No in step S63). The control unit 101 executes the job related to document reading in a manner according to the setting related to the job (step S69). A bundle of documents set in the document tray 103a is read and stored in the image memory 114 in monochrome or color mode depending on whether the "black and white start" button or the "color start" button is touched.

When the job related to the set document reading is completed (No in step S71), the control unit 101 makes a notification determination related to the document scanning end (step S73), and notifies the document scanning end using the notification unit 107. Decide whether or not. The content of the process related to the notification determination in step S73 will be described later, but the end notification may or may not be performed depending on the situation. This point is different from the end of the job related to printing, which uniformly notifies the end. Further, the control unit 101 causes the display device 105b to display a user interface screen for receiving the next instruction (step S75).

Subsequently, the control unit 101 waits for an instruction from the user using the user interface screen.
When the instruction from the user is an instruction to read the next bundle of documents (Yes in step S77), the routine returns to the above-mentioned step S69, and the control unit 101 controls the control unit 101 to set the next bundle of documents in the document tray 103a. Execute the job related to reading. The loop of these processes is repeated until all the bundles of originals are read. That is, it is a loop that returns from Yes in step S77, returns to step S69, passes through steps S71, S73, and S75, and reaches step S77.

When the instruction from the user received in step S75 is not an instruction to read the next bundle of documents (No in step S77), but an instruction to the effect that the reading of all the bundles of documents has been completed (Yes in step S79). ), The control unit 101 executes a job related to printing a scanned document in a manner according to the setting related to the job (step S81). When the job related to printing is completed, the notification unit 107 is used to notify the end of the job related to printing (step S83). Then, a series of jobs related to mass manuscript copying is completed.

In step S79, if the instruction from the user is not an instruction to end document scanning (No in step S79) but a setting change related to the next document scanning (Yes in step S85), the routine goes to step S61 described above. Returning, the control unit 101 accepts the job setting change. The settings changed here will be reflected in subsequent document scanning. After changing the setting, in step S67, the instruction for reading the next bundle of documents is awaited.

In step S85, if the instruction from the user is not a setting change related to the next document reading (No in step S85), the control unit 101 determines whether or not the instruction to cancel the job has been accepted (step S87). When the instruction to cancel the job is received (Yes in step S87), the control unit 101 reads and erases the image of the original stored in the image memory 114 and the settings related to the job (step S89), and then erases the settings related to the job (step S89). End the copy job.

If the instruction from the user is not an instruction to cancel the job in step S87 (No in step S87), the routine returns to step S77 and waits for the instruction from the user.
Subsequently, the content of the notification determination process related to the end of reading the document in step S73 will be described.
As a simple notification determination mode, each time a job related to document scanning is completed, a notification regarding the completion of document scanning is performed, and the user surely sets the next document in the document tray or inputs an instruction to end document scanning. Further, it is conceivable that the job related to printing is also notified of the end of printing.
Further, when the digital multifunction device 100 includes the human body sensing unit 109, if the human body sensing unit 109 does not detect a person in the vicinity at the end of reading the document, the notification regarding the end of reading the document is made to detect the person in the surroundings. If so, the notification may not be given.
In this embodiment, a mode for performing a more complicated condition determination will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process related to notification determination at the end of reading a document set in the document tray. As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the number of documents constituting the scanned document bundle is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S91). Since this determination is performed after the reading of the set document is completed, the control unit 101 knows the number of scanned documents. In one example, the upper limit of the number of originals that can be set is 100, while the threshold is 10.
When the number of scanned documents is equal to or greater than the threshold value (No in step S91), the control unit 101 takes a long time from the start to the end of the job related to document scanning, and the user may move away from the operation unit 105. It is assumed that there is a notification regarding the end of reading the document (step S101).

On the other hand, when the number of scanned documents is less than the threshold value (Yes in step S91), the time from the start to the end of the job related to document scanning is short, and the user may not be away from the operation unit 105. As a high value, basically no notification regarding the end of reading the original is given. However, if security-related functions are set, be careful when notifying the end. For that determination, the routine proceeds to step S93, which will be described later.

To determine whether or not a security-related function is set, the control unit 101 first sets a function for enhancing document security, for example, a function of superimposing a tint block, a tracking pattern, or a stamp pattern on an image of a document and printing it. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S93).
When the superimposed printing function for enhancing document security is not set (Yes in step S93), the routine proceeds to step S95 described later in order to determine whether another function related to security is set.
On the other hand, when the superimposed printing function is set (No in step S93), the routine proceeds to step S101 and notifies the end of reading the original.

As the next determination as to whether or not the security-related function is set, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the manuscript or print data contains specific information related to document security enhancement (step S95).
If the specific information related to the document security enhancement is not included (Yes in step S95), the routine proceeds to step S97 described later in order to determine whether another function related to security is set.
On the other hand, if the information relating to the enhancement of document security is included (No in step S95), the routine proceeds to step S101 and notifies the completion of reading the document.

As the next determination as to whether or not the security-related function is set, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the copyper job related to document reading and printing has a specific setting related to security enhancement (step S97). ).
If the settings of the copypear job do not include a specific setting related to security enhancement (Yes in step S97), the routine proceeds to step S99, which will be described later, and does not notify the end of reading the original.
On the other hand, if the settings of the copier job include a specific setting related to security enhancement (No in step S97), the routine proceeds to step S101 and notifies the end of reading the original.
When the digital multifunction device 100 includes the human body sensing unit 109, the control unit 101 checks and detects whether or not the human body sensing unit 109 has detected a person in the vicinity before the process of step S99. If this is the case, the process proceeds to step S99 and the notification regarding the end of reading the document is not performed. However, if no person is detected in the vicinity, the process may proceed to the process of step S101 to notify the end of reading the document. ..
The above is the process of determining the notification regarding the end of reading the original.

As mentioned above,
(I) The image forming apparatus according to the present invention accepts an image processing unit capable of at least performing either a printer job as a printer or a copier job as a copier, and a user setting of a test printing function for confirming the finish. Based on the setting reception unit and the set test printing function, the image processing unit receives the execution request related to the test printing of the printer job or the copier job, causes the image processing unit to execute the test printing, and further, the job related to the main printing. The job control unit that receives the execution request of the above and causes the image processing unit to execute the main printing, the notification unit that notifies the user of the end of the job related to the test printing and the job related to the main printing, and the printer job or the copier job. A notification control unit that controls whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of the job related to the test printing and the end of the job related to the main printing, respectively, based on at least one of the attributes of the image to be set and processed. It is characterized by being prepared.

In the present invention, the image processing unit is hardware that performs processing related to input / output of image data and software that controls the hardware. For example, it is hardware and software that reads a manuscript and stores the image data in an image memory. Further, it is hardware and software that performs a process of expanding print data received from an external device via, for example, a communication interface circuit and storing it in an image memory. Furthermore, it is hardware and software that prints and outputs image data stored in an image memory. Further, it is hardware and software that converts image data stored in an image memory into data in a predetermined format and outputs the data to an external device via, for example, a communication interface circuit.

Specific embodiments of the image processing unit include a scanning mechanism for scanning the document and a circuit for reading the image of the scanned document. It is a part corresponding to the image reading device 111 in the above-described embodiment. It also includes circuits and software that process the image of the scanned document or process the print data received from an external device. This is the part corresponding to the image processing circuit in the above-described embodiment. Further included is an image memory for storing at least one of the scanned original image, the received print data and the image processed image data. It also includes hardware and software for printing image data. The portion corresponding to the image forming device of the above-described embodiment corresponds to the portion to be printed by the electrophotographic method in the embodiment.

Further, the job is a process to be executed in response to one execution request received from a user or an external device, and is a series of processes related to image formation. A specific embodiment thereof is, for example, a process relating to image formation as a scanner, a printer, or a copier. Alternatively, as in the above-described embodiment, the copier job or printer job may be divided into a job related to test printing and a job related to main printing and executed, or the copier job or scanner job may be a job related to document reading. And the job related to the output may be divided and executed.

Furthermore, the setting reception unit accepts the settings related to the job. For example, the settings related to the job include the number of copies to be printed, the color mode, the original, the paper, the double-sided copy, the magnification, the copy density, the finishing, other functions (including the mass original reading function), and the preview on the copyper job operation screen shown in FIG. , Settings related to trial copy, etc. In another example, the number of copies, the original size, the orientation of the original, the double-sided printing, the trial printing, the output paper size, the zoom, the page aggregation, the staple, the document filing, the color mode, and the supply in the printer job operation screen shown in FIG. Settings related to paper, finishing, layout, job handling, and image quality not shown.

The specific embodiment of the setting receiving unit corresponds to, for example, the operation unit or the communication interface circuit and the control unit in the above-described embodiment, and includes hardware and software centered on a display device, an input device, a communication interface circuit, and a CPU. Its function is realized by organically binding.

The job execution request indicates the start of job execution. As a specific example, a touch operation of the "trial copy" button and a touch operation of the preview button on the copyia job operation screen shown in FIG. 7 (a job of reading a document, storing it in an image memory, and displaying a preview image on the display device 105b). It corresponds to the touch operation of the black-and-white start button or the touch operation of the color start button. In another example, it corresponds to clicking the OK button on the printer job operation screen shown in FIG.

Further, the job control unit operates an image processing unit or the like to execute a job based on the settings related to the job. The specific embodiment corresponds to, for example, the control unit in the above-described embodiment, and the hardware and software centered on the CPU are organically coupled to realize the function.
Furthermore, the notification unit notifies the user of the completion of the job. The specific embodiment is, for example, to notify by light, sound, or communication, and corresponds to the light emission of the LED, the sound from the speaker, and the notification by communication via the communication interface circuit in the above-described embodiment.

The attributes of the image relate to whether or not the image contains information particularly related to document security in the present invention. The specific embodiment is, for example, an address, a telephone number, an e-mail address, information relating to a date of birth or a combination thereof, a registered trademark, "secret" or "copy prohibited" indicating that it is confidential information, or the like. It is an attribute such as whether or not the image contains words and patterns.
Furthermore, the notification control unit determines whether or not to give a notification regarding the end of the job based on the settings related to the job and the attributes of the image. The specific embodiment corresponds to, for example, the control unit in the above-described embodiment, and the hardware and software centered on the CPU are organically coupled to realize the function.

Further, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.
(Ii) The notification control unit may not notify the end of the job related to the test printing but notify the end of the job related to the main printing based on the setting of the test printing function.
Since the number of copies and the number of prints are smaller in the test print than in the main print, the job is likely to be completed in a shorter period of time, and the user is likely to stay near the operation unit 105 to check the finish during the test print. it is conceivable that. On the other hand, the main printing has a larger number of copies and the number of prints than the trial printing, and requires a longer time. According to this aspect, the notification regarding the end of the test printing which is likely to be unnecessary for the user can be suppressed, and the notification regarding the end of the main printing which is likely to be required by the user can be provided.

(Iii) The notification control unit does not notify the end of the job related to the main printing when the number of copies or the number of printed sheets of the job related to the main printing is less than a predetermined value, and when it is equal to or more than the above value, the book You may notify the end of the job related to printing.
According to this aspect, when the number of copies to be printed or the number of printed sheets of the main print is less than the above-mentioned predetermined value, the time required for the main print is short and the user is likely to stay near the operation unit 105 for the main print. Suppress notification of termination. On the other hand, when the number of copies or the number of prints of the main print is equal to or more than the above-mentioned predetermined value, the time required for the main print is long and the user may move away from the operation unit 105, and the notification regarding the end of the main print is given. conduct.

(Iv) A human body sensing unit for detecting a person in the vicinity is further provided, and the notification control unit detects a person based on whether or not the human body sensing unit detects a person when the test printing is completed. If not, the end of the job related to the test print may be notified, and if it is detected, the end of the job related to the test print may not be notified.
By doing so, when the test printing is completed, the notification regarding the end of the test printing is suppressed when there is a person, that is, the user in the sensing area of the human body sensing unit, and the notification is given when there is no person in the sensing area. Can be done.

(V) The setting reception unit further accepts the setting of the information addition function to add and output specific information specified by the user, and the notification control unit receives the setting of the test printing function and the information addition function when the test printing function and the information addition function are set. , You may notify the end of the job related to the test print based on the fact that both functions are set.
In this way, if an information addition function that is considered to be highly likely to be used for printing a highly confidential document is set, a notification regarding the end of test printing will be given based on the information addition function being set. Allows the user to quickly retrieve the output and reduce the chances that the print output will be seen by others.

(Vi) When the image related to printing has confidentiality, the notification control unit may notify the end of the job related to test printing based on the fact that the image has confidentiality.
In this way, based on the confidentiality of the image to be printed, a notification regarding the end of the test print can be given so that the user can quickly collect the output, and the print output may be seen by others. Can be reduced.

(Vii) Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, an image processing unit capable of executing at least one of a scanner job as a scanner or a copier job, and the image processing unit reads a plurality of documents set by a user. Therefore, a setting for accepting settings by the user of the document transport unit that sequentially feeds each document and the mass document scanning function that handles the documents set in the document transfer unit in multiple times as one document and outputs them all at once. The reception unit receives a job execution request related to each document scanning, feeds the set document to the document transport unit, causes the image processing unit to read the fed document, and further relates to output. A job control unit that accepts job execution requests and outputs documents read in multiple batches, a notification unit that notifies the user of the job related to document reading and the end of the job related to output, and the mass document reading. Controls whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of the job related to each document scanning and the end of the job related to output based on at least one of the settings related to the job including the function and the attribute of the image to be processed. It is characterized by including a notification control unit.
Further, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(Viii) The notification control unit may notify the end of the job related to each document reading and the end of the job related to output each time based on the setting of the mass document reading function.
According to this aspect, in each document scanning in the mass document scanning function, there is a high possibility that the number of documents close to the upper limit value that can be set in the document tray is scanned, and the user operates the unit until the document scanning is completed. Assuming that there is a possibility of moving away from the side of 105, a notification regarding the end of reading the original document will be given each time. Further, even for a job related to the output of a large amount of scanned documents, it takes time to finish the job, and the user may be separated from the operation unit 105 during that time, and a notification regarding the end of the output is given. To do so.

(Ix) If the number of scanned documents is less than a predetermined value in each job related to document reading, the notification control unit does not notify the end of the job related to that time document reading. If it is equal to or more than the above value, the end of the job related to the original reading at that time may be notified.
For example, in a job in which a large-volume document scanning function is set, the number of documents for the last bundle of documents divided into a plurality of bundles may be very small compared to the above-mentioned upper limit. With regard to other bundles, it cannot be said that there is a possibility that a small number of sheets may be combined into one bundle when the user manually divides the original into a plurality of bundles. According to this aspect, when the number of scanned documents is small and the document scanning is completed in a short time, it is highly likely that the user is not separated from the operation unit 105, and the document scanning is completed at that time. Notifications related to can be suppressed.

(X) The image forming apparatus according to the present invention including the above includes an image processing unit that executes at least one type of job such as a scanner, a printer, and a copy, and a setting receiving unit that accepts settings related to the job by a user. A job control unit that accepts execution requests for a plurality of predetermined jobs of the same type or different types and causes the image processing unit to execute the accepted job, and a notification to notify the user of the end of each job. It includes a unit and a notification control unit that determines whether or not to notify the notification unit of the end of each job based on at least one of the settings related to each job and the attributes of the image to be processed.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a combination of any of the plurality of embodiments described above.
In addition to the embodiments described above, there may be various variations of the present invention. These variations should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The invention should include claims and equivalent meaning and all modifications within said scope.

11: Optical scanning device, 12: Developing device, 13: Photoconductor drum, 14: Drum cleaning device, 15: Charger, 17: Fixing device, 18: Feeding tray, 19: Manual feed tray, 21: Intermediate transfer belt, 22: Belt cleaning device, 23: Secondary transfer device, 23a: Transfer roller, 24: Heating roller, 25: Pressurized roller, 33: Pickup roller, 34: Resist roller, 35: Conveyor roller, 36a, 36b: Discharge roller , 39a, 39b: Discharge tray, 53: Sensing area, 55: Communication interface circuit, 100: Digital multifunction device, 101: Control unit, 102: Image processing unit, 103: Document transport unit, Document tray 103a, 105: Operation unit , 105a: Input device, 105b: Display device, 107: Notification unit, 107a: Notification device drive circuit, 107b: LED, 107c: Speaker, 109: Human body sensing unit, 111: Image reading device, 113: Image processing circuit, 114 : Image memory, 115: Image forming device 120: Copier job operation screen, 120b, 120c: "Trial copy" button, 121: Printer job operation screen, 121c: Color mode, 121e: OK button, 121p: Trial print check box Pa , Pb, Pc, Pd: Image station, R1: Sheet transport path

Claims (7)

Image processing unit and
A document transport unit that sequentially feeds the originals for reading the originals that the image processing unit reads a plurality of documents set by the user, and a document transfer unit.
A setting reception unit that accepts the setting of the document reading function that collectively outputs the documents set in the document transfer unit in multiple times.
A job control unit that accepts the settings of the setting reception unit and outputs the documents read in multiple times at once.
A notification unit that notifies the user of the end of the job related to document reading and the job related to output,
It is provided with a notification control unit for notifying the notification unit of the end of the job related to each document reading by the document reading function and the end of the job related to output.
The notification control unit is an image reading device that makes the notification at the end of the job related to each document reading different from the notification at the end of the job related to output. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit notifies with different sounds at the end of the job related to each document reading and at the end of the job related to output. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit notifies by blinking light and a sound at the end of each job related to document reading, and notifies by a sound different from the sound at the end of the job related to output. .. Image processing unit and
A setting reception unit that accepts settings related to jobs by users, and
A job control unit that receives execution requests for a plurality of predetermined jobs of the same type or different types and causes the image processing unit to execute the received jobs.
A notification unit that notifies the user of the end of each job,
Of the end of each predetermined job for the execution of the function 1, the end of the job that completes the execution of the function 1 is only a combination of light and sound different from the end of other jobs, or a different sound. An image reading device including a notification control unit for notifying the notification unit of any one of the above. The computer that controls the image processing unit
A step of accepting the user's setting of the document scanning function that collectively outputs the documents that are set in the document transport unit and read by the image processing unit in multiple times.
A step of receiving a job execution request related to each document scanning, feeding the set document to the document transport unit, and causing the image processing unit to read the fed document.
The step of accepting the execution request of the job related to the output and outputting the scanned document in multiple times at once,
A step of notifying the user of the end of each job related to the document scanning function including the document scanning function, and
An image scanning method comprising a step of notifying a user of the end of a job related to output related to a job including the document scanning function by a method different from the end of each job related to document scanning. The computer that controls the image processing unit
Steps to accept user settings for at least one of the scanner, printer, and copy jobs, and
A step of accepting an execution request relating to a plurality of predetermined jobs of the same type or different types and causing the image processing unit to execute the accepted job.
Of the end of each predetermined job for the execution of the function 1, the end of the job that completes the execution of the function 1 is only a combination of light and sound different from the end of other jobs, or a different sound. An image reading method comprising, on the one hand, a step of notifying the user of the end of each job. An image forming apparatus comprising the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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