JP4208003B2 - Image processing apparatus, consumables supply notification method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an MFP capable of transmitting data to a user terminal device via a network, a control method thereof, and the like.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses such as printers and copiers have various functions. For example, an image processing apparatus having a scanner function, a FAX function, or a document server (box) function in addition to a conventional copy function and network printing function has been proposed. Such an image processing apparatus is called a multi function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals).

  Some image processing apparatuses have all the above functions as standard functions from the beginning, and some image processing apparatuses have some functions to be expanded later as optional functions. In addition, new functions may be developed and provided after sales of the image processing apparatus are started. In particular, in recent years, CPU performance has improved, and large-capacity memories have been provided at low prices, so that all or part of image processing, control processing of each unit, etc. can be realized by software. It became easy. This makes it easier to expand the functions of the image processing apparatus than before, and new functions can be easily provided to the user even after sales of the image processing apparatus are started.

  An image processing apparatus such as an MFP is used by many users. Therefore, there is a need for a method for efficiently notifying the user of any change in the state of the image processing apparatus. As methods for notifying a user of a change in state, methods such as Patent Documents 1 to 8 have been proposed.

  According to the method described in Patent Literature 1, when the setting of the usage authority of the printing apparatus is changed, the change content is notified to the user whose usage authority has been changed. According to the method described in Patent Document 2, when apparatus information is acquired from a printing apparatus by periodic polling or the like and the status of the printing apparatus is updated, the content of the update is transmitted to the information processing apparatus by e-mail. Notice.

  According to the method described in Patent Document 3, when the setting information of the printer is changed, the changed setting information is automatically transmitted to the host. According to the method described in Patent Document 4, when an operation for updating the setting of the Internet facsimile apparatus is performed remotely using electronic mail, the Internet facsimile apparatus notifies the updater of the success or failure of the update and the contents information. To do.

  According to the method described in Patent Document 5, when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the apparatus when a job is executed, the attribute of the transmission source of the job is identified. When a result indicating that the user who is the transmission source is not nearby is obtained, the abnormality occurrence information is notified to a person near the device. According to the method described in Patent Document 6, when an error occurs, all jobs that affect the execution due to the error are obtained according to the type of error. Each device that has requested execution of these jobs is obtained. Then, an error message is transmitted to these devices.

  According to the method described in Patent Document 7, when a print error occurs, the user who is activating the current jub is notified of that fact. After that, when recovery is made, all registered users are notified. According to the method described in Patent Document 8, when a printer operation abnormality is detected, it is monitored whether or not the operation abnormality has been resolved when a predetermined time elapses after the detection. If the error has not been resolved, error information is sent to the host that sent the print data that was processed when the operation abnormality was detected, or to the host that sent the print data before or after that.

A method for extending the function of the apparatus has also been proposed. For example, according to the method described in Patent Document 9, when the print processing apparatus is in an energy saving state, a software update operation is automatically executed.
JP 2002-259100 A JP 2002-196915 A JP 2002-123380 A JP 2003-189041 A JP 2003-150359 A JP 2002-169683 A JP-A-11-327854 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-305334 JP 2002-366319 A

  However, in the conventional methods as described in Patent Documents 1 to 9, even if a new function is added to the image processing apparatus, for example, the function cannot be efficiently introduced to the user who uses the image processing apparatus. . That is, in the methods described in Patent Documents 1, 6, and 8, information related to the setting change or error is notified to a user who is directly affected by the setting change or error. However, in these methods, it is impossible to determine which user should be notified of the added new function.

  In the methods described in Patent Documents 2, 5, and 7, all users are notified of information relating to updates or errors. However, these methods still cannot determine which user should be notified of new functions that have been added. Also, the user may find it cumbersome to receive all notifications because not all notifications received are important to him.

  Even the methods described in Patent Documents 3, 4, and 9 cannot determine which user is notified efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to efficiently notify a user when there is a change such as a new function being added to an image processing apparatus.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that executes a job related to an image based on a command given by a user, and includes execution condition information indicating a job execution condition and a command for each job. A storage unit that stores user identification information that identifies the original user in association with each other, a state change detection unit that detects a change in the state of the image processing apparatus, and a user who should notify that the change has occurred. The notification target determination unit that determines a notification target user based on the execution condition information and the user identification information stored in the storage unit, and the change has occurred with respect to the determined notification target user And notifying means for notifying that effect.

  The change is, for example, that a function is newly added to the image processing apparatus. Alternatively, the image processing apparatus is replenished with consumables. In the former case, the notification target determining unit determines a user who needs the added function as the notification target user. In the latter case, the notification target determination unit determines, as the notification target user, a user who is a command source of the job executed when the remaining amount of the consumable item is less than a predetermined amount.

  According to the present invention, when there is a change such as a new function being added to the image processing apparatus, it is possible to efficiently notify the user to that effect.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entire network system provided with the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention is connected to a terminal device 2 via a communication line 3 as shown in FIG. As the communication line 3, a LAN, the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used. As a protocol, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), POP (Post Office Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), or the like is used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates functions such as copying, network printing, and a scanner. Sometimes called a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals). The image forming apparatus 1 can be expanded in function by adding hardware or software. For example, various functions such as a large function such as a FAX function and a document server function, a small function such as a function for sorting printed materials to be discharged during a copy or network printing process, and a function for stapling printed materials are expanded. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 1a, a RAM 1b, a ROM 1c, a nonvolatile memory 1d, a scanner 1e, a printing device 1f, a network interface 1g, an operation panel 1h, a document feeding device 1m, a control circuit 1j, and the like. Consists of.

  The scanner 1e is an apparatus that photoelectrically reads an image such as a photograph, a character, a picture, or a diagram drawn on a document sheet (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “document”) to generate image data. is there. The document feeder 1m is a device for sequentially feeding one or more set documents to the scanner 1e. In the present embodiment, as the document feeder 1m, an automatic double-sided document feeder capable of feeding a document on which images to be scanned are drawn on both sides of a sheet to the scanner 1e is used. Hereinafter, a document in which an image to be processed is drawn on both sides of a sheet may be referred to as a “double-sided document”, and a document drawn on only one side may be referred to as a “single-sided document”.

  The printing device 1f is a device that prints an image read by the scanner 1e or an image of image data transmitted from the terminal device 2 or the like on paper.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 1h includes a display 1h1, an operation button unit 1h2 including a plurality of operation buttons, and the like.

  The operation button unit 1h2 includes a plurality of keys for inputting numbers, characters, symbols, etc., a sensor for recognizing the pressed key, and a transmission circuit for transmitting a signal indicating the recognized key to the CPU 1a. The

  The display 1h1 includes a screen for giving a message or an instruction to a user who operates the image forming apparatus 1, a screen for the user to input setting contents and processing contents, an image formed by the image forming apparatus 1, and A screen showing the processing result is displayed. In the present embodiment, a touch panel is used as the display 1h1. Therefore, the display 1h1 has a function of detecting a position on the touch panel touched by the user with a finger and transmitting a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 1a.

  As described above, the operation panel 1 h serves as a user interface for a user who directly operates the image forming apparatus 1. Note that an application program and a driver for giving a command to the image forming apparatus 1 are installed in the terminal device 2. Therefore, the user can remotely operate the image forming apparatus 1 using the terminal device 2.

  The network interface 1g in FIG. 2 is a device for communicating with the terminal device 2. As the network interface 1g, a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), or the like is used.

  The control circuit 1j is a circuit for controlling devices such as the nonvolatile memory 1d, the scanner 1e, the printing device 1f, the network interface 1g, the operation panel 1h, and the document feeder 1m.

  The nonvolatile memory 1d is a memory that can rewrite data and is nonvolatile, such as an EEPROM or a flash memory. The ROM 1c is a read-only memory. In general, the ROM is included in the nonvolatile memory, but in the present embodiment, the EEPROM or the flash memory is distinguished from the ROM, and the former is described as “nonvolatile memory 1d” and the latter is described as “ROM1c”.

  The non-volatile memory 1d includes an overall control unit 101, a user authentication unit 102, a device configuration detection unit 103, a notification target determination unit 104, a new function notification unit 105, an image processing unit 106, a database management unit 1K1, as illustrated in FIG. In addition, a program and data for realizing each function such as the program management unit 1K2 are stored. These programs are executed by the CPU 1a. Some or all of these programs or data may be stored in the ROM 1c. Alternatively, part or all of the functions shown in FIG. 4 may be realized by the control circuit 1j.

  As described above, an application program and a driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1 are installed in the terminal device 2. In addition, an application program for e-mail and an application program for file transfer are installed. As the terminal device 2, a personal computer, a workstation, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or the like is used.

  5 shows an example of the user information database DB1, FIG. 6 shows an example of the user job history database DB2, FIG. 7 shows an example of the login screen HG1, and FIG. 8 shows an example of the copy job reception screen HG2. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the application copy setting screen HG3, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the scan job reception screen HG4.

In the following, the processing content of each part in FIG. 4 will be described by taking as an example the image forming apparatus 1 in which the following are prepared as standard functions and expandable functions (optional functions).
(A) Standard functions: double-sided document scanning, single-sided printing, 2-in-1 printing, 4-in-1 printing (b) Expandable functions: double-sided printing, staple binding, sorting, booklet finishing, FAX transmission, box, confirmation printing The “confirmation print” function is a function of outputting only one copy in advance when outputting (printing or copying) a plurality of copies, and outputting the remaining copies after confirming the finished state. Sometimes called “trial print function”. The “booklet finishing” function is a function for finishing a booklet, a pamphlet, or a weekly magazine with a binding margin at the center of the printed matter. Sometimes called "weekly magazine binding function". The “box” function is a function for giving a storage area called “box” or “personal box” to each user and storing and managing document data such as image files in each storage area by each user. It is. A box corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  The database management unit 1K1 in FIG. 4 stores and manages databases such as the user information database DB1 and the user job history database DB2. As shown in FIG. 5, the user information database DB1 stores information on user IDs (user accounts), passwords, contact e-mail addresses, and the like of each user who can use the image forming apparatus 1. Yes. In the user job history database DB2, as shown in FIG. 6, information related to jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 1 is stored. The contents of each item will be described later.

  The program management unit 1K2 manages programs installed in the image forming apparatus 1. A program for function expansion described later is also managed by the program management unit 1K2.

  The overall control unit 101 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 so that basic processing is executed. For example, control is performed so that a predetermined screen is displayed at a predetermined timing, and the content of the operation performed by the user is accepted, and a job such as scanning, printing, or data transmission is performed based on the content of the operation Control to be executed.

  The user authentication unit 102 authenticates whether or not the person who intends to use the image forming apparatus 1 is a legitimate user. Such authentication is performed in the following procedure. When no one is directly operating the image forming apparatus 1, a login screen HG1 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 1h1. A user who wants to use the image forming apparatus 1 operates the operation button unit 1h2 and inputs his or her user ID and password. Then, the overall control unit 101 receives the user ID and password, and instructs the user authentication unit 102 to execute user authentication processing.

  The user authentication unit 102 extracts a record having a user ID having the same value as the input user ID from the user information database DB1 of FIG. Then, the input password and the password of the record are collated, and if they match, the user is authenticated as a legitimate user. If they do not match, it is determined that the user is an unauthorized user. If there is no record having the same user ID as the input user ID in the user information database DB1, it is determined that the user is an unauthorized user. A person who is determined to be an unauthorized user cannot use the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the authentication that the user is an authorized user is received, the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is permitted. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 is logged in. Then, the overall control unit 101 displays a copy job reception screen HG2 as shown in FIG. 8 on the display 1h1. Here, the user can cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a desired process by performing a predetermined operation.

  For example, when it is desired to copy a document, the document is set in the document feeder 1m. Then, the number of copies to be copied is input, and the “Start” button in the operation button unit 1h2 (see FIG. 3) is pressed.

  If application copy is desired, an “application” button is pressed from the copy job reception screen HG2. Then, the overall control unit 101 displays an application copy setting screen HG3 as shown in FIG. 9 on the display 1h1. The user can set what kind of application copy is desired by operating the buttons in the application copy setting screen HG3. For example, when it is desired to copy a double-sided document only on one side of a sheet, the “double-sided” button in the “original” column and the “single-sided” button in the “output” column are pressed and selected. If the printed material obtained by the copy process is to be stapled, a “staple” button is pressed and selected. If it is desired to reduce two pages of a document and print them together on one page (2-in-1 printing), a “2 in 1” button is pressed and selected. When the desired setting is made, the “setting” button is pressed to return to the copy job reception screen HG2, and the “start” button of the operation button unit 1h2 is pressed.

  If you want to scan the document, press the “Scan” button. Then, the screen displayed on the display 1h1 changes from the copy job reception screen HG2 to a scan job reception screen HG4 as shown in FIG. Here, the user designates whether the original is a single-sided original or a double-sided original and to which apparatus the image data of the scanned image is transmitted, and presses the “start” button of the operation button unit 1h2. .

  When such an operation is performed by the user, the overall control unit 101 generates job data for a job for executing processing according to the content of the operation, and describes the job queue (hereinafter referred to as “queue”). Register). When the job reaches the head of the queue, the job is executed based on the job data. A history (log) indicating that the job has been executed is registered in the user job history database DB2 of FIG.

  For example, “3” is entered in the “Copies” text box on the copy job reception screen HG2, and the “Double-sided” button in the “Original” column, the “Single-sided” button in the “Output” column, and “2 in 1” on the application copy setting screen HG3. In the case of a job generated by pressing the “” button, the scanner 1 e scans the image on the front side and the image on the back side of the document sequentially sent from the document feeder 1 m, and the image processing unit 106 reads these images in advance. The printing apparatus 1f prints the image on the front side and the image on the back side of one document as a set on each side of the three sheets and discharges it to the output tray.

  Alternatively, in the case of a job generated by inputting “sat@˜.co.jp” in the “Destination” text box on the scan job reception screen HG4 and pressing the “single side” button, the scanner 1e sends the document. The image on the surface of the document sequentially sent from the apparatus 1m is scanned, and the image processing unit 106 converts these images into an image file of a predetermined format (for example, PDF or TIFF). Is attached to the e-mail, and the network interface 1g and the like are controlled so as to be transmitted to the e-mail address “sato @ ˜. When an IP address is designated as the transmission destination, the image file may be transmitted to a device to which the IP address is assigned by FTP.

  After the job is executed, information related to the job is registered in the user job history database DB2 of FIG. In FIG. 6, one record corresponds to one job. “Job ID” is identification information for identifying a job related to the record.

  “User ID” is the user ID of the user who requested the job. “Application” indicates an application used to execute the job, and can also be said to indicate the type of job. “Number of originals” indicates the number of originals to be processed by the job. “Number of copies” indicates the number of copies printed or copied. “Original side” indicates whether the original to be processed for the job is a double-sided original or a single-sided original. “Output side” indicates whether the image is printed or copied on both sides of the paper or on one side.

  “Sorting” indicates whether or not the printed material is sorted one by one and discharged to the output tray when there are a plurality of copies. “Finishing” indicates whether stapling, 2-in-1 printing, 4-in-1 printing, or the like has been performed.

  “Execution result” indicates information related to the execution result of the job. When the job is executed according to the processing conditions specified by the user on the copy job reception screen HG2, the application copy setting screen HG3, or the scan job reception screen HG4, a value of “0: normal end” is stored. When a job is executed with some or all of the processing conditions changed, a value of “1: forcible release execution” is stored.

  That is, for example, as described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the sorting function and the stapling function are optional functions and are not provided as standard. When these functions are not yet added to the image forming apparatus 1 but the user designates these functions on the application copy setting screen HG3 or the scan job reception screen HG4, the image forming apparatus 1 Forcibly cancel the function specification (that is, ignore it) and execute the job. In such a case, the value “1: forcible release execution” is stored in the “execution result” of the job. In the case of forced cancellation, information indicating conditions specified by the user is stored in the items “sorting” and “finishing” instead of the actual processing conditions.

  Also, if the job is executed according to the processing conditions specified by the user, but the printed matter becomes lighter than usual due to a decrease in the remaining amount of toner, the “execution result” of the job Is stored with a value of “2: near empty”. Whether the image is near empty may be determined by the image forming apparatus 1 detecting the remaining amount of toner, or the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 may check the printed matter.

  If the job execution fails, the value “3: Abnormal termination” is stored in the “execution result” of the job. In this case, a value indicating the cause is stored in “Cause of abnormal termination”.

  Note that the user can also use the image forming apparatus 1 remotely using the terminal device 2. In this case, a screen equivalent to the login screen HG1 of FIG. 7 is displayed on the display of the terminal device 2, and the user ID and password are input by operating a keyboard or a mouse. Hereinafter, as in the case of directly operating the image forming apparatus 1, the input user ID and password are received by the overall control unit 101 in FIG. 4, and user authentication processing is performed by the user authentication unit 102. The user of the terminal device 2 can use the image forming apparatus 1 after obtaining user authentication and logging in to the image forming apparatus 1. Then, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a printing process (network printing) of a created document such as word processing software or drawing software of the terminal device 2.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of function addition processing, FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of notification object determination processing, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of alternate sorting.

  The apparatus configuration detection unit 103 in FIG. 4 detects a function newly added (extended) to the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, when the toner is replenished, this is detected. Then, the notification target determination unit 104 determines a user who should be notified that the function has been added or that the toner has been replenished. Then, the new function notification unit 105 transmits a message describing the fact to the determined user's email address as an email. These series of processes are performed in the procedure as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

  The administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 performs an operation of attaching or installing hardware or software necessary for realizing a new function to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 101 in FIG. 11). Alternatively, toner replenishment is performed. When installing hardware, it is desirable to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 1. When the work is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or restarted as necessary (Yes in # 102).

  Then, the device configuration detection unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 1 recognizes new hardware or software by comparing the configuration of the image forming device 1 so far with the current configuration of the image forming device 1 and the like. A function is detected (Yes in # 103). For example, the detection is performed by comparing the model number of the built-in or external hardware and the model number or version of the installed software.

  The notification target determination unit 104 determines which user should be notified about the added new function, for example, according to the procedure shown in FIG. 12 (# 104).

  If it is detected that the double-sided printing function has been added (that is, the double-sided printing unit is attached) (Yes in # 112), for a user who has executed a job for printing a double-sided original on one side of the paper It is determined that the fact that this function has been added should be notified (# 113).

  When it is detected that the staple binding finish function has been added (that is, the staple binding finisher is attached) (Yes in # 114), a job for outputting (printing or copying) a plurality of copies for one set of documents Alternatively, it is determined that the user who has executed the job for which staple binding is specified as a processing condition but has been forcibly canceled should be notified that the function has been added (# 115).

  If it is detected that the toner has been replenished (Yes in # 116), the user who has executed the print or copy job in the near empty state should be notified that the toner has been replenished. (# 117). Note that toner replenishment may be performed by exchanging the toner cartridge or by directly putting toner in the toner tank.

  If it is detected that the sorting function has been added (Yes in # 118), this function is added to users who have executed a job to output (print or copy) a plurality of copies of a document for one set. It is discriminated that the fact that it has been made should be notified (# 119).

  Note that sorting of printed materials can be performed, for example, by the following two methods. One is a method of discharging printed materials one by one to a plurality of output trays. The other is a method (referred to as “alternate sorting”) in which printed matter is discharged alternately in the vertical and horizontal directions for each set (one set) as shown in FIG. When the sorting function by the former method is added, an output tray is added to the image forming apparatus 1 and software for controlling the output tray and the existing output tray is installed. In the latter case, when adding a sorting function by the latter method, image processing software for rotating the image of the image data stored in the RAM 1b (see FIG. 2) by 90 degrees is installed. Further, if necessary, a paper feed unit that feeds paper of the same size vertically and horizontally is added.

  If it is detected that the booklet finishing function has been added (Yes in # 120), the user who has executed a 2in1 or 4in1 print or copy job is notified that the function has been added. It is determined that it should be (# 121). Note that the booklet finishing function is added by adding a hard disk or a memory in order to secure a storage capacity of a predetermined value or more, and installing a program for rearranging original images.

  If it is detected that the FAX function has been added (that is, a FAX-compatible modem, FAX program, etc. have been added) (Yes in # 122), the user who has executed the scan job will be It is determined that notification that a function has been added should be sent (# 123).

  If it is detected that a box function has been added (that is, a large-capacity hard disk has been added and a file management program has been installed) (Yes in # 124), for a user who has executed a scan job It is determined that the fact that this function has been added should be notified (# 125). This is especially convenient for a user who has to scan and transmit a large number of documents to a partner in several times due to the limitation of transmission capacity. In other words, according to this function, such a user can save the scanned image data of the document in his / her box and request the other party to download the data, thereby realizing the same work as before. Will be able to.

  If it is detected that the confirmation print function has been added (that is, the confirmation print program has been installed) (Yes in # 126), a copy or print job with the same number of documents has been continuously executed. It is determined that it should be notified to a certain user that this function has been added (# 127).

  Returning to FIG. 11, based on the result of this determination and the user job history database DB2 in FIG. 6, the notification target determination unit 104 determines which user among the users registered in the user information database DB1 in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not the function added (extended) should be notified (# 105).

  For example, when the double-sided printing function is added, it should be notified to the user who has executed the job for single-sided printing of double-sided originals by the discrimination process in step # 104, that is, FIG. It has been determined. Therefore, with reference to the user job history database DB2 of FIG. 6, for each user having a job ID “J005” or “J007”, that is, each user having a user ID “102” or “100”. Decide that you should be notified.

  Similarly, when the stapling function is added based on the user job history database DB2 and the result of the discrimination processing in FIG. 12, a job for outputting (printing or copying) a plurality of copies, that is, the job ID is “J003”, It is determined that notification should be given to each user who has executed the jobs “J005”, “J007”, and “J010”. When the toner is replenished, it is determined that the user who has executed the job whose execution result is “2: near empty”, that is, the job whose job ID is “J011” should be notified.

  When the booklet finishing function is added, it is determined that notification should be given to each user who has executed a job output in 2in1 or 4in1, that is, a job having job IDs “J001” and “J008”. When the FAX function is added, it is determined that the scan job, that is, the job IDs “J004”, “J006”, and “J012” should be notified to each user who has been executed. The same applies when a box function is added. When the confirmation print function is added, a user who has continuously executed a copy or print type job with the same number of documents, that is, a job having job IDs “J009” and “J010” are both executed. Decide that the user should be notified.

  The new function notifying unit 105 refers to the user information database DB1 of FIG. 5, and notifies the user about the newly added (extended) function for the email address of each user determined by the notification target determining unit 104 or A notification that the toner has been replenished is transmitted by e-mail (# 106). Along with the latter notification, an apologizing message may be sent about the previous print thinning.

  The content of the notification is displayed on the display of the terminal device 2 that has received the notification from the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the user can know the existence of a newly added function and can widen the range of utilization of the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1. Next, the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives an input of a user ID and password of a user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 1 from now on, the image forming apparatus 1 refers to the user information database DB1 in FIG. 5 and authenticates whether or not the user is a legitimate user. (# 1). If the user is authenticated as a legitimate user (Yes in # 2), the user can give an instruction to execute the processing desired by the user to the image forming apparatus 1. The input of the user ID and the instruction for the processing are performed while looking at the screens displayed on the display 1h1 (see FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10). Alternatively, it can be performed remotely using the terminal device 2.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the processing command, the image forming apparatus 1 generates a job for executing the processing desired by the user, and registers the job in the queue (# 3). When the job comes to the top of the queue (# 4), execution of the job is started (# 5).

  When the execution of the job is finished (# 6), the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who is the command source, the current execution condition (type (application) such as print, copy, or scan), the number of documents, the number of copies, the document 6), information regarding the execution result, the cause of abnormal termination, and the like are registered in the user job history database DB2 of FIG. 6 (# 7). If there is an execution condition that has been forcibly canceled, this execution condition is also registered.

  And it returns to step # 3 and the instruction | indication of the other process which a user desires is received. If the user has logged out, the process returns to step # 1 and waits for input of the user ID and password.

  When a new function is added (expanded) to the image forming apparatus 1 or when toner is replenished (Yes in # 8), a function addition process is executed (# 9). The procedure of such processing is as described above with reference to FIGS. According to such processing, notification is made only to users who are considered to benefit from the addition of functions or the replenishment of toner.

  After the addition of the function, the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or restarted as necessary. And it returns to step # 1 and waits for input of a user ID and a password.

  According to the present embodiment, when a new function is added to the image forming apparatus 1 or toner is replenished, only a user who can obtain a great merit is notified. Therefore, it is possible to notify the change of the image forming apparatus 1 more efficiently than in the past. Also, the user can receive immediately (almost real-time) notification regarding only the necessary items.

  In this embodiment, the user is notified by sending an e-mail to the e-mail address of the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be performed by displaying a message on the display 1h1 when the user to be notified logs into the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the message may be sent by fax to another MFP near the user. For example, the MFP near the user can be searched as follows. Usually, in an organization such as a company, devices installed in the same department belong to the same subnetwork. In view of this point, by comparing the IP address and subnet mask of the user terminal device 2 with the IP address and subnet mask of each MFP, an MFP belonging to the same subnetwork as the terminal device 2 can be searched. Good. Alternatively, MFPs in the vicinity of each user may be registered in a database and searched using this.

  In this embodiment, the case of adding each function of double-sided printing, stapling finishing, sorting, booklet finishing, FAX transmission, box, and confirmation printing has been described as an example, but other functions may be added. The present invention can be applied.

  For example, when performing network printing from the terminal device 2 or the like, even when the image forming apparatus 1 receives print data, the image forming apparatus 1 holds the print data immediately without executing the print processing. A function of encrypting data in the image forming apparatus 1 which is equipped with a standard function of starting a printing process when a password set in advance is correctly input by operating the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 1 May be added to a user who has used the confidential print function. Alternatively, when printing is performed with the image forming apparatus 1 using a paper having a watermark function (watermark such as “COPY”), and the printed material is copied as a document, the watermark is displayed on the copied material. Even if a user who has used the function of confidential printing or a user who needs the added function is notified, an additional notification is made. Good.

  Also, when a consumable item other than toner is replenished, a user who satisfies a predetermined requirement may be determined and notified to that user. For example, in the image forming apparatus 1 provided with a staple binding finish function, when staples are replenished after the staples (needles) are exhausted, staple binding is performed even though staple binding is specified as a processing condition. Alternatively, the job when the job cannot be performed may be extracted, and the user who commanded the job may be notified that the staples have been replenished.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus 1 or each unit, processing contents, processing order, job processing conditions, database configuration, notification destination determination method, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. .

  The present invention is particularly suitable for an image processing apparatus such as an MFP that is used by a large number of people and has high expandability.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an entire network system provided with an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of an operation panel. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a user information database. It is a figure which shows the example of a user job history database. It is a figure which shows the example of a login screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a copy job reception screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an application copy setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a scan job reception screen. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a function addition process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a notification object discrimination | determination process. It is a figure which shows the example of an alternating sort. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (image processing device)
1e Scanner (image reading means)
1f Printing device (printing means)
1g Network interface (image data transmission means)
103 Device configuration detection unit (state change detection means)
104 Notification object determination unit (notification object determination means)
105 Notification section for new functions (notification means)
DB2 User job history database (storage means)

Claims (3)

An image processing apparatus that executes a job related to an image based on a command given by a user,
Storage means for storing, in association with each job, execution condition information indicating an execution condition of the job and user identification information for identifying a user who is a command source;
Replenishment detection means for detecting replenishment of consumables of the image processing apparatus;
Based on the execution condition information and the user identification information stored in the storage unit, the user who is the command source of the job executed when the remaining amount of the consumable is less than a predetermined amount is determined. Specific user discrimination means,
Notification means for notifying that the supplement has been made to the user determined by the specific user determination means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A consumables replenishment notification method for notifying that a consumable of an image processing apparatus that executes a job related to an image based on a command given by a user is replenished,
For each job, execution condition information indicating the execution condition of the job and user identification information for identifying the user who is the command source are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit.
When it is detected that the consumables for the image processing device are replenished,
Based on the execution condition information and the user identification information stored in the storage unit, a user who is a command source of the job executed when the remaining amount of the consumable is less than a predetermined amount is determined. ,
Notifying the determined user that the consumables have been replenished;
Consumables replenishment notification method characterized by the above. A computer program for controlling an image processing apparatus that executes a job for processing an image based on a command given by a user,
For each job, execution condition information indicating an execution condition of the job and user identification information for identifying a user who is a command source are associated with each other and stored in a storage unit;
A process of detecting that the consumables of the image processing apparatus are replenished;
Based on the execution condition information and the user identification information stored in the storage unit, the user who is the command source of the job executed when the remaining amount of the consumable is less than a predetermined amount is determined. Processing,
A process for notifying the determined user that the consumables have been replenished;
A computer program for causing a computer to execute.