JP5287167B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

  In recent years, it has become common to share and use an image forming apparatus among a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a network. In this case, a remote operation is realized by transmitting a job from the client apparatus to the image forming apparatus. When an image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of people, there are various people who use it, and some people have some disabilities. For this reason, the image forming apparatus needs to have operability and a control method that can be used in the same manner by both normal and disabled persons.

Therefore, a technique is already known in which an image forming apparatus recognizes a failure of the user by providing user authentication and user information when using the image forming apparatus, and provides an operation control method suitable for the failure. ing. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-35294), personal authentication is performed before a user uses an image forming apparatus or an information processing apparatus, and appropriate operation control is performed based on the authenticated personal information. Techniques to provide are disclosed.
JP 2004-35294 A

  However, the technique of Patent Document 1 requires a complicated work (authentication work) to be performed on the user before using the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus in order to know the personal information of the user. The burden will be forced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and automatically identifies a failure of a user, and is suitable for a user's failure without forcing a special operation or knowledge to the user who is a disabled person. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of performing operation control.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a failure information storage unit that stores failure information indicating failure contents associated with software / hardware information, which is software and / or hardware identification information used in an information processing device. When,
Operation information storage means for storing operation information indicating operation contents in the printing process associated with the failure information;
Receiving means for receiving software / hardware information used in an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus;
Fault information acquisition means for acquiring fault information corresponding to the software / hardware information received by the reception means from the fault information storage means;
Operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information corresponding to the failure information acquired by the failure information acquisition means from the operation information storage means;
A printing unit configured to perform printing by setting the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit ;
Detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge port;
When the failure information is acquired by the failure information acquisition unit, a first standby for waiting for the printing process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information until the detection unit detects that there is no sheet at the paper discharge port. Means,
A second standby unit that waits for the next print process until the detection unit detects that there is no sheet at the discharge port when the print process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information is performed;
When the standby time by the first standby unit exceeds a predetermined time, when there is a print process based on operation information other than the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit in the standby print process, Interrupt means for interrupting the printing process and printing .

An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention stores a failure information indicating failure contents associated with software / hardware information, which is software and / or hardware identification information used in the information processing apparatus. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an information storage unit; and an operation information storage unit that stores operation information indicating an operation content of a printing process associated with the failure information, and is used in the information processing device Fault information storage means for storing fault information indicating fault contents associated with software / hardware information, which is software and / or hardware identification information, and operation information indicating the operation contents of print processing associated with the fault information An image forming method in an image forming apparatus comprising:
A receiving step for receiving software / hardware information used in an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus;
Fault information acquisition step for acquiring fault information corresponding to the software / hardware information received by the reception step from the fault information storage means;
An operation information acquisition step of acquiring operation information corresponding to the failure information acquired by the failure information acquisition step from the operation information storage means;
A printing step for performing printing by setting the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition step ;
A detection step for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge port;
When the failure information is acquired by the failure information acquisition step, the first standby for waiting the printing process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information until the detection step detects that there is no sheet at the paper discharge port. Steps,
A second standby step of waiting for the next print process until it is detected by the detection step that there is no paper at the discharge port when the print process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information is performed;
When the standby time in the first standby step exceeds a predetermined time, when there is print processing based on operation information other than the operation information acquired in the operation information acquisition step in the standby print processing, An interrupt step for interrupting the printing process and printing .

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus and an image for automatically identifying a failure of a user and performing operation control suitable for the user's failure without forcing a special operation or knowledge to the user who is a disabled person A forming method can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Example 1]
<System and hardware configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality (or one) of client apparatuses (information processing apparatuses) 2 to 4 and the image forming apparatus 1 are connected via a network. In the image forming system according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus 1 is shared and used from a plurality of client apparatuses 2 to 4 via a network.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image memory 11, a nonvolatile memory 12, a discharge port stacking detection sensor 13, an external storage device I / F 14, a network I / F 17, a CPU 18, and a plotter 19.

  The image memory 11 stores image information received from the information processing apparatus. The nonvolatile memory 12 is a correspondence relationship between software or hardware identification information (hereinafter referred to as software / hardware information) of the information processing apparatus and the failure content, and a correspondence relationship between the failure content and operation information indicating operation control related to printing. Memorize etc.

  The software / hardware information includes voice reading software, magnifier, voice recognition software, joystick, and the like.

  The discharge port stack detection sensor 13 detects whether or not there is a sheet at the discharge port of the image forming apparatus. The external storage device I / F 14 is an interface between the image forming apparatus and a storage medium 15 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  When an SD (Secure Digital) card is used as the storage medium 15, the external storage device I / F 14 serves as an SD card slot. By inserting the SD card into this SD card slot, data in the SD card can be stored. Reading and writing are possible.

  The network I / F 17 is a peripheral device having a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 16 or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. And an interface of the image forming apparatus.

  The control means 18 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in the computer. The control means 18 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 or the like, receives data from an input device or a storage device, calculates and processes it, and outputs it to an output device or a storage device.

  In the present invention, the control unit 18 is also responsible for interpreting the received print job, determining the failure content of the user from the stored correspondence, and performing operation control in printing corresponding to the determined failure content.

  When the plotter 19 receives image data composed of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), it uses an electrophotographic method (exposure, latent image, development and transfer processes) using a laser beam. The received image data is output (printed) on transfer paper (printing paper) using an inkjet method or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a printer driver 21, a control unit 22, a printer spooler 23, an external storage device I / F 24, a network I / F 25, a display unit 26, and an input unit 27.

  The printer driver 21 creates a print job. The control means 22 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in the computer. The control means 18 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the main storage device or the like, receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  In the present invention, the control unit 22 is also responsible for detecting an application or an external device used when a user issues a print command by clicking a print button or the like.

  The printer spooler 23 stores a print job. The external storage device 24 is an interface between the image forming apparatus and a storage medium 15 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  Further, a program for executing the printer driver 21 is stored in the storage medium 15, and the program stored in the storage medium 15 is installed in the information processing apparatus 2 via the external storage device I / F 24. May be made executable.

  The network I / F 25 is a peripheral device having a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 16 or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. And an interface of the information processing apparatus.

  The input unit 26 and the display unit 27 include a key switch (hard key) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a touch panel function (including GUI software key: Graphical User Interface), and the functions of the image forming apparatus It is a display and / or input device that functions as a UI (User Interface) when using.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 101, a failure information storage unit 103, an operation information storage unit 104, a failure information acquisition unit 105, an operation information acquisition unit 106, and a printing unit 107.

  The communication unit 101 (network I / F 17) performs data communication with the information processing apparatus 2 and the like connected via the network. For example, the communication unit 101 acquires print job information indicating information for printing from the information processing apparatus.

  Further, the communication unit 101 includes a receiving unit 102, and the receiving unit 102 receives software / hardware information used at the time of a print instruction from the information processing apparatus. If this software / hardware information is included in the print job information, the accepting unit 102 obtains it from the print job information.

  Here, processing for receiving software / hardware information will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a reception process of software / hardware information added to print job information. In step S22, the control means 22 acquires the name of a process operating on the information processing apparatus. If a predetermined program is executed, the name of the process in operation can be acquired.

  In the next step S12, the control means 22 notifies the printer driver 21 of the acquired process name.

  In the next step S13, the printer driver 21 creates a print job by adding the notified process name to the job as software / hardware information.

  In the next step S <b> 14, the printer driver 21 transmits print job information indicating print job information to the image forming apparatus 1. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 1 can acquire software / hardware information from the print job information.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of print job information. The print job information includes job identification information for identifying a job, print data information that is data to be printed, print setting information that indicates settings such as the number of printed sheets and both sides, information on an IP address of an information processing apparatus that transmits the job, Includes software and hardware information used in information processing equipment.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the failure information storage means 103 (nonvolatile memory 12) stores failure information indicating the failure content associated with the software / hardware information. Here, the failure information will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table that stores failure information. As shown in FIG. 7, failure information and software / hardware information are stored in association with each other. For example, the failure information “visual impairment” includes software / hardware information “A” (speech reading software), “B” (speech reading software), “C” (magnifying glass), “D” (voice recognition software). Associated.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the operation information storage unit 104 (nonvolatile memory 12) stores operation information indicating the operation content (print operation control method) of the print processing associated with the failure information. Here, the operation information will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table that stores operation information. As shown in FIG. 8, failure information and operation information are stored in association with each other. For example, the operation information “exclusive control printing” is associated with the failure information “visual failure”.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the failure information acquisition unit 105 (control unit 18) acquires failure information corresponding to the software / hardware information acquired by the reception unit 102 from the failure information storage unit 103. For example, when the acquired software / hardware information is “E” (joystick), the failure information corresponding to this “E” is “limb physical disability” (see FIG. 7).

  The operation information acquisition unit 106 acquires operation information corresponding to the failure information acquired by the failure information acquisition unit 105 from the operation information storage unit 104. For example, when the failure information is “limb handicap”, the operation information corresponding to this “limb handicap” is “case printing” and “sheet discharge destination tray position low” (see FIG. 8).

  The printing unit 107 performs printing by setting printing to the operation content indicated by the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 106. Other print settings are made by print setting information included in the print job information. The operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 106 is set with priority over the print setting information.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation information setting processing. In step S <b> 21, the accepting unit 102 acquires software / hardware information from the print job information.

  In the next step S <b> 22, the failure information acquisition unit 105 determines whether the software / hardware information acquired by the reception unit 102 exists in the table stored in the failure information storage unit 103. If the determination result in step S22 is YES (exists), the process proceeds to step S23, and if NO (does not exist), the process ends, and printing is performed according to the normal print job information setting.

  In step S <b> 23, the failure information acquisition unit 105 acquires failure information corresponding to the software / hardware information acquired by the reception unit 102 from the failure information storage unit 103.

  In the next step S <b> 24, the operation information acquisition unit 106 acquires operation information corresponding to the failure information acquired by the failure information acquisition unit 105 from the operation information storage unit 104.

  In the next step S <b> 25, the printing unit 107 is set to the operation content indicated by the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 106.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the failure of the user is automatically specified, and it is suitable for the failure of the user without forcing a special operation or knowledge to the user who is disabled. Operation control can be performed. In other words, the authentication process by the disabled person is not required, and by obtaining the software / hardware information from the information processing apparatus that the disabled person usually uses, it is possible to perform the print setting suitable for the disabled person's failure.

[Example 2]
Next, the image forming apparatus 5 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 106 can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus, the operation information instructed by the user can be received, and the print setting can be performed based on the received operation information.

  Also, by holding operation information that cannot be set at one time or a combination of information that has no meaning even if set at one time, print settings can be made based on optimum operation information.

  Also, the correspondence between software / hardware information and failure information, and the correspondence between failure information and operation information can be added or modified.

  Also, by classifying the degree of failure, it is possible to perform print settings according to the degree of failure of the disabled person.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the second embodiment. In the components shown in FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those shown in FIG. 4, and description thereof is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 5 includes a transmission / reception unit 301, an exclusive information storage unit 302, and an additional correction unit 303 as compared with the first embodiment. Hereinafter, these will be described.

  First, the transmission / reception unit 301 transmits the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 106 to the information processing apparatus. The transmission / reception unit 301 receives operation information instructed by the user from the information processing apparatus. When there is operation information received by the transmission / reception unit 301, the printing unit 107 prints the operation information with priority over other print setting information.

  Here, the above-described processing flow for allowing the user to confirm the operation information will be described. FIG. 11 is a conceptual flow diagram illustrating an example of processing for causing a user to confirm operation information. First, in step S <b> 31, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits print job information including software / hardware information to the image forming apparatus 1.

  In the next step S <b> 32, the image forming apparatus 5 specifies the failure content of the user who operates the information processing device 2 based on the acquired software / hardware information, and acquires the operation information of the printing process according to the specified failure content. To do. Next, the image forming apparatus 5 transmits the acquired operation information to the information processing apparatus 2. For specifying the transmission destination, information that can specify the device, such as the IP address of the information processing device 2, may be included in the print job information.

  In the next step S33, the information processing apparatus 2 causes the user to confirm the operation information notified from the image forming apparatus 5 by displaying it on the display screen. At this time, when the user instructs operation information to be set by selecting operation information, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits the instructed operation information to the image forming apparatus 5.

  Accordingly, when the operation information is acquired from the information processing apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 5 can perform the print setting more suitable for the user by performing the print setting based on the acquired operation information.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the exclusive information storage unit 302 stores operation information that cannot be set at one time or a combination of information that is meaningless even if set at one time. Furthermore, priority is given to the operation information included in this combination. This priority is used to determine which operation information should be selected and set when there is operation information that cannot be duplicated or cannot be printed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which exclusive information is stored. As shown in FIG. 12, the groups “a” and “b” hold combinations of operation information that cannot be set redundantly or that have no meaning even if they are set redundantly. For example, “exclusive control printing” and “hold printing” of the group “b” cannot be set at the same time, or it does not make sense to set them at the same time.

  Furthermore, priority is given to the operation information in the group. When the operation information included in this group is to be set at the same time, the operation information with the highest priority is set. For example, if the user recognizes that there are obstacles of “visual impairment” and “handicapped”, it is meaningless to execute “interleaf printing” and “case printing” at the same time. “Paper printing” is executed, and “case printing” is not executed.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the additional correction unit 303 determines the correspondence between the software / hardware information stored in the failure information storage unit 103 and the failure information, and the correspondence between the failure information stored in the operation information storage unit 104 and the operation information. Can be added or modified.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example in which a user newly registers a correspondence between software / hardware information and failure information. As shown in FIG. 13, the correspondence table between software / hardware information and failure information can be expanded by the user registering a new correspondence with the existing correspondence table stored in the failure information storage means 103. it can. As a result, software / hardware information that is not stored in the existing correspondence table can be newly stored, and leakage of fault recognition due to the new software / hardware information can be prevented.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example in which the user newly adds operation information suitable for each piece of failure information. As shown in FIG. 14, the correspondence table of failure information and operation information can be expanded by the user registering a new correspondence with the existing correspondence table stored in the operation information storage unit 104. As a result, operation information that is not stored in the existing correspondence table can be newly stored, and function expansion based on the new operation information can be realized.

  Next, a case where the degree of failure is classified will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table stored in the failure information storage unit 103. As shown in FIG. 15, the degree of failure is held in the correspondence table. As a result, it is possible to recognize the detailed failure content by classifying the detailed failure content and associating the software / hardware information with the detailed division.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table stored in the operation information storage unit 104. As shown in FIG. 16, the degree of failure is held in the correspondence table. As a result, it is possible to perform print operation settings suitable for the degree of failure.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 5 according to the second embodiment, the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 106 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, the operation information instructed by the user is received, and the received operation information is included in the received operation information. Based on this, print settings can be made.

  Also, by holding operation information that cannot be set at one time or a combination of information that has no meaning even if set at one time, print settings can be made based on optimum operation information.

  Also, the correspondence between software / hardware information and failure information, and the correspondence between failure information and operation information can be added or modified.

  Also, by classifying the degree of failure, it is possible to perform print settings according to the degree of failure of the disabled person. It should be noted that it is not necessary to provide all the configurations described above according to the second embodiment, and it is needless to say that the image forming apparatus can be configured to include any one or a plurality of combinations.

[Example 3]
Next, the image forming apparatus 6 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, only the sheet printed by the handicapped person remains in the sheet discharge port. As a result, the handicapped person can determine that all the sheets remaining in the paper discharge port have been printed by him / herself.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 6 according to the third embodiment. In the components shown in FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those shown in FIG. 4, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the image forming apparatus 6 includes a detection unit 401, an interrupt unit 402, a first standby unit 403, and a second standby unit 404 as compared with the first embodiment. Hereinafter, these will be described.

  The detection unit 401 is, for example, a discharge port stack detection sensor 13 and detects whether or not there is a sheet at the current discharge port.

  The interrupt unit 402 first determines whether or not a waiting time of a first waiting time described later is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. Next, when the standby time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time and there is a print job in which the print setting is not set by the handicapped person, the interrupt unit 402 interrupts the print job and performs printing. . Note that the interrupt unit 402 may measure the waiting time of the first waiting time, or the first waiting unit may measure it. Further, the interrupt unit 402 is not necessarily a component that must be provided in the third embodiment.

  When a print job (print job by a disabled person) in which operation information stored in the operation information storage unit 104 is set is printed, the first standby unit 403 is operated by the disabled person if paper remains in the discharge port. This print job is put on standby, and if no paper remains at the paper discharge port, this print job is executed by the disabled person. The detection unit 401 determines whether or not printing paper remains in the paper discharge port.

  The second waiting unit 404 waits for the next print job when a print job by a handicapped person is printed and the sheet printed by this print job is at the paper discharge port. Whether or not the sheet remains in the paper discharge port is determined by the detection unit 401.

  As a result, when a print job by a disabled person is executed, the paper at the paper discharge outlet is only the paper printed by this print job. Will not be mixed at the paper exit. Therefore, the handicapped person can easily determine the paper he / she printed and can improve convenience.

<Operation>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of standby processing according to the third embodiment. In step S <b> 41, the information processing apparatus acquires software / hardware information of the currently used application (software) and external apparatus (hardware) and notifies the image forming apparatus 6 of the software / hardware information.

  In step S <b> 42, the failure information acquisition unit 105 determines whether failure information corresponding to the software / hardware information notified from the information processing apparatus is stored in the failure information storage unit 103. If the determination result in step S42 is YES (corresponding failure information exists), the process proceeds to step S44, and if NO (corresponding failure information is not present), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the image forming apparatus 6 performs print settings as requested by the user and executes a print job. The print settings as requested are print settings based on print setting information included in the print job information.

  In step S <b> 44, the detection unit 401 detects whether or not there is a sheet at the sheet discharge outlet. In the next step S <b> 45, the first standby unit 403 determines whether or not the detection unit 401 has detected that there is paper at the paper discharge port. If the determination result in step S45 is YES (paper is present at the paper discharge port), the process proceeds to step S46, and if NO (paper is not present at the paper discharge port), the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S <b> 46, the first standby unit 403 waits for a disabled person to execute a print job. Thereafter, the process returns to step S45, and the print job is waited until there is no sheet in the paper discharge port.

  In step S47, the printing unit 107 executes a print job by the disabled person. At this time, operation information corresponding to the failure information is set to print.

  In the next step S48, the printing unit 107 notifies the user of completion of the print job. Specifically, a print completion notification is sent to the information processing apparatus that has sent the print job information, and a message to that effect is displayed on the display screen.

  In step S49, the printing unit 107 determines whether there is another print job after printing by the disabled person. If the determination result in step S49 is YES (print job present), the process proceeds to step S50, and if NO (no print job), the standby process is terminated.

  In step S <b> 50, the second standby unit 404 determines whether or not the detection unit 401 detects that there is a sheet at the paper discharge port. If the determination result in step S50 is YES (paper is present at the paper discharge port), the process proceeds to step S51. If NO (paper is not present at the paper discharge port), the standby process is terminated.

  In step S51, the second standby unit 404 waits for execution of a print job after the print job by the disabled person. Thereafter, the process returns to step S50, and the print job is waited until there is no paper in the paper discharge port.

  Thus, when a print job by a disabled person is executed, the paper at the paper discharge outlet is only the paper printed by this print job, so the disabled person can easily determine the paper printed by himself / herself. And convenience can be improved.

  Next, processing for interrupting a print job by another user when a print job by a disabled person is waiting using the interrupt unit 402 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of interrupt processing according to the third embodiment. In the processing shown in FIG. 19, the same processing as that shown in FIG. 18 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and description thereof is omitted.

  In step S61, the interrupt unit 402 determines whether or not the standby time in step S46 is a predetermined time or more. If the determination result in step S61 is YES (more than a predetermined time), the process proceeds to step S62, and if NO (less than the predetermined time), the process returns to step S45.

  In step S62, the interrupt unit 402 determines whether there is a print job other than the print job by the disabled person. If the determination result in step S62 is YES (print job is present), the process proceeds to step S63, and if NO (no print job is present), the process returns to step S45.

  In step S63, the interrupt unit 402 interrupts the next print job (normal print job) other than the print job by the handicapped person, and executes printing. In step S64, the interrupt unit 402 sets the waiting time by the first waiting unit 403 to zero.

  In step S65, the printing unit 107 notifies the user of completion of the print job. Specifically, a print completion notification is sent to the information processing apparatus that has sent the print job information, and a message to that effect is displayed on the display screen.

  In step S66, the second standby unit 404 waits for execution of the next print job until there is no more paper from the paper discharge port. This processing is the same as the processing contents in steps S50 and S51 shown in FIG.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent a subsequent print job from being executed if there is a sheet in the paper discharge port when a print job by a disabled person is received. In other words, by providing the interrupt unit 402, when the waiting time of a print job by a disabled person has exceeded a predetermined time, a print job by the next healthy person can be executed. In addition, by notifying the interrupted user that the print job is completed, it is possible to prompt the user to remove the paper at the paper discharge port, so that it is possible to speed up the execution of the print job by the handicapped person.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 6 according to the third embodiment, when a print job by a handicapped person is executed, the paper printed by the handicapped person and the paper printed by others are mixedly loaded at the paper discharge port. Absent. Therefore, the handicapped person can easily determine the paper he / she printed and can improve convenience.

[Example 4]
Next, an image forming apparatus 7 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the sheets printed by the disabled person are stacked on the top of the paper discharge port, and the user is notified of how many sheets are printed by the disabled person. As a result, it is possible to determine how many sheets from the top of the paper stacked in the paper discharge port are printed by the handicapped person, and the convenience can be improved.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 7 according to the fourth embodiment. In the components shown in FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 17, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the image forming apparatus 7 has a configuration in which a notification unit 501 is different from the first and third embodiments. Hereinafter, the notification unit 501 will be described.

  The notification unit 501 is a unit that notifies the user how many sheets have been printed by the handicapped person's print job. For example, it is possible to notify the number of sheets by voice or to notify by vibration. As a result, it is possible to determine how many sheets from the top of the paper stacked in the paper discharge port are the printed faults, and the convenience can be improved.

<Operation>
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of standby processing according to the fourth embodiment. In step S <b> 41, the information processing apparatus acquires software / hardware information of the currently used application (software) and external apparatus (hardware) and notifies the image forming apparatus 6 of the software / hardware information.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of standby processing according to the fourth embodiment. In step S71, the image forming apparatus 7 executes a print job. In step S72, the printing unit 107 notifies the user of completion of the print job. Specifically, a print completion notification is sent to the information processing apparatus that has sent the print job information, and a message to that effect is displayed on the display screen.

  In step S73, when the completion of the job is notified to the user in step S72, the user is notified of the total number of printed sheets. As a notification method, the number of sheets is read out using a voice, the number of sheets is notified by the number of vibrations, or the number of sheets corresponding to a user's failure is notified.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 7 according to the fourth embodiment, the sheets printed by the handicapped person are stacked on the top of the paper discharge port, and the number of sheets printed by the handicapped person is how many. Notify the user if it has happened. As a result, it is possible to determine how many sheets from the top of the paper stacked in the paper discharge port are printed by the handicapped person, and the convenience can be improved.

[Modification]
In each of the embodiments described above, the software / hardware information is included in the print job information and notified to the image forming apparatus. However, the software / hardware information is notified to the image forming apparatus in advance together with the identification information of the information processing apparatus. May be. The identification information of the information processing apparatus may be an IP address, for example. The image forming apparatus stores software / hardware information in association with identification information of the information processing apparatus.

  As a result, even if software / hardware information is not included in the print job information, the image forming apparatus can identify the software / hardware information received in advance using the IP address of the print job information. The same actions and effects as the example can be achieved.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and other than the above-described modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, various modifications and changes can be made. For example, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may have the configuration described in the second and third embodiments.

  It should be noted that the processing content described in each of the embodiments and modifications may be a program for causing a computer to execute, and the above-described processing may be realized in the image forming apparatus by causing the computer to execute the program. It is also possible to record the program on a recording medium and cause the computer to read the recording medium on which the program is recorded, thereby causing the image forming apparatus to perform the processing described above.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the information processing apparatus in this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the reception process of the software / hardware information added to the print job information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of print job information. The figure which shows an example of the table which memorize | stores failure information. The figure which shows an example of the table which memorize | stores operation information. The flowchart which shows an example of the setting process of operation information. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. The flow conceptual diagram which shows an example of the process which makes a user confirm operation | movement information. The figure which shows an example of the table in which exclusion information is memorize | stored. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example in which a user newly registers a correspondence between software / hardware information and failure information. The flowchart of the example in which the user newly adds the operation information suitable for each failure information. The figure which shows an example of the corresponding | compatible table stored in a failure information storage means. The figure which shows an example of the corresponding | compatible table stored in an operation | movement information storage means. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of standby processing according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of interrupt processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of standby processing according to the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 5, 6, 7 Image forming apparatuses 2, 3, 4 Information processing apparatus 11 Image memory 12 Non-volatile memory 13 Discharge port loading detection sensor 14 External storage device I / F
15 Storage medium 16 LAN
17 Network I / F
18 Control means 19 Plotter 21 Printer driver 22 Control means 23 Printer spooler 24 External storage device I / F
25 Network I / F
26 Input means 27 Display means 101 Communication means 102 Acceptance means 103 Fault information storage means 104 Operation information storage means 105 Fault information acquisition means 106 Operation information acquisition means 107 Printing means 301 Transmission / reception means 302 Exclusive information storage means 303 Additional correction means 401 Detection means 402 Interrupting means 403 First waiting means 404 Second waiting means 501 Notifying means

Claims (8)

Fault information storage means for storing fault information indicating fault contents associated with software / hardware information which is software and / or hardware identification information used in the information processing apparatus;
Operation information storage means for storing operation information indicating operation contents in the printing process associated with the failure information;
Receiving means for receiving software / hardware information used in an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus;
Fault information acquisition means for acquiring fault information corresponding to the software / hardware information received by the reception means from the fault information storage means;
Operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information corresponding to the failure information acquired by the failure information acquisition means from the operation information storage means;
A printing unit configured to perform printing by setting the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit ;
Detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge port;
When the failure information is acquired by the failure information acquisition unit, a first standby for waiting for the printing process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information until the detection unit detects that there is no sheet at the paper discharge port. Means,
A second standby unit that waits for the next print process until the detection unit detects that there is no sheet at the discharge port when the print process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information is performed;
When the standby time by the first standby unit exceeds a predetermined time, when there is a print process based on operation information other than the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit in the standby print process, An image forming apparatus comprising: an interrupt unit that interrupts a printing process and causes printing . Transmission means for transmitting the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition means to the information processing apparatus;
Receiving means for receiving the operation information selected by the user among the operation information transmitted by the transmitting means,
The printing means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation information is received by the receiving unit, printing is performed by setting the received operation information. Exclusive information storage means for storing exclusive information in which priority information indicating priority is associated with operation information included in a combination that cannot be executed at the same time or is meaningless even if executed simultaneously in the operation information. Prepared,
The printing means includes
2. If there is operation information included in the combination of exclusive information among the operation information to be set, printing is performed with the operation information included in the combination being set to the operation information having the higher priority. Or the image forming apparatus of 2.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an additional correction unit that newly adds and / or corrects a relationship between software / hardware information stored in the failure information storage unit and the failure information. 5. The additional correction means further includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a relationship between failure information stored in the operation information storage unit and operation information is newly added and / or corrected.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the failure information stored in the failure information storage unit includes level information indicating a failure level. If the print processing based on the operation information corresponding to the previous SL failure information is performed, according to claims 1 to 6 any one comprising a notification means to notify the number of sheets that have been printed in the printing process to the user Image forming apparatus. Fault information storage means for storing fault information indicating fault contents associated with software / hardware information that is software and / or hardware identification information used in the information processing apparatus, and print processing associated with the fault information An operation information storage unit that stores operation information indicating the operation content of the image forming method,
A receiving step for receiving software / hardware information used in an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus;
Fault information acquisition step for acquiring fault information corresponding to the software / hardware information received by the reception step from the fault information storage means;
An operation information acquisition step of acquiring operation information corresponding to the failure information acquired by the failure information acquisition step from the operation information storage means;
A printing step for performing printing by setting the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition step ;
A detection step for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge port;
When the failure information is acquired by the failure information acquisition step, the first standby for waiting the printing process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information until the detection step detects that there is no sheet at the paper discharge port. Steps,
A second standby step of waiting for the next print process until it is detected by the detection step that there is no paper at the discharge port when the print process based on the operation information corresponding to the failure information is performed;
When the standby time in the first standby step exceeds a predetermined time, when there is print processing based on operation information other than the operation information acquired in the operation information acquisition step in the standby print processing, An image forming method comprising: an interrupt step for interrupting a printing process and causing printing .

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