JP5811724B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  The printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to secure resources necessary for executing a reserved print job by prohibiting the use of paper set in a predetermined paper feed cassette.

JP 2008-22214A

  However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a user other than the user who sets the paper in the paper feed cassette reserves the print without permission and performs printing using the paper set in the paper feed cassette. There was a problem that it might be executed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of restricting the use of a recording medium by a user other than the user who has set the recording medium on a placement unit. And

In order to achieve this object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention performs printing in accordance with an input print instruction, and detects a change in a placement unit on which a recording medium is set; and the detection unit When the change of the placement unit is detected by the above, the receiving means for receiving the identification information for identifying the user and the user identification information different from the user identified by the identification information received by the receiving means When a print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is input, the printing apparatus includes a restriction unit that restricts printing according to the print instruction , and the reception unit detects the change of the placement unit by the detection unit, In addition to the identification information, printing is performed in accordance with a printing instruction corresponding to the identification information, and accepts an input of a reservation condition for executing printing using the recording medium of the above-described placement unit There, the restriction means, when said print instruction corresponding to a different user identification information is input, according to the reservation condition received by said receiving means, for limiting the printing follow the print instruction.

  The present invention can be configured in various modes such as a printing method, a control device that controls the printing apparatus, a control program that controls the printing apparatus, and a recording medium that records the program.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed in this specification, when a change in the placement unit is detected, input of identification information for identifying a user is received, and different user identification that is identification information of a user different from the user When a print instruction corresponding to the information is input, printing according to the print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is restricted. Therefore, there is an effect that the use of the recording medium by other users other than the user who sets the recording medium on the placement unit can be restricted.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed in the present specification, printing according to the printing instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is restricted based on the reservation condition, so that printing according to the printing instruction from another user can be appropriately restricted. effective.

According to the printing device disclosed in this specification, when the detection unit detects the opening of the paper feed tray, the input of the identification information and the reservation condition is accepted, so that the user who opened the paper feed tray is identified. There is an effect that information and reservation conditions can be input.

According to the printing device disclosed herein, if the number of the recording medium printed in accordance with the print instruction corresponding to the identification information accepted by the receiving with means, equal to or greater than the number indicated by the booking conditions, by limiting means Since the restriction is released, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress troubles for other users.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed herein, rest required number of sheets, the condition that less than the number to a recording medium set in the mounting portion, the printing job in accordance print instruction corresponding to a different user identification information Since it is permitted, there is an effect that it is possible to permit printing to other users while securing the number of sheets required by the user who has set the recording medium on the loading unit.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed herein, when the printing instruction corresponding to a different user identification information in the restriction by restriction means is input, the printing on one recording medium in accordance with the print instruction execution Each time, it is determined whether the remaining required number is less than the number acquired by the placement number acquisition means, and it is determined that the remaining required number is less than the number acquired by the placement number acquisition means. As a condition, printing is executed in accordance with a print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information, so that there is an effect that as many sheets as possible can be permitted to other users.

According to the printing device disclosed herein, if置枚number acquiring means rest required number the mounting is not determined to be less than the acquired number, the printing job in accordance printing instruction corresponding to a different user identification information is canceled Therefore, there is an effect that the recording medium can be secured for the user who has set the recording medium on the placement unit.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed in the present specification, since the input of the number of recording media added to the placement unit is received, a configuration for automatically detecting the number of recording media set in the placement unit is provided. Even if it is not, there is an effect that it is possible to appropriately determine the number of recording media set in the loading unit.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed in the present specification, when the input of the number of recording media added to the placement unit is not accepted, printing according to the print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is stopped. Even if the user neglects to input the number of recording media added to the placement section, there is an effect that a recording medium can be secured for the user.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed herein, when the elapsed time from the start of the restriction by restriction means is determined to be less time indicated booking conditions, printing instruction corresponding to different user identification information Therefore, printing can be preferentially used by the user during the time indicated by the reservation condition.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed herein, among the multiple mounting portion, the mounting portion a change is detected, the use of the recording medium by other users is limited, each mounting portion There is an effect that printing can be restricted.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed herein, in a limited by limit means, if the opening of the paper feed tray is detected, the restriction is canceled, that for the user, opens the paper feed tray There is an effect that the restriction can be released by simple work.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed herein, from the start limited by limit means, until the elapsed time indicated by the reservation condition, printing is canceled according print instruction corresponding to a different user identification information Therefore, there is an effect that the user can preferentially use the placement unit on which the recording medium is set within the time indicated by the reservation condition.

According to the printing apparatus disclosed herein, in a case of receiving a print instruction from an external device, that whether the print instruction from the user who set the placement portion recording medium can be appropriately determined effective.

According to the printing device disclosed herein, the identity of the user who entered the print instruction, there is an effect that can be input to the user himself who inputs a print instruction.

1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st paper feed tray management table. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a paper feed lock process executed in the MFP. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the paper feed information input screen displayed on LCD of MFP, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the reservation condition input screen displayed on LCD of MFP. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print job reception process executed in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing another user print processing executed in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print restriction release process executed in the MFP. 3 is a flowchart showing a copy process executed in the MFP.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 10 which is an embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention. The MFP 10 is a multifunction device having various functions such as a printer function, a copy function, and a scan function, and is connected to a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 50 via a LAN 60 so as to be communicable. In particular, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment performs printing in accordance with an input print instruction, and can restrict use of the recording paper by other users than the user (paper feeding user) who sets the recording paper in the paper feeding tray. It is configured as follows. Details will be described below.

  The MFP 10 mainly includes a CPU 11, a flash memory 12, a RAM 13, an operation key 14, an LCD 15, a printer 16, a scanner 17, and a LAN interface (LAN I / F) 18, which are connected to each other via a bus line 19. .

  The CPU 11 controls functions of the MFP 10 and each unit connected to the bus line 19 according to fixed values and programs stored in the flash memory 12 and data stored in the RAM 13. The flash memory 12 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores a control program for controlling the operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 11 executes a paper feed lock process (FIG. 3), a print job reception process (FIG. 5), a print restriction release process (FIG. 7), and a copy process (FIG. 8) described later according to this control program. The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory, and is provided with a first paper feed tray management table 13a and a second paper feed tray management table 13b. The configuration of the management tables 13a and 13b will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The operation key 14 is a hard key, and inputs various information and instructions to the MFP 10. The LCD 15 is a liquid crystal display device. Although not shown, a touch panel is provided on the display surface of the LCD 15. The printer 16 is a device that prints an image on recording paper. The printer 16 is provided with a first paper feed tray open / close sensor 16a that detects a change in the first paper feed tray DT1, and a second paper feed tray open / close sensor 16b that detects a change in the second paper feed tray DT2.

  In the MFP 10 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that each paper feed tray can be pulled out from the MFP 10. The user pulls out one of the paper feed trays from the MFP 10 and sets the recording paper in the tray, and then attaches the paper feed tray that has been pulled out to a predetermined position. Pulling out the paper feed tray mounted at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 is hereinafter referred to as opening the paper feed tray. Further, mounting the paper feed tray at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 is hereinafter referred to as closing the paper feed tray. Each open / close sensor 16a, 16b detects the change when the paper feed tray to be detected is opened or closed, and outputs the detection result to the CPU 11.

  The scanner 17 is a device that reads an original and generates image data of the read original. The LAN I / F 18 is an interface for communicably connecting the MFP 10 and other devices via the LAN 60.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of data stored in the first paper feed tray management table 13a. The first paper feed tray management table 13a is a table that stores reservation conditions received for the first paper feed tray DT1, and includes a print restriction flag 30, paper feed information 31, and reservation condition information 32. The second paper feed tray management table 13b stores the print restriction flag 30, the paper feed information 31, and the reservation condition information 32 as well as the first paper feed tray management table 13a.

  The print restriction flag 30 is a flag indicating whether printing is being restricted. Specifically, the state where the print restriction flag 30 of the first paper feed tray management table 13a is set to ON is the print restriction of the first paper feed tray DT1. Similarly, the state where the print restriction flag 30 of the second paper feed tray management table 13b is set to ON is the print restriction of the second paper feed tray DT2.

  The paper feed information 31 includes a paper feed user name U, a paper feed number K, and a remaining paper feed number N. The paper feed user name U is information for identifying the paper feed user who has set the recording paper in the first paper feed tray DT1. The number of fed sheets K indicates the number of recording sheets added by the sheet feeding user to the sheet feeding tray. The paper feed user name U and the paper feed number K are input by the paper feed user himself / herself on a paper feed information input screen (FIG. 4A) to be described later.

  The remaining paper feed number N indicates the remaining number obtained by removing the number of recording sheets used for printing after the start of printing restriction from the paper feed number K. When the sheet feeding user tries to add K sheets of recording sheets to the sheet feeding tray and α recording sheets are already set in the sheet feeding tray, the total (K + α ) Printing restriction is started from the state in which the recording paper is set. Therefore, the remaining sheet feeding number N is a value indicating that there is at least the remaining sheet feeding number N in the sheet feeding tray, and is not necessarily the number of recording sheets set in the sheet feeding tray. It is not exactly shown.

  The reservation condition information 32 is information according to a print instruction corresponding to the paper feed user name U, and indicates reservation conditions for executing printing using the recording paper of the first paper feed tray DT1. The number of sheets Y and the reservation valid time T are included. Based on the reservation condition information 32, the MFP 10 restricts printing in accordance with a print instruction from a user other than the paper feed user. Details of the print restriction based on the reservation condition information 32 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the paper feed lock process executed by the MFP 10. This process is a process of accepting the input of the user name of the paper feed user and the reservation condition, and starts printing restriction. Changes in the first paper feed tray DT1 or the second paper feed tray DT2 by the open / close sensors 16a and 16b. It is executed when is detected.

  First, the CPU 11 specifies an open paper feed tray (hereinafter referred to as an open paper feed tray) based on detection results of the first paper feed tray open / close sensor 16a and the second paper feed tray open / close sensor 16b (S301). ). Next, the CPU 11 clears the management table corresponding to the open paper feed tray out of the first paper feed tray management table 13a and the second paper feed tray management table 13b (S302). Then, the CPU 11 displays a paper feed information input screen on the LCD 15 (S303).

  FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a paper feed information input screen. The paper feed information input screen includes a paper feed user name input area NE1, a paper feed number input area NE2, and an OK button BT. The paper feed user name U for identifying the paper feed user and the open paper feed tray are displayed. The input of the number of recording sheets added (sheet feeding number K) is received from the operation key 14 or a touch panel (not shown). On this screen, the input of the paper feed user name U is essential, and the input of the number of paper feed K is optional. When the input of necessary information is completed, the paper feed user presses an OK button BT to confirm the paper feed information.

  Returning to FIG. The CPU 11 stores the paper feed information 31 including the paper feed user name U and the paper feed number K input on the paper feed information input screen in the management table corresponding to the open paper feed tray (S304). That is, the paper feed information 31 is stored in association with the paper feed tray whose change is detected by the open / close sensors 16a and 16b among the plurality of paper feed trays. Note that when the sheet feed number K is input on the sheet feed information input screen (S305: Yes), the sheet feed number K is set as the remaining sheet feed number N of the sheet feed information 31 stored this time (S306). . On the other hand, when the number of fed sheets K has not been input on the sheet feed information input screen (S305: No), the process of S306 is skipped. Next, the CPU 11 displays a reservation condition input screen on the LCD 15 to receive an input of reservation conditions (S307).

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation condition input screen. The reservation condition input screen includes a reservation number input area NE3, a reservation valid time input area NE4, and an OK button BT, and accepts a reservation number Y and a reservation valid time T as reservation conditions. On this reservation condition input screen, the input of the reservation number Y is essential, and the input of the reservation valid time T is optional. The sheet feeding user inputs necessary information on this screen and then presses an OK button BT to confirm the reservation condition.

  Returning to FIG. The CPU 11 generates the reservation condition information 32 including the reservation number Y and the reservation effective time T input on the reservation condition input screen, and stores them in the management table corresponding to the open paper feed tray (S308). When the opening of the open paper feed tray is continued (S309: No), the CPU 11 does not proceed to the next step.

  When the open paper feed tray is closed (S309: Yes), the CPU 11 next determines whether there is an input defect on the paper feed information input screen or the reservation condition input screen. If there is an input defect (S310: Yes), the CPU 11 clears the management table corresponding to the open paper feed tray (S312), and ends this process. Specific examples of incomplete input include a case where the paper feed user name U is not entered on the paper feed information input screen and a case where the reserved number Y is not entered on the reservation condition input screen.

  On the other hand, if there is no input defect (S310: No), the CPU 11 sets the print restriction flag 30 of the management table corresponding to the open paper feed tray to ON (S311). As a result, printing restriction is started for the open paper feed tray. If the reservation valid time T is input on the reservation condition input screen (S313: Yes), the CPU 11 sets the reservation valid time T in the timer, starts its countdown (S314), and ends this process. . On the other hand, when the reservation valid time T is not input on the reservation condition input screen (S313: No), the CPU 11 ends this process without setting a timer.

  According to the paper feed lock process, when the opening of the first paper feed tray DT1 or the second paper feed tray DT2 is detected by the open / close sensors 16a and 16b, the input of the paper feed user name U and the reservation condition is accepted. Therefore, the user who has set the recording paper in the paper feed tray can input the paper feed user name U and the reservation condition. Therefore, the user who has set the recording paper in the paper feed tray returns to his / her seat and inputs a print instruction from his / her own PC 50, so that other users can reserve printing or execute printing without permission. In other words, it is possible to prevent the recording paper set by the paper feeding user from being used.

  Further, according to the paper feed lock process, when the first paper feed tray DT1 or the second paper feed tray DT2 is opened, the management table corresponding to the opened paper feed tray is cleared (S302). . In other words, when the opening / closing sensors 16a and 16b detect the opening of the paper feed tray under print restriction, the print restriction for the paper feed tray is released. Therefore, for the user, the print restriction can be removed by a simple operation of opening the paper feed tray on which the print restriction is applied. Also, when a user opens a paper feed tray that is subject to printing restrictions and adds new recording paper, the user is entered as a new paper feed user and the paper feed user name U and reservation conditions are input. Can be made.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print job reception process executed by the MFP 10. This process executes printing when a printing instruction is input from a paper feeding user, and when a printing instruction corresponding to a user name of a user different from the paper feeding user is input, printing according to the printing instruction is performed. This is a process of limiting under predetermined conditions. This process is started when a print instruction is received from the PC 50.

  First, the CPU 11 receives (acquires) print data, print setting information, and a user name from the PC 50 (S501). Hereinafter, the user name acquired in S501 is referred to as a print instruction user name. Specifically, the print instruction user name is the PC name of the PC 50 that is the transmission source of the print instruction, and is information for identifying the user who has input the print instruction.

  Next, the CPU 11 specifies a paper feed tray (designated paper feed tray) designated by the print setting information (S502). That is, when printing according to the print instruction received this time is executed, a paper feed tray to be used is specified.

  If there is no paper feed tray with the print restriction flag 30 turned on (S503: No), the CPU 11 prints print data using the recording paper in the designated paper feed tray (S505), and ends this process. If there is a paper feed tray with the print restriction flag 30 turned on (S503: Yes), but the designated paper feed tray is not a paper feed tray that is under print restriction (S504: No), the CPU 11 designates the designated paper feed tray. Print data is printed using this recording paper (S505), and this processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the designated paper feed tray is a paper feed tray that is under print restriction (S504: Yes), the CPU 11 matches the print instruction user name with the paper feed user name U in the management table corresponding to the designated paper feed tray. It is determined whether or not to perform (S506). That is, it is determined whether or not the user who has input the current print instruction matches the paper feed user of the designated paper feed tray.

  If the print instruction user name and the paper feed user name U match (S506: Yes), the CPU 11 executes printing for one sheet of recording paper using the recording paper in the designated paper feed tray under print restriction. (S507). Next, the CPU 11 subtracts 1 from each of the reserved sheet number Y and the remaining sheet number N set in the management table corresponding to the designated sheet feed tray (S508). That is, the reserved number Y indicating the number of recording sheets to be secured for the sheet feeding user and the remaining sheet number N corresponding to the number of recording sheets currently set in the sheet feeding tray are updated.

  Then, while the printing of the current print data is not completed (S509: No), the CPU 11 returns to the process of S507 and repeats printing on the recording paper. On the other hand, when printing of the current print data is completed (S509: Yes) and the reserved number Y of the management table corresponding to the designated paper feed tray is 0 or less (S510: Yes), the CPU 11 performs the designated paper feed tray. Is cleared (S511), and the process is terminated. That is, after the start of printing restriction, if the number of recording sheets printed according to the printing instruction from the paper feeding user is equal to or more than the reserved number Y initially set by the paper feeding user, the printing restriction is released. . In this way, it is possible to prevent one sheet feeding user from occupying the sheet feeding tray, and to suppress troubles for other users.

  On the other hand, after the printing is finished (S509: Yes), when the reserved number Y in the management table corresponding to the designated paper feed tray is larger than 0 (S510: No), the CPU 11 ends this process by skipping S511. To do. In this case, printing restrictions are continued.

  If it is determined that the print instruction user name does not match the paper feed user name U (S506: No), the CPU 11 executes another user print process (S512) and follows the print instruction input this time. Restrict printing. The other user printing process (S512) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  According to the print job reception process, when the designated paper feed tray is under print restriction (S504: Yes), and it is determined that a print instruction is input from a user other than the paper feed user. (S506: No) Since printing is restricted, printing can be restricted appropriately for each paper feed tray. Further, based on the print instruction user name received from the PC 50, it is possible to distinguish the paper feeding user from other users and appropriately restrict printing.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another user print processing executed by the MFP 10. This process is a process for restricting printing in accordance with the print instruction based on the reservation condition information stored in the management table when a print instruction is input from a user other than the paper feed user.

  In this embodiment, “restrict printing” means that printing is stopped and printing is performed in accordance with a print instruction from another user only within a range in which the number of recording sheets necessary for the paper feeding user can be secured. Means to allow.

  First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the timer time is greater than 0 (S600). If the reservation valid time T is not set as the reservation condition, or if the reservation valid time T or more has elapsed since the start of printing restriction for the designated paper feed tray, the determination in S600 is negative. In this case (S600: No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the number of fed sheets K is set in the management table corresponding to the designated sheet feeding tray (S601).

  In the present embodiment, when the number of paper sheets K is set (S601: Yes), in this embodiment, only when the reserved number Y set in the management table is smaller than the remaining paper sheet number N, a print instruction from another user is issued. Allow printing according to. As described above, after printing is started, every time printing is performed on one sheet of recording paper based on an instruction from the paper feeding user, 1 is subtracted from the reserved number Y (S508 in FIG. 5). Therefore, the reserved number Y set in the management table is a value obtained by subtracting the number of recording sheets printed in accordance with the print instruction from the paper feed user after starting the print restriction from the reserved number Y initially accepted as the reservation condition. Correspondingly, the remaining required number of sheets to be secured for the sheet feeding user is shown.

  On the other hand, for the remaining sheet supply number N, the sheet supply number K, which is the number of recording sheets added by the sheet supply user, is set as an initial value, and thereafter each time printing is performed on one sheet of recording sheet, the remaining sheet supply One is subtracted from the number N of sheets (S508 in FIG. 5). Therefore, the remaining paper feed number N corresponds to a value obtained by subtracting the number of recording papers printed after the start of printing restriction from the paper feed number K, and is equal to the number of recording papers currently set in the designated paper feed tray. It corresponds.

  Therefore, by comparing the reserved number Y with the remaining sheet number N, it can be determined whether or not the remaining necessary number is less than the number of recording sheets currently set in the designated sheet feed tray.

  Specifically, the CPU 11 acquires the reserved number Y and the remaining sheet number N from the management table corresponding to the designated sheet tray (S602). If the reserved number Y is less than the remaining sheet supply number N (S603: Yes), that is, if the remaining required number is smaller than the number of recording sheets currently set in the designated sheet supply tray, the CPU 11 performs printing. Printing is performed on one sheet of recording paper using the recording paper of the specified designated paper feed tray (S604). Then, the CPU 11 subtracts 1 from the remaining sheet number N set in the management table corresponding to the designated sheet feed tray (S605).

  If the printing of the current print data is not completed (S606: No), the CPU 11 returns to the process of S602 and repeats printing on the recording paper. That is, each time printing is performed on one recording sheet, it is determined whether the remaining required number is smaller than the number of recording sheets set in the designated paper feed tray (S603), and this determination is affirmed. Printing is repeated (S603: Yes).

  When it is determined that the reserved sheet number Y is equal to or greater than the remaining sheet number N while the processing is repeated in this manner, that is, when the remaining necessary sheet number is less than the number of recording sheets set in the designated sheet feed tray. When the determination is not made (S603: No), the CPU 11 stops printing in accordance with a print instruction from another user (S607). Therefore, it is possible to secure recording sheets for the reserved number Y for the paper feeding user.

  In step S607, printing is canceled by discarding the current print data. This is for avoiding that the print data input from the paper feed user cannot be received by continuing to hold the print data received from other users.

  Next, the CPU 11 displays on the LCD 15 that the designated paper feed tray is under print restriction and that the recording paper in the designated paper feed tray is insufficient (S608). Next, the CPU 11 notifies the PC that the designated paper feed tray is under printing restriction and that the recording paper of the designated paper feed tray is insufficient (S609), and notifies this processing.

  Note that if the printing of the current print data is completed without the determination of S603 being denied (S606: Yes), the CPU 11 ends this process. That is, even for a print instruction from another user, printing for all pages is executed, and the process is terminated.

  Next, a case where the number of fed sheets K is not set in the management table corresponding to the designated sheet feeding tray will be described. In this case (S601: No), that is, when the input of the number of fed sheets K is not accepted on the sheet feed information input screen (FIG. 4A), the determination of the magnitude relationship between the remaining number of fed sheets N and the reserved number Y is made. The printing according to the printing instruction from the other user is stopped without performing (S610). Then, the CPU 11 displays on the LCD 15 that the designated paper feed tray is under print restriction (S611), notifies the PC that the designated paper feed tray is under print restriction (S612), and ends this processing. . In this way, even when the paper feed user neglects to input the number of paper feed K, recording paper can be secured for the paper feed user.

  When the timer time is greater than 0, that is, when the reservation effective time T is input as the reservation condition, and the elapsed time since the start of the print restriction for the designated paper feed tray is equal to or less than the reservation effective time T (S600: Yes), the CPU 11 does not make a determination of the remaining sheet quantity N and the reserved sheet number Y, and stops printing in accordance with a print instruction from another user (S610). In this way, within the reserved effective time T, the paper feed user can preferentially use the paper feed tray on which recording paper is set by the paper feed user.

  According to the other user printing process, it is possible to appropriately limit the use of the recording paper by other users than the paper feeding user based on the reservation condition. For example, printing in accordance with a print instruction from another user on condition that the remaining required number (reserved number Y) is smaller than the number of recording sheets currently set in the designated paper feed tray (remaining paper feed number N). Therefore, printing can be permitted to other users while securing the number of sheets required by the paper feeding user.

  Each time printing is performed on one sheet of recording paper, it is determined whether the reserved number Y is smaller than the remaining paper supply number N, and the like until the reserved number Y becomes equal to or more than the remaining paper supply number N. Since printing according to the printing instruction from the user is executed, it is possible to allow other users to print as many sheets as possible.

  Further, when the paper feed tray is opened, the paper feed user inputs a paper feed number K on the paper feed information input screen, and based on this, the number of recording sheets currently set in the designated paper feed tray (remaining paper feed) Since the number of recording sheets N) is counted (obtained), the number of recording sheets set in the sheet feeding tray can be calculated even if a configuration for automatically detecting the number of recording sheets set in the sheet feeding tray is not provided. Judge properly.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a print restriction release process executed by the MFP 10. This process is a process for canceling the print restriction on condition that the reservation valid time T has elapsed since the start of the print restriction. This process is an interrupt process executed periodically (for example, every second).

  First, the CPU 11 specifies one of the first paper feed tray DT1 and the second paper feed tray DT2 (S701). If the print restriction flag 30 is not set to ON for the identified paper feed tray (S702: No), the CPU 11 proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if the print restriction flag 30 is set to ON for the specified paper feed tray (S702: Yes) and the reservation valid time T is not set for the specified paper feed tray (S703: No), the CPU 11 , The process proceeds to S707.

  On the other hand, if the reserved valid time T is set for the specified paper feed tray (S703: Yes), and the value of the timer counted down from the start of printing restriction for the specified paper feed tray is greater than 0 (S704: No), the CPU 11 proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if the value of the timer is 0 or less (S704: Yes) and the specified paper feed tray is being used for printing in accordance with a print instruction from the paper feed user (S705: Yes), the CPU 11 Shifts to S707.

  On the other hand, when the timer value is 0 or less (S704: Yes) and the specified paper feed tray is not used for printing by the paper feed user (S705: No), the CPU 11 sets the specified paper feed tray to the specified paper feed tray. The corresponding management table is cleared (S706). If there is a sheet feeding tray that has not been specified yet (S707: No), the CPU 11 returns to the processing of S701, specifies an unspecified sheet feeding tray, and repeats the processing. On the other hand, when all the paper feed trays have been identified (S707: Yes), the CPU 11 ends this process.

  According to the print restriction release process, when the reservation valid period T has elapsed since the start of the print restriction, the print restriction of the paper feed tray in which the reservation valid period T is set can be released. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sheet feeding user from occupying the sheet feeding tray for a long time, and to suppress troubles for other users.

  The above-described print restriction is applied not only when print data is received from the PC 50 but also when a document copy instruction is input in the MFP 10. Next, printing restrictions when a document is copied will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a copy process executed by the MFP 10. This process is a process of restricting printing based on a copy instruction when a copy instruction is input from a user other than the paper feed user, and is executed when a copy instruction is input from the operation key 14 of the MFP 10. Is done. Note that the user who inputs the copy instruction can use either the first paper feed tray DT1 or the second paper feed tray DT2 as the paper feed tray (designated feed) to be used for the current copy before the start of the copy process. Assume that the paper tray is set. Of the steps included in the copy process (FIG. 8), the same steps as those included in the print job reception process (FIG. 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  First, the CPU 11 causes the scanner 17 to read a document to generate image data of the document, and generates print data corresponding to the image data (S801). Then, the CPU 11 specifies a designated paper feed tray preset by the user (S802).

  Next, when the designated paper feed tray is not under print restriction (S504: No), the CPU 11 prints print data using the recording paper in the designated paper feed tray (S505), and ends this processing. That is, if there is no paper feed tray for which printing is restricted, execution of copying is permitted.

  On the other hand, when the designated paper feed tray is under printing restriction (S504: Yes), the CPU 11 displays a user name input screen on the LCD 15 (S803). Although not shown, the user name input screen displayed here is a screen for requesting input of the user name (print instruction user name) of the user who has input the copy instruction. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user who has input the copy instruction inputs the PC name set in the PC 50 used mainly by the user as the user name on the user name input screen.

  Next, the CPU 11 acquires the print instruction user name input from the user name input screen (S804). If the print instruction user name matches the paper feed user name U set in the management table corresponding to the designated paper feed tray (S506: Yes), the CPU 11 executes printing based on the print data (S507). ). That is, a copy is executed based on a copy instruction input from a paper feed user. Each time printing is performed on one sheet of recording paper, 1 is subtracted from the reserved number Y and the remaining number of sheets N (S508).

  If the print instruction user name and the paper feed user name U do not match (S506: No), the CPU 11 executes another user print process (S512) and ends this process. That is, execution of printing based on a copy instruction input from a user other than the paper feeding user is restricted.

  According to the copy process, when a copy instruction is input, a user name input screen is displayed, and by requesting the user name to be input (S803), the user who has input the copy instruction himself / herself (print instruction) User name). Then, based on the input print instruction user name, it can be appropriately determined whether or not printing should be restricted.

  In the above embodiment, the MFP 10 is an example of a printing apparatus. The first paper feed tray and the second paper feed tray are examples of the placement unit. The first paper feed tray open / close sensor 16a and the second paper feed tray open / close sensor 16b are examples of detection means. The paper feed user name U is an example of identification information. A print instruction user name different from the paper feed user name U is an example of different user identification information. The print instruction and the copy instruction are examples of the print instruction. The reservation number Y and the reservation effective time T input on the reservation condition input screen are examples of the reservation condition. The reserved number Y stored in the management table is an example of the remaining required number. The number of fed sheets K is an example of the number of recording media added to the loading unit. The remaining sheet number N is an example of the number of sheets related to the recording medium set on the loading unit. The management tables 13a and 13b are an example of a storage unit. The PC 50 is an example of an external device. The LAN I / F 18 is an example of a receiving unit.

  The CPU 11 that executes S303 and S307 is an example of a reception unit. The CPU 11 that executes S512 is an example of a limiting unit. CPU11 which performs S511 is an example of the 1st cancellation means. The CPU 11 that executes S602 is an example of a placement number acquisition unit. The CPU 11 that executes S604 is an example of a permission unit. The CPU 11 that executes S603 is an example of the number determination unit. The CPU 11 that executes S607 is an example of a first cancellation unit. The CPU 11 that executes S303 is an example of an additional number acceptance unit. The CPU 11 that executes S610 is an example of a second cancellation unit and a third cancellation unit. CPU11 which performs S600 is an example of a time judgment means. The CPU 11 that executes S302 is an example of a second release unit. CPU11 which performs S501 is an example of an identification information acquisition means. The CPU 11 that executes S803 is an example of an input request unit.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, the specific numerical values given in the above embodiment are examples, and other numerical values can be adopted. For example, the number of paper feed trays of the MFP 10 may be one or three or more.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sheet feeding user inputs the sheet feeding number K, and based on this, the number of recording sheets currently set in the sheet feeding tray (remaining sheet feeding number N) is counted (acquired). It was. Instead of this, when a sensor for automatically detecting the number of recording sheets set in the paper feed tray is provided, the number detected by the sensor may be acquired as the remaining paper feed number N. . In this case, it is not necessary to input the number of fed sheets K by the sheet feeding user.

  In the above-described embodiment, the paper feed tray that can be opened and closed with respect to the MFP 10 is an example of the placement unit. However, the placement unit may be fixed. In this case, for example, a sensor for detecting the weight of the recording paper placed on the placement unit is provided, and when the amount of change in the weight detected by the sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the paper feed user name U or the like May be accepted and printing restriction may be started.

  In the above embodiment, the paper feeding user name U is exemplified as an example of identification information for identifying a paper feeding user. However, the identification information is information that can identify each user who may use the MFP 10. For example, other information such as an IP address assigned to the PC 50 mainly used by the paper feeding user may be used.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that print data is discarded when execution of printing according to a print instruction from another user is stopped. However, the print data related to the print restriction may be stored without being discarded, and the print data may be printed when the print restriction of the designated paper feed tray is released.

  In addition, when printing out of recording paper occurs in another paper feed tray while printing using recording paper in one of the paper feed trays, a message is displayed on the LCD 15 that there is a paper feed tray in print restriction. May be. In this way, it is possible to call attention so as not to take out the recording paper from the paper feed tray under print restriction.

  Further, the above embodiment is modified so that the remaining time until the print restriction is released and the remaining required number (the reserved number Y stored in the management table) are displayed on the PC 50 of the paper feeding user or the LCD 15 of the MFP 10. Also good. In this way, the paper feed user and other users can check the current status of printing restrictions. In the above embodiment, the reservation effective time Y is set as a timer and the timer time is counted down. However, the reservation effective time Y set in the management table may be counted down. In this case, the reservation effective time T currently set in the management table may be displayed on the PC 50 of the paper feeding user or the LCD 15 of the MFP 10.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the remaining number of sheets N is equal to or less than the reserved number Y during execution of printing in accordance with a printing instruction from another user, printing is stopped halfway. However, even if the printing of all pages in accordance with the print instruction from another user is executed, if the remaining required number of sheets for the paper feeding user can be secured, the printing of all the pages is executed. If printing of all pages according to the print instruction is executed and the remaining required number of sheets for the paper feed user cannot be secured, printing may be stopped without printing one page.

  Further, when the MFP 10 of the above embodiment is provided with a media card slot, printing of data in an external medium inserted into the slot may be similarly restricted. Specifically, as in the copy process (FIG. 8), when printing of data in the external medium is instructed, the user is requested to input identification information, and the identification information acquired based on the request However, if it does not match the identification information of the paper feeding user, printing should be restricted.

  In the above embodiment, the reservation number Y is required to be input among the reservation conditions, and the reservation valid time T is input arbitrarily. Instead, both inputs may be required, or only the reservation valid time T may be input.

  For example, if the reservation effective time T is received and the reservation sheet number Y is not received, the printing according to the print instruction from another user is stopped from the start of the print restriction until the reservation effective time T elapses. In this way, during the reserved effective time T, only the user can use the paper feed tray on which the user has set the recording paper. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a special recording sheet set by a sheet feeding user from being used by another user.

  Further, the reservation condition does not necessarily have to be input by the paper feeding user himself / herself. For example, the above-described embodiment may be modified so that the print restriction is executed based on the reserved number Y or reserved effective time T stored in advance as a set value in the MFP 10.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 10 is illustrated as an example of the printing apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to a printing apparatus that does not have a scanner function.

  In the above embodiment, the user name and the like are accepted on the condition that the paper feed tray is detected open, and the print restriction is started when the paper feed tray is closed. Then, on the condition that it is closed, a user name or the like may be accepted and printing restriction may be started.

  In the above embodiment, the designated paper feed tray is specified based on the print setting information received from the PC 50 and the settings made by the user who has input the copy instruction. However, if the designated paper feed tray cannot be identified, for example, when the user sets the designation of the paper feed tray as “Auto”, a paper feed tray that is not subject to printing restrictions is identified as the designated paper feed tray. The printing may be executed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the print restriction is applied only to the paper feed tray in which opening / closing is detected. In addition to this, the above-described embodiment may be modified so as to place a print restriction on a paper feed tray on which recording paper of the same size as the paper feed tray whose opening / closing is detected is set. For example, while printing is being restricted for a paper feed tray on which A4 size recording paper is set, printing is also restricted for other paper feed trays on which A4 size recording paper is set. In this way, it is possible to secure a larger number of recording sheets of the size that the paper feed user wants to use.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is a condition that either of the cases where the number of reserved sheets Y is 0 or less or the elapsed time from the start of printing restriction is equal to or longer than the reservation valid time T is satisfied In the above description, the print restriction is canceled. However, the above embodiment may be modified so that the print restriction is released when the reserved number Y is 0 or less and the elapsed time from the start of the print restriction is the reservation effective time T or more.

10 MFP
13a 1st paper feed tray management table 13b 2nd paper feed tray management table 16a 1st paper feed tray open / close sensor 16b 2nd paper feed tray open / close sensor U paper feed user name Y reserved number T reserved valid time

Claims (14)

A printing device that performs printing in accordance with an input print instruction,
Detecting means for detecting a change in the mounting portion on which the recording medium is set;
A receiving unit that receives an input of identification information for identifying a user when a change in the placement unit is detected by the detection unit;
A restriction unit that restricts printing in accordance with the print instruction when a print instruction corresponding to different user identification information that is different from the user identified by the identification information received by the reception unit is input; Prepared ,
The accepting means is
When a change in the placement unit is detected by the detection unit, printing is performed according to a print instruction corresponding to the identification information in addition to the identification information, and printing using the recording medium of the placement unit is executed. For accepting reservation conditions for
The limiting means is
When a print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is input, a printing apparatus that restricts printing according to the print instruction in accordance with the reservation condition received by the receiving unit. The placement unit is configured by a paper feed tray that is opened and closed with respect to the printing apparatus,
The receiving unit, when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected by the detection unit, receives an input of the identification information and the reservation condition, the printing apparatus according to claim 1. The accepting means accepts the number of recording media as the reservation condition,
When the number of recording media printed according to the print instruction corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving unit after the start of the limitation by the limiting unit exceeds the number indicated by the reservation condition, the limitation by the limiting unit is released. comprising a first release means for printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A placement number acquisition means for acquiring the number of sheets related to the recording medium set in the placement section;
The limiting means is
There is a remaining required number obtained by subtracting the number of recording media printed in accordance with the print instruction corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving unit after the restriction unit starts, from the number of recording media received as the reservation condition. The printing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising permission means for permitting printing in accordance with a print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information on condition that the number is less than the number acquired by the set number acquisition means. When a print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is input during the restriction by the restriction means, the remaining required number of sheets is set as described above every time printing is performed on one recording medium according to the print instruction. A number determination means for determining whether the number acquisition means is less than the number acquired,
The permission unit is configured to print one sheet according to a print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information on the condition that the remaining number of required sheets is determined to be smaller than the number acquired by the set number acquisition unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein printing is performed on the recording medium. The limiting means is
If the number determination means does not determine that the remaining required number is less than the number acquired by the set number acquisition means, first stop means for stopping printing according to the print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is provided. The printing apparatus according to claim 5 . When a change in the placement section is detected by the detection means, an additional number receiving means for receiving an input of the number of recording media added to the placement section is provided,
The set number acquisition unit is set in the set unit based on the number received by the additional number receiving unit and the number of recording media on which printing has been performed since the restriction by the restriction unit is started. the printing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 acquires the number of there recording medium. The limiting means is
If the input of the number of recording media added to the placement unit is not accepted by the additional number accepting unit, printing according to the print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is not performed without judging by the number judging unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising second canceling means for canceling. When the reception unit receives the number of recording media and the time as the reservation condition, it determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the restriction by the restriction unit is equal to or less than the time indicated by the reservation condition. With time judging means,
The limiting means is
If it is determined by the time determination means that the elapsed time from the start of the restriction by the restriction means is less than or equal to the time indicated by the reservation condition, the different user identification information is not determined by the number determination means. a third stop means to stop the printing job in accordance printing instruction corresponding to the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 8. A printing device that performs printing in accordance with an input print instruction,
A plurality of placement units;
Detection means for detecting a change in the mounting portion of the recording medium is set,
A receiving unit that receives an input of identification information for identifying a user when a change in the placement unit is detected by the detection unit;
When a print instruction corresponding to different user identification information that is identification information of a user different from the user identified by the identification information received by the reception means is input , restriction means for restricting printing according to the print instruction ;
A storage control unit that stores the identification information received by the receiving unit in a storage unit in association with the mounting unit in which a change is detected by the detection unit among the plurality of mounting units ;
The restriction unit designates a placement unit in which a change is detected by the detection unit, and print instructions corresponding to different user identification information different from the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the placement unit A printing apparatus that restricts printing in accordance with the printing instruction . A printing device that performs printing in accordance with an input print instruction,
A placement unit composed of a paper feed tray that is opened and closed with respect to the printing apparatus;
Detection means for detecting a change in the mounting portion of the recording medium is set,
A receiving unit that receives an input of identification information for identifying a user when a change in the placement unit is detected by the detection unit;
When a print instruction corresponding to different user identification information that is identification information of a user different from the user identified by the identification information received by the reception means is input , restriction means for restricting printing according to the print instruction ;
A printing apparatus comprising: a second release unit that releases the restriction by the restriction unit when the detection unit detects the opening of the paper feed tray during the restriction by the restriction unit. The accepting means accepts time as the reservation condition,
The limiting means is
When time is accepted as the reservation condition by the accepting means, the print instruction corresponding to the different user identification information is followed after the time indicated by the reservation condition elapses after the restriction means starts. to stop printing, printing device according to claim 1 or 2. Receiving means for receiving the print instruction from an external device;
During the restriction by the restriction means, when the print instruction is input by the reception means receiving the print instruction, identification information for identifying a user who has input the print instruction is transmitted from the external device. Identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information to be received,
The limiting means is
The identification the identification information acquired by the information acquisition means, when said reception means is a identification information and discrepancies accepted limits the printing based on the print instruction, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . An input request means for requesting input of identification information for identifying a user when a print instruction is input during the restriction by the restriction means;
The limiting means is
The identification the identification information acquired by the information acquisition means, when said reception means is a identification information and discrepancies accepted limits the printing based on the print instruction, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .

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