JP6264565B2 - Image forming apparatus and job processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that executes printing on a recording medium and a job processing program.

  Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus that executes printing on a recording medium, it is determined whether a user of the image forming apparatus itself is confused based on an image generated by an imaging device, and the user is confused. When it determines, what displays a help guidance is known (for example, refer patent document 1).

  Here, in the conventional image forming apparatus, the user can make the execution priority of the user's own print job higher than at least one of other unfinished jobs. For example, after a user interrupts a job that is being executed by pressing an interrupt copy key, the copy job as the user's own print job is assigned to the image forming apparatus with the highest execution priority. Can be generated. In addition, the user generates a print job of the user himself / herself on the image forming apparatus, and then displays the job list on the image forming apparatus to increase the priority of the user's own print job in the list. be able to.

JP 2002-258682 A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that the priority of execution of a print job of the user cannot be increased unless the user actively performs a specific operation.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and a job processing program that can reduce a user's burden for changing the priority of execution of a print job.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing device that performs printing on a recording medium, an input device that inputs an instruction for generating a print job by the printing device, and an image of a range including a user by photographing. An imaging device to be generated, a job generation unit that generates a job when the instruction is input via the input device, and a priority that determines a priority of execution of a new job generated by the job generation unit Determination means, and user state determination means for determining a user's state based on the image generated by the imaging device, wherein the priority determination means is in a state determined by the user state determination means. Based on this, the priority of execution of the new job is determined.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention determines the state of the user based on the image generated by the imaging device, and determines a new print job, that is, the state based on the determined state of the user. Therefore, even if a specific operation for changing the priority is not actively executed by the user, the user's print job execution priority is determined. The priority can be increased. Therefore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can reduce the burden on the user for changing the priority of execution of a print job.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the priority determination unit may determine the priority of execution of the new job when the user state determination unit determines that the user is in a hurry state. It may be higher than at least one of unfinished jobs.

  With this configuration, when it is determined that the user is in a hurry state, the image forming apparatus of the present invention increases the priority of execution of the user's print job and the user's print job. Since the process is completed early, the priority of execution of the print job by the user can be appropriately increased.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a priority output that makes the execution priority of the new job higher than all unfinished jobs other than the job that is being executed, and the priority of execution of the new job is all Designation receiving means for accepting any designation of an interrupt output that is higher than an unfinished job, and the priority determining means is configured to determine whether the new job is based on the status determined by the user status determining means. When determining the priority of execution, the priority of execution of the new job may be determined according to the designation received by the designation receiving means.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention determines the priority according to the one specified in advance among the priority output and the interrupt output when determining the priority of execution of the print job of the user. The priority of execution of the user's print job can be appropriately increased according to the user's desire.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the priority determination unit satisfies a specific condition for prohibiting the interrupt output even when the designation receiving unit receives the designation of the interrupt output. The priority of execution of the new job may be determined according to the priority output.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention determines the priority according to the priority output when the interrupt output cannot be performed even when the interrupt output is designated in advance among the priority output and the interrupt output. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately increase the priority of the user's print job execution.

  A job processing program according to the present invention includes a printing device that performs printing on a recording medium, an input device that inputs an instruction for generating a print job by the printing device, and an image of a range including a user by photographing A job processing program executed by an image forming apparatus including an imaging device to be generated, the job generation unit generating a job when the instruction is input via the input device, and generated by the job generation unit Priority determination means for determining the priority of execution of a new job, and user status determination means for determining the status of a user of the image forming apparatus based on an image generated by the imaging device. The forming apparatus is made to function, and the priority determination means is in a state determined by the user state determination means. Zui it and determines the priority of execution of the new job.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus that executes the job processing program of the present invention determines the state of the user based on the image generated by the imaging device, and performs a new print job based on the determined state of the user. That is, since the priority of execution of the print job of the user whose status is determined is determined, even if a specific operation for changing the priority is not actively executed by the user, The priority of execution of a print job can be increased. Therefore, the image forming apparatus that executes the job processing program of the present invention can reduce the burden on the user for changing the priority of execution of a print job.

  The image forming apparatus and the job processing program of the present invention can reduce the burden on the user for changing the priority of execution of a print job.

1 is a block diagram of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list illustrated in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 1 when an instruction to execute a priority determination method designation process is received. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 1 when a print job generation instruction is received. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list when a new print job is added after the last print job in the state illustrated in FIG. 2. 2 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 1 when determining the priority of a new print job. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list when priority is changed so that the last print job in the state illustrated in FIG. 5 is preferentially output. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list when the priority is changed so that the last print job in the state illustrated in FIG. 5 is interrupted and output. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 1 when executing a print job.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of MFP 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 includes an operation unit 11 that is an input device such as buttons for inputting various operations, and a display unit 12 that is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information. A camera 13 as an imaging device that generates an image of a range including a user existing near the MFP 10 such as in front of the operation unit 11 by photographing, a scanner 14 that is a reading device that reads image data from a document, and a sheet A printer 15 that is a printing device that executes printing on a recording medium such as a fax communication unit 16 that is a fax device that performs fax communication with an external facsimile apparatus (not shown) via a communication line such as a public telephone line, and the like (Local Area Network), Internet Network communication unit 17 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external device via any network, and storage devices such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that store various data And a control unit 19 that controls the entire MFP 10.

  The operation unit 11 instructs the copy to execute printing on the recording medium by the printer 15 based on the image data read from the document by the scanner 14, and the recording medium by the printer 15 based on the image data stored in the storage unit 18. An instruction (hereinafter referred to as “print job generation instruction”) for generating a print job (hereinafter referred to as “print job”) by the printer 15 such as a print instruction for executing printing is input.

  The camera 13 may be built into the MFP 10 from the beginning, or may be attached to the MFP 10 later.

  The storage unit 18 can store a plurality of print jobs 18a.

  In addition, the storage unit 18 can store a list of print jobs 18a (hereinafter referred to as “print job list”) 18b.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print job list 18b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print job list 18b indicates the priority of execution of the print job 18a, the ID of the print job 18a, and the state of the print job 18a.

  In the print job list 18 b shown in FIG. 2, the print job 18 a with ID “001” has a priority “1” and a status of “executing”. The print jobs 18a with IDs “002”, “003”, and “004” have priorities “2”, “3”, and “4”, respectively, and the status is “standby”. The priority is higher as the numerical value in the print job list 18b is smaller. That is, the print job 18a is executed earlier as the priority value in the print job list 18b is smaller.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 18 stores a job processing program 18c for processing a print job 18a. The job processing program 18c may be installed in the MFP 10 at the manufacturing stage of the MFP 10, or may be additionally installed in the MFP 10 from a storage medium such as an SD card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or from the network. It may be additionally installed in the MFP 10.

  In addition, the storage unit 18 gives priority output to increase the execution priority of a new print job 18a over all unfinished print jobs 18a other than the print job 18a being executed, and from all unfinished print jobs 18a. It is possible to store priority determination method designation information 18d indicating any designation with an interrupt output that increases the priority of execution of a new print job 18a.

  The control unit 19 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program and various data, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of the CPU. Yes. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 18.

  The control unit 19 executes a job processing program 18c stored in the storage unit 18 so as to generate a print job 18a when a print job generation instruction is input via the operation unit 11. Priority determining means 19b for determining the priority of execution of the new print job 18a generated by the job generating means 19a, and determining the state of the user of the MFP 10 itself based on the image generated by the camera 13 by image recognition technology. Functioning as a user status determination unit 19c that performs the above and a designation receiving unit 19d that receives designation of either priority output or interrupt output.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 10 will be described.

  First, the operation of the MFP 10 when receiving an instruction to execute a priority determination method designation process in which a priority determination method is designated when the execution priority of a new print job 18a is increased will be described.

  The user can input an instruction to execute the priority determination method designating process to the MFP 10 via the operation unit 11.

  The control unit 19 executes the operation shown in FIG. 3 in response to an instruction to execute the priority determination method designating process.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 10 when an instruction to execute the priority determination method designating process is received.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the designation receiving unit 19 d displays a priority determination method designation screen on the display unit 12 for designating a priority determination method for increasing the priority of execution of the new print job 18 a. It is displayed (S31). Here, the priority determination method designation screen is a screen for accepting designation of either priority output or interrupt output as a priority determination method in the case of increasing the priority of execution of the new print job 18a. .

  After the process of S31, the designation receiving unit 19d determines which of the priority output and the interrupt output is designated via the operation unit 11 on the priority determination method designation screen (S32).

  If the designation accepting means 19d determines in S32 that the priority output has been designated, the priority determining method designation information 18d indicating that the priority output has been designated is stored in the storage unit 18 (S33), and the operation shown in FIG. Exit.

  When the designation receiving means 19d determines in S32 that the interrupt output has been designated, the priority determining method designation information 18d indicating that the interrupt output has been designated is stored in the storage unit 18 (S34), and the operation shown in FIG. Exit.

  In the above, the MFP 10 receives an instruction from the user via the operation unit 11 and displays a notification to the user on the display unit 12. However, the MFP 10 receives an instruction from a user via a network communication unit 17 from an external device of the MFP 10 such as a PC (Personal Computer), and notifies the external device via the network communication unit 17 to the user. May be sent.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 10 when a print job generation instruction is received will be described.

  A user can input a print job generation instruction such as a copy instruction to the MFP 10 via the operation unit 11.

  The control unit 19 executes the operation shown in FIG. 4 according to the print job generation instruction.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 10 when a print job generation instruction is received.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the job generation unit 19a generates a print job 18a corresponding to the print job generation instruction input via the operation unit 11 (S51).

  Next, the job generation unit 19a stores the new print job 18a generated by the process of S51 in the storage unit 18 (S52), and adds the print job 18a stored in S52 to the end of the print job list 18b ( S53), the operation shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the print job list 18b when a new print job 18a is added after the last print job 18a in the state shown in FIG.

  For example, if the print job list 18b is in the state shown in FIG. 2 before executing the process of S53, the job generating unit 19a changes the print job list 18b to the state shown in FIG. 5 by executing the process of S53. In the print job list 18b shown in FIG. 5, the print job 18a with the ID “0005” is the print job 18a newly generated in S51.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 10 when determining the priority of a new print job 18a will be described.

  The control unit 19 executes the operation shown in FIG. 6 every time a new print job 18a is generated by the operation shown in FIG. The control unit 19 can also execute the operation shown in FIG. 6 in parallel with the operation shown in FIG. 3 or FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 10 when determining the priority of a new print job 18a.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the priority determination unit 19b determines whether there is a print job 18a being executed as a print job 18a other than the new print job 18a generated in S51 (S61).

  If the priority determination unit 19b determines in S61 that there is no print job 18a being executed, the priority determination unit 19b ends the operation illustrated in FIG. Here, the reason for ending the operation shown in FIG. 6 when there is no print job 18a being executed as the print job 18a other than the new print job 18a generated in S51 will be described. The fact that there is no print job 18a being executed as a print job 18a other than the new print job 18a generated in S51 means that there is no print job 18a other than the new print job 18a generated in S51. That is. Therefore, the new print job 18a generated in S51 can be executed immediately, and the priority need not be changed. Accordingly, when the priority determination unit 19b determines in S61 that there is no print job 18a being executed, the operation illustrated in FIG. 6 ends.

  When it is determined in S61 that the print job 18a being executed exists, the user state determination unit 19c determines whether the user is in a hurry based on the image generated by the camera 13. (S62). For example, the user state determination unit 19c is in a hurry when the movement of a part of the user's body, face, eyes, or the like in the image generated by the camera 13 is faster than a specific reference, that is, in a hurry. Can be determined. In addition, when the positional relationship of the facial parts such as the eyebrows, mouth, and eyes of the user in the image generated by the camera 13 satisfies a specific criterion, the user state determination unit 19c has, for example, a wrinkle between the eyebrows. In this case, it can be determined that the user is impatient, that is, is in a hurry.

  If it is determined in S62 that the user is not in a hurry state, the priority determination means 19b ends the operation shown in FIG. Here, the reason why the operation shown in FIG. 6 is terminated when the user is not in a rushing state will be described. The fact that the user is not in a hurry state means that the new print job 18a generated in S51 does not need to be executed immediately, and therefore the priority need not be changed. Therefore, when it is determined in S62 that the user is not in a hurry state, the priority determination means 19b ends the operation shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in S62 that the user is in a hurry state, the priority determination means 19b determines whether priority output or interrupt output is specified in the priority determination method specification information 18d (S63). .

  If the priority determination unit 19b determines in S63 that priority output is designated, all the unfinished print jobs 18a other than the print job 18a that is being executed, that is, all the waiting print jobs 18a, S51. The priority of execution of the new print job 18a generated in step S is increased (S64), and the operation shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the print job list 18b when the priority is changed so that the last print job 18a in the state shown in FIG. 5 is preferentially output.

  For example, when the print job list 18b is in the state shown in FIG. 5 before executing the process of S64, the priority determining unit 19b changes the print job list 18b to the state shown in FIG. 7 by executing the process of S64. In the print job list 18b shown in FIG. 7, the print job 18a with ID “0005” is the print job 18a newly generated in S51.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the priority determination unit 19b determines in S63 that interrupt output is designated, it determines whether or not a specific condition for prohibiting interrupt output is satisfied (S65). Here, as specific conditions for prohibiting interrupt output, for example, the MFP 10 has a finisher, and the print job 18a being executed is punched on a plurality of recording media printed by the printer 15, and the staple process is performed by a stapler. There is a condition that it is specified that post-processing is executed. If it is specified that post-processing such as punching or binding by a stapler is to be executed on a plurality of recording media printed by the printer 15 when the print job 18a being executed is interrupted by another print job 18a, When post-processing of the print job 18a for which post-processing execution is specified cannot be normally executed, interrupt output may be prohibited. Specifically, among the plurality of printed recording media generated by executing the print job 18a for which post-processing execution is specified, printed recording media generated by executing another print job are included. If mixed, the post-processing cannot be normally executed for all sets of printed recording media generated by the execution of the print job 18a for which post-processing execution is specified. In such a case, interrupt output may be prohibited.

  If the priority determination unit 19b determines in S65 that the specific condition for prohibiting the interrupt output is satisfied, the priority determination unit 19b sets the execution priority of the new print job 18a generated in S51 to all the waiting print jobs 18a. A higher value is set (S64), and the operation shown in FIG.

  If the priority determination unit 19b determines in S65 that the specific condition for prohibiting the interrupt output is not satisfied, the priority determination unit 19b sets the execution priority of the new print job 18a generated in S51 to all the unfinished print jobs 18a. A higher value is set (S66), and the operation shown in FIG. That is, the priority determination unit 19b suspends the print job 18a being executed in the process of S66, and then determines the new print job 18a generated in S51 based on the execution priority of the interrupted print job 18a. Increase execution priority.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the print job list 18b when the priority is changed so that the last print job 18a in the state shown in FIG. 5 is interrupted and output.

  For example, when the print job list 18b is in the state shown in FIG. 5 before executing the process of S66, the priority determining unit 19b changes the print job list 18b to the state shown in FIG. 8 by executing the process of S66. In the print job list 18b shown in FIG. 8, the print job 18a with ID “0005” is the print job 18a newly generated in S51. In the print job list 18b shown in FIG. 8, the status of the print job 18a with ID “0001” is “suspended”.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 10 when executing a print job will be described.

  When the print job 18a exists in the print job list 18b, the control unit 19 executes the operation shown in FIG. The control unit 19 can also execute the operation shown in FIG. 9 in parallel with the operation shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, or FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 10 when executing a print job.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 19 starts executing the print job 18a having the priority “1” in the print job list 18b (S71).

  Next, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the interrupt output in S66 has been executed (S72).

  When determining in S72 that the interrupt output has been executed, the control unit 19 interrupts the print job 18a being executed (S73), and executes the print job 18a newly having the priority “1” in the print job list 18b. Is started (S71).

  If the control unit 19 determines in S72 that the interrupt output has not been executed, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the execution of the print job 18a having the priority “1” in the print job list 18b has ended (S74).

  If the control unit 19 determines in S74 that the execution of the print job 18a has not been completed, the control unit 19 executes the process of S72.

  When the control unit 19 determines in S74 that the execution of the print job 18a is completed, the control unit 19 deletes the print job 18a having the priority “1” in the print job list 18b from the storage unit 18 (S75), and in the print job list 18b. The print job 18a with the priority “1” is deleted (S76).

  Next, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the print job 18a exists in the print job list 18b (S77).

  When the control unit 19 determines in S77 that the print job 18a exists in the print job list 18b, the control unit 19 decreases the priority values of all the print jobs 18a by 1 in the print job list 18b (S78), and S71. Execute the process. Here, when executing the process of S71, when the print job 18a having the priority “1” in the print job list 18b is the print job 18a suspended in S73, the control unit 19 includes the print job 18a. Resume printing from the page that was interrupted.

  If the control unit 19 determines in S77 that the print job 18a does not exist in the print job list 18b, the control unit 19 ends the operation illustrated in FIG.

  As described above, the MFP 10 determines the state of the user based on the image generated by the camera 13, and the new print job 18a, that is, the state is determined based on the determined state of the user. Since the priority of execution of the user's print job 18a is determined (YES and S64 in S62, YES and S66 in S62, or NO in S62), a specific operation for changing the priority is actively performed by the user. Even if it is not executed manually, the priority of execution of the user's print job 18a can be increased. Therefore, the MFP 10 can reduce the burden on the user for changing the execution priority of the print job 18a.

  In particular, since the MFP 10 automatically determines the priority of execution of the user's print job 18a based on the image generated by the camera 13, the user does not know a specific operation for changing the priority. However, the execution priority of the user's print job 18a can be changed appropriately. For example, the MFP 10 shortens the waiting time of the user by quickly ending the print job 18a of the user who does not know the specific operation for changing the priority but is in a hurry to execute the print job 18a. Can do.

  If the MFP 10 determines that the user is in a hurry state (YES in S62), the MFP 10 increases the priority of execution of the user's print job 18a (S64 or S66), and the user's print job 18a. Therefore, the priority of execution of the user's print job 18a can be appropriately increased.

  When the MFP 10 determines that the user is in a hurry state, the MFP 10 increases the execution priority of the user's print job 18a, but increases the execution priority of the user's print job 18a. The state of the user may be in a state other than a rushing state.

  When determining the priority of execution of the print job 18a by the user, the MFP 10 determines the priority (S63 or S66) according to the priority output or interrupt output that is specified in advance (S64 or S66). The priority of execution of the user's print job 18a can be appropriately increased according to the desire of the user.

  When the interrupt output is not possible (YES in S65) even when the interrupt output is designated in advance among the priority output and the interrupt output (“interrupt output” in S63), the MFP 10 determines the priority according to the priority output. (S64), the priority of execution of the user's print job 18a can be appropriately increased.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an MFP in the present embodiment, but may be an image forming apparatus other than the MFP, such as a copy-only machine.

10 MFP (image forming apparatus)
11 Operation unit (input device)
13 Camera (imaging device)
15 Printer (printing device)
18a Print job (job)
18c Job processing program 19a Job generation means 19b Priority determination means 19c User status determination means 19d Designation acceptance means

Claims (7)

A printing device for printing on a recording medium;
An input device for inputting an instruction for generating a print job by the printing device;
An imaging device that generates an image of a range including the user by photographing;
A storage device for storing jobs;
Job generation means for generating a job when the instruction is input via the input device;
Priority determining means for determining the priority of execution of a new job generated by the job generating means;
User status determination means for determining the status of the user based on the image generated by the imaging device;
The priority determination means determines the priority of execution of the new job based on the state determined by the user state determination means;
It said job generating means, said when to generate a new job, the user state the priority of execution of a new job I by the priority determination means to determine the state of the user I by the determining means In parallel with the process of determining the image , the new job is stored in the storage device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user state determination unit determines the state of the user based on a speed of movement of a part of the user in an image generated by the imaging device. .   The user state determination unit determines a user state based on a positional relationship of a part of a user's face in an image generated by the imaging device. Image forming apparatus.   The priority determination means sets the execution priority of the new job to be higher than at least one of unfinished jobs when the user status determination means determines that the user is in a hurry state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Priority output that makes the execution priority of the new job higher than all unfinished jobs other than the job being executed, and interrupt output that makes the execution priority of the new job higher than all unfinished jobs Including designation accepting means for accepting any designation of
The priority determination means determines the priority of execution of the new job when the priority of execution of the new job is determined based on the state determined by the user state determination means. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined according to a designation received by the image forming apparatus.   The priority determination unit executes the execution of the new job when a specific condition for prohibiting the interrupt output is satisfied even when the designation of the interrupt output is accepted by the designation accepting unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the priority is determined according to the priority output. A printing device for printing on a recording medium;
An input device for inputting an instruction for generating a print job by the printing device;
An imaging device that generates an image of a range including the user by photographing;
A job processing program executed by an image forming apparatus including a storage device for storing a job,
Job generation means for generating a job when the instruction is input via the input device;
Priority determining means for determining the priority of execution of a new job generated by the job generating means; and
Causing the image forming apparatus to function as a user state determination unit that determines a state of a user of the image forming apparatus based on an image generated by the imaging device;
The priority determination means determines the priority of execution of the new job based on the state determined by the user state determination means;
It said job generating means, said when to generate a new job, the user state the priority of execution of a new job I by the priority determination means to determine the state of the user I by the determining means in parallel with the process of determining the job processing program and to store the new job in the storage device.

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