JP6455285B2 - Print management apparatus print management method program printing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print management apparatus, a print management method, a program, and a printing apparatus that continuously execute a plurality of stored print jobs.

  A printing apparatus in a standby state or a power saving state starts printing after starting up the apparatus from that state to a printable state. For example, in an electrophotographic printing apparatus that performs thermal fixing, the temperature of the fixing device is raised to a target temperature at which heat fixing can be performed at the start of printing, and much electric power is consumed for the temperature increase. If control that executes multiple print jobs continuously is adopted, power consumption related to startup such as temperature rise of the fixing device is reduced compared to the case where print jobs are executed once, contributing to power saving. can do.

  For example, in the following Patent Document 1, when a print job with a specified print completion time is accumulated, if there is a print job to be executed before the specified time, the print completion is performed following the print job. A printing apparatus that executes a print job with a specified time is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a printing system that causes an image forming apparatus that has returned from a power saving state to collectively execute print jobs accumulated in a server.

  In addition, when a print job with a destination set is input and stored in the server and the user authenticates and logs in with any printing device connected to the network, the login user is set as the destination. So-called ubiquitous printing, in which a print job is transferred from a server to the printing apparatus and can be printed, is spreading.

JP 2013-49223 A JP 2013-125290 A

  The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is effective for a print job with a designated print completion time, but the effect of continuous printing cannot be obtained with other print jobs. Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, since any of the image forming apparatuses is continuously processed at the timing when the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state, all print jobs are processed by the user. However, printing is not performed at a timing desired by the user.

  In the above-mentioned ubiquitous printing, only print jobs destined for the logged-in user are printed. Therefore, the print jobs stored in the server by other users and the logged-in user's print jobs are continuously printed to save power. It is not possible.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and a print management apparatus, a print management method, and the like capable of continuously executing a plurality of print jobs destined for different users at a timing desired by all users, The object is to provide a program and a printing device.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A print management apparatus to which one or a plurality of printing apparatuses including an authentication information fetching section for fetching authentication information for user authentication are communicably connected,
A job receiving unit that receives a print job with a destination set, and
An accumulating unit for accumulating the print job received by the job receiving unit;
A notification receiving unit that receives a notification regarding the capture of the authentication information from the printing device;
A plurality of users are simultaneously authenticated in which authentication information of a plurality of users is captured simultaneously or within a predetermined time by the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus, and all of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users are performed. When a print job destined for each user is accumulated in the accumulation unit, a plurality of print jobs destined for one of the plurality of users among the print jobs accumulated in the accumulation unit hand to perform the compilation printing execution continues with the job to the one printing device, in a case where the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate one of the printing apparatus is performed, any of the user related to the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate the case where the print job to the destination is not stored in the storage unit, control for controlling the print jobs stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device And,
A print management apparatus characterized by comprising:

  In the above invention and the invention described in the following [11], [21], and [23], a plurality of users are simultaneously authenticated by a plurality of users at the same time or within a predetermined time on one printing apparatus, and When print jobs destined for each user who has been authenticated at the same time are stored, the print jobs are continuously executed in the printing apparatus.

[2] The printing apparatus performs authentication information capture by the authentication information capture unit and the notification in the power saving state,
The print management apparatus according to [1], wherein the print management apparatus returns the printing apparatus from a power saving state when the integrated printing is performed by the printing apparatus.

  In the above invention and the inventions described in the following [12], [22], and [24], the printing apparatus does not return from the power saving state only by performing user authentication, and when the collective printing is performed, the printing apparatus is not changed from the power saving state. Return.

[3] The control unit is stored in the storage unit when the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus captures authentication information simultaneously or continuously within a predetermined time when there are a predetermined number of users or less. The print management apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the print job is controlled not to be printed by the one printing apparatus.

  In the invention described above and the inventions described in [13] and [25] below, one of the activation conditions for the collective printing is that the number of users related to the simultaneous authentication of a plurality of persons is equal to or more than a predetermined number.

[4] Any one of [1] to [3], wherein the start condition of the collective printing includes that the total number of pages printed by the collective printing is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of pages. The print management apparatus described in 1.

  In the above invention and the inventions described in [14] and [26] below, it is one of the start conditions for collective printing that the number of pages to be collectively printed is equal to or more than a predetermined number of pages.

[5] The print management apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], further including a condition registration unit that registers the start-up condition of the summary print in a storage unit in a changeable manner.

  In the above invention and the inventions described in [15] and [27] below, the start condition of the collective printing can be changed.

[6] The condition registration unit registers the start-up condition of the summary printing for each user,
[5], wherein the control unit determines whether or not to perform the collective printing by using an activation condition corresponding to the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons in the registration. The printing management apparatus described.

  In the above invention and the inventions described in [16] and [28] below, different activation conditions can be set for each user.

[7] The print management apparatus according to [5] or [6], wherein the condition registration unit prohibits a change in registration contents when specific authentication information is not input.

  In the above invention and the inventions described in [17] and [29] below, input of specific authentication information is required to change the activation condition.

[8] A point registration unit for registering the number of points for each user and for increasing the number of points of the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons who caused the collective printing when the collective printing is performed. The print management apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising:

  In the above invention and the inventions described in [18] and [30] below, points are given to the user who has performed the collective printing.

[9] The print management apparatus according to [8], wherein the condition registration unit changes the activation condition for each user according to the number of points held by the user.

  In the above invention and the inventions described in the following [19] and [31], the start-up condition of the collective printing is changed (especially relaxed) according to the number of points.

[10] The print management apparatus according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein a plurality of printing apparatuses to be managed are registered in advance.

[11] An information processing apparatus to which one or a plurality of printing apparatuses including an authentication information capturing unit that captures authentication information for user authentication are connected so as to communicate with each other.
A job receiver that receives a print job with a destination set,
A storage unit for storing the print job received by the job receiving unit;
A notification receiving unit for receiving a notification regarding the capture of the authentication information from the printing apparatus;
A plurality of users are simultaneously authenticated in which authentication information of a plurality of users is captured simultaneously or within a predetermined time by the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus, and all of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users are performed. When a print job destined for each user is accumulated in the accumulation unit, a plurality of print jobs destined for one of the plurality of users among the print jobs accumulated in the accumulation unit A method for causing the one printing apparatus to perform collective printing to continuously execute a job, and a case in which the multiple authentication is performed simultaneously on one printing apparatus, and any one of the users related to the multiple authentication is If the print job to the destination is not stored in the storage unit, a control unit for controlling a print job stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device
A program characterized by functioning as

[12] The printing apparatus performs capturing of the user authentication information by the authentication information capturing unit and the notification in the power saving state,
When the control unit causes the printing apparatus to perform the summary printing,
The program according to [11], wherein the printing apparatus is returned from a power saving state.

[13] The control unit stores the authentication information in the storage unit when the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus captures the authentication information simultaneously or continuously within a predetermined time when the number of users is less than a predetermined number. The program according to [11] or [12], wherein the print job is controlled not to be printed by the one printing apparatus .

[14] The start condition for the collective printing includes that the total number of pages printed by the collective printing is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of pages. Any one of [11] to [13] The program described in.

[15] In any one of [11] to [14], the information processing apparatus further functions as a condition registration unit that registers the start-up condition of the summary printing in a storage unit so as to be changeable. The listed program.

[16] The condition registration unit registers the start-up condition of the summary printing for each user,
[15] The control unit may determine whether or not to perform the collective printing using an activation condition corresponding to the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons in the registration. The listed program.

[17] The program according to [15] or [16], wherein the condition registration unit prohibits a change of registration contents when specific authentication information is not input.

[18] Further, the information processing apparatus registers the number of points for each user, and when the collective printing is performed, the number of points of the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons who caused the collective printing is calculated. The program according to any one of [11] to [17], wherein the program functions as a point registration unit to be increased.

[19] The information processing apparatus according to [18], wherein the information processing apparatus is operated so that the activation condition for each user is changed according to the number of points held by the user. Program.

[20] The program according to any one of [11] to [19], wherein a plurality of printing apparatuses to be managed are registered in advance.

[21] A step of receiving input of a print job with a destination set;
Storing the received print job in the storage unit ;
When multiple user authentication is performed in which the authentication information of a plurality of users is captured simultaneously or within a predetermined time with a single printing apparatus, each of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users Determining whether a print job destined for is stored in the storage unit;
If the result of the determination is true, the one print is a collective print that continuously executes a plurality of print jobs destined for any one of the plurality of users among the print jobs stored in the storage unit. apparatus to perform, in the case of the determination result is false, the step that controls the print job stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device,
A print management method characterized by comprising:

[22] The printing apparatus captures user authentication information in a power saving state,
The print management method according to [21], further comprising a step of returning the printing apparatus from a power saving state when the printing apparatus performs the collective printing.

[23] An authentication information fetching unit for fetching authentication information for user authentication;
A job receiving unit that receives a print job with a destination set, and
An accumulating unit for accumulating the print job received by the job receiving unit;
A printing section that executes printing;
Multiple-user simultaneous authentication in which authentication information of a plurality of users is acquired simultaneously or within a predetermined time by the authentication information acquisition unit is performed, and each of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users When a print job destined for is stored in the storage unit, printing related to a plurality of print jobs destined for one of the plurality of users among the print jobs stored in the storage unit is performed. hand to perform the compilation printing execution continues to the printing unit, in a case where the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate one of the printing apparatus is performed, to one of the user related to the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate the destination If the print job is not stored in the storage unit, a control unit for controlling a print job stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device
A printing apparatus comprising:

[24] When the authentication information is captured by the authentication information capturing unit while the power saving state is maintained, and the collective printing is performed by the printing unit, the printing apparatus can execute printing from the power saving state by the printing unit. The printing apparatus according to [23], wherein the printing apparatus is returned to a normal state.

[25] The printing apparatus according to [23] or [24], wherein the start-up condition of the summary printing includes that the plurality of users are a predetermined number or more.

[26] Any one of [23] to [25], wherein the start condition of the collective print includes that the total number of pages printed by the collective print is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of pages. The printing apparatus as described in.

[27] The printing apparatus according to any one of [23] to [26], further including a condition registration unit that registers the start-up condition of the summary print in a storage unit so that the start condition can be changed.

[28] The condition registration unit registers the start-up condition of the summary printing for each user,
[27], wherein the control unit determines whether or not to perform the collective printing by using an activation condition corresponding to the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons in the registration. The printing apparatus as described.

[29] The printing apparatus according to [27] or [28], wherein the condition registration unit prohibits a change in registration contents when specific authentication information is not input.

[30] A point registration unit for registering the number of points for each user and for increasing the number of points of the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons who caused the collective printing when the collective printing is performed. The printing apparatus according to any one of [23] to [29], including:

[31] The printing device according to [30], wherein the condition registration unit changes the activation condition for each user according to the number of points held by the user.

  According to the printing management apparatus, the printing management method, the program, and the printing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to continuously execute a plurality of print jobs destined for different users at a timing desired by all users, thereby saving energy. Can contribute.

It is a figure which shows an example of the printing system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus included in a printing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print management apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a condition table. It is a figure which shows an example of user management information. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the operation | movement which concerns on summary printing. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of a printing system in case collective printing is performed. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of a printing system in case a summary printing is not performed. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the printing apparatus of a printing system performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the printing management apparatus of a printing system performs. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the printing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a printing system 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 5 is configured by connecting a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 and a print management apparatus 30 to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Also connected to the network 2 is a PC (personal computer) 3 that transmits a print job to the print management apparatus 30 and inputs it.

  The printing apparatus 10 has a copy function for optically reading a document and printing a duplicate image on a recording sheet, a scan function for saving the read image data of the document as a file, and transmitting the file to an external terminal via the network 2, This is a so-called multi-function machine having a print function for printing a document or image on a recording sheet based on a print job received from the print management apparatus 30 via the network 2. Hereinafter, the printing apparatus 10 is also referred to as an MFP.

  In the printing system 5, the print management apparatus 30 receives a print job with a destination set from the PC 3 or the like, and accumulates the print job. In any one of the printing apparatuses 10, a plurality of users are authenticated simultaneously, or a plurality of users are authenticated at the same time within a predetermined time. When print jobs to be performed are already accumulated, these print jobs are transferred from the print management apparatus 30 to the printing apparatus 10 that has been subjected to the simultaneous authentication of a plurality of persons, and printing is continuously executed. Such a continuous printing of a plurality of users' print jobs is called collective printing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 10 included in the printing system 5. The printing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11 that comprehensively controls the operation of the printing apparatus 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like as main components. Connected to the control unit 11 are a storage unit 12, an image processing unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an operation panel 15, a printing unit 18, a network communication unit 19, an authentication information fetching unit 21, a power control unit 22, and the like.

  The CPU of the control unit 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes programs such as middleware and application programs.

  The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and stores various programs and data. The storage unit 12 stores a program for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus. The function of the printing apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU of the control unit 11 executing various processes according to these programs.

  The image processing unit 13 performs processes such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation, as well as rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The image reading unit 14 functions to optically read a document and acquire image data. The image reading unit 14 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and sequentially reads the reading position in line units in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data And so on.

  The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 16 and an operation unit 17. The display unit 16 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 17 includes various operation switches such as a start button and a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 16. The touch panel detects a coordinate position pressed with a touch pen or a finger. In addition, a flick operation, a drag operation, an operation on a scroll bar, and the like are detected.

  The printing unit 18 has a function of forming an image corresponding to print data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. The printing unit 18 may use other methods.

  The network communication unit 19 performs a function of communicating with the print management apparatus 30 and other external apparatuses via the network 2. The printing apparatus 10 receives a print job from the print management apparatus 30 using the network communication unit 19.

  The authentication information capturing unit 21 captures authentication information for user authentication. The authentication is authentication for outputting a print job with a destination set. The authentication information capturing unit 21 can capture authentication information of a plurality of users simultaneously or continuously within a predetermined time. Here, the authentication information capturing unit 21 is an IC card reader, and reads authentication information recorded on the IC card from an IC card that is in contact with or close to the reading unit of the reader. When a plurality of IC cards are stacked and placed on the reading unit of the authentication information capturing unit 21, the authentication information capturing unit 21 reads the authentication information from each of all the plurality of IC cards.

  The authentication information fetching unit 21 is not limited to an IC card reader. An appropriate one corresponding to the authentication method to be used may be used. For example, in the case of vein authentication, a vein reader may be used. When a user ID, a password, or the like is received as key information, the operation panel 15 functions as the authentication information fetching unit 21.

  The power supply control unit 22 performs control to shift the own apparatus to the power saving state or to return from the power saving state. The authentication information capturing unit 21, the network communication unit 19, and the power control unit 22 are always supplied with power and operated. The image reading unit 14 and the printing unit 18 are turned off when in the power saving state. The control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the operation panel 15 are partially supplied with power while the other parts are turned off when in the power saving state. For example, the operation panel 15 is energized only in a part necessary for returning from the power saving mode (a circuit for detecting pressing of a specific hard key), and the other part is turned off.

  Even when the printing apparatus 10 is in the power saving state, the authentication information capturing unit 21 can capture the authentication information and notify the print management apparatus 30 of the captured authentication information using the network communication unit 19. .

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the print management apparatus 30. The print management apparatus 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a network communication unit 34, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU that controls the operation of the print management apparatus 30. The CPU of the control unit 31 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware and application programs thereon.

  The storage unit 32 includes a RAM, a nonvolatile flash ROM, a hard disk device, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores various programs, and the function of the print management apparatus 30 is realized by the control unit 31 executing various processes according to these programs.

  The storage unit 32 functions as an accumulation unit 38 that accumulates received print jobs. In addition, the storage unit 32 is provided with a condition table 40 in which start conditions for collective printing are registered, and user management information 50 in which various information for each user is registered. The control unit 31 functions as a condition registration unit for registering and updating the condition table 40, a point registration unit 36 for assigning points to the user who has performed collective printing and registering them in the user management information 50. A plurality of printing apparatuses 10 to be managed are registered in the storage unit 32 in advance.

  The network communication unit 34 functions to communicate with the PC 3 and the printing apparatus 10 through the network 2. The network communication unit 34 functions as a print job receiving unit that receives a print job whose destination is set from the PC 3 and a notification receiving unit that receives notification of authentication information from the printing apparatus 10. The network communication unit 34 is used when a print completion report is received from the printing apparatus 10 and when a print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the condition table 40 stored in the storage unit 32. The condition table 40 includes a necessary number of users indicating the minimum required number of users who have performed multiple simultaneous authentication as a start condition for collective printing, and a total number of pages of a print job destined for a user who has performed multiple simultaneous authentication. The necessary total number of pages that defines the necessary minimum value of (the number of sheets to be printed together) is registered.

  In FIG. 4, activation conditions for each system and activation conditions for each user are registered. For example, in the activation condition of the system unit, it is registered that there are two or more users who have performed simultaneous authentication of a plurality of people and the total number of required pages is 10 pages. Whether to use the activation condition for each system or the activation condition for each user is set separately.

  The condition table 40 allows the user to change the registration contents only when specific authentication information (for example, the authentication information of the manager responsible) is input. If the specific authentication information is not input, registration by the user is performed. Content changes are prohibited.

  Note that the start conditions for the summary printing include essential conditions in addition to those registered in the condition table 40. The indispensable condition is that a print job destined for each user is registered in the storage unit 38 for all users who have been subjected to simultaneous authentication of a plurality of persons.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the user management information 50. In the user management information 50, user information of all users who can use the printing system 5 is registered. Specifically, for each user, the user ID, the authentication information, the number of print-waiting jobs indicating the number of print jobs destined for the user stored in the storage unit 38, and the total number of pages of these print jobs are shown. The number of pages waiting for printing and the number of points currently held by the user are registered.

  Points are given to users who have performed collective printing. Since summary printing contributes to power saving, points are given in return for the contribution. Points are used to give a user some kind of privilege. For example, depending on the number of points, the activation conditions registered in the condition table 40 are relaxed, or prizes are separately provided. For example, according to the number of points, the required number of users registered in the condition table 40 corresponding to the user is reduced, or the required total number of pages is reduced. Thereby, it is possible to motivate the user to actively perform the collective printing.

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of an operation related to summary printing. FIG. 7 shows an operation sequence of the printing system 5 when collective printing is executed, and FIG. 8 shows an operation sequence of the printing system 5 when collective printing is not executed.

  Assume that the printing apparatus 10 is in a power saving state. When the user holds the IC card over the authentication information capturing unit 21 of any of the printing apparatuses 10 (MPF1), the authentication information capturing unit 21 captures the authentication information from the IC card (step S101). At this time, when a plurality of IC cards are held over at the same time or within a predetermined time, authentication information is taken from each of the plurality of IC cards. The predetermined time is set, for example, within 10 seconds after reading the previous IC card.

The authentication information captured by the authentication information capturing unit 21 is transmitted to the print management apparatus 30 as an authentication notification (FIG. 7, FIG. 8, P1).
Upon receiving the authentication notification, the print management apparatus 30 refers to the activation condition registered in the condition table 40 (FIG. 6, step S102). In the case of setting using the activation condition for each system, the activation condition for each system is referred to, and in the case of the setting for using the activation condition for each user, the activation condition for the user corresponding to the acquired authentication information is referred. When the authentication information of a plurality of users is taken in, one of the activation conditions for the plurality of users is adopted, or an average value or the like is adopted. For example, the strictest start condition is adopted, which employs the loosest start condition.

  Next, it is determined whether the activation condition obtained by referring to the condition table 40 is satisfied (step S103). For all the plurality of users indicated by the plurality of authentication information captured in step S101, the accumulation of print jobs destined for each user is an essential activation condition as described above. In order to execute the capture printing, both the indispensable activation condition and the activation condition obtained by referring to the condition table 40 must be satisfied. The required number of users is at least “2”. The necessary total number of pages is an accompanying activation condition and may not be included in the activation condition.

  If the start condition for the summary printing is not satisfied (step S104; No), a notification that the start condition is not reached is transmitted from the print management apparatus 30 to the MFP 1 (FIG. 8, P2). Receiving the notification, the MFP 1 temporarily operates the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 and displays on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 that the activation condition has not been reached (step S105). Thereafter, the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 of the MFP 1 is turned off to shift to the original power saving state (step S108).

  When the start condition of the collective printing is satisfied (step S104; Yes), the print management apparatus 30 transmits the collective print instruction and all the print jobs to be the collective print to the MFP 1 (FIG. 7: P3). ). Receiving this, the MFP 1 returns from the power saving state to the normal state (step S106), and continuously executes a plurality of print jobs to be subjected to the collective printing (step S107). After printing is completed, the MFP 1 transmits a print completion report to the print management apparatus 30 (FIG. 7: P4), and then shifts to a power saving state (step S108).

  Upon receiving the print completion report, the print management apparatus 30 gives points to the user who has instructed the current summary printing, and if the number of points after the grant exceeds the threshold, processing for changing the user's activation conditions, etc. (FIG. 7, P5). This completes a series of processes.

  Next, a more detailed flow of operations performed by the printing apparatus 10 and the print management apparatus 30 will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows a flow of processing performed by the printing apparatus 10. This process is repeated. Assume that the printing apparatus 10 is initially in a power saving state. If authentication information is captured by holding the IC card over the authentication information capturing unit 21 (step S201; Yes), the captured authentication information is transmitted to the print management apparatus 30 (step S202), and the process returns to step S201. . When a plurality of IC cards are read at the same time, a plurality of pieces of authentication information read at the same time are collectively notified to the print management apparatus 30. Even when a plurality of IC cards are read one after another within a certain time, all the pieces of authentication information read continuously are collectively notified to the print management apparatus 30 at once. Note that the identification information may be notified to the print management apparatus 30 for each reading.

  When the notification that the activation condition is not reached is received from the print management apparatus 30 (step S203; Yes), the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 of the own apparatus is operated, and a warning indicating that the activation condition is not reached is displayed on the operation panel 15. Is displayed on the display unit 16 (step S204), and then the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 is turned off, the apparatus is shifted to the original power saving state (step S210), and the process is terminated.

  When a return instruction from the power saving state is received from the print management apparatus 30 (step S205; Yes), the self apparatus is returned from the power saving state to the normal state (step S206), and the process returns to step S201. When a collective print instruction is received from the print management apparatus 30 (step S207; Yes), collective print is performed to continuously print a plurality of print jobs received from the print management apparatus 30 together with the instruction (step S208). .

  Thereafter, when printing is completed, a print completion report is transmitted to the print management apparatus 30 (step S209). The own apparatus is shifted to the power saving state (step S210), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 10 shows the flow of processing performed by the print management apparatus 30. This process is repeated. When a print job with a destination set is received from the PC 3 or the like (step S301; Yes), the print job is linked to the set destination and stored in the storage unit 38 (step S302). The process returns to step S301. If no print job is received (step S301; No), it is determined whether authentication information has been received (step S303).

  When the authentication information is not received (step S303; No), the process returns to step S301. If authentication information has been received (step S303; Yes), it is determined whether the number of received authentication information (the number of authenticated users) is equal to or greater than the number of users required for the activation condition to be referred to (step S304).

  When the number of received authentication information is less than the required number of users (step S304; No), the activation condition not reached is notified to the printing apparatus 10 that is the transmission source of the authentication information (step S307), and the process is terminated.

  If the number of received authentication information is greater than or equal to the required number of users (step S304; Yes), for all users corresponding to the received plurality of authentication information, print jobs destined for each user are stored in the storage unit 38. It is determined whether it has been performed (step S305). If the result of the determination is “false” (step S305; No), the activation condition not reached is notified to the printing apparatus 10 that is the transmission source of the authentication information (step S307), and the process is terminated.

  For all users corresponding to the received authentication information, if a print job destined for each user is stored in the storage unit 38 (step S305; Yes), any user corresponding to the received authentication information Are extracted from the storage unit 38, and the total number of pages of the extracted print jobs (these are jobs to be collectively printed) is calculated. If the determined total number of pages is less than the required total number of pages of the activation condition (step S306; No), the activation condition is not reached is notified to the printing apparatus 10 that is the transmission source of the authentication information (step S307), and the process is terminated. To do.

  If the total number of pages is equal to or greater than the total number of pages required for the activation condition (step S306; Yes), an instruction to return from the power saving state is transmitted to the printing apparatus 10 that is the authentication information transmission source (step S308). Further, all print jobs to be subjected to the collective printing are transmitted to the printing apparatus 10 that is the transmission source of the authentication information, and the execution of the collective printing is instructed (step S309). Thereafter, when a print completion report is received, points are given to the users related to the summary printing, and the user information of those users registered in the user management information 50 is updated. For the user whose point number exceeds the threshold, the activation condition of the user registered in the condition table 40 is changed according to the point number (step S310), and the process ends.

  As described above, in the printing system 5 according to the first embodiment, by performing multiple person simultaneous authentication, all print jobs destined for one of a plurality of users related to the multiple person simultaneous authentication are continuously received. As a result, the number of start-ups of the fixing device or the like is reduced compared to the case where a print job is executed individually for each user, which can contribute to energy saving. Further, the simultaneous authentication of a plurality of people is also an indication of intention that each of a plurality of users desires to start printing, so that printing can be executed at a timing intended by the user.

  Further, since points are given to the user who has performed the collective printing and the privilege is given to the user in accordance with the accumulated number of points, the user can be motivated to actively perform the collective printing.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the printing system 5 in which the print management apparatus 30 and the printing apparatus 10 are connected via the network 2 is shown. However, in the second embodiment, the function of the print management apparatus 30 is changed to the printing apparatus 60. And the printing apparatus 60 controls the collective printing independently.

  FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus 60 according to the second embodiment. Parts having the same configurations as those of the printing apparatus 10 and the print management apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The storage unit 12 includes a storage unit 26 that replaces the storage unit 38 in the storage unit 32 of the print management apparatus 30 in the first embodiment, and stores a condition table 40 and user management information 50. The control unit 11 fulfills the functions of the condition registration unit 35 and the point registration unit 36 that were performed by the control unit 31 of the print management apparatus 30 in the first embodiment.

  The network communication unit 19 functions as a job receiving unit that receives a print job with a destination set. The storage unit 12 functions as a storage unit that stores print jobs submitted from the PC 3 or the like.

  The printing device 60 receives the input of the print job with the destination set from the PC 3 or the like and stores it in the storage unit 26 of the own device. Then, when simultaneous authentication is performed by the authentication information capturing unit 21, whether or not a print job destined for each of the users related to the simultaneous authentication is stored in the storage unit 26, etc. When the conditions are confirmed and the activation condition is satisfied, collective printing for continuously printing all print jobs destined for one of a plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of a plurality of persons is performed.

  FIG. 12 shows the flow of processing performed by the printing apparatus 60 according to the second embodiment regarding collective printing. It is assumed that the printing apparatus 60 is in a power saving state.

  When a print job with a destination set is received from the PC 3 or the like (step S401; Yes), the print job is linked to the set destination and stored in the storage unit 26 (step S402). The process returns to step S401. If the print job is not received (step S401; No), the authentication information capturing unit 21 determines whether authentication information has been captured (step S403).

  If authentication information is not imported (step S403; No), the process returns to step S401. When the authentication information is acquired (step S403; Yes), it is determined whether the number of authentication information acquired (the number of authenticated users) is equal to or greater than the number of users required for the activation condition (step S404).

  When the number of authentication information fetched is less than the required number of users (step S404; No), the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 of the own apparatus is temporarily operated, and the activation condition is displayed on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15. Is displayed (step S407). Thereafter, the display unit 16 is turned off to return the device itself to the original power saving state (step S411), and the process ends.

  If the number of authentication information acquired is equal to or greater than the required number of users (step S404; Yes), for all users corresponding to the plurality of acquired authentication information, print jobs destined for each user are stored in the storage unit 26. It is determined whether or not it is performed (step S405). When the result of the determination is “false” (step S405; No), the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 of the device itself is temporarily operated, and the activation condition has not reached the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15. Is displayed (step S407). Thereafter, the display unit 16 is turned off to return the device itself to the original power saving state (step S411), and the process ends.

  For all users corresponding to the acquired authentication information, if a print job destined for each user is stored in the storage unit 26 (step S405; Yes), a plurality of pieces of authentication information corresponding to the plurality of acquired authentication information are stored. All the print jobs destined for any one of the users are extracted from the storage unit 26, and the total number of pages of the extracted print jobs (print jobs to be collected and printed) is calculated. If the obtained total number of pages is less than the required total number of pages of the activation condition (step S406; No), the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 of the own device is temporarily operated, and the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 is A warning that the activation condition has not been reached is displayed (step S407). Thereafter, the display unit 16 is turned off and the apparatus is returned to the original power saving state (step S411), and the process ends.

  If the total number of pages is equal to or greater than the total number of pages required for the activation condition (step S406; Yes), the own apparatus is returned from the power saving state to the normal state (step S408). Then, all the plurality of print jobs to be collectively printed are continuously printed (step S409). Thereafter, when printing is completed, points are given to the users related to the summary printing, and the user information of those users registered in the user management information 50 is updated. And about the user whose point number exceeded the threshold value, the starting condition of the user registered into the condition table 40 is changed according to the point number (step S410).

  Thereafter, the own apparatus is shifted to the power saving state (step S411), and this process ends. The condition table 40 and the user management information 50 may be managed by a separate server, and necessary information may be acquired from the server.

  In the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the printing system 5 of the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, by performing multiple person simultaneous authentication, a plurality of print jobs destined for one of a plurality of users related to the multiple person simultaneous authentication are continuously executed. Therefore, a print job is individually executed for each user. Compared to the case, the number of start-ups of the fixing device or the like is reduced, which can contribute to energy saving. In addition, since the multiple user simultaneous authentication is an indication that each of a plurality of users desires to start printing, printing can be executed at a timing intended by the user.

  Further, since points are given to the user who has performed the collective printing and the privilege is given to the user in accordance with the accumulated number of points, the user can be motivated to actively perform the collective printing.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  The print management apparatus 30 does not need to exist alone, and a plurality of servers may jointly realize the function of the print management apparatus 30. Further, the printing management apparatus 30 may be configured so that the printing apparatuses share the functions of any printing apparatus or a plurality of printing apparatuses.

  In the embodiment, the printing system 5 and the printing apparatus 60 have been described as examples. However, the printing management apparatus 30 in the printing system 5, the printing apparatus 10 in the printing system 5, and a program that causes the information processing apparatus to function as the printing management apparatus 30; A method for performing collective printing is also included in the present invention.

2 ... Network 3 ... PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Printing system 10 ... Printing apparatus 11 ... Control part 12 ... Memory | storage part 13 ... Image processing part 14 ... Image reading part 15 ... Operation panel 16 ... Display part 17 ... Operation part 18 ... Printing part 19 ... Network communication part 21 ... Authentication Information capturing unit 22 ... Power supply control unit 26 ... Storage unit 30 ... Print management device 31 ... Control unit 32 ... Storage unit 34 ... Network communication unit 35 ... Condition registration unit 36 ... Point registration unit 38 ... Storage unit 40 ... Condition table 50 ... User management information 60 ... printing apparatus

Claims (31)

A print management apparatus to which one or a plurality of printing apparatuses including an authentication information capturing unit that captures authentication information for user authentication is communicably connected,
A job receiving unit that receives a print job with a destination set, and
An accumulating unit for accumulating the print job received by the job receiving unit;
A notification receiving unit that receives a notification regarding the capture of the authentication information from the printing device;
A plurality of users are simultaneously authenticated in which authentication information of a plurality of users is captured simultaneously or within a predetermined time by the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus, and all of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users are performed. When a print job destined for each user is accumulated in the accumulation unit, a plurality of print jobs destined for one of the plurality of users among the print jobs accumulated in the accumulation unit hand to perform the compilation printing execution continues with the job to the one printing device, in a case where the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate one of the printing apparatus is performed, any of the user related to the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate the case where the print job to the destination is not stored in the storage unit, control for controlling the print jobs stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device And,
A print management apparatus characterized by comprising: The printing device performs authentication information capture by the authentication information capture unit and the notification in a power saving state,
The print management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print management apparatus returns the printing apparatus from a power saving state when causing the printing apparatus to perform the collective printing. The control unit is configured to print a print job stored in the storage unit when the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus captures authentication information simultaneously or continuously within a predetermined time when the number of users is less than a predetermined number. The print management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print management apparatus is controlled not to perform printing by the one printing apparatus. The print management according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the start-up condition of the summary printing includes that the total number of pages printed by the summary printing is equal to or more than a predetermined number of pages. apparatus. 5. The print management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a condition registration unit that registers the start-up condition of the summary printing in a storage unit so that the start condition can be changed. The condition registration unit registers start-up conditions for the summary printing for each user,
6. The control unit according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines whether to perform the collective printing using an activation condition corresponding to a user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons in the registration. The printing management apparatus described. The print management apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the condition registration unit prohibits a change in registration contents when specific authentication information is not input. A point registration unit for registering the number of points for each user and for increasing the number of points of the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons who caused the collective printing when the collective printing is performed; The print management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print management apparatus is a print management apparatus. The print management apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the condition registration unit changes the activation condition for each user according to the number of points held by the user. The printing management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of printing apparatuses to be managed are registered in advance. An information processing apparatus to which one or a plurality of printing apparatuses including an authentication information capturing unit that captures authentication information for user authentication is communicably connected,
A job receiver that receives a print job with a destination set,
A storage unit for storing the print job received by the job receiving unit;
A notification receiving unit for receiving a notification regarding the capture of the authentication information from the printing apparatus;
A plurality of users are simultaneously authenticated in which authentication information of a plurality of users is captured simultaneously or within a predetermined time by the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus, and all of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users are performed. When a print job destined for each user is accumulated in the accumulation unit, a plurality of print jobs destined for one of the plurality of users among the print jobs accumulated in the accumulation unit hand to perform the compilation printing execution continues with the job to the one printing device, in a case where the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate one of the printing apparatus is performed, any of the user related to the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate the case where the print job to the destination is not stored in the storage unit, control for controlling the print jobs stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device ,
A program characterized by functioning as The printing apparatus captures the user authentication information by the authentication information capturing unit and performs the notification in the power saving state,
When the control unit causes the printing apparatus to perform the summary printing,
The program according to claim 11, wherein the printing apparatus is returned from a power saving state. The control unit is configured to print a print job stored in the storage unit when the authentication information capturing unit of one printing apparatus captures authentication information simultaneously or continuously within a predetermined time when the number of users is less than a predetermined number. The program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the program is controlled not to be printed by the one printing apparatus . The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the start condition of the summary printing includes that the total number of pages printed by the summary printing is equal to or more than a predetermined number of pages. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further causing the information processing apparatus to function as a condition registration unit that registers the start-up condition of the summary printing in a storage unit in a changeable manner. The condition registration unit registers start-up conditions for the summary printing for each user,
16. The control unit according to claim 15, wherein the control unit determines whether to perform the collective printing using an activation condition corresponding to a user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons in the registration. The listed program. The program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the condition registration unit prohibits a change in registration contents when specific authentication information is not input. Further, the information processing apparatus registers the number of points for each user, and when the collective printing is performed, the point for increasing the number of points of the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons who causes the collective printing The program according to claim 11, wherein the program functions as a registration unit. The program according to claim 18, wherein the information processing apparatus is operated so as to change the activation condition for each user according to the number of points held by the user. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein a plurality of printing apparatuses to be managed are registered in advance. Receiving a print job with a destination set, and
Storing the received print job in the storage unit ;
When multiple user authentication is performed in which the authentication information of a plurality of users is captured simultaneously or within a predetermined time with a single printing apparatus, each of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users Determining whether a print job destined for is stored in the storage unit;
If the result of the determination is true, the one print is a collective print that continuously executes a plurality of print jobs destined for any one of the plurality of users among the print jobs stored in the storage unit. apparatus to perform, in the case of the determination result is false, the step that controls the print job stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device,
A print management method characterized by comprising: The printing apparatus captures user authentication information while remaining in a power saving state,
The print management method according to claim 21, further comprising a step of returning the printing apparatus from a power saving state when causing the printing apparatus to perform the collective printing. An authentication information fetching unit for fetching authentication information for user authentication;
A job receiving unit that receives a print job with a destination set, and
An accumulating unit for accumulating the print job received by the job receiving unit;
A printing section that executes printing;
Multiple-user simultaneous authentication in which authentication information of a plurality of users is acquired simultaneously or within a predetermined time by the authentication information acquisition unit is performed, and each of the plurality of users related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of users When a print job destined for is stored in the storage unit, printing related to a plurality of print jobs destined for one of the plurality of users among the print jobs stored in the storage unit is performed. hand to perform the compilation printing execution continues to the printing unit, in a case where the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate one of the printing apparatus is performed, to one of the user related to the plurality of persons simultaneously authenticate the destination If the print job is not stored in the storage unit, a control unit for controlling a print job stored in the storage unit so as not to print in the one printing device
A printing apparatus comprising: When the authentication information is captured by the authentication information capturing unit in the power saving state, and the printing unit performs the collective printing, the self-apparatus is changed from the power saving state to a normal state in which printing can be performed by the printing unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the printing apparatus is returned. The printing apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the start-up condition of the summary printing includes that the plurality of users are a predetermined number or more. 26. The printing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the start-up condition of the summary printing includes that the total number of pages printed by the summary printing is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of pages. . The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising a condition registration unit that registers the start-up condition of the summary printing in a storage unit in a changeable manner. The condition registration unit registers start-up conditions for the summary printing for each user,
28. The control unit according to claim 27, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to perform the collective printing using an activation condition corresponding to a user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons in the registration. The printing apparatus as described. The printing apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the condition registration unit prohibits a change in registered content when specific authentication information is not input. A point registration unit for registering the number of points for each user and for increasing the number of points of the user related to the simultaneous authentication of the plurality of persons who caused the collective printing when the collective printing is performed; 30. A printing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29. The printing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the condition registration unit changes the activation condition for each user according to the number of points held by the user.

Images