JP6540451B2 - Image forming apparatus, program and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, program, and image forming system that start printing of a print job issued by a user when the user comes close to the image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is an image forming apparatus having a security printing function for preventing information leakage due to a printed matter output to a paper discharge tray being taken away or viewed by another person. In this image forming apparatus, when an output permitted user who permits execution of printing related to a print job is set in advance as a print job, and the authentication device attached to the image forming apparatus authenticates the output permitted user, the image forming apparatus Improves security by starting printing related to the print job. A print job in which the output-permitted user causes the image forming apparatus to perform security printing in this manner is called a "security job".

  Conventionally, in order to ensure security when printing by a security job, an output-permitted user performs an authentication operation in front of an image forming apparatus. As this authentication operation, for example, a method is used in which personal identification information of an IC card held by an output-authorized user is read by a card reader attached to the image forming apparatus. Thus, in order to authenticate the output permitted user in front of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can perform printing based on the security job while the output permitted user is in front of the image forming apparatus. Since the output-authorized user can immediately take out the highly secure printed matter, the problem that the printed matter is in the hands of other users than the output-authorized user is prevented.

  However, the output authorized user must wait in front of the image forming apparatus until printing based on the security job is completed. If another user is near the image forming apparatus, the security will be lost at the moment when the printed matter is discharged to the paper discharge tray. Also, since the image forming apparatus starts printing based on the security job from the time when the authentication apparatus authenticates the output permitted user, the printing time required to complete printing becomes long, and the output permitted user prints before the image forming apparatus The waiting time for waiting for completion also increases.

  In order to reduce the waiting time of the output-authorized user, for example, there is a method in which the output-authorized user who has approached a predetermined distance from the image forming apparatus remotely logs in to the image forming apparatus using wireless or the like. Even when the output permitted user is away from the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus automatically starts printing based on the security job issued by the output permitted user by remote login. Then, since the printing of the security job is completed to a certain extent when the output permitted user reaches the image forming apparatus, the waiting time of the output permitted user is shortened. As techniques for remote login by an output-authorized user as described above, techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below are known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for starting display of a display screen when it is detected that an identification information transmission device possessed by a user has entered within a predetermined distance.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of determining a warm-up start distance from a typical walking speed of a person and a warm-up time required for preparation for image formation of a multifunction peripheral.

JP, 2011-41132, A Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-135993

  By the way, for normal jobs other than security jobs issued by other users, printing processing by the image forming apparatus is started without the need for remote login of the other users. Therefore, when a print job is issued by another user on the way to the image forming apparatus after the output-authorized user issues a security job, the print job issued by the other user is preferentially executed, and the image forming apparatus May be printed. In this case, the output permitted user can not obtain the printed material based on the security job issued by the output permitted user when reaching the image forming apparatus. Also, if the print volume (for example, the number of copies, the number of copies) of the print job issued by another user is large, it takes time to complete the print job, but the output permitted user knows when the print job is completed I could not.

  Even when using the technology related to the remote login of the image forming apparatus described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, an output-authorized user who approaches the image forming apparatus can know the timing at which printing by a normal job issued by another user is completed. It was not possible, and the waiting time of the output permission user was not reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce the waiting time for an output-authorized user to wait in front of an image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a job acquisition unit that acquires a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by a user.
An image forming unit that performs image forming processing for forming an image on a sheet based on a print job;
A user detection unit that detects communication terminals held by users present in the detectable area;
Whether the user whose communication terminal has been detected by the user detection unit is the owner of a specific security job that has issued a specific security job as a print job , and is an output permitted user who is permitted to output the specific security job , Or is the owner of a normal job who has issued a normal job other than a specific security job as a print job, and is another user who is not the output authorized user but who is not permitted to output the specific security job A user determination unit that determines
An authentication unit that authenticates the output permitted user determined by the user determination unit;
When the output permitted user authenticated by the authentication unit reaches the processing start area where the image forming unit can start the image forming processing, the image forming processing based on the print job issued by the output permitted user is formed. An image forming control unit that causes the image forming unit to perform image forming processing based on a print job issued by another user without performing authentication by the authenticating unit;
A job completion time calculation unit that calculates a time required to complete processing of a print job issued by an output permitted user and a time required to complete processing of a print job issued by another user;
A waiting time counting unit that counts the waiting time until the image forming process of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed after the output permitted user reaches the apparatus;
A job completion time comparison unit that compares the time taken to complete processing of a print job issued by an output permitted user with the time taken to complete processing of a print job issued by another user;
In the case where the image forming unit performs the image forming process by the print job issued by another user before the output permitted user authenticated by the authentication unit reaches the process start area, the print job issued by the other user If the output-authorized user reaches the processing start area before the image formation processing by is completed, the waiting information is output including the waiting time indicating the status of the image formation processing based on the print job issued by the output-authorized user In the case where the image forming unit performs an image forming process by a print job issued by another user before notifying the authorized user or the output authorized user authenticated by the authentication unit reaches the processing start area, After the processing of the print job issued by the user is completed, if the output permitted user reaches the processing start area, the output is permitted. It includes a waiting information notification unit does not notify the wait information to the user, the.
An image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a terminal device for transmitting user identification information for identifying a user, and a user detection unit of the image forming device is transmitted from the terminal device. The radio wave of the user identification information is received to detect the user present in the detectable area.

According to the present invention, when the image forming unit performs the image forming process by the print job due to the print job being issued by another user, the waiting information is notified to the output permitted user before reaching the process start area. Ru. Therefore, since the output permitted user can know how long to wait until the image forming process of the print job issued by the user is completed, the waiting time of the output permitted user is reduced.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be made clear by the following description of the embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the user detection distance of the detectable area | region which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention, the starting start distance of a starting start area, and a user distance. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus main body according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a job number distance conversion table according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the job type distance conversion table which concerns on the example of one embodiment of this invention. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship of the user distance and the electromagnetic wave intensity which concern on the example of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of printing time of a security job and a normal job according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of basic processing of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the starting start distance setting process of step S2 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the image forming system (image forming apparatus main body) when a normal job is issued from another user according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the waiting information displayed on the display of the terminal device which concerns on the example of 1 embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function or configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

<Schematic Configuration Example of Image Forming System 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an example of the user detection distance D1 of the detectable area A1, the activation start distance D2 of the activation start area A2, and the user distance L1.

  The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, PC (Personal Computer) terminals P1 and P2, and a terminal device 4 held by an output permitted user U1. The image forming apparatus 2 and the PC terminals P1 and P2 are connected through a network N such as a wireless or wired LAN (Local Area Network).

  The PC terminal P1 (an example of a communication terminal) is operated by the output permission user U1 who issues the security job J1. The security job J1 is a print job for which the use of the security printing function is set. The security job J1 is not executed by the image forming apparatus 2 unless login authentication of the output permitted user U1 is performed. Therefore, after the output-authorized user U1 remotely logs in to the image forming apparatus 2, the printing process is started by the image forming apparatus 2. In the following description, the output permitted user U1 who has issued the security job J1 is called the owner of the security job J1. The security job J1 includes an owner ID, and this owner ID matches the user ID of the output permitted user U1 (an example of the user identification information). The printing process includes an image forming process by the image forming apparatus main body 3 and a post-processing by the post-processing apparatus FN, but the image forming process is also called a printing process.

The PC terminal P2 (an example of a communication terminal) is usually operated by another user U2 who issues a job J2. The normal job J2 is executed by the image forming apparatus 2 even if login authentication of the other user U2 is not performed. Thus, the normal job J2 is printed by the image forming apparatus 2 as soon as it is issued by the PC terminal P2. The other user U2 who has issued the normal job J2 is called the owner of the normal job J2. The regular job J2 also includes an owner ID, and this owner ID matches the user ID of another user U2.
If the security job J1 and the normal job J2 are not distinguished in the following description, they are called "print job".

  The image forming apparatus 2 performs predetermined post-processing on an image forming apparatus main body 3 for forming an image on a sheet of paper and a sheet (also referred to as a “printed matter”) having an image discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 3. And a processing device FN (an example of a post-processing unit). Detailed configuration examples and processing examples of the image forming apparatus main body 3 and the post-processing apparatus FN will be described later. Then, an image is formed by the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the sheet subjected to post-processing by the post-processing apparatus FN is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 14. The output permission user U1 and the other user U2 can obtain the sheet discharged to the sheet discharge tray 14. When the post-processing apparatus FN is not provided in the image forming apparatus 2, the discharge tray 14 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 3.

  The terminal device 4 is a portable terminal device possessed and used by each user such as a smart device such as a smartphone and a tablet, and a mobile phone. The terminal device 4 is connected to a wireless communication unit 35 (see FIG. 4 described later) of the image forming apparatus main body 3 by communication connection of near field communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark) or the like. Communicate with each other. For example, the terminal device 4 wirelessly transmits a user ID or the like for identifying a user to the wireless communication unit 35, and the wireless communication unit 35 wirelessly receives user identification information from the terminal device 4.

  In the image forming apparatus 2, a substantially circular detectable area A1 centered on the image forming apparatus 2 and an activation start area A2 are set. Here, the distance from the paper discharge tray 14 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the output permission user U1 (terminal device 4) is represented as a user distance L1. The user distance L1 is not limited to the discharge tray 14, and may be a distance from an arbitrary position of the image forming apparatus 2 to the output permitted user U1 (terminal device 4).

  The detectable area A1 is a substantially circular area having a radius at the user detection distance D1 shown in FIG. 2 with the image forming apparatus 2 as the center. The user detection distance D1 enables the user detection unit 17 (see FIG. 4 described later) of the image forming apparatus main body 3 to detect that the output permitted user U1 or another user U2 has approached the image forming apparatus 2. It is a distance. Whether or not the output permitted user U1 or the other user U2 is within the detectable area A1 is determined by whether or not the user distance L1 of the output permitted user U1 or the other user U2 is less than the user detected distance D1.

  The start start area A2 indicates a substantially circular area whose radius is the start start distance D2 (an example of the processing start distance) with the image forming apparatus 2 (for example, the discharge tray 14) as a center. If the security of the printed matter to be discharged onto the paper discharge tray 14 is ensured when the log-in authenticated output permitted user U1 approaches the image forming apparatus 2, the activation start distance D2 It is a distance at which the start is permitted, and is used as an example of the processing start distance. When the output permitted user U1 approaches the image formation apparatus 2 up to the image formation apparatus 2 and enters the image formation apparatus A2, the image formation apparatus 2 in the power saving mode starts the image formation. Whether or not the output permitted user U1 is within the activation start area A2 is determined by whether or not the user distance L1 of the output permitted user U1 is less than the activation start distance D2.

  When the output permitted user U1 enters the activation start area A2, remote login of the output permitted user U1 to the image forming apparatus 2 is performed, and the image forming apparatus 2 starts activation. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2 starts print processing based on the security job J1.

  The image forming apparatus 2 changes the activation start distance D2 in accordance with the number of pages to be printed in the print job, the number of copies, the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 2, and the like. The activation start distance D2 set when the output permitted user U1 reaches the user detection distance D1 has a value different from that of the user detection distance D1.

  Here, the output permitted user U1 operates the PC terminal P1 to issue the security job J1 to the image forming apparatus 2, and before the output permitted user U1 approaching the image forming apparatus 2 reaches the activation start area A2, the other It is assumed that the normal job J2 is issued by the user U2. At this time, the output permitted user U1 is between the user detection distance D1 and the activation start distance D2. In this case, the image forming apparatus 2 detects the approach of the output permitted user U1, but since printing before the security job J1 is performed, printing by the normal job J2 is started before printing by the security job J1. .

When the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 2 performs printing by the normal job J2. Then, since the output permitted user U1 does not know the print volume of the normal job J2, the output permitted user U1 is kept waiting for a long time in front of the image forming apparatus 2 until the printing of the normal job J2 is completed. Therefore, a method is proposed to reduce the waiting time of the output permitted user U1 by notifying the terminal device 4 of the waiting information from the image forming apparatus 2. The waiting information is information indicating the status of the image forming process based on the print job performed by the image forming apparatus 2, and includes the waiting time until the printing of the security job J1 is completed.
Hereinafter, a specific configuration example of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.

<Hardware Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of the image forming apparatus 2.

The image forming apparatus 2 includes an image forming apparatus main body 3 and a post-processing device FN.
The image forming apparatus main body 3 adopts an electrophotographic method in which an image is formed using static electricity. For example, toners of four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black) are used. Color printing with superimposed images is possible. The image forming apparatus main body 3 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 5, an operation panel 6, a sheet feeding unit 7, an image forming unit 10, an intermediate transfer belt 11 (image carrier), and a secondary transfer. And a fixing unit 13.

  The automatic document feeder 5 automatically feeds a document when reading the document. The scanner 45 (see FIG. 4 described later) provided in the automatic document feeder 5 is automatically conveyed by the document placed on the upper platen glass of the image forming apparatus main body 3 and the automatic document feeder 5. Can read the image of the original.

  The operation panel 6 has a function as an operation unit 41 (see FIG. 4 described later) for instructing start of a job such as an image forming process, for example. An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is installed on the operation panel 6. The LCD is configured of a touch panel, and can be operated by the output-permitted user U1 or another user U2 and can display various information. The LCD doubles as an operation unit 41 and a display unit 42 shown in FIG. 4 described later. The operation unit 41 may be configured by a mouse, a tablet, or the like, and may be configured separately from the display unit 42.

  The paper feed unit 7 includes a plurality of paper storage units according to the size and type of paper. In the sheet feeding unit 7, when the corresponding sheet storage unit is selected based on an instruction from the image forming apparatus main body 3, the sheet is taken out from the sheet storage unit, and the sheet is sent to the conveyance path C.

  The image forming unit 10 includes four image forming units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K in order to form toner images of Y, M, C, and K colors. The image forming unit 10 controls the operation of the image forming units 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K of the image forming unit 10 to form Y, M, C, K toner images. Further, the image forming apparatus main body 3 includes a plurality of rollers (conveying rollers) for conveying the sheet to the conveyance path C. These rollers are usually constituted by a roller pair.

  In the image forming mode, the image forming apparatus main body 3 charges the photosensitive members of the image forming units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, erases the charge and exposes the photosensitive members, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive members. Then, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent images of Y, M, C, and K photosensitive members by using a developing unit, and toner images of respective colors are formed. Next, the toner images formed on the Y, M, C, and K photoconductors are sequentially primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 11 rotating in the direction of the arrow.

  Next, the toner images of the respective colors primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 11 by the secondary transfer unit 12 (secondary transfer roller) are supplied from the paper supply unit 7 and are secondary to the sheet conveyed by the roller. Transcribe. A color image is formed by secondarily transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 11 to the sheet. The image forming apparatus main body 3 conveys the sheet on which the color toner image is formed to the fixing unit 13.

  The fixing unit 13 is a device that performs a fixing process on a sheet on which a color toner image is formed. The fixing unit 13 applies pressure and heat to the conveyed sheet to fix the transferred toner image on the sheet. The fixing unit 13 includes, for example, a fixing upper roller and a fixing lower roller (not shown) as a fixing member. The upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller are disposed in pressure contact with each other, and a fixing nip portion is formed as a pressure contact portion between the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller.

  A heating unit (not shown) is provided inside the fixing upper roller. The radiant heat from the heating portion heats the roller portion at the outer peripheral portion of the fixing upper roller. The sheet is conveyed to the fixing nip portion such that the surface (the fixing target surface) on which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer unit 12 faces the fixing upper roller. The sheet passing through the fixing nip portion is pressurized by the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller and heated by the heat of the roller portion of the upper fixing roller. The sheet on which the fixing process has been performed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged to the post-processing apparatus FN.

  The post-processing device FN includes, for example, a paper folding device FN1, a cutting device FN2, a stapling device FN3, and a bookbinding device FN4.

  The sheet folding apparatus FN1 performs a sheet folding process on sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 3 as necessary, and discharges the sheet to the next cutting apparatus FN2. Specifically, when execution of the sheet folding process is set for the print job, the sheet folding apparatus FN1 discharges the sheet to the trimming apparatus FN2 after performing the sheet folding process. On the other hand, when the execution of the sheet folding process is not set for the print job, the sheet folding apparatus FN1 does not perform the sheet folding process, and discharges it to the cutting apparatus FN2.

  The cutting device FN2 performs cutting processing on the sheet conveyed from the paper folding device FN1 as necessary, and discharges the sheet to the next stapling device FN3. Specifically, when execution of cutting processing is set for the print job, the cutting apparatus FN2 discharges the sheet to the stapling apparatus FN3 after performing cutting processing. On the other hand, when the execution of the cutting process is not set for the print job, the cutting device FN2 does not perform the cutting process, and discharges it as it is to the stapling device FN3.

  The stapling apparatus FN3 staples the sheet conveyed from the cutting apparatus FN2 as necessary, and discharges the sheet to the next bookbinding apparatus FN4. Specifically, when the execution of the stapling process is set for the print job, the stapling apparatus FN3 discharges the sheet to the bookbinding apparatus FN4 after performing the stapling process. On the other hand, when the execution of the stapling process is not set for the print job, the stapling apparatus FN3 discharges the sheet to the bookbinding apparatus FN4 without performing the stapling process.

The bookbinding device FN4 performs bookbinding processing on the sheet conveyed from the stapling device FN3 as necessary, and discharges the sheet to the paper discharge tray 14. Specifically, when the execution of the bookbinding process is set for the print job, the bookbinding apparatus FN4 discharges the sheet to the paper discharge tray 14 after performing the bookbinding process. On the other hand, when the execution of the bookbinding process is not set for the print job, the bookbinding apparatus FN4 discharges the sheet to the paper discharge tray 14 without performing the bookbinding process.
Although the image forming apparatus 2 for forming a color image is exemplified in the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus for forming a monochrome image may be used.

<Schematic Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus Main Body>
Next, a schematic configuration example of the image forming apparatus main body 3 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 3.

  The image forming apparatus main body 3 is a so-called multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copy function, a scan function, a print function, and the like. The copy function is a function of optically reading an original and printing a duplicate image on a sheet. The scan function is a function of storing image data of a read original as a file and transmitting the image data to the PC terminals P1 and P2 through the network N. The print function is a function of printing and outputting a document or an image on a sheet based on a print job received from the outside through the network N.

  The image forming apparatus main body 3 stores the print job input from the PC terminals P1 and P2. Then, when the output permitted user U1 enters the activation start area A2, the printing of the print job is automatically started, so that the security of the printed matter discharged to the paper discharge tray 14 can be secured.

  The image forming apparatus main body 3 includes a control unit 15 that generally controls the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 3. The control unit 15 executes various processes by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 15 includes a read only memory (ROM) 30, a random access memory (RAM) 31, a non-volatile memory 32, a hard disk drive 33, a network controller 34, a wireless communication unit 35, an operation panel 6, a print interface 43, and a read interface 44. Etc. are connected. The image forming unit 10 is connected to the print interface 43. The scanner 45 is connected to the reading interface 44.

  The control unit 15 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes programs such as middleware and application programs. The processing of each unit executed by the control unit 15 will be described later.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 30, and the functions of the image forming apparatus main body 3 are realized by the control unit 15 executing processing in accordance with these programs. Further, the ROM 30 stores a job number distance conversion table Ta1 shown in FIG. 5 described later, a job type distance conversion table Ta2 shown in FIG. 6, and a radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3 corresponding to the characteristic diagram shown in FIG. Be done. The ROM 30 also stores a user ID, a password, and the like.

The RAM 31 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the control unit 15 executes a program. Further, the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 16 is temporarily stored in the RAM 31.
The non-volatile memory 32 stores various settings.
The hard disk drive 33 stores print jobs and the like received by the network controller 34.

The network controller 34 receives a print job from the PC terminals P1 and P2 through the network N under the control of the job acquisition unit 16.
The wireless communication unit 35 mutually communicates with the terminal device 4 by the communication connection of the short distance wireless communication using Bluetooth, WiFi or the like as described above. Then, the wireless communication unit 35 can measure the radio wave intensity (reception signal intensity) of the radio wave for which the terminal device 4 transmits the user ID. The radio wave intensity measured by the wireless communication unit 35 is sent to the user detection unit 17 in the control unit 15.

The operation panel 6 includes an operation unit 41 and a display unit 42.
The operation unit 41 includes various operation switches such as a start button, a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 42, and the like. The touch panel detects a coordinate position pressed by a touch pen, a finger or the like. In addition, it detects flick operation, drag operation, operation to the scroll bar, and the like.
The display unit 42 is configured of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like.

The image forming unit 10 is connected to the print interface 43.
Under the control of the image forming control unit 20, the image forming unit 10 performs an image forming process of forming an image on a sheet based on the print job acquired by the job acquiring unit 16.

  Connected to the reading interface 44 is a scanner 45 which has a function of optically reading an original and acquiring image data. The scanner 45 includes, for example, a line image sensor, a moving unit, an optical path, a conversion unit, and the like. The line image sensor reads a document by one line in the width direction in response to a light source for irradiating the document with light and the reflected light. The moving unit sequentially moves the reading position in line units in the longitudinal direction of the document. The optical path includes a lens, a mirror and the like for guiding reflected light from a document to a line image sensor to form an image. The conversion unit converts an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data.

  Here, a configuration example of each unit included in the control unit 15 will be described.

  The job acquisition unit 16 controls the network controller 34 to acquire the print job transmitted from the PC terminals P1 and P2 through the network controller 34.

The user detection unit 17 detects the terminal device 4 held by the user present in the detectable area A1 by the wireless communication unit 35 performing near field communication with the terminal device 4. Then, the user detection unit 17 refers to the radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3 stored in the ROM 30 based on the received signal strength of the radio wave transmitted by the terminal device 4 measured by the wireless communication unit 35, and the user distance L1. Calculate (see Figure 2).
The user detection unit 17 may detect an absolute position such as the orientation of the user or the latitude and longitude with respect to the image forming apparatus 2.

  The user determination unit 18 determines whether the user in the detectable area A1 detected by the user detection unit 17 is the output permitted user U1 who has issued the security job J1 or whether the user is the other user U2. The determination is made based on the user information received from the device 4.

  The login processing unit 19 (an example of the authentication unit) performs login authentication on the output permitted user U1 determined by the user determination unit 18. At this time, the login processing unit 19 can log-in and authenticate the output permitted user U1 by remote login based on the user ID of the output permitted user U1 who has entered the detectable area A1.

  The login processing unit 19 collates the user ID and password input from the operation panel 6 with the user ID and password stored in the ROM 30, and performs login authentication of the output permitted user U1. Further, the login processing unit 19 can perform login authentication by receiving user information from an IC card or the like including an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) in which user information is registered. Further, based on the user information received by the wireless communication unit 35 from the terminal device 4 held by the other user U2, the login processing unit 19 determines that the user in the detectable area A1 is the other user U2 based on the user information received by the wireless communication unit 35. In this case, it is also possible to perform login authentication of the other user U2.

  The image forming control unit 20 activates the image forming unit 10 through the print interface 43 based on the print job acquired by the job acquiring unit 16 and performs control for causing the image forming unit 10 to form an image. The image formation control unit 20 compares the user distance L1 received from the user detection unit 17 with the activation start distance D2 calculated by the activation start distance calculation unit 23. Then, the image formation control unit 20 controls whether to start printing relating to the print job based on the result of the comparison.

  For example, when the image formation control unit 20 determines that the output permitted user U1 authenticated by the login processing unit 19 reaches the activation start area A2 defined by the activation start distance D2 at which the image forming unit 10 starts the image formation processing. And causes the image forming unit 10 to execute the security job J1 issued by the output permitted user U1. On the other hand, when the other user U2 issues the normal job J2, the image formation control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 10 to execute the normal job J2 without authentication by the login processing unit 19. Here, the image forming control unit 20 starts the image forming unit 10 and starts the warm-up before making the image forming unit 10 perform the image forming process. For example, when the image forming unit 10 is in the power saving mode, the temperature of the roller unit of the fixing unit 13 is lowered. Therefore, when the image forming control unit 20 starts the image forming unit 10 in advance, the roller unit of the fixing unit 13 is warmed so that the image forming process can be performed on the sheet.

  The waiting information notifying unit 21 is configured such that the image forming unit 10 is normally operated by the normal job J2 being issued by another user U2 before the output permitted user U1 authenticated by the login processing unit 19 reaches the activation start area A2. When the process by the job J2 is performed, the output permission user U1 is notified of the waiting information. By confirming the notified waiting information, the output-permitted user U1 can determine whether the printed matter should be taken to the discharge tray 14 or returned to the user's seat. The waiting information notified to the terminal device 4 includes information such as a message as well as the waiting time input from the waiting time counting unit 27. Further, the waiting information is attached to the image forming apparatus 2 and a lamp that can notify the output permitted user U1 by emitting light of occurrence of the waiting time in a specific color, a voice guide emitted from the terminal apparatus 4, a terminal apparatus 4 vibration or light emission.

  The post-processing control unit 22 activates the post-processing device FN based on the job type set for the print job determined by the job type determination unit 24, and causes the post-processing device FN to perform predetermined post-processing on the printed matter. The job type is one in which the type (for example, post-processing) of a job to be performed on a sheet (printed material) on which an image is formed is set in a print job.

  The activation start distance calculation unit 23 (an example of a processing start distance calculation unit) calculates an activation start distance D2 at which the image forming apparatus 2 is activated to start the image forming process. The start start distance D2 is a value calculated by the start start distance calculation unit 23 based on the post processing performed by the post processing apparatus FN, and is calculated based on the job type determined by the job type determination unit 24. When the activation start distance calculation unit 23 calculates the activation start distance D2, the number-of-jobs distance conversion table Ta1 or the job type distance conversion table Ta2 stored in the ROM 30 is referred to. The activation start distance D2 calculated by the activation start distance calculation unit 23 is stored in the RAM 31.

  The job type determination unit 24 determines the job type set for the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 16.

  The job completion time calculation unit 25 calculates a job completion time for completing the processing of the security job J1 issued by the output permitted user U1 and a job completion time for completing the processing of the normal job J2 issued by the other user U2. The job completion time of the security job J1 and the normal job J2 is calculated based on the print volume of each job.

  The job completion time comparison unit 26 calculates the time taken to complete the processing of the security job J1 issued by the output permitted user U1 calculated by the job completion time calculation unit 25 and the processing of the normal job J2 issued by the other user U2 Compare time to completion.

  The waiting time counting unit 27 counts the waiting time until the image forming process of the security job J1 issued by the output permitted user U1 ends after the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2 (own apparatus). This waiting time may vary depending on the print volume of the security job J1 and the normal job J2. The waiting time counted by the waiting time counting unit 27 is output to the waiting information notification unit 21.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the number-of-jobs distance conversion table Ta1.
The job number distance conversion table Ta1 is a table for managing the relationship between the number of sheets (number of jobs) set in the print job and the start start distance D2 at which the image forming apparatus 2 starts start. . The number-of-jobs distance conversion table Ta1 has fields of the number of jobs indicating the number of sheets set in the job, and an activation start distance indicating a distance at which activation of the image forming apparatus 2 is started.

  Then, the start start distance calculation unit 23 sets the start start distance obtained from the job number distance conversion table Ta1 based on the number of jobs included in the print job as the start start distance D2. For example, when the number of print jobs is “one”, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “0.5 m”. Further, when the number of print jobs is “2”, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “1 m”. The larger the number of jobs, the longer the start start distance D2 is because the larger the number of jobs, the longer it takes for the control unit 15 to perform the calculation processing, and the longer it takes to form an image on the first sheet. This is because the discharge timing of the first sheet is delayed.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the job type distance conversion table Ta2.
The job type distance conversion table Ta2 shown in FIG. 6A is a table for managing the relationship between the job type set in the print job and the start start distance at which the image forming apparatus 2 starts start. The start start distance defined for each process is stored. A job type distance conversion table Ta2 is a management number which is a number for identifiably managing the post-processing of the post-processing apparatus FN, a job type indicating the type of post-processing to be executed by the post-processing apparatus FN, the image forming apparatus 2 Each field of the start start distance which shows the distance which starts start of. The job type distance conversion table Ta2 is used by the activation start distance calculation unit 23 to calculate the shortest activation start distance D2 that the activation start distance calculation unit 23 should use in order to prevent the loss of security.

  Then, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 determines the sum of the activation start distances acquired from the job type distance conversion table Ta2 based on the job type included in the print job as the activation start distance D2. For example, when the security job J1 includes a plurality of job types, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 adds the activation start distance obtained from the job type distance conversion table Ta2 for each job type to the activation start distance D2 Decide. When the present embodiment is set to the basic mode, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 lengthens the calculated activation start distance D2 in consideration of other modes in which complicated folding processing and bookbinding processing are performed. This makes it possible to further reduce the user's waiting time.

  For example, in the top record of the job type distance conversion table Ta2, the sheet folding apparatus FN1 corresponding to the management number “FN1” executes the job type “paper folding” process, and the start start distance is “2 m”. It is indicated that there is. The second record indicates that the cutting device FN2 corresponding to the management number "FN2" executes the job type "cutting" process, and the start start distance is "1 m". The third record indicates that the staple device FN3 corresponding to the management number "FN3" executes the job type "staple" processing, and the start start distance is "0.5 m". Further, the fourth record indicates that the bookbinding device FN4 corresponding to the management number “FN4” executes the job type “bookbinding” processing, and the activation start distance is “3 m”.

6B to 6D show examples of combinations of job types.
As shown in FIG. 6B, when post-processing is performed by the post-processing apparatus FN by combining four job types, this post-processing combines "paper folding", "cutting", "stapling" and "bookbinding" processing. It will be
When post-processing is performed by the post-processing apparatus FN by combining three job types as shown in FIG. 6C, the post-processing includes four steps of "paper folding", "cutting", "stapling" and "binding" processing. It is a combination of three post-processings selected from one post-processing.
As shown in FIG. 6D, when post-processing is performed by the post-processing apparatus FN by combining two job types, this post-processing includes four steps of "paper folding", "cutting", "stapling" and "binding" processing. It is a combination of two post-processings selected from one post-processing.

  Then, the start start distance calculation unit 23 refers to the job type distance conversion table Ta2 and sets the combined distance obtained by adding the start start distances when performing post processing combined in FIGS. 6B to 6D as the start start distance D2. calculate.

  When there is only one post-processing by the post-processing device FN, the activation start distance shown in FIG. 6A is used as it is as the activation start distance D2. Further, when the post-processing by the post-processing device FN is not performed, the activation start distance D2 is calculated based on the process shown in step S14 of FIG. 10 described later. Further, the start start distance calculation unit 23 calculates a combined distance obtained by adding the start start distance of the job number distance conversion table Ta1 shown in FIG. 5 and the start start distance of the job type distance conversion table Ta2 as the start start distance D2. You may

  FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the user distance L1 and the radio wave intensity.

  The characteristic diagram shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the wireless communication unit 35 from the terminal device 4 corresponds to the user distance L1. The relationship between the user distance L1 and the radio wave intensity shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the ROM 30 as a radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3.

When the radio communication unit 35 receives a radio wave from the terminal device 4 held by the output permitted user U1 that has entered the detectable area A1, the radio communication unit 35 measures the radio wave intensity of the radio wave and outputs the radio wave intensity to the user detection unit 17. The user detection unit 17 refers to the radio wave strength distance conversion table Ta3 stored in the ROM 30, and converts the radio wave strength input from the wireless communication unit 35 into the user distance L1. Thus, the user detection unit 17 can obtain the user distance L1 from the image forming apparatus 2 (own apparatus) to the output permitted user U1.
The user detection unit 17 can also calculate the user distance to the other user U2, or detect the other user U2 near the image forming apparatus 2 by a human sensor or the like.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an example of the printing time of the security job J1 and the normal job J2. As shown in FIG. 8, there are three cases (1) to (3) of the relationship between the printing time of the security job J1 and the printing time of the normal job J2.

  In FIG. 8, the timing at which the output permitted user U1 who issued the security job J1 reaches the activation start area A2 is time t1, and the timing at which the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2 (for example, the paper discharge tray 14) At time t2.

  Case (1) shows an example of printing time t3 of normal job J2 issued by another user U2 and printing time t4 of security job J1 issued by output permitted user U1. In case (1), since the print volume of the normal job J2 is small, the printing of the normal job J2 is completed before time t1, as indicated by the printing time t3 of the normal job J2. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 is activated at the timing when the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2, and printing of the security job J1 is started. As shown at printing time t4 of security job J1, printing of security job J1 is completed at the timing when output permitted user U1 reaches image forming apparatus 2, and output permitted user U1 does not have to wait from the discharge tray 14 without waiting time. Printouts can be obtained.

  Case (2) shows an example of printing time t5 of normal job J2, printing time t4 of security job J1, and waiting time t6. In case (2), since the print volume of the normal job J2 is larger than that of case (1), printing of the normal job J2 is completed after time t1, as shown in the printing time t5 of the normal job J2. Therefore, printing of the security job J1 is not started at the timing when the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2. Then, after printing of the normal job J2 is completed, printing of the security job J1 is performed. The output permitted user U1 prints the security job J1 when reaching the image forming apparatus 2. However, after waiting for the waiting time t6, the output permitted user U1 can acquire the printed matter from the paper discharge tray 14.

  Case (3) shows an example of the printing time t7 of the normal job J2, the printing time t4 of the security job J1, and the waiting time t8. In case (3), since the print volume of the normal job J2 is larger than that of case (2), the printing of the normal job J2 is completed after time t2, as indicated by the printing time t7 of the normal job J2. Therefore, printing of the security job J1 is not started at the timing when the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2. Then, the output permitted user U1 can arrive at the image forming apparatus 2 and wait for the waiting time t8 before acquiring the printed matter from the paper discharge tray 14.

  As shown in the cases (2) and (3), the waiting time of the output permitted user U1 varies depending on the print volume of the normal job J2. Therefore, in cases (2) and (3), the image forming apparatus 2 notifies the output permission user U1 that the waiting time occurs to the terminal device 4 of the output permission user U1. Further, waiting information indicating how many minutes to wait is displayed on the display of the terminal device 4. Thus, before the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, it is possible to grasp the presence or absence of the waiting time.

Next, a processing example of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.
First, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a process example of the image forming system 1 in the case where only the output permitted user U1 issues the security job J1 and the other user U2 does not issue the normal job J2 will be described. .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a basic process example of the image forming apparatus 2.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the activation start distance setting process of step S2 of FIG.

  Here, a case where the output permitted user U1 operates the PC terminal P1 and transmits one security job J1 to the image forming apparatus main body 3 will be described as an example. Note that this process is performed even in the power saving mode.

  First, when acquiring the security job J1 from the PC terminal P1, the job acquiring unit 16 acquires job information and the owner ID of the owner of the security job J1 from the security job J1 (S1). The job information of the security job J1 includes information indicating the job type of the security job J1, information indicating the number of sheets (number of jobs) set in the security job J1, and type of an image set in the security job J1 (image Information that indicates the species) is included.

  Next, the startup start distance calculation unit 23 performs startup start distance setting processing with reference to the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 and the job type distance conversion table Ta2 (see FIG. 6) (see FIG. S2). In the activation start distance setting process, the activation start distance D2 of the image forming apparatus 2 (image forming apparatus main body 3 and post-processing apparatus FN) is set.

Here, with reference to FIG. 10, the process of installing the activation start distance D2 will be described.
First, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 determines whether post-processing is set for the security job J1 acquired in step S1 of FIG. 9 (S11). Here, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 refers to the job type of the security job J1, and when at least one of the paper folding process, the cutting process, the stapling process, and the bookbinding process is set to the security job J1, It is determined that processing is set. If start-up distance calculation unit 23 determines that post-processing is not set for security job J1 (NO in S11), start-up start based on the time when the first sheet (first print) is discharged. The distance D2 is determined (S14), and the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the start-up distance calculation unit 23 determines that post-processing is set in step S11 (YES in S11), the process proceeds to the next step S12. If post-processing is set for the security job J1, the start start distance calculation unit 23 can calculate the start start distance D2 after referring to the job type distance conversion table Ta2.

Next, the start start distance calculation unit 23 determines the start start distance D2 with reference to the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 and the job type distance conversion table Ta2 (see FIG. 3) (S12). (S13), and the process proceeds to step S3 of FIG. For example, when the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 is "fold paper", the activation start distance calculation unit 23 determines the activation start distance D2 to be "2 m". Further, when the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 is “cut”, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 determines the activation start distance D2 to be “1 m”.
The activation start distance calculation unit 23 stores the activation start distance D2 determined by the activation start distance setting process of step S2 in the table format in association with the management number of the security job J1 and the owner ID of the security job J1.

  Note that, when two or more job types are set in the security job J1 acquired in step S1, the start start distance calculation unit 23 adds all the start start distances D2 set for each job type. The start start distance D2 is determined. For example, when the job type of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 is "fold paper" and "cut", the activation start distance calculation unit 23 determines the activation start distance D2 as "2 m + 1 m = 3 m".

  As described above, since the printed matter subjected to post-processing by the post-processing device FN is invisible to human eyes, security can be ensured. In this embodiment, paying attention to this point, the time taken for the post-processing is converted into the start start distance D2, and the output permitted user U1 reaches the start start area A2 defined by the start start distance D2. Start up and start the printing process. By setting the activation start distance D2 in this way, the activation start distance calculation unit 23 can improve user convenience while maintaining security.

It returns to the explanation of FIG. 9 again.
After the process of step S2, the user detection unit 17 starts detection of the approaching individual (user) using the radio wave transmitted from the terminal device 4 present in the detectable area A1 (S3). Here, the detectable area A1 is an area where the wireless communication unit 35 can receive the radio wave transmitted from the terminal device 4 and is, for example, 10 m. The wireless communication unit 35 can detect the user possessing the terminal device 4 by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the terminal device 4 present in the detectable area A1.

  Next, the user determination unit 18 acquires the user ID transmitted from the terminal device 4 present in the detectable area A1 based on the user information extracted from the radio wave received by the wireless communication unit 35 (S4) . Then, based on the owner ID of the owner of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 and the user ID acquired in step S4, the user determination unit 18 determines whether the approaching individual is the owner of the security job J1. Is determined (S5). Specifically, when the owner ID of the owner of the security job J1 acquired in step S1 matches the user ID acquired in step S4, the user determination unit 18 determines that the user is the owner of the security job J1. judge.

  When the user determination unit 18 determines that the approaching individual is the owner of the security job J1 (YES in S5), the login processing unit 19 performs login authentication of the output permitted user U1, and then proceeds to the next step S6. Do. On the other hand, when the user determination unit 18 determines that the approaching individual is not the owner of the security job J1 (NO in S5), the process proceeds to step S4 and is again transmitted from the terminal device 4 present in the detectable area A1. Get the user ID.

  Next, the user detection unit 17 reads the activation start distance D2 from the RAM 31, and the output permitted user U1 determined to be the owner of the security job J1 in step S5 is indicated by the activation start distance D2 set in step S2. It is determined whether or not the target start area A2 has been reached (S6). Also in this case, the user detection unit 17 acquires the strength of the radio wave transmitted from the terminal device 4 possessed by the output permitted user U1 determined to be the owner of the security job J1 through the wireless communication unit 35. Then, the user detection unit 17 determines whether or not the output permitted user U1 has reached the activation start area A2 by calculating the user distance L1 for the acquired radio wave intensity with reference to the radio wave intensity distance conversion table Ta3. Do.

When the user detection unit 17 determines that the output permitted user U1 has reached the activation start area A2 (YES in S6), the process proceeds to the next step S7.
On the other hand, when the user detection unit 17 determines that the output permitted user U1 has not reached the activation start area A2 (NO in S6), the process proceeds to step S4, and the terminal present in the detectable area A1 again The user ID transmitted from the device 4 is acquired.

  After the YES determination in step S6, the image forming control unit 20 executes the security job J1 acquired in step S1, and the image forming unit 10 starts an image forming process based on the security job J1 (S7). When post-processing is set for the security job J1, the post-processing control unit 22 starts post-processing of the post-processing device FN based on the security job J1. When the image forming apparatus 2 is in the power saving mode, the control unit 15 cancels the power saving mode and starts the image forming apparatus 2, and then performs the process of step S7.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a process example of the image forming system 1 when only the output permitted user U1 issues the security job J1 and the other user U2 issues the normal job J2 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process example of the image forming system 1 (image forming apparatus main body 3) when the normal job J2 is issued from another user U2.

  Since the process to step S21-S25 in FIG. 11 is the same as the process to step S1-S5 in FIG. 9 mentioned above, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  After the YES determination of step S25, when the login processing unit 19 performs login authentication of the output permitted user U1, the job acquisition unit 16 monitors the normal job J2 issued by the other user U2 (S26). Then, when the job acquisition unit 16 acquires the normal job J2 from the PC terminal P2, the job completion time calculation unit 25 calculates the completion time of the security job J1 and the normal job J2 acquired by the job acquisition unit 16 (S27). Next, the job completion time comparison unit 26 compares the completion times of the security job J1 and the normal job J2 calculated by the job completion time calculation unit 25 and outputs the comparison result to the waiting information notification unit 21 (S28).

  Then, based on the comparison result of the completion time of the security job J1 and the normal job J2 input from the job completion time comparing unit 26, the waiting information notification unit 21 forms an image of the print processing of the normal job J2 by the output permitted user U1. It is determined whether the process is completed before the apparatus 2 (for example, the discharge tray 14) is reached (S29). At this time, the wait information notification unit 21 determines the cases (1) to (3) in FIG. 8 described above.

  In the case (1), the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2 after the printing process of the normal job J2 is completed. Then, when the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, the printing process of the security job J1 is completed, and the output permitted user U1 can acquire the printed matter without waiting time. For this reason, the waiting information notification unit 21 does not notify the output permission user U1 of the waiting information (S30), and ends this processing.

  In the cases (2) and (3), the output permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2 before the processing of the normal job J2 is completed. Thereafter, when the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, a waiting time occurs. In this case, the waiting information notifying unit 21 sends the waiting time to the output permission user U1 as waiting information until the processing of the print job issued by the output permission user U1 is completed after the output permission user U1 reaches the paper discharge tray 14. The notification is made (S31), and the process is finished. There are two types of waiting information notified to the output permitted user U1, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a display example of the waiting information displayed on the display of the terminal device 4.

  In the case (2) shown in FIG. 8, the print volume of the normal job J2 issued by the other user U2 is small, and printing of the security job J1 is started when the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2 . For this reason, it is possible for the output permitted user U1 to receive the printed matter printed by the security job J1 with a short waiting time. As described above, if the time taken for the processing of the security job J1 to be completed after the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2 is less than a predetermined time (for example, 45 seconds), the wait information notification unit 21 , Notify of waiting information prompting output permission user U1 to receive a printed matter. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the output permitted user U1 is notified of a message prompting receipt of a printed matter, along with the waiting time.

  On the other hand, in case (3), the print volume of the normal job J2 issued by the other user U2 is large, and printing of the security job J1 is not started when the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, it does not know how long it will wait after the output-authorized user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2. As described above, if the time taken for the processing of the security job J1 to be completed after the output permitted user U1 has reached the image forming apparatus 2 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (for example, 45 seconds), the wait information notification unit 21 , Notify the output permission user U1 of waiting information prompting to return. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the output permitted user U1 is notified of a message prompting the user to return to the output permitted user U1 along with the waiting time. As a result, it is not necessary for the output permitted user U1 to wait until the printing process of the security job J1 is completed near the image forming apparatus 2.

  According to the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment described above, the output permitted user U1 does not know the print volume, and waits for the waiting information due to the printing of the normal job J2 issued by the other user U2. You can figure out before reaching. Since the output permitted user U1 can know how long the printing of the security job J1 is completed if it waits after reaching the image forming apparatus 2, the waiting time of the output permitted user U1 is reduced, and the convenience is improved.

Further, the start start distance calculation unit 23 pays attention to the fact that the timing at which the security is lost differs depending on the job type or the number of jobs, and the start start distance at which the output permitted user U1 starts output before reaching the image forming apparatus 2. Calculate D2. At this time, the start start distance calculation unit 23 refers to the job type of the security job J1, and when the post-processing process performed by the post-processing apparatus FN is not set in the security job J1, the first sheet is the sheet. The start start distance D2 is set based on the time for which the sheet is discharged.
Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 2, regardless of whether or not post-processing is set for the security job J1, the first sheet is discharged at the timing when the owner of the security job J1 reaches the front of the apparatus. Can. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the output permitted user U1 while securing the security of the printed matter after the paper discharge.

  Further, by preparing the number-of-jobs distance conversion table Ta1 and the job type distance conversion table Ta2, the start start distance calculation unit 23 can start the start start distance D2 without any loss of security regardless of the presence or absence of the other user U2. Can be set. For this reason, the output permitted user U1 can acquire the printed matter without waiting time.

  Further, when the print processing of the security job J1 is not completed when the output permitted user U1 reaches the image forming apparatus 2, the waiting information notifying unit 21 notifies the waiting information notifying unit 21 whether to receive the printed matter or return it. Be done. For this reason, the output-permitted user U1 can determine whether to go for printout or return before the output-permitted user U1 reaches the activation start area A2.

[Modification]
In the embodiment described above, the post-processing apparatus FN is configured by four post-processing apparatuses (the paper folding apparatus FN1, the cutting apparatus FN2, the stapling apparatus FN3 and the bookbinding apparatus FN4). It is not limited. That is, the number of post-processing apparatuses is not particularly limited, and may be one or two or more. In addition, the post-processing apparatus FN may be integrated with the image forming apparatus main body 3.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the user detection unit 17 determines the positions of the output permitted user U1 and the output permitted user U1 based on the radio wave intensity of the terminal device 4 received by the wireless communication unit 35 (the output permitted user Although detection of the distance to U1 is performed, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of using the terminal device 4, an imaging unit such as a camera is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the user detection unit 17 determines the output permission user U1 and the output permission based on the image captured by the imaging unit. The position of the user U1 may be detected. In this case, the user determination unit 18 can also identify the output permitted user U1 by recognizing the face or the like of the output permitted user U1 based on the image captured by the imaging unit.

  Further, start-up start distance calculation unit 23 is for the image forming apparatus 2 to start a series of processes for the time required for the image forming apparatus 2 in the sleep mode to start up more slowly than in the power saving mode. You may use as a process start distance calculation part which calculates | requires as a process start time and calculates a process start distance based on this process start time. Further, when the image forming apparatus 2 continuously performs the printing process by the print job, the image forming apparatus 2 does not shift to the power saving mode. If the power saving mode is not entered, for example, the fixing unit 13 of the image forming unit 10 continues to be heated, and the temperature does not decrease. Therefore, the start-up start time of the image forming apparatus 2 may be shorter than the start-up start time of the image forming apparatus 2 that has shifted to the power saving mode. In this case, the start start distance calculation unit 23 may calculate the start start distance D2 by shortening the start start distance for each job type stored in the job type distance conversion table Ta2.

  Further, when the periphery of the image forming apparatus 2 is surrounded by a shield such as a partition, a wall, etc., it is considered that the shapes of the detectable area A1 and the activation start area A2 are deformed from the substantially circular shape shown in FIGS. Be Even in this case, the image forming apparatus 2 detects the output permitted user U1 who has entered the deformed detectable area A1, and when the output permitted user U1 enters the deformed start start area A2, printing based on the security job J1 is performed. Processing can be started.

  Further, FIG. 8 described above shows the relationship between the printing time of the normal job J2 and the printing time of the security job J1. However, when there are a plurality of output permitted users U1 who can issue the security job J1, the security job J1 by different owners is shown. Is issued to the image forming apparatus 2. In this case, the normal job J2 shown in FIG. 8 is replaced with the security job J1 by another owner so that the output permission user U1 is notified of the waiting time until the printing process of the subsequent security job J1 is completed. May be

  Further, one or more wireless communication units 35 are provided outside the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the user detection unit 17 uses the terminal device 4 (output permission based on received signal strength of radio waves received by the external wireless communication unit 35). The approach of the user U1) may be accurately detected.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and it is needless to say that various other applications and modifications can be taken without departing from the scope of the present invention described in the claims.
For example, the above-described embodiment is a detailed and specific description of the configuration of an apparatus and a system in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to one having all the configurations described. Moreover, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment described here with the configuration of another embodiment, and furthermore, the configuration of another embodiment according to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add In addition, it is also possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for part of the configuration of each embodiment.
Further, control lines and information lines indicate what is considered to be necessary for the description, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In practice, almost all configurations may be considered to be mutually connected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... image forming system, 2 ... image forming apparatus, 3 ... image forming apparatus main body, 4 ... terminal device, 10 ... image forming unit, 14 ... paper discharge tray, 15 ... control unit, 16 ... job acquisition unit, 17 ... user Detection unit 18 User determination unit 19 Login processing unit 20 Image formation control unit 21 Waiting information notification unit 22 Post processing control unit 23 Start start distance calculation unit FN Post processing device

Claims (7)

A job acquisition unit that acquires a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by a user;
An image forming unit that performs an image forming process of forming an image on a sheet based on the print job;
A user detection unit that detects the communication terminal held by the user in a detectable area;
Wherein said user by the communication terminal by the user detection unit is detected, an owner of the particular security job issued certain security job as the print job, the output of a particular security job is permitted output It is an owner of the normal job that is an authorized user or another user other than the output authorized user and has issued an ordinary job other than a specific security job as the print job, and an output of the specific security job A user determination unit that determines whether the other user is not permitted
An authentication unit that authenticates the output permitted user determined by the user determination unit;
An image based on the print job issued by the output authorized user when the output authorized user authenticated by the authentication unit reaches a processing start area where the image forming unit can start the image formation processing An image forming control unit that causes the image forming unit to perform a forming process and causes the image forming unit to perform an image forming process based on the print job issued by the other user without authentication by the authenticating unit;
A job completion time calculation unit that calculates a time until the processing of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed and a time until the processing of the print job issued by the other user is completed;
A waiting time counting unit that counts a waiting time until the image forming process of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed after the output permitted user reaches the own device;
A job completion time comparison unit that compares the time taken to complete processing of the print job issued by the output-permitted user with the time taken to complete processing of the print job issued by the other user;
In the case where the image forming unit performs the image forming process by the print job issued by the other user before the output permitted user authenticated by the authentication unit reaches the process start area, If the output permitted user reaches the processing start area before the image forming processing by the print job issued by the user is completed, the image forming processing based on the print job issued by the output permitted user The output permission user is notified of the waiting time indicating the status including the waiting time , or the output permission user authenticated by the authentication unit is issued by the other user before reaching the processing start area In the case where the image forming unit performs an image forming process by the print job, the other user has issued the image forming process. After the processing of the serial print job is completed, the image forming apparatus and a waiting information notification unit does not notify the waiting information to said output enable users when the output authorized user reaches the processing start region. The waiting information notification unit outputs the output information if the time taken to complete the processing of the print job issued by the output permitted user after the output permitted user has reached the own device is less than a predetermined time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waiting information for prompting an authorized user to receive is notified, and if it is a predetermined time or more, the waiting information for prompting return to the output permitted user is notified. A post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed;
A processing start distance calculation unit that calculates a processing start distance that defines the processing start area based on the time until the sheet is discharged after passing through the post-processing unit;
A job type determination unit configured to determine a job type that is set for the print job and indicates the post-processing to be performed on the sheet;
The process start distance calculation unit, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 calculates the processing start distance based on the job type discriminated by the job type determining unit. Includes a job type distance conversion table for storing the processing start distance before each Symbol aftertreatment,
4. The processing start distance calculation unit according to claim 3 , wherein a total value of the processing start distances acquired from the job type distance conversion table based on the job type set for the print job is the processing start distance. Image forming apparatus. Includes a job number distance conversion table for storing the processing start distance defined for each job number that is set before Symbol print job,
The process start distance calculation unit, the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 for acquiring the processing start distance from the job number distance conversion table based on the job number to be set in the print job. A procedure for acquiring a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by a user;
A procedure for detecting the communication terminal held by the user in a detectable area;
Whether the user by the communication terminal is detected, an owner of the particular security job issued certain security job as the print job is output authorized user whose output is granted in the particular security job Or the owner of the normal job who has issued a normal job other than the specific security job as the print job, and the output of the specific security job is not permitted. A procedure for determining whether the user is the other user ;
A procedure for authenticating the determined output authorized user;
The output permitted user issues when the authorized output permitted user reaches a processing start area where the image forming unit can start the image forming processing for forming an image on a sheet based on the print job. Allowing the image forming unit to perform an image forming process based on the print job, and causing the image forming unit to perform an image forming process based on the print job issued by the other user without authentication;
A procedure for calculating the time until the processing of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed and the time until the processing of the print job issued by the other user is completed;
A procedure for counting a waiting time until the image forming process of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed after the output permitted user reaches the apparatus;
A procedure for comparing the time until the processing of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed with the time until the processing of the print job issued by the other user is completed;
The image forming unit performs an image forming process by the print job issued by the other user before the authenticated output permitted user reaches the process start area, and is issued by the other user. In the case where the output permitted user reaches the processing start area before the image forming processing by the print job is completed , a wait indicating the status of the image forming processing based on the print job issued by the output permitted user The image forming process by the print job issued by the other user is notified before the output permitted user is notified that the waiting time is included in the information or the authenticated output permitted user reaches the processing start area. In the case where the image forming unit performs the processing, the processing is completed after the processing of the print job issued by the other user is completed. The procedure without notifying the waiting information to said output enable users when the output authorized user reaches the processing start region, the
A program for causing a computer of an image forming apparatus to execute. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper; and a terminal device for transmitting user identification information for identifying a user,
The image forming apparatus is
A job acquisition unit that acquires a print job issued from a communication terminal operated by a user;
An image forming unit that performs an image forming process of forming an image on a sheet based on the print job;
A user detection unit that receives the transmission radio wave of the user identification information transmitted from the terminal device and detects the communication terminal held by the user in the detectable area;
Wherein said user by the communication terminal by the user detection unit is detected, an owner of the particular security job issued certain security job as the print job, the output of a particular security job is permitted output It is an owner of the normal job that is an authorized user or another user other than the output authorized user and has issued an ordinary job other than a specific security job as the print job, and an output of the specific security job A user determination unit that determines whether the other user is not permitted
An authentication unit that authenticates the output permitted user determined by the user determination unit;
An image based on the print job issued by the output authorized user when the output authorized user authenticated by the authentication unit reaches a processing start area where the image forming unit can start the image formation processing An image forming control unit that causes the image forming unit to perform a forming process and causes the image forming unit to perform an image forming process based on the print job issued by the other user without authentication by the authenticating unit;
A job completion time calculation unit that calculates a time until the processing of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed and a time until the processing of the print job issued by the other user is completed;
A waiting time counting unit that counts a waiting time until the image forming process of the print job issued by the output permitted user is completed after the output permitted user reaches the own device;
A job completion time comparison unit that compares the time taken to complete processing of the print job issued by the output-permitted user with the time taken to complete processing of the print job issued by the other user;
In the case where the image forming unit performs the image forming process by the print job issued by the other user before the output permitted user authenticated by the authentication unit reaches the process start area, If the output permitted user reaches the processing start area before the image forming processing by the print job issued by the user is completed, the image forming processing based on the print job issued by the output permitted user The output permission user is notified of the waiting time indicating the status including the waiting time , or the output permission user authenticated by the authentication unit is issued by the other user before reaching the processing start area In the case where the image forming unit performs an image forming process by the print job, the other user has issued the image forming process. After the processing of the serial print job is completed, the image forming system and a waiting information notification unit does not notify the waiting information to said output enable users when the output authorized user reaches the processing start region.

Images