JP6869117B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Image forming devices such as copiers and printers include image forming devices having a color printing function (hereinafter, color machines) and image forming devices having only a monochrome printing function and not having a color printing function (hereinafter, monochrome machines). It can be roughly divided.

When multiple image forming devices are installed in an office, if at least one color machine is included in those image forming devices, print data can be taken from a monochrome machine and output from the color machine. it can.

As such a technique, a mutual transfer relationship is set in which an input image in the monochrome image forming apparatus can be output as a non-monochrome image in the color image forming apparatus, and one or more monochrome image forming apparatus and a color image forming apparatus are used, respectively. Inventions of a tandem image forming apparatus connected via a communication medium have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-115965

However, despite the high demand for color machines, office image forming equipment is unavoidably a monochrome machine because the initial cost and the cost required for consumables such as toner are higher than those of general monochrome machines. Is often used.

If a user who owns only a monochrome machine wants to perform color printing, he / she can go to a convenience store or commercial facility where the color machine is installed to perform color printing. The manuscript may be damaged or lost.

In addition, when the number of color machines available in the vicinity is limited, there are many situations where the available color machines are already being used by other users. In this case, the user has to wait until the color machine in use becomes available, and starts reading the original after the color machine becomes available, which causes a problem that it takes a long time to complete printing.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of easily printing an image of the original from an external image forming apparatus without taking the original to the outside. Is to provide.

The present invention comprises an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data, an image formation unit that forms an image based on the image data, a display operation unit that displays an operation screen and receives a command from a user, and a network. A communication unit that receives information from an external image forming apparatus and transmits a command to the external image forming apparatus to form an image based on the image data and the image data, an image data acquisition unit, and the image. When the display operation unit includes a forming unit, the display operation unit, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, and the control unit receives a command from the display operation unit that an image should be formed by the external image forming device. Based on the information received by the communication unit, the display operation unit is displayed with a list of available external image forming devices, and one of the external image forming devices displayed in the list is the external. When the image forming apparatus is selected, when the display operation unit receives a command to form an image, the external image forming apparatus is made to transmit the image data and the command to the communication unit. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus characterized in that an image is formed by the external image forming apparatus based on the image data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of easily printing an image of the original from an external image forming apparatus without taking the original to the outside.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the panel unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the schematic structure of the image formation system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing by the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the main screen displayed on the display operation part of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the list of available external image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the list of the available external image forming apparatus displayed in the display operation part of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the main screen of the external image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing by the available external image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the image formation system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing by the image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the list of the available external image forming apparatus displayed on the display operation part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing by the available external image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the display process of the main screen of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the login screen of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the list of the available external image forming apparatus displayed on the display operation part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the search range of the available external image forming apparatus displayed on the display operation part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is exemplary in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

As mentioned above
(I) The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data, an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data, and a display operation that displays an operation screen and receives a command from a user. A communication unit that receives information from an external image forming apparatus via a network and transmits a command to the external image forming apparatus to form an image based on the image data and the image data. It includes an image data acquisition unit, an image forming unit, a display operation unit, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, and the control unit displays a command to the effect that an image should be formed by the external image forming device. When received from the operation unit, the display operation unit displays a list of available external image forming devices based on the information received by the communication unit, and the external image forming device displayed on the list is displayed. When the display operation unit receives a command to form an image when one of the external image forming devices is selected, the image data and the command are given to the external image forming device. Is transmitted to the communication unit, and the external image forming apparatus is made to form an image based on the image data.

In the present invention, the "image forming apparatus" is an apparatus having an image data acquisition function for acquiring image data and an image forming function for forming an image based on the image data, such as a multifunction device equipped with a scanner.
The "image data acquisition unit" has an image reading function such as a scanner that generates image data by reading a document. Further, the image data may be acquired via a network, USB, or the like.
The "external image forming apparatus" is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating via a network, and even if it is an image forming apparatus introduced in a convenience store, a commercial facility, or the like, or the same office as the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Alternatively, it may be an image forming apparatus installed indoors.

Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(Ii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus has a function of forming a monochrome image, the image data acquisition unit has a function of acquiring color image data, and the external image. The forming apparatus may have a function of forming a color image.

In this way, even if the image forming apparatus can print only a monochrome image, by acquiring the color image data and transmitting it to the external image forming apparatus, the color based on the image data is obtained from the external image forming apparatus. It is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can easily print an image.

(Iii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the information includes data on the operation screen of the external image forming apparatus, and the display operation unit should form an image by the external image forming apparatus. The operation key for receiving the command may be displayed on the operation screen.

In this way, the user can realize an image forming apparatus capable of easily switching to a print mode in which an image is printed by an external image forming apparatus by operating a specific operation key displayed on the operation screen. it can.

(Iv) The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a user authentication unit, and the control unit causes the display operation unit to display the operation key when the user authentication unit authenticates a predetermined user. It may be.

In this way, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that displays an operation key for switching to a printing mode for printing by an external image forming apparatus only to an authenticated user.

The "user authentication unit" is a part that authenticates a predetermined user by biometric authentication such as IC card, password or fingerprint authentication or iris authentication.

(V) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit may cause the display operation unit to display the operation key when the display operation unit receives a predetermined operation.

In this way, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that displays an operation key for switching to a printing mode for printing by an external image forming apparatus when a predetermined operation is accepted.

"Predetermined operations" include, for example, a hidden pattern operation in which a specific part (upper right part, etc.) of the operation screen is touched a specific number of times (4 times, etc.), or an operation of moving a plurality of layers from the portal operation screen. And so on.

(Vi) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the information of the external image forming apparatus includes at least one of information relating to the position, image forming speed, and operating status of the external image forming apparatus. Based on the image data and the information, the control unit calculates an estimated time required for the external image forming apparatus to form an image based on the image data, and obtains a list of the external image forming apparatus and the estimated time. It may be displayed on the display operation unit.

In this way, the user can select the most suitable external image forming device from the list and print by referring to the external image forming device displayed in the list and the estimated time required for printing. It will be possible.

The "estimated time" is an estimated time until printing is completed based on the size of the image data, the image formation speed, and the like.
The estimated time is the travel time to the place where the external image forming device is installed, the scheduled maintenance time of the external image forming device, the usage time of the store or facility where the external image forming device is installed, or the printing of other users. It may include the printing waiting time due to the above.

[Embodiment 1]
<Rough configuration of image forming apparatus 1>
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a panel unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.

The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus such as a multifunction device that digitally processes image data and has a copying function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a panel unit 17.
As shown in FIG. 3, the panel unit 17 includes a display operation unit 171 and a physical operation unit 172.

The display operation unit 171 is composed of a display panel composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a projection type capacitance type touch panel which is arranged so as to be superposed on the display panel and detects a position where a user's finger approaches.
In addition to the capacitance method that detects changes in capacitance, the touch operation detection method includes a resistance film method that detects voltage, an optical method that blocks infrared light, and ultrasonic waves. It may be an ultrasonic method or an electromagnetic induction method using an electronic pen as an indicator. Further, a method may be used in which the position of the fingertip or the like can be detected in a non-contact manner using infrared rays or the like.
The physical operation unit 172 includes an indicator light, a power key, a power saving key, and a home key.

The image forming apparatus 1 executes a job such as a scanner, printing, copying, or image transmission based on an instruction from a user received via the display operation unit 171 or the physical operation unit 172.

Next, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a paper feeding unit 16, a panel unit 17, and the like. A time measuring unit 18 is provided.
Hereinafter, each component of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

The control unit 10 controls the image forming apparatus 1 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, various interface circuits, and the like.
The control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads such as detection of each sensor, a motor, a clutch, and a panel unit 17 in order to control the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1.

The image data acquisition unit 11 is a portion that detects and reads a document placed on a platen or a document conveyed from a document tray and generates image data. Further, it is a part for acquiring image data generated by an external information processing device (not shown), a facsimile machine (not shown), or the like.
When the image data is acquired from an external information processing device or the like, the image data may be acquired via a wired or wireless network, or the image data recorded on the USB or the like may be acquired. It may be a combination of these.

The image forming unit 12 is a portion that prints out the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 on paper, and includes an LSU 121.
The LSU 121 is a device that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of a charged photoconductor drum with a laser beam corresponding to information of image data composed of a digital signal.

The storage unit 13 is an element or a storage medium that stores information necessary for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 1, a control program, and the like. For example, semiconductor elements such as RAM and ROM, hard disks, flash storage units, and storage media such as SSDs are used.
The data may be held in a device different from the program, such that the area for holding the data is a hard disk drive and the area for holding the program is a flash storage unit.

The image processing unit 14 converts the original image read by the image data acquisition unit 11 into an appropriate electric signal to generate image data, and displays the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 from the display operation unit 171. This is the part that processes according to the instruction so that it is suitable for output such as enlargement / reduction.

The communication unit 15 communicates with an external image forming apparatus 2, a computer, a mobile information terminal, an information processing apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, etc. via a network 3 or the like, and transmits various information such as mails and faxes to these external devices. This is a part that transmits and receives to and from the image forming apparatus 2 and the like.

The paper feed unit 16 is a portion that conveys the paper stored in the paper feed cassette and the manual feed tray to the image forming unit 12.

The panel unit 17 is a unit provided with a liquid crystal display, and includes a display operation unit 171 and a physical operation unit 172.

The display operation unit 171 is a part that displays various types of information. The display operation unit 171 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display for the operating system or application software to display electronic data such as a processing state. The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the image forming apparatus 1 through the display operation unit 171.

Further, the display operation unit 171 is provided with a touch panel and is also a part that receives a command from the user.

<Rough configuration of the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention>
Subsequently, a schematic configuration of the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming system 100 of the present invention comprises the image forming apparatus 1 (monochrome machine) of the present invention and the external image forming devices 2A, 2B and 2C (color machine), and forms a network 3. They are connected to each other via.

The external image forming apparatus 2A, 2B and 2C (hereinafter, may be collectively referred to as the external image forming apparatus 2) transmit the data of the main screen in response to the request of the image forming apparatus 1. The external image forming apparatus 2 has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 except that a color image can be printed.

<Print setting of the external image forming apparatus 2 by the image forming apparatus 1>
Next, the print setting of the external image forming apparatus 2 by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a main screen displayed on the display operation unit 171 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of available external image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of available external image forming devices 2 displayed on the display operation unit 171 of the image forming device 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the main screen of the external image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 100 of the present invention.

First, in step S1, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the color mode has been selected (step S1).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the "color mode" key K1 on the main screen displayed on the display operation unit 171 is touched.
Further, instead of the name of the "color mode" key, it may be a "color execution key" or a "color start key".

When the color mode is selected (when the determination in step S1 is Yes), the control unit 10 forms an external image having a color printing function available on the network 3 via the communication unit 15 in step S2. Search for device 2 (step S2).

On the other hand, when the color mode is not selected (when the determination in step S1 is No), the control unit 10 accepts the monochrome mode processing in step S3 (step S3).

Next, in step S4, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an available external image forming apparatus 2 exists on the network 3 (step S4).
When the available external image forming apparatus 2 exists on the network 3 (when the determination in step S4 is Yes), the control unit 10 has 2 available external image forming apparatus 2 in step S5. It is determined whether or not there are more than one (step S5).

On the other hand, when the available external image forming apparatus 2 does not exist on the network 3 (when the determination in step S4 is No), the control unit 10 has the available external image forming apparatus 2 in step S6. Notify the user that it will not be done (step S6).
After that, the control unit 10 performs the process of step S3 (step S3).

Next, in step S5, when the number of available external image forming devices 2 is two or more (when the determination in step S5 is Yes), the control unit 10 controls the available external image in step S7. The list of forming devices 2 is displayed (step S7).
After that, the control unit 10 makes a determination in step S9 (step S9).

FIG. 8 shows an example of a list of external image forming apparatus 2 that can be used.
In the list of FIG. 8, for each of the available external image forming apparatus 2, in order from the left, a check column, position information of the external image forming apparatus 2, color speed (sheets / minute), and presence / absence of a post-processing function Is displayed.
As the post-processing function, for example, the presence / absence of each function such as staple, punch, saddle stitch / middle fold, booklet, tint block copy, enlarged continuous shooting, OHP interleaving paper, long printing, and clear holder printing is displayed. Here, "○" in the post-processing function indicates that there is a function, and "×" indicates that there is no function.

The control unit 10 acquires the information of the external image forming apparatus 2 by checking the available external image forming apparatus 2 at the time of turning on the power of the image forming apparatus 1 or at a predetermined time.
Check items include the status of consumables related to printing such as toner and paper, the presence or absence of errors, and the presence or absence of post-processing options.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, it can be used with the message "The following color MFPs are available. Please check the color MFP you are using and press the [OK] key." A list of external image forming devices 2 is displayed.

On the other hand, in step S5, when the number of available external image forming devices 2 is only one (when the determination in step S5 is No), in step S8, the control unit 10 controls the external image forming device 2. Display the main screen of and accept the process (step S8).

After that, in step S10, the control unit 10 issues a PIN code for authentication of the external image forming apparatus 2 to which the color image should be output, and causes the display operation unit 171 to display the PIN code (step S10).
Further, the control unit 10 may transmit the PIN code to the user's mobile terminal or the like.
After that, the control unit 10 ends the processing of the image forming apparatus 1.

Specifically, the control unit 10 directly clones the data on the main screen of the external image forming apparatus 2 via the network 3 to form an external image on the display operation unit 171 as shown in FIG. Display the main screen of the device 2.

Next, in step S9, the control unit 10 determines whether or not one external image forming apparatus 2 is selected from the list of available external image forming apparatus 2 (step S9).
When one external image forming apparatus 2 is selected (when the determination in step S9 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S8 (step S8).

On the other hand, when one external image forming apparatus 2 is not selected (when the determination in step S8 is No), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S3 (step S3).

Alternatively, when the control unit 10 does not select a specific external image forming apparatus 2 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) after displaying the list of available external image forming apparatus 2. The transition process to step S3 may be performed.

After accepting the monochrome mode processing, the control unit 10 ends the processing of the image forming apparatus 1.

When the control unit 10 receives a print instruction to the available external image forming apparatus 2, the control unit 10 temporarily holds the print data in the storage unit 13.

<Procedure for printing a color image by the external image forming apparatus 2>
Next, a procedure for printing a color image by the external image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the available external image forming apparatus 2.

When the PIN code is input from the operation unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 in step S11 of FIG. 11 (step S11), the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 receives the input PIN code in the following step S12. Based on the above, print data is requested from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S12).

When the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the printing request from the external image forming apparatus 2, the control unit 10 causes the external image forming apparatus 2 to transmit the print data to the communication unit 15.

Next, in step S13, the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the print data has been received (step S13).

When the print data is received (when the determination in step S13 is Yes), the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 causes the print unit to print a color image based on the print data in step S14 (step S14). ..
After that, the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 ends the process.

On the other hand, when the print data is not received in step S13 (when the determination in step S13 is No), the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 repeats the determination in step S13 (step S13).

In this way, even a user who does not own the external image forming apparatus 2 (color machine) and only the image forming apparatus 1 (monochrome machine), which requires an initial cost, does not have to take the original to the outside. It is possible to realize an image forming apparatus 1 capable of easily printing an image of the original from an external image forming apparatus 2.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the image forming system 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming system 100A of the present invention comprises the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, an external image forming apparatus 2, and a server 4, and is connected to each other via a network 3.
The image forming system 100A of the second embodiment differs from the image forming system 100 of the first embodiment in that it has a server 4.

The server 4 holds the data of the main screen of the external image forming apparatus 2, and transmits the data of the main screen in response to the request of the image forming apparatus 1.
Further, the server 4 holds the operation settings and the print data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1, and transmits the print data in response to the request of the external image forming apparatus 2.

<Printing settings for color images by image forming apparatus 1>
Next, the outline of the processing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 14.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Since the processes of steps S21 to S30 of FIG. 13 correspond to the processes of steps S1 to S10 of FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted.
Here, the processes of steps S31 to S32 not shown in FIG. 6 will be described.
The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

When one external image forming apparatus 2 is selected in step S29 of FIG. 13 (when the determination in step S29 is Yes), the control unit 10 selects to save the print data in the server 4 in step S31. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S31).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of available external image forming devices 2 displayed on the display operation unit 171 of the image forming device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14, a display "deposit in a storage box on the Web" is displayed together with a check box on the list of available external image forming devices 2.
The user can select to save the print data on the server 4 by checking the check box and pressing the "OK" key.

When saving the print data to the server 4 is selected in step S31 (when the determination in step S31 is Yes), the control unit 10 causes the server 4 to transmit the print data to the communication unit 15 in step S32. (Step S32).
After that, the control unit 10 performs the process of step S28 (step S28).

<Procedure for printing a color image by the external image forming apparatus 2>
Next, a procedure for printing a color image by the external image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the available external image forming apparatus 2.

Since the processes of steps S41, S43 and S44 of FIG. 15 correspond to the processes of steps S11, S13 and S14 of FIG. 11, the description thereof will be omitted.
Here, the processes of steps S42 and S45 to S47 not shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

In step S41 of FIG. 15, when the PIN code is input from the operation unit of the external image forming apparatus 2, the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 sends the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 to the server 4 based on the PIN code in the following step S42. Request print data (step S42).

By doing so, the user can download the print data from the server 4 and print it by inputting the PIN code into the external image forming apparatus 2.

Next, in step S44, after printing the color image, the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 displays a message in step S45 for selecting whether or not to erase the print data in the server. Is displayed (step S45).

Subsequently, in step S46, the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the user has selected to erase the print data in the server 4 (step S46).

When erasing the print data in the server 4 is selected (when the determination in step S46 is Yes), the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 issues a print data erasing command to the server 4 in step S47. It is transmitted to the communication unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 (step S47).

On the other hand, when erasing the print data in the server 4 is not selected (when the determination in step S46 is No), the control unit of the external image forming apparatus 2 ends the process.

By leaving the print data in the server 4 in this way, it is possible to continuously download the print data from another external image forming apparatus 2 and print the print data. Therefore, the user can print the same print data from the external image forming apparatus 2 installed in the vicinity of the plurality of business trip destinations.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a display process of the main screen of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 shows an example of a login screen of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing.
The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

In step S51 of FIG. 16, the control unit 10 causes the display operation unit 171 to display the login screen.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, a login screen prompting the input of a login name and a password is displayed on the display operation unit 171.

Next, in step S52, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the login name and password have been input (step S52).
When the login name and password are input (when the determination in step S52 is Yes), the control unit 10 determines in step S53 (step S53).
On the other hand, if the login name and password have not been entered (when the determination in step S52 is No), the control unit 10 repeats the determination in step S52 (step S52).

Next, in step S53, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the user is permitted to use the color mode based on the entered login name (step S53).
When the user is permitted to use the color mode (when the determination in step S53 is Yes), the control unit 10 displays the main screen to which the "color mode" key K1 is added on the display operation unit 171 in step S54. (Step S54).
On the other hand, if the user is not authorized to use the color mode (when the determination in step S53 is No), the control unit 10 displays the main screen without the "color mode" key K1 on the display operation unit 171 in step S55. (Step S55).

In this way, by displaying the main screen to which the "color mode" key K1 is added only to the users who are permitted to use the color mode, it is possible to prevent confusion for a normal user who uses only the monochrome function.

(Modification example 1)
Next, as a modification 1 of the third embodiment, a predetermined hidden pattern operation may be performed to shift to the color mode.
The hidden pattern operation is, for example, an operation of touching a specific part (upper right part or the like) of the screen of the display operation unit 171 a specific number of times (four times or the like).

(Modification 2)
As a modification 2 of the third embodiment, for example, it may be possible to shift from the "special function" setting to the color mode by an operation of moving a plurality of layers from the main screen.

(Modification example 3)
As a modification 3 of the third embodiment, it may be possible to determine whether or not the user is permitted to use the color mode from biometric authentication such as IC card, fingerprint authentication, and iris authentication instead of the login name.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of available external image forming devices 2 displayed on the display operation unit 171 of the image forming device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 10 may display the print acquisition time required for printing when displaying the list of available external image forming devices 2.

For example, when printing five copies of a 100-page manuscript, it is assumed that the following two external image forming devices 2A and 2B can be used.
(1) An external image forming device 2A of 20 color sheets / minute installed on the office floor, which is a 3-minute walk away.
(2) An external image forming device 2B of 60 color sheets / minute installed in a convenience store, which is a 5-minute walk away.

At this time, the display operation unit 171 displays that the external image forming apparatus 2A takes 28 minutes to print and the external image forming apparatus 2B takes 13.34 minutes.

In this way, the user can select an external image forming apparatus 2 that can be used with reference to the print acquisition time required for printing displayed in the list, which improves the convenience of the user.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a search range of an external image forming apparatus 2 that can be used displayed on the display operation unit 171 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the control unit 10 searches for an available external image forming apparatus 2, the position of the image forming apparatus 1 and the position specified by the user (from the position of the GPS detection or the planned movement destination). The search can be performed using the area specified by the user as the starting point of the search.

By doing so, since an appropriate external image forming apparatus 2 is searched based on the point designated by the user, it is possible to select the external image forming apparatus 2 with high convenience.

(Embodiment 6)
As the image forming apparatus 1 of the sixth embodiment, the control unit 10 searches for an external image forming apparatus 2 close to the business trip destination based on the user's schedule information (business trip destination, time zone, etc.) and displays it on the display operation unit 171. You may try to do it.

By doing so, since an appropriate external image forming apparatus 2 is searched according to the schedule information of the user, it is possible to select the external image forming apparatus 2 with high convenience.

(Embodiment 7)
When the user sets post-processing functions such as stapling, punching, and booklet processing as the image forming apparatus 1 of the seventh embodiment, the control unit 10 displays only the external image forming apparatus 2 having the post-processing function. It may be displayed in unit 171.

In this way, since the external image forming apparatus 2 that can use the post-processing function set by the user is searched, it is possible to select the external image forming apparatus 2 with high convenience.

(Embodiment 8)
As the image forming apparatus 1 of the eighth embodiment, the control unit 10 may display the available external image forming apparatus 2 on the display operation unit 171 based on the time zone in which the user uses the image forming apparatus 1. Good.

For example, when a user prints print data that takes 30 minutes or more to print at 17:00, the color machine is excluded from the candidates because the printing cannot be completed by the image forming apparatus 2 outside the office closed at 17:15. Will be done.

Further, even if the external image forming apparatus 2 in the office is closed at 17:30 for 10 minutes for the printing process, even if the user's travel time takes 30 minutes or more, the external image forming apparatus 2 is also excluded from the candidates. Will be done.

In this way, since only the color machines in the time zone that can be used by the user are listed, it is possible to select the external image forming apparatus 2 with high convenience.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention also include a combination of any of the plurality of embodiments described above.
In addition to the embodiments described above, there may be various variations of the present invention. These variations should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the said scope.

1: Image forming device, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C: External image forming device, 3: Network, 4: Server, 10: Control unit, 11: Image data acquisition unit, 12: Image forming unit, 13: Storage unit , 14: Image processing unit, 15: Communication unit, 16: Paper feed unit, 17: Panel unit, 18: Measuring unit, 100, 100A: Image formation system, 121: LSU, 171: Display operation unit, 172: Physical operation Department, K1: Key

Claims (7)

The image data acquisition unit that acquires image data and
An image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data,
A display operation unit that displays the operation screen and accepts commands from the user,
A communication unit that receives information from an external image forming apparatus via a network and transmits the image data and a command to form an image based on the image data to the external image forming apparatus.
It includes the image data acquisition unit, the image forming unit, the display operation unit, and a control unit that controls the communication unit.
When the control unit receives a command from the display operation unit to form an image by the external image forming device, the control unit can use the external image forming device based on the information received by the communication unit. Is displayed on the display operation unit, and when one of the external image forming devices displayed in the list is selected, a command to the effect that an image should be formed is given. When the display operation unit receives the image, the external image forming device is made to transmit the image data and the command to the communication unit, and the external image forming device is made to form an image based on the image data.
The display operation unit receives predetermined selection information for selecting an external image processing device, and receives the predetermined selection information.
Based on the selection information, the control unit has a plurality of predetermined conditions including the usage time of each external image processing device and the processing time of the image forming device from among the available external image forming devices. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that an external image forming apparatus determined to be available within the usage time is displayed in a selectable manner based on the result of combining the above. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection information includes at least one of position information, schedule information, post-processing function information, and usage time zone information of the external image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus has a function of forming a monochrome image, and has a function of forming a monochrome image.
The image data acquisition unit has a function of acquiring color image data, and has a function of acquiring color image data.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external image forming apparatus has a function of forming a color image. The information includes data on the operation screen of the external image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display operation unit displays an operation key for receiving a command to form an image by the external image forming apparatus on the operation screen. With a user authentication department
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit causes the display operation unit to display the operation key when the user authentication unit authenticates a predetermined user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit causes the display operation unit to display the operation key when the display operation unit receives a predetermined operation. The information of the external image forming apparatus includes at least one information among information relating to the position, image forming speed, and operating status of the external image forming apparatus, and the control unit may use the image data and the information. 1. The external image forming apparatus calculates the estimated time required to form an image based on the image data, and causes the display operation unit to display a list of the external image forming apparatus and the estimated time. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 6.

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