JP6926565B2 - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program, and more particularly to a technique for executing a job of a movable image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, when using an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals), it has been common for a user to move to a predetermined place where the image forming apparatus is installed and use the image forming apparatus. Further, when the print job sent by the user to the image forming apparatus is executed and the document or the like is output, the user needs to move to the place where the image forming apparatus is installed and receive the document.

In recent years, there is known an image forming apparatus that can be moved to a place designated by a user by self-propelling the image forming apparatus on the floor. According to such an image forming apparatus, when a user sends a print job to the image forming apparatus, the user specifies a receiving place of a document output by executing the print job and moves the image forming apparatus to this receiving place. It becomes possible. Then, when the print job is received, the image forming apparatus executes the print job while moving and outputs the document so that the document can be received without making the recipient wait at the receiving place.

However, in general, there are areas on the floor where only specific people can enter and leave, and areas where unspecified people can enter and leave. When the document output from the image forming apparatus is a confidential document relating to confidential matters, the confidential document is read by a third party when the image forming apparatus passes through an area on the floor where an unspecified person can enter and leave. Can be stolen or stolen.

Therefore, conventionally, a security policy that defines an application that can be executed and an application that cannot be executed according to the position is provided in advance, and an information processing device that determines whether or not the application can be executed based on the current position is provided ( Patent Document 1). According to the information processing apparatus shown in Patent Document 1, it is possible to detect the current position and permit or prohibit the execution of the application based on the detected current position.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-70073

However, the information processing apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 determines whether or not the application can be executed based on the current position. On the other hand, the self-propelled image forming apparatus passes through an area where an unspecified person can enter and leave while moving to the receiving position even if the current position is an area where confidentiality can be secured. In some cases. Then, even if the prior art of the information processing device of Patent Document 1 is applied, the risk that the confidential document output from the self-propelled image forming device is read or stolen by a third party cannot be avoided. There is a problem.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an image forming apparatus and a program capable of outputting a confidential document and moving it to a receiving position without being read or stolen by a third party. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of moving based on map information defining a security area and a non-security area and printing and outputting during the movement. The reception means for receiving the print job, the position detecting means for detecting the receiving position of the print output medium output by executing the print job accepted by the reception means based on the map information, and the above. The job control means includes a route detecting means for detecting a movement route to the receiving position and a job controlling means for controlling the execution of a print job, and the job control means has the security area and the non-security area in the moving route to the receiving position. The configuration is characterized in that the print output medium is made available for acquisition after passing through the non-security area.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the job control means passes through the security area and the non-security area in the movement path, the job control means passes through the non-security area. The configuration is characterized in that the execution of the print job is started later.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, when a predetermined confidential document is output by executing a print job, the job control means prints after passing through the non-security area. The configuration is characterized by starting the execution of a job.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, when the moving path is detected by the path detecting means, the job control means starts print output in the detected moving path. Further provided with a start position determining means for determining an output start position, the start position determining means passes through the security area of the moving path when the confidential document is output by executing a print job. The configuration is characterized in that the output start position is determined within the section arriving at the receiving position.

The invention of claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the job control means is moving to the receiving position corresponding to the first print job that outputs the confidential document. When a second print job for outputting the print output medium different from the document is accepted by the reception means, the second print job is performed before passing through the output start position of the first print job. It is a configuration characterized by starting an output based on.

The invention of claim 6 is output by executing a print job and a movement control means that moves based on the movement path detected by the path detection means in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5. Further provided with a discriminating means for determining whether or not the print output medium is stored in a predetermined output tray in which the print output medium is stored, the discriminating means prints by the receiving means in a stopped state. When the job is accepted, it is determined whether or not the print output medium is stored in the output tray, and the movement control means does not store the print output medium in the output tray by the determination means. When it is determined, the movement is started based on the movement route corresponding to the print job.

According to the invention of claim 7, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, when the job control means outputs the confidential document by executing a print job, the output confidential document is sent to the first discharge tray. When the print output medium different from the confidential document is output while being stored, the output print output medium is stored in a second output tray different from the first output tray, and the determination is made. The means determines whether or not the confidential document is stored in the first paper ejection tray, and the movement control means stores the confidential document in the first paper ejection tray by the discriminating means. The configuration is characterized in that when it is determined that there is no movement, the movement is started based on the movement route.

The invention of claim 8 is a program executed in an image forming apparatus capable of moving based on map information defining a security area and a non-security area and capable of performing print output during the movement. A position detecting means for detecting a receiving means for receiving a print job and a receiving position of a print output medium output by executing a print job accepted by the receiving means based on the map information. The job control means functions as a route detecting means for detecting the movement route to the receiving position and a job control means for controlling the execution of the print job, and the job control means has the security area and the said security area in the moving route to the receiving position. The configuration is characterized in that, when passing through the non-security area, the print output medium is made available for acquisition after passing through the non-security area.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the eighth aspect, when the job control means passes through the security area and the non-security area in the movement path, the job control means prints after passing through the non-security area. The configuration is characterized by starting the execution of a job.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the ninth aspect, when a predetermined confidential document is output by executing a print job, the job control means of the print job after passing through the non-security area. It is a configuration characterized by starting execution.

The invention according to claim 11 is an output start in which, in the program according to claim 10, when the moving path is detected by the path detecting means, the image forming apparatus starts print output in the detected moving path. Further functioning as a start position determining means for determining a position, the start position determining means passes through the security area of the moving path when the confidential document is output by executing a print job. The configuration is characterized in that the output start position is determined within the section arriving at the receiving position.

According to the invention of claim 12, in the program according to claim 11, the job control means and the confidential document are moved to the receiving position corresponding to the first print job for outputting the confidential document. Is based on the second print job before passing through the output start position of the first print job when the second print job for outputting a different print output medium is accepted by the reception means. The configuration is characterized in that the output is started.

The invention of claim 13 is a movement control means for moving the image forming apparatus based on the movement path detected by the path detecting means, and a print job in the program according to any one of claims 10 to 12. Further functions as a discriminating means for determining whether or not the print output medium is stored in a predetermined output tray in which the print output medium output by the execution of the above is stored, and the discriminating means is in a stopped state. When the print job is received by the receiving means, it is determined whether or not the print output medium is stored in the output tray, and the movement control means causes the print output medium to be stored in the output tray by the determination means. The configuration is characterized in that when it is determined that the print job is not stored, the movement is started based on the movement route corresponding to the print job.

According to the invention of claim 14, in the program according to claim 13, when the job control means outputs the confidential document by executing a print job, the output confidential document is stored in the first discharge tray. At the same time, when the print output medium different from the confidential document is output, the output print output medium is stored in a second output tray different from the first output tray, and the discriminating means is used. It is determined whether or not the confidential document is stored in the first output tray, and the movement control means does not store the confidential document in the first output tray by the determination means. When the determination is made, the configuration is characterized in that the movement is started based on the movement route.

According to the present invention, by starting the execution of the print job after passing through the non-security area, it is possible to output the confidential document and move it to the receiving position without being read or stolen by a third party. Become.

It is a figure which shows one configuration example of an image formation system. It is a figure which shows an example of the movement mode of the image forming apparatus in a floor. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of job registration information. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the output tray. It is a figure which shows an example of the output tray which has a structure different from FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main processing procedure executed in an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific processing procedure of the route determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific processing procedure of an interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific processing procedure of the movement control processing.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 composed of an MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals) or the like, and an information processing apparatus 3 capable of transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 are communicably connected by a network 4 composed of a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. An access point 6 is provided in the network 4, and the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the network 4 via the access point 6.

The image forming apparatus 2 is installed on the floor F1 in the office and is configured to be movable in the floor F1. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 is installed at a predetermined initial position in the floor F1 and can be moved from the initial position. The image forming apparatus 2 is provided with a secondary battery for operating each part described later, charges the secondary battery when it is located at the initial position, and charges the secondary battery when it is moving from the initial position. Each part is operated by the power supply from the secondary battery. The information processing device 3 can transmit a print job to the image forming device 2 via the network 4 based on the operation of the user A. When the information processing device 3 transmits the print job to the image forming device 2, the information processing device 3 specifies a receiving position in the floor F1 of the document output based on the print job. For example, when the information processing device 3 transmits to the image forming apparatus 2 a print job that specifies the user A desk D1 (see FIG. 2) in which the user A is present as the receiving place, the image forming apparatus 2 that has received the print job , Move from the initial position to user A desk D1.

The information processing device 3 can cause the image forming device 2 to execute a print job for printing out a confidential document G1 that is prohibited from being read by a third party in response to the operation of the user A. Further, the information processing device 3 can cause the image forming device 2 to execute a print job for printing and outputting a public document G3 that does not restrict reading by a third party.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a movement mode of the image forming apparatus 2 in the floor F1. The image forming apparatus 2 stores in advance the map information 50 indicating the arrangement status of the articles on the floor F1 in the storage unit 14. Floor F1 includes a first security area SR1, a second security area SR2, a third security area SR3, and a fourth security area SR4 where only specific persons can enter and exit, and a non-security area where unspecified persons can enter and exit. It is equipped with W1. The boundary between the first security area SR1 and the non-security area W1 is provided with an entrance / exit E2, and only a person who has been authenticated based on a personal ID card or ecological authentication can pass through. The initial position of the image forming apparatus 2 is in the fourth security area SR4, and the boundary between the fourth security area SR4 and the non-security area W1 is provided with an entrance / exit E1 and is authenticated based on a personal ID card or ecological authentication. Only those who have received it can pass. When the image forming apparatus 2 is close to the entrance / exit exits E1 and E2, for example, the authentication devices provided at the entrance / exit exits E1 and E2 wirelessly communicate with the image forming apparatus 2, and the entrance / exit exits E1 and E2 enter / exit respectively. Allow and open.

When the print job is received from the information processing device 3, the image forming device 2 refers to the map information 50 and detects the receiving position of the document output by the print job execution. The image forming apparatus 2 detects the movement path R moving in the floor F1 from the current position to the receiving position, and determines the movement path R1. In the illustrated example, the user A desk D1 is designated as the receiving position, and when the image forming apparatus 2 receives the print job, the image forming apparatus 2 detects the movement path R1 (R) moving to the user A desk D1.

When the public document G3 is output by the print job, the image forming apparatus 2 starts the movement based on the movement path R1 and also starts the print output of the public document G3. By printing out the document while moving along the movement path R1, the recipient can smoothly receive the public document G3 at the receiving position.

On the other hand, when the confidential document G1 is output by executing the print job, the image forming apparatus 2 detects the security section T1 that reaches the receiving position on the movement path R1 without passing through the non-security area W1. In the illustrated example, the security section T1 that can reach the user A desk D1 which is the receiving position without passing through the non-security area W1 is from the entrance / exit E2 entering the first security area SR1 to the user A desk D1. Is the section between.

The image forming apparatus 2 determines any position of the security section T1 as the print start position BP for starting the print output of the confidential sentence. The image forming apparatus 2 starts moving based on the moving path R1, and starts outputting the confidential document G1 based on the print job when passing through the printing start position BP. As a result, it is possible to avoid the risk of the output confidential document G1 being read or stolen by a third party.

Further, the image forming apparatus 2 may determine the position where the security section T1 starts at the print start position BP. In the illustrated example, the image forming apparatus 2 may determine the entry / exit exit E2 at which the security section T1 starts as the print start position BP. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 can provide a longer output time of the confidential document G1 while moving along the moving path R1.

When the information processing device 3 operated by the user B receives the print job whose receiving position of the confidential document G1 is specified by the user B desk D2, the image forming device 2 detects the movement path R2. In the illustrated example, the movement route R2 is a route that can reach the user B desk D2, which is the receiving position, without passing through the non-security area W1. In this case, the image forming apparatus 2 may start the movement based on the movement path R2 and also start the print output of the confidential document G1. Since it is possible to arrive at the receiving position without passing through the non-security area W1, the image forming apparatus 2 starts the print output of the confidential document G1 at an early timing, so that the user B is smoothly confidential at the receiving position. It is possible to have the document G1 receive it.

Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 constituting the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 12, a storage unit 14 that stores various information such as map information 50, and a communication interface 10 that serves as an interface for communication with an external device such as an information processing device 3 via a network 4. , A direction detection unit 16 composed of a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like, a drive mechanism 17, and a printer unit 18.

The orientation detection unit 16 detects the current posture of the acceleration sensor based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor, for example, and calculates the acceleration component in a predetermined direction from the acceleration in the three axial directions output from the acceleration sensor. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 can detect the moving direction and the moving distance in the floor F1. The drive mechanism 17 includes a rotatable wheel portion 32, and the wheel portion 32 rotates according to the moving direction, so that the image forming apparatus 2 moves based on the moving path R.

The image forming apparatus 2 functions as the control unit 12 by executing a control program by a CPU (not shown). The control unit 12 includes a job reception unit 20 that accepts a job, a position detection unit 22 that detects a document receiving position output by job execution, and a route detection unit 24 that detects a movement path R from the current position to the receiving position. A job control unit 26 that controls job execution, a movement control unit 28 that controls the drive mechanism 17, and a determination unit 30 that determines the presence or absence of documents stored in the output tray 66 are provided.

The job reception unit 20 is a processing unit that accepts jobs, and receives, for example, a job transmitted by the information processing device 3 via the network 4. Further, the job reception unit 20 accepts a job generated based on an operation input of an operation unit (not shown).

The position detection unit 22 is a processing unit that detects the receiving position of the print output medium that is output when the print job accepted by the job reception unit 20 is executed. When the print job is accepted by the job reception unit 20, the position detection unit 22 functions. The position detection unit 22 reads the receiving position information of the document or the like output based on the print job, and also refers to the map information 50 to detect the receiving position in the floor F1.

The position detection unit 22 detects the current position of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the initial position information (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 2 in the floor F1 is stored in the storage unit 14 in advance, and the position detection unit 22 refers to the initial position information and inputs from the orientation detection unit 16. The moving direction and moving distance of the image forming apparatus 2 are acquired based on the above, and the current position of the image forming apparatus 2 is detected.

When the receiving position is detected by the position detecting unit 22, the route detecting unit 24 functions. The route detection unit 24 is a processing unit that detects the movement route R to the receiving position. The route detection unit 24 detects the movement route R from the current position to the receiving position based on the map information 50. When a plurality of routes from the current position to the receiving position are detected, the route detecting unit 24 detects, for example, the route that minimizes the time required to move from the current position to the receiving position as the moving route R. In FIG. 2, for example, when a print job with the receiving position as the user A desk D1 is accepted, the route detection unit 24 detects the movement route R1 from the current position to the user A desk D1.

The job control unit 26 registers and manages the received job in the job registration information 52, the job management unit 40, the start position determination unit 42 that determines the print start position BP in the movement path R, and the printer unit 18 for the job. Further includes a job execution unit 44 for executing the above.

The job management unit 40 is a processing unit that analyzes a job received by the job reception unit 20 and registers it in the job registration information 52. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the job registration information 52. The job management unit 40 executes the job based on the execution order according to the order received by the job reception unit 20. The job registration information 52 includes execution order information according to the received order, user name information of the job sender, receiving position information such as a document output by job execution, and the output document is a confidential document G1. It includes document attribute information as to whether it is a public document G3, information on the number of pages of the document, and information on the time required for printing.

When the document attribute of the print job received by the job reception unit 20 is the public document G3, the job management unit 40 causes the job execution unit 44 to function to start printing the public document G3. As a result, the printing start timing of the public document G3 can be advanced, and the recipient can smoothly receive the public document G3 at the receiving position.

When the document attribute of the print job received by the job reception unit 20 is the confidential document G1, the job management unit 40 causes the start position determination unit 42 to function. The start position determination unit 42 is a processing unit that determines the print start position BP for starting the print output in the movement path R detected by the route detection unit 24. The start position determination unit 42 refers to the map information 50 and detects the security section T1 that can reach the receiving position without passing through the non-security area W1 in the movement route R. The start position determination unit 42 determines the print start position BP in the security section T1. As a result, the confidential document G1 output while moving along the movement route R can be transported to the receiving position without being viewed or stolen by a third party. The start position determination unit 42 may determine the position where the security section T1 starts at the print start position BP. As a result, the output start timing of the confidential document G1 can be set to an earlier timing, so that the confidential document G1 can be smoothly received at the receiving position.

The start position determination unit 42 may determine the current position as the print start position BP of the confidential document G1 when the movement route R detected by the route detection unit 24 is a route that does not pass through the non-security area W1. In the example of FIG. 2, when the receiving position of the confidential document G1 is the user B desk D2, the movement route R2 (R) from the current position to the user B desk D2 is a route that does not pass through the non-security area W1. Therefore, by setting the current position to the print start position BP, the output timing of the confidential document G1 can be set to an early timing, and the user B can smoothly receive the confidential document G1 at the user B desk D2.

When the job execution unit 44 passes the print start position BP while moving along the movement path R, the job execution unit 44 causes the printer unit 18 to start print output. When the job execution unit 44 detects that it has passed the print start position BP in the movement path R based on the current position detected by the position detection unit 22, the job execution unit 44 causes the printer unit 18 to execute the print output. When the position passing through the entry / exit exit E2 in the movement path R1 shown in FIG. 2 is set to the print start position BP, the job execution unit 44 is permitted to enter the room by the authentication device provided in the entry / exit exit E2. When it is detected, the print output may be started.

On the other hand, when the job execution unit 44 starts moving along the movement path R based on the print job for outputting the confidential document G1, the job execution unit 44 may start printing the confidential document G1. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a paper discharge tray 66 for storing documents and the like discharged from the discharge port 60 from which the documents and the like are discharged. When the job execution unit 44 starts printing the confidential document G1, the job execution unit 44 integrally covers the discharge port 60 and the paper discharge tray 66 by using a lid such as a cover. The lid is controlled in a locked state and cannot be manually removed from the output tray 66.

When the confidential document G1 is discharged from the discharge port 60 in a state of being integrally covered from the lid, the confidential document G1 is stored in the paper discharge tray 66. The job execution unit 44 continuously controls the lid body in the locked state until it arrives at the receiving position, and makes the discharge port 60 and the paper discharge tray 66 integrally covered by the lid body. As a result, it is possible to prevent the output confidential document G1 from being read or stolen by a third party. When it detects that it has arrived at the receiving position, the job execution unit 44 releases the locked state and manually switches the lid body to a removable state.

The movement control unit 28 is a processing unit that controls movement based on the movement route R detected by the route detection unit 24. When the movement path R is detected by the route detection unit 24, the movement control unit 28 operates the drive mechanism 17 to start the movement. Then, when the position detection unit 22 detects that the document has arrived at the document receiving position on the movement path R, the movement control unit 28 stops the drive mechanism 17.

If a print job is accepted by the job reception unit 20 while the image forming apparatus 2 is moving along the movement path R by the movement control unit 28, the job management unit 40 functions to analyze the accepted job. Then, in the case of a print job that outputs the public document G3, the job management unit 40 refers to the print time required for the print job. Then, the job management unit 40 calculates the time until the print start position BP in the movement path R is passed based on the movement speed by the movement control unit 28.

When the time from the current position to passing through the print start position BP exceeds the print time required for a new print job, the job management unit 40 prints the public document G3 on the job execution unit 44 based on the new print job. To execute. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of job execution. On the other hand, when the time from the current position to passing through the print start position BP is less than the print time required for the new print job, the job management unit 40 waits for the new print job and registers it in the job registration information 52. do. In this case, since the print output of the confidential document G1 is started when the print start position BP is passed, the print output of the confidential document G1 is prevented from being delayed by waiting for a new print job.

The determination unit 30 is a processing unit that determines whether or not a document is stored in the output tray 66. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the output tray 66. As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a discharge port 60 for discharging documents and the like, and a paper discharge tray 66 arranged below the discharge port 60 and storing the discharged documents and the like. The determination unit 30 determines whether or not a document is stored in the output tray 66. For example, the output tray 66 is provided with a weight detection sensor, and detects the weight of a document when the document is stored in the tray. When the weight of the document is detected by the weight detection sensor, the discriminating unit 30 determines that the document is stored in the output tray 66.

When a print job is accepted by the job reception unit 20 while the image forming apparatus 2 is stopped, the determination unit 30 determines whether or not a document is stored in the output tray 66. When the determination unit 30 determines that the document is stored in the output tray 66, the movement control unit 28 is stopped without starting the movement based on the movement path R corresponding to the received print job. To continue. When the movement is started based on a new print job while the documents are stored in the output tray 66, the recipient of the stored documents moves to search for the image forming apparatus 2 in the floor F1. It becomes necessary to take out the document stored in the output tray 66 of the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, when the movement control unit 28 determines that the document is stored in the output tray 66, the movement control unit 28 restricts the movement based on the new print job so that the recipient of the stored document can smoothly perform the movement. Allows you to receive documents.

When the determination unit 30 determines that the document is not stored in the output tray 66, the movement control unit 28 starts the movement based on the movement path R corresponding to the new print job received.

Unlike this, the determination unit 30 may determine whether or not the document is stored in the output tray 66 after the confidential document G1 is output. For example, when a new print job is accepted by the job reception unit 20 in a state of being stopped after moving to the receiving position based on the print job that outputs the confidential document G1, the determination unit 30 displays the document in the output tray 66. Is stored. When the determination unit 30 determines that the document is stored in the output tray 66, the movement control unit 28 does not start the movement based on the new print job.

If it is determined that a document is stored in the output tray 66 while the document has been moved to the receiving position and stopped based on the print job that outputs the confidential document G1, the confidential document G1 is stored in the output tray 66. Is very likely to be stored. Therefore, when it is determined that the document is stored in the output tray 66, the movement control unit 28 restricts the start of movement based on a new print job, so that the confidential document G1 is stored in the output tray 66. It prevents the reading or theft of the confidential document G1 by a third party due to the movement of the document in the stored state.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a paper ejection tray 66 having a configuration different from that of the paper ejection tray 66 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, the discharge port 60 from which documents and the like are discharged, the first paper discharge tray 66a (66) in which the confidential document G1 is stored, and the second paper discharge tray 66b (66) in which the public document G3 is stored are stored. ) And. The height adjustment mechanism of the first output tray 66a (66) and the second output tray 66b (66) is such that the first output tray 66a (66) is located above the second output tray 66b (66). Engage in 70. When the printer unit 18 prints the confidential document G1, the job execution unit 44 drives the height adjustment mechanism 70 so that the first output tray 66a (66) is located below the output port 60. Adjust the height. When the confidential document G1 is discharged from the discharge port 60, the confidential document is stored in the first paper discharge tray 66a (66) below the discharge port 60.

When the printer unit 18 prints the public document G3, the job execution unit 44 drives the height adjustment mechanism 70 so that the first paper discharge tray 66a (66) is located above the discharge port 60. , The height of the second output tray 66b (66) is adjusted so that it is located below the output port 60. When the public document G3 is discharged from the discharge port 60, the public document G3 is stored in the second paper discharge tray 66b (66) below the discharge port 60.

The determination unit 30 determines whether or not the document is stored in the first output tray 66a (66). For example, the first paper ejection tray 66a (66) is provided with a weight detection sensor, and when a document is stored in the tray, the weight of the document is detected, and the discriminating unit 30 is the first based on the input from the weight detection sensor. It is determined whether or not the document is stored in the output tray 66a (66).

The determination unit 30 determines whether or not documents or the like are stored in the first output tray 66a (66) when a print job is accepted by the job reception unit 20 while the image forming apparatus 2 is stopped. To determine. When the determination unit 30 determines that documents or the like are stored in the first output tray 66a (66), the movement control unit 28 restricts the movement based on a new print job. When the determination unit 30 determines that no documents or the like are stored in the first output tray 66a (66), the movement control unit 28 starts the movement based on the movement path R corresponding to the new print job. ..

As shown in FIG. 6, a first paper ejection tray 66a (66) for storing the confidential document G1 and a second paper ejection tray 66b (66) for storing the public document G3 are provided, and the first paper ejection is provided. By determining whether or not the document is stored in the tray 66a (66), it is more accurately determined whether or not the confidential document G1 is stored without being received as compared with the case shown in FIG. It becomes possible.

Unlike this, even if the confidential document G1 is stored in the first output tray 66a (66), the movement path R to the receiving position of the document output by the new job is the non-security area W1. If it does not pass through, the movement control unit 28 may start the movement. In the example of FIG. 2, when the image forming apparatus 2 is located at the initial position in the fourth security area SR4 and the receiving position of the document output by the new job transmitted from the user B is the user B desk D2, the image is moved. Route R2 (R) does not pass through the non-security area W1. In this case, even if the image forming apparatus 2 moves based on the movement path R2 while the confidential document G1 is stored in the first output tray 66a (66), the confidential document G1 is read or stolen by a third party. There is no danger of being done. Therefore, even if the confidential document G1 is stored in the first output tray 66a (66), it is possible to prevent the execution of the new print job from being delayed by moving based on the movement path R2. be.

Next, the processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 2 constituting the image forming system 1 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 2. When the image forming apparatus 2 is in the activated state, it first determines whether or not a job has been received (step S1). When a job is received (YES in step S1), it is further determined whether or not the user is moving (step S3). When not moving (NO in step S3), the image forming apparatus 2 executes a route determination process (step S7) for determining a movement route to the receiving position corresponding to the job. The specific processing procedure of the route determination process (step S7) will be described later.

If the job is not received in step S1 (NO in step S1), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not there is a waiting job (step S5). If there is a waiting job (YES in step S5), step S3 is executed. If it is determined in step S3 that the job is moving (YES in step S3), the interrupt process (step S9) for interrupting and executing the received job is executed. The specific processing procedure of the interrupt processing (step S9) will be described later. In step S5, if there is no waiting job (NO in step S5), the processes of steps S3 to S9 are skipped.

Next, the image forming apparatus 2 executes a movement control process (step S11) for controlling the movement to the receiving position. The specific processing procedure of the movement control process (step S11) will be described later. Finally, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not it has detected the instruction to end the activation state (step S13), and if it detects the end instruction (step S13), terminates the activation state. If the end instruction is not detected (NO in step S13), the process returns to step S1 and the processes of steps S1 to S13 are repeatedly executed until the end instruction is detected.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the route determination process (step S7 in FIG. 7). First, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the movement path R has been detected (step S21). When the movement path R has not been detected (NO in step S21), the received job is analyzed (step S23). Then, the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the map information 50 (step S25) and detects the receiving position corresponding to the job (step S27). When the receiving position is detected, the image forming apparatus 2 detects the movement path R from the current position to the receiving position based on the map information 50.

Next, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the job is to print the confidential document G1 (step S31). When it is determined that the job is to print the confidential document G1 (step S31), the image forming apparatus 2 further determines whether or not the movement route R is a route passing through the non-security area W1 (step S33). When it is determined that the route passes through the non-security area W1 (YES in step S33), the image forming apparatus 2 detects the security section T1 that reaches the receiving position without passing through the non-security area W1 (step S35). ). When the security section T1 is detected, the image forming apparatus 2 determines the print start position BP (step S37).

In step S31, when it is determined that the job is to print the public document G3 instead of the confidential document G1 (NO in step S31), or in step S33, the movement route R is a route that does not pass through the non-security area W1. If it is determined (NO in step S33), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the job has been executed and the document has been printed (step S39). When it is determined that the document has not been printed (NO in step S39), printing of the document is started (step S41). On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has not been completed (NO in step S39), step S41 is skipped. If the movement path has already been detected in step S21 (YES in step S21), the image forming apparatus 2 skips the processes from step S23 to step S41.

The image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the confidential document G1 is stored in the output tray 66a (step S43). When it is determined that the confidential document G1 is not stored in the output tray 66a (NO in step S43), the image forming apparatus 2 starts the movement based on the movement path R (step S45), and the route determination process (step S7). ) Is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the confidential document G1 is stored in the output tray 66a (YES in step S43), step S45 is skipped and the route determination process is terminated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the interrupt processing (step S6 of FIG. 7). First, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not printing based on the job received before the job received in step S1 (see FIG. 7) is being executed (step S51). When printing is executed based on the previously received job (YES in step S51), the new job received in step S1 is made to wait (step S53) to end the interrupt process.

On the other hand, when printing is not being executed (NO in step S51), the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes a new job (step S55). Then, it is determined whether or not the new job is a job for printing the confidential document (step S57), and if it is determined that the job is for printing the confidential document (YES in step S57), step S53 is executed. Make a new job wait. On the other hand, when it is determined that the new job is not a job for printing a confidential document (NO in step S57), the image forming apparatus 2 is newly added before passing through the print start position BP in the movement path R. It is determined whether or not the printing of a new job is completed (step S59). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the job registration information 52 in the storage unit 14, refers to the required time of a new job, and sets the time until passing through the print start position BP in the movement path R. To detect. Then, when the time until the print start position BP passes exceeds the time required for the new job, the image forming apparatus 2 determines that the printing of the new job is completed before the print start position BP is passed.

If it is determined that printing based on the new job is completed before passing through the printing start position BP in the movement path R (YES in step S59), the image forming apparatus 2 starts printing based on the new job (step). S61) The interrupt process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that printing based on the new job is not completed before passing through the print start position BP (NO in step S59), the image forming apparatus 2 executes step S53 to make the new job wait. When printing based on a new job ends before the print start position BP at which printing based on the previous job is started, the image forming apparatus 2 starts printing based on the new job to make a new job. Make the based print run first. As a result, when a new job is received while moving, it is possible to efficiently perform print output.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the movement control process (step S11 in FIG. 7). First, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not it is moving (step S71). When not moving (NO in step S71), the image forming apparatus 2 ends the movement control process. On the other hand, when moving (YES in step S71), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the print start position BP in the movement path R has been passed (step S73).

When it is determined that the print start position BP has been passed (YES in step S73), the image forming apparatus 2 starts printing based on the job (step S75). On the other hand, when it is determined that the print start position BP has not been passed (NO in step S73), step S75 is skipped. Next, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not it has arrived at the receiving position in the movement path R (step S77). When it is determined that the image has arrived at the receiving position (YES in step S77), the image forming apparatus 2 is stopped (step S79) to end the movement control process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the receiving position has not arrived (NO in step S77), step S79 is skipped to continue the movement and end the movement control process.

(Modification example)
Although one of the embodiments relating to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be applied.

In the above embodiment, the route detection unit 24 has shown a case where the route detection unit 24 detects the movement route R that minimizes the movement time from the current position to the receiving position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the route detection unit 24 determines a route that does not pass through the non-security area W1 when a route that passes through the non-security area W1 and a route that does not pass through the non-security area W1 are detected. The movement route R may be preferentially determined. As a result, it is possible to reliably avoid the risk of documents and the like being read or stolen by a third party from the moving image forming apparatus 2.

1 Image formation system 2 Image formation device 20 Job reception section (reception means)
22 Position detection unit (position detection means)
24 Route detection unit (Route detection means)
26 Job control unit (job control means)
28 Movement control unit (movement control means)
30 Discrimination unit (discrimination means)
42 Start position determination unit (start position determination means)
50 Map information (map information)
G1 Confidential document G3 Public document R Travel route SR Security area (security area)
W1 non-security area (non-security area)
66a 1st paper output tray (1st paper output tray)
66b 2nd output tray (2nd output tray)

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus that can move based on map information that defines a security area and a non-security area, and can print out while moving.
Reception means for accepting print jobs and
A position detecting means for detecting a receiving position of a print output medium output by executing a print job accepted by the receiving means based on the map information, and a position detecting means.
A route detecting means for detecting a moving route to the receiving position, and
It is equipped with a job control means that controls the execution of print jobs.
When the job control means passes through the security area and the non-security area in the movement route to the receiving position, the job control means makes the print output medium available for acquisition after passing through the non-security area . An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, when passing through the security area and the non-security area in the movement path, execution of a print job is started after passing through the non-security area. The image according to claim 1 , wherein the job control means starts execution of the print job after passing through the non-security area when a predetermined confidential document is output by executing the print job. Forming device. The job control means
Further, a start position determining means for determining an output start position for starting print output in the detected moving route when the moving route is detected by the route detecting means is provided.
When the confidential document is output by executing the print job, the start position determining means determines the output start position in the section of the movement route that passes through the security area and arrives at the receiving position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the image forming apparatus is determined. The job control means includes a second print job that outputs a print output medium different from the confidential document while moving to the receiving position corresponding to the first print job that outputs the confidential document. The image according to claim 3 , wherein when the image is received by the receiving means, the output based on the second print job is started before passing through the output start position of the first print job. Forming device. A movement control means that moves based on the movement route detected by the route detection means,
Further provided with a determination means for determining whether or not the print output medium is stored in a predetermined output tray in which the print output medium output by executing a print job is stored.
When the print job is received by the reception means in the stopped state, the determination means determines whether or not the print output medium is stored in the output tray.
The movement control means is characterized in that when the determination means determines that the print output medium is not stored in the output tray, the movement control means starts movement based on the movement route corresponding to the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The job control unit, when to output the confidential document by the print job execution, dissipate storing the confidential document to be output to the first discharge tray, to output said different print output medium from the confidential document In this case, the output medium for printing is stored in a second output tray different from the first output tray.
The determination means determines whether or not the confidential document is stored in the first output tray, and determines whether or not the confidential document is stored.
The movement control means is characterized in that when it is determined by the determination means that the confidential document is not stored in the first output tray, the movement control means starts the movement based on the movement route. The image forming apparatus according to 5. A program executed in an image forming apparatus that can move based on map information that defines a security area and a non-security area and can print out while moving.
The image forming apparatus
Reception means for accepting print jobs,
A position detecting means for detecting a receiving position of a print output medium output by executing a print job accepted by the receiving means based on the map information.
A route detecting means for detecting a moving route to the receiving position, and
To function as a job control means that controls the execution of print jobs,
When the job control means passes through the security area and the non-security area in the movement route to the receiving position, the job control means makes the print output medium available for acquisition after passing through the non-security area . A program characterized in that, when passing through the security area and the non-security area in the movement route, execution of a print job is started after passing through the non-security area. The program according to claim 7 , wherein the job control means starts execution of the print job after passing through the non-security area when a predetermined confidential document is output by executing the print job. .. The image forming apparatus
When the movement path is detected by the route detection means, the movement path is further functioned as a start position determining means for determining an output start position for starting print output in the detected movement path.
When the confidential document is output by executing the print job, the start position determining means determines the output start position in the section of the movement route that passes through the security area and arrives at the receiving position. The program according to claim 8 , wherein the determination is made. The job control means includes a second print job that outputs a print output medium different from the confidential document while moving to the receiving position corresponding to the first print job that outputs the confidential document. The program according to claim 9 , wherein when received by the receiving means, the output based on the second print job is started before passing through the output start position of the first print job. .. The image forming apparatus
A movement control means that moves based on the movement route detected by the route detection means, and
Further function as a discriminating means for determining whether or not the print output medium is stored in a predetermined output tray in which the print output medium output by executing a print job is stored.
When the print job is received by the reception means in the stopped state, the determination means determines whether or not the print output medium is stored in the output tray.
The movement control means is characterized in that when the determination means determines that the print output medium is not stored in the output tray, the movement control means starts movement based on the movement route corresponding to the print job. The program according to any one of claims 8 to 10. The job control unit, when to output the confidential document by the print job execution, dissipate storing the confidential document to be output to the first discharge tray, to output said different print output medium from the confidential document In this case, the output medium for printing is stored in a second output tray different from the first output tray.
The determination means determines whether or not the confidential document is stored in the first output tray, and determines whether or not the confidential document is stored.
The movement control means is characterized in that when it is determined by the determination means that the confidential document is not stored in the first output tray, the movement control means starts the movement based on the movement route. 11. The program according to 11.

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