JP7139788B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program, and more particularly to technology for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of receiving a job from each of a plurality of networks and printing out the job.

Conventionally, as a network conversion terminal for separating an external network and an internal network, two LAN cards are installed in one terminal, one LAN card is connected to the external network, and the other LAN card is connected to the internal network. A thing is known (for example, patent document 1). This conventional network conversion device has a switching processing unit that activates one LAN card and deactivates the other LAN card in response to button operation. data transmission/reception through the other LAN card is prohibited. According to such a network switching terminal, since the internal network can be cut off from the external network, leakage of confidential information can be prevented.

By the way, in recent years, image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) having a print function are sometimes shared by a plurality of companies and organizations. For example, in an office building called SOHO where many small businesses reside, one image forming apparatus is often shared by a plurality of organizations (companies, organizations, etc.).

When a single image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of organizations in this way, the image forming apparatus is equipped with a plurality of LAN cards, similar to the network conversion terminal described above, and is used with the network separated for each organization. It is common to be This is because, by dividing the network in advance, it is possible to prevent information from leaking out among a plurality of organizations that share the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to print out based on jobs individually received from each of the plurality of networks.

When an image forming apparatus receives a job from one of a plurality of networks and prints out the job, the image forming apparatus discharges the printed matter onto a paper discharge tray provided in the apparatus main body. Therefore, the user who sent the job can collect the printed matter by moving to the installation location of the image forming apparatus.

However, printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus onto the discharge tray may be left uncollected by the user. In that case, if a job is sent by a user of another network and printed out by the image forming apparatus, there is a possibility that the printed matter left on the output tray will be seen by the user of the other network. . For example, if confidential information is included in the printed matter, there is a possibility that the confidential information will be leaked if the printed matter is viewed by a user of another network, which poses a problem. In particular, such a problem cannot be solved by simply activating one LAN card and deactivating the other LAN card in response to button operation, as in the above-described conventional technology. A solution is desired.

JP 2014-49132 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an image processing apparatus that enables sharing by a plurality of different organizations while preventing printed matter from being seen by users of different organizations. and to provide programs.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising a device connected to a first network and a device connected to a second network different from the first network. , printing means for printing based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks, and printed matter output by the printing means is not collected. a detecting means for detecting that a printed matter is uncollected by the detecting means after the print output by the printing means is started based on a job received from one of the first and second networks; and control means for regulating execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks during a period in which the state is detected , wherein the control means standby for waiting transmission of a job received from the other of the first and second networks when the printing means starts printing output based on the job received from one of the two networks; This configuration is characterized by transmitting commands .

The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication means includes first communication means for communicating with devices connected to the first network, and the second network. and a second communication means for communicating with a device connected to the device.

The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means causes the printing means to perform printing based on a job received from one of the first and second networks. A job received from the other of the first and second networks is not accepted during a period in which the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the start of output. It is a configuration that

The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein after the detection means detects that the printed matter has been collected, the control means controls the first and second The configuration is characterized by accepting a job received from the other of the two networks.
The invention according to claim 5 is an image forming apparatus that communicates with a device connected to a first network and a device connected to a second network different from the first network. , printing means for printing based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks, and detecting that the printed material output by the printing means is in an uncollected state. After the printing means starts printing based on the job received from one of the first and second networks, the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state. during the period, the execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks is restricted, and printed matter is sent to the device that sent the job via one of the first and second networks. performing a first prompting for collection, and when the detecting means does not detect that the printed matter has been collected within a predetermined time after the first prompting, the other of the first and second networks; and a control means for releasing the restriction on the execution of the job received from.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control means cancels restrictions on execution of jobs received from the other of the first and second networks. , and notifies that printed matter based on a job received from one of the first and second networks has not been collected.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the control means causes the printing means to perform printing based on a job received from one of the first and second networks. After the start of output, when a job is received from the other of the first and second networks during a period in which the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state, the received job is This configuration is characterized in that it is accepted as a reserved job.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the control means permits print output based on the reserved job when the detection means detects that the printed matter has been collected. It is a configuration characterized by

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, after the print output based on the reserved job is started, the control means connects the other of the first and second networks. A job execution notification is transmitted to a device that is a transmission source of the reserved job via the device.

The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit controls the print job based on a job received from one of the first and second networks. for a plurality of devices connected to one of the first and second networks when the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the print output by the means has started The configuration is characterized in that a first reminder to collect the printed matter is performed by pressing the button.

The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10 , wherein after the first prompting, the control means detects that the printed matter has been collected by the detection means. The configuration is characterized in that when the detection is not made within a predetermined time, a second prompt with a display mode different from that of the first prompt is given again.

The invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein after the first prompting, the control means detects that the printed matter has been collected by the detection means. The configuration is characterized in that, when no detection is made within a predetermined period of time, communication is performed to a predesignated notification destination.

The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the control means controls the first and second network via the first and second networks, respectively. The configuration is characterized in that status notifications regarding jobs are displayed on devices connected to each of the networks.

The invention according to claim 14 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , further comprising document reading means for reading a document and generating image data, wherein the printing means is the document reading means. The control means can perform printout based on image data generated by the document reading means, after the printout by the printing means is started based on the image data generated by the document reading means, the The configuration is characterized in that execution of jobs received from each of the first and second networks is restricted during a period in which the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state.

The invention according to claim 15 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the control means controls the first and second This configuration is characterized in that restrictions on the execution of jobs received from each of the two networks are lifted.

The invention according to claim 16 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein when the detection means detects that the printed matter based on the image data is in an uncollected state, the control means controls the This configuration is characterized by prompting for collection of printed materials via the first and second networks, respectively.

The invention according to claim 17 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16 , wherein the control means regulates execution of jobs received from each of the first and second networks. When the job received from each of the first and second networks is accepted as a reserved job, and after the detecting means detects that the printed material based on the image data has been collected, the printout based on the reserved job is performed. It is a configuration characterized by starting.

The invention according to claim 18 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , further comprising display means for displaying various kinds of information, wherein the control means notifies the display means of a job-related status. is displayed.

The invention according to claim 19 is a device connected to a first network, and a communication means capable of communicating with each of devices connected to a second network different from the first network, An image comprising printing means for printing based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks, and detection means for detecting that the printed matter output by the printing means is in an uncollected state. A program executed in a forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus receives a job from one of the first network and the second network when the detection means does not detect that the printed matter is in an uncollected state. is received, a first step of starting printout by the printing means based on the job; a second step of regulating execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks during the period in which the job is received from the other of the first and second networks; sending a wait command to wait for the transmission of the job received from the other of the first and second networks when the printing means starts printing based on the job received from one of the networks; It is a configuration characterized by

A device connected to a first network and a device connected to a second network different from the first network are communication means capable of communicating with each other, An image comprising printing means for printing based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks, and detection means for detecting that the printed matter output by the printing means is in an uncollected state. A program executed in a forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus receives a job from one of the first network and the second network when the detection means does not detect that the printed matter is in an uncollected state. is received, a first step of starting printout by the printing means based on the job; During the period, execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks is regulated, and the device that sent the job via one of the first and second networks is controlled. A first reminder to collect the printed matter is issued, and if the collection of the printed matter is not detected by the detecting means within a predetermined time after the first prompting, one of the first and second networks is selected. and a second step of releasing the restriction on the execution of the job received from the other .

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent printed matter from being seen by users of different organizations while enabling sharing by a plurality of different organizations.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall system configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of regulation setting information. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of handling setting information; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation process of an image forming system; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation process of an image forming system; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby reservation notification displayed on the display unit of the device; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reminder to collect printed matter displayed on the display unit of the device; It is a figure which shows an example of the notice of caution displayed on the display part of apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of detailed processing procedures of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of status notification displayed on the display unit of the device and the operation panel of the image forming apparatus; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of user information. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall system configuration of an image forming system according to a third embodiment;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. This image forming system 1 is installed in, for example, an office building where a plurality of organizations such as companies and organizations reside, and is configured so that a plurality of organizations can share and use one image forming apparatus 2 . system. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 is configured by an MFP or the like having multiple functions such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a FAX function. The image forming apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 is shared by two organizations. A first organization is provided with a plurality of devices 5 a connected to a first network 3 . Also, the second organization is provided with a plurality of devices 5b connected to the second network 4 . The devices 5a and 5b are configured by, for example, personal computers and tablet terminals. Also, the first and second networks 3 and 4 are local networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks), and are different networks from each other.

The image forming apparatus 2 can receive jobs from either the device 5a used in the first organization or the device 5b used in the second organization. is. That is, the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the first network 3 and the second network 4, and the device 5a connected to the first network 3 and the device 5b connected to the second network 4 It is possible to communicate with each. In the following, when the device 5a provided in the first network 3 and the device 5b provided in the second network 4 are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to simply as the device 5. FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, two devices 5a and 5b are arranged in each of the first network 3 and the second network 4, respectively. The number of devices 5 is not limited to two, and may be one or more.

When receiving a job transmitted from the device 5a connected to the first network 3 or the device 5b connected to the second network 4, the image forming device 2 operates the print function to execute the job, Print output. The image forming apparatus 2 is provided with a paper discharge tray 6 in the central part of the apparatus main body, and sequentially discharges onto the paper discharge tray 6 printed materials generated in accordance with the execution of jobs.

The image forming apparatus 2 also includes an operation panel 13 that serves as a user interface when operated by a user. The operation panel 13 is provided with a display portion for displaying various information and an operation portion for detecting various operation inputs by the user. The image forming apparatus 2 can also execute a copy job or the like based on various operation inputs on the operation panel 13 by the user. A copy job is a job that activates the scanning and printing functions to produce a copy (print) of a document set by a user.

A device 5 provided in each of the first and second networks 3 and 4 has a display section 8 capable of displaying various information. The device 5 also has a function of transmitting a job such as a print job to the image forming apparatus 2 . For example, a driver program corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2 is installed in the device 5, and when the driver program is executed in the device 5, the device 5 transmits a job such as a print job to the image forming device 2. be able to Further, the device 5 can receive a notification or the like from the image forming apparatus 2 by executing the driver program. At this time, the device 5 can display the notification from the image forming apparatus 2 on the display section 8 .

In this embodiment, the device 5a connected to the first network 3 and the device 5b connected to the second network 4 cannot communicate with each other.

In such an image forming system 1, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives a job via one of the first and second networks 3 and 4, and starts print output based on the job, , to regulate the execution of jobs received via the other network. As a result, the user of the other network is temporarily unable to print using the image forming apparatus 2 . In other words, when outputting a printed matter based on a job transmitted from one network, the image forming apparatus 2 restricts execution of the job transmitted from the other network, thereby allowing users of different organizations to output a plurality of printed materials. This prevents the printed matter from being mixed on the discharge tray 6 and prevents the printed matter output for the user of one organization from being seen by the user of the other organization. Here, the timing for regulating the execution of a job received via the other network may be the timing at which the job is received via one network, or the timing at which the job is received via the one network. It may be the timing to start the output. Alternatively, the timing may be the timing at which the printout of the first sheet is completed based on the job received via one of the networks.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 2 is in a state in which the execution of jobs from one network is restricted until the user collects printed matter based on the job received from the other network (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “restricted state”). ) continue. When it is detected that the printed matter has been collected from the discharge tray 6, the image forming apparatus 2 cancels the restricted state. In other words, the image forming apparatus 2 is ready to execute a job sent by the user of the other network after the printed matter of the user of one network is collected.

Furthermore, such an image forming apparatus 2 can restrict execution of a copy job instructed via the operation panel 13 when printed matter is left on the paper discharge tray 6 .

In this manner, the image forming apparatus 2 regulates execution of jobs and copy jobs received from the other network when the printed matter based on the job received from one network is left on the discharge tray 6.例文帳に追加However, the image forming apparatus 2 does not restrict the execution of the job received from one of the networks even if the printed matter based on the job received from one of the networks is left on the discharge tray 6 . Therefore, when a printed matter based on a job received from one network is left on the discharge tray 6, the user using the other network can execute another job on the image forming apparatus 2. can be made

Incidentally, hereinafter, the job (print job) received from the first network 3 may be referred to as a "first job". Also, a job (print job) received from the second network 4 may be referred to as a "second job". Furthermore, a job (for example, a copy job, etc.) input by the user by operating the operation panel 13 may be referred to as a "third job". The image forming apparatus 2 as described above will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 2 has a hardware configuration including, in addition to the above-described operation panel 13, a communication unit 10, a paper detection sensor 14, a scanner unit 16, a printer unit 17, a FAX unit 18, and a storage unit 19. , and a control unit 20 .

The communication unit 10 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 2 to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively. The image forming apparatus 2 can communicate with the device 5a connected to the first network 3 via the communication unit 10, and can communicate with the device 5b connected to the second network 4. It is possible. The communication unit 10 in this embodiment includes a plurality of communication units, a first communication unit 11 and a second communication unit 12, as shown in FIG. The first communication unit 11 is configured by, for example, one LAN card, connects to the first network 3, and communicates with the device 5a connected to the first network 3. FIG. The second communication unit 12 is configured by, for example, a LAN card different from that of the first communication unit 11, is connected to the second network 4, and communicates with the device 5b connected to the second network 4. conduct.

The paper detection sensor 14 is a sensor that is provided, for example, on the paper discharge tray 6 and detects the printed matter that is discharged to the paper discharge tray 6 . If the paper detection sensor 14 detects the printed matter on the discharge tray 6, it is known that the printed matter output by the image forming apparatus 2 has not been collected. Therefore, the paper detection sensor 14 is used as a sensor for detecting that the printed matter output by the image forming apparatus 2 is in an uncollected state. For example, the execution of a job is started in the image forming apparatus 2, and the sheet detection sensor 14 detects the sheet material such as the first sheet of printing paper as it is discharged onto the discharge tray 6. is turned on. On the other hand, when there is no sheet material such as printing paper on the discharge tray 6, the sheet detection sensor 14 does not detect the sheet material and is turned off. The paper detection sensor 14 may be, for example, a contact sensor that turns on and off depending on the weight of the printed matter discharged to the paper discharge tray 6, or a non-contact sensor that detects the presence or absence of the printed matter using light, ultrasonic waves, or the like. consists of

The scanner unit 16 is document reading means for optically reading an image of a document set by a user to generate image data. The scanner unit 16 operates when a user instructs execution of a scan job, a copy job, or a FAX transmission job, and outputs image data corresponding to a document set by the user to the control unit 20 .

The printer unit 17 is printing means for printing an image based on image data output from the control unit 20 on a sheet material such as printing paper. By operating the printer unit 17 , the image forming apparatus 2 can print out based on print jobs received from the first network 3 and the second network 4 . Note that the printer section 17 can print out based on the FAX data even when the FAX section 18 receives the FAX data.

The FAX unit 18 is for transmitting and receiving FAX data via a public telephone line (not shown). For example, the FAX unit 18 can call an external destination based on an instruction from the control unit 20, transmit FAX data to the external destination, and transmit FAX data received via a public telephone line. It can also be output to the control unit 20 .

The storage unit 19 is a non-volatile storage device configured by a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or the like. The storage unit 19 stores various programs and data. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 19 stores a program 30, regulation setting information 33, countermeasure setting information 34, and the like.

The program 30 is a program that is executed in the image forming apparatus 2 and that is installed in the image forming apparatus 2 in advance. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 reads out and executes the program 30 when the power is turned on, thereby causing various processing units (to be described later) to function.

The regulation setting information 33 is information in which setting values for regulating job execution in the image forming apparatus 2 are registered. For example, when a job received from the first network 3 is executed and a printed matter is output to the paper discharge tray 6, and the printed matter is left on the paper discharge tray 6, the job is received from the second network 4. Job execution is regulated. Here, there are mainly the following two methods for regulating job execution in the image forming apparatus 2 . A first restriction method is a method of registering a job received from the second network 4 as a reserved job in the image forming apparatus 2 so that the job will not be executed immediately but will be executed after the job becomes ready to be executed. be. In the case of the first restriction method, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts and holds the received job as a reserved job, and therefore immediately executes the reserved job when it detects that the printed material on the discharge tray 6 has been collected. can do. On the other hand, the second restriction method is a method of instructing the device 5b of the second network 4 to wait for the transmission of the job, thereby preventing the transmission of the job from the second network 4. FIG. Which of the first regulation method and the second regulation method is applied can be individually set by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 2 or by the users of the first organization and the second organization. It is possible. The restriction setting information 33 is information preliminarily registered as to which of the first restriction method and the second restriction method is to be used for job execution restriction.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the regulation setting information 33. As shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the restriction setting information 33 is information in which a restriction condition 33a, a restricted job 33b, and a restriction method 33c are associated with each other. Conditions for regulating job execution are registered in the regulating condition 33a column. In the example of FIG. 3, the uncollected printed matter based on the job received from the first network 3 is registered as the first condition, and the uncollected printed matter based on the job received from the second network 4 is registered. is registered as the second condition, and uncollected copies (printed materials) based on the copy job are registered as the third condition. In the restriction setting information 33, a restriction target job 33b and a restriction method 33c are set for each of these three conditions. For example, if the printed matter based on the job received from the first network 3 is not collected (if the first condition is satisfied), the job to be regulated is the job received from the second network 4. , and a copy job. Further, as a method for regulating execution of a job to be regulated, either "reservation" or "standby" is registered in the column of regulation method 33c. "Reservation" is regulation by the first regulation method described above. "Standby" is regulation by the second regulation method described above.

The handling setting information 34 is information that is referred to when there is a waiting or reserved job in a state where printed matter is left on the discharge tray 6 and job execution is restricted (restricted state). This is information in which processing to be performed by the image forming apparatus 2 to cancel the state is registered in advance.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the handling setting information 34. As shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the handling setting information 34 is defined by a job 34a in which printed matter is left unattended, a processing content 34b of processing to be performed by the image forming apparatus 2, and a processing content 34b. This is information in which the process content 34c of the process to be performed by the image forming apparatus 2 when the printed matter is left unattended after a predetermined time has passed since the process was performed by the image forming apparatus 2 is associated with each other. A job received from the first network 3, a job received from the second network 4, and a copy job are individually registered in the column of the job 34a in which the printed matter is left unattended. The handling setting information 34 is information in which processing contents 34b and 34c are individually registered for those jobs.

For example, the processing content 34b includes a first prompting process of prompting the user or the like who has left the printed matter on the discharge tray 6 to collect the printed matter. When the job 34a in which the printed matter is left unattended is a job received from the first or second network, the image forming apparatus 2 receives the device 5 owned by the user who submitted the job, or the user A first reminder is issued to all devices 5 connected to the network to be used. Having received the first prompt, the device 5 displays the first prompt on the display unit 8 to prompt the user who owns the device 5 to collect the printed matter. Whether the first prompt is issued to the device 5 owned by the user who submitted the job or to all the devices 5 connected to the network used by the user depends on the image forming apparatus. 2 administrators, representatives of the first organization and the second organization, etc. can be individually set. Further, when the job 34a in which the printed matter is left unattended is a copy job, the image forming apparatus 2 issues a first prompt via the operation panel 13, or A first prompt is issued to all the devices 5 connected to each of the devices 4 . Whether the first prompt is issued via the operation panel 13 or whether the first prompt is issued to all the devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively, is determined by the image forming apparatus 2. or representatives of the first organization and the second organization, respectively. By performing such a first prompting process and collecting the printed matter by the user, the restricted state is canceled early.

The processing content 34c is referred to by the image forming apparatus 2 when the printed matter is left for a predetermined time after the processing specified in the processing content 34b, that is, the first prompting processing is performed. For example, the processing content 34c includes three types of processing: second prompt processing, notification processing, and exception processing.

The second prompting process is a process in which the image forming apparatus 2 prompts again to collect the printed matter when the printed matter has not been collected after a predetermined time has passed since the first prompting processing was performed. In this second prompting process, similarly to the first prompting process, if the job 34a in which the printed matter is left unattended is a job received from the first or second network, the image forming apparatus 2 , the device 5 possessed by the user who submitted the job, or all the devices 5 connected to the network used by the user. Further, when the job 34a in which the printed matter is left unattended is a copy job, the image forming apparatus 2 issues a first prompt via the operation panel 13, or A second prompt is issued to all devices 5 connected to each of 4 . Similar to the first prompting process, the target of such second prompting process is individually set by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 2, the representatives of the first organization and the second organization, or the like. It is possible. The target of the second prompting process may be different from the target of the first prompting process. For example, even if the first prompt is sent to the device 5 owned by the user who has left the printed matter, the second prompt is sent to all the devices 5 connected to the network used by the user. It does not matter if it is done.

Here, the second prompt differs from the first prompt in its display mode. The second prompt may include a warning image that is not included in the first prompt, may differ from the first prompt in character size, position, color, or the color of the area where the characters are displayed, or may be different from the first prompt. Output an alarm sound. For example, the second prompt may have larger characters than the first prompt, or the color of the characters or the area where the characters are displayed may be red or yellow. Also, the second prompt may remain displayed on the display unit 8 or the operation panel 13 of the device 5 unless the restricted state is released. By making the display mode of the second prompt different from that of the first prompt, the user is notified that the printed matter needs to be collected more quickly than the first prompt.

The notification process is a process of notifying a predesignated notification destination that the printed material has not been collected when the printed material is left uncollected after a predetermined time has elapsed after the first prompting process is performed. . In this case, the notification destination may be, for example, the administrator of the image forming apparatus 2 or the representative of the first organization or the second organization. Exception processing is processing for exceptionally canceling the restricted state of job execution when the printed matter is left unattended even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the first prompting processing is performed. By referring to such countermeasure setting information 34, the image forming apparatus 2 can automatically determine the process to be performed when the restricted state continues for a predetermined time or longer. These processing contents 34c can be individually set by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 2, representatives of the first organization and the second organization, or the like.

Next, details of the control unit 20 will be described. The control unit 20 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like (not shown). The CPU is for executing the program 30 , and the memory is for storing temporary data generated when the CPU executes the program 30 . When the image forming apparatus 2 is powered on, the CPU of the control section 20 reads out the program 30 from the storage section 19 and executes it. Thereby, the control unit 20 functions as a job reception unit 21 , a user identification unit 22 , a regulation unit 23 , a notification generation unit 24 , a notification transmission unit 25 and a job control unit 26 . Details of these units will be described below.

The job accepting unit 21 is a processing unit that accepts a job issued by a user who uses the image forming apparatus 2 . For example, the job reception unit 21 receives a print job received by the first communication unit 11 from the first network 3, a print job received by the second communication unit 12 from the second network 4, and the operation panel 13. accepts each copy job specified by the user via the

The regulation unit 23 is a processing unit that regulates the execution of jobs in the image forming apparatus 2 and cancels the regulation state. The regulation unit 23 regulates the execution of the job when the job reception unit 21 receives the job and the image forming apparatus 2 starts print output based on the job. At this time, the regulation unit 23 refers to the regulation setting information 33 and regulates the job execution based on the regulation setting information 33 .

For example, referring to the restriction setting information 33 shown in FIG. 3, the restriction unit 23 determines that the above-described first condition is met when print output based on a job received from the first network 3 is started. and regulates execution of jobs received from the second network 4 and execution of copy jobs. Further, referring to the regulation setting information 33 shown in FIG. 3, the regulation section 23 determines the regulation method in this case by registering the job received by the job reception section 21 as a reserved job.

Further, when print output based on a job received from the second network 3 is started, the restriction unit 23 determines that the above-described second condition is satisfied based on the restriction setting information 33 shown in FIG. , regulates the execution of jobs received from the first network 3 and the execution of copy jobs. As a regulation method in this case, the regulation unit 23 instructs the device 5a of the first network 3 to wait for the transmission of the job so that the job is not transmitted from the first network 3. Decide how to regulate job execution.

Further, when print output based on the copy job is started, the restriction unit 23 determines that the above-described third condition is satisfied based on the restriction setting information 33 shown in FIG. It regulates the execution of received jobs and the execution of jobs received from the second network 4 . As a regulation method in this case, the regulation unit 23 instructs the devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4 to wait for transmission of the job. A method of regulating job execution by preventing jobs from being transmitted from each of the networks 3 and 4 of 2 is determined.

Further, when print output based on the job is started, the regulation unit 23 monitors the output of the paper detection sensor 14 and determines whether or not the printed matter has been collected by the user. The regulating unit 23 maintains the job execution regulating state during the period in which it is detected that the printed matter is in the uncollected state. However, when the restricted state of job execution continues for a predetermined time or longer, the restriction unit 23 refers to the countermeasure setting information 34 and executes the process set in the countermeasure setting information 34 . As a result, the job execution status is cleared early.

The job control unit 26 is a processing unit that controls job execution in the image forming apparatus 2 . For example, when receiving a print job from the first network 3 or the second network 4 and executing the print job, the job control unit 26 drives the printer unit 17 to print out based on the job. Further, when execution of a copy job is instructed via the operation panel 13, the job control section 26 synchronously drives the scanner section 16 and the printer section 17 to print out based on the copy job. When the printer section 17 is driven by the job control section 26 , the printed matter corresponding to the job is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 6 .

Further, when the job received by the job receiving unit 21 is registered as a reserved job, the job control unit 26 suspends the execution of the reserved job, and after the regulation unit 23 cancels the job execution regulation state, the job control unit 26 Read and execute a reserved job.

The user identification unit 22 is a processing unit that identifies a user who submitted a job. By specifying the user who submitted the job by the user specifying unit 22, if the printed matter based on the job is left on the output tray 6, the user or a plurality of users belonging to the same organization as the user It is possible to prompt the user to collect the printed matter. It is also possible to notify users belonging to an organization different from the user who submitted the job that the execution of the job is restricted.

For example, when the job reception unit 21 receives a job from one of the first and second networks 3 and 4, the user identification unit 22 analyzes the information contained in the header of the job, etc., to identify the job. identify the user who submitted the Furthermore, the user identification unit 22 confirms through which of the first and second communication units 11 and 12 the received job was received, thereby determining whether the user who submitted the job is the first or second communication unit. 2 network 3 or 4 user is specified.

The notification generation unit 24 is a processing unit that generates various notifications and commands to be transmitted to the devices 5 of the first network 3 or the second network 4 . For example, when the printed matter is left on the discharge tray 6, the notification generation unit 24 generates a notification to be sent to the device 5 of the organization to which the user who submitted the job belongs, and requests collection of the printed matter. Generate a notification to remind you. The notification generation unit 24 also generates a notification to be transmitted to the device 5 of an organization different from the organization to which the user who submitted the job belongs, such as a standby command to wait for transmission of the job, or a reservation of the received job. It also generates a reservation notification indicating that it has been registered as a job. Also, the notification generation unit 24 generates a status notification regarding the job. This status notification can notify that the printed matter based on any of the first to third jobs is in an uncollected state or that the printed matter does not exist. In addition, the status notification can also notify the information of the job whose execution is to be restricted, the information of the regulation method of the job to be restricted, and the like. The device 5 that has received these notifications displays these notifications on the display unit 8 . Note that the device 5 may always display these notifications on the display unit 8 . Also, the device 5 may display these notifications on the display unit 8 when a predetermined operation is performed by the user.

Also, the notification generation unit 24 generates various notifications and commands to be displayed on the operation panel 13 . For example, when printed matter based on a copy job (third job) is left on the discharge tray 6, a notification to be displayed on the operation panel 13 to prompt collection of the printed matter is generated. . The notification generation unit 24 also generates a standby command to wait for the submission of the job when the third job is restricted, and a reservation notification indicating that the copy job is to be accepted as a reserved job. Also, the notification generation unit 24 generates status notifications to be displayed on the operation panel 13 . This status notification has the same content as the status notification described above.

The notification transmission unit 25 is a processing unit that transmits notifications, commands, and the like generated by the notification generation unit 24 to the device 5 owned by the user. For example, when the printed matter is left on the discharge tray 6, the notification transmission unit 25 is connected to the device 5 used by the user identified by the user identification unit 22, or to the network used by the user. A notification for urging collection of printed materials is transmitted to a plurality of devices 5 that are connected to the printer. Also, when the printed matter based on the copy job is left unattended, the notification transmission unit 25 prompts all the devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4 to collect the printed matter. You may make it send the notification for. Further, when the printed matter is left on the paper discharge tray 6, the notification transmission unit 25 issues a standby command to the device 5 used by a user belonging to an organization different from the user identified by the user identification unit 22. or a reservation notification indicating that the received job has been registered as a reserved job. In addition, when the printed matter is in the uncollected state, the notification transmission unit 25 sends a status notification notifying that the printed matter is in the uncollected state to all the devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively. may be sent to In addition, status notification that notifies information on jobs subject to job execution regulation and information on control methods for jobs subject to regulation is sent to all devices connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively. You may transmit to the apparatus 5. In addition, when there is no printed material, the notification transmission unit 25 sends a status notification notifying that the printed material does not exist to all devices connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively. 5 may be sent.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 prompts the user who submitted the job or a user who belongs to the same organization as the user who submitted the job to collect the printed materials when the printed materials are left on the discharge tray 6. By doing this, the printed matter can be collected at an early stage. In addition, when the printed matter is left on the discharge tray 6, the image forming apparatus 2 notifies that a user belonging to an organization different from the user who submitted the job is restricted from executing the job. The notification can be by a wait command, a reservation notification, or the like. In addition, by performing status notification, the user can check various statuses such as whether or not printed matter exists on the output tray 6, information about jobs subject to job execution restrictions, and how to restrict jobs subject to restrictions. You can always check.

Note that the image forming apparatus 2 may receive a job from the device 5 of one of the networks 3 and 4 after transmitting a standby command to the device 5 of one of the networks 3 and 4 . There is also In such a case, the image forming apparatus 2 may discard the received job after transmitting the standby command, or may register it as a reserved job.

Next, a first operation example performed by the image forming apparatus 2 as described above and the devices 5a and 5b of the first and second networks 3 and 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first operation process performed by the image forming apparatus 2 and the devices 5a and 5b. The first operation process illustrates the operation when the restriction method performed by the image forming apparatus 2 is the above-described second restriction method (“standby”). First, the device 5a connected to the first network 3 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 2 (process P10). Upon receiving the print job, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts and executes the job (process P11). In the image forming apparatus 2, during the period when the paper detection sensor 14 detects that the printed matter is not collected, that is, until the printed matter is collected by the user of the first network 3, the second job is executed. Execution is regulated (process P12). During this period, the job transmitted from the device 5a to the image forming apparatus 2 is received by the image forming apparatus 2 and executed.

On the other hand, when a print job is transmitted from the device 5b of the second network 4 (process P13), the image forming apparatus 2 issues a wait command to the device 5b of the second network 4 to wait for transmission of the job. (process P14). At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits a waiting notice for notifying the user that the job will be put on hold. The device 5b that has received the standby notification displays the standby notification on the display unit 8 to notify the user that the execution of the job in the image forming apparatus 2 is restricted and that the transmission of the job is to be put on hold. (process P15). Such notification allows the user of the device 5b to know that the image forming apparatus 2 cannot be used immediately. Note that the image forming apparatus 2 may transmit a standby command to the device 5b of the second network 4 immediately after regulating the execution of the second job without waiting for the job from the device 5b. In this case, the image forming apparatus 2 may unicast a standby command to a plurality of devices 5 b connected to the second network 4 . However, it is preferable to transmit the standby command by broadcast or multicast because it is possible to suppress the load increase of the second network 4 .

In addition, the image forming apparatus 2 sends the standby command to the second network 4, and makes a first reminder to the user of the first network 3 to collect the printed matter (process P16). The first prompt may be unicast-transmitted to the device 5a of the user who submitted the job. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first prompt may be transmitted by broadcast or multicast to a plurality of devices 5a connected to the first network 3. FIG. When the first prompt is sent by broadcast, the first prompt is sent to all devices 5 a connected to the first network 3 . By such a first reminder, the user of the first network 3 is notified that the printed matter has not been collected, so that the printed matter can be collected as soon as possible.

Further, if the printed matter is not collected after a predetermined time has passed after the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the first prompt to the device 5a of the first network 3, the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the above-described handling setting information 34, The processing defined in the countermeasure setting information 34 is performed. In the countermeasure setting information 34 shown in FIG. A second prompting process is defined to send two reminders. Therefore, if the printed matter is not collected even after a predetermined period of time has passed from process P16, the image forming apparatus 2 will send the second reminder again to all the devices 5a connected to the first network 3. Become.

After that, when the printed matter is collected by the user of the first network 3, the image forming apparatus 2 detects that the printed matter has been collected (process P17). Along with this, the image forming apparatus 2 cancels the restricted state of job execution (process P18). The image forming apparatus 2 transmits a release notification to the device 5b connected to the second network 4 as the job execution restriction state is released (process P19). When the device 5 b of the second network 4 receives the cancellation notice from the image forming apparatus 2 , the device 5 b displays the cancellation notice on the display unit 8 . By displaying the cancellation notice on the display unit 8, the device 5b notifies the user that the job may be sent. Such notification allows the user of the device 5b to know that the image forming apparatus 2 is ready for use. When the user performs an operation to send the job, the device 5b sends the job to the image forming apparatus 2 (process P20). The image forming apparatus 2 then accepts and executes the job received from the device 5b (process P21).

Next, a second operation example performed by the image forming apparatus 2 and the devices 5a and 5b of the first and second networks 3 and 4 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second operation process performed by the image forming apparatus 2 and the devices 5a and 5b. The second operation process illustrates the operation when the restriction method performed by the image forming apparatus 2 is the above-described first restriction method (“reservation”). First, the device 5a connected to the first network 3 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 2 (process P30). When receiving the print job, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts and executes the job (process P31). Then, the image forming apparatus 2 restricts the execution of the second job during the period when the paper detection sensor 14 detects that the printed matter is not collected, that is, until the printed matter is collected (process P32). . During this period, the job transmitted from the device 5a to the image forming apparatus 2 is received by the image forming apparatus 2 and executed.

On the other hand, when the user of the device 5b connected to the second network 4 instructs the device 5b to send a job, the job is sent from the device 5b to the image forming apparatus 2 (process P33). When the image forming apparatus 2 receives a job from the second network 4 while restricting execution of the job received from the second network 4, the image forming apparatus 2 registers the job as a reserved job (process P34). The image forming apparatus 2 then notifies the device 5b that the received job has been accepted as a reserved job (process P35). This notification allows the user of the device 5b to know that his or her job will not be executed immediately. Along with this, the image forming apparatus 2 issues a first reminder to the user of the first network 3 to collect the printed matter (process P36). It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 2 performs processing based on the handling setting information 34 in the same manner as described above when the printed matter is not collected even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the process P36.

After that, when the image forming apparatus 2 detects that the printed materials on the discharge tray 6 have been collected (process P37), the image forming apparatus 2 cancels the restricted state of execution of jobs received from the second network 4 (process P38). Next, the image forming apparatus 2 reads out and executes the reserved job received from the device 5b and registered (process P39). After starting execution of the reserved job, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits an execution notification indicating that execution of the reserved job has started to the device 5b (process P40). With this execution notification, the user of the device 5b can recognize that his/her job has been executed in the image forming apparatus 2, and can move to the installation location of the image forming apparatus 2 and quickly collect the printed matter. can. The execution notification transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the device 5b may be transmitted at the start of execution of the job or may be transmitted at the completion of execution of the job. Alternatively, it may be transmitted while the job is being executed.

Next, an example of specific operations in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. This processing is performed periodically by the image forming apparatus 2 reading and executing the program 30 . First, the image forming apparatus 2 performs job acceptance processing for accepting a received job (step S10). In the job acceptance processing, processing regarding whether or not to accept the received job is performed. Details of the job acceptance process will be described later. Next, the image forming apparatus 2 performs collection detection processing (step S20). Collection detection processing is processing for confirming whether printed materials have been collected. The details of the recovery detection process will be described later. Next, the image forming apparatus 2 performs prompting processing (step S30). The reminder process is a process for early collection of printed materials when there are uncollected printed materials. Details of the prompting process will be described later. Next, the image forming apparatus 2 performs standby reservation processing (step S40). The standby reservation processing performs processing related to execution of reserved jobs and standby jobs. Details of the standby reservation process will be described later. Next, the image forming apparatus 2 performs status processing (step S50). In the status processing, information about uncollected printed matter and regulation status is displayed on the display section 8 of the device 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4 and the operation panel 13 . Details of the status processing will be described later. The image forming apparatus 2 periodically repeats these processes.

Next, a detailed processing procedure of the job reception processing (step S10) will be described. 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing an example of details of the job acceptance process (step S10). When starting the job reception process, the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether or not a print job has been received (step S101). If no print job has been received (NO in step S101), the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG. If a print job has been received (YES in step S101), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the job is the first job (step S102). A first job is a job received from the first network 3 . If it is not the first job (NO in step S102), the process proceeds to step S130 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is the first job (YES in step S102), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the information indicating status A regarding the first job is information indicating "allowed" (step S103). ).

Here, state A indicates whether or not the first job is subject to regulation. State B indicates whether or not the second job is subject to regulation, and state C indicates whether or not the third job is subject to regulation. In this embodiment, states A, B, and C are classified into five states: "allowed", "standby", "reserved", "exception", and "initial". For example, when the state A is "permitted", the execution of the first job is permitted. This is the state after the print output based on the first job is started until the printed matter based on the first job is collected. Further, when the state A is "standby", it means that the first job is put on hold. This is the state where state B or state C is "allowed". If the status A is "reserved", the first job is registered as a reserved job. This is the state where state B or state C is "allowed". It is determined based on the regulation setting information 33 which of the "standby" and "permitted" states is selected. Next, if the state A is "exception", the state may shift when the printed matter based on the first job is not collected even after a predetermined period of time or more has passed after the state A becomes "allowed". be. If state A is "exception", execution of the second and third jobs is permitted. A second job is a job received from the second network 4 , and a third job is a job input from the operation panel 13 . When the state A is "initial", it is neither "allowed", "standby", "reserved", or "exception". It is in a state where there is no printed matter based on it. The other states B and C are the same.

Returning to FIG. 8, if the state A is "permitted" (YES in step S103), the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the first job (step S107) and executes the job (step S108). After that, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state A is not "allowed" (NO in step S103), the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether the state A is "initial" (step S104). If state A is not "initial" (NO in step S104), the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state A is "initial" (YES in step S104), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state B or C is "allowed" (step S105). If the status B or C is not "permitted" (NO in step S105), basically there is no printed matter based on the second job or the third job on the discharge tray 6. FIG. Therefore, if state B or C is not "allowed" (NO in step S105), image forming apparatus 2 sets state A to "allowed" (step S106). After that, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the first job (step S107) and executes the job (step S108). After that, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the status B or C is "permitted" in step S105 (YES in step S105), the second or third condition is satisfied, and the image forming apparatus 2 sets the restriction setting information 33 to The restriction method for the first job is confirmed by referring to it (step S111). If the regulation method is "standby" (standby in step S111), the image forming apparatus 2 transmits a standby command to the device 5a that transmitted the first job (step S112). When sending a wait instruction, send a wait notification to let the user wait to send the job. The device 5 a that has received the standby notification displays the standby notification on the display unit 8 . FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of a standby notification. The waiting notice G1 includes a message M1 for making the user wait for the transmission of the job, and a button B1 operated by the user to hide the waiting notice G1. By displaying such a waiting notice G1 on the display unit 8 of the device 5a, the user belonging to the first organization waits for the submission of the job.

Returning to FIG. 8, after transmitting the standby command, the image forming apparatus 2 changes state A to "standby" (step S113). Next, the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the information included in the job header and the like in order to notify the device 5a owned by the user who submitted the first job that the regulation has been lifted, for example, when the regulation state is lifted. to specify the user who submitted the job (step S114). Then, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG.

In step S111, if the regulation method for the first job is "reservation" (reservation in step S111), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state A to "reservation" (step S121). After that, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the first job as a reserved job (step S122), and transmits a reservation notification to the device 5a (step S123). The device 5 a that has received the reservation notification displays the reservation notification on the display unit 8 . FIG.11(b) is a figure which shows an example of the notification of a reservation. The reservation notification G2 includes a message M2 for notifying the user that the job has been accepted as a reserved job, and buttons B1 and B3 operated by the user. When the user operates the button B3 to cancel the reservation, the device 5a notifies the image forming apparatus 2 that the reservation has been cancelled.

Returning to FIG. 8, after transmitting the reservation notification, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the reservation has been canceled (step S124). If the reservation has been canceled (YES in step S124), this reserved job is deleted from the memory, and it is confirmed whether or not there is another reserved job that has not been executed yet is received from the first network 3 (step S125). . If there is no other unexecuted reserved job received from the first network 3 (NO in step S125), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state A to "initial" (step S126). Then, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG. On the other hand, if there is another unexecuted reserved job received from the first network 3 (YES in step S125), the image forming apparatus 2 leaves the status A as "reserved". Then, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG.

The processing of steps S103 to S126 described above is reception processing when the received job is the first job. By performing such processing, when the first job is received, if the printed matter based on the second or third job is not collected, the execution of the first job is restricted, and users of different organizations can to prevent a plurality of printed materials output by from being mixed on the discharge tray 6. - 特許庁

Next, reception processing when the received job is the second job will be described. FIG. 9 is a continuation of the flow chart shown in FIG. First, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the information indicating status B regarding the second job is information indicating "permitted" (step S130). If the status B is "allowed" (YES in step S130), the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the second job (step S134) and executes the job (step S135). After that, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state B is not "allowed" (NO in step S130), the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether the state B is "initial" (step S131). If state B is not "initial" (NO in step S131), the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state B is "initial" (YES in step S131), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A or C is "allowed" (step S132). If status A or C is not "permitted" (NO in step S132), basically there is no printed material on the discharge tray 6 based on the first job or the third job. Therefore, if the status A or C is not "allowed" (NO in step S132), the image forming apparatus 2 sets the status B to "allowed" (step S133). After that, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the second job (step S134) and executes the job (step S135). After that, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the state A or C is "permitted" in step S132 (YES in step S132), the above-described first or third condition is satisfied. The restriction method for the second job is confirmed by referring to it (step S141). If the regulation method is "standby" (standby in step S141), the image forming apparatus 2 transmits a standby command to the device 5b that transmitted the second job (step S142). When sending a wait instruction, send a wait notification to let the user wait to send the job. The device 5 b that has received the standby notification displays the standby notification on the display unit 8 . By displaying the standby notification G1 on the display unit 8 of the device 5b, the user belonging to the second organization waits for the submission of the job. After transmitting the standby command, the image forming apparatus 2 changes state B to "standby" (step S143). Next, when the restriction state is released, the image forming apparatus 2, in order to send a restriction release notification to the device 5b owned by the user who submitted the second job, sets the header of the job. The user who submitted the job is specified by analyzing the information contained in such as (step S144). Then, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG.

In step S141, if the regulation method for the second job is "reservation" (reservation in step S141), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state B to "reservation" (step S151). After that, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the second job as a reserved job (step S152), and transmits a reservation notification G2 to the device 5b (step S153). The device 5b that has received the reservation notification G2 displays the reservation notification G2 on the display unit 8. FIG. After transmitting the reservation notification G2, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the reservation has been canceled (step S154). If the reservation has been canceled (YES in step S154), this reserved job is deleted from the memory, and it is confirmed whether or not there is another reserved job that has not been executed yet is received from the second network 4 (step S155). . If there is no other unexecuted reserved job received from the second network 4 (NO in step S155), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state B to "initial" (step S156). Then, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG. On the other hand, if there is another unexecuted reserved job received from the second network 4 (YES in step S155), the image forming apparatus 2 leaves the status B as "reserved". Then, the process proceeds to step S161 in FIG.

By performing the processes of steps S130 to S156 described above, when the second job is received, if the printed matter based on the first or third job is not collected, the execution of the second job is restricted, and the mutual To prevent a plurality of printed materials output by users of different organizations from being mixed on a discharge tray 6.例文帳に追加

Next, reception processing when the received job is the third job will be described. FIG. 10 is a continuation of the flow charts shown in FIGS. First, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the third job has been submitted (step S161). If the third job has not been submitted (NO in step S161), the job acceptance process (step S10) ends. On the other hand, if the third job has been submitted (YES in step S161), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the information indicating the state C regarding the third job is information indicating "initial". (Step S162). If the state C is not "initial" (NO in step S162), the job acceptance process (step S10) is terminated. On the other hand, if the state C is "initial" (YES in step S162), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A or B is "allowed" (step S163). If the status A or B is not "permitted" (NO in step S163), basically there is no printed matter based on the first job or the second job on the discharge tray 6. FIG. Therefore, if state A or B is not "allowed" (NO in step S163), image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "allowed" (step S164). After that, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the third job (step S165) and executes the job (step S166). Then, the job acceptance process (step S10) ends.

In step S163, if the state A or B is "permitted" (YES in step S163), the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the restriction setting information 33 because the above-described first or second condition is satisfied. to confirm the restriction method for the third job (step S171). If the regulation method is "standby" (standby in step S171), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "standby" (step S172). Then, the image forming apparatus 2 displays the standby notification G1 on the operation panel 13 (step S173). Then, the job acceptance process (step S10) ends.

In step S171, if the regulation method for the third job is "reservation" (reservation in step S171), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "reservation" (step S181). After that, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the third job as a reserved job (step S182), and displays a reservation notice G2 on the operation panel 13 (step S183). When the third job is accepted as a reserved job, for example, if it is a copy job, the image forming apparatus 2 executes reading of the document and accepts subsequent print output as a reserved job. By doing so, when the restricted state for the third job is released, print output based on the reserved job is started early.

Then, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the reservation has been canceled by the user (step S184). If the reservation has been canceled (YES in step S184), this reserved job is deleted from the memory, and it is confirmed whether or not there is another reserved job that has not been executed yet has been accepted via the operation panel 13 (step S185). . If there is no other unexecuted reserved job accepted via operation panel 13 (NO in step S185), image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "initial" (step S186). Then, the process ends the job reception process (step S10). On the other hand, if there is another unexecuted reserved job accepted via operation panel 13 (YES in step S185), image forming apparatus 2 leaves state C as "reserved". Then, the job acceptance process (step S10) ends.

By performing the above steps S161 to S186, when the third job is received, if the printed matter based on the first or second job has not been collected, the execution of the third job is restricted, To prevent a plurality of printed materials output by users of different organizations from being mixed on a discharge tray 6.例文帳に追加This completes the description of the job acceptance process (step S10).

Next, a detailed processing procedure of the recovery detection process (step S20) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of collection detection processing. When starting the recovery detection process, the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether the state A is "permitted" or "exception" (step S201). If the state A is not "permitted" or "exception" (NO in step S201), the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if the state A is "permitted" or "exception" (YES in step S201), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the printed matter has been collected (step S202). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the paper detection sensor 14 detects the uncollected state of the printed matter. If the printed matter has not been collected (NO in step S202), the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if the printed matter has been collected (YES in step S202), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state A to "initial" (step S203). Then, the process proceeds to step S211.

Next, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state B is "permitted" or "exception" (step S211). If the state B is not "permitted" or "exception" (NO in step S211), the process proceeds to step S221. On the other hand, if the state B is "permitted" or "exception" (YES in step S211), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the printed matter has been collected (step S212). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the paper detection sensor 14 detects the uncollected state of the printed matter. If the printed matter has not been collected (NO in step S212), the process proceeds to step S221. On the other hand, if the printed matter has been collected (YES in step S212), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state B to "initial" (step S213). Then, the process proceeds to step S221.

Next, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state C is "permitted" or "exception" (step S221). If the state C is not "permitted" or "exception" (NO in step S221), the recovery detection process (step S20) is terminated. On the other hand, if the state C is "permitted" or "exception" (YES in step S221), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the printed matter has been collected (step S222). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the paper detection sensor 14 detects the uncollected state of the printed matter. If the printed matter has not been collected (NO in step S222), the collection detection process (step S20) ends. On the other hand, if the printed matter has been collected (YES in step S222), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "initial" (step S223). Then, the recovery detection process (step S20) ends. This completes the description of the recovery detection process (step S20).

Next, a detailed processing procedure of the prompting process (step S30) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing procedures of the prompting process. When starting the prompting process, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state A is "permitted" (step S301). If the state A is not "allowed" (NO in step S301), the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state A is "allowed" (YES in step S301), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state B or C is "standby" or "reserved" (step S302). If state B or C is not "standby" or "reservation" (NO in step S302), the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. On the other hand, if the status B or C is "standby" or "reservation" (YES in step S302), the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the handling setting information 34 to determine the destination of the first reminder (step S303), if the destination of the first prompt is the user who submitted the first job (user in step S303), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the first prompt to the user who submitted the first job. It is transmitted to the possessed device 5a (step S304). On the other hand, if the destination of the first reminder is all the devices 5a connected to the first network 3 (everyone in step S303), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the first reminder to the first network 3. It is transmitted to all connected devices 5a (step S305). The device 5a that has received the first prompt displays the first prompt on the display unit 8. FIG. FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing an example of the first reminder G3 displayed on the display unit 8 of the device 5a. As shown in FIG. 16A, the first reminder G3 is operated when the user confirms the message M3 prompting collection of printed matter and the first reminder G3. and a button B1 that hides the display of the printed matter, and prompts the user who confirms the first reminder G3 to collect the printed matter. Note that the processing of steps S303 to S305 may not be performed until a predetermined time has passed after the printed material based on the first job is output.

Returning to FIG. 13, after performing the first reminder G3, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the printed matter has been collected within a predetermined time after performing the first reminder G3 (step S306). ). If the printed matter has been collected within the predetermined time (NO in step S306), the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. On the other hand, if the printed matter has not been collected after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S306), the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the handling setting information 34 and determines a handling method (step S307). If the coping method for the first job is "second prompting process (user)" (prompting the user in step S307), the image forming apparatus 2 causes the device 5a owned by the user who submitted the first job to A second reminder is sent (step S308). On the other hand, if the coping method for the first job is "second prompting process (everyone in network)" (reminder to all in step S307), the image forming apparatus 2 sends all the messages connected to the first network 3. A second prompt is sent to the device 5a (step S309). The device 5a that has received the second prompt displays the second prompt on the display unit 8. FIG.

FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing an example of the second reminder G4 displayed on the display unit 8 of the device 5a. As shown in FIG. 16(b), the second reminder G4 is a message M4 strongly urging the collection of printed materials in larger characters than the message M3 included in the first reminder G3. It is composed of a warning image KG, etc. Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, unlike the first reminder G3, the button B1 for hiding the second reminder G4 may not be included. Since the button B1 is not included, the second prompt G4 cannot be hidden until the user who received the second prompt G4 collects the printed matter, and it is possible to strengthen the force for collecting the printed matter. . The second reminder G4 is given in such a way that the user is informed that the urgency is higher than the first reminder G3, and the user who confirms the second reminder G4 is immediately asked to collect the printed matter. It is a content that can be used. By performing the second reminder G4 in this manner, the user can quickly collect the printed matter, thereby making it possible to quickly release the restricted state.

Returning to FIG. 13, when the image forming apparatus 2 issues the second reminder G4 (steps S308 and S309), the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. Further, in step S307, if the coping method for the first job is "administrator" (administrator in step S307), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the printed matter based on the first job to the predesignated notification destination. is not collected (step S310). Then, the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. Also, in step S307, if the handling method for the first job is "exception" (exception in step S307), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state A to "exception" (step S311). Setting the state A to "exception" enables execution of the second or third job in the "waiting" or "reservation" state. After that, the process proceeds to step S321.

In step S321, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state B is "standby" or "reservation" (step S321). If the state B is "standby" or "reserved" (YES in step S321), the image forming apparatus 2 has submitted a second job with a caution notice that the printed matter based on the first job remains. It is transmitted to the device 5b owned by the user (step S322). The device 5 b that has received the notice of caution displays the notice of caution on the display unit 8 . FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the notice G5 displayed on the display unit 8 of the device 5b. As shown in FIG. 17, the notice G5 notifies that a waiting job or a reserved job will be executed, and calls attention to the printed matter based on the job received from the first network 3 and to collect the printed matter. It includes a prompting message M5 and a button B1 that is operated when the user confirms the notice G5 and hides the notice G5 according to the operation. The image forming apparatus 2 sends such a warning notice G5 to the device 5b owned by the user who submitted the second job, thereby prompting the user to pay attention to the printed matter based on the first job. be. In addition, in FIG. 17, the attention notification G5 in case the state B is "reservation" was illustrated. On the other hand, the attention notification G5 when the state B is "standby" notifies the user that the job can be accepted, and also pays attention to the printed matter based on the job received from the first network 3. It includes a message M5 calling attention to collect the printed matter and the button B1 described above.

Returning to FIG. 13, when the image forming apparatus 2 issues the warning G5 (step S322), the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. On the other hand, in step S321, if the state B is not "standby" or "reservation" (NO in step S321), the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether the state C is "standby" (step S323). If the state C is "waiting" (YES in step S323), the image forming apparatus 2 cancels the waiting state and issues a caution notice G5 notifying the user to pay attention to the printed matter based on the first job. It is displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S324). Then, the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state C is not "standby" (NO in step S323), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state C is "reserved" (step S325). If the state C is not "reservation" (NO in step S325), the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state C is "reserved" (YES in step S325), the image forming apparatus 2 issues a caution notice to the user that the reserved job will be executed and that the printed material based on the first job should be noted. G5 is displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S326). At this time, the warning notice G5 may be sent to all the devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively. The device 5 that has received the caution notice G5 displays the caution notice G5 on the display unit 8 . Then, the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG.

The above-described steps S301 to S326 are processes performed when the printed matter based on the first job is not collected. By performing such prompting processing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user who submitted the second or third job cannot use the image forming apparatus 2 .

Next, the prompting process performed when the printed matter based on the second job is not collected will be described. FIG. 14 is a continuation of the flow chart shown in FIG. First, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state B is "allowed" (step S331). If the state B is not "allowed" (NO in step S331), the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state B is "allowed" (YES in step S331), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A or C is "standby" or "reserved" (step S332). If status A or C is not "standby" or "reservation" (NO in step S332), the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state A or C is "standby" or "reservation" (YES in step S332), the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the handling setting information 34 to determine the destination of the first reminder G3 ( Step S333), if the destination of the first reminder G3 is the user who submitted the second job (user in step S333), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the first reminder G3 to the user who submitted the second job. is transmitted to the device 5b possessed by the user (step S334). On the other hand, if the destination of the first reminder G3 is all the devices 5b connected to the second network 4 (everyone in step S333), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the first reminder G3 to the second network. 4 to all devices 5b connected to 4 (step S335). The device 5b that receives the first reminder G3 displays the first reminder G3 on the display unit 8. FIG. It should be noted that the processing of steps S333 to S335 may not be performed until a predetermined time has elapsed after the printed matter based on the second job is output.

After performing the first reminder G3, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the printed matter has been collected within a predetermined time after the first reminder G3 (step S336). If the printed matter has been collected within the predetermined time (NO in step S336), the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG. On the other hand, if the printed matter has not been collected after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S336), the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the handling setting information 34 and determines a handling method (step S337). If the coping method for the second job is "second prompting process (user)" (prompting the user in step S337), the image forming apparatus 2 causes the device 5b owned by the user who submitted the second job to A second reminder G4 is sent (step S338). On the other hand, if the coping method for the second job is "second prompting process (everyone in network)" (reminder to all in step S337), the image forming apparatus 2 sends all the messages connected to the second network 4. A second reminder G4 is sent to the device 5b (step S339). The device 5b that has received the second reminder G4 displays the second reminder G4 on the display unit 8. FIG. When the image forming apparatus 2 issues the second reminder G4 (steps S338 and S339), the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S337, if the coping method for the second job is "administrator" (administrator in step S337), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the printed matter based on the second job to the predesignated notification destination. is not collected (step S340). Then, the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG. Further, in step S337, if the coping method for the second job is "exception" (exception in step S337), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state B to "exception" (step S341). Setting state B to "exception" enables execution of the first or third job in the "standby" or "reservation" state. After that, the process proceeds to step S351.

In step S351, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether state A is "standby" or "reservation" (step S351). If the state A is "standby" or "reserved" (YES in step S351), the image forming apparatus 2 issues a caution notice G5 notifying that printed matter based on the second job remains after the first job. It is transmitted to the device 5a possessed by the user (step S352). The device 5a that has received the caution notice G5 displays the caution notice G5 on the display unit 8. FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S351, if the state A is neither "standby" nor "reservation" (NO in step S351), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state C is "standby" (step S353). If the state C is "standby" (YES in step S353), the image forming apparatus 2 cancels the waiting state and issues a caution notice G5 notifying the user to pay attention to the printed matter based on the second job. It is displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S354). Then, the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state C is not "standby" (NO in step S353), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state C is "reserved" (step S355). If the state C is not "reservation" (NO in step S355), the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG. On the other hand, if the state C is "reserved" (YES in step S355), the image forming apparatus 2 issues a caution notice to the user to execute the reserved job and to pay attention to the printed material based on the second job. G5 is displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S356). At this time, the notice G5 may be sent to all the devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively. The device 5 that has received the caution notice G5 displays the caution notice G5 on the display unit 8 . Then, the process proceeds to step S361 in FIG.

The above-described steps S331 to S356 are processes performed when the printed matter based on the second job is not collected. By performing such prompting processing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user who submitted the first or third job cannot use the image forming apparatus 2 .

Next, the prompting process performed when the printed matter based on the third job is not collected will be described. FIG. 15 is a continuation of the flow chart shown in FIG. First, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state C is "allowed" (step S361). If the state C is not "permitted" (NO in step S361), the prompting process (step S30) is terminated. On the other hand, if the state C is "allowed" (YES in step S361), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A or B is "standby" or "reservation" (step S362). If the status A or B is not "standby" or "reservation" (NO in step S362), the prompting process (step S30) ends. On the other hand, if the status A or B is "standby" or "reservation" (YES in step S362), the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the handling setting information 34 to determine the target for the first reminder G3 ( step S363). When displaying the first reminder G3 on the operation panel 13 (panel in step S363), the image forming apparatus 2 displays the first reminder G3 on the operation panel 13 (step S364). On the other hand, when the first reminder G3 is sent to all the devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4 (everyone in step S363), the image forming apparatus 2 A reminder G3 is sent to all devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4 (step S365). The device 5 that has received the first reminder G3 displays the first reminder G3 on the display unit 8 . Note that the processing of steps S363 to S365 may not be performed until a predetermined time has passed after the printed material based on the third job is output.

After performing the first reminder G3, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the printed matter has been collected within a predetermined time after the first reminder G3 (step S366). If the printed matter has been collected within the predetermined time (NO in step S366), the prompting process (step S30) ends. On the other hand, if the printed matter has not been collected after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S366), the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the handling setting information 34 and determines a handling method (step S367). If the coping method for the third job is "second reminder (panel)" (the panel prompts in step S367), the image forming apparatus 2 displays the second reminder G4 on the operation panel 13 (step S368). ). On the other hand, if the coping method for the third job is "second reminder (to all network members)" (reminder to all members in step S367), the image forming apparatus 2 causes the first and second networks 3 and 4 to A second reminder G4 is sent to all the devices 5 connected to (step S369). The device 5 that has received the second reminder G4 displays the second reminder G4 on the display unit 8 . When the image forming apparatus 2 performs the second prompting G4 (steps S368 and S369), the prompting process (step S30) ends.

On the other hand, in step S367, if the handling method for the third job is "administrator" (administrator in step S367), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the printed matter based on the third job to the predesignated notification destination. is not collected (step S370). Then, the prompting process (step S30) ends. Also, in step S367, if the handling method for the third job is "exception" (exception in step S367), the image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "exception" (step S371). Setting state C to "exception" enables execution of the first or second job in the "standby" or "reservation" state. After that, the process proceeds to step S381.

In step S381, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A is "standby" or "reservation" (step S381). If the state A is "standby" or "reserved" (YES in step S381), the image forming apparatus 2 issues a caution notice G5 notifying that printed matter based on the third job remains after the first job. It is transmitted to the device 5a possessed by the user (step S382). The device 5a that has received the notice of caution G5 displays the notice of caution G5 on the display unit 8. FIG. Then, the prompting process (step S30) ends.

On the other hand, if the state A is not "standby" or "reservation" in step S381 (NO in step S381), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state B is "standby" or "reservation" ( step S383). If the state B is not "standby" or "reservation" (NO in step S383), the prompting process (step S30) ends. On the other hand, if the state B is "standby" or "reserved" (YES in step S383), the image forming apparatus 2 sends the caution notice G5 to the second job to inform that the printed matter based on the third job remains. is transmitted to the device 5b possessed by the user who has input (step S384). The device 5b that has received the notice G5 displays the notice G5 on the display unit 8. FIG. Then, the prompting process (step S30) ends.

The above-described steps S361 to S384 are processes performed when the printed matter based on the third job is not collected. By performing such prompting processing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user who submitted the first or second job cannot use the image forming apparatus 2 .

Next, a detailed processing procedure of the standby reservation processing (step S40) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of standby reservation processing. When the standby reservation process is started, the image forming apparatus 2 first confirms whether or not the state A is "standby" (step S401). If state A is "standby" (YES in step S401), image forming apparatus 2 checks whether state B or C is "initial" or "exception" (step S402). If state B or C is not "initial" or "exceptional" (NO in step S402), the process proceeds to step S421. On the other hand, if state B or C is "initial" or "exception" (YES in step S402), image forming apparatus 2 sets state A to "initial" (step S403). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 enters a state in which it can accept the first job that has been on standby. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits a restriction release notification to the device 5a connected to the first network 3 (step S404). Then, the process proceeds to step S421.

On the other hand, if the state A is not "standby" at step S401 (NO at step S401), the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether the state A is "reserved" (step S411). If the state A is not "reservation" (NO in step S411), the process proceeds to step S421. On the other hand, if the state A is "reserved" (YES in step S411), the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether the state B or C is "initial" or "exception" (step S412). If state B or C is not "initial" or "exceptional" (NO in step S412), the process proceeds to step S421. On the other hand, if state B or C is "initial" or "exception" (YES in step S412), image forming apparatus 2 sets state A to "allowed" (step S413). The image forming apparatus 2 then executes the reserved job and transmits an execution notification to the device 5a (step S414). After that, the process proceeds to step S221.

The above-described steps S401 to S414 are processes performed when the first job is subject to regulation. When the execution of the first job is restricted by the processing of steps S401 to S414, the waiting or reserved first job is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of printed materials output by users of different organizations from being mixed on the discharge tray 6 . Further, when the restricted state for the first job is released, the waiting or reserved first job is quickly executed, so that the convenience for the user who submitted the first job is not impaired.

Next, processing performed when the second job is subject to regulation will be described. The image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state B is "standby" (step S421). If state B is "standby" (YES in step S421), image forming apparatus 2 checks whether state A or C is "initial" or "exception" (step S422). If state A or C is not "initial" or "exceptional" (NO in step S422), the process proceeds to step S441. On the other hand, if state A or C is "initial" or "exception" (YES in step S422), image forming apparatus 2 sets state B to "initial" (step S423). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 enters a state in which it can accept the second job that has been on standby. The image forming apparatus 2 then transmits a restriction release notification to the device 5b connected to the second network 4 (step S424). Then, the process proceeds to step S441.

On the other hand, if the state B is not "standby" at step S421 (NO at step S421), the image forming apparatus 2 checks whether the state B is "reserved" (step S431). If the state B is not "reservation" (NO in step S431), the process proceeds to step S441. On the other hand, if the state B is "reserved" (YES in step S431), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A or C is "initial" or "exception" (step S432). If state A or C is not "initial" or "exceptional" (NO in step S432), the process proceeds to step S441. On the other hand, if state A or C is "initial" or "exception" (YES in step S432), image forming apparatus 2 sets state B to "permitted" (step S433). The image forming apparatus 2 then executes the reserved job and transmits an execution notification to the device 5b (step S434). After that, the process proceeds to step S241.

The above-described steps S421 to S434 are processes performed when the second job is subject to regulation. When the execution of the second job is restricted by the processing of steps S421 to S434, the waiting or reserved second job is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of printed materials output by users of different organizations from being mixed on the discharge tray 6 . Further, when the restriction state for the second job is released, the waiting or reserved second job is quickly executed, so that the convenience of the user who submitted the second job is not impaired.

Next, processing performed when the third job is subject to regulation will be described. The image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state C is "standby" (step S441). If the state C is "standby" (YES in step S441), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A or B is "initial" or "exception" (step S442). If the status A or B is not "initial" or "exceptional" (NO in step S442), the standby reservation process (step S40) is terminated. On the other hand, if state A or B is "initial" or "exception" (YES in step S442), image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "initial" (step S443). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 enters a state in which it can accept the third job that has been on standby. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 displays a regulation release notice on the operation panel 13 (step S444). Then, the standby reservation process (step S40) ends.

On the other hand, if the state C is not "standby" at step S441 (NO at step S441), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the state C is "reserved" (step S451). If the state C is not "reservation" (NO in step S451), the standby reservation process (step S40) is terminated. On the other hand, if the state C is "reserved" (YES in step S451), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A or B is "initial" or "exception" (step S452). If the status A or B is not "initial" or "exception" (NO in step S452), the standby reservation process (step S40) is ended. On the other hand, if state A or B is "initial" or "exception" (YES in step S452), image forming apparatus 2 sets state C to "allowed" (step S453). The image forming apparatus 2 then executes the reserved job (step S454), and terminates the standby reservation process (step S40).

The above-described steps S441 to S454 are processes performed when the third job is subject to regulation. When the execution of the third job is restricted by the processing of steps S441 to S454, the waiting or reserved third job is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of printed materials output by users of different organizations from being mixed on the discharge tray 6 . Further, when the restricted state for the third job is released, the waiting or reserved third job is quickly executed, so that the convenience of the user who submitted the third job is not impaired. This completes the description of the standby reservation process (step S40).

Next, a detailed processing procedure of the status processing (step S50) will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of status processing. When starting the status process, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether or not there is printed material on the discharge tray 6 (step S501). If there is no printed material on the discharge tray 6 (NO in step S501), the content of the status notification displayed on the display unit 8 or operation panel 13 of the device 5 is updated (step S510). With this update, the status notification will indicate to the user that there are no prints. The image forming apparatus 2 then transmits a status notification indicating that there is no printed matter to all the devices 5a and 5b connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively (step S511). . The devices 5 a and 5 b display the received status notification on the display section 8 . By confirming the status notification indicating that there is no printed material, the user can know that there is no printed material on the discharge tray 6 . Then, the image forming apparatus 2 displays on the operation panel 13 a status notification indicating that there is no printed material (step S512). Then, the status processing (step S50) ends. Note that the status notification indicating that there is no printed material in steps S511 and S512 may not be performed.

On the other hand, in step S501, if there is printed material on the discharge tray 6 (YES in step S501), the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state A is "permitted" or "exception" (step S501). S502). If the state A is not "permitted" or "exception" (NO in step S502), the process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if the state A is "permitted" or "exception" (YES in step S502), the content of the status notification displayed on the display unit 8 or operation panel 13 of the device 5 is updated (step S503). With this update, the status notification indicates that printed matter based on the first job is present on the discharge tray 6 . At this time, the status notification is updated to indicate that the first job can be executed, that the execution of the second and third jobs is restricted, and how the second and third jobs are restricted. may be

Next, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state B is "permitted" or "exception" (step S504). If the state B is not "permitted" or "exception" (NO in step S504), the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the state B is "permitted" or "exception" (YES in step S504), the content of the status notification displayed on the display unit 8 or the operation panel 13 of the device 5 is updated (step S505). With this update, the status notification indicates that printed matter based on the second job is present on the discharge tray 6 . At this time, the status notification is updated to indicate that the second job can be executed, that the execution of the first and third jobs is restricted, and how the first and third jobs are restricted. may be For example, in step S503, if the status notification is updated to indicate that printed matter based on the first job is present on the output tray 6, the status notification is based on the first job. It is updated to indicate that the printed material and the printed material based on the second job are present in the output tray 6 .

Next, the image forming apparatus 2 confirms whether the state C is "permitted" or "exception" (step S506). If the state C is not "permitted" or "exception" (NO in step S506), the process proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if the state C is "permitted" or "exception" (YES in step S506), the content of the status notification displayed on the display unit 8 or operation panel 13 of the device 5 is updated (step S507). With this update, the status notification indicates that printed matter based on the third job is present on the discharge tray 6 . At this time, the status notification is updated to indicate that the third job can be executed, that the execution of the first and second jobs is restricted, and how the first and second jobs are restricted. may be For example, in step S503, if the status notification is updated to indicate that printed matter based on the first job is present on the output tray 6, the status notification is based on the first job. It is updated to indicate that the printed matter and the printed matter based on the third job are present in the output tray 6 .

The image forming apparatus 2 is connected to each of the first and second networks 3 and 4 and sends a status notification indicating that a print based on any one of the first to third jobs exists. is transmitted to all devices 5a and 5b (step S508). The devices 5 a and 5 b display the received status notification on the display section 8 . FIG. 20( a ) is a diagram showing an example of status notification displayed on the display unit 8 of the device 5 . A status notification G6 as shown in FIG. 20(a) is displayed on the display unit 8 of the device 5 that has received the status notification G6. For example, the status notification G6 includes a message M6 notifying that printed matter based on the first job has not been collected. Further, the status notification G6 includes a message M7 notifying that the first job can be executed and how the second and third jobs are restricted. By transmitting such a status notification G6 to all the devices 5a and 5b connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4, respectively, the user is notified that the printed matter based on the first job has not been collected. It is possible to learn about certain things and the details of job execution regulations.

Next, the image forming apparatus 2 displays on the operation panel 13 a status notification G6 indicating that there is a printed matter based on any one of the first to third jobs (step S509). FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an example of the status notification G6 displayed on the operation panel 13 of the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. For example, the status notification G6 includes a message M6 notifying that printed matter based on the first job has not been collected. Further, the status notification G6 includes a message M7 notifying that the first job can be executed and how the second and third jobs are restricted. By displaying the status notification G6 on the operation panel 13, the user can know that the printed matter based on the first job has not been collected and the details of the job execution regulation. After displaying the status notification G6 on the operation panel 13, the image forming apparatus 2 terminates the status process (step S50). This completes the description of the status processing (step S50).

As described above, after the image forming apparatus 2 starts printing output based on a job received from one of the first network 3 and the second network 4, the paper detection sensor 14 detects that the printed matter has not been collected. Execution of a job received from the other of the first network 3 and the second network 4 is restricted during the period when it is detected that the Such an image forming apparatus 2 can be shared by a plurality of different organizations, and prevents users of different organizations from viewing printed matter, thereby preventing confidential information from leaking to users of other organizations. It is possible to prevent it from happening.

Note that in this embodiment, when the printed matter based on the third job is in an uncollected state, all devices 5 connected to the first and second networks 3 and 4 are reminded to collect the printed matter. exemplified the case. However, it is not limited to this. For example, an operation button may be displayed on the operation panel 13 to prompt the user who attempts to submit a copy job to select whether the user is a user of the first network 3 or a user of the second network 4. . That is, the user who submits the copy job is made to select whether he is a user of the first or second organization. If it is possible to determine which network the user who submitted the copy job belongs to by operating such an operation button, the user can use it when the printed matter based on the third job has not been collected. It is possible to prompt all devices 5 connected to the network to collect the printed matter. If the organization to which the user who submitted the copy job belongs can be specified in this way, it is not necessary to remind the users of other organizations to collect the printed materials, and the risk of the printed materials being seen by the users of other organizations can be reduced. becomes possible.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 performs user authentication and identifies the user and the network used by the user when the user operates the operation panel 13 to input a copy job or the like.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 2 has a card reader 15 as its hardware configuration in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment.

The card reader 15 is a device that reads authentication information such as a user ID from an IC card owned by the user. The image forming apparatus 2 performs authentication processing for specifying the user based on the authentication information read by the card reader 15, and when the user can be specified by the authentication processing, the user operates the operation panel 13. accept. By performing such authentication processing, the image forming apparatus 2 can identify the first organization using the first network 3 and the second organization using the second network 4 when executing a copy job. It is possible to grasp which of the organizations the operation was performed by. The card reader 15 is a device for acquiring authentication information for such authentication processing, and is arranged near the operation panel 13, for example.

The storage unit 19 stores first user information 31 and second user information 32 in addition to the programs and data described in the first embodiment.

The first user information 31 is, for example, registered information about users of the first organization. For example, in the first user information 31, user IDs of users who use the image forming apparatus 2 via the first network 3 are registered in advance. FIG. 22A is a diagram showing an example of the first user information 31. FIG. The first user information 31 is information about a user belonging to a first organization, and is information in which information such as a user ID 31a, an IP address 31b, a mail address 31c, and the number of output sheets 31d is registered in advance. . Unique identification information given to each user is registered in the column of user ID 31a. The IP address of the device 5a used by each user is registered in the column of IP address 31b. The e-mail address of each user is registered in the column of e-mail address 31c. Further, the number of output sheets printed out by each user using the image forming apparatus 2 is registered as the number of output sheets 31d. The output number 31d is information used for billing for each user or each organization, for example.

The second user information 32 is, for example, registered information about users of the second organization. For example, in the second user information 32, user IDs of users who use the image forming apparatus 2 via the second network 4 are registered in advance. FIG. 22B is a diagram showing an example of the second user information 32. As shown in FIG. The second user information 32 is information about users who belong to the second organization, and is information in which information such as user ID 32a, IP address 32b, email address 32c, and output number 32d is registered in advance. . Unique identification information given to each user is registered in the column of user ID 32a. The IP address of the device 5a used by each user is registered in the column of IP address 32b. The e-mail address of each user is registered in the column of e-mail address 32c. Further, the number of output sheets printed out by each user using the image forming apparatus 2 is registered as the number of output sheets 32d. The output number 31d is information used for billing for each user or each organization, for example.

As described in the first embodiment, the handling setting information 34 is set when there is a waiting or reserved job in a state where printed matter is left on the discharge tray 6 and job execution is restricted (restricted state). This is information to be referred to, and is information in which processing to be performed by the image forming apparatus 2 in order to release the restriction state early is registered in advance. The handling setting information 34 of the present embodiment inputs a copy job as a target for which the first prompt and the second prompt are performed when the job 34a in which the printed material is left unattended is a copy job. The device 5 owned by the user or all the devices 5 connected to the network used by the user who submitted the copy job can be set. The image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is capable of performing user authentication and identifying the user and the network used by the user when the user operates the operation panel 13 to input a copy job or the like. is.

Next, details of the control unit 20 of the present embodiment will be described. The control unit 20 functions as the job reception unit 21, the user identification unit 22, the regulation unit 23, the notification generation unit 24, the notification transmission unit 25, and the job control unit 26 as described in the first embodiment. Details of the job reception unit 21, the user identification unit 22, the notification transmission unit 25, and the job control unit 26 in this embodiment will be described below.

The job accepting unit 21 is a processing unit that accepts a job issued by a user who uses the image forming apparatus 2, as described in the first embodiment. For example, when the user operates the operation panel 13 to instruct execution of a copy job, the user sets his or her own IC card in the card reader 15 and issues an authentication instruction to the operation panel 13 . The job accepting unit 21 acquires authentication information from the card reader 15 based on the authentication instruction and performs user authentication. At this time, the job accepting unit 21 refers to the first user information 31 or the second user information 32, and the user ID matching the authentication information acquired from the card reader 15 is found in the first user information 31 or the second user information 32. It is determined whether or not it is registered in the user information 32 . As a result, if a user ID matching the authentication information obtained from the card reader 15 is registered in the first user information 31 or the second user information 32, it is determined that the authentication has succeeded, and the job reception unit 21 performs the operation. A copy job is accepted based on the user's operation on the panel 13 .

The job control unit 26 is a processing unit that controls execution of jobs in the image forming apparatus 2 as described in the first embodiment. In addition to the processing described in the first embodiment, the job control unit 26 of the present embodiment obtains the first user information 31 or the second user information 32 every time the printer unit 17 outputs one printed matter. is incremented by 1, and the first user information 31 or the second user information 32 is updated. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 can periodically tally the number of sheets output by each organization and perform accounting processing for each organization.

The user identification unit 22 is a processing unit that identifies the user who submitted the job when the job reception unit 21 receives the job, as described in the first embodiment. Further, when the job receiving unit 21 receives a copy job based on the operation on the operation panel 13, the user specifying unit 22 of the present embodiment submits the job based on the information that the job receiving unit 21 acquires from the card reader 15. identify users who The user specifying unit 22 specifies which of the first and second networks 3 and 4 the user who submitted the job is by referring to the first user information 31 or the second user information 32. do.

The notification transmission unit 25 is a processing unit that transmits notifications, commands, and the like generated by the notification generation unit 24 to the device 5 owned by the user, as described in the first embodiment. The notification transmission unit 25 of the present embodiment transmits each notification described in the first embodiment to the device 5 possessed by the user who submitted the copy job and all devices connected to the network used by the user who submitted the copy job. It is possible to send to the device 5 .

As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, when the printed matter based on the copy job is left on the paper discharge tray 6, is the user who submitted the copy job or the same organization as the user who submitted the copy job. By prompting the users belonging to , to collect the printed matter, the printed matter can be collected at an early stage. In addition, when the printed matter based on the copy job is left on the output tray 6, the user of the organization different from the organization to which the user who submitted the copy job belongs is not reminded to collect the printed matter. Reduced risk seen by users in your organization. Further, when a copy job is accepted as a reserved job, it is possible to transmit the caution notice G5 and the reserved job execution notice described in the first embodiment to the device 5 owned by the user who submitted the copy job. It is possible. In this case, since the attention notification G5 and the execution notification are displayed on the display unit 8 of the device 5 owned by the user who submitted the copy job, the user who submitted the copy job can confirm that the copy job received as a reserved job has been executed. There is an advantage that there is no need to wait near the image forming apparatus 2 for .

Further, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment identifies the user who submits the copy job and the network used by the user who submits the copy job. That is, it is possible to specify to which of the first and second organizations the user who submits the copy job belongs. Therefore, for example, even if a printed matter based on a job received from the first network 3 is left unattended, a copy job submitted by a user who uses the first network, that is, a user belonging to the first organization can be configured not to regulate the execution of In the image forming apparatus 2 described in the first embodiment, when the printed material based on the job received from the first network 3 (first job) is left unattended, the image forming apparatus 2 receives the job received from the second network 4 (first job). 2 job) and copy job (third job). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 described in the first embodiment restricts the execution of other jobs when printed matter based on any one of the first to third jobs is left unattended. However, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is capable of regulating job execution for each job submitted by a user of each organization. For example, when a printed matter based on a print job or a copy job submitted by a user of the first organization is left unattended, the image forming apparatus 2 executes the print job and the copy job submitted by the user of the second organization. to regulate. On the other hand, during the period when execution of jobs submitted by users of the second organization is restricted, the image forming apparatus 2 accepts and executes print jobs and copy jobs submitted by users of the first organization. It is possible to

As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment executes a job input by a user of one organization when a printed matter output by a user of one organization is left on the discharge tray 6. to regulate. However, even if the printed matter output by the user of one organization is left on the output tray 6, the image forming apparatus 2 restricts the execution of the job submitted by the user of the one organization. do not do. Therefore, when a printed matter output by a user of one organization is left on the discharge tray 6, the user of the other organization can cause the image forming apparatus 2 to execute another job. can be done. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment can more efficiently prevent printed matter from being seen by users of different organizations while enabling sharing by a plurality of different organizations.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 including the card reader 15 is exemplified as the authentication information acquisition device for acquiring the authentication information of the user who submits the copy job. However, the authentication information acquisition device is not limited to this, and may be a device that performs biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication or vein authentication. Alternatively, the user may operate the operation panel 13 to manually input the authentication information.

Note that the present embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment except for the points described above. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the entire system of the image forming system 1 in this embodiment. This image forming system 1 is configured as a network system in an office or the like. The image forming system 1 has a configuration in which a first network 3 such as a LAN and a second network 4 such as a LAN are connected via a network connection device 7 such as a router. The first network 3 includes an image forming apparatus 2 such as an MFP, and a plurality of devices 5a such as a personal computer (PC). The second network 4 also includes a plurality of devices 5b.

In the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the first network 3 is connected to a single communication section 10 . That is, the image forming apparatus 2 can communicate with the device 5 b connected to the second network 4 via the first network 3 and the network connection device 7 . The image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment determines from which of the first network 3 and the second network 4 the print job is transmitted based on the IP address of the device 5 that transmits the print job. to decide. When printing out based on a job received from the first network 3 , the image forming apparatus 2 puts the execution of the job received from the second network 4 into a restricted state. On the other hand, when printing out based on a job received from the second network 4 , the image forming apparatus 2 restricts execution of the job received from the first network 3 . As described above, even if the image forming apparatus 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the devices 5 connected to each of the plurality of networks 3 and 4 via the network connection device 7, the image forming apparatus 2 can receive a job from one of the networks. is received from the other network, it is possible to restrict the execution of jobs received from the other network. can.

Note that the present embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment except for the points described above. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

(Modification)
Several embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each of the above embodiments, and various modifications are applicable.

For example, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 is an apparatus having multiple functions, such as an MFP. However, the image forming apparatus 2 only needs to have at least a print function.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming system 1 exemplifies the case where the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the first network 3 and the second network 4 . However, the image forming system 1 is not limited to this, and the image forming apparatus 2 may be further connected to another network. For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 accepts and executes a job received from any one of three or more networks, any one of the plurality of networks is the first and second networks of the present invention. It corresponds to one of the second networks 3,4. Other networks among the plurality of networks correspond to the other of the first and second networks 3 and 4 of the present invention. That is, when the image forming apparatus 2 of the present invention receives a job via one of three or more networks and starts printing output based on the job, it receives the job via the other networks. Job execution can be regulated. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present invention prevents a plurality of printed materials output by users of three or more different organizations from being mixed on the discharge tray 6, and allows users of any organization to In other words, it is possible to prevent users of other organizations from viewing the printed matter output to the organization.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the program 30 is pre-installed in the image forming apparatus 2 is exemplified. However, the program 30 is not limited to being pre-installed in the image forming apparatus 2, and may be a transaction target by itself. In this case, the program 30 may be provided to the image forming apparatus 2 in the form of being downloaded by the user via the Internet or the like, or may be recorded on a computer-readable print medium such as a CD-ROM. It may be provided to the image forming apparatus 2 in a state.

1 image forming system 2 image forming apparatus 3 first network 4 second network 5, 5a, 5b device 10 communication section (communication means)
11 first communication unit (first communication means)
12 second communication unit (second communication means)
13 Operation panel (display means)
14 paper detection sensor 16 scanner unit (document reading means)
17 printer section (printing means)
20 control unit (control means)
23 Regulating unit (control means)
30 program (program)

Claims (20)

a communication means capable of communicating with each of a device connected to a first network and a device connected to a second network different from the first network;
printing means for printing out based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks;
a detection means for detecting that the printed material output by the printing means is in an uncollected state;
during a period in which the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the printing means starts printing based on the job received from one of the first and second networks; , control means for regulating execution of jobs received from the other of the first and second networks;
with
The control means controls the other of the first and second networks as print output by the printing means is started based on a job received from one of the first and second networks. An image forming apparatus that transmits a standby command to wait for transmission of a job received from . The communication means are
a first communication means for communicating with devices connected to the first network;
a second communication means for communicating with a device connected to the second network;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: The control means detects, by the detection means, that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the print output by the printing means is started based on the job received from one of the first and second networks. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a job received from the other of said first and second networks is not accepted during the period in which it is set. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control means accepts a job received from the other of said first and second networks after said detection means has detected that the printed matter has been collected. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. a communication means capable of communicating with each of a device connected to a first network and a device connected to a second network different from the first network;
printing means for printing out based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks;
a detection means for detecting that the printed material output by the printing means is in an uncollected state;
during a period in which the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the printing means starts printing based on the job received from one of the first and second networks; , a first network for regulating execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks and collecting printed matter to a device that sent the job via one of the first and second networks; and after the first prompting, if the detection means does not detect that the printed matter has been collected within a predetermined time, the job received from the other of the first and second networks a control means for deregulating the execution of
An image forming apparatus comprising: The control means controls the job received from one of the first and second networks as the restriction on the execution of the job received from the other of the first and second networks is released. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a notification that the printed matter has not been collected is provided. The control means detects, by the detection means, that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the print output by the printing means is started based on the job received from one of the first and second networks. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein when a job is received from the other of the first and second networks during the period in which the image forming apparatus is set, the received job is accepted as a reserved job. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit permits print output based on the reserved job when the detection unit detects that the printed matter has been collected. The control unit transmits a job execution notification to a device that has transmitted the reserved job via the other of the first and second networks after printing output based on the reserved job is started. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein: The control means detects, by the detection means, that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the print output by the printing means is started based on the job received from one of the first and second networks. 10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when the printer is set, a first reminder to collect printed matter is issued to a plurality of devices connected to one of the first and second networks. The described image forming apparatus. If the detection means does not detect that the printed matter has been collected within a predetermined period of time after issuing the first prompt, the control means issues a second prompt having a display mode different from that of the first prompt. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the image forming apparatus performs the processing again. If the detection means does not detect that the printed matter has been collected within a predetermined period of time after the first prompting, the control means communicates with a predesignated notification destination. Item 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 5 to 11 . 3. The control means causes devices connected to each of the first and second networks to display status notifications regarding jobs via the first and second networks, respectively. 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 12 . document reading means for reading a document and generating image data;
further comprising
The printing means is capable of printing out based on the image data generated by the document reading means,
After the print output by the printing unit is started based on the image data generated by the document reading unit, the control unit detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state by the detection unit, 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein execution of jobs received from each of said first and second networks is regulated. The control means is characterized in that, when the detection means detects that the printed matter based on the image data has been collected, the control means cancels the restriction on the execution of the jobs received from the first and second networks. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 . The control means is characterized in that, when the detection means detects that the printed matter based on the image data is in an uncollected state, the control means prompts collection of the printed matter via each of the first and second networks. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 or 15 . When the execution of jobs received from each of the first and second networks is regulated, the control means accepts jobs received from each of the first and second networks as reserved jobs, and detects 17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16 , wherein print output based on the reserved job is started after the means detects that the printed matter based on the image data has been collected. display means for displaying various information;
further comprising
18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control means causes said display means to display a status notification regarding a job. a communication means capable of communicating with each of a device connected to a first network and a device connected to a second network different from the first network;
printing means for printing out based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks;
A program to be executed in an image forming apparatus comprising a detecting means for detecting that the printed matter output by the printing means is in an uncollected state,
In the image forming apparatus,
When a job is received from one of the first and second networks when the detection means has not detected that the printed matter is in an uncollected state, the print output by the printing means based on the job a first step of initiating
Execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks during a period in which the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the print output by the printing means is started. a second step of regulating
and
In the second step, when print output by the printing means is started based on a job received from one of the first and second networks, A program characterized by sending a wait command to wait for transmission of a job received from the other . a communication means capable of communicating with each of a device connected to a first network and a device connected to a second network different from the first network;
printing means for printing out based on jobs received from each of the first and second networks;
A program to be executed in an image forming apparatus comprising a detecting means for detecting that the printed matter output by the printing means is in an uncollected state,
In the image forming apparatus,
When a job is received from one of the first and second networks when the detection means has not detected that the printed matter is in an uncollected state, the print output by the printing means based on the job a first step of initiating
Execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks during a period in which the detection means detects that the printed matter is in an uncollected state after the print output by the printing means is started. is restricted , and a first prompt to collect the printed matter is issued to the device that sent the job via one of the first and second networks, and after the first prompt is issued, the detecting means a second step of releasing restrictions on execution of a job received from the other of the first and second networks when it is not detected within a predetermined time that the printed matter has been collected ;
A program characterized by causing the execution of

Images