JP7501170B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming device and an image forming program.

Patent document 1 discloses an information processing device that is capable of communicating with an image forming device equipped with a printing means for print data and that has a document data storage means for storing user document data, and that is characterized by having a determination means for determining a deadline for printing the document data stored in the document data storage means without requiring the user to perform a selection operation for the document data to be printed by the image forming device, and a print control means for controlling the printing of print data for which the date and time the user logged in to the image forming device is within the deadline determined by the determination means, without accepting a selection operation by the user.

JP 2017-151817 A

In an image forming device that stores and accumulates print data, there is a technology that prints the print data stored in the image forming device by authenticating the user instead of issuing an instruction to print the stored print data.

However, when sending print data to an image forming device for printing, the sent print data may be edited and then sent again. As a result, print data before and after editing that has differences may be stored in the image forming device.

In other words, when printing multiple stored print data, the unedited print data may also be printed without the user's intention, resulting in unnecessary printed material.

As a result, it was not always possible to prevent unnecessary print data from being printed.

The present invention aims to provide an image forming device and an image forming program that can reduce the printing of unnecessary print data when printing multiple stored print data, compared to when the number of print data is not taken into consideration.

The image forming device of the first aspect has a processor, and when the processor acquires at least one print data and acquires a print instruction to instruct printing of the print data, and when there are multiple pieces of acquired print data, the processor suspends printing of the print data.

The image forming device of the second aspect is the image forming device of the first aspect, in which, when there is a plurality of acquired print data, and the plurality of print data includes print data before and after editing, the processor suspends printing of at least one of the print data before and after editing.

The image forming device of the third aspect is the image forming device of the second aspect, in which the processor further acquires the date and time when the print data was acquired, and prints the print data with the most recent date and time before and after editing.

In the fourth aspect of the image forming device, the processor of the image forming device according to the third aspect notifies the user that printing of print data other than the print data with the most recent date and time is on hold.

The fifth aspect of the image forming device is an image forming device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, in which the processor prints print data other than the print data before and after editing.

The sixth aspect of the image forming device is an image forming device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, in which the processor uses at least one of the file name of the print data, the extension of the print data, and the image matching rate of the print data to determine the print data before and after editing.

The seventh aspect of the image forming device is an image forming device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the processor suspends printing of the print data acquired outside the predetermined period before acquiring a print instruction, if there is print data acquired outside the predetermined period.

The image forming device of the eighth aspect is the image forming device of the seventh aspect, in which the processor notifies the user that print data obtained outside of the predetermined period exists.

The ninth aspect of the image forming device is the image forming device according to the eighth aspect, in which the processor notifies the user of the number of print data items acquired outside of a predetermined period.

In the image forming device of the tenth aspect, which is an image forming device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the processor further authenticates the user, and if the user is authenticated, determines that a print instruction has been obtained.

An eleventh aspect of the image forming device is an image forming device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which the processor suspends printing of the print data when the print data includes color print data and/or when the total number of pages of the print data exceeds a predetermined number.

The image forming program of the twelfth aspect causes a computer to acquire at least one piece of print data, and when a print instruction is acquired to instruct printing of the print data, if there are multiple pieces of acquired print data, causes the computer to suspend printing of the print data.

According to the image forming device of the first aspect and the image forming program of the twelfth aspect, when printing multiple acquired print data, it is possible to suppress printing of unnecessary print data compared to a case where the number of print data is not taken into consideration.

The image forming device of the second aspect can prevent printing both the print data before and after editing, thereby reducing the printing of unnecessary print data.

The image forming device of the third aspect can print only the most recent print data, taking into account the date and time of acquisition.

According to the fourth aspect of the image forming device, the stored print data can be recognized.

The image forming device of the fifth aspect allows the necessary print data to be printed, compared to a case in which the print data before and after editing is not taken into account.

The sixth aspect of the image forming device makes it possible to distinguish between print data before and after editing.

The seventh aspect of the image forming device can prevent printing of print data acquired before a predetermined period of time.

According to the eighth aspect of the image forming device, the user can be made aware of old print data acquired before a predetermined time.

According to the ninth aspect of the image forming device, the user can be made aware of the number of old print data.

According to the image forming device of the tenth aspect, user authentication can be used for printing instruction operations as well, and this can simplify operations accordingly.

According to the image forming device of the eleventh aspect, costs incurred when performing unnecessary printing can be reduced more than when the type and number of print data are not taken into consideration.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of a flow for acquiring print data, which is provided for explaining a determination target of the print data according to each embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print target database according to each embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of image formation processing according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a determination process according to the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a determination process according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of print object determination according to the second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The configuration of the image forming device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming device 10 according to this embodiment. Note that the image forming device 10 according to this embodiment has functions such as a print function, a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function, and is described as a form in which the image forming device 10 is a device that accumulates print data sent (obtained) from a user. However, this is not limited to this. The image forming device 10 may be a terminal such as a personal computer that manages print data sent from a user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming device 10 according to this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage 14, an input unit 15, a monitor 16, and a communication interface (communication I/F) 17. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, storage 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, and communication I/F 17 are each connected to each other by a bus 19. Here, the CPU 11 is an example of a processor.

The CPU 11 supervises and controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs, including the image forming program used in this embodiment, and data. The RAM 13 is a memory used as a work area when various programs are executed. The CPU 11 performs processing to control printing of print data by expanding the programs stored in the ROM 12 into the RAM 13 and executing them. The storage 14 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage 14 may store the image forming program, etc. The input unit 15 is an input key that accepts character input, etc., and a touch panel, etc. The monitor 16 displays image data, etc. The communication I/F 17 transmits and receives print data and print instructions.

Next, the functional configuration of the image forming device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming device 10 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming device 10 includes an acquisition unit 21, a storage unit 22, a determination unit 23, and a processing unit 24. The CPU 11 executes the image forming program to function as the acquisition unit 21, the storage unit 22, the determination unit 23, and the processing unit 24.

The acquisition unit 21 acquires print data for a printed matter from a user, and an instruction to print the stored print data (hereinafter referred to as a "print instruction"). When the acquisition unit 21 acquires print data, it also acquires the date and time when the print data was acquired (hereinafter referred to as the "acquisition date and time"). The acquisition of print data or print instructions is realized, for example, by receiving print data or print instructions sent from a terminal used by the user.

In this embodiment, a form in which print data is printed when a print instruction is acquired will be described. However, this is not limited to this. Instead of a print instruction, print data related to a user may be printed by authenticating the user. For example, the image forming device 10 includes an authentication unit (not shown), and when a user is authenticated by the authentication unit, the image forming device 10 executes printing of accumulated print data related to the user.

The memory unit 22 stores the acquired print data and information related to the print data in a print target database (hereinafter referred to as the "print target DB") 30.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the print target DB 30 stores the user name, file name, and acquisition date and time as information related to the print data. The user name is the name of the user who sent the print data, the file name is the name of the print data, and the acquisition date and time is the date and time when the print data was accepted and acquired.

When the storage unit 22 acquires print data from a user, it associates the user name with the name of the print data and the acquisition date and time, and stores them in the print target DB 30.

When the determination unit 23 acquires a print instruction from a user, it acquires the file name and acquisition date and time of the print data related to the user from the print target DB 30. The determination unit 23 judges whether the acquisition date and time related to the print data is within a certain period of time. Note that the certain period of time according to this embodiment is a period going back to a predetermined time (e.g., one day, one hour, etc.) from the time the print instruction was acquired. However, it is not limited to this. For example, it may be a period specified by the user, such as between 9:00 and 17:00 on the same day, or it may be a period until the print data acquired from the user reaches a predetermined number.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 23 determines whether multiple pieces of print data 31 have been received from the user within a certain period of time before receiving a print instruction from the user. For example, if print data 31A is received outside the certain period of time, the determination unit 23 suspends printing of the print data 31A without making the print data 31A a target for determining whether to print according to the print instruction.

On the other hand, if print data 31B and print data 31C are acquired during a certain period, the judgment unit 23 makes print data 31B and print data 31C the targets for judgment on printing related to the print instruction. Note that, hereinafter, print data acquired during a certain period is referred to as "target for judgment," and print data acquired outside the certain period is referred to as "not subject to judgment."

When there are multiple print data, print data 31B and print data 31C, as the objects of judgment, the judgment unit 23 suspends printing of print data 31B and print data 31C.

In other words, if there are multiple pieces of print data that have been subject to judgment, the judgment unit 23 puts printing of the print data on hold, and if there is only one piece of print data that has been subject to judgment, it makes a decision to print that print data.

In this embodiment, a form has been described in which, when multiple pieces of print data are acquired as the object of determination, the printing of the print data related to the print instruction is put on hold. However, this is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined whether multiple pieces of print data are related, and if the multiple pieces of print data are related print data, the printing may be put on hold.

If the determination unit 23 determines that the print data should be printed, the processing unit 24 prints the print data. If printing of the print data is put on hold, the processing unit 24 displays a list of the put on hold print data. Furthermore, if the print data related to the print instruction is only outside the scope of determination, the processing unit 24 notifies the user that only outside the scope of determination. For example, the processing unit 24 calculates the number of print data determined to be outside the scope of determination (hereinafter referred to as the "number of documents") and displays the number of documents.

Next, the operation of the image forming device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an image forming process according to this embodiment. The image forming program shown in Fig. 5 is executed by the CPU 11 reading and executing an image forming program from the ROM 12 or storage 14. The image forming program shown in Fig. 5 is executed, for example, when print data and a print instruction are input by the user.

In step S101, the CPU 11 determines whether print data has been acquired from the user (whether print data has been received from the user's terminal). If print data has been acquired (step S101: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if print data has not been acquired (step S101: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S104.

In step S102, the CPU 11 acquires the date and time when the print data was acquired.

In step S103, the CPU 11 associates the file name and acquisition date and time of the print data with the user name and stores them in the print target DB 30.

In step S104, the CPU 11 determines whether a print instruction has been acquired from the user (whether a print instruction has been received from the user's terminal). If a print instruction has been acquired (step S104: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if a print instruction has not been acquired (step S104: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S106.

In step S105, the CPU 11 performs a determination process for the print data related to the print command. Details of the determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

In step S106, the CPU 11 determines whether or not to end the image formation process. If the process is to be ended (step S106: YES), the CPU 11 ends the process. On the other hand, if the process is not to be ended (step S106: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S101.

Next, the determination process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the determination process according to this embodiment. The determination process program shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the CPU 11 reading out and executing a determination process program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14. The determination process program shown in FIG. 6 is executed, for example, when a print instruction is input by the user.

In step S201, the CPU 11 acquires the file name and acquisition date and time of the print data related to the print instruction (related to the user who sent the print instruction) from the print target DB 30.

In step S202, the CPU 11 uses the acquisition date and time to determine whether or not there is print data acquired within a certain period of time before the print instruction is acquired. If there is print data acquired within the certain period of time (step S202: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if there is no print data acquired within the certain period of time (step S202: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the CPU 11 determines whether or not print data related to the print instruction exists. If print data exists (step S203: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if print data does not exist (step S203: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S205.

In step S204, the CPU 11 obtains the number of documents related to the print instruction.

In step S205, the CPU 11 displays the operation menu screen of the image forming device 10. If the number of documents was acquired in step S204, the number of documents is displayed on the operation menu screen to notify the user that print data has been accumulated. If step S205 is executed without going through step S204, the CPU 11 displays the operation menu screen without any particular notification.

In step S206, the CPU 11 uses the acquisition date and time to determine whether there are multiple objects to be determined. If there are multiple objects to be determined (step S206: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if there are not multiple objects to be determined (one piece of print data obtained during a certain period of time) (step S206: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S208.

In step S207, the CPU 11 displays a list of file names to be judged (hereinafter referred to as the "document list").

In step S208, the CPU 11 prints the print data related to the print instruction.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when printing print data accumulated over a certain period of time, if there is multiple print data, printing is put on hold. Therefore, compared to not taking the number of print data into consideration, it is possible to suppress printing of unnecessary print data.

In the present embodiment, a form has been described in which printing is put on hold when there is a plurality of pieces of print data accumulated over a certain period of time. However, this is not limited to this. Printing may be put on hold in at least one of the following cases: when the print data includes color print data, and when the total number of pages of the print data exceeds a predetermined number of pages.

The print data according to this embodiment has been described as print data acquired from a user. However, this is not limited to this. In the case of an image forming device that retains print data acquired once and reprints it, print data that has been printed once may be included or excluded from the print target, or the user may be allowed to select whether or not to include print data that has been printed once in the print target.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a case where printing is suspended when there are multiple print data to be determined, has been described. In the present embodiment, a case where printing is suspended when there are print data that are recognized as being the same as the print data to be determined, will be described.

The hardware configuration (see FIG. 1) and the functional configuration (see FIG. 2) of the image forming device 10 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted. Also, an example of the print target DB 30 according to this embodiment (see FIG. 4) and a flowchart showing an example of the image forming process (see FIG. 5) are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image forming device 10 stores the print target DB 30. In this embodiment, the image forming device 10 obtains file names from the print target DB 30 and compares them to determine whether the print data is recognized as being the same. Note that print data recognized as being the same in this embodiment refers to multiple pieces of print data before and after editing, in which editing of any print data has resulted in differences in some places.

As shown in Figure 3, the file name of the print data may not change before and after editing the print data, or only part of the file name may be changed before printing. Therefore, by comparing the file names of the print data, it is possible to determine whether the print data is the same.

Specifically, the identity of print data can be determined by comparing the extensions attached to the file names. For example, even if the file names are the same or similar, if the extensions attached to the file names are different, it can be determined that the user intentionally changed the extension, and print data with different extensions will not be recognized as the same print data.

Even if the file extensions are the same, the identity of the print data can be determined by comparing the matching rate of the file names. For example, when editing print data and saving both the pre-edited and post-edited print data, part of the file name (e.g., the version number attached to the file name) is changed before saving. Therefore, if the matching rate of the file names is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is recognized as the same print data. For example, if the matching rate is 50 percent or more, it is recognized as the same data. Therefore, in this embodiment, a form will be described in which the identity of the print data is determined using the file name extension and file name, and a determination is made as to whether to execute or hold off on printing the print data.

The operation of the image forming device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

First, the determination process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the determination process according to this embodiment. The determination process program shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the CPU 11 reading and executing a determination process program from the ROM 12 or storage 14. The determination process program shown in FIG. 7 is executed, for example, when a print instruction is input by the user. Note that steps in FIG. 7 that are the same as those in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 6, and their description will be omitted.

In step S209, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there are multiple objects to be determined. If there are multiple objects to be determined (step S209: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if there are not multiple objects to be determined (there is only one object to be determined) (step S209: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S208.

In step S210, the CPU 11 executes a print object determination process to determine whether the object is print data to be printed (hereinafter, referred to as the "print object"). Details of the print object determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

In step S211, the CPU 11 prints the print data that has been set as the print target.

Next, the print target determination process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the print target determination process according to this embodiment. The print target determination process program shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the CPU 11 reading out and executing a print target determination process program from the ROM 12 or storage 14. The print target determination process program shown in FIG. 8 is executed, for example, when a print instruction is input by the user and there is a plurality of print data related to the print instruction.

In step S301, the CPU 11 obtains the file name of one of the print data to be determined.

In step S302, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is print data with the same extension as the acquired file name among the items to be determined. If there is print data with the same extension (step S302: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if there is no print data with the same extension (step S302: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S303.

In step S303, the CPU 11 sets the print data associated with the acquired file name as the print target.

In step S304, the CPU 11 compares the file name of the print data that has the same extension with the obtained file name, and obtains the number of matching characters.

In step S305, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is print data with one or more matching characters. If there is print data with one or more matching characters (step S305: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if there is no print data with one or more matching characters (step S305: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S303.

In step S306, the CPU 11 determines whether the matching rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value for print data in which the number of matching characters is one or more. If the matching rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S306: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the matching rate is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (the matching rate is less than the predetermined value) (step S306: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S303. Here, the matching rate is derived by dividing the number of matching characters by the number of characters in the obtained file name.

In step S307, the CPU 11 determines that print data related to file names with the same extension and a file name matching rate equal to or greater than a predetermined value is the same print data, and stores it.

In step S308, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the determination process has been performed for all the determination targets. If the determination process has been performed for all the determination targets (step S308: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if the determination process has not been performed for all the determination targets (step S308: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S301.

In step S309, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is print data determined to be the same print data. If there is print data determined to be the same print data (step S309: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if there is no print data determined to be the same print data (step S309: NO), the CPU 11 ends the print target determination process.

In step S310, the CPU 11 acquires the acquisition date and time for the print data determined to be the same print data.

In step S311, the CPU 11 sets the print data with the most recent acquisition date and time as the print data to be printed among the print data determined to be the same print data.

In step S312, the CPU 11 notifies the user that printing of the print data determined to be the same print data is on hold.

In the present embodiment, the identity of print data is determined by comparing the file names of the print data. However, this is not limiting. Images may also be compared. For example, when there are multiple print data to be determined, images may be generated using the print data, the matching rate of each image may be derived, and if the matching rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the print data is the same.

In the present embodiment, the matching rate of file names is used to determine whether or not the print data is recognized as the same. However, this is not limiting. The number of matching characters may also be used. For example, if the number of matching characters is a predetermined number or more, the print data may be considered to be the same, if the number of mismatched characters is a predetermined number or less, or if a predetermined number of characters from the beginning match, the print data may be considered to be the same.

As described above, according to this embodiment, even if there are multiple pieces of print data that have been accumulated over a certain period of time, the identity of the print data and the acquisition date and time are determined, and printing is performed. Therefore, among the print data that are recognized as being identical, printing of print data other than the print data with the most recent acquisition date and time is put on hold, and unnecessary printing is suppressed.

The present invention has been described above using each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the scope described in each embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be made to each embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention, and forms with such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors such as a CPU, as well as dedicated processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a programmable logic device.

In addition, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of each processor operation is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

In the present embodiment, the image forming program is installed in the storage 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming program according to the present embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the image forming program according to the present invention may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. The image forming program according to the present invention may be provided in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. The image forming program according to the present embodiment may be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication I/F 17.

10 Image forming apparatus 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Storage 15 Input unit 16 Monitor 17 Communication I/F
19 Bus 21 Acquisition unit 22 Storage unit 23 Determination unit 24 Processing unit 30 Print target database 31A, 31B, 31C Print data

Claims (10)

a processor, the processor comprising:
Obtaining at least one print data;
When a print instruction is acquired to instruct printing of the print data, and when there are multiple pieces of the acquired print data, and the multiple pieces of print data include print data before and after editing, the image forming device prints the print data with the latest date and time among the print data before and after editing . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor notifies the user that printing of print data other than the print data with the latest date and time is on hold. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor prints print data other than the print data before and after the editing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the processor determines the print data before and after the editing using at least one of the file name of the print data, the extension of the print data, and the image matching rate of the print data. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor suspends printing of print data acquired outside a predetermined period until the print instruction is acquired if print data acquired outside the predetermined period exists. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the processor notifies the user that there is print data acquired outside the predetermined period. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the processor notifies the user of the number of print data items acquired outside the predetermined period. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor further authenticates the user, and when the user is authenticated, determines that the print instruction has been acquired. a processor, the processor comprising:
Obtaining at least one print data;
A print instruction for instructing printing of the print data is obtained, and the obtained print data exists in a plurality of pieces,
An image forming apparatus that suspends printing of the print data when the print data includes color print data and/or when a total number of pages of the print data exceeds a predetermined number. Obtaining at least one print data item in a computer;
When a print instruction for instructing printing of the print data is acquired, if there are a plurality of pieces of the acquired print data, and if the plurality of pieces of print data include print data before and after editing, print data with the latest date and time is printed out of the print data before and after editing.
An image forming program for executing the above.