JP2013159053A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can execute printing which is based on print data on a storage unit earlier than in the conventional manner, in accordance with an operation input to an input device.SOLUTION: When an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) causes a printer to execute printing which is based on image data for printing, the MFP causes, when standby printing as another printing waiting execution by use of the printer is present (YES at S325), the printer to execute the printing which is based on the print image data earlier than the execution waiting printing (S331), and when printing in process as another printing executed by the printer is present (YES at S321), causes the printer to suspend the printing operation in process (S323), then, causes the printer to execute the printing which is based on the print image data (S324), and then, causes the printer to restart the printing operation in process after ending the execution of the printing which is based on the print image data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that executes printing based on print data on a storage unit according to an operation input to an input device.

  Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus that executes printing based on print data in accordance with an operation input to an input device, print data is rasterized to generate print image data on the image forming apparatus, and the input device A printer that executes printing based on image data for printing on an image forming apparatus in accordance with an input operation is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-105937 A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus, when executing printing based on the printing image data on the image forming apparatus, has another print waiting to be executed first, after this printing is completed. Since printing based on the printing image data is executed, there is a problem that the user waiting for the printed output based on the printing image data is wasted.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can execute printing based on print data in a storage unit earlier than an operation according to an operation input to an input device.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an input device through which an operation by a user is input, a printing device that executes printing, and a printing image data storage unit that stores printing image data that is image data for printing. A print data storage unit for storing print data received from an external information processing device, and rasterizing the print data on the print data storage unit in response to an instruction from the external information processing device Rasterization execution means for generating image data on the printing image data storage unit, and the printing device based on the printing image data on the printing image data storage unit according to an operation input to the input device Printing image data printing means for causing the printing to be performed, and the printing image data printing means prints the print based on the printing image data. In the case where the printing device executes the printing, when there is execution waiting printing which is another printing waiting for execution by the printing device, printing based on the printing image data is performed before the execution waiting printing. Causing the printing device to execute the printing based on the image data for printing by interrupting the printing in progress and causing the printing device to perform printing when printing in progress is another printing executed by the printing device. The printing device is made to restart the printing in progress after the printing based on the printing image data is finished.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention prints prints based on print image data in preference to other prints waiting to be executed by the print device or other prints executed by the print device. Since it is executed by the device, printing based on the print data in the print data storage unit can be executed earlier than before according to the operation input to the input device.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes priority order setting means for setting the priority order of printing, and the printing image data printing means executes printing based on the printing image data on the printing device. In the case of performing the printing, when there is the execution waiting print whose priority order set by the priority order setting unit is equal to or higher than the printing priority order based on the printing image data, the printing image is displayed after the execution waiting printing. Causing the printing device to execute printing based on data, and when there is the ongoing printing in which the priority set by the priority setting unit is equal to or higher than the priority of printing based on the image data for printing, Causing the printing device to continue the printing in progress without interruption, and to perform printing based on the printing image data after the printing in progress. It may be executed in the printing device.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention causes the printing device to execute printing having a priority higher than the printing priority based on the printing image data in preference to the printing based on the printing image data. The printing can be executed in a more appropriate order.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a reading device that reads an image from a document. For printing in which priority is higher than the priority of printing based on the printing image data, the reading device reads from the document. Printing of a copy that is printing by the printing device of the read image may be included.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention gives priority to the printing of a copy with a high possibility that the instructor of printing is waiting in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus over the printing based on the image data for printing. Therefore, printing can be executed in a more appropriate order.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes an authentication execution unit that authenticates an object, and the rasterization execution unit is configured to authenticate the object authenticated by the authentication execution unit in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus. The print data is rasterized to generate the target print image data on the print image data storage unit, and the print image data printing unit responds to an operation input to the input device. The printing device may execute printing based on the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can execute printing based on the print data in the print data storage unit for each target.

  The authentication execution unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention may execute authentication using an external authentication server that is a server for authenticating the target.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can execute printing based on the print data in the print data storage unit for each target even if the image forming apparatus itself does not have a function for authenticating the target. .

  The printing image data printing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured in a case where the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit in response to an operation input to the input device exists. The printing device may execute printing based on the printing image data without causing the user to select whether or not to perform printing based on the printing image data.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention immediately executes printing based on the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit, and therefore performs printing based on the print data in the print data storage unit. It can be executed at an early stage in accordance with the operation input to.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a print data information transmitting unit that transmits information about the print data on the print data storage unit to the information processing apparatus in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus. The rasterization execution unit executes rasterization of the print data in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus among the plurality of print data when the print data storage unit includes a plurality of the print data. You may do it.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can allow a user to specify print data to be rasterized from a plurality of print data on the print data storage unit from an external information processing apparatus.

  The image forming system of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and an authentication server that is a server for authenticating a target, and the image forming apparatus executes an input device to which an operation by a user is input and printing. A printing device, a printing image data storage unit that stores printing image data that is image data for printing, a printing data storage unit that stores printing data received from an external information processing apparatus, and an external information processing Rasterization execution means for executing rasterization of the print data on the print data storage unit in accordance with an instruction from the apparatus and generating the print image data on the print image data storage unit; and input to the input device A printing image that causes the printing device to perform printing based on the printing image data in the printing image data storage unit in accordance with the performed operation A data printing unit; and an authentication execution unit that authenticates the target using the authentication server. The rasterization execution unit is authenticated by the authentication execution unit in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus. The print data of the target is rasterized to generate the print image data of the target on the print image data storage unit, and the print image data printing unit is input to the input device In response to the operation, the printing device executes printing based on the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit, and the printing image data printing unit prints based on the printing image data. When the printing device executes, when there is execution waiting printing that is another printing waiting for execution by the printing device When the printing device executes printing based on the printing image data before the execution waiting printing, and there is an ongoing printing which is another printing executed by the printing device, the printing device includes the printing The printing in progress is interrupted, printing based on the printing image data is executed, and the printing device is made to restart the printing in progress after the printing based on the printing image data is completed.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention prints prints based on print image data in preference to other prints waiting to be executed by the print device or other prints executed by the print device. Since it is executed by the device, printing based on the print data in the print data storage unit can be executed earlier than before according to the operation input to the input device. In the image forming system of the present invention, since the image forming apparatus authenticates the object using the authentication server, even if the image forming apparatus itself does not have a function for authenticating the object, printing on the print data storage unit is possible. Printing based on the data can be executed for each target.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the image forming system of the present invention includes priority order setting means for setting a print priority order, and the printing image data printing means performs printing based on the printing image data. When executing the printing device, when there is the execution waiting print in which the priority set by the priority setting means is equal to or higher than the printing priority based on the printing image data, the execution waiting printing is performed. The printing in progress is executed by causing the printing device to execute printing based on the printing image data later, and the priority set by the priority setting unit is equal to or higher than the printing priority based on the printing image data The printing device continues without interrupting the printing in progress, and the printing image data is deleted after the printing in progress. The printing based on the data may be executed in the printing device.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention causes the printing device to execute printing having a priority higher than the printing priority based on the printing image data in preference to the printing based on the printing image data. The printing can be executed in a more appropriate order.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the image forming system of the present invention includes a reading device that reads an image from a document, and for printing in which the priority is higher than the priority of printing based on the printing image data, Printing of a copy, which is printing by the printing device of an image read from a document by the reading device, may be included.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention gives priority to the printing of a copy that is highly likely that the instructor of printing is waiting in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus over the printing based on the image data for printing. Therefore, printing can be executed in a more appropriate order.

  Further, the printing image data printing unit of the image forming system according to the present invention includes the case where the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit according to an operation input to the input device exists. The printing device may execute printing based on the printing image data without causing the user to select whether or not to perform printing based on the printing image data.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention immediately executes printing based on the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit, so printing based on the print data in the print data storage unit is performed by the input device. It can be executed at an early stage in accordance with the operation input to.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the image forming system of the present invention transmits the print data information transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus. And the rasterization executing means, when there are a plurality of the print data on the print data storage unit, the print according to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus among the plurality of print data Data rasterization may be performed.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention can allow a user to specify print data to be rasterized from a plurality of print data on the print data storage unit from an external information processing apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention can execute printing based on the print data on the storage unit earlier than before in accordance with an operation input to the input device.

1 is a block diagram of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of the authentication server shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of PC shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the screen displayed on a display part by the driver shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of registration of print data in a user box shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of registration of print data in a user BOX illustrated in FIG. 2 and an example different from the example illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of printing in the MFP based on print data on a user box shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure explaining an example of the screen of the list displayed on the display part shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 2 when a printing priority is set. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating print priority information on a storage unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an MFP login Web page displayed on a display unit by a browser shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of registration of print image data in a print reservation BOX illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Web page after login of an MFP displayed on a display unit by a browser illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list Web page displayed on a display unit by a browser illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of printing in the MFP based on print image data on a print reservation BOX illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit illustrated in FIG. 2 when there is print image data at the time of login. FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart of receiving a print job shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of printing in the MFP based on the print image data on the print reservation BOX illustrated in FIG. 2, which is an example different from FIG. 16.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of a network system as an image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 10 includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 20 that is an image forming apparatus, an authentication server 80 that is a server that authenticates an object such as an individual user and a department to which the user belongs, and information PC (Personal Computer) 110 which is a processing apparatus. The MFP 20, the authentication server 80, and the PC 110 are communicably connected to each other via a network 11 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the MFP 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 20 is a display device such as an operation unit 21 that is an input device such as buttons for inputting various operations by the user and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information. Fax communication via a display unit 22, a printer 23 that is a printing device that prints an image on a recording medium such as paper, a scanner 24 that is a reading device that reads an image from a document, and a communication line such as a public telephone line A fax communication unit 25 that is a fax device that performs communication, a network communication unit 26 that is a network communication device that performs communication via the network 11, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable) storing various data such as programs. A Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storage unit 30 is a storage device such as, and a control unit 40 which controls the entire MFP 20.

  The storage unit 30 stores a print reservation BOX 31 serving as a print image data storage unit that is an area in which print image data 31a, which is image data for printing, can be stored, and print data 32a received from the PC 110. A user box 32 as a print data storage unit, which is an area that can be used, is provided for each target. Each print reservation BOX 31 can store a plurality of print image data 31a. Each user BOX 32 can store a plurality of print data 32a.

  The storage unit 30 stores print priority information 33 that is information indicating the priority for each type of printing.

  The control unit 40 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of the CPU. ing. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 30.

  The control unit 40 executes the program stored in the storage unit 30 to execute rasterization of the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 in accordance with an instruction from the PC 110, and the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31. Rasterization execution means 41 to be generated, and an operation input to the operation unit 21, that is, printing that causes the printing device to execute printing based on the print image data 31a on the print reservation box 31 in accordance with the input of the target ID and password Image data printing means 42, authentication execution means 43 for authenticating the object, print data information sending means 44 for sending information on the print data 32a on the user box 32 to the PC 110 in response to an instruction from the PC 110, and priority for printing It functions as priority order setting means 45 for setting the order.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the authentication server 80.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the authentication server 80 is an operation unit 81 that is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various operations by a user, and a display that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. A network communication unit 83 that is a network communication device that performs communication via the network 11, a storage unit 90 that is a storage device such as an HDD that stores various data such as programs, and the entire authentication server 80. And a control unit 100 for controlling.

  The storage unit 90 stores, for each target, authentication information 91 that is information for target authentication, such as a combination of the target ID and password.

  The control unit 100 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 90.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the PC 110.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the PC 110 includes an operation unit 111 that is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various operations by a user, and a display unit 112 that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. A network communication unit 113 that is a network communication device that performs communication via the network 11, a storage unit 120 that is a storage device such as an HDD that stores various data such as programs, and a control unit that controls the entire PC 110 130.

  The storage unit 120 stores a printer driver 121 for controlling the MFP 20 and a web browser 122 for browsing web pages.

  The printer driver 121 and the web browser 122 may be installed in the PC 110 at the manufacturing stage of the PC 110, or may be stored in the PC 110 from a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD (Compact Disc), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). May be additionally installed, or may be additionally installed on the PC 110 from the network 11.

  The control unit 130 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 120.

  The control unit 130 functions as a driver 131 and a browser 132 by executing the printer driver 121 and the web browser 122 stored in the storage unit 120, respectively.

  Next, the operation of the network system 10 will be described.

  First, registration of print data in the user box 32 of the MFP 20 will be described.

  When the user instructs printing from the operation unit 111 of the PC 110, the driver 131 of the PC 110 displays the screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a screen displayed on the display unit 112 by the driver 131.

  The screen shown in FIG. 5 includes a check box 140 for registering in the user box 32, a printer selection list box 141 that is a list box for selecting a printer to execute printing, and a user ID. An ID text box 142 that is a text box, a password text box 143 that is a text box for inputting a user password, a detailed setting button 144 that is a button for performing detailed printing settings, and printing. An OK button 145 that is a button for instructing execution of the print and a cancel button 146 that is a button for canceling the instruction for execution of printing are included. In the printer selection list box 141, a plurality of devices including the MFP 20 are displayed.

  The user checks the check box 140 via the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 and inputs the user ID and password in the ID text box 142 and the password text box 143, respectively, and the printer selection list box 141. After selecting the MFP 20, the user can instruct the MFP 20 to register print data by pressing an OK button 145.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of registration of print data in the user box 32.

  When the user inputs the user ID and password from the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 to instruct the registration of print data in the MFP 20, the driver 131 of the PC 110, as shown in FIG. By transmitting the ID and password to the MFP 20, the MFP 20 is requested to register print data (S201).

  When the registration of print data is requested in S201, the authentication execution unit 43 of the MFP 20 transmits the user ID and password transmitted from the PC 110 in S201 to the authentication server 80, whereby the user is notified to the authentication server 80. Authentication is requested (S202).

  When the user authentication is requested in S202, the control unit 100 of the authentication server 80 executes the user authentication (S203). That is, when the combination of the user ID and password transmitted from the MFP 20 in S202 is present in the authentication information 91 on the storage unit 90, the control unit 100 determines that the user authentication is successful. On the other hand, when the combination of the user ID and password transmitted from the MFP 20 in S202 does not exist in the authentication information 91 on the storage unit 90, the control unit 100 determines that the user authentication has failed.

  Next, the control unit 100 transmits the authentication result in S203 to the MFP 20 (S204).

  When the success of authentication is transmitted as a result of authentication in S204, the control unit 40 of the MFP 20 is transmitted from the PC 110 in S201 to the user BOX 32 of the user corresponding to the ID transmitted from the PC 110 in S201. The print data is stored as print data 32a (S205).

  The method for registering print data in the user box 32 after requesting authentication from the MFP 20 to the authentication server 80 has been described above. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the user after requesting authentication from the PC 110 to the authentication server 80 is used. A method of registering print data in the BOX 32 may be employed.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of registration of the print data 32a in the user BOX 32 and an example different from the example illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the user inputs the user ID and password from the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 to instruct the user to authenticate, the driver 131 of the PC 110 uses the user ID and password for the authentication server 80. To the authentication server 80 to request user authentication (S221).

  When the user authentication is requested in S221, the control unit 100 of the authentication server 80 executes the user authentication in the same manner as in S203 described above (S222).

  Next, the control unit 100 transmits the result of authentication in S222 to the PC 110 (S223). Here, when transmitting a successful authentication as a result of the authentication, the control unit 100 transmits a ticket, which is information indicating that the user has been successfully authenticated, to the PC 110. This ticket has a user ID and an expiration date.

  When the user instructs registration of print data from the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 to the MFP 20, the driver 131 of the PC 110 transmits the print data and the user's ticket transmitted in S 223 to the MFP 20, thereby causing the MFP 20. Request registration of print data (S224). Here, the driver 131 does not request the MFP 20 to register print data when there is no ticket within the expiration date as the user's ticket.

  When registration of print data is requested in S224, the control unit 40 of the MFP 20 sends the print data transmitted in S224 to the user BOX 32 of the user corresponding to the ID defined in the ticket transmitted in S224. Is stored as print data 32a (S225).

  Next, printing in the MFP 20 based on the print data 32a on the user box 32 of the MFP 20 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of printing in the MFP 20 based on the print data 32 a on the user BOX 32.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the user inputs the user ID and password from the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20 to instruct user authentication, the authentication execution unit 43 of the MFP 20 authenticates the user ID and password. By transmitting to the server 80, the authentication server 80 is requested to authenticate the user (S241).

  When the user authentication is requested in S241, the control unit 100 of the authentication server 80 executes the user authentication in the same manner as in S203 described above (S242).

  Next, the control unit 100 transmits the authentication result in S242 to the MFP 20 (S243).

  When the authentication success is transmitted as a result of authentication in S243, the control unit 40 of the MFP 20 searches the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 of the user corresponding to the user ID (S245).

  Next, the control unit 40 displays the list of print data 32a searched in S245 on the display unit 22 as shown in FIG. 9 (S247).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list screen displayed on the display unit 22.

  The screen shown in FIG. 9 includes a print data selection list box 147 that is a list box for selecting print data 32a to be printed, a cancel button 148 that is a button for ending the process shown in FIG. A print execution button 149 which is a button for executing printing of the print data 32a.

  The user can instruct execution of printing by selecting at least one print data 32 a in the print data selection list box 147 via the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20 and then pressing the print execution button 149. .

  When the user instructs execution of printing of the print data 32a from the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 40 executes a print job of the print data 32a selected in the print data selection list box 147. Accept (S250).

  Next, when the order of the print jobs received in S250 comes, the control unit 40 performs rasterization based on the print data 32a in the print job and generates image data (S251).

  Next, the control unit 40 executes printing on the recording medium by the printer 23 based on the image data generated in S251 (S252).

  In the process shown in FIG. 8, when the user authentication is successful, the user is allowed to select whether or not to execute printing based on the print data 32a. Printing based on the print data 32a searched in S245 may be automatically executed.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 20 when the print priority is set will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 20 when the priority order of printing is set.

  When the user instructs the MFP 20 to set the priority order of printing via the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20, the control unit 40 of the MFP 20 starts the processing shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the priority order setting unit 45 of the control unit 40 of the MFP 20 displays the print priority order information 33 stored in the storage unit 30 on the display unit 22 (S311).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the print priority information 33 on the storage unit 30.

  In the print priority information 33 shown in FIG. 11, “copy printing” is set as the highest priority print, and “print based on print image data” is the second highest priority print. Is set. Here, “copy printing” is printing by the printer 23 of an image read from an original by the scanner 24.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the priority order setting unit 45 sets the priority order of printing according to the operation from the operation unit 21 (S312). That is, the priority order setting unit 45 changes the print priority order according to the operation from the operation unit 21, and reflects the changed priority order in the print priority order information 33 on the storage unit 30.

  Next, registration of image data for printing in the print reservation BOX 31 of the MFP 20 will be described.

  When the user activates the browser 132 of the PC 110 via the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 and inputs the IP address of the MFP 20 to the browser 132, the browser 132 requests the Web page from the MFP 20. Then, the control unit 40 of the MFP 20 transmits the login web page stored in the storage unit 30 to the browser 132. Therefore, the browser 132 causes the display unit 112 to display a login Web page of the MFP 20.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a login Web page of the MFP 20 displayed on the display unit 112 by the browser 132.

  The screen shown in FIG. 12 includes an ID text box 151 that is a text box for inputting a user ID, a password text box 152 that is a text box for inputting a user password, and a message to the MFP 20. A login button 153 which is a button for instructing login.

  The user inputs the user ID and password in the ID text box 151 and the password text box 152 via the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 and then presses the login button 153 to log in to the MFP 20. Can be directed.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of registration of print image data in the print reservation BOX 31.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the user inputs the user ID and password from the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 and instructs to log in to the MFP 20, the browser 132 of the control unit 130 of the PC 110 displays the user ID and password. Is sent to the MFP 20 to request authentication from the MFP 20 (S281).

  When authentication is requested in S281, the authentication execution unit 43 of the MFP 20 requests the authentication server 80 to authenticate the user by transmitting the user ID and password transmitted in S281 to the authentication server 80. (S282).

  When the user authentication is requested in S282, the control unit 100 of the authentication server 80 executes the user authentication in the same manner as in S203 described above (S283).

  Next, the control unit 100 transmits the authentication result in S283 to the MFP 20 (S284).

  When the authentication result is transmitted in S284, the authentication execution unit 43 of the MFP 20 transmits a Web page of the login result based on the authentication result to the PC 110 (S285). Here, the authentication execution means 43 permits the user to log in when authentication success is transmitted as a result of authentication in S284. On the other hand, if an authentication failure is transmitted as a result of authentication in S284, the authentication execution unit 43 does not permit the user to log in.

  When the login result Web page is transmitted in S285, the browser 132 of the PC 110 displays the login result Web page on the display unit 112 as shown in FIG. 14 (S286).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a Web page after login of the MFP 20 displayed on the display unit 112 by the browser 132. That is, the Web page shown in FIG. 14 is a Web page indicating that login is permitted.

  The screen shown in FIG. 14 includes a button 161 for displaying the state of the MFP 20, a button 162 for executing settings of the MFP 20, and a user box reference button that is a button for referring to the print data 32 a on the user box 32. 163.

  The user can instruct to refer to the print data 32 a on the user box 32 by pressing the user box reference button 163 via the operation unit 111 of the PC 110.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the browser 132 of the PC 110 is instructed to refer to the print data 32a on the user BOX 32, the browser 132 requests the MFP 20 to refer to the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 (S287).

  When the print data information transmission unit 44 of the MFP 20 is requested to refer to the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 in S287, the print data information transmission unit 44 searches for the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 of the user corresponding to the ID of the logged-in user. (S289).

  Next, the print data information transmitting unit 44 transmits the Web page of the list of the print data 32a searched in S289 to the PC 110 as the information of the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 of the user (S291).

  When a list Web page is transmitted in S291, the browser 132 of the PC 110 displays the list Web page on the display unit 112 as shown in FIG. 15 (S292).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a list Web page displayed on the display unit 112 by the browser 132.

  The screen shown in FIG. 15 includes a print data selection list box 171 that is a list box for selecting print data 32a to be reserved for printing, a button 172 for returning to the screen shown in FIG. 14, and printing of the print data 32a. And a print reservation button 173 which is a button for reserving a print job.

  The user can instruct printing reservation by selecting at least one print data 32a in the print data selection list box 171 via the operation unit 111 of the PC 110 and then pressing a print reservation button 173. .

  When the user instructs printing reservation of the print data 32a from the operation unit 111 of the PC 110, as shown in FIG. 13, the browser 132 of the PC 110 displays the ID of the print data 32a selected in the print data selection list box 171 ( (Hereinafter referred to as “data ID”) is transmitted to the MFP 20 to request the MFP 20 to make a reservation for printing the print data 32a (S293).

  When a print reservation is requested in S293, the rasterization execution unit 41 of the MFP 20 prints data corresponding to the data ID transmitted in S293 in the user BOX 32 corresponding to the ID of the logged-in user. Rasterization is executed based on 32a to generate image data (S296).

  Next, the rasterization execution unit 41 stores the image data generated in S296 as the print image data 31a in the print reservation box 31 of the user corresponding to the ID of the logged-in user (S297).

  Next, printing in the MFP 20 based on the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31 of the MFP 20 will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of printing in the MFP 20 based on the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the user inputs the user ID and password from the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20 to instruct user authentication, the authentication execution means 43 of the MFP 20 authenticates the user ID and password. By transmitting to the server 80, the authentication server 80 is requested to authenticate the user (S301).

  When the user authentication is requested in S301, the control unit 100 of the authentication server 80 executes user authentication in the same manner as in S203 described above (S302).

  Next, the control unit 100 transmits the result of authentication in S302 to the MFP 20 (S303).

  When the authentication success is transmitted as the authentication result in S303, the print image data printing unit 42 of the MFP 20 corresponds to the ID of the logged-in user when permitting login based on the authentication result. When the print image data 31a exists in the user's print reservation BOX 31, the presence of the print image data 31a is displayed on the display unit 22 as shown in FIG. 17 (S304). Here, the authentication execution unit 43 of the MFP 20 permits the user to log in when authentication success is transmitted as a result of authentication in S304. On the other hand, if an authentication failure is transmitted as a result of authentication in S304, the authentication execution unit 43 does not permit the user to log in.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 22 when the print image data 31a exists at the time of login.

  The screen shown in FIG. 17 includes an execution button 181 for executing printing based on the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31 and no execution based on the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31. And a cancel button 182 which is a button.

  The user can instruct execution of printing based on the printing image data 31 a by pressing the execution button 181 via the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20.

  When the user instructs execution of printing based on the print image data 31a from the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20, as shown in FIG. 16, the print image data printing unit 42 of the MFP 20 prints the print reservation of the logged-in user. A print job of image data 31a for printing on the BOX 31 is accepted (S305).

  Next, when the order of the print jobs received in S305 comes, the printing image data printing unit 42 executes printing on the recording medium by the printer 23 based on the printing image data 31a (S306).

  FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of accepting a print job in S305.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the printing image data printing unit 42 determines whether there is an ongoing printing which is another printing executed by the printer 23 (S321).

  When the printing image data printing unit 42 determines in S321 that printing in progress exists, whether or not the priority of printing in execution is equal to or higher than the printing priority based on the printing image data 31a is stored on the storage unit 30. Is determined based on the print priority information 33 (S322).

  If the printing image data printing unit 42 determines in S322 that the priority of the printing in progress is lower than the printing based on the printing image data 31a in S322, the printer 23 interrupts the printing in execution (S323).

  Next, the printing image data printing unit 42 receives the printing job of the printing image data 31a on the printing reservation box 31 of the logged-in user in the order immediately before the printing interrupted in S323 (S324). The process shown in FIG.

  When the printing image data printing unit 42 determines in S321 that there is no printing in progress or determines in S322 that the priority of printing in progress is equal to or higher than the printing priority based on the printing image data 31a, It is determined whether or not there is an execution waiting print, which is another printing waiting to be executed by the printer 23 (S325).

  If the printing image data printing unit 42 determines in S325 that there is no execution waiting printing, the printing image data printing unit 42 accepts the printing job of the printing image data 31a on the printing reservation box 31 of the logged-in user (S326), and FIG. The processing shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the printing image data printing unit 42 determines in S325 that execution waiting printing exists, the printing data data printing unit 42 targets the first printing in the execution waiting printing (S327).

  Next, the printing image data printing unit 42 determines whether or not the printing priority order currently targeted is higher than the printing priority order based on the printing image data 31a in the printing priority order information 33 on the storage unit 30. Based on the determination (S328).

  When the printing image data printing unit 42 determines in S328 that the printing priority order currently targeted is equal to or higher than the printing priority order based on the printing image data 31a, the printing that is currently targeted among the waiting prints. It is determined whether or not there is a next print (S329).

  If the print image data printing unit 42 determines in S329 that there is a print next to the current target print among the pending prints, the next print of the current target print is targeted (S330) and again S328. Return to the process.

  When the printing image data printing unit 42 determines in S328 that the priority order of the current printing is lower than the printing based on the printing image data 31a, the use during login is performed in the order immediately before the current printing. The print job of the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31 of the person is accepted (S331), and the process shown in FIG.

  When the print image data printing unit 42 determines in S329 that there is no next print of the current target print among the pending prints, the printing user's logged-in user's order is next to the current target print. A print job of the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31 is received (S332), and the process shown in FIG.

  Note that if the printing under execution is interrupted in S323, the printing image data printing unit 42 ends the printing of the print job of the printing image data 31a accepted in S324 in S306, and then interrupts the execution in S323. The middle printing is restarted by the printer 23.

  As described above, the MFP 20 prioritizes other prints waiting to be executed by the printer 23 and other prints executed by the printer 23 (NO in S322, NO in S328), and print image. The printer 23 is caused to execute printing based on the data 31a (S324, S331). For example, the MFP 20 interrupts printing at a page in the middle of the print job being printed (S323), executes printing based on the print image data 31a (S324), and then restarts the interrupted print job. Sometimes. Therefore, the MFP 20 can execute printing based on the print data 32 a on the user BOX 32 earlier than the prior art according to the operation input to the operation unit 21.

  In addition, the MFP 20 causes the printer 23 to execute printing whose priority is higher than or equal to the priority of printing based on the printing image data 31a over the printing based on the printing image data 31a (YES in S322, S328). Thus, printing can be executed in a more appropriate order. In particular, the MFP 20 causes the printer 23 to execute a copy of a print that is highly likely to be waiting in the vicinity of the MFP 20 by the printer 23 in preference to the print based on the print image data 31a. Printing can be executed in order.

  The MFP 20 may always execute printing based on the printing image data 31a with the highest priority regardless of the priority order.

  Since the MFP 20 can preferentially execute printing based on the print data 32a on the user BOX 32, the user who has executed printing based on the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 has executed another person's printing. Opportunities for viewing the recording medium can be reduced as compared with the prior art. That is, the MFP 20 can reduce the risk of information leakage as compared with the conventional case.

  Further, the MFP 20 performs rasterization of the target print data 32a authenticated in accordance with an instruction from the external PC 110 (S282, S284) (S296), and generates the target print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31. In step S297, the printer 23 executes printing based on the target print image data 31a authenticated in accordance with the operation input to the operation unit 21 (S301, S303). Therefore, the MFP 20 can execute printing based on the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 for each target.

  In addition, since the MFP 20 performs authentication using the authentication server 80, printing based on the print data 32a on the user box 32 is executed for each target even if the MFP 20 itself does not have a function for authenticating the target. be able to. The MFP 20 does not need to use the authentication server 80 if the MFP 20 itself has a function for authenticating the object. Further, although the network system 10 requires authentication in the present embodiment, it may be configured to execute the above-described operation without executing authentication.

  Further, the MFP 20 transmits information of the print data 32a on the user BOX 32 to the PC 110 in response to an instruction from the external PC 110 (S291), and when there are a plurality of print data 32a on the user BOX 32, a plurality of print data 32a exist. Rasterization of the print data 32a is executed in response to an instruction from the external PC 110 in the print data 32a (S296). Therefore, the MFP 20 can allow the user to designate print data 32a to be rasterized from a plurality of print data 32a on the user BOX 32 from the external PC 110.

  Further, the MFP 20 uses whether or not to execute printing based on the print image data 31 a when there is target print image data 31 a authenticated in accordance with the operation input to the operation unit 21. The person is selected (S304). Therefore, when the user logs in to the MFP 20 unintentionally, such as when the user logs in to the MFP 20 to execute a copy requested by another person, the MFP 20 prints in the print reservation box 31 of the user. Even if the image data 31a is stored, it is possible to prevent the printing based on the printing image data 31a from being automatically executed.

  However, the fact that the print image data 31a is stored in the print reservation BOX 31 is highly likely that the user expects early execution of printing based on the print image data 31a. Therefore, the MFP 20 uses whether or not to execute printing based on the print image data 31a when there is target print image data 31a that is authenticated according to the operation input to the operation unit 21. It is also possible to cause the printer 23 to execute printing based on the printing image data 31a without causing the user to select it.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of printing in the MFP 20 based on the print image data 31a on the print reservation BOX 31 and an example different from FIG.

  The process of FIG. 19 is different from the process of FIG. 16 in that “the print image data printing unit 42 of the MFP 20 is logged in based on the authentication result when authentication success is transmitted as a result of authentication in S303. When the print image data 31a exists in the print reservation box 31 of the user corresponding to the logged-in user ID, the print job of the print image data 31a is automatically accepted (S305). That is the point. With this configuration, the MFP 20 immediately executes printing based on the target print image data 31 a authenticated by the authentication execution unit 43, so that printing based on the print data 32 a on the user BOX 32 is input to the operation unit 21. Depending on the operation, it can be executed early.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 20 is configured to input the ID and password from the operation unit 21, but the ID and password may be input by other methods. For example, the MFP 20 may include an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader as an input device so that the IC card reader can read the ID and password from an IC card in which the ID and password are stored.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an MFP in the present embodiment, but may be an image forming apparatus other than the MFP, such as a printer dedicated machine.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention is a PC in the present embodiment, but may be an information processing apparatus other than the PC.

10 Network system (image forming system)
20 MFP (image forming apparatus)
21 Operation unit (input device)
23 Printer (printing device)
24 Scanner (reading device)
31 Print reservation BOX (image data storage unit for printing)
31a Image data for printing 32 User BOX (print data storage unit)
32a Print data 41 Rasterization execution means 42 Print image data printing means 43 Authentication execution means 44 Print data information transmission means 45 Priority order setting means 80 Authentication server 110 PC (information processing apparatus)

Claims (12)

Received from an input device to which an operation by a user is input, a printing device that executes printing, a printing image data storage unit that stores printing image data that is image data for printing, and an external information processing apparatus A print data storage unit for storing the print data, and rasterizing the print data on the print data storage unit in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus to convert the print image data into the print image data Rasterization execution means generated on the storage unit, and a printing image for causing the printing device to execute printing based on the printing image data on the printing image data storage unit in accordance with an operation input to the input device Data printing means,
The printing image data printing means, when causing the printing device to execute printing based on the printing image data, when there is execution waiting printing that is another printing waiting for execution by the printing device, The printing device is caused to execute printing based on the printing image data before execution waiting printing, and when there is an ongoing printing which is another printing executed by the printing device, the execution is performed on the printing device. An image forming apparatus characterized in that intermediate printing is interrupted, printing based on the printing image data is executed, and the printing device is restarted after completion of printing based on the printing image data . Priority order setting means for setting the priority order of printing is provided.
When the printing image data printing unit causes the printing device to execute printing based on the printing image data, the priority set by the priority setting unit is a printing priority based on the printing image data. When there is the execution waiting print that is higher than the priority order, the printing device is caused to execute printing based on the print image data after the execution waiting print, and the priority order set by the priority order setting unit is When the printing in progress that is higher than the priority of printing based on the printing image data exists, the printing device continues without interrupting the printing in execution, and the printing image is executed after the printing in progress The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing based on data is executed by the printing device. It has a reading device that reads images from a document,
The printing whose priority is higher than the priority of printing based on the image data for printing includes printing of a copy which is printing by the printing device of an image read from the document by the reading device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. It has an authentication execution means to authenticate the subject,
The rasterization execution unit executes rasterization of the target print data authenticated by the authentication execution unit in accordance with an instruction from an external information processing apparatus, and converts the target print image data into the print image. Generated on the data storage,
The printing image data printing unit causes the printing device to execute printing based on the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit in response to an operation input to the input device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the authentication execution unit executes authentication using an external authentication server which is a server for authenticating the target.   The printing image data printing unit is based on the printing image data when the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit in response to an operation input to the input device exists. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing device is caused to execute printing based on the printing image data without causing the user to select whether or not to perform printing. . Comprising print data information transmitting means for transmitting information of the print data on the print data storage unit to the information processing apparatus in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus;
The rasterization execution unit executes rasterization of the print data in accordance with an instruction from an external information processing apparatus among the plurality of print data when a plurality of the print data exists in the print data storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus and an authentication server that is a server for authenticating the object,
The image forming apparatus includes an input device to which an operation by a user is input, a printing device that executes printing, a printing image data storage unit that stores printing image data that is image data for printing, an external device A print data storage unit for storing print data received from the information processing apparatus, and rasterizing the print data on the print data storage unit in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus And rasterizing execution means for generating on the printing image data storage unit, and printing on the printing device based on the printing image data on the printing image data storage unit according to an operation input to the input device Printing image data printing means for executing the authentication, and authentication execution means for authenticating the object using the authentication server,
The rasterization execution unit executes rasterization of the target print data authenticated by the authentication execution unit in accordance with an instruction from an external information processing apparatus, and converts the target print image data into the print image. Generated on the data storage,
The printing image data printing unit causes the printing device to execute printing based on the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit according to an operation input to the input device,
The printing image data printing means, when causing the printing device to execute printing based on the printing image data, when there is execution waiting printing that is another printing waiting for execution by the printing device, The printing device is caused to execute printing based on the printing image data before execution waiting printing, and when there is an ongoing printing which is another printing executed by the printing device, the execution is performed on the printing device. An image forming system, wherein intermediate printing is interrupted, printing based on the printing image data is executed, and the printing device is restarted after completion of printing based on the printing image data . The image forming apparatus includes a priority setting unit that sets a priority of printing,
When the printing image data printing unit causes the printing device to execute printing based on the printing image data, the priority set by the priority setting unit is a printing priority based on the printing image data. When there is the execution waiting print that is higher than the priority order, the printing device is caused to execute printing based on the print image data after the execution waiting print, and the priority order set by the priority order setting unit is When the printing in progress that is higher than the priority of printing based on the printing image data exists, the printing device continues without interrupting the printing in execution, and the printing image is executed after the printing in progress The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein printing based on data is executed by the printing device. The image forming apparatus includes a reading device that reads an image from a document,
The printing whose priority is higher than the priority of printing based on the image data for printing includes printing of a copy which is printing by the printing device of an image read from the document by the reading device. The image forming system according to claim 9.   The printing image data printing unit is based on the printing image data when the target printing image data authenticated by the authentication execution unit in response to an operation input to the input device exists. 11. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein the printing device is caused to execute printing based on the printing image data without causing the user to select whether or not to perform printing. Image forming system. The image forming apparatus includes a print data information transmitting unit that transmits information of the print data on the print data storage unit to the information processing apparatus in response to an instruction from an external information processing apparatus.
The rasterization execution unit executes rasterization of the print data in accordance with an instruction from an external information processing apparatus among the plurality of print data when a plurality of the print data exists in the print data storage unit. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.

Images