Image forming apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof, which can prevent a print of a print job from being handed over to another user different from a user associated with the print job. An image forming apparatus of an embodiment includes a stopping section, a setting section, and a restart section. The stopping section stops a print job in accordance with occurrence of an abnormality that makes the print job in execution unable to continue. The setting section sets the print job stopped by the stopping section to a skip state. The restart section restarts the print job set to the skip state by the setting section in accordance with a restart instruction by the user associated with the print job, and does not accept a restart instruction by a user different from the user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] When an image forming apparatus has an abnormality such as paper jam or the like in the execution of a print job, the print job is interrupted. Then, if the abnormality has been eliminated, the interrupted print job is restarted.

[0003] When an image forming apparatus has an abnormality such as paper jam or the like in the execution of a print job, the print job is interrupted. Then, if the abnormality has been eliminated, the interrupted print job is restarted.

[0004] According to such a situation, it is desirable to prevent a print job from being handed over to another user different from a user associated with the print job. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof capable of preventing a print job from being handed over to another user different from a user associated with the print job.

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to an embodiment has a stop section, a setting section, and a restart section. The stop section stops a print job in progress in accordance with an abnormality that makes the print job unable to continue. The setting section sets the print job stopped by the stop section to a skip state. The restart section restarts the print job set to the skip state by the setting section in accordance with a restart instruction by a user associated with the print job, and does not accept a restart instruction by a user different from the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a main part circuit configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a data record included in a task management table shown in Figure 1

[0009] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a management process.

[0010] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a management process.

[0011] Figure 5 ​is a flowchart of the deletion process.

[0012] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0013] 1... MFP, 2... communication network, 3... computer terminal, 10... processor, 11... main memory, 12... auxiliary storage unit, 13... operation / display unit, 14... scanning unit, 15... printing unit, 16... facsimile unit, 17... communication unit, 18... transfer path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment will be described using the drawings. Note that in the present embodiment, an MFP (multifunction peripheral) having a function as an image forming apparatus will be described as an example.

[0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main part circuit configuration of the MFP 1 of the present embodiment.

[0016] The MFP 1 has a processor 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage unit 12, an operation / display unit 13, a scanning unit 14, a printing unit 15, a facsimile unit 16, a communication unit 17, and a transfer path 18. The processor 10, the main memory 11, the auxiliary storage unit 12, the operation / display unit 13, the scanning unit 14, the printing unit 15, the facsimile unit 16, and the communication unit 17 are connected via the transfer path 18.

[0017] The processor 10, the main memory 11, and the auxiliary storage unit 12 are connected by the transfer path 18, thereby constituting a computer that performs information processing for controlling the MFP 1.

[0018] The processor 10 corresponds to the central part of the above-described computer. The processor 10 performs information processing for controlling each part in order to realize various functions as the MFP 1 in accordance with an information processing program such as an operating system and an application program.

[0019] The main memory 11 corresponds to the main storage part of the above-described computer. The main memory 11 includes a nonvolatile storage area and a volatile storage area. The main memory 11 stores the above-described information processing program in the nonvolatile storage area. In addition, the main memory 11 sometimes stores data necessary for the processor 10 to execute processing for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile storage area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile storage area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 10.

[0020] The auxiliary storage unit 12 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the above-described computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12 can use, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or other publicly known various storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 12 stores data used by the processor 10 in performing various processes and data generated through the processes of the processor 10. The auxiliary storage unit 12 sometimes also stores the above-described information processing program. A part of the storage area of the auxiliary storage unit 12 is used as an area storing a task management table TAA. The task management table TAA is a data table for managing an uncompleted print task (hereinafter, referred to as an uncompleted task). Note that the uncompleted task is a print task in a start standby state. Alternatively, the uncompleted task is a print task that is temporarily started but skipped.

[0021] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a data record DRA included in the task management table TAA.

[0022] The task management table TAA includes a data record DRA associated with an uncompleted task. The data record DRA includes fields FAA, FAB, FAC, FAD, FAE, FAF, and FAG. A task ID (identifier) that is an identifier of the uncompleted task is set in the field FAA. A date and time at which the uncompleted task is created is set in the field FAB. A user ID of a user associated with the uncompleted task is set in the field FAC. A file path of an image file that represents an image to be printed by the uncompleted task is set in the field FAD. Data representing a state of the uncompleted task is set in the field FAE. A date and time at which the uncompleted task is skipped is set in the field FAF. Data representing in which state the uncompleted task is skipped is set in the field FAG.

[0023] The operation / display unit 13 inputs an operation performed by a user and performs a display for prompting various information to the user. The operation / display unit 13 can appropriately include various operation devices and display devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, a key switch, an LED lamp, or a liquid crystal display panel.

[0024] The scanning unit 14 reads a document and generates image data of an image displayed in the document.

[0025] The printing unit 15 prints an image shown by the image data on a recording sheet. The printing unit 15 has a publicly known printing device such as an electrophotographic image forming device.

[0026] The facsimile unit 16 performs various known processes for image communication in accordance with a facsimile specification via a communication network (not shown) such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

[0027] The communication unit 17 performs communication processing for performing data communication via the communication network 2. The communication unit 17 can use, for example, an existing communication device for a LAN (local area network).

[0028] The communication network 2 can use the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN, a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, alone or in appropriate combination. As an example of the communication network 2, a LAN is used.

[0029] The computer terminal 3 is an information processing apparatus provided with a data communication function via the communication network 2. The computer terminal 3 is, for example, an information terminal for requesting execution of a print job to the MFP 1 via the communication network 2.

[0030] Next, the operation of the MFP 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that the processing content described below is an example, and a part of the processing order can be changed, a part of the processing can be omitted, or another processing can be added, or the like.

[0031] In the MFP 1, the processor 10 controls each section of the MFP 1 in order to realize a print function, a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and the like, similarly to a function performed by an existing MFP of the same kind. The description of information processing for performing this control is omitted. Hereinafter, the management of a print job will be described.

[0032] When the operation in the mode in which the print job can be executed is started, the processor 10 performs information processing based on an information processing program stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage unit 12 (hereinafter, referred to as management processing).

[0033] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a flowchart of the management processing.

[0034] As Figure 3 In ACT1 in

[0035] The user requests login in a case where the execution of some function accompanied by the print job is requested to the MFP 1, for example, by a predetermined operation in the operation / display unit 13. In correspondence thereto, the processor 10 determines YES in ACT 1, and proceeds to ACT 2. Note that the function accompanied by the print job includes, for example, a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function, and the like. The print function is a function of printing with the print unit 15 in accordance with a printer request via the communication network 2. The facsimile function is a function of printing an image acquired by the facsimile unit 16 through facsimile communication with the print unit 15. The copy function is a function of printing an image obtained by scanning a document with the scan unit 14 with the print unit 15.

[0036] As ACT 2, the processor 10 performs authentication processing for authenticating the user who has requested login. The processor 10 causes, for example, the user to input a user ID and a password, and authenticates the user as an associated user on the basis of the combination of the user ID and the password. Alternatively, the processor 10 authenticates the user on the basis of authentication information read from an ID card by a card reader not shown, for example. The authentication method of the user can be performed by any method such as other known methods.

[0037] In ACT 3, the processor 10 confirms whether or not the authentication in ACT 2 is successful. Then, if the processor 10 fails in the authentication, the processor 10 determines NO, and returns to the waiting acceptance state of ACT 1. At this time, the processor 10 can also perform a notification action of causing the operation / display unit 13 to display a screen for notifying the user of the failure in the authentication. In addition, the processor 10 can return to ACT 2.

[0038] If the processor 10 succeeds in the authentication, the processor 10 determines YES in ACT 3, and proceeds to ACT 4.

[0039] As ACT 4, the processor 10 confirms whether or not the print unit 15 can start printing. Then, if the print unit 15 cannot start printing, the processor 10 determines NO, and proceeds to ACT 5.

[0040] As ACT 5, the processor 10 confirms whether or not logout has been instructed. Then, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the corresponding instruction, the processor 10 determines NO, and returns to ACT 4.

[0041] In this way, as ACT 4 and ACT 5, the processor 10 waits for either the start of printing or the instruction of logout to be accepted. At this time, the processor 10 can perform a notification action of causing the operation / display unit 13 to display a screen for notifying the user of the failure in the start of printing.

[0042] If the user ends the execution of the print job, the user instructs logout by a predetermined operation in the operation / display unit 13 or the like. In this way, the processor 10 determines YES in ACT 5, and proceeds to ACT 6.

[0043] As ACT 6, the processor 10 logs out the user in the login. Then, the processor 10 returns to the waiting for acceptance state of ACT 1 after this.

[0044] Then, if the print unit 15 can start printing, the processor 10 determines YES in ACT 4, and proceeds to ACT 7 in Figure 4

[0045] As ACT 7, the processor 10 confirms whether there is an uncompleted task. Then, if there is no uncompleted task, the processor 10 determines NO, and proceeds to ACT 8.

[0046] As ACT 8, the processor 10 confirms whether the start of a new print task has been instructed. Then, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the corresponding instruction, it determines NO, and proceeds to ACT 9.

[0047] As ACT 9, the processor 10 confirms whether logout has been instructed. Then, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the corresponding instruction, it determines NO, and returns to ACT 8.

[0048] As ACT 8 and ACT 9, the processor 10 waits for the start or logout to be instructed.

[0049] Then, when the processor 10 is re-requested a function associated with a print task, in order to manage a print task for the function (hereinafter, referred to as a new task), the processor 10 independently from the management processing, executes an update processing for updating the task management table TAA. Then, in the update processing, the processor 10 appends a new data record DRA associated with the requested print task to the task management table TAA. The processor 10 sets each data in each field of the new data record DRA as follows.

[0050] The processor 10 decides a new task ID in order to be able to identify the new task as another print task, and sets it to the field FAA.

[0051] The processor 10 sets, for example, the date and time of the point at which the data record DRA is created to the field FAB. Note that, it is also possible to set the date and time of another arbitrary point, such as the point at which a phenomenon that becomes the trigger for creating the new task occurs, to the field FAB.

[0052] ​The processor 10 sets the user ID to the field FAc in a case where the user ID can be determined. The processor 10 sets the user ID to the field FAc in a case where the user ID of the requester can be acquired, for example, in a case where the new job involves a print function. The processor 10 sets the user ID of the receiver to the field FAc in a case where the receiver has been designated, for example, in a case where the new job involves a facsimile function. The processor 10 sets the user ID of the user who has logged in to the field FAc in a case where the new job involves a copy function. It is to be noted that the processor 10 sets predetermined invalid data to the field FAc in a case where the user ID cannot be determined. The processor 10 can leave the field FAc in a blank state in a case where the user ID cannot be determined.

[0053] The processor 10 sets the file path of the image file which becomes a print target in the new job to the field FAD. The processor 10 saves the image file which includes the image data transmitted with the request of the print function or the facsimile function and received by the facsimile unit 16 or the communication unit 17 to the auxiliary storage unit 12, for example, and sets the file path of the image file to the field FAD. The processor 10 decides the file path of the image file which includes the image data obtained by the scanning unit 14, for example, in a case where the copy function is requested, and sets the file path to the field FAD.

[0054] The processor 10 sets data indicating that the standby state is started to the field FAE.

[0055] Alternatively, the processor 10 sets predetermined invalid data to the fields FAF and FAG. The processor 10 can leave the fields FAF and FAG in a blank state. The processor 10 can also make the data record DRA created here not include the fields FAF and FAG.

[0056] The processor 10 appends the data record DRA to the job management table TAA each time a new job is generated in a state where there is an uncompleted job. The job management table TAA does not include the data record DRA in a case where there is no uncompleted job at all. The job management table TAA includes only one data record DRA in a case where there is only one uncompleted job. The job management table TAA includes a plurality of data records DRA associated with a plurality of uncompleted jobs in a case where there are a plurality of uncompleted jobs.

[0057] The processor 10 determines that there is an uncompleted job in ACT 7 in the case where the job management table TAA includes one data record DRA, for example, and proceeds to ACT 10. Figure 4

[0058] ​As ACT 10, the processor 10 causes the operation / display unit 13 to display a list screen, for example. The list screen is a screen for showing a list of uncompleted tasks, and causes the user to specify a print task to be executed from among the uncompleted tasks. The processor 10 extracts, from among the data records DRA included in the task management table TAA, for example, a data record DRA in which the user ID set in the field FAC coincides with the user ID of the user who is logged in, and a data record DRA in which invalid data is set in the field FAC. Then, the processor 10 shows the uncompleted tasks associated with the data records DRA thus extracted in the above list.

[0059] The user decides one of the uncompleted tasks shown in the list screen to be the print task to be executed, and specifies the uncompleted task by a predetermined operation in the operation / display unit 13, for example. Alternatively, the user instructs the start of a new print task that is not an uncompleted task in order to use a copy function or the like, and instructs the start of the task by a predetermined operation in the operation / display unit 13, for example.

[0060] As ACT 11, the processor 10 confirms whether the uncompleted task to be executed has been specified. Then, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the corresponding specification, it determines NO, and proceeds to ACT 12.

[0061] As ACT 12, the processor 10 confirms whether the start of the new print task has been instructed. Then, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the corresponding instruction, it determines NO, and proceeds to ACT 13.

[0062] As ACT 13, the processor 10 confirms whether logout has been instructed. Then, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the corresponding instruction, it determines NO, and returns to ACT 11.

[0063] Thus, as ACT 11 to ACT 13, the processor 10 waits for the print task to be specified, or the start or logout to be instructed.

[0064] If the user has specified one of the uncompleted tasks as described above, the processor 10 determines YES in ACT 11, and proceeds to ACT 14. If the start of the print task has been instructed as described above, the processor 10 determines YES in ACT 8 or ACT 12, and proceeds to ACT 14.

[0065] As ACT 14, the processor 10 starts to execute the uncompleted task that has been designated or the new print task that has been instructed. The processor 10 instructs the start of printing to the print unit 15, for example, in conjunction with the designation of the image file that has been set as the target. The designation of the image file by the processor 10 is performed, for example, by notifying the file path that has been set in the field FAD of the data record DRA associated with the uncompleted task or the new print task that has been instructed. Note that the processor 10 instructs the start of scanning to the scan unit 14 in conjunction with the notification of the above-described file path in the case where the copy function has been requested.

[0066] In the case where the print function or the facsimile function has been requested, the print unit 15 prints an image based on the image data contained in the image file determined with the notified file path.

[0067] In the case where the copy function has been requested, the scan unit 14 scans the original that has been placed, generates image data, and saves it as an image file determined with the above-described notified file path in the auxiliary storage unit 12. The print unit 15 prints an image based on the image data contained in the image file determined with the notified file path, i.e., the image file saved in the auxiliary storage unit 12 as described above.

[0068] As ACT 15, the processor 10 confirms whether the print task in execution has been completed. Also, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the completion, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 16.

[0069] As ACT 16, the processor 10 confirms whether the print unit 15 has abnormally stopped. Also, if the processor 10 cannot confirm the abnormal stop, it determines NO and returns to ACT 15.

[0070] Therefore, as ACT 15 and ACT 16, the processor 10 waits for acceptance of the completion of the print task or the abnormal stop.

[0071] If the print unit 15 completes the printing of all the image data contained in the image file determined with the notified file path, it notifies the processor 10 of the completion. However, the print unit 15 stops the printing operation when it cannot continue the printing due to some abnormality such as paper jam or paper shortage. Then, the print unit 15 notifies the processor 10 of the abnormal stop in this case. The print unit 15 thus has the function as a stop unit.

[0072] If the processor 10 has been notified of the completion as described above, it determines YES in ACT 15 and returns to ACT 7, repeating the processing thereafter as described above.

[0073] If the processor 10 has been notified of the abnormal stop as described above, it determines YES in ACT 16 and proceeds to ACT 17.

[0074] As ACT17, processor 10 will interrupt the printing task in progress.

[0075] As ACT18, processor 10 sets the interrupted print job to a skipped state. For example, processor 10 rewrites the FAE field of the data record DRA associated with the interrupted print job to data indicating the skipped state. For example, processor 10 rewrites the FAF field of the data record DRA associated with the interrupted print job to the current date and time. For example, processor 10 rewrites the FAG field of the data record DRA associated with the interrupted print job to data indicating where the interrupted print job ends. Processor 10 then performs information processing based on the information processing program, thereby enabling the computer, with processor 10 as its central unit, to function as a skipping unit.

[0076] The processor 10 then proceeds to ACT19. It should be noted that when the processor 10 is in the waiting acceptance state of ACT8 or ACT9, or the waiting acceptance state of ACT11 to ACT13, and is instructed to log out by a predetermined operation performed by the user, such as in the operation / display unit 13, the processor 10 determines in ACT9 or ACT13 that yes, and proceeds to ACT19.

[0077] As ACT19, processor 10 logs out. Then, processor 10 returns to... Figure 3 The waiting-to-accept state of ACT1 in the game.

[0078] When processor 10 progresses from ACT18 to ACT19, the print job is abnormally stopped, and the processor will use... Figure 2 In ACT2, the authentication process removes the authenticated user from the operator's controlled state. Then, processor 10... Figure 2 The authentication process in ACT2 has been successful, and the operating state has been set. Thus, the processor 10 executes information processing based on the information processing program, thereby enabling the computer, with the processor 10 as its central unit, to function as an operator management unit.

[0079] When processor 10 via Figure 4 Returning to ACT18 Figure 3 When the processor is in the waiting-to-accept state of ACT1, the interrupted print job remains in the incomplete task state with a skipped state. Additionally, at this time, the processor 10 logs out without a user logout instruction and transitions to the waiting-to-accept-new-login-request state. Thus, even if the exception that caused the abnormal stop is cleared and the print unit 15 is able to start printing, the processor 10 will not restart the interrupted print job.

[0080] And, the processor 10 can display a list indicated by a list screen displayed in ACT 10 in the next Figure 4 the list indicated by the list screen displayed in ACT 10, can designate the print job in the skip state as the execution target print job. Then, in a case where the print job in the skip state is designated by the user, the processor 10 instructs the print unit 15 in order to perform the subsequent print action of the previous interruption based on the data set in the field FAG of the data record DRA associated with the print job. In this way, the computer centered on the processor 10 functions as the restart unit by the processor 10 performing the information processing based on the information processing program.

[0081] Then, the processor 10 executes the information processing based on the information processing program stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage unit 12 (hereinafter, referred to as the deletion processing) independently of the above-described update processing and management processing whenever it becomes a predetermined execution timing. Note that the execution timing can be arbitrarily decided by the designer or the administrator of the MFP 1 or the like. The execution timing is assumed to be, for example, a timing of a fixed time interval such as every 24 hours, or a timing at which the free capacity of the auxiliary storage unit 12 becomes below a predetermined threshold, or the like.

[0082] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the deletion processing.

[0083] As ACT 21, the processor 10 confirms whether there is an unselected uncompleted task in this deletion processing. The processor 10, for example, in a case where it first proceeds to ACT 21 after the start of the deletion processing, determines that there is an unselected uncompleted task if there is one data record DRA in the task management table TAA. Then, if there is an unselected uncompleted task, the processor 10 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 22.

[0084] As ACT 22, the processor 10 selects one uncompleted task.

[0085] As ACT 23, the processor 10 confirms whether the selected uncompleted task is in the skip state. For example, if the data set in the field FAG of the data record DRA associated with the selected uncompleted task indicates the skip state, the processor 10 determines that the selected uncompleted task is in the skip state. Then, if the selected uncompleted task is in the skip state, the processor 10 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 24.

[0086] As ACT 24, the processor 10 confirms whether the reservation period relating to the selected uncompleted task has ended. For example, if the elapsed time from the date and time set in the field FAF of the data record DRA associated with the selected uncompleted task to the current time point is above the predetermined limit time, the processor 10 determines that the reservation period has ended. Then, if the reservation period has ended, the processor 10 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 25.

[0087] As ACT 25, the processor 10 erases the selected uncompleted task. The processor 10, for example, deletes the data record DRA associated with the uncompleted task from the task management table TAA. The processor 10 returns to ACT 21 after this. By doing so, the processor 10 performs information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer having the processor 10 as a central part functions as the exclusion unit.

[0088] If the selected uncompleted task is not in the skip state, the processor 10 determines NO in ACT 23, and if the reservation period relating to the selected uncompleted task has not ended, the processor 10 determines NO in ACT 24, and in either case, skips ACT 25 and returns to ACT 21. That is, the processor 10 does not erase the uncompleted task that is not in the skip state and the uncompleted task whose reservation period has not ended.

[0089] Then, when the processor 10 returns from any one of ACT 23, ACT 24, and ACT 25 to ACT 21, the processor 10 confirms whether there is an uncompleted task that has been excluded from the uncompleted tasks that have been selected up to the time when ACT 22 was executed this time. Then, when the processor 10 proceeds to ACT 22 because there is a corresponding uncompleted task, the processor 10 selects one of the uncompleted tasks that have been excluded from the uncompleted tasks that have been selected up to the time when ACT 22 was executed this time. That is, the processor 10 executes ACT 23 to ACT 25 in the same manner as described above while sequentially setting the uncompleted tasks as objects. Thus, the processor 10 excludes the uncompleted task that is in the skip state and whose reservation period has ended from the uncompleted tasks.

[0090] After the processor 10 executes ACT 23 to ACT 25 in the same manner as described above while setting all the uncompleted tasks as objects, the processor 10 determines NO in ACT 21 and ends the deletion processing.

[0091] As described above, according to the MFP 1, the print job after the abnormal stop is set to the skip state, and even if the abnormality is eliminated, it cannot be automatically restarted. Further, the print job in the skip state is restarted in accordance with the execution instruction by the user associated with the print job. The print job in the skip state is not set to be the target of the execution instruction by a user different from the user associated with the print job, and sometimes it is not restarted in accordance with such an instruction by another user. Thus, the print job is not restarted regardless of the user associated with the print job, and it is possible to prevent the printout of the print job from being handed over to another user.

[0092] According to the MFP 1, after the print job after the abnormal stop is set to the skip state, the execution instruction of another print job is accepted, and it is possible to start the other print job in accordance with the instruction. Thus, it is possible to execute the other job in a manner not to wait for the print job after the abnormal stop to be completed after being restarted.

[0093] According to the MFP 1, the print job after the abnormal stop is set to the skip state, and it is possible to quickly eliminate the interrupt state of the print job. Thus, even if the power saving control not to shift to the power saving state in the interrupt state of the print job is performed, it is possible to shift to the power saving state in a manner not to wait for the print job after the abnormal stop to be completed after being restarted.

[0094] In the MFP 1, the user is not involved in setting the print job after the abnormal stop to the skip state. Thus, it is possible that the print job in the skip state is left for a long time. However, the MFP 1 excludes the print job in the skip state for which the retention period has ended from the uncompleted jobs. Thus, it is possible to prevent the print job left as described above from remaining in the uncompleted jobs.

[0095] This embodiment can be implemented after various modifications such as the following.

[0096] The same implementation can be performed in various devices having a print function such as a printer, a facsimile device, or a copier.

[0097] The processor 10 can also restart the uncompleted job associated with a user different from the instructer in accordance with the instruction by the manager or the like having a special authority.

[0098] The processor 10 can also not perform the deletion processing. Alternatively, the processor 10 can perform the deletion processing in a case where the deletion processing by the manager or the like of the MFP 1 is set.

[0099] The processor 10 can also not set the job not associated with the user to the skip state, but automatically restart it after the abnormality is eliminated.

[0100] It is also possible to set the print job to the skip state in a case where the print job is not completed in a predetermined period of time. Figure 4If ACT18 is set to skip mode, the logout instruction will not be accepted directly to ACT19, or the user will be transferred to ACT19 after the scheduled standby time has elapsed.

[0101] Some or all of the functions implemented by the processor 10 through information processing can also be implemented by hardware such as logic circuits that perform information processing that is not program-based. Furthermore, each of the aforementioned functions can also be implemented by combining software control with the aforementioned hardware such as logic circuits.

[0102] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and likewise within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a stopping section that stops a print job in progress according to occurrence of an abnormality that makes the print job unable to continue; a setting section that sets the print job stopped by the stopping section to a skip state; and a restart section that restarts the print job set to the skip state by the setting section according to a restart instruction by a user associated with the print job, and does not accept a restart instruction by a user different from the user, the image forming apparatus further comprising an excluding section, the excluding section excluding the print job set to the skip state by the setting section from a group of jobs waiting for execution after a predetermined reservation period ends.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises an operator management section, the operator management section sets an operated state based on an operator according to success of authentication of the operator, in the operated state, the restart section accepts a restart instruction of a print job for which the authenticated operator is associated as a user, the operator management section cancels the operated state according to a case where the print job is stopped by the stopping section.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises an operator management section, the operator management section sets an operated state based on an operator according to success of authentication of the operator, in the operated state, the restart section accepts a restart instruction of a print job for which the authenticated operator is associated as a user, the operator management section cancels the operated state according to a case where the print job is stopped by the stopping section.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the restart section restarts the print job set to the skip state by the setting section and not associated with any user according to a restart instruction by an arbitrary operator.

5. A control method in which an image forming apparatus comprises a stopping section that stops a print job in progress according to occurrence of an abnormality that makes the print job unable to continue, a computer of the image forming apparatus sets the print job that has been stopped to a skip state, and restarts the print job set to the skip state according to a restart instruction by a user associated with the print job, and does not accept a restart instruction by a user different from the user, the computer of the image forming apparatus excludes the print job set to the skip state from a group of jobs waiting for execution after a predetermined reservation period ends.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein the computer of the image forming apparatus sets an operated state based on an operator according to success of authentication of the operator, in the operated state, a restart instruction of a print job for which the authenticated operator is associated as a user is accepted, the operated state is cancelled according to a case where the print job is stopped.

7. The control method according to claim 5, wherein The computer of the image forming apparatus sets a state of being operated based on success of authentication of an operator, In the state of being operated, a restart instruction of a print job for which the authenticated operator has been associated as a user is accepted, The state of being operated is released according to a case where the print job is stopped.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein The computer of the image forming apparatus restarts the print job set to the skip state and not associated with any user according to a restart instruction by an arbitrary operator.

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