Image forming apparatus

Abstract

Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misidentification of an operation target file. The image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus capable of connecting an external storage medium storing a first file and a second file, and includes a printing section that performs printing, a display section, and a control section that controls the printing section and the display section, the control section causing the display section to display a prescribed screen while causing the second file to be unselectable in a case where the first file is selected and printing of the first file is decided to start.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) has the function of printing files stored in a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory connected to the MFP.

[0003] The user selects a file from the USB storage device, and the MFP prints the selected file.

[0004] There is a known technique in which, when printing print data stored in an external storage device, if the print data is encrypted, a password is required, and the selected print data is decrypted based on the entered password before printing (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008-201044). Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a situation where, after a user selects a file from a USB drive and presses the start button for printing the selected file, if the selected file is encrypted, a password input screen appears prompting the user to enter the encryption password.

[0006] Furthermore, in traditional MFPs, after pressing the print start button for a selected file, a file selection screen appears to choose the next file. If, while the user is selecting and working on the next file, a password input screen appears for entering an encryption password, it can sometimes be confusing whether the password is for the currently working file or for the file that has already started printing.

[0007] Additionally, when reading the first file from the USB storage and printing it, if the first file is large, reading it will take time. During the printing of the second file, the printing start screen of the first file may be displayed, causing the user to mistakenly believe that the printing of the second file has started.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent misidentification of the object being operated on.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus capable of connecting to an external storage medium storing a first file and a second file. The apparatus includes: a printing unit for printing; a display unit; and a control unit for controlling the printing unit and the display unit. When the first file is selected and printing of the first file is determined to begin, the control unit causes the display unit to display a predetermined image while simultaneously making the second file unselectable.

[0010] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure is capable of preventing misidentification of the file to be operated on. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the MFP involved in the implementation method.

[0012] Figure 2A This is a flowchart of the control processing involved in the implementation method.

[0013] Figure 2B This is a flowchart of the control processing involved in the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 3 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0016] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0019] Figure 8A This is a flowchart of the control processing involved in other implementation methods.

[0020] Figure 8B This is a flowchart of the control processing involved in other implementation methods.

[0021] Figure 8C This is a flowchart of the control processing involved in other implementation methods.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0025] Figure 12 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0026] Figure 13 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0027] Figure 14A This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0028] Figure 14B This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0029] Figure 15 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0030] Figure 16 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the MFP involved in the implementation method.

[0033] The MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 includes a control unit 111, a reading unit 121, a display operation unit 131, a printing unit 141, a communication unit 151, a storage unit 161, and a connection unit 171. The MFP 101 is an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0034] The control unit 111 controls the MFP 101 for scanning, printing, copying, etc. The control unit 111 controls the reading unit 121, display operation unit 131, printing unit 141, communication unit 151, storage unit 161, and connection unit 171. The control unit 111 is implemented, for example, by one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), or by one or more logic circuits (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC) chip.

[0035] The reading unit 121 reads the original placed on the original table (not shown) of the MFP101 and generates image data of the read original.

[0036] The display operation unit 131 displays various information while accepting user input. The display operation unit 131 may be, for example, a touch panel. The display operation unit 131 includes a display unit 132 and an input unit 133. The display unit 132 performs various displays based on display control signals from the control unit 111. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. The input unit 133 may be, for example, a position input device that detects the coordinates of the contact position of a finger or stylus on the input unit 133 and outputs the detected coordinates to the control unit 111. Alternatively, the input unit 133 may also be a hardware button such as an operation button.

[0037] The printing unit 141 prints text, images, etc. on paper supplied from the paper supply unit (not shown) based on printing data (files) stored in the storage unit 161 or the USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 201.

[0038] Under the control of the control unit 111, the communication unit 151 communicates with a personal computer (PC) (not shown) connected via a network and performs data conversion accompanying the communication. The communication unit 151 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface, specifically, a communication interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0039] Storage unit 161 stores various programs and data required for the operation of MFP101. Storage unit 161 may be composed of one or more storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0040] The connector 171 is an interface for connecting to other devices. Specifically, for example, the connector 171 is a USB connector. In this embodiment, the connector 171 is connected to a USB memory 201. The USB memory 201 is an example of an external storage medium. The USB memory 201 stores multiple print data (files).

[0041] Next, the process of the user printing a file stored in the USB memory 201 will be explained.

[0042] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a flowchart of the control processing involved in the implementation method. Figures 3 to 7 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0043] Here, the USB memory 201 is connected to the connection unit 171, and the display unit 132 displays a file selection screen 301 that allows displaying and selecting files within the USB memory 201. Figure 3 For example, such as Figure 3 As shown in the file selection screen 301, the USB storage device 201 contains files A.pdf, B.pdf, and C.pdf.

[0044] In step S101, the user uses the input unit 133 to select a file to be printed from the file selection screen 301, located in the USB storage 201. Specifically, for example, the user selects file A.pdf. File A.pdf is an example of a first file. File B.pdf or file C.pdf are examples of a second file.

[0045] In step S102, after a file is selected, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a print start decision screen 401 for printing the selected file. Figure 4 The print start decision screen 401 displays: a print start button 411, a button 412 for setting single-sided / double-sided printing, a button 413 for setting the paper size, a button 414 for setting the black and white / color printing, and a button 415 for setting the number of copies to print.

[0046] In step S103, the user uses the input unit 133 to press the print start button 411.

[0047] In step S104, after the print start button 411 is pressed, the control unit 111 reads the file selected in step S101 from the USB memory 201 and parses whether the read file is encrypted. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 reads file A.pdf from the USB memory 201 and parses whether file A.pdf is encrypted.

[0048] In step S105, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a dedicated message screen 501 containing the dedicated message. Figure 5 At the same time, it makes the files in the USB storage 201 unselectable. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 prohibits the user from operating it. Figure 5As shown, the dedicated message screen 501 displays the message "Do not unplug the USB memory. Transferring files. Please wait." The dedicated message screen 501 is an example of a standard screen. Since the user cannot operate the device while the dedicated message screen 501 is displayed, the user cannot select a new file from the USB memory 201. Furthermore, if the control unit 111 prints a file different from the file selected in step S101, it can display a button on the dedicated message screen 501 to close the dedicated message screen 501 after the other file has finished printing. Alternatively, if the control unit 111 prints a file different from the file selected in step S101, it can display a button on the dedicated message screen 501 to close the dedicated message screen 501, but disable the close button (ignore it even if pressed) until the other file has finished printing. The control unit 111 can also display the button to close the dedicated message screen 501 by changing the button's color when it is active and inactive, so that the user can recognize that the button to close the dedicated message screen 501 has been disabled.

[0049] In step S106, the control unit 111 determines whether the read file is an encrypted file based on the parsing in step S104. If the read file is determined to be an encrypted file, the control proceeds to step S107; if the read file is determined not to be an encrypted file, the control proceeds to step S110.

[0050] In step S107, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a password input screen 601 for entering the password for the encrypted file. Figure 6 ).like Figure 6 As shown, the password input screen 601 displays an input box 602 for entering a password. The user then uses the input unit 133 to enter the password for the encrypted file in the input box 602. Specifically, for example, the user uses the input unit 133 to enter the password for file A.pdf.

[0051] In step S108, the control unit 111 determines whether the input password matches the password set in the encrypted file. For example, if the encrypted file is successfully decrypted using the input password, the control unit 111 determines that the input password matches the password set in the encrypted file. If the input password matches the password set in the encrypted file, the control proceeds to step S109; if the input password does not match the password set in the encrypted file, the control returns to step S107.

[0052] In step S109, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a dedicated message screen 501 containing the dedicated message. Figure 5At the same time, it makes the files in the USB memory 201 unselectable. The control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a dedicated message screen 501. Figure 5 (until the printing of the selected file begins (the paper feed for the printing process of the selected file begins)).

[0053] In step S110, the control unit 111 uses the printing unit 141 to start the printing process of the selected file.

[0054] In step S111, the control unit 111 determines whether printing of the selected document has started. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 determines whether paper feeding for the printing process of the selected document has started. If it is determined that printing of the selected document has started (if it is determined that paper feeding for the printing process of the selected document has started), the control proceeds to step S112. If it is determined that printing of the selected document has not started (if it is determined that paper feeding for the printing process of the selected document has not started), the process of step S111 is repeated.

[0055] In step S112, the control unit 111 removes the dedicated message screen 501 from the display unit 132 and causes the display unit 132 to display a printing screen 701 indicating that printing is in progress. Figure 7 ).like Figure 7 As shown, the printing screen 701 displays a message indicating that printing is in progress, a print stop button 711 to stop printing, and a button to close the printing screen 701 (close (×) button) 712.

[0056] In step S113, the control unit 111 determines whether the user has pressed the close (×) button on the printing screen 701, whether printing has been completed, or whether printing has been stopped (whether the user has pressed the print stop button 711 on the printing screen 701). If it is determined that the user has pressed the close (×) button on the printing screen 701, that printing has been completed, or that printing has been stopped (the user has pressed the print stop button 711 on the printing screen 701), the control proceeds to step S114. If it is not determined that the user has pressed the close (×) button on the printing screen 701, that printing has been completed, or that printing has been stopped (the user has pressed the print stop button 711 on the printing screen 701), the process of step S113 is repeated.

[0057] In step S114, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a file selection screen 301 that allows displaying and selecting files within the USB memory 201. Figure 3 ).

[0058] According to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment, a dedicated message screen is displayed until printing of the initially selected file (first file) begins, and files in the USB memory are unselectable during the display of the dedicated message screen. Therefore, the timing of requesting the password for the first file does not overlap with the timing of selecting the next file to be printed (second file), preventing the user from being confused about which file is being processed and preventing misidentification of the file being operated on.

[0059] Figures 8A to 8C This is a flowchart of the control processing involved in other implementation methods. Figures 9 to 16 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0060] Here, the USB memory 201 is connected to the connection unit 171, and the display unit 132 displays a file selection screen 301 that can display and select files in the USB memory 201. Figure 3 For example, such as Figure 3 As shown in the file selection screen 301, the USB storage device 201 contains files A.pdf, B.pdf, and C.pdf.

[0061] The processes in steps S201 to S205 are the same as those in steps S101 to S105, so the explanation is omitted.

[0062] In step S206, the control unit 111 determines whether the read file is an encrypted file based on the parsing in step S204. If the read file is determined to be an encrypted file, the control proceeds to step S207; if the read file is determined not to be an encrypted file, the control proceeds to steps S221 and S223.

[0063] The processes in steps S207 to S214 are the same as those in steps S107 to S114, so their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, after step S214, control returns to step S201.

[0064] The following steps S221-S222 are performed in parallel with the steps S223-S225. In step S221, the control unit 111 uses the printing unit 141 to start the printing process of the selected file. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 starts the printing process of file A.pdf.

[0065] In step S222, the control unit 111 determines whether printing of the selected document has started. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 determines whether paper feeding for the printing process of the selected document has started. If it is determined that printing of the selected document has started (if it is determined that paper feeding for the printing process of the selected document has started), the control proceeds to step S225. If it is determined that printing of the selected document has not started (if it is determined that paper feeding for the printing process of the selected document has not started), the process of step S222 is repeated.

[0066] In step S223, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a file selection screen 301 that allows displaying and selecting files within the USB memory 201. Figure 3 ).

[0067] In step S224, the user uses the input unit 133 to select a file to be printed from the file selection screen 301 located in the USB storage 201. The user selects a file different from the one selected in step S201. Specifically, for example, the user selects file B.pdf.

[0068] Before performing the process in step S225, it is assumed that in step S222 it was determined that printing of the selected file has started (step S222: Yes) and the process in step S224 has been performed.

[0069] In step S225, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display a print start decision screen 901 for printing the file (second file) selected in step S224. Figure 9 This could be a settings change screen for changing the print settings of a second document. For example, when step S225 is executed after step S224 or after step S226 ("No"), the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display the print start decision screen 901. Figure 9 When step S225 is executed after step S228 "Yes", the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display the setting change screen that was displayed below the printing screen 1101 in step S228.

[0070] The print start decision screen 901 displays: a print start button 911 to start printing, a button 912 to set single-sided / double-sided printing, a button 913 to set the paper size, a button 914 to set black and white / color printing, a button 915 to set the number of copies to print, and a button 916 to stop the currently running print process. Specifically, for example, button 916 is used to stop the printing process of the file A.pdf selected in step S201. When button 912, button 913, or button 914 is pressed, the screen of display unit 132 shifts from the print start decision screen 901 to a setting change screen for changing the print settings of the file selected in step S224. Specifically, for example, when button 912 is pressed, control unit 111 causes display unit 132 to display the setting change screen 1001 for single-sided / double-sided printing. Figure 10 The settings change screen 1001 displays a button 1011 for stopping the currently running print process. The settings change screen 1001 is an example of a screen for setting print settings for a second document. Alternatively, the button 1011 may not be displayed on the settings change screen 1001. When button 913 is pressed, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display the paper setting settings change screen. When button 914 is pressed, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display the black-and-white / color setting settings change screen. Furthermore, the button to stop the currently running print process may also be displayed on both the paper setting settings change screen and the black-and-white / color setting settings change screen.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown on the print start decision screen 901, by simultaneously displaying the print start button 911 to start printing the second file (file B.pdf) and the button 916 to stop printing the first file (file A.pdf), the user will no longer be confused by the fact that printing the second file (file B.pdf) has started and will perform corresponding operations on printing the first file (file A.pdf).

[0072] In step S226, the control unit 111 determines whether button 912, button 913, or button 914 of the print start decision screen 901 has been pressed and the user has been transferred to the setting change screen. If the user is determined to have been transferred to the setting change screen, the control proceeds to step S227; if the user is determined not to have been transferred to the setting change screen (i.e., the print start decision screen 901 is still being displayed), the control returns to step S225.

[0073] In step S227, the control unit 111 displays, overlaid on the setting change screen, a printing screen 1101 indicating that the file selected in step S201 is being printed. Figure 11Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 displays a printing screen 1101 indicating that printing is in progress, overlaid on the setting change screen 1001. Figure 11 As shown, the printing screen 1101 displays a message indicating that printing is in progress, a print stop button 1111 to stop printing, and a button to close the printing screen 1101 (close (×) button) 1112.

[0074] In step S228, the control unit 111 determines whether the user has pressed the close (×) button on the printing screen 1101, whether printing has been completed, or whether printing has been stopped (whether the user has pressed the print stop button 1111 on the printing screen 1101). If it is determined that the user has pressed the close (×) button on the printing screen 1101, that printing has been completed, or that printing has been stopped (the user has pressed the print stop button 1111 on the printing screen 1101), the control unit 111 clears the printing screen 1101 and returns to step S225. If it is not determined that the user has pressed the close (×) button on the printing screen 1101, that printing has been completed, or that printing has been stopped (the user has pressed the print stop button 1111 on the printing screen 1101), the process of step S228 is repeated. Furthermore, if the printing process of the file selected in step S201 has been completed or stopped, the processes of steps S227 and S228 are omitted.

[0075] According to other embodiments of the image forming apparatus, a dedicated message screen is displayed before printing of the initially selected file (first file) begins, and files in the USB memory are made unselectable during the display of the dedicated message screen. Therefore, the timing of requesting the password for the first file does not overlap with the timing of selecting the next file to be printed (second file), preventing the user from being confused about which file is being processed and preventing misidentification of the file being operated on.

[0076] Furthermore, according to other embodiments of the image forming apparatus, since the print stop button for the first file initially selected for printing and the print start button for the second file subsequently selected are displayed simultaneously, the user can identify which file is being processed, thus preventing misidentification of the file being processed.

[0077] As a variation of other implementation methods, the following processing may also be performed.

[0078] (1) At the start of printing, determine screen 901 ( Figure 9During the printing process of the file (first file) selected in step S201, which is displayed on the display unit 132, if the print start button 911 for starting the printing of the file (second file) selected in step S224 is pressed, the control unit 111 may not start the printing of the second file, but instead cause the display unit 132 to display the printing screen 1201. Figure 12 ). Figure 12 The printing screen 1201 shows: the inability to print the second document due to ongoing printing, and the printing progress of the first document (25 out of 50 pages have been printed). By displaying the printing screen 1201, the user is informed of the current status, making it easier for them to recognize when the second document becomes printable.

[0079] (2) In step S223, the control unit 111 may also cause the display unit 132 to display a file selection screen 1301 for displaying and selecting files in the USB memory 201. Figure 13 ).exist Figure 13 In the file selection screen 1301 shown, a mark (asterisk) is displayed next to the selected file. For example, in file selection screen 1301, an asterisk is displayed next to the selected file A.pdf. By displaying a mark (asterisk) on the selected file, file selection errors can be reduced, and the selected file can be found more easily when selecting it again later.

[0080] Additionally, the control unit 111 can also display labels on each file in the USB memory 201 during the file selection screen for displaying and selecting files in the USB memory 201, distinguishing between encrypted files, unencrypted files, and files whose encryption status has not yet been determined. This reduces file selection errors for the user and makes it easier to find previously selected files when selecting them again.

[0081] (3) The control unit 111 can also change the position of the print stop button for stopping the printing of the first file based on whether the first file being printed is an encrypted file, in the print start decision screen of the selected second file. Specifically, for example, if the first file being printed is an encrypted file, such as Figure 14A As shown, in the print start decision screen 1401 for the second document, the print stop button 1411 for stopping the printing of the first document is displayed in the upper right position of the print start decision screen 1401. Additionally, if the first document being printed is an unencrypted document, as shown... Figure 14BAs shown, on the print start decision screen 1402 for the second document, a print stop button 1412 for stopping the printing of the first document is displayed in the upper center of the print start decision screen 1402. This allows the user to know whether the first document being printed is an encrypted file.

[0082] (4) In step S225, the control unit 111 may also be as follows: Figure 15 As shown, on the print start decision screen 901 for printing the file selected in step S224 (the second file), the print in progress screen 1501, indicating that the file selected in step S201 (the first file) is being printed, is displayed overlaid. The print in progress screen 1501 displays a print stop button 1511 to stop printing the first file. As described above, the print start decision screen 901 displays a print start button 911 to start printing the second file, and the print start button 911 and the print stop button 1511 are displayed in different positions. Because the print start button 911 to start printing the second file and the print stop button 1511 to stop printing the first file are displayed in different positions, it is difficult for the user to misidentify the file being operated on.

[0083] (5) In step S225, the control unit 111 may also be as follows: Figure 16 As shown, above the print start decision screen 901 for printing the file selected in step S224 (the second file), a print in progress screen 1601 indicating that the file selected in step S201 (the first file) is being printed is displayed overlaid. Furthermore, the print in progress screen 1601 is approximately the same size as the print start decision screen 901, and the print start decision screen 901 is almost invisible as it is covered by the print in progress screen 1601. The print in progress screen 1601 displays a message indicating that printing is in progress, a message indicating the file being printed, a print stop button 1611 to stop printing, a button to close the print in progress screen 1601 (close (×) button) 1612, and a file list 1613 within the USB storage 201. In the list 1613, the first file being printed (file A.pdf) is surrounded by a black box, allowing the user to know which file is being printed. Additionally, a star or other markings may be displayed next to the first file being printed in the list 1613. In this way, by displaying a message on the printing screen indicating the file being printed, "The file currently being printed is file A.pdf.", and surrounding the file with a black box, the user can identify which file is being processed, thus preventing misidentification of the file being operated on.

[0084] (6) The MFP101 has a user authentication function, and can also change the position of the first file printing stop button on the second file printing start decision screen based on whether the user printing the first file is the same as the user who selected the second file. Specifically, for example, the first user logs into the MFP101, selects the first file from the USB memory 201, the MFP101 starts printing the first file, and then the first user logs out of the MFP101. Then, the second user logs into the MFP101, selects the second file from the USB memory 201, and the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display the following: Figure 14A The printing of the second document shown will begin on screen 1401. (As indicated...) Figure 14A As shown, if the user who selected the second file (the second user) is different from the user who is printing the first file (the first user), the control unit 111 displays a print stop button 1411 to abort the printing of the first file in the upper right position of the print start decision screen 1401. On the other hand, for example, if the first user logs into the MFP 101, selects the first file from the USB memory 201, the MFP 101 starts the printing process of the first file, and further selects the second file from the USB memory 201, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 132 to display as shown. Figure 14B The printing of the second document shown will begin on screen 1402. (As indicated...) Figure 14B As shown, when the user who selected the second file (the first user) is the same as the user who is printing the first file (the first user), the print stop button 1412 for stopping the printing of the first file is displayed in the upper center position of the print start decision screen 1402.

[0085] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified. The above configuration can also be replaced with substantially the same configuration, configuration that has the same effect, or configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, which is capable of connecting to an external storage medium storing a first file and a second file, characterized in that, include: The printing department is where printing is performed. Display section; as well as The control unit controls the printing unit and the display unit. When the first file is selected and the printing of the first file is determined, the control unit causes the display unit to display a predetermined screen while simultaneously making the second file unselectable.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the printing of the first document is initiated, the control unit determines whether the first document is encrypted. If it is determined that the first file is not encrypted, the display unit will show the specified screen until the printing of the first file begins. When printing of the first file begins, the display unit shows a "printing in progress" screen. If the printing screen is turned off by the user, the second document can be selectively displayed.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the printing of the first document is initiated, the control unit determines whether the first document is encrypted. If the first file is determined to be encrypted, the display unit will show an input screen for entering the password for the first file. After the password for the first file is entered, the display unit shows the specified screen, and the second file becomes unselectable until printing of the first file begins. When printing of the first file begins, the display unit shows a "printing in progress" screen, and the second file is made unselectable.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the printing screen is turned off by the user, the control unit makes the second document selectively displayed.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the printing of the first document is initiated, the control unit determines whether the first document is encrypted. If it is determined that the first file is not encrypted, the second file can be selectively displayed on the display unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the printing of the first document, the control unit displays a button to stop printing the first document on the screen that determines when to start printing the second document.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the printing of the first document, if the control unit switches from the screen that determines the start of printing the second document to the screen that sets the printing of the second document, the display unit will show a screen indicating that the first document is being printed.

Images