Image formation apparatus, control method of image formation apparatus and program

Abstract

To enable execution of printing processing based on a printing job utilizing a function that makes an image formation apparatus store the printing job to be controlled in a more proper mode.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 101 includes a storage function that stores a printing job received from an external device. A CPU 201 performs control such that printing processing is executed on the basis of a printing job stored by the storage function when receiving an instruction of remote release of the printing job from the outside in a case where the first setting is performed as the operation setting about the storage function. The CPU 201 performs control such that the printing processing is not executed even when receiving the instruction of the remote release from the outside in a case where the second setting is performed as the operation setting about the storage function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For the purpose of ensuring security, an image forming apparatus having a function called hold printing has been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a hold printing function. Further, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for holding and reusing jobs in an image forming apparatus in a printing framework based on IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] On the other hand, if stored jobs in an image forming machine can be released based on instructions from external devices such as clients, security risks may arise, such as printed materials being left unattended. Conversely, if the release of such stored jobs based on instructions from external devices is not permitted at all, the release of stored jobs will be restricted to printing via the image forming machine's control panel (e.g., authenticated printing), which may result in reduced convenience. Against this backdrop, there is a need to realize a mechanism that allows for flexible configuration of whether or not stored jobs in an image forming machine can be released based on instructions from external devices, according to operational policies.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to enable control in a more suitable manner of the execution of printing processes based on print jobs, utilizing a function that allows an image forming apparatus to save print jobs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a storage function for storing print jobs received from an external device, and when a first setting is made as an operation setting for the storage function, the image forming apparatus has a print control means that controls the system so that when an instruction for remote release of a print job is received from an external source, the print processing is executed based on the print job stored by the storage function, and when a second setting is made as an operation setting for the storage function, the print control means controls the system so that the print processing is not executed even when an instruction for remote release is received from an external source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to control the execution of printing processes based on a print job, which is made possible by utilizing the function of saving a print job in an image forming apparatus, in a more suitable manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This diagram shows an example of a system configuration for a system using an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a settings screen for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the overall system processing. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of a packet related to job submission. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a packet related to retrieving a job list. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of a packet related to the release of a held job. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows another example of the processing performed by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows another example of the processing performed by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a settings screen for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a settings screen for an image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] <Introduction> Among various image forming apparatuses, there have been proposed image forming apparatuses having a function called hold printing (in other words, a storage function for storing jobs received from an external device) for the purpose of ensuring security. Also, in a printing framework called IPP, a technique for holding and reusing jobs in an image forming apparatus has been disclosed.

[0012] Specifically, in IPP, attributes for realizing job holding such as Hold Job Operation and Release Job Operation are defined. An image forming apparatus that receives a print job specified with the attribute stores the print job in its own job storage. An image forming apparatus having a job storage responds with capability information indicating that it supports Hold-Job and Release-Job to a capability inquiry from a client. The client displays a print setting screen based on the capability information notified from the image forming apparatus. When Hold-Job is selected on the print setting screen and a print instruction is given, the client inputs the job to the image forming apparatus using Hold Job Operation. An image forming apparatus that receives a print job specified with the attribute does not immediately execute the print process based on the print job, but temporarily stores the print job in its own job storage. In the following description, a function of not immediately executing the print process based on a print job received by an image forming apparatus and temporarily storing the print job in the job storage is also referred to as a hold function. Also, a print job held by the hold function (that is, a print job stored in the job storage) is also referred to as a hold print job. When printing is performed using a hold print job based on an instruction from a client, a print instruction including an attribute called Release-job is transmitted from the client to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus that receives the print instruction controls the execution of printing based on the corresponding job.

[0013] Regarding whether a held print job stored in an image forming apparatus can be released based on an instruction from an external apparatus such as a client, it is desirable to appropriately set according to the operation policy of the administrator of the image forming apparatus. As a specific example, in order to improve security, an operation may be assumed in which release of a held print job from a client is not permitted, and release of the job is permitted only in a print instruction accompanied by authentication from an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. When such an operation is assumed, if a setting is made such that IPP Release-Job can be executed, a job can be released based on an instruction from a client, and thus remote release unintended by the administrator may be possible. In such a situation, a security risk such as a printed material printed based on a print instruction from a client being left uncollected may occur. On the other hand, if a setting is made not to permit all Release-Jobs from a client, the convenience may decrease because remote release becomes substantially unavailable.

[0014] In view of such a situation, in the present disclosure, in a situation where a so-called holding function for temporarily storing a print job in an image forming apparatus can be used, a technique is proposed that enables control of execution of a print process based on a print job stored in the image forming apparatus in a more suitable manner.

[0015] <System Configuration> Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a system configuration of a system to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied will be described. The system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 101 and a client terminal 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the client terminal 102 are connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other via a predetermined network (for example, the Internet or the like). The client terminal 102 schematically shows a terminal device used for inputting a print job to the image forming apparatus 101. When the image forming apparatus 101 receives a print job from the client terminal 102, it controls the execution of the print process based on the conditions specified for that print job.

[0016] <Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus> Referring to Figure 2, an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The image forming apparatus 101 also includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204, an operation unit 205, a printer 206, and a communication unit 207.

[0017] The CPU 201 directly or indirectly controls each component (e.g., ROM 202, ROM 203, etc.) connected via the internal bus and executes a program to realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. ROM 203 stores a control program (e.g., BIOS, etc.) executed by the CPU 201. RAM (Direct Memory) 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201 or as a primary storage area for loading software modules to realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 101. HDD204 stores the basic software, such as the OS (Operating System) and software modules. While this embodiment uses an HDD as an example of auxiliary storage, it is not limited to this. For example, so-called non-volatile memory, such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), may also be used as auxiliary storage. Thus, hardware components such as the CPU201, ROM202, RAM203, and HDD204 constitute what is known as a computer.

[0018] The operation unit 205 serves as the user interface. The operation unit 205 is implemented, for example, by a touch-operable display and functions as a display unit for presenting information to the user and a reception unit for receiving user input. The printer 206 is a printer engine that prints print data designated as the target of the printing process. For example, the printer 206 executes the printing process based on print data received from an external source via the communication unit 207. The communication unit 207 is a network interface for connecting to networks such as the Internet or an office LAN (Local Area Network). The configuration of the communication unit 207 may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of network to be connected and the communication method applied.

[0019] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 uses a single CPU 201 to execute the processes shown in the flowchart described later, utilizing memory (RAM 203, ROM 202). However, this does not necessarily limit the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. As a specific example, the processes shown in the flowchart described later may be executed by the cooperation of multiple processors, memory, and storage. Alternatively, a configuration in which some processes are executed using hardware circuits may be applied.

[0020] <Overall Sequence> The overall processing sequence of the system including the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment will be explained, with particular attention to the case where the hold-print function is used for printing printed materials.

[0021] For example, Figure 3 shows an example of a setting screen for switching whether or not to allow the acceptance of release jobs from clients in this embodiment. For example, if print jobs stored in the storage of the image forming apparatus 101 can be released based on instructions from a client, the administrator sets the release job setting to "ON". Conversely, if print jobs stored in the storage of the image forming apparatus 101 cannot be released based on instructions from a client, the administrator sets the release job setting to "OFF". The setting specified via the screen shown in Figure 3 is stored as an operation setting in the HDD 204. This operation setting is referenced as appropriate in the processes shown in the flowchart described later.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the overall processing sequence of the system including the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, IPP is used as the protocol between the image forming apparatus 101 and the client terminal 102.

[0023] In S401, the client terminal 102 receives instructions related to printing. For example, Figure 11 shows an example of a print settings screen for receiving various print settings from the user. The client terminal 102 displays the print settings screen on a designated display unit, presents the print settings screen to the user, and receives various print settings from the user through the print settings screen. In the example shown in Figure 4, it is assumed that, at the user's instruction, the print settings (settings related to the use of the retention function) have been configured so that the print data sent to the image forming apparatus 101 is temporarily saved to the storage of the image forming apparatus 101. Specifically, it is assumed that "Enable" is selected for the storage setting item indicated as "Job-Storage" on the print settings screen shown in Figure 12, and then the instruction to start printing is given.

[0024] In S402, the client terminal 102 generates a print job based on the various printing settings specified in S401 and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 101. In this embodiment, the client terminal 102 transmits the print job using the Hold-Job operation. For example, Figure 6(A) shows an example of a packet (hold-job transmission packet) for transmitting a print job using the Hold-Job operation.

[0025] When the image forming apparatus 101 receives a packet constituting the above-mentioned print job, it first checks the value of the Operation attribute. If the value of the Operation attribute is Hold-Job, the image forming apparatus 101 does not immediately execute the printing process based on the received print job, but instead temporarily saves the print job in storage such as the HDD 204. In other words, in this embodiment, in S403, the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 101 assigns a job ID to the print job received in S402 and then saves it to storage such as the HDD 204.

[0026] When the reception of a print job is complete, in S404, the image forming apparatus 101 sends a success response to the client terminal 102, which includes the job ID assigned to the print job in S403. For example, Figure 6(B) shows an example of a success response packet sent in S404. This success response includes, for example, a status code indicating that the reception of the print job based on the Hold-Job operation was successful, and attribute information such as "Saved" indicating that the job state is saved.

[0027] Next, we will explain the process related to executing print jobs that have been held. In S405, the client terminal 102 receives instructions from the user regarding the display of the spooler screen and print properties screen of the image forming apparatus 101. In S406, the client terminal 102 sends a request to the image forming apparatus 101 to retrieve the job list. As a specific example, the client terminal 102 may use the Get-Job operation defined in IPP to request the image forming apparatus 101 to retrieve the job list. For example, Figure 7(A) shows an example of a packet (job list retrieval request packet) for sending a request to retrieve a job list using the Get-Job operation defined in IPP.

[0028] In S407, the image forming apparatus 101 sends a job list acquisition response in response to the job acquisition request received in S406. For example, Figure 7(B) shows an example of a packet (job list acquisition response packet) for sending a job list acquisition response from the image forming apparatus 101 to the client terminal 102 in S407. This job list acquisition response includes a status code indicating that the acquisition of the job list based on the Get-Job operation was successful, and attribute information listing the job IDs of the pending print jobs stored in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0029] In S408a, the client terminal 102 displays the print spooler screen of the image forming apparatus 101 on a predetermined display unit based on the job ID included in the job list acquisition response received in S407. For example, Figure 12 shows an example of the print spooler screen displayed in S408a. As illustrated in Figure 12, the screen that displays all job data stored as retained print jobs in the image forming apparatus 101 displays information such as the job name, job ID, and job owner name for each job. Although not shown in the example in Figure 7(B), the job list acquisition response to a job acquisition request using the Get-Job operation may also include information such as the job name and job owner name.

[0030] In S408b, the client terminal 102 receives from the user the specification of the job to be printed and the instruction to execute the printing process based on that job. In S409, the client terminal 102 sends a job print request to the image forming apparatus 101, which includes a job ID corresponding to the job specified in S408b. This job print request may utilize the Release-Job operation defined in IPP. For example, Figure 8(A) shows an example of a packet (a packet for executing a held job print) for sending a job print request using the Release-Job operation defined in IPP.

[0031] In S410, the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether or not to perform a remote release based on the release job setting value stored as an operation setting in the HDD 204. In the example shown in Figure 4, the release job setting value is set to "ON," indicating that it is valid, and the image forming apparatus 101 determines to perform a remote release. In S411, the image forming apparatus 101 identifies a pending print job to be printed from a series of pending print jobs stored in the HDD 204 based on the job print request received in S409, and performs printing based on that pending print job. When printing is completed in S411, the image forming apparatus 101 sends an execution success response in S412 to the client terminal 102, which was the source of the job print request received in S409, indicating that the print process was successfully executed. For example, Figure 8(B) shows an example of a packet for sending an execution success response (an event acknowledgment response packet when the release job setting is ON).

[0032] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 101 does not determine in S410 to perform a remote release (i.e., determines not to perform a remote release), it rejects the job print request. In this case, the print process in S411 will not be executed. Also in this case, instead of the execution success response described as the process in S412, the image forming apparatus 101 sends an execution failure response to the client terminal 102 indicating that the print process has failed. For example, Figure 8(C) shows an example of a packet for sending an execution failure response (an event acknowledgment response packet when the release job setting is OFF).

[0033] <Processing in an image forming apparatus> An example of specific control performed by the image forming apparatus 101 to realize the process described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. The process corresponding to each step in the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is realized by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 101 loading the programs stored in the ROM 202 and HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing them.

[0034] In S501, the CPU 201, in cooperation with the communication unit 207, receives a Hold-Job print request (a print job using the Hold-Job operation) from the client terminal 102. In S502, the CPU 201 saves the reserved print job to the HDD 204 based on the reserved print job request received in S501. Specifically, the CPU 201 generates a print job based on the print attributes such as the job name and job owner name included in the received reserved print job request, and the print data, and saves it to the storage of the image forming apparatus 101. A job ID is assigned to this generated reserved print job to identify the job. In S503, CPU201 sends a success response to client terminal102 that includes a job ID as illustrated in Figure 6(B).

[0035] In S504, CPU201 receives a request from client terminal102 to retrieve a job list, as illustrated in Figure 7(A). In S505, CPU201 sends a response to client terminal102 retrieving a job list containing the job IDs of each of the series of pending print jobs stored on HDD204, which is the storage device.

[0036] In S506, CPU201 receives a pending job print request from client terminal102, as illustrated in Figure 8(A). In S507, CPU201 determines whether or not to perform a remote release based on the release job settings stored as operation settings in HDD204. Specifically, if the release job setting is "ON", CPU201 determines in S507 to perform a remote release and proceeds to S508. In response, CPU201 determines in S507 that if the release job setting is "OFF", it will not perform a remote release and proceeds to S510.

[0037] In S508, the CPU 201 identifies the pending print job to be printed from a series of pending print jobs stored in the HDD 204, based on the job ID included in the pending job print request received in S506. Then, the CPU 201 works in cooperation with the printer 206 to execute the print process based on the print settings and print data included in the identified pending print job. In S509, the CPU 201 sends an execution success response to the client terminal 102, as illustrated in Figure 8(B). In this embodiment, it is assumed that even after the printing process based on a request is completed, the reserved print jobs will continue to be saved for reprinting. However, this does not necessarily limit the operation of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, control may be applied such that the reserved print jobs are deleted from the HDD 204 when the printing process based on a request is completed. Another example is that, after printing is completed, control may be applied to delete the reserved print jobs from the storage (HDD 204), or the reserved print jobs may continue to be saved for reprinting, depending on a pre-set operation setting value.

[0038] Next, we will explain the process that takes place when it is determined in S507 that a remote release should not be performed. In S510, the CPU 201 does not execute the printing process and instead sends an execution failure response to the client terminal 102, as illustrated in Figure 8(C).

[0039] As described above, the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment is provided with a release job setting value, which allows control over whether or not to allow the remote release of held print jobs based on the release job setting value. With this configuration, it is possible to flexibly switch whether or not to allow held jobs stored in the image forming apparatus 101 to be released based on instructions from a client terminal 102 (in other words, an external device), according to the operational policy. As a concrete example, if an administrator or other user wants to mitigate security risks associated with forgetting to retrieve printed materials, they can set the release job setting to "OFF" to prohibit the remote release of held print jobs. This restricts the means of instructing the image forming apparatus 101 to execute printing based on held print jobs to print commands requiring authentication from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 101, thus effectively preventing users from forgetting to retrieve printed materials. On the other hand, if an administrator or other user wants to prioritize the convenience of the end user, they can set the release job setting to "ON" to allow remote release of held print jobs. This allows the end user to have the image forming apparatus 101 execute printing based on the held print jobs via remote release using the client terminal 102, without having to directly operate the control panel of the image forming apparatus 101. Thus, according to the image forming apparatus 101 of this embodiment, it is possible to flexibly switch between applying an operation that prioritizes security or an operation that prioritizes convenience with respect to the retained printing function, depending on the settings made by the administrator or the like.

[0040] <Variation> Next, a modified example of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. Note that for each modified example, the description will focus on the parts that differ from the previously described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of parts that are substantially the same as those described will be omitted.

[0041] (Variation 1) First, let's describe Modification 1. In the embodiment described above, a release job setting value was provided to indicate whether or not to allow remote release, and a mechanism was described in which the execution of printing based on remote release was restricted when the release job setting value was set to "OFF". In this modification, in addition to the processing of the embodiment described above, an example of a mechanism that enables the release of held print jobs when the release job setting value is "ON" and certain conditions are met is described. Specifically, in this modification, a highly secure printing scheme is made possible by enabling the remote release of held print jobs only when user authentication is successful (i.e., only when instructed by a trusted user).

[0042] First, let's explain user authentication in IPP. IPP has a mechanism for user authentication when printing using the IPP protocol. In this modified example, the IPP user authentication function provided by the image forming apparatus 101 is enabled. When this function is enabled, user authentication will be performed before the client terminal 102 prints to the image forming apparatus 101 using the IPP protocol. Upon receiving an IPP request from client terminal 102, the image forming apparatus 101 requests user credentials from client terminal 102. The user of client terminal 102 enters user credentials such as user ID and password via a screen (not shown). Upon receiving the input, client terminal 102 transmits the user credentials to the image forming apparatus 101. Upon receiving user credentials, the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether or not to authenticate the user based on the received user credentials and its own user database. If the image forming apparatus 101 determines to authenticate, it notifies the client terminal 102 that authentication was successful. Conversely, if the image forming apparatus 101 determines not to authenticate, it notifies the client terminal 102 that authentication failed. If authentication is successful, printing using the IPP protocol becomes possible.

[0043] When printing is performed after user authentication, the client terminal 102 includes information to identify the authenticated user in the print job and various requests sent to the image forming apparatus 101. Specific examples will be explained with reference to Figures 7(C) and 7(D). Figure 7(C) shows an example of a job list retrieval request packet sent from client terminal 102 after user authentication. The difference between Figure 7(C) and Figure 7(A) is that an attribute indicating the username has been added, and the my-jobs attribute is set to True. Note that Figure 7(C) shows an example packet when "canon" is the authenticated user. Figure 7(D) illustrates a response packet to the packet in Figure 7(C). The image forming apparatus 101 extracts jobs related to the user "canon" and generates a response packet because the user has been identified and the my-job attribute, which indicates that the user's jobs will be retrieved, is set to True.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figure 9, an example of the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this modified example will be described. The processing from S901 to S907 is similar to the processing from S501 to S507 described with reference to Figure 5 in the embodiment described above. Therefore, for the processing from S901 to S907, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the handling of information used to identify the user who submitted the job, and detailed explanations will be omitted for parts that are substantially the same as in the embodiment described above.

[0045] In S902, CPU201 generates a hold-print job, similar to S502, and saves the hold-print job to HDD204. At this time, if the Hold-Job, as exemplified in Figure 6(A), contains the requesting-user-name attribute, CPU201 sets the username representing the user who owns the job to the hold-print job based on the attribute value of that attribute. The processing in S903 to S907 is essentially the same as the processing in S503 to S507 shown in Figure 5, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0046] In S908, CPU201 refers to the requesting-user-name attribute included in Release-Job and retrieves its attribute value. CPU201 also identifies the held print job stored on HDD204 (the storage) based on the job ID included in Release-Job and retrieves the username associated with that held print job. Finally, CPU201 compares the retrieved attribute value with the username associated with the identified held print job to determine if the usernames match (i.e., performs user authentication). If CPU201 determines in S908 that the username matches (i.e., user authentication is successful), it proceeds to S909. Note that the processing in S909 to S910 is essentially the same as the processing in S508 to S509 shown in Figure 5, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, if CPU201 determines in S908 that the username does not match (i.e., user authentication fails), it proceeds to S911. Note that the process in S911 is essentially the same as the process in S510 shown in Figure 5, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0047] As described above, this modification explains a case where users are authenticated based on whether the usernames of the user requesting the job release and the user requesting the job submission match using Requesting-user-name. On the other hand, the method of user authentication is not particularly limited as long as it is possible. As a specific example, a configuration may be used to authenticate users using Basic authentication, Digest authentication, OAuth authentication, etc. Alternatively, when a Get-Job request is received, a configuration may be applied in which user authentication is performed, and based on the result of that authentication, a response is sent only for the JobID corresponding to that user. In that case, only jobs corresponding to that user's JobID will be displayed on the client terminal 102.

[0048] As explained above, in this modified version, remote release is possible when user authentication is successful. Therefore, even when remote release is permitted by setting the release job setting to "ON", it is possible to restrict the jobs subject to remote release to jobs submitted by the user using client terminal 102. This suppresses the occurrence of situations where jobs submitted by other users are remotely released, and allows remote release of jobs submitted by the user themselves based on the user's output intention. Thus, it is possible to maintain convenience compared to when remote release is completely prohibited, while ensuring security compared to when there are no restrictions on remote release. In other words, in this modified version, it is possible to achieve a more favorable balance between ensuring user convenience and ensuring security.

[0049] (Modification 2) Next, a modified example 2 will be described. In this modified example, an example is described in which a function that forcibly saves a print job received from an external device to the storage of the image forming apparatus 101 (hereinafter also referred to as the forced retention function) is applied, instead of immediately making it the target of printing. That is, when the forced retention function is enabled, regardless of the information set in the print job or instructions from the external device, the print job received from the external device will be temporarily saved to the storage of the image forming apparatus 101. In this modified example, the explanation will focus particularly on the process related to determining whether or not to remotely release a retained print job according to the setting value of the forced retention function, and detailed explanations of parts that are substantially the same as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0050] For example, Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this modified example. Note that the processing of S1001 to S1007 is substantially the same as the processing of S501 to S507 described with reference to Figure 5 in the embodiment described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0051] In S1008, CPU201 determines whether the forced retention function is enabled or disabled. If CPU201 determines in S1008 that the forced hold function is ON (i.e., the function is enabled), it proceeds to S1011. The process in S1011 is essentially the same as the process in S510 shown in Figure 5. In this case, the execution of the print process is rejected, and an execution failure response is sent to the client terminal 102. On the other hand, if CPU 201 determines in S1008 that the forced retention function is OFF (i.e., the function is disabled), it proceeds to S1009. The processing in S1009 to S1010 is substantially the same as the processing in S508 to S509 shown in Figure 5. In this case, the printing process is executed, and a success response is sent to the client terminal 102.

[0052] As explained above, the image forming apparatus 101 according to this modified example determines whether or not to remotely release a held print job by referring to the setting value related to the forced hold function. By applying this control, even when the release job setting value is ON, the possibility of remote release will be determined according to the setting value related to the forced hold function, which is expected to further improve security.

[0053] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0054] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, as illustrated in Figure 3, the case in which the ON / OFF of the release job setting value is performed based on instructions from the administrator was explained, but this does not necessarily limit the configuration and processing of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. As a specific example, a configuration in which individual release job settings are made as personal settings (personalization settings) for each user using the image forming apparatus 101 may be applied. In this case, instead of the processing of S507 shown in Figure 5, a process that identifies the user who made the release request and a process that determines whether or not to perform a remote release based on the individual release job setting value stored in association with that user may be applied.

[0055] Furthermore, a configuration may be applied in which the capability information of the image forming apparatus 101 notified to the client terminal 102 differs depending on whether the release job setting is ON or OFF. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 101 receives an inquiry about its printing capability from the client terminal 102, if the release job setting is "ON", it will provide a capability response indicating that it supports release job operations. Conversely, when the image forming apparatus 101 receives an inquiry about its printing capability from the client terminal 102, if the release job setting is "OFF", it will not provide a capability response indicating that it supports release job operations. Under these premises, the following controls may be applied to the client terminal 102. The client terminal 102 may be controlled not to provide the user with functions or screens for remote release if it fails to obtain a capability response from the image forming apparatus 101 indicating that it supports release job operations. On the other hand, the client terminal 102 may be controlled to provide the user with functions or screens for remote release if it obtains a capability response from the image forming apparatus 101 indicating that it supports release job operations. By applying the above controls, it becomes possible to prevent operations related to the remote release of held print jobs from being performed when the release job setting is "OFF". [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 101 Image forming apparatus 102 Client terminals 201 CPU 204 HDD 206 Printers

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a storage function for storing a print job received from an external device, a print control means for controlling the execution of a print process based on the print job stored by the storage function when a first setting is set as an operation setting for the storage function, the first setting being a setting for permitting execution of a print process based on the print job stored by the storage function based on an instruction from an external device, and when an instruction for remote release of the print job is received from the outside, the print control means controls the execution of a print process based on the print job stored by the storage function; When a second setting is set as an operation setting related to the storage function, which is a setting for prohibiting execution of a print process based on a print job stored by the storage function based on an instruction from an external device, the print control means controls so that the print process is not executed even when the instruction for the remote release is received from the outside.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The first setting is a setting for enabling a function for forcibly storing a print job received from an external device in the image forming device, The second setting is a setting that does not enable a function for forcibly storing a print job received from an external device in the image forming device.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises:

3. an authentication means for authenticating a user who has instructed the remote release of the print job stored by the storage function; The printing control means controls the printing process to be executed when it is determined that the instruction for remote release received from outside is based on an instruction from a reliable user based on a result of authentication by the authentication means, even if the second setting is performed.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ink cartridges are arranged on a first surface side and a second surface side.

4. An image forming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has an operation means for accepting the specification of settings related to printing of the image forming device.

5. An image forming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage function stores a print job received from an external device based on IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

6. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a storage function for storing a print job received from an external device, comprising: a print control step of controlling the execution of a print process based on the print job stored by the storage function when a first setting is set as an operation setting for the storage function, the first setting being a setting for permitting execution of a print process based on a print job stored by the storage function based on an instruction from an external device, and when an instruction for remote release of the print job is received from an external device, The print control step controls the print process so as not to be executed when a second setting is set as an operation setting related to the storage function, the second setting being a setting for prohibiting execution of a print process based on a print job stored by the storage function based on an instruction from an external device, even when an instruction for the remote release is received from an external device.

23. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

7. The first setting is a setting for enabling a function for forcibly storing a print job received from an external device in the image forming device, The second setting is a setting that does not enable a function for forcibly storing a print job received from an external device in the image forming device.

7. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. an authentication step of authenticating a user who has instructed the remote release of the print job stored by the storage function; The print control step controls the print process to be executed when it is determined that the instruction for remote release received from outside is based on an instruction from a reliable user based on a result of authentication in the authentication step, even if the second setting is performed.

8. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming device having a storage function for storing a print job received from an external device, a print control step of controlling the execution of a print process based on the print job stored by the storage function when a first setting is set as an operation setting for the storage function, the first setting being a setting for permitting execution of a print process based on the print job stored by the storage function based on an instruction from an external device, and when an instruction for remote release of the print job is received from an external device, the print control step of controlling the execution of a print process based on the print job stored by the storage function is executed; The print control step controls the print process so as not to be executed when a second setting is set as an operation setting related to the storage function, the second setting being a setting for prohibiting execution of a print process based on a print job stored by the storage function based on an instruction from an external device, even when an instruction for the remote release is received from an external device. A program characterized by:

10. The first setting is a setting for enabling a function for forcibly storing a print job received from an external device in the image forming device, The second setting is a setting that does not enable a function for forcibly storing a print job received from an external device in the image forming device. The program according to claim 9 .

11. causing the computer to perform an authentication step of authenticating a user who has instructed the remote release of a print job stored by the storage function; The print control step controls the print process to be executed when it is determined that the instruction for remote release received from outside is based on an instruction from a reliable user based on a result of authentication in the authentication step, even if the second setting is performed.

11. The program according to claim 9 or 10.

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