Image forming device, method and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that can appropriately control use of a resource by a print job.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: first setting means that sets a kind of a print job for which use of a resource is restricted; second setting means that sets a resource whose use by the print job of the kind set by the first setting means is restricted; receiving means that receives the print job; and changing means that when the print job received by the receiving means is the print job of the kind set by the first setting means, changes the resource designated in the print job received by the receiving means, on the basis of the setting by the second setting means. The changing means changes the resource designated in the print job received by the receiving means so that the resource is different from the resource set by the second setting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Among the printed materials used in traditional business, special printed materials, printed materials with relatively large numbers of copies, and printed materials that require high image quality are often outsourced to printing companies due to the difficulty of setting up, image quality, and productivity issues. Examples include printed materials such as envelopes, postcards, business cards, graphic arts, and materials for large-scale presentations. As digital printing machines have become more sophisticated, it has become possible to produce such printed materials in-house. In recent years, office MFPs have become more sophisticated, more productive, and more compact, and have enough performance to be used for in-house printing operations. Workflow applications that were previously expensive and complex have become inexpensive and easy to use due to the spread of cloud technology and improved operability.

[0003] An MFP for office work may be shared between office work and in-house printing work. For office work, copy paper that is inexpensive and readily available is used, and a printer driver that allows easy printing is used. On the other hand, for in-house printing work, image quality and format are important, so special coated paper, synthetic paper, envelopes, etc. are used. Also, a workflow application that allows detailed print settings and job management is used for print instructions. In this way, different paper and applications are used for office work and in-house printing work.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for allowing paper in a paper tray to be used only by specific users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-93787 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a printing device is shared among different types of business, there is a possibility that printing resources may be used for an unintended business. Cited Document 1 describes a method of making paper in a paper tray available only to specific users, but in an environment where users perform different types of business, printing resources may be used for an unintended business.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, method, and program for appropriately controlling the use of resources by a print job. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a first setting means for setting a type of print job for which resource usage is restricted, a second setting means for setting resources for which usage by print jobs of the type set by the first setting means is restricted, a receiving means for receiving print jobs, and a change means for, if the print job received by the receiving means is a print job of the type set by the first setting means, changing the resources specified in the print job received by the receiving means based on the settings made by the second setting means, wherein the change means changes the resources specified in the print job received by the receiving means so that they are not the resources set by the second setting means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the use of resources by a print job can be appropriately controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating user interface screens displayed on the image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating user interface screens displayed on the image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a job. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating user interface screens displayed on the image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the information processing device. [Figure 15] 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence between print job types and destination ports. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0012] [First embodiment] In this embodiment, it is assumed that an image forming apparatus 101 for office work is shared between the office work and in-house printing work. In the office work, a printer driver that allows easy printing using copy paper that can be procured at low cost is used. On the other hand, in the in-house printing work, image quality and form are important, so for example, a workflow application that allows detailed print settings and job management is used for print instructions. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, JDF (Job Definition Format) will be described as an example of a print job type used in the workflow application. Also, PostScript will be described as an example of a print job type used in the printer driver. However, in this embodiment, the print job types are not limited to these, and other print job types may be used in each work.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print processing system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) is described as an example of the image forming device 101, and a PC is described as an example of the information processing device 102. However, other devices may be used as the image forming device 101, for example, a single function printer (SFP) without a reading function may be used. In addition, other devices may be used as the information processing device 102, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The image forming device 101 and the information processing device 102 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 100. The network 100 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a network including both.

[0014] 1 shows a case where one information processing device 102 is provided in the print processing system, but the image forming device 101 and multiple information processing devices 102 may be communicably connected via the network 100. Also, the print processing system of the present embodiment shows an example where the image forming device 101 and the information processing device 102 are included, but is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device 101 may be the print processing system. Also, in the case of image formation processing that can be performed by the image forming device 101 alone, such as the execution of a copy job, the information processing device 102 connected to the network 100 may not be necessary.

[0015] First, the configuration of the information processing device 102 will be described. The information processing device 102 executes various programs such as an application program (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) that inputs a job. In addition, a printer driver and a workflow application are installed in the information processing device 102. A user who wants to print can issue a print instruction from various applications. The printer driver converts a file to be printed and print settings into PostScript data based on the print instruction and transmits the data as print data to the image forming device 101. The workflow application creates a JDF file based on the print instruction and transmits the JDF file together with a specified print file as print data to the image forming device 101. Note that various forms may be used as a method for transmitting print data to the image forming device 101. For example, the print data may be transmitted to the image forming device 101 via a print application or a printer driver, or the print data may be transmitted to the image forming device 101 via a cloud server (not shown).

[0016] Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 101 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet, and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet as a recording medium. The image forming apparatus 101 also has a post-processing function for binding a plurality of sheets on which images have been printed, aligning a plurality of sheets, and discharging a plurality of sheets to a plurality of trays (discharge trays). Note that sheets include plain paper, coated paper, envelopes, label paper, etc., and in this embodiment, when paper is referred to, it refers to an example of a sheet.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 101 is configured such that a plurality of devices having different roles are interconnected to enable complex sheet processing. Each component of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described below.

[0018] The printer unit 110 forms (prints) an image on a sheet fed from a paper feed unit using toner based on the received print data. The configuration and operation principle of the printer unit 110 are described below. A light beam, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror, etc.) and irradiated as a scanning light onto a photosensitive drum. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed by toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. A full-color image is formed on a sheet by sequentially executing this series of image formation processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. In addition to these four colors, a configuration may be adopted in which toners called special colors and transparent toners can be transferred. The sheet on the transfer drum on which the full-color image has been formed in this way is transported to a fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller, and melts the toner on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by heat and pressure to fix it to the sheet.

[0019] Note that a scanner 111 is provided in the printer unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 in this embodiment. An operation unit 112 is provided on the front surface of the printer unit 110. The operation unit 112 displays various interface screens that can receive various settings and operations of the printer unit 110 from the user. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 101 is configured so that in addition to the printer unit 110, the following various devices can be attached.

[0020] Large-capacity paper feeder 120 is a paper feeder that is detachable from printer unit 110. Large-capacity paper feeder 120 includes one or more paper feed units 121. With this configuration, printer unit 110 can perform printing on a large volume of sheets.

[0021] Image forming apparatus 101 can be roughly divided into three parts, including printer unit 110. In FIG. 1, devices arranged to the right of printer unit 110 are called paper feed system devices, and paper feed system devices continuously supply sheets loaded inside to printer unit 110 at appropriate timing. Paper feed system devices also detect the remaining amount of sheets loaded inside. Paper feed cassettes 114, 115, 116, 117, and 118 are also provided inside printer unit 110, and can execute the same functions as the paper feed system devices. For the sake of explanation, these paper feed units equipped in printer unit 110 will also be called paper feed system devices.

[0022] On the other hand, in FIG. 1, the device arranged to the left of the printer unit 110 is also called a sheet processing device, a sheet processing device, or a post-processing device. The sheet processing device performs various processing processes on the sheets after the printing process is completed, or processes such as stacking. The above-mentioned paper feed system device and the sheet processing device may be collectively called a sheet processing device in the following description. The sheet processing device 130 has multiple discharge trays 131, 132, 133, and 134 to which the paper is discharged. The printer unit 110 itself also has a discharge tray 113. The user can prevent the discharged paper from being mixed by using these discharge trays properly. The image forming apparatus 101 is provided with a discharge tray with limited uses, such as the discharge tray 134, which is generally called a saddle. A discharge tray with limited uses is a discharge tray that is automatically selected as a discharge destination when a specific function is used.

[0023] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet, and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus 101 also has a post-processing function for binding multiple sheets on which images have been printed, aligning multiple sheets, and discharging multiple sheets into multiple trays.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 101 has a copy function of storing data received from the scanner unit 111 in the HDD 209, reading the data from the HDD 209, and printing the data with the printer unit 110. The image forming apparatus 101 also has a print function of storing print job data received from an external device such as the information processing apparatus 102 via the external I / F unit 210 in the HDD 209, reading the data from the HDD 209, and printing the data with the printer unit 110. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 is, for example, a multi-function processor (MFP) equipped with such multiple functions. The image forming apparatus 101 is capable of at least one of color printing and monochrome printing. The scanner unit 111 optically reads an original image placed on an original platen (not shown), and performs image processing on the image data obtained by reading the original image, and outputs the image data.

[0025] The operation of the image forming apparatus 101 in this embodiment is realized by a CPU included in the control unit 205 that controls the image forming apparatus 101 in an integrated manner by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 207. In addition, a program and the like for the control unit 205 to interpret page description language (PDL) data received from an external device via the external I / F 210 and to expand it into raster image data (bitmap image data) are also stored in the ROM 207. Similarly, a program and the like for the control unit 205 to interpret and process a job received from an external device via the external I / F 210 are also stored in the ROM 207. The ROM 207 is a read-only memory and stores various programs such as a program for a boot sequence, font information, and the like. Details of the various programs stored in the ROM 207 will be described later. The RAM 208 is a readable and writable memory and stores image data transmitted from the scanner unit 111 and the external I / F 210, various programs, setting information, and the like.

[0026] The HDD 209 also stores image data compressed by the compression / expansion unit 206. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold job data such as print data of a job to be processed. The control unit 205 stores job data to be processed, inputted via various input units such as the scanner unit 111 and the external I / F 210, in the HDD 209, reads the job data from the HDD 209, and outputs it to the printer unit 110 for printing. The control unit 205 also controls the job data read out from the HDD 209 to be transmitted to an external device via the external I / F 210. In this manner, the control unit 205 executes various output processes of the job data to be processed stored in the HDD 209. The compression / expansion unit 206 compresses and expands image data stored in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209 using various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG. The control unit 205 also controls the operation of the sheet processing device 200. The sheet processing device 200 corresponds to the paper feed device and the sheet processing device described in FIG. 1.

[0027] The external I / F 210 transmits and receives image data and the like to and from external devices such as facsimiles and network-connected devices. In addition to the above, the HDD 209 also stores various management information and the like managed by the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 also includes a printer unit 110 that executes print processing of job data to be printed stored in the HDD 209. The image forming apparatus 101 also includes an operation unit 112 having a display unit. The ROM 207 stores programs for executing various processes of flowcharts to be described later, which are executed by the control unit 205. The ROM 207 also stores various control programs required in this embodiment. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program for displaying various user interface (UI) screens on the display unit of the operation unit 112.

[0028] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. The boot loader 301 is a program executed immediately after the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. The boot loader 301 includes a program for executing various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 302 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 101. This mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the image forming apparatus 101, i.e., the ROM 207, RAM 208, HDD 209, etc., and basic input / output control of each unit shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] The network control program 303 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via the network 100. The network control program 303 realizes the reception process of files to be printed, the transmission of data from external devices, and the transmission and reception of commands. For example, the network control program 303 refers to the address and destination port included in the received data, and determines the program to which the received data is to be delivered. The network control program 303 also includes a driver program for controlling the external I / F 210.

[0030] The print control program 304 is a program for processing the accepted print job. The basic operation of the print control program 304 is as follows. That is, the print control program 304 stores the job data received from the external I / F 210 in the HDD 209 and maintains the order of reception. The print control program 304 instructs the printer unit 110 to execute the print process based on the order of reception. The print instruction specifies resources such as paper and discharge destination determined by a method described below.

[0031] If the received data specifies a destination port assigned to the PostScript data analysis program 305, the network control program 303 distributes the received data to the PostScript data analysis program 305. Upon receiving the received data, the PostScript data analysis program 305 sequentially analyzes the data and instructs the print control program 304 to create a print job. Thereafter, based on the processing order managed by the print control program 304, the control unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each device according to that processing order. As a result, control is exercised so that printing is ultimately executed.

[0032] The JDF analysis program 306 is a program for analyzing print settings. The print settings are transmitted together with image data in the form of data in JDF format or the like. Based on the analyzed print settings, the control unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each device. As a result, printing is controlled so as to be executed with the final specified print settings. When the JDF analysis program 306 has finished analyzing the JDF data or when it has received the JDF data, it instructs the print control program 304 to create a JDF print job.

[0033] The PDF data analysis program 307 is a program that analyzes the received PDF data. The PDF data may be transmitted by LPR (Line Printer Daemon Protocol) or may be received as a JDF job. The JDF analysis program 306 may also pass the PDF data to the PDF data analysis program 307. In that case, the PDF data analysis program 307 notifies the JDF data analysis program 306 of the analysis result.

[0034] The media management program 308 is a program for executing a management function for managing sheets that can be used by the image forming apparatus 101. Sheet-related information managed by the media management program 308 is stored in the HDD 209. The media management program 308 also manages the type of paper stored in each paper feed tray.

[0035] If the received data specifies a destination port assigned to the LIPS data analysis program 309, the network control program 303 distributes the data to the LIPS data analysis program 309. Note that LIPS is an abbreviation for LBP Image Processing System. Subsequent processing is the same as that of the PostScript data analysis program 305. The assigned destination port is a different destination port from that of the PostScript data analysis program 305.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 102. The CPU 401 executes the OS and various application programs stored in the program ROM of the ROM 403 or loaded from the HDD 411 to the RAM 402. The ROM 403 has a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 402 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 401. The keyboard controller (KBC) 405 controls input from the keyboard (KB) 409 and a pointing device (not shown). The display controller (CRTC) 406 controls display on the display unit (CRT) 410. The disk controller (DKC) 407 controls access to the HDD 411 that stores the boot program, various applications, font data, etc. The network controller (NIC) 412 executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network 100. The bus 404 connects the CPU 401, the RAM 402, the ROM 403, and various controllers, etc., to each other, and transfers data signals and control signals.

[0037] In addition, when the information processing device 102 is a mobile terminal, a touch panel controller or the like may be configured instead of the keyboard controller (KBC) 405. Also, a large-capacity storage device may be provided instead of the HDD 411. Furthermore, the network controller (NIC) 412 may include a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both. Differences due to the internal configuration are concealed inside the network controller (NIC) 412, and the other modules shown in FIG. 4 are configured as equivalents. Also, there may be multiple NICs 412. The information processing device 102 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and appropriately has blocks according to functions that can be realized by devices applied to the information processing device 102.

[0038] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information processing device 102. The boot loader 501 is a program executed immediately after the power of the information processing device 102 is turned on. The boot loader 501 includes a program for executing various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 502 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the information processing device 102. The operating system 502 provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the information processing device 102, i.e., the ROM 403, the RAM 402, the HDD 411, etc.

[0039] The network control program 503 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via the network 100. That is, the network control program 503 controls the NIC 412, and realizes transmission and reception of data and files to and from external devices via the network 100. The network control program 503 accepts a data transmission instruction from another program, and transmits the data to the destination with an appropriate header added.

[0040] The PostScript (PS) printer driver program 504 is a program that transmits a PostScript print job to the image forming apparatus 101. When a print instruction is executed by the operating system 502, a print setting screen provided by the PS printer driver program 504 is displayed on the display unit 410. A user, in an office job or the like, performs any print setting on the print setting screen and then instructs printing. The PS printer driver program 504 converts the print setting and document data into PostScript data, and instructs the image forming apparatus 101 to transmit the data to a destination port that is assigned exclusively to PostScript print jobs. Since the PS printer driver program 504 is a program exclusively for the image forming apparatus 101, the destination port is held within the program. The network control program 503 transmits the data with a header including the destination port so that the receiving side can determine the program to process the data.

[0041] The workflow management program 505 is a program for managing in-house printing operations in the image forming apparatus 101. It is configured to be able to register and manage different types of image forming apparatuses 101 and sort the input of print jobs. Standard specifications of JDF and JMF (Job Messaging Format) are used for sending and receiving data to and from the image forming apparatus 101. Therefore, even if the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 101 is different, it is possible to issue the same print instruction using the same JMF data and JDF data. The image forming apparatus 101 defines an address and destination port for accepting JDF jobs. When registering the image forming apparatus 101 in the workflow management program 505, it is required to input the correct address and destination port. The input address and destination port are stored in the HDD 411 or the RAM 402. When an arbitrary print setting and a print instruction are issued in the workflow management program 505, the workflow management program 505 creates JDF data from the specified print setting. Then, the workflow management program 505 instructs the network control program 1303 to append a header including the stored address and destination port to the data and transmit it.

[0042] LIPS printer driver program 506 is a program that transmits LIPS print jobs to image forming device 101. It differs from PS printer driver program 504 in that the type of print job it creates is LIPS, and that when sending, a port that the image forming device 101 has assigned exclusively to LIPS jobs is specified as the destination port. Normally, there is no need to install two types of printer driver programs for the same image forming device 101. On the other hand, it is necessary to install a printer driver program for each different image forming device.

[0043] The LPR command program 507 is a program that transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 101 by LPR. LPR transmits print data according to standardized specifications. With LPR, data is not created, and the specified original data is transmitted as is. Therefore, detailed print settings cannot be specified, and the original data is printed as is. Note that a print job transmitted by LPR is sometimes called direct printing.

[0044] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing examples of user interface screens displayed on the operation unit 112 of the image forming apparatus 101 in the print processing system of this embodiment. The settings shown on the screens in Fig. 6 and 7 are settings for the entire print processing system, and are valid for all print jobs accepted after the settings are made.

[0045] When, for example, a print job restriction setting button (menu) is selected from a device setting screen (not shown), the control unit 205 displays a print job restriction setting screen 600 of Fig. 6A on the operation unit 112. The print job restriction setting screen 600 is a screen for specifying a print job for which the use of resources such as paper, paper feed tray, and paper output tray is to be restricted.

[0046] Print job type selection displays 601, 602, 603, and 604 are displays for indicating the type of print job. There are "Limit" buttons 605-608 for setting resource usage limits for each print job type. Here, the print job type corresponds to the function used when instructing the execution of printing. For example, a job instructed in JDF becomes a JDF print job, and a job instructed in PostScript becomes a PostScript print job.

[0047] A print job type selection display 601 indicates the job type for which a print instruction was issued using JDF. JDF is an industry standard job ticket that can be used in combination with various page description languages. When print instructions are issued using JDF, the print job type becomes JDF regardless of the page description language. JDF is a standard specification that allows detailed print settings to be described, and information can also be obtained from an image forming device using JMF. Therefore, print settings can be dynamically created without depending on the image forming device. Therefore, in a workflow application that is compatible with various image forming devices, print instructions are issued using JDF.

[0048] The print job type selection display 602 is the job type for which a print instruction was issued using the page description language PostScript. Since PostScript does not have a method for acquiring information from an image forming device, an application cannot dynamically specify print settings in accordance with configuration information. In addition, many print setting items are settings specific to an image forming device or manufacturer. Applications that use PostScript must be individually adapted to an image forming device. For this reason, it is not used in workflow applications, but is used in printer drivers that are compatible with image forming devices and are provided by image forming device manufacturers.

[0049] The print job type selection display 603 is a job type that instructs printing a file directly without converting it into a page description language for printing. For example, there is a method of instructing printing of a PDF file or an image file using LPR. In the case of direct printing, since print settings are not included in the print document, it is necessary to set the print settings in some way. Since the method of setting the print settings depends on the printer, it is not used in workflow applications that do not support individual printers.

[0050] The print job type selection display 604 is the job type for which a print instruction has been issued using the page description language LIPS. LIPS is a manufacturer-specific page description language that is used when issuing print instructions to a printer provided by the manufacturer. Each manufacturer of image forming devices develops its own page description language and uses it for print instructions in printer drivers and the like. Such manufacturer-specific page description languages ​​cannot be used with printers from other manufacturers, and are therefore not used in workflow applications.

[0051] "Limit" buttons 605-608 correspond to print job type selection displays 601-604, respectively. By selecting from the "Limit" buttons 605-608, the user can set a resource usage limit for the corresponding print job type. "No Limit" buttons 609-612 correspond to the print job type selection displays 601-604, respectively. By selecting from the "No Limit" buttons 609-612, the user can set no resource usage limit for the corresponding print job type.

[0052] The "Limit" buttons 605-608 and "Do not limit" buttons 609-612 are selected when selected. When a "Limit" button and a "Do not limit" button for the same print job type are selected, one is always selected and the other is not selected. When a button that is not selected is selected, the selected button is selected and the other is deselected.

[0053] A cancel button 613 is a button for discarding the settings. When the cancel button 613 is selected, the selection operation performed on the limit print job setting screen 600 is discarded, and the screen transitions to the previous screen. An OK button 614 is a button for saving the settings. When the OK button 614 is selected, the current resource usage limit settings are stored in the HDD 209 or RAM 208, and the screen transitions to the previous screen. The next time the limit print job setting screen 600 is displayed, the stored values ​​will be applied.

[0054] When, for example, a paper feed cassette usage restriction setting button (menu) is selected from a device setting screen (not shown), the control unit 205 displays a paper feed cassette usage restriction setting screen 620 of Fig. 6(B) on the operation unit 112. The paper feed cassette usage restriction setting screen 620 is a screen for setting whether or not to permit the use of each paper feed cassette for the print job type for which a resource usage restriction is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600 of Fig. 6(A).

[0055] The paper feed cassette position display 621 indicates the location of each paper feed cassette. The numbers assigned to each paper feed cassette correspond to the numbers displayed in the paper feed cassette selection displays 622-627. The paper feed cassette selection displays 622-627 indicate which paper feed cassette the "Restrict Use" buttons 628-633 and the "No Restrict Use" buttons 634-639 are used to set. For example, the paper feed cassette 1 is set to the "manual feed tray" located on the right side of the printer, as shown in the paper feed cassette selection display 621. The setting is performed using the "Restrict Use" button 628 and the "No Restrict Use" button 634 corresponding to the paper feed cassette selection display 622.

[0056] The "Restrict Use" buttons 628 to 633 correspond to the paper feed cassettes shown in the paper feed cassette selection displays 622 to 627, respectively. In the print job type for which "Restrict" is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600, paper in the paper feed cassette for which "Restrict Use" is selected cannot be used. For example, assume that the "Restrict" button 606 is selected on the restricted print job setting screen 600 to set a resource usage restriction for a PostScript print job. Then, assume that the "Restrict Use" button 628 corresponding to the paper feed cassette 1 is selected to set a usage restriction for the paper feed cassette. In that case, paper in the paper feed cassette 1 cannot be used in the print job for which the print setting is performed in PostScript. On the other hand, the paper feed cassette 1 can be specified in the print setting on the printer driver of the information processing device 102. In the image forming device 101, when a print instruction specified from the information processing device 102 is received, paper is not fed from the paper feed cassette 1, and a paper selection screen of FIG. 7 described later is displayed.

[0057] The "No usage restriction" buttons 634-639 correspond to the paper feed cassettes displayed in the paper feed cassette selection displays 622-627, respectively. A print job type for which "Restrict" has been set on the restricted print job setting screen 600 can use paper from a paper feed cassette for which "No usage restriction" has been set. The "Restrict usage" buttons 628-633 and the "No usage restriction" buttons 634-639 are in an exclusive selection state between buttons corresponding to the same paper feed cassette, and either one can be selected at any one time.

[0058] The cancel button 640 is a button for discarding the settings. When the cancel button 640 is selected, the selection operation performed on the paper feed cassette usage restriction setting screen 620 is discarded and the screen transitions to the previous screen. The OK button 641 is a button for saving the settings. When the OK button 641 is selected, the current settings of the paper feed cassette usage restriction are stored in the RAM 208 and HDD 209, and the screen transitions to the previous screen.

[0059] 6A, assume that "restrict" is set for PostScript used by the printer driver and "no restriction" is set for JDF used by the workflow application. Then, on the paper feed cassette usage restriction setting screen 620, "restrict use" is set for the paper feed cassette containing paper used for in-house printing work. This makes it possible to prevent paper intended for in-house printing work from being mistakenly used in office work without adding additional settings to the application side.

[0060] By selecting, for example, a paper edit button (menu) from a device setting screen (not shown), the control unit 205 displays a paper edit screen 650 in Fig. 6C on the operation unit 112. The paper edit screen 650 is a screen for performing various settings related to paper. A paper edit screen 650 exists for each paper type supported by the image forming apparatus 101.

[0061] In the paper editing screen 650, various paper settings can be made. In Fig. 6(C), there are a name setting section 651, a size setting section 652, a basis weight setting section 653, a surface property setting section 654, a feature setting section 655, a color setting section 656, a number of sheets per set setting section 657, and a use restriction setting section 658. The user can edit the value of each setting section by selecting each setting section. In addition, the setting sections are not limited to those in Fig. 6(C), and other setting sections may be included as long as they include at least the use restriction setting section 658.

[0062] The use restriction setting section 658 is a setting section for setting a use restriction for the paper corresponding to the paper editing screen 650. In the use restriction setting screen 620 for the paper feed cassette, a use restriction is set for the paper feed cassette. In the use restriction setting section 658, a use restriction can be set for the paper. In the image forming apparatus 101, a setting for both may be provided, or a setting for either one may be provided. In the case where a setting for both is provided, when "use restriction" is set for the paper in the use restriction setting section 658 for the paper and the paper is set in the paper feed cassette, the "use restriction" buttons 628 to 633 corresponding to the paper feed cassette are automatically selected. For example, in the case of a custom paper created by a user, "use restriction" may be fixedly set for the paper in the use restriction setting section 658. When "no use restriction" is set for the paper in the use restriction setting section 658 and the paper is set in the paper feed cassette, the use restriction setting set in the paper feed cassette is applied.

[0063] The close button 659 is a button for closing the paper edit screen 650. When the close button 659 is selected, the paper edit screen 650 is closed and the screen transitions to the previous screen. The OK button 660 is a button for saving settings. When the OK button 660 is selected, the settings for the paper are stored in the RAM 208 and HDD 209, and the screen transitions to the previous screen.

[0064] For example, when a discharge tray usage restriction button (menu) is selected from a device setting screen (not shown), the control unit 205 displays a discharge tray usage restriction setting screen 670 of Fig. 6(D) on the operation unit 112. The discharge tray usage restriction setting screen 670 is a screen for setting whether or not to permit the use of each discharge tray for the print job type for which a resource usage restriction is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600 of Fig. 6(A).

[0065] The paper output tray position display 671 indicates the location of each paper output tray. The numbers assigned to each paper output tray correspond to the numbers displayed in the paper output tray selection displays 672 to 676. The paper output tray selection displays 672 to 676 indicate which of the "restrict use" buttons 677 to 680 and "no restriction use" buttons 681 to 685 are used to set which paper output tray.

[0066] The "Restrict Use" buttons 677, 678, 679, and 680 are buttons for setting a use restriction corresponding to the discharge trays indicated by the discharge tray selection displays 672, 673, 674, and 676. In the print job type for which "Restrict" is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600, paper cannot be discharged to the discharge tray for which "Restrict Use" is set. In addition, the "Restrict Use" button is not assigned to the discharge tray selection display 675 corresponding to the discharge tray D. This is because the discharge tray D is a saddle tray, and is always used when using a function that performs saddle processing. If a use restriction is set on a discharge tray that is always used when using such a specific function, the function itself becomes unusable. In such a tray, instead of a use restriction, a warning message is displayed on the operation unit 112 to alert the user to remove paper before executing the print job type for which a use restriction is set, thereby preventing paper for in-house work and office work from being mixed together.

[0067] The "No use restriction" buttons 681 to 685 are buttons for setting "No use restriction" corresponding to the paper output trays shown by the paper output tray selection displays 672 to 676. A print job type for which "Restrict" is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600 can be discharged to a paper output tray for which "No use restriction" is set by using the "No use restriction" buttons 681 to 685.

[0068] The "Restrict Use" buttons 677-680 and the "No Restrict Use" buttons 681-685 are mutually exclusive between the buttons corresponding to the same output tray, and either one of them is selected. Also, the button corresponding to only one output tray is always selected. For example, assume that the "Restrict" button 606 is selected on the limited print job setting screen 600 to set resource usage restriction in PostScript, and the "Restrict Use" button 679 corresponding to output tray C is selected to set usage restriction. In that case, output tray C cannot be used in a print job for which print settings are made in PostScript. When a print job for which output tray C is specified on the printer driver is submitted, the paper is discharged to the output tray specified in the default output tray specification 692 for the print job type for which "Restrict" is set on the default output tray setting screen 690 in FIG. 6E described later.

[0069] For example, when a default paper output tray setting button (menu) is selected from a device setting screen (not shown), the control unit 205 displays a default paper output tray setting screen 690 of Fig. 6(E) on the operation unit 112. The default paper output tray setting screen 690 is a screen for specifying a default paper output tray for each print job for which "restrict resource use" is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600 of Fig. 6(A) and for which "no restriction" is set. The paper output tray display 691 indicates the location of each paper output tray, and is the same as the paper output tray position display 671.

[0070] Default output tray designation 692 for print job types for which "Restrict" has been set is a selection menu for setting a default output tray for print job types for which "Restrict" has been set on the restricted print job setting screen 600. When default output tray designation 692 for print job types for which "Restrict" has been set is selected, a list of output trays is displayed, allowing the user to select an output tray. Output trays included in the output tray list are output trays for which "No use restriction" has been set on the output tray use restriction setting screen 670 in FIG. 6(D). However, output tray D of output tray selection display 675, which does not have a "Restrict use" button, is not included in the selection menu.

[0071] Default output tray designation 693 for print job types for which "no limit" has been set is a selection menu for setting a default output destination for print job types for which "no limit" has been set on the print job restriction setting screen 600. When default output tray designation 693 for print job types for which "no limit" has been set is selected, a list of output trays is displayed, allowing the user to select an output tray. The output trays included in the output tray list are the output trays for which "restrict use" has been set on the output tray usage restriction setting screen 670 in FIG. 6(D).

[0072] If no output tray is specified in the print settings of a print job type for which "no limit" is set, paper is discharged to the output tray set in the default output tray specification 693 for the print job type for which "no limit" is set. Also, if no output tray is specified in the print settings of a print job type for which "limit" is set, paper is discharged to the output tray set in the default output tray specification 692 for the print job type for which "limit" is set.

[0073] The image forming apparatus 101 may have only the default output tray setting screen 690 in FIG. 6E without having the output tray use restriction setting screen 670 in FIG. 6D. Normally, in office work, print settings are rarely changed, so there are cases where an output tray is not specified. For example, the selection menu of the default output tray specification 693 for a print job type for which "no restriction" is set includes all output trays other than the output tray D for which the output tray is automatically determined by the function and the output tray selected in the selection menu of the output tray specification 692 for a print job type for which "restrict" is set. With such a configuration, in the above case, the default output tray for office work can be set to a different output tray from the default output tray for in-house work, and it is possible to prevent papers from being mixed up.

[0074] The cancel button 694 is a button for discarding the settings. When the cancel button 694 is selected, the selection operation performed on the default paper ejection tray setting screen 690 is discarded, and the screen transitions to the previous screen. The OK button 695 is a button for saving the settings. When the OK button 695 is selected, the current default paper ejection tray setting is stored in the RAM 208 and HDD 209, and the screen transitions to the previous screen.

[0075] Assume that a print job is to be printed for a print job type for which a resource usage limit is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600, and for which a paper feed cassette for which "restrict usage" is set on the paper feed cassette usage limit screen 620 is specified. Alternatively, assume that a print job is to be printed for a print job type for which a resource usage limit is set on the restricted print job setting screen 600, and for which a paper sheet for which "restrict usage" is set on the usage limit setting section 658 of the paper editing screen 650 is specified. At this time, the control unit 205 displays the paper selection screen 700 of FIG. 7 on the operation unit 112.

[0076] The paper feed cassette position display 701 is the same as the paper feed cassette position display 621. The designated paper display area 702 displays the paper designated in the print job. The paper feed cassette selection buttons 703 to 708 are buttons for selecting the paper to be used for printing. The paper feed cassette selection buttons 703, 705, and 707 are paper feed cassettes for which "use restriction is applied" is set on the paper feed cassette use restriction screen 620. The buttons of paper feed cassettes for which use restrictions are set are displayed in gray and cannot be selected. In addition, restriction marks 709, 710, and 711 are displayed to indicate the reason why they cannot be selected. Although no use restriction is set for the paper feed cassette 4, the size of the paper does not match that specified in the print job, so the paper feed cassette selection button 706 for the paper feed cassette 4 is displayed as being unselectable. Note that if the paper feed cassette cannot be selected for any reason other than the use restriction being set, the above restriction mark is not displayed. The paper feed cassette selection buttons 703 to 708 are selected by the user. The selection states are mutually exclusive; if one button is selected and another button is selected, that button will also be selected.

[0077] The close button 712 is a button for ending paper selection without selecting paper. When the close button 712 is selected, the screen transitions to the previous screen. Since paper has not been selected, printing cannot continue. It is necessary to select and cancel the print job in question on a print job type selection screen (not shown), or to select paper to continue printing. The OK button 713 is a button for selecting paper and ending paper selection. The OK button 713 is selectable only when any of the paper feed cassette selection buttons 703 to 708 is in a selected state. When the OK button 713 is selected, the paper used for printing is changed to the paper in the paper feed cassette of the selected paper feed cassette selection button, and printing continues.

[0078] The operation instruction display area 714 is an area for displaying messages for instructing the user on the operations required. For example, when a paper for which "restrict use" is set is specified for a print job type for which resource use restriction is set, a message is displayed indicating that a paper for which "restrict use" is set has been specified and that another paper needs to be selected.

[0079] 14 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the CPU 401 of the information processing device 102 when an operation is received from a user via the KB 409 etc. The process in FIG. 14 is realized, for example, by the CPU 401 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 403.

[0080] In S1401, the CPU 401 determines whether the accepted operation is a print instruction in the PS printer driver program 504. A print instruction in the PS printer driver program 504 is issued by selecting a print button on a PS printer driver operation screen (not shown). If it is determined that the operation is a print instruction in the PS printer driver program 504, the process proceeds to S1405, and if it is determined that the operation is not a print instruction in the PS printer driver program 504, the process proceeds to S1402.

[0081] In S1402, the CPU 401 determines whether the accepted operation is a print instruction in the workflow management program 505. A print instruction in the workflow management program 505 is issued by selecting the image forming apparatus 101 registered on a workflow management screen (not shown) and the print job to be printed, and then selecting the print button. If it is determined that the operation is a print instruction in the workflow management program 505, the process proceeds to S1403, and if it is determined that the operation is not a print instruction in the workflow management program 505, the process proceeds to S1407.

[0082] In S1403, the CPU 401 creates JDF data including print settings specified on the screen of the workflow management program 505. Various print specifications are possible for the JDF data. Print specifications for JDF data will be described with reference to FIG. 10. After the JDF data is created, the process proceeds to S1404.

[0083] In S1404, CPU 401 transmits the JDF data created in S1403, the default print instruction JMF data, and the document data assigned to the print job as print data to the selected image forming apparatus 101. When registering the image forming apparatus 101, workflow management program 505 has the user specify the IP address and destination port at which the image forming apparatus 101 accepts JDF data, and stores these in HDD 411 or RAM 402. After transmitting the print data including the JDF data, the processing in FIG. 14 ends.

[0084] In S1405, CPU 401 converts the print settings specified on the screen of PS printer driver program 504 and the specified manuscript data into PostScript data. Unlike JDF data, PostScript data contains print settings and manuscript data in one file. The PostScript data created by the printer driver differs for each type of image forming apparatus 101. Since PS printer driver program 504 is a program dedicated to image forming apparatus 101, it is able to create appropriate PostScript data. After creating the PostScript data, the process proceeds to S1406. Printing specifications for PostScript data will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0085] In S1406, CPU 401 transmits the PostScript data created in S1405 to image forming apparatus 101 via a default destination port as print data. PS printer driver program 504 prompts the user to specify the IP address of image forming apparatus 101 at the time of installation, and stores the IP address in HDD 411 or RAM 402. Since PS printer driver program 504 is an application dedicated to image forming apparatus 101, the destination port is held internally by the program and does not need to be input by the user. After transmitting the print data including the PostScript data, the processing in FIG. 14 ends.

[0086] In S1407, the CPU 401 determines whether the accepted operation is a print instruction in the LIPS printer driver program 506. A print instruction in the LIPS printer driver program 506 is issued by selecting a print button on a LIPS printer driver operation screen (not shown). If it is determined that the print instruction is in the LIPS printer driver program 506, the process proceeds to S1408, and if it is determined that the print instruction is not in the LIPS printer driver program 506, the process proceeds to S1409.

[0087] In S1408, the CPU 401 converts the print settings and the specified manuscript data on the screen of the LIPS printer driver program 506 into LIPS data. Like PostScript data, the LIPS data contains the print settings and manuscript data in one file. After the LIPS data is created, the process proceeds to S1410.

[0088] In S1410, CPU 401 transmits the LIPS data created in S1408 to image forming apparatus 101 via a default destination port as print data. When LIPS printer driver program 506 is installed, the user is prompted to specify the IP address of image forming apparatus 101, and this address is stored in HDD 411 or RAM 402. Since LIPS printer driver program 506 is an application dedicated to image forming apparatus 101, the destination port is held internally by the program and does not need to be input by the user. After image forming apparatus 101 transmits the print data including the LIPS data, the processing in FIG. 14 ends.

[0089] In step S1409, the CPU 1201 determines whether the received operation is a print instruction by an LPR command. If it is determined that the operation is a print instruction by an LPR command, the process proceeds to step S1411. If it is determined that the operation is not a print instruction by an LPR command, the process in FIG. 14 ends.

[0090] In S1411, the CPU 1201 transmits the specified document file as print data to the image forming apparatus 101 using the LPR protocol. In the LPR command, port 515 is set as the destination port. In the LPR command, the specified document file is transmitted as is. After transmitting the print data including the document file, the process in FIG. 14 ends.

[0091] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing processing performed when the control unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 101 accepts a print job via the external I / F 202. The processing in Fig. 8 is realized, for example, by the CPU of the control unit 205 reading a program stored in the ROM 207 into the RAM 208 and executing the program.

[0092] In S801, the control unit 205 determines the destination program of the received data. As described above, the destination port is different for each print job type, so the destination program can be determined by the destination port. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that a destination port is assigned to each print job type. The network control program 303 refers to the destination port stored in the header of the received data and determines the destination program that processes the data. For example, if the destination port is 8080, the network control program 303 passes the received data to the JDF analysis program 306. Similarly, if the destination port is 9100, the network control program 303 passes the received data to the PostScript data analysis program 305. If the destination port is 9200, the network control program 303 passes the received data to the LIPS data analysis program 309. If the destination port is 515, the network control program 303 passes the received data to the PDF data analysis program 307. After passing the data to the destination program, the process proceeds to S802.

[0093] In S802, the control unit 205 analyzes the data using the analysis program that received the data. However, it is not necessary to analyze everything at this timing, and it is sufficient to analyze only the amount of data required to create a print job. After the analysis, the process proceeds to S803.

[0094] In S803, the control unit 205 creates a print job using the print control program 304. A print job is created with a print job type that is supported by the program that analyzed the data. For example, in the case of the PostScript data analysis program 305, a PostScript print job is created. In the case of the JDF analysis program 306, a JDF print job is created. In the case of the LIPS data analysis program 309, a LIPS print job is created. In the case of the PDF data analysis program 307, a direct printing print job is created. Note that if not all the print data was analyzed in S802, analysis is performed sequentially according to the instructions of the print control program 304. After the print job is created, the process proceeds to S804.

[0095] In S804, the control unit 205 refers to the restricted print job settings stored in the RAM 208. The restricted print job settings are information set on the restricted print job setting screen 600 in Fig. 6(A). The control unit 205 then determines whether the print job to be executed is a print job type for which "restrict" has been set. If it is determined that the print job type is a print job type for which "restrict" has been set, the process proceeds to S805, and if it is determined that the print job type is not a print job type for which "restrict" has been set, the process proceeds to S808.

[0096] In S805, the control unit 205 refers to the paper designation included in the result of the analysis in S802, the paper feed tray / paper use restriction settings stored in the RAM 208, and the paper information of the paper feed tray managed by the media management program 308. The paper feed tray use restriction settings are information set on the paper feed tray use restriction setting screen 620 in FIG. 6B. The paper use restriction settings are information set on the paper edit screen 650 in FIG. 6C. The control unit 205 then determines whether or not the condition "is the paper designated in the print job paper in a paper feed tray set to "restrict" or paper set to "use restriction" by the use restriction setting unit 658" is satisfied. If it is determined that the above condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S806. If it is determined that the above condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S808.

[0097] 7 on the operation unit 112. Then, the process proceeds to S807. In S807, the control unit 205 determines whether or not a paper sheet has been selected on the paper selection screen 700. If it is determined that a paper sheet has been selected, the process proceeds to S808, and if it is determined that a paper sheet has not been selected, the process proceeds to S810.

[0098] In S808, the control unit 205 performs a process for determining the paper output tray. The process for determining the paper output process will be described with reference to FIG. 9. After the paper output tray is determined, the process proceeds to S809. In S809, the control unit 205 starts printing. In printing, the paper analyzed in S802 or the paper selected on the paper selection screen 700 is used, and the paper is output to the paper output tray determined in S808. After printing is completed, the process in FIG. 8 ends.

[0099] In S810, the control unit 205 determines whether or not a job cancel operation has been performed on a print job display screen (not shown). If it is determined that a job cancel operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S811. If it is determined that a job cancel operation has not been performed, the process repeats from S807. In S811, the control unit 205 cancels the print job. The print control program 304 stops printing and deletes the interrupted print job. After canceling the print job, the process in FIG. 8 ends.

[0100] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table 1500 between destination ports and programs defined in the image forming apparatus 101. The network control unit program 303 refers to the correspondence table 1500 for the destination port of received data, and determines a program to which the data is to be delivered.

[0101] A destination port 1501 indicates a port number for specifying a program to which data is to be delivered. In the correspondence table 1500, only port numbers to which a destination program 1502 is assigned are stored, and port numbers to which a destination program 1502 is not assigned are not stored.

[0102] A destination program 1502 indicates a program for processing data. When the network control unit program 303 receives data with a matching destination port, it passes the data to the corresponding destination program 1502.

[0103] Destination port 1503 is associated with JDF analysis program 306. Destination port 1504 is associated with PostScript data analysis program 305. Destination port 1505 is associated with LIPS data analysis program 309. Destination port 1506 is associated with PDF data analysis program 307. Each program specifies a corresponding destination port when started. Network control unit program 303 stores the specified destination port in correspondence table 1500, and when receiving data, references correspondence table 1500 to the destination port specified in the data and passes the received data to the corresponding program.

[0104] 9 is a flowchart showing the discharge tray determination process executed by the control unit 205 in S808. In S901, the control unit 205 determines whether or not a discharge tray is specified in the print data analyzed in S802. If it is determined that a discharge tray is specified, the process proceeds to S903, and if it is determined that a discharge tray is not specified, the process proceeds to S902.

[0105] In S902, the control unit 205 refers to the print job restriction setting stored in the RAM 208. The print job restriction setting is information set on the print job restriction setting screen 600 in Fig. 6A. The control unit 205 determines whether the received print job is a print job type for which "restrict" has been set. If it is determined that the print job type is a print job type for which "restrict" has been set, the process proceeds to S906, and if it is determined that the print job type is not a print job type for which "restrict" has been set, the process proceeds to S905.

[0106] In S905, the control unit 205 refers to the default output tray setting. The default output tray setting is information set on the default output tray setting screen 690 in Fig. 6(E). The control unit 205 determines the default output tray 693 set for the print job type for which "no limit" is set as the output tray to be used. Then, the process in Fig. 9 ends.

[0107] In S906, the control unit 205 refers to the default output tray setting. The default output tray setting is information set on the default output tray setting screen 690 in Fig. 6(E). The control unit 205 determines the default output tray 692 set for the print job type for which "Limit" is set as the output tray to be used. Then, the process in Fig. 9 ends.

[0108] In this embodiment, with the above-described configuration, when no output tray is specified, the output tray can be made to differ between print job types for which "restrict" is set and print job types for which "restrict" is not set.

[0109] In S903, the control unit 205 refers to the print job restriction setting stored in the RAM 208. The print job restriction setting is information set on the print job restriction setting screen 600 in Fig. 6A. The control unit 205 determines whether the received print job is a print job type for which "restrict" has been set. If it is determined that the print job type is a print job type for which "restrict" has been set, the process proceeds to S904, and if it is determined that the print job type is not a print job type for which "restrict" has been set, the process proceeds to S907.

[0110] In S904, the control unit 205 refers to the use restriction setting of the discharge tray stored in the RAM 208. The use restriction setting of the discharge tray is information set on the use restriction setting screen 670 of the discharge tray in FIG. 6D. The control unit 205 then determines whether the discharge tray specified in the print job is a discharge tray for which "use restriction" is set. If it is determined that the discharge tray is a discharge tray for which "use restriction" is set, the process proceeds to S906, and if it is determined that the discharge tray is not a discharge tray for which "use restriction" is set, the process proceeds to S907.

[0111] In this embodiment, with the above-described configuration, when a print job type is set to "restrict", it is possible to prevent the use of an output tray for which "restrict use" is set.

[0112] In S907, the control unit 205 determines the paper discharge tray designated in the accepted print job as the paper discharge tray to be used, and then ends the process in FIG.

[0113] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a paper specification and a paper output tray specification in the JDF 1000. Many settings can be configured in the JDF, but only the relevant items will be explained here.

[0114] The JDF output tray specification section 1001 is a section for describing a command for specifying an output tray. Values ​​that can be specified in the JDF output tray specification section 1001 can be obtained by using JMF, so the workflow application does not need to support each image forming apparatus individually. The workflow application only needs to obtain the output tray using JMF and make the obtained value selectable on the job setting screen. If the JDF output tray specification section 1001 is not specified, it is determined in S901 of FIG. 9 that no output tray is specified.

[0115] The JDF paper specification section 1002 is a section for entering a command for specifying paper. There are various methods for specifying paper in JDF. The example shown here is an example in which specification is made using the JDF paper size specification section 1003 and the paper feed tray specification section 1004. However, specification may be made using other specification methods. The JDF paper size specification section 1003 is a section for entering a command for specifying the paper size. In JDF, the size is specified using a point value. In the example of FIG. 10(A), A4 size is specified.

[0116] A JDF paper feed tray specification field 1004 is an area for writing commands for specifying the paper to be used by the paper feed tray. Values ​​that can be specified in the JDF paper feed tray specification field 1004 can be acquired by using JMF, so the workflow application does not need to support each image forming device individually. The workflow application can simply acquire the paper feed tray by JMF and make the acquired value selectable on the job setting screen.

[0117] 10B is a diagram showing an example of PostScript 1010 that specifies the paper type and the output tray. Since PostScript includes the image data itself, it contains a lot of information, but only the relevant items will be extracted and explained here.

[0118] The PostScript output tray specification section 1011 is a section for describing a command for specifying the output tray for the paper to be used. Unlike JDF, PostScript does not have a method for acquiring information about the image forming device from the image forming device. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire configuration information about the image forming device using another method possessed by the image forming device and determine which output tray is attached. Also, since the specification value for the output tray needs to be stored in a separate table or the like, the application that submits the print job needs to support each image forming device individually. Therefore, PostScript is often used in printer drivers prepared by printer vendors, etc., but is not used in workflow applications.

[0119] The PostScript paper size specification field 1012 is an area where a command for specifying a paper size is entered. In PostScript, the size is specified by a point value. In the example of FIG. 10(B), A4 size is specified. The PostScript paper feed tray specification field 1013 is an area where a command for specifying a paper feed tray is entered. As with the output tray, the application that submits the print job needs to be individually adapted to the image forming device.

[0120] As described above, in this embodiment, for example, the print job type used by the workflow application is set to "unrestricted" and the print job type used by the printer driver is set to "restricted". Then, "restrict use" is set for the paper feed cassette containing paper used only for in-house printing work. As a result, it is possible to prevent expensive paper for in-house printing work from being used by employees who only do office work. In addition, because paper is discharged to different paper discharge trays for in-house printing work and office work, it is possible to prevent paper from being taken away by employees who do office work. In addition, no changes are required on the workflow application side. Therefore, commercially available workflow applications can be used without modification.

[0121] Also, in FIG. 6A, it has been described that each print job type is set to "Limit" or "No Limit". These settings may be used for purposes other than printing. For example, the number of printed pages and ink consumption may be tallied for each print job type set to "Limit" and for each print job type set to "No Limit". This makes it possible to manage costs for each task.

[0122] Also, the print job received from the information processing device 102 may include information as to whether or not to permit the use of paper feed trays or paper for which "restrict use" is set. Then, in S805 of FIG. 8, the control unit 205 may refer to that information. If the information indicates that it is permitted, the paper feed trays or paper for which "restrict use" is set may be made usable even if the print job is a print job type for which "restrict use" is set. That is, in S805, it may be determined that the conditions are not satisfied. With such a configuration, control for each print job can be realized.

[0123] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus 101 executes a store print function that starts printing after performing authentication and the like when it receives a print job. The store print function is executed for the purpose of repeat printing, for example.

[0124] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the process when the control unit 205 receives a print job via the external I / F 202. The process in Fig. 11 is realized, for example, by the CPU of the control unit 205 reading a program stored in the ROM 207 into the RAM 208 and executing it. In the process in Fig. 11, it is determined whether the received print job is to be stored for storage printing or printed, and if it is to be stored, it is stored in association with the print job type.

[0125] S1101 and S1102 are the same as S801 and S802 in Fig. 8, so their explanation will be omitted. However, if the print job itself can specify a stored print, the data analyzed in S1102 includes a portion that specifies whether or not it is a stored print job. After the analysis, the process proceeds to S1103.

[0126] In S1103, the control unit 205 determines whether or not the print job is designated as a stored print job. Various methods can be applied to designate the print job as a stored print job. When the image forming apparatus 101 side forcibly stores the print job for storage print, a forced storage setting screen (not shown) may be set to store all print jobs for storage print. The setting information on the forced storage setting screen is stored in the RAM 208. The control unit 205 acquires the setting stored in the RAM 208 when the print job is received, and determines that the print job is designated as a stored print job if the setting is set to store all print jobs for storage print. In addition, the control unit 205 may determine whether or not the print job is designated as a stored print job based on the part that designates whether or not the print job is a stored print job. If it is determined in S1103 that the print job is designated as a stored print job, the process proceeds to S1105, and if it is determined that the print job is not designated as a stored print job, the process proceeds to S1104. In S1104, an immediate print process is performed. In S1104, for example, the process from S803 onward in FIG. 8 is executed. After S1104, the process in FIG. 11 ends.

[0127] In S1105, the control unit 205 creates a stored print job. A typical method for creating a stored print job may be used for the process of S1105. The stored print job may be stored after analyzing the print data or may be stored as is, and either method may be used. The control unit 205 stores the analyzed print data or the unanalyzed print data in the HDD 209. After creating the stored print job, the process proceeds to S1106.

[0128] In S1106, the control unit 205 associates the print job type corresponding to the destination program determined in S1101 with the stored print job created in S1105, and stores the print job type in the HDD 209. After that, the process in FIG. 11 ends.

[0129] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 205 when accepting an operation to print a stored print job. The processing of Fig. 12 is realized, for example, by the CPU of the control unit 205 reading a program stored in the ROM 207 into the RAM 208 and executing it. The processing of Fig. 12 is started when the stored print job print designation screen 1300 of Fig. 13 is displayed.

[0130] In S1201, the control unit 205 determines whether an operation to select a stored print job from the stored print job list has been received. The selection operation will be described with reference to FIG. 13. If it is determined that the selection operation has been received, the process proceeds to S1202, and if it is determined that the selection operation has not been received, the process proceeds to S1205. Note that at the time of proceeding to S1202, the stored print job is not in a selected state on the stored print job print designation screen 1300. Here, the selected state refers to a state in which the user can recognize the selection, such as a change in display, for example.

[0131] In S1202, the control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a stored print job that has already been selected in the stored print job list. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to S1203, and if it is determined that there is not, the process proceeds to S1204.

[0132] In S1203, the control unit 205 refers to the print job restriction setting stored in the RAM 208. The print job restriction setting is information set on the print job restriction setting screen 600 in FIG. 6A. The control unit 205 then determines whether or not the following condition is met: "The print job type stored in association with the stored print job selected in S1201 and the print job type of the print job that is already in a selected state are both set to 'restrict', or both are set to 'not restrict'." If it is determined that the above condition is met, the process proceeds to S1204, and if it is determined that the above condition is not met, the process from S1201 is repeated. The determination in S1203 is made based on the print job type stored in association with the stored print job in S1106.

[0133] In S1204, the control unit 205 places the stored print job for which the selection operation was accepted in S1201 in a selected state. After placing the stored print job in a selected state, the process proceeds to S1205. In S1205, the control unit 205 determines whether or not "start printing" has been selected. The selection operation for "start printing" will be described with reference to FIG. 13. If it is determined that "start printing" has been selected, the process proceeds to S1206, and if it is determined that "start printing" has not been selected, the process repeats from S1201.

[0134] In S1206, the control unit 205 sets the print job type of the print job in the selected state to the print job type stored in association with the stored print job in S1106. Then, the process proceeds to S1207.

[0135] In S1207, the control unit 205 performs print job printing processing. The print job printing processing is the same as that described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. In S801, the destination program is determined using the print job type stored in association with the stored print job in S1106. The determination result is used for the determinations in S804, S902, and S903. Thereafter, the processing in Fig. 12 ends.

[0136] In this manner, in this embodiment, the print job type corresponding to the destination program determined in S1101 is stored in the HDD 209 in association with the stored print job created in S1105. Then, in S1106, the print job type stored in association with the stored print job is used in the subsequent determinations. With such a configuration, even in the case of stored print, it is possible to prevent the misuse of paper between the in-house printing business and the office business, and the mixing of paper in the paper output tray. Furthermore, based on the determination in S1203, the control unit 205 prevents the print job type set to "Limit" and the print job type set to "Not Limit" from being simultaneously selected. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the in-house printing business and the office business from being printed together.

[0137] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print instruction screen 1300 for a stored print job that the control unit 205 displays on the operation unit 112. The user can print the stored print job by operating the print instruction screen 1300 for the stored print job. The print instruction screen 1300 for the stored print job is displayed, for example, by selecting a stored print job display button (not shown) or as the first screen after authentication using an ID card or the like.

[0138] Stored print job list 1301 is an area for displaying a list of stored print jobs. In FIG. 13, four stored print jobs 1302, 1303, 1304, and 1305 are displayed. Stored print jobs 1302 to 1305 are selection buttons for stored print jobs. A user's press is a selection operation for a stored print job, and in S1201 it is determined that the selection operation for the stored print job has been accepted. In S1204, the stored print job for which the selection operation has been accepted is in a selected state. In FIG. 13, one stored print job 1303 is in a selected state (a state in which the selection can be recognized by the user). The user can cancel the selected state by selecting the selected stored print job 1303 again.

[0139] Indications 1306 and 1307 indicating that the print job is set to "restrict" are displayed when the print job type stored in association with the stored print job in S1106 is a print job type for which "restrict" is set in the restricted print job setting stored in RAM 208. As described in Fig. 12, by controlling so that a print job type for which "restrict" is set and a job type for which "not restrict" is set cannot be printed simultaneously, it is possible to prevent the printed materials from being mixed up. When stored print jobs 1302 and 1304 for which indications 1306 and 1307 are displayed are in a selected state, stored print jobs 1303 and 1305 for which the indications are not displayed cannot be in a selected state.

[0140] The close button 1308 is a button for ending the print instruction screen 1300 of the stored print job without printing. When the close button 1308 is selected, the screen transitions to the previous screen. The print button 1309 is a button for printing the selected stored print job. The print button 1309 is selectable only when any of the stored print jobs 1302 to 1305 is in a selected state. When the print button 1309 is selected, the processes of Figs. 8 and 9 are executed. The print job type used in this determination is the print job type stored in S1106 in association with the selected stored print job.

[0141] As described above, according to this embodiment, the print job type determined when a print job is received is stored in association with the stored print job. By using this for subsequent determinations, it is possible to prevent the misuse of paper between in-house printing work and office work and the mixing of paper in the paper output tray even in the stored print. Furthermore, by making it impossible to simultaneously select in-house printing work and stored print jobs for office work when printing a stored print job, it is possible to prevent the printed materials from being mixed up.

[0142] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0143] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following image forming apparatus, method, and program. (Item 1) a first setting means for setting a type of print job for which resource usage is restricted; a second setting means for setting a resource the use of which by the print job of the type set by the first setting means is restricted; A receiving means for receiving a print job; a change means for changing resources designated in the print job received by said receiving means based on the settings made by said second setting means when the print job received by said receiving means is a print job of the type set by said first setting means; Equipped with the change means changes the resources specified in the print job received by the receiving means so as to be different from the resources set by the second setting means. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: (Item 2) 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the resource is a tray or a cassette for storing sheets. (Item 3) 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the resource is a sheet. (Item 4) A first display control means for displaying a selection screen on a display unit on which a resource can be selected, the change means changes the resource designated in the print job received by the reception means to the resource selected on the selection screen; 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, (Item 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to item 4, wherein the resource set by the second setting unit cannot be selected on the selection screen. (Item 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource is a discharge tray onto which a sheet is discharged. (Item 7) a third setting means for setting a default output tray in association with a type of print job for which resource usage is restricted; a fourth setting means for setting a default output tray in association with a type of print job for which the use of resources is not restricted; 7. The image forming apparatus according to item 6, further comprising: (Item 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to item 7, wherein the default discharge tray set by the third setting unit and the default discharge tray set by the fourth setting unit are different from each other. (Item 9) The image forming apparatus described in item 7 or 8, characterized in that if an output tray is not specified in the print job received by the receiving means, a default output tray set by the third setting means or the fourth setting means is specified based on whether the print job received by the receiving means is a print job of the type set by the first setting means. (Item 10) The image forming apparatus of any one of items 7 to 9, characterized in that if an output tray is specified for the print job received by the receiving means, and the print job received by the receiving means is a print job of a type set by the first setting means, and the specified output tray is a resource set by the second setting means, the output tray is changed to the default output tray set by the third setting means. (Item 11) 11. The image forming apparatus according to item 10, wherein the output tray specified in the print job received by the receiving means is a resource set by the fourth setting means. (Item 12) The image forming apparatus described in any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the type of print job to be set by the first setting means includes at least one of JDF (Job Definition Format), PostScript, direct printing, and LIPS (LBP Image Processing System). (Item 13) 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 12, further comprising a printing unit that executes a printing process based on the print job received by the receiving unit and the resources changed by the changing unit. (Item 14) a storage means for storing the print job received by the receiving means as a stored print job; a second display control means for causing a display unit to display a list of stored print jobs held by the holding means; Further equipped with The printing means executes a printing process based on the stored print job selected from the list. Item 14. The image forming apparatus according to item 13, (Item 15) The printing job information acquisition unit may further include an acquisition unit for acquiring a type of the print job received by the receiving unit. the storage means stores the type of the print job acquired by the acquisition means in association with the stored print job; 15. The image forming apparatus according to item 14, (Item 16) 16. The image forming apparatus according to item 14 or 15, wherein the second display control means makes it impossible to select a plurality of stored print jobs in the list when a condition is satisfied. (Item 17) 17. The image forming apparatus according to item 16, wherein the condition is that the plurality of stored print jobs include a print job for which resource usage is restricted and a print job for which resource usage is not restricted. (Item 18) 1. A method performed in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a first setting step for setting a type of print job for which resource usage is to be restricted; a second setting step of setting resources to be restricted from use by the print job of the type set in the first setting step; a receiving step of receiving a print job; a changing step of changing resources designated in the print job received in the receiving step based on the setting in the second setting step, when the print job received in the receiving step is the print job of the type set in the first setting step; having In the changing step, the resources designated in the print job received in the receiving step are changed so as not to be the resources set in the second setting step. A method comprising: (Item 19) 18. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 17.

[0144] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 101 image forming apparatus: 102 information processing apparatus: 205 control unit: 207 ROM: 208 RAM

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of receiving multiple types of print jobs, A setting means for setting whether or not to allow the use of a sheet from a predetermined paper feed section for each type of print job, When a print job is received that is set to use the sheet of the predetermined paper feed section, a control means controls the execution of the received print job based on the type of the received print job and the setting by the setting means, Equipped with, The control means, when the type of the received print job is set to a type that does not permit the use of the sheet of the predetermined paper feed unit, controls the printing process based on the received print job to be performed using a sheet of the paper feed unit that has been changed from the sheet of the predetermined paper feed unit as the sheet to be used for the print job. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling the display unit to display a setting screen that allows the user to set whether or not to permit the use of a predetermined sheet in the paper feed unit for each type of print job.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second setting means for setting an output tray from which a sheet is discharged for each type of print job.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the second setting means sets a default output tray in correspondence with the type of print job that does not permit the use of the sheet in the predetermined paper feed section, and sets a default output tray in correspondence with the type of print job that permits the use of the sheet in the predetermined paper feed section.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the default output tray set in correspondence with the type of print job that does not permit the use of the sheet in the predetermined paper feed section and the default output tray set in correspondence with the type of print job that permits the use of the sheet in the predetermined paper feed section are different from each other.

6. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the type of print job to be set by the setting means includes at least one of JDF (Job Definition Format), PostScript, direct printing, and LIPS (LBP Image Processing System).

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second display control means that receives a print job set to use a sheet from a predetermined paper feed unit, and if the type of the print job is of a type that does not permit the use of a sheet from the predetermined paper feed unit, controls the display unit to display a selection screen on the display unit that allows the user to select a sheet from the paper feed unit to be used by the print job instead of the sheet from the predetermined paper feed unit.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the selection screen is a screen that displays a message indicating that the use of the sheet in the predetermined paper feed section is not permitted.

9. A holding means for holding the received print job as a stored print job, A display control means that controls the display unit to display a list of the stored print jobs held by the holding means, Furthermore, The control means performs control on the stored print jobs selected in the above list. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

10. Further comprising acquisition means for acquiring the type of the received print job, The holding means holds the type of print job acquired by the acquisition means in association with the stored print job. The image forming apparatus according to feature 9.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the display control means controls the selection of a plurality of stored print jobs in the list to be disabled when a condition is met.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the condition includes print jobs that do not permit the use of sheets in the predetermined paper feed section and print jobs that permit the use of sheets in the predetermined paper feed section.

13. A method to be performed in an image forming apparatus capable of receiving multiple types of print jobs, A setting process to set whether or not to allow the use of a specific sheet in the paper feed section for each type of print job, When a print job is received that is set to use the sheet of the predetermined paper feed section, a control step is performed to control the execution of the received print job based on the type of the received print job and the settings in the setting step, It has, In the control step, if the type of the received print job is set to a type that does not permit the use of the sheet in the predetermined paper feed unit, the control is performed to execute the printing process based on the received print job using a sheet in the paper feed unit that has been changed from the sheet in the predetermined paper feed unit as the sheet to be used for the print job. A method characterized by the following:

14. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. An image forming apparatus capable of receiving print jobs from multiple types of applications, The paper feeding section, A setting means for setting whether to allow each application to use a sheet from a predetermined paper feed section, Based on the settings by the setting means, a control means controls print jobs that are set to use the sheets of the predetermined paper feed unit and received from a first application that is permitted to use the sheets of the predetermined paper feed unit to be executed using the sheets of the predetermined paper feed unit, and controls print jobs that are set to use the sheets of the predetermined paper feed unit and received from a second application that is not permitted to use the sheets of the predetermined paper feed unit not to be executed using the sheets of the predetermined paper feed unit. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

Images