Image forming device and printing system

Abstract

To provide an image forming device capable of managing print jobs for each print job owner.SOLUTION: An image forming device is provided with: a print job acquisition unit configured to acquire a print job; a print job management unit configured to store, when owner discrimination information based on which an individual is uniquely discriminable is added to the print job, the print job in a storage destination determined according to the owner discrimination information; and a display unit configured to display storage destination information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional image forming device is disclosed that receives print data and setting data from a host device and performs reprinting based on the print data and setting data. In the image forming device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the setting data includes at least one of print setting information, path information for identifying the print data, a job ID, a thumbnail of the print data, a host name, reprint-authorized user information, print date and time, and confidential information. (Patent Document 1) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-218649 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a printing system, print data may be sent from multiple host devices to an image forming device by the operation of the same person. In that case, in the image forming device disclosed in Patent Document 1, print jobs cannot be managed for each owner of the print job, so the setting data corresponding to the print data may differ depending on the host device. Therefore, in the image forming device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order for a user to select print data, it is necessary to input search conditions indicating setting data corresponding to the desired print data. Therefore, in the image forming device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for a user to store setting data corresponding to the desired print data. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide an image forming device and a printing system that can manage print jobs for each owner of the print job. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a print job acquisition unit that acquires a print job, a print job management unit that stores the print job in a storage destination determined by the owner identification information if the print job is accompanied by owner identification information that can uniquely identify an individual, and a display unit that displays the storage destination information.

[0006] A printing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image forming device and an information terminal which transmits a print job to the image forming device, and the image forming device is equipped with a print job acquisition unit which acquires the print job from the information terminal, a print job management unit which stores the print job in a storage destination determined by the owner identification information which can uniquely identify an individual when the print job is added to the print job, and a display control unit which displays the storage destination information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an overall configuration of a printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a print job. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a structure of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a print job table. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the information terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a setting screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for storing a print job in a folder in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10]10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing subsequent to that in FIG. 9 in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for selecting a print job in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing subsequent to that in FIG. 11 in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen transition on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] First embodiment The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a printing system 1. The printing system 1 includes an information terminal 101 and an image forming apparatus 102. The information terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 are connected via a wired or wireless network. For example, the network is the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0010] The information terminal 101 is a terminal device operated by a user. For example, the information terminal 101 is a smartphone, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a desktop PC, etc. The information terminal 101 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0011] The image forming device 102 includes a means for printing print data. The image forming device 102 stores print jobs sent from the information terminal 101, and when a print operation is received, executes processing to print the print data added to the selected print job. The image forming device 102 executes processing to print the print data, thereby forming a multi-color or monochrome image on a predetermined sheet of paper in accordance with the print data.

[0012] For example, the printing system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an information terminal 101a having a terminal name of PC A, an information terminal 101b having a terminal name of Phone B, and an image forming apparatus 102.

[0013] For example, when multiple users share information terminal 101a, assume that one user logs in to information terminal 101a with a shared user name, and information terminal 101a transmits print job 103a to image forming device 102. Furthermore, assume that the same user logs in to information terminal 101b, and information terminal 101b transmits print job 103b to image forming device 102. Assume that image forming device 102 stores print job 103a and print job 103b in storage destinations determined for each sender. In this case, for print job 103a and print job 103b, the user needs to remember the senders of print job 103a and print job 103b in order to specify the print job that the user is the owner of.

[0014] However, the image forming apparatus 102 stores the print jobs 103a and 103b in a storage destination determined for each owner of the print jobs. Therefore, when performing a printing operation, the user can easily specify the print jobs 103a and 103b owned by the user without remembering the sender of the print job 103a and the sender of the print job 103b.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information terminal 101. The information terminal 101 includes a network controller 201, an operation unit 202, a display unit 203, a memory 204, and a control unit 205.

[0016] The network controller 201 connects to a network and communicates with the image forming apparatus 102 .

[0017] The operation unit 202 receives operations by a user and is configured with, for example, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

[0018] The display unit 203 displays information to be presented to the user. For example, the display unit 203 is configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or the like.

[0019] The memory 204 is a storage medium capable of storing various data, programs, etc. The memory 204 is configured, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0020] The control unit 205 executes various processes in accordance with the programs stored in the memory 204. For example, the control unit 205 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0021] Based on a user operation received by the operation unit 202, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 203 to display a screen that allows the user to select print data to be printed. The control unit 205 then generates a print job to which the selected print data is added. The control unit 205 then transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 102 via the network controller 201. The print data indicates data in a page description language format. Furthermore, user information is added to the print job. The user information indicates at least one of a terminal name assigned to the information terminal 101 that is the sender of the print job and a user name indicating the user of the information terminal 101.

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit 205 can add owner identification information to the print job. The owner identification information indicates information that can uniquely identify an individual. For example, the owner identification information indicates a user account, biometric information, etc., that is different from a user name that indicates the user of the information terminal 101. For example, the user account indicated by the owner identification information is identification information assigned to an individual in order to use a service, etc. that is not linked to the information terminal 101. Furthermore, for example, the biometric information indicated by the owner identification information is a feature amount detected from a face image, a feature amount detected from fingerprint data, etc.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a print job. A print job name, user information, owner identification information, and print data are added to a print job 301 shown in Fig. 3. The print job name is a name assigned to the print job.

[0024] The user information added to the print job 301 indicates a pair of a user name and a terminal name. The user name indicated by the user information indicates the name of the user logged in to the information terminal 101. The terminal name indicated by the user information indicates the name set in the information terminal 101 and assigned to the information terminal 101. The owner determination information added to the print job 301 indicates a pair of owner determination data and a type of the owner determination data. The owner determination data indicated by the owner determination information is data indicating information that makes it possible to uniquely identify an individual who is the owner of the print job.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the image forming apparatus 102. Fig. 4 shows a portion corresponding to the printer controller 503 shown in Fig. 5. Note that the structure of the image forming apparatus 102 shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example of the structure of the image forming apparatus 102, and is not intended to limit the structure of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 102 includes an exposure unit 11, developing devices 12a to 12d, photoconductor drums 13a to 13d, cleaner units 14a to 14d, chargers 15a to 15d, an intermediate transfer belt unit 18, a paper feed tray 20, a fixing unit 22, a paper discharge tray 29, and the like.

[0027] The exposure unit 11 is configured using a laser scanning unit including a laser irradiation section and a reflecting mirror. The exposure unit 11 may be configured using an EL (Electro Luminescence) or LED (Light Emitting Diode) writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array.

[0028] The photoconductor drums 13a to 13d are uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the chargers 15a to 15d. The chargers 15a to 15d are charging means. The charged photoconductor drums 13a to 13d are exposed to light in accordance with input image data, so that an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the image data is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drums 13a to 13d.

[0029] The developing units 12a to 12d develop the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photoconductor drums 13a to 13d with toner, thereby forming toner images on the photoconductor drums 13a to 13d.

[0030] The cleaner units 14a to 14d remove and collect toner remaining on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 13a to 13d.

[0031] The intermediate transfer belt unit 18 includes intermediate transfer rollers 16a to 16d, the intermediate transfer belt 17, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 171, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 172, an intermediate transfer belt tension mechanism 173, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 19. The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 171, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 172, and the intermediate transfer belt tension mechanism 173 support the intermediate transfer belt 17 and drive it to rotate.

[0032] The intermediate transfer rollers 16a to 16d are rotatably supported by an intermediate transfer belt tension mechanism 173 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 18. The intermediate transfer rollers 16a to 16d apply a transfer bias for transferring the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 13a to 13d onto the intermediate transfer belt 17.

[0033] Further, the intermediate transfer belt 17 is provided so as to contact each of the photoconductor drums 13a to 13d, and transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 13a to 13d in a layered manner onto the intermediate transfer belt 17. As a result, a multi-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17. That is, the electrostatic images visualized according to each hue on each of the photoconductor drums 13a to 13d are layered on the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, as the intermediate transfer belt 17 rotates, the images layered on the intermediate transfer belt 17 are transferred onto the paper by a transfer roller 21 that is disposed at the contact position between the paper and the intermediate transfer belt 17.

[0034] The paper feed tray 20 is a tray for accumulating paper sheets. The paper discharge tray 29 is a tray for placing printed paper sheets.

[0035] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 102 includes a transfer roller 21, a registration roller 23, conveying rollers 27a to 27h, pickup rollers 28a and 28b, and the like.

[0036] The transport rollers 27a to 27h are rollers for facilitating and assisting transport of the paper. The pickup roller 28a is provided at the end of the paper feed tray 20 and is a roller for supplying the paper from the paper feed tray 20 to the paper transport path one sheet at a time.

[0037] The registration rollers 23 temporarily hold the recording paper being transported along the paper transport path, and transport it to the transfer rollers 21 in a timing such that the leading edge of the toner image formed on the photoconductor drums 13a to 13d and the leading edge of the paper are aligned.

[0038] The fixing unit 22 includes a heat roller 24, a pressure roller 25, etc. The heat roller 24 and the pressure roller 25 rotate with the paper sandwiched between them. The heat roller 24 is set to a predetermined fixing temperature, and by thermally pressing the paper together with the pressure roller 25, the multi-color toner image transferred to the paper is melted, mixed, and pressed against the paper, thereby thermally fixing the multi-color toner image to the paper. The paper with the thermally fixed multi-color toner image is inverted by conveying rollers 27h, 27g, and 27c, and is discharged onto the paper output tray 29 in an inverted state.

[0039] Further, a manual feed tray 26 is provided in the image forming apparatus 102. Pickup rollers 28a and 28b are provided to feed paper from the paper feed tray 20 or the manual feed tray 26. The pickup rollers 28a and 28b transport paper from the paper feed tray 20 or the manual feed tray 26 to a paper transport path one sheet at a time.

[0040] When single-sided printing, in which printing is performed on only one side of a sheet of paper, is requested, the sheet of paper conveyed from the paper feed tray 20 is conveyed by conveying rollers 27a to registration rollers 23. Then, the sheet of paper is conveyed to transfer rollers 21 at a timing when the leading edge of the recording sheet of paper is aligned with the leading edge of the image layered on the intermediate transfer belt 17, and the image layered on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is transferred onto the sheet of paper. The sheet of paper then passes through fixing unit 22, where unfixed toner on the sheet of paper is melted and fixed by heat, and the sheet of paper is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 29 from conveying rollers 27c via conveying rollers 27b.

[0041] In addition, the paper loaded onto the manual feed tray 26 is fed by the pickup roller 28b, passes through the conveying rollers 27f, 27e, and 27d, and reaches the registration rollers 23. Thereafter, the paper is discharged onto the discharge tray 29 after passing through the same process as the paper fed from the paper feed tray 20.

[0042] In addition, when double-sided printing is requested, in which printing is performed on both sides of the paper, the rear end of the paper that has passed through the heat roller 24, pressure roller 25, etc. after single-sided printing is completed is pinched by the conveying roller 27c, and as the conveying roller 27c rotates in the reverse direction, the paper is conveyed to the conveying rollers 27g and 27h, and then passes through the registration rollers 23, where the paper is printed on the back side before being discharged onto the output tray 29.

[0043] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. The image forming apparatus 102 includes an operation unit 501, a display unit 502, a printer controller 503, and a print engine 504.

[0044] The operation unit 501 accepts operations by a user. For example, the operation unit 501 is configured with a touch panel or the like. The display unit 502 displays information to be presented to the user. Specifically, the display unit 502 indicates storage destination information. The storage destination information indicates a display name of the storage destination of the print job. For example, the display name of the storage destination of the print job is a folder button name. For example, the display unit 502 is configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or the like. Note that a touch panel display in which the operation unit 501 and the display unit 502 are integrated may be configured.

[0045] The printer controller 503 includes a network controller 505 , a video controller 506 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 507 , a HDD 508 , and a control unit 509 .

[0046] The network controller 505 connects to a network and communicates with the information terminal 101 .

[0047] The video controller 506 controls the print engine 504 to output print data added to a print job selected by a user operation.

[0048] The RAM 507 is a storage medium that stores data that is temporarily required when the control unit 509 executes a program.

[0049] The HDD 508 is a storage medium capable of storing various data, programs, etc. The HDD 508 stores print jobs transmitted from the information terminal 101, a print job table 601 (see FIG. 6), and the like.

[0050] The control unit 509 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the HDD 508. For example, the control unit 509 is configured with a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 509 includes a print job acquisition unit 511, a print job management unit 512, and a display control unit 513.

[0051] A print job acquisition unit 511 receives a print job transmitted from the information terminal 101, thereby acquiring the print job.

[0052] When owner identification information is added to a print job, the print job management unit 512 stores the print job in a storage destination determined by the owner identification information added to the print job. Specifically, when owner identification information is added to a print job, the print job management unit 512 determines the folder name of the storage destination folder based on the owner identification information. Then, the print job management unit 512 stores the print job in the storage destination, which is a folder having the determined folder name.

[0053] The display control unit 513 causes the display unit 502 to display a folder button having a folder button name determined by the user information and the owner determination information, and allowing a print job to be selected.

[0054] The print engine 504 executes a process for printing the print data added to the selected print job. The print engine 504 includes an image forming unit 521.

[0055] The image forming unit 521 performs printing on a sheet based on the print data output from the video controller 506. The image forming unit 521 has a structure exemplified in FIG.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the print job table 601. As shown in FIG.

[0057] Print job identification information, user information, owner identification information, folder name, and folder button name are associated and registered in the print job table 601. The print job identification information indicates a combination of a print job number and a print job name. The print job number is a number assigned to a print job.

[0058] 6, the user names and terminal names associated with the print job numbers 1 to 3 are different from one another. This indicates that for each print job assigned with a print job number 1 to 3, when the print job is sent to the image forming apparatus 102, the user names and information terminals 101 that are logged in to the print job sender are different from one another.

[0059] However, in print job table 601, the owner determination data associated with each of print job numbers 1 to 3 is the same, USERID-A. And in print job table 601, each of print job numbers 1 to 3 is associated with the same folder name, USERID-A. Therefore, in print job table 601, print jobs assigned print job numbers 1 to 3 are stored in a folder having a folder name of USERID-A. In other words, print job table 601 indicates that print jobs of the same owner are stored in the same storage destination even if the user name logged in to information terminal 101 that is the sender of the print job or the information terminal 101 is different.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information terminal 101.

[0061] When the operation unit 202 accepts an operation to select print data to be stored in the memory 204 in step S701, and the control unit 205 accepts a print instruction, the control unit 205 acquires a user name and a terminal name in step S702.

[0062] For example, when a user is logged in to the information terminal 101 and has been authenticated, the control unit 205 acquires the name of the user who has logged in to the information terminal 101 and the terminal name set in the information terminal 101 .

[0063] If the user is not logged in to the information terminal 101 and is not authenticated, the control unit 205 may display a setting screen 801 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 203. If the operation unit 202 accepts an operation to input a user name and a terminal name into the setting screen 801, the control unit 205 acquires the input user name and terminal name in step S702.

[0064] In step S703, the control unit 205 determines whether or not a user account different from the user name is set in the information terminal 101.

[0065] If a user account different from the user name is set in the information terminal 101 in step S703, the control unit 205 generates owner identification information from the set user account in step S704. Specifically, the control unit 205 generates owner identification information indicating a combination of a type indicating the user account and owner identification data which is a character string indicating the user account. Then, the control unit 205 moves the process to step S709. By the process of step S704, the information terminal 101 can generate owner identification information from the user account stored in the memory 204, without requiring the user to take the time to input a user account different from the user name.

[0066] On the other hand, if a user account different from the user name is not set in the information terminal 101 in step S703, the control unit 205 determines in step S705 whether the information terminal 101 is equipped with a camera function.

[0067] If the information terminal 101 is equipped with a camera function in step S705, the control unit 205 detects features from a face image acquired by photographing the user's face with the camera function in step S706, and generates owner identification information from the detected features. For example, if a face image acquired by photographing the user's face with the camera function is stored in the memory 204, the control unit 205 detects features from the face image. Then, the control unit 205 encodes the detected features to generate owner identification data. Then, the control unit 205 generates owner identification information indicating a pair of a type indicating the face image and the generated owner identification data. Then, the control unit 205 moves the process to step S709.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that the information terminal 101 does not have a camera function, the control unit 205 determines in step S707 whether or not the information terminal 101 has a fingerprint authentication function.

[0069] If it is determined in step S707 that the information terminal 101 is equipped with a fingerprint authentication function, then in step S708 the control unit 205 detects features from fingerprint data acquired by the fingerprint authentication function, and generates owner identification information from the detected features. Specifically, the control unit 205 acquires fingerprint data by the fingerprint authentication function. For example, if the fingerprint data acquired by the fingerprint authentication function is stored in the memory 204, the control unit 205 detects features from the fingerprint data. Then, the control unit 205 generates owner identification data by encoding the detected features. Then, the control unit 205 generates owner identification information indicating a pair of a type indicating the fingerprint data and the generated owner identification data. Then, the control unit 205 moves the process to step S709.

[0070] In step S709, the control unit 205 generates a print job to which the print data selected in step S701, the user information indicating the user name and terminal name acquired in step S702, and the owner identification information generated in step S704, step S706, or step S708 are added. Then, the control unit 205 proceeds to step S711.

[0071] As illustrated in the processing of steps S703 to S708, the owner identification information belongs to a type determined based on setting information related to the operation of the information terminal 101. The setting information indicates whether or not a user account different from the user name is set, whether or not a camera function is provided, whether or not a fingerprint authentication function is provided, etc. The owner identification information illustrated in steps S703 to S709 is merely an example, and the details of the owner identification information are not important as long as it is information that can uniquely identify an individual who is the owner of the print job. In the above description, the process of adding the owner identification information generated in step S704, step S706, or step S708 to the print job is exemplified, but the owner identification information may be selectable by a user operation on the information terminal 101.

[0072] By the processing from step S703 to step S709, the information terminal 101 can generate owner identification information without requiring the user to take the time to input the owner identification information.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that the information terminal 101 does not have a fingerprint authentication function, the control unit 205 generates a print job to which the user information indicating the user name and terminal name acquired in step S702 and the selected print data are added in step S710. Then, the control unit 205 proceeds to step S711.

[0074] In step S711, the control unit 205 transmits the print job generated in step S709 or step S710 to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0075] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 801. The setting screen 801 shows a state in which a user has not logged in and has not been authenticated. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 203 to display the setting screen 801, and causes the user of the information terminal 101 to input a user name and a terminal name.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for storing a print job in a folder in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0077] When the print job acquisition unit 511 acquires a print job by receiving the print job via the network controller 505 in step S901, the print job management unit 512 determines in step S902 whether to classify the acquired print jobs by owner and store them in a folder. If the acquired print jobs are not to be classified by owner and stored in a folder in step S902, the print job management unit 512 stores the acquired print jobs in a storage destination, which is a predetermined folder, in step S903. Then, the control unit 509 ends the process.

[0078] On the other hand, if the print jobs acquired in step S902 are classified by owner and stored in folders, the print job management unit 512 registers print job identification information indicating the acquired print job in the print job table 601 in step S904.

[0079] In step S905, print job management unit 512 registers the user name and terminal name indicated by the user information added to the acquired print job in print job table 601, linking them to the print job identification information registered in step S904. When a print job to which user information not indicating a user name is added is transmitted from information terminal 101, print job management unit 512 registers a predetermined user name and the terminal name indicated by the user information added to the acquired print job in print job table 601, linking them to the print job identification information registered in step S903.

[0080] For example, assume that user information not including a user name is added to a print job sent from information terminal 101. In that case, as shown in the example of the user name associated with the print job number 8 in print job table 601 illustrated in FIG. 6, a predetermined user name, Unknown User, is registered in print job table 601.

[0081] In step S906, the print job management unit 512 determines whether owner identification information has been added to the acquired print job.

[0082] If the owner identification information is not added to the print job in step S906, the print job management unit 512 determines a folder name based on the user information added to the acquired print job in step S907. The control unit 509 then proceeds to step S1001 shown in FIG.

[0083] For example, assume that no owner identification information is added to a print job sent from information terminal 101, and the user information added to the print job indicates a combination of a user name that is USER B and a terminal name that is PC B. In that case, as shown in the example of the folder name linked to the print job number that is 4 in print job table 601 illustrated in FIG. 6, the folder name is USER B / PC B. Furthermore, for the print data linked to the print job number that is 4, the folder having the folder name that is USER B / PC B is the storage destination. In other words, when owner identification information is not added to a print job and user information is added, print job management unit 512 stores the print job in the storage destination determined by the user information.

[0084] On the other hand, if owner identification information is added to the print job in step S906, in step S908, the print job management unit 512 registers the owner discrimination information added to the acquired print job in the print job table 601, linking it to the print job identification information registered in step S902.

[0085] In step S909, the print job management unit 512 determines a folder name based on the owner identification information added to the acquired print job. Then, the control unit 509 advances the process to step S1001 shown in FIG.

[0086] For example, if the type indicated by the owner discrimination information added to the acquired print job indicates a user account, then for the folder indicating the storage destination of the print job, the print job management unit 512 determines a folder name indicating the user account indicated by the owner discrimination data indicated by the owner discrimination information.

[0087] For example, it is assumed that the owner identification information added to the acquired print job indicates a combination of a type indicating a user account and owner identification data indicating a user account having USERID-A. In this case, the print job management unit 512 determines the folder name having USERID-A as the folder indicating the storage destination of the print job.

[0088] Also, for example, if the type included in the owner identification information added to the acquired print job indicates a face image and the owner identification data included in the owner identification information is encoded, the print job management unit 512 determines a folder name indicating a readable character string for the folder indicating the storage destination of the print job, instead of the owner identification data included in the owner identification information.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in the image forming apparatus 102 following FIG.

[0090] In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the folder name determined in step S907 illustrated in Fig. 9 or in step S909 illustrated in Fig. 9 is registered in the print job table 601. In step S1001, if the folder name determined in step S907 or step S909 is registered in the print job table 601, the control unit 509 transitions to step S1003.

[0091] On the other hand, in step S1001, if the folder name determined in step S907 or step S909 is not registered in the print job table 601, the print job management unit 512 generates a folder having the determined folder name in step S1002. Specifically, the print job management unit 512 generates a folder having the determined folder name in the HDD 508.

[0092] In step S1003, the print job management unit 512 registers the determined folder name in the print job table 601 in association with the print job identification information registered in step S904 illustrated in FIG.

[0093] In step S1004, print job management unit 512 stores the print data added to the acquired print job in a storage destination, which is a folder having the determined folder name. Specifically, print job management unit 512 converts the print data into raster data and generates a RIP (Raster Image Processor) image. The raster image is image data of each page. Note that print job management unit 512 uses RAM 507 when converting print data into raster data. Then, print job management unit 512 stores the generated RIP image in a folder having the determined folder name.

[0094] From the above, when owner discrimination information is added to a print job, the storage destination of the print data added to the print job is a folder having a folder name determined by the owner discrimination information. Therefore, even if the information terminal 101 that is the sender of a plurality of print jobs is different, the image forming apparatus 102 stores the print data added to the print job to which the same owner discrimination information is added in the same storage destination. In other words, the image forming apparatus 102 can store the print job in the storage destination determined for each owner for the print data selected by the same owner. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 102 can manage the print job for each owner of the print job. Then, the control unit 509 ends the process.

[0095] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for selecting a print job in the image forming apparatus 102. As shown in FIG.

[0096] In step S1101, when the operation unit 501 accepts an operation to display a list of folder buttons, the display control unit 513 determines that the operation to display a list of folder buttons has been accepted. For example, when the operation unit 501 accepts an operation to select the simple private mailbox button 1301 (see FIG. 13) displayed on the display unit 502, the display control unit 513 determines that the operation to display a list of folder buttons has been accepted.

[0097] In step S1102, the display control unit 513 selects, from the print job table 601, the print job identification information for which a folder button is to be generated.

[0098] In step S1103, the display control unit 513 determines whether the owner distinguishing information is linked to the selected print job identification information. If the owner distinguishing information is not linked to the selected print job identification information, in step S1104, the display control unit 513 determines the folder name linked to the selected print job identification information as the folder button name. Specifically, if the owner distinguishing information is not linked to the selected print job identification information, the display control unit 513 determines the folder name determined by the user information added to the print job as the folder button name.

[0099] For example, assume that no owner identification information is associated with a print job transmitted from information terminal 101, the user name indicated by the user information added to the print job transmitted from information terminal 101 is USER B, and the terminal name included in the user information is PC B. In this case, in step S906, print job management unit 512 determines a folder name of USER B / PC B. Then, in step S1104, display control unit 513 determines a folder button name of USER B / PC B. Then control unit 509 transitions to step S1109.

[0100] On the other hand, if the owner distinction information is linked to the selected print job identification information, in step S1105, the display control unit 513 determines whether or not the owner distinction information linked to the selected print job identification information is linked to multiple print job identification information in the print job table 601. If the owner distinction information linked to the print job identification information selected in step S1105 is linked to multiple print job identification information, the control unit 509 proceeds to step S1201 illustrated in FIG.

[0101] On the other hand, if the owner determination information associated with the print job identification information selected in step S1105 is not associated with multiple print job identification information, the display control unit 513 determines whether or not a user name is specified for the selected print job identification information in step S1106. Specifically, the display control unit 513 determines whether or not a user name different from a predetermined user name is associated with the selected print job identification information.

[0102] 9, a predetermined user name is registered in the print job table 601 in association with the print job identification information, so the user name is not identified. On the other hand, if user information indicating a user name is added to the print job transmitted from the information terminal 101, a user name indicated by the user information is registered in the print job table 601 in association with the print job identification information in step S904, so the user name is identified.

[0103] If a user name is not specified for the print job identification information selected in step S1106, the display control unit 513 determines the folder name associated with the selected print job identification information as the folder button name in S1107. Specifically, if a user name is not specified for the selected print job identification information, the folder name determined in step S908 illustrated in Fig. 9 is determined as the folder button name. Then, the control unit 509 proceeds to step S1109.

[0104] On the other hand, if a user name has been specified for the print job identification information selected in step S1106, in step S1108, the display control unit 513 determines a folder button name that includes the user name linked to the selected print job identification information and the folder name linked to the selected print job identification information.

[0105] For example, when print job identification information including a print job number of 1 is selected, it is assumed that a user name of USER A and a folder name of USERID-A are registered in association with the selected print job identification information in the print job table 601. In this case, the display control unit 513 determines the folder button name to be USER A / [USERID-A]. Then, the control unit 509 transitions the process to step S1109.

[0106] In step S1109, the display control unit 513 associates the folder button name determined in step S1104, step S1107, or step S1108 with the selected print job identification information and registers it in the print job table 601. Then, the display control unit 513 proceeds to the process of step S1204 illustrated in FIG.

[0107] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in the image forming apparatus 102 following FIG.

[0108] If the owner identification information linked to the print job identification information selected in step S1105 illustrated in FIG. 11 is linked to multiple print job identification information, in step S1201, the display control unit 513 identifies the most frequently included user name among the multiple user names linked to the multiple target print job identification information that are linked to the same owner identification information as the selected print job identification information.

[0109] In step S1202, display control unit 513 determines a folder button name including the specified user name and the folder name linked to the selected print job identification information. Through the processes of steps S1201 to S1202, the folder button name includes the most frequently included user name among the multiple user names indicated by the user information added to the multiple print jobs to which the same owner identification information is added. In other words, display control unit 513 determines a folder button name including the user name that is most frequently used by the user who is the owner of the print job.

[0110] In step S1203, the display control unit 513 registers the determined folder button name in the print job table 601 in association with the selected print job identification information and the target multiple print job identification information.

[0111] In step S1204, the display control unit 513 determines whether or not all print job identification information registered in the print job table 601 has been registered in association with a folder button name. If in step S1204, all print job identification information registered in the print job table 601 has not been registered in association with a folder button name, in step S1205 the display control unit 513 selects print job identification information not associated with a folder button name as the target print job identification information. Then, the control unit 509 returns the process to step S1103 illustrated in FIG.

[0112] On the other hand, if folder button names are associated with all print job identification information registered in the print job table 601 in step S1204, then in step S1206, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 502 to display a list of folder buttons having the folder button names registered in the print job table 601. Specifically, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 502 to display a folder selection screen 1302 (see FIG. 13) showing a list of folder buttons.

[0113] In step S1207, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 502 to display the folder button that satisfies the condition in a display mode different from that of the other folder buttons. Specifically, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 502 to display the unoperated folder button and the folder button for which a predetermined time has not elapsed since the folder name was decided in a display mode different from that of the other folder buttons. For example, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 502 to display the unoperated folder button and the folder button for which a predetermined time has not elapsed since the folder name was decided in a color, a different character thickness, or a blinking display different from that of the other folder buttons. Alternatively, the display control unit 513 may cause the display unit 502 to blink the unoperated folder button and the folder button for which a predetermined time has not elapsed since the folder name was decided.

[0114] When user information including a user name set in the information terminal 101 is added to the print job, the folder button name includes the user name. However, the user may not remember the user name set in the information terminal 101. In that case, the user may take time to find the folder in which the desired print job is stored from the list of folder buttons displayed on the folder selection screen 1302. However, by the process of step S1207, the folder buttons that have not been operated and the folder buttons for which a predetermined time has not passed since the folder name was decided are displayed on the display unit 502 so as to be more noticeable than the other buttons. As a result, the image forming apparatus 102 allows the user to easily find the folder buttons that have not been operated and the folder buttons for which a predetermined time has not passed since the folder name was decided.

[0115] Furthermore, through the processing of steps S1202 and S1206, display control unit 513 causes display unit 502 to display a folder button having a folder button name indicating the most frequently used user name of the user who is the owner of the print job. This enables image forming apparatus 102 to allow the user to easily select a folder in which a desired print job is stored.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition on the display unit 502. As shown in FIG.

[0117] When operation unit 501 accepts an operation to select simple private mailbox button 1301 displayed on display unit 502, display control unit 513 determines that an operation to display a list of folder buttons has been accepted, and executes the processes from step S1103 illustrated in Fig. 11 to step S1207 illustrated in Fig. 12. As a result, display control unit 513 causes folder selection screen 1302 (see Fig. 13) to be displayed on display unit 502. Folder selection screen 1302 includes folder buttons 1311 to 1315.

[0118] The folder button 1311 has a folder button name of USER A / [USERID-A]. The folder button 1311 has the folder button name determined in step S1203 illustrated in FIG.

[0119] The folder button 1312 has a folder button name which is USER B / PC B. The folder button 1312 has the folder button name determined in step S1104 illustrated in FIG.

[0120] The folder button 1313 has the folder button name, USER B / [PhotoID-A]. The folder button 1313 has the folder button name determined in step S1108.

[0121] The folder button 1314 has a folder button name that is [ID-C]. The folder button 1314 has the folder button name that was determined in step S1107 and is illustrated in FIG.

[0122] Folder button 1315 has a folder button name of Others indicating a predetermined folder name. The folder indicated by folder button 1315 stores print jobs stored by the process of step S903 illustrated in Fig. 9. The folder indicated by folder button 1315 stores print jobs stored by the process of step S1004 illustrated in Fig. 10 when the number of folders in which print jobs are stored reaches the upper limit and the folder becomes a deletion target, with the folder name determined by the process of step S1002 illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0123] For example, assume that folder button 1314 has not been operated, or a predetermined time has not passed since the folder name indicated by folder button 1314 was determined. In that case, as illustrated in folder selection screen 1302, folder button 1314 is displayed in a color different from folder buttons 1311 to 1313 and folder button 1315. In other words, folder buttons that have not been operated and folder buttons for which a predetermined time has not passed since the folder name was determined are displayed more emphasized than other folder buttons.

[0124] When a user performs an operation to transmit a print job to the image forming apparatus 102 using the information terminal 101, the user may subsequently perform an operation to print print data added to the print job on the image forming apparatus 102. In this case, when the user operates the image forming apparatus 102, a folder indicated by an unoperated folder button or a folder indicated by a folder button whose folder name has not yet been determined for a predetermined time stores a print job desired by the user that was transmitted to the image forming apparatus immediately before the user's operation. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 102 displays an unoperated folder button and a folder button whose folder name has not yet been determined for a predetermined time in a more emphasized manner than other folder buttons, thereby allowing the user to easily visually recognize the folder button indicating the folder in which the desired print job is stored.

[0125] For example, suppose that a folder indicated by folder button 1311 stores print jobs including print job numbers 1 to 3 illustrated in print job table 601 illustrated in Fig. 6. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the print job number 1 is associated with a print job name JOB NAME 1 and a user name USER A. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the print job number 2 is associated with a print job name JOB NAME 2 and a user name user a. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the print job number 3 is associated with a print job name JOB NAME 3 and a user name USER A.

[0126] The print job management unit 512 enables the selection and execution of a print job stored in a folder indicated by a folder button selected by a user's operation on the image forming apparatus 102. For example, assume that the operation unit 501 accepts an operation to select the folder button 1311. In this case, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 502 to display a screen 1303. In this case, the screen 1303 displays a print job indicating JOB NAME 1 and USER A, a print job indicating JOB NAME 2 and user a, and a print job indicating JOB NAME 3 and USER A, all of which are selectable and executable.

[0127] Furthermore, when the number of folders in which print jobs are stored reaches an upper limit, the print job management unit 512 may select a folder that satisfies the deletion condition as a folder to be deleted. In other words, the print job management unit 512 may determine the priority of the folders to be deleted according to the deletion condition. The deletion condition relates to at least one selected from the group consisting of the print history of the print job, the state of the image forming device 102, and the presence or absence of a password related to the print job.

[0128] For example, for the print history of a print job, if the number of times a folder is executed is 0, the print job management unit 512 determines that the folder storing the print job satisfies the deletion condition. The number of times a folder is executed is the number of times that the image forming device 102 has printed the print data added to the print job stored in the folder.

[0129] Also, for example, the print job management unit 512 determines that the folder that satisfies the deletion condition is one or more in the history of the print job, and that the folder that satisfies the deletion condition is one that has the smallest cumulative execution count among the cumulative execution counts of multiple folders. The cumulative execution count of a folder is the total number of times that the image forming apparatus 102 has printed the print data added to the print job stored in the folder.

[0130] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 102 is in a state where it is not possible to print a print job, the print job management unit 512 determines that the folder storing the print job satisfies the deletion condition. For example, when the paper output tray 29 or the paper input tray 20 is unavailable or prohibited from use, the image forming apparatus 102 is in a state where it is not possible to print a print job. For example, when an upper limit on the number of prints is set in the image forming apparatus 102 and the number of printed sheets reaches the upper limit, the image forming apparatus 102 is in a state where it is not possible to print a print job.

[0131] Also, for example, if a print job for which a password is set is stored in one folder and a print job for which a password is set is not stored in another folder, the print job management unit 512 may determine whether or not a folder satisfies the deletion condition depending on whether or not a print job for which a password is set is stored.

[0132] When a folder that satisfies the deletion conditions is selected as a folder to be deleted, the print job management unit 512 deletes the folder to be deleted. This allows the image forming apparatus 102 to prevent the number of folders in which print jobs are stored from exceeding the upper limit.

[0133] The processes executed in the above-described embodiments are not limited to the process modes exemplified in the above-described embodiments. The above-described functional blocks may be realized using either a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit or the like, or software using a CPU. The processes executed in the above-described embodiments may be executed by multiple computers. For example, the processes executed in each functional block of the control unit 509 of the image forming apparatus 102 may be partially executed by another computer, or all of the processes may be shared and executed by multiple computers.

[0134] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be replaced with a configuration substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, a configuration having the same action and effect, or a configuration capable of achieving the same purpose. The present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Furthermore, by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment, a new technical feature can be formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 printing system, 11 exposure unit, 12a to 12d developing unit, 13a to 13d photosensitive drum, 14a to 14d cleaner unit, 15a to 15d charger, 16a to 16d intermediate transfer roller, 17 intermediate transfer belt, 18 intermediate transfer belt unit, 19 intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit, 20 paper feed tray, 21 transfer roller, 22 fixing unit, 23 registration roller, 24 heat roller, 25 pressure roller, 26 manual feed tray, 27a to 17h transport roller, 28a to 28b pickup roller, 29 paper output tray, 101 information terminal, 101a to 101b information terminal, 102 image forming apparatus, 103a to 103b print job, 171 intermediate transfer belt drive roller, 172 intermediate transfer belt driven roller, 173 intermediate transfer belt tension mechanism, 201 Network controller, 202 operation unit, 203 display unit, 204 memory, 205 control unit, 301 print job, 501 operation unit, 502 display unit, 503 printer controller, 504 print engine, 505 network controller, 506 video controller, 509 control unit, 511 print job acquisition unit, 512 print job management unit, 513 display control unit, 521 image forming unit, 601 print job table, 801 setting screen, 1301 simple post office box button, 1302 folder selection screen, 1303 screen, 1311 folder button, 1312 folder button, 1313 folder button, 1314 folder button, 1315 folder button

Claims

1. a print job acquisition unit that acquires a print job; a print job management section for storing the print job in a storage destination determined by the owner identification information when the owner identification information capable of uniquely identifying an individual is added to the print job; and a display section for displaying the storage destination information. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The print job is further provided with user information indicating at least one of a terminal name assigned to an information terminal that is a sender of the print job and a user name indicating a user of the information terminal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The owner determination information belongs to a type determined by setting information related to the operation of the information terminal that is the sender of the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The storage destination is a folder, The print job management unit determines a folder name of the folder based on the owner identification information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the print job is further provided with user information indicating at least one of a terminal name assigned to an information terminal that is a source of the job and a user name of a user of the information terminal; The display control unit displays, on a display unit, a folder button having a folder button name determined by the user information and the owner determination information, the folder button allowing the print job to be selected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. The folder button name includes the most frequently included user name among a plurality of user names indicated by user information added to a plurality of print jobs to which the same owner identification information is added. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. The display control unit causes a folder button that has not been operated and a folder button indicating a folder for which a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the folder name was determined to be displayed on the display unit in a display mode different from that of other folder buttons. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

8. When the owner determination information is not added to the print job and the user information is added to the print job, the print job management unit stores the print job in a storage destination determined by the user information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

9. The print job management unit enables selection and execution of a print job stored in a folder indicated by a folder button selected by a user's operation on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

10. The owner identification information can be selected by a user's operation on an information terminal that is a source of the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. the print job management unit, when the number of folders in which the print jobs are stored reaches an upper limit, selects a folder that satisfies a deletion condition as a folder to be deleted; The deletion condition is related to at least one selected from the group consisting of a print history of the print job, a state of the image forming apparatus, and the presence or absence of a password for the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

12. An image forming apparatus; an information terminal that transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus; Including, The image forming apparatus includes: a print job acquisition unit that acquires the print job from the information terminal; a print job management section that stores the print job in a storage destination determined by the owner identification information when the owner identification information that can uniquely identify an individual is added to the print job; Equipped Printing system.

Images