Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that executes, at an appropriate timing, a print job received from an external device via a network.SOLUTION: A digital multifunctional machine 1 comprises: an operation unit that receives an input operation from a user; a communication unit that receives a print job from the outside via a network; a storage unit that receives settings of the print job; an image processing unit that generates image data on the basis of print data; an image forming unit that forms an image; and a control unit that controls the operation unit, the communication unit, the storage unit, the image processing unit, and the image forming unit. The operation unit receives input of information on the distance between an external device and the image forming apparatus. The settings of the print job include settings of printing waiting time based on the information on the distance between the external device and the image forming apparatus. The control unit causes the image forming unit to execute the print job after the lapse of the waiting time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that receives instructions such as printing from an external terminal via a network.

Background Art

[0002] Normally, when a print instruction is issued from an external terminal to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), print data is immediately transmitted and printing is executed. In recent years, as a result of many image forming apparatuses adopting a wireless LAN, it has also become possible to install an image forming apparatus at a location away from a network hub.

[0003] In such an image forming apparatus, when a user intended to print an image in monochrome but issued an instruction to print in color, or when the user intended to print only the current page but issued an instruction to print all pages, the user may not notice the mistake in the print instruction until seeing the paper output from the image forming apparatus.

[0004] When the user notices such a mistake in the print instruction, printing can be canceled by pressing a cancel button on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. However, for example, when issuing a print instruction from a terminal on the second floor to a printer installed on the first floor, or when issuing a print instruction from a terminal at a seat far from the image forming apparatus, it takes time for the user to reach the image forming apparatus, notice the mistake in the print instruction, and execute the cancellation, so toner and paper may be wasted.

[0005] Conventionally, as a technique for preventing waste of toner and paper due to such mistakes during printing, for example, in continuous backsheet printing in which a plurality of images are continuously formed on a backsheet, an image forming apparatus is disclosed in which the control unit temporarily stops the printing operation after printing the first sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] In this image forming apparatus, after temporarily stopping the printing operation, printing is resumed when the user performs an operation to resume printing at the input unit, or printing is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the printing operation was temporarily stopped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, the method of uniformly temporarily stopping the printing operation after a printing instruction is given is troublesome because, even if the printing instruction is correct, after the user reaches the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to further instruct the resumption of printing of the remaining images. Also, when printing a large number of images, there is a problem that the waiting time after reaching the image forming apparatus becomes long.

[0009] On the other hand, in the method of resuming printing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the printing operation was temporarily stopped, when the predetermined time is determined according to the moving time of the user who gave the printing instruction from a terminal at the end of the seat far from the image forming apparatus, even the user who gave the printing instruction from a terminal at a nearby seat has to wait for the predetermined time until printing is resumed, so it cannot be said that the convenience for the user is high.

[0010] This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus that executes printing at a more appropriate timing than in the past when receiving a printing job from an external device via a network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to this disclosure includes an operation unit that receives a user's input operation, a communication unit that receives a print job of image data from an external device via a network, a storage unit that receives settings of the print job, an image processing unit that generates print data based on the image data of the print job, an image forming unit that forms an image based on the print data, and a control unit that controls the operation unit, the communication unit, the storage unit, the image processing unit, and the image forming unit. The operation unit receives input of distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus, and the settings of the print job include setting of a print waiting time based on the distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus. When the communication unit receives the print job of the image data from the external device and the print waiting time of the external device is set, the control unit causes the image forming unit to form the image based on the image data of the print job after the elapse of the print waiting time from when the print job is received.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to this disclosure, when receiving a print job from an external device via a network, if a print waiting time based on the distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus is set, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that executes printing at a more appropriate timing than before after the elapse of the print waiting time from when the print job is received.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] In this disclosure, an "image forming apparatus" is an apparatus that forms and outputs an image, such as a copying machine having a copying (copying) function including a printer that uses an electrophotographic method for image formation by toner, and an MFP that also includes functions other than copying. "Print data" is image data to be transmitted to an image forming apparatus for printing and its print setting data. "External device" is not limited to a personal computer (PC), and may be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, an electronic blackboard, an information display, or the like.

[0015] Next, a preferred embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0016] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, the operation unit may receive input of information on the moving speed of the user, and the printing waiting time may be determined based on the distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus and the information on the moving speed of the user.

[0017] In this way, when receiving a print job from an external device via a network, since the printing waiting time is determined based on the distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus and the moving information of the user, an image forming apparatus that executes printing at a more appropriate timing than before after the elapse of the printing waiting time from when the print job is received can be realized.

[0018] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, the control unit may cause the image processing unit to generate the print data based on the image data even during the printing waiting time.

[0019] In this way, since the image processing unit generates the print data based on the image data even during the printing waiting time, an image forming apparatus that avoids the printing being delayed by only the generation time of the print data can be realized.

[0020] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, it may further include a display unit that displays various information to the user, and the control unit causes the display unit to display the printing waiting time of the received print job, and causes the operation unit to receive the user's processing of the print job during the printing waiting time.

[0021] In this way, not only can the user check the printing waiting time, but also can give various instructions for the print job, so that an image forming apparatus with high user convenience can be realized.

[0022] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, the user's processing of the print job during the printing waiting time may include at least one of canceling the print job, starting the print job, and extending the printing waiting time.

[0023] In this way, during the printing waiting time, the user can cancel, start the print job, or extend the printing waiting time, so that an image forming apparatus with high user convenience can be realized.

[0024] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, when the operation unit receives the start of the print job or the extension of the printing waiting time, the control unit may reflect the result in the setting of the printing waiting time.

[0025] In this way, when an instruction to cancel, start the print job, or extend the printing waiting time is received during the printing waiting time, the result of the instruction is reflected in the setting of the printing waiting time, so that an image forming apparatus with high user convenience can be realized.

[0026] Hereinafter, this disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0027] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Based on FIGS. 1 to 3, an image forming system 100 including a user terminal 2 which is an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of this disclosure will be described.

[0028] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 100 of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 is composed of a digital multi-functional peripheral 1, user terminals 2A and 2B, and a wired or wireless network 3 connecting the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 and the user terminals 2A and 2B.

[0029] The digital multi-functional peripheral 1 is a device such as a multi-functional peripheral or MFP that digitally processes image data and has functions such as a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0030] The user terminal 2 transmits image data to the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 through the network 3 and causes it to execute jobs such as printing.

[0031] In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal 2A of user A is farther from the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 than the user terminal 2B of user B. Assume that the user terminal 2A is at a position 30 seconds' walk from the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 and the user terminal 2B is at a position 4 seconds' walk from the digital multi-functional peripheral 1.

[0032] <Schematic Configuration of Digital Multi-functional Peripheral 1> Next, based on FIG. 2, the schematic configuration of the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 includes a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a timer 16, and an operation panel 17.

[0034] Hereinafter, each component of the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 will be described.

[0035] The control unit 10 integrally controls the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and is composed of at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read only memory), various interface circuits, etc.

[0036] In order to control the operation of the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1, the control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads such as detection by each sensor, motors, clutches, the operation panel 17, etc.

[0037] The image data acquisition unit 11 is a part that acquires image data generated by an external image forming apparatus such as a user terminal 2 or a facsimile apparatus (not shown) via the communication unit 15.

[0038] The image forming unit 12 is a part that prints and outputs the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto paper.

[0039] The storage unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information necessary to realize various functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, control programs, etc. For example, semiconductor elements such as RAM and ROM, storage media such as hard disks, flash memory units, and SSDs (Solid State Drives) are used.

[0040] Note that the program and data may be stored in different devices, such that the area for holding data is a hard disk drive and the area for holding the program is a flash memory unit.

[0041] The image processing unit 14 is a part that converts the original image read by the image data acquisition unit 11 into an appropriate electrical signal to generate image data, and processes the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 according to commands from the operation unit 172 so as to be suitable for outputs such as enlargement and reduction.

[0042] In addition, the image processing unit 14 expands the print image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 into printable page data (raster data) through processing by a RIP (Raster Image Processor) (RIP processing).

[0043] The communication unit 15 communicates with an external user terminal 2 or the like via the network 3 and receives print data such as print settings and images.

[0044] The timer 16 measures and counts time, and acquires the time, for example, through a built-in clock or the network. Based on the time acquired by the timer 16, the control unit 10 measures the elapsed time after the print image is expanded into page data, and determines whether the print waiting time has elapsed.

[0045] The operation panel 17 is a unit equipped with a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display), and includes a display unit 171 and an operation unit 172.

[0046] The display unit 171 is a part that displays various information. The display unit 171 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, etc., and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display for displaying electronic data such as the processing state of an operating system or application software. The control unit 10 displays the operation and state of the digital multifunction machine 1 through the display unit 171.

[0047] The operation unit 172 consists of a touch panel and physical operation keys such as a power key, and is also a part that receives commands from the user.

[0048] <Schematic configuration of the user terminal 2> Next, based on FIG. 3, the schematic configuration of the user terminal 2 will be described.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the user terminal 2 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a communication unit 23, a timer 24, a display unit 25, and an operation unit 26.

[0050] Hereinafter, each component of the user terminal 2 will be described.

[0051] The control unit 20 integrally controls the user terminal 2 and is composed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, various interface circuits, and the like.

[0052] The control unit 20 monitors and controls all loads such as detection of each sensor and the operation unit 26 in order to control the operation of the entire user terminal 2.

[0053] The storage unit 21 is an element or storage medium that stores information necessary to realize various functions of the user terminal 2, control programs, and the like. For example, semiconductor elements such as RAM and ROM, storage media such as hard disks, flash memory units, and SSDs are used.

[0054] Note that the program and data may be stored in different devices, such as a hard disk drive for the data holding area and a flash memory unit for the program holding area.

[0055] The image processing unit 22 is a part that converts image data into an appropriate electrical signal and performs processing suitable for outputs such as enlargement and reduction.

[0056] The communication unit 23 communicates with the digital multifunction device 1 via the network 3 and transmits and receives various information such as print data.

[0057] The timer 24 is a part that measures and counts time, and acquires the time through, for example, a built-in clock or a network.

[0058] The display unit 25 is a part that displays various information of the user terminal 2. The display unit 25 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, etc., and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display for displaying electronic data such as the processing state of an operating system or application software.

[0059] The control unit 20 displays the operation and state of the user terminal 2 through the display unit 25.

[0060] The operation unit 26 is an interface for operating the user terminal 2 and is a part that receives commands from the user.

[0061] Note that the display unit 25 and the operation unit 26 may be composed of a display panel composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel such as a capacitance type that is disposed over the display panel and detects the position where a finger is touched.

[0062] <Printing process of the digital multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure> Next, based on FIGS. 4 to 6, the printing process of the digital multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the digital multifunction machine 1 in FIG. 1.

[0064] In step S1 of FIG. 4, when the digital multifunction machine 1 receives a printing command from the user terminal 2 (step S1), in step S2, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction machine 1 determines whether a printing waiting time is set (when the determination in step S2 is Yes).

[0065] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing waiting time setting screen when installing the print driver of the digital multifunction machine 1 in FIG. 1.

[0066] In the example of FIG. 5, as the printing waiting time setting, the user can select either direct setting in which the printing waiting time (seconds) can be directly input or leave it to the system setting.

[0067] When the delegated setting is selected, the waiting time (seconds) is automatically calculated based on the distance (m) to the printer and the walking speed (fast, normal, slow, etc.). As a specific method for calculating the waiting time, for example, a value B×K obtained by multiplying the coefficient K corresponding to the walking speed by the basic time BT obtained by adding 5 seconds each time the distance to the printer increases from 0 m to 5 m is set as the waiting time WT.

[0068] For example, when the walking speed is "fast", K = 0.8; when it is "normal", K = 1.0; and when it is "slow", K = 1.2. In the example of Fig. 5, from the distance "6 - 10 m" to the printer, BT = 10 seconds, and from the walking speed "slow", K = 1.2. Then the waiting time WT = BT×K = 10×1.2 = 12 seconds.

[0069] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print driver UI and the print waiting time setting screen after installation of the print driver of the digital multi-function device 1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 6(A) shows an example of the print driver UI, and Fig. 6(B) shows an example of the print waiting time setting screen displayed when the "Change" button is pressed in Fig. 6(A).

[0070] In the example of Fig. 6(A), on the screen of the print driver UI, the user can set the number of copies, paper size, and print orientation, and can also change the print waiting time.

[0071] Since Fig. 6(B) is the same as the screen in Fig. 5, the description is omitted.

[0072] In step S2 of Fig. 4, when the print waiting time is not set (when the determination in step S2 is No), in step S3, the control unit 10 expands the image data for printing received from the user terminal 2 into page data (step S3).

[0073] In the subsequent step S4, the control unit 10 determines whether the expansion is completed (step S4). When the expansion is completed (when the determination in step S4 is Yes), in step S9, after causing the image forming unit 12 to start printing (step S9), the control unit 10 ends the process.

[0074] On the other hand, when the printing waiting time is set in step S2 (when the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S5, the control unit 10 expands the image data for printing received from the user terminal 2 into page data (step S5).

[0075] In the subsequent step S6, the control unit 10 determines whether the expansion is completed (step S6). When the expansion is completed (when the determination in step S6 is Yes), in step S7, the control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined printing waiting time WT has elapsed (step S7).

[0076] When the predetermined printing waiting time WT has elapsed (when the determination in step S7 is Yes), in step S9, after causing the image forming unit 12 to start printing (step S9), the control unit 10 ends the process.

[0077] On the other hand, when the predetermined printing waiting time WT has not elapsed (when the determination in step S7 is No), in step S8, the control unit 10 determines whether a cancellation of the print job has been received (step S8).

[0078] When a cancellation of the print job has been received (when the determination in step S8 is Yes), the control unit 10 ends the process.

[0079] On the other hand, when a cancellation of the print job has not been received (when the determination in step S8 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S7.

[0080] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification window during the printing waiting time displayed on the display unit 171 of the digital multifunction machine 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 7(A) shows an example of a screen for notifying information such as printing waiting time, and FIG. 7(B) shows an example of a screen when the "Cancel Notification" button is pressed.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 7, in the notification window during the printing waiting time, a message "Job execution is on hold." is displayed together with "Username: UserA" and "Job name: A1.pdf". Also, "Waiting time: n1 seconds" is displayed in a countdown manner.

[0082] Also, as shown in the example of FIG. 7(A), in addition to the "Cancel" button for canceling the printing job, a "Cancel Notification" button may be displayed on the display unit 171.

[0083] When the "Cancel Notification" button is pressed, as shown in FIG. 7(B), only the notification icon of the clock mark indicating that there is a job waiting for printing is displayed in the upper right of the screen. When the user clicks on the said notification icon, the notification window will open.

[0084] When the printing waiting time has elapsed, both the notification window in FIG. 7(A) and the notification icon in FIG. 7(B) are erased, and the printing job is started.

[0085] In this way, since the printing waiting time WT can be set according to the distance between the user terminal 2 that has sent the printing job and the digital multi-functional machine 1, a digital multi-functional machine 1 that executes printing at a more appropriate timing than before can be realized.

[0086] 〔Embodiment 2〕 <Printing process of the digital multi-functional machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure> Next, based on FIGS. 8 and 9, the printing process of the digital multi-functional machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described.

[0087] Note that since the configurations of the image forming system 100, the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and the user terminal 2 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure are the same as those of Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), the description thereof is omitted.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0089] Note that since the processes of steps S11 to S14 and S16 to S20 in FIG. 8 respectively correspond to the processes of steps S1 to S9 in FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted.

[0090] Here, the process of step S15 in FIG. 8, which is not described in FIG. 4, will be described.

[0091] In step S12 of FIG. 8, when a printing waiting time is set (when the determination in step S12 is Yes), in step S15, the control unit 10 determines whether the expansion process of the received print image data into page data from the user terminal 2 is completed within the printing waiting time WT (step S15).

[0092] When the expansion process of the received print image data into page data from the user terminal 2 is completed within the printing waiting time WT (when the determination in step S15 is Yes), the control unit 10 expands the print image into page data in step S16 (step S16).

[0093] Then, in step S17, after the expansion is completed (when the determination in step S17 is Yes), when the printing waiting time WT has elapsed (when the determination in step S18 is Yes), in step S19, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 12 to start printing (step S19).

[0094] FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of the time progress of the printing process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The horizontal direction of the table in FIG. 9 indicates the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of reception of the print data. In the vertical direction of the table in Fig. 9, the time from the start to the end of receiving print data, the time from the start to the end of data expansion, the time from the start to the end of the printing waiting time WT, and the time from the start to the end of the printing time are shown in order from top to bottom. The start time and the end time are each indicated by a black circle. The same applies to Fig. 12 of Embodiment 3 and Fig. 14 of Embodiment 3.

[0095] In the example of Fig. 9, it is assumed that the printing waiting time WT for the user A at the user terminal 2A to go to the digital multi-function machine 1 to pick up the printed matter is set to 30 seconds.

[0096] Fig. 9(A) shows an example of the time course of the printing process when the print data is light, that is, when the expansion of the print image into page data is completed within the printing waiting time. In the example of Fig. 9(A), when the data expansion time is 4 seconds, the time from the start to the end of receiving the print data (1 second to 3 seconds), the time from the start to the end of data expansion (3 seconds to 7 seconds), and the time from the start to the end of the printing waiting time WT (1 second to 30 seconds) are obtained.

[0097] In this case, when comparing the printing waiting time WT of 30 seconds with the data expansion completion time of 7 seconds, since the data expansion is completed within the printing waiting time WT, as shown in Fig. 9(A), printing is started after the elapse of the printing waiting time WT of 30 seconds.

[0098] On the other hand, in step S15 of Fig. 8, when the expansion process of the print image data received from the user terminal 2 into page data is not completed within the printing waiting time WT (when the determination in step S15 is No), the control unit 10 expands the print image into page data in step S13 (step S13). After the expansion is completed in step S14 (step S14), in step S19, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 12 to start printing (step S19).

[0099] FIG. 9(B) shows an example of the time course of the printing process when the print data is heavy, that is, when the expansion of the print image into page data is not completed within the print waiting time. In the example of FIG. 9(B), when the data expansion time is 30 seconds, the time from the start to the end of the reception of the print data (1 second to 3 seconds), the time from the start to the end of the data expansion (3 seconds to 32 seconds), and the time from the start to the end of the print waiting time WT (1 second to 30 seconds) are obtained.

[0100] In this case, when comparing the print waiting time WT of 30 seconds with the data expansion completion time of 32 seconds, since the data expansion is not completed within the print waiting time WT, as shown in FIG. 9(B), printing is started after 32 seconds of the data expansion completion time.

[0101] In this way, when the data expansion is completed within the print waiting time WT, printing is started after the elapse of the print waiting time WT, and when the data expansion is not completed within the print waiting time WT, printing is started after the data expansion is completed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the printing being delayed by the amount of data expansion, and a digital multifunction peripheral 1 that executes printing at a more appropriate timing than before can be realized.

[0102] [Embodiment 3] <Printing Process of Digital Multifunction Peripheral 1 According to Embodiment 3 of this Disclosure> Next, based on FIGS. 10 to 12, the printing process of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure will be described.

[0103] Note that since the configurations of the image forming system 100, the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and the user terminal 2 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure are the same as those in Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), the description thereof is omitted.

[0104] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0105] Note that the processes in steps S21 to S26, S30, and S32 in FIG. 10 respectively correspond to the processes in steps S1 to S9 in FIG. 4, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0106] Here, the processing of steps S27 to S29 in FIG. 10 not shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0107] In step S26 of FIG. 10, when the expansion is completed (when the determination in step S26 is Yes), in step S27, the control unit 10 determines whether an instruction to immediately execute printing has been received (step S27).

[0108] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification window during the printing waiting time displayed on the display unit 171 of the digital multi-functional machine 1 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0109] The content of the notification window in FIG. 11 is the same as the notification window in FIG. 7(A), but in addition to the "Cancel" button and the "Hide Notification" button, an "Extend" button and an "Execute Immediately" button are also displayed.

[0110] In step S27 of FIG. 10, when an instruction to immediately execute printing is received (when the determination in step S27 is Yes), in step S32, the control unit 10 starts printing (step S32).

[0111] FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of the time course of the printing process of the digital multi-functional machine 1 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. Similar to FIG. 9(A), FIG. 12 shows that the data expansion time is 4 seconds, the time from the start to the end of receiving the print data (1 second to 3 seconds), the time from the start to the end of data expansion (3 seconds to 7 seconds), and the time from the start to the end of the printing waiting time WT (1 second to 30 seconds).

[0112] However, since an instruction to immediately execute printing was received from the user at the 20 - second point (indicated by a star) during the printing waiting time WT, printing is immediately executed from that point.

[0113] On the other hand, in step S27 of FIG. 10, when an instruction to immediately execute printing has not been received (when the determination in step S27 is No), in step S28, the control unit 10 determines whether an instruction to extend printing has been received (step S28).

[0114] When an instruction to extend printing has been received (when the determination in step S28 is Yes), in step S29, the control unit 10 extends the printing wait time WT by a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (step S29).

[0115] On the other hand, when an instruction to extend printing has not been received (when the determination in step S28 is No), in step S30, the control unit 10 determines whether the printing wait time WT has elapsed (step S30).

[0116] Note that when an instruction to immediately execute printing has been received, the printing wait time WT may be reset to be shorter by that amount. Also, when an instruction to extend printing has been received, the printing wait time WT may be reset to be longer by that amount.

[0117] In this way, even when the printing wait time WT is set, when an instruction to immediately execute printing is received, printing is immediately executed, and on the other hand, when an instruction to extend printing is received, by extending for a predetermined time, the digital multifunction machine 1 that executes printing at a more appropriate timing than before can be realized.

[0118] [Embodiment 4] <Printing Process of the Digital Multifunction Machine 1 According to Embodiment 4 of this Disclosure> Next, based on FIGS. 13 to 15, the printing process of the digital multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure will be described.

[0119] Note that since the configurations of the image forming system 100, the digital multifunction machine 1, and the user terminal 2 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure are the same as those in Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), the description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the digital multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure.

[0121] Since the processes of steps S41 to S48 and S53 in FIG. 13 respectively correspond to the processes of steps S1 to S9 in FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted.

[0122] Here, the processes of steps S49 to S52 in FIG. 13 not described in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0123] In step S47 of FIG. 13, when a predetermined printing waiting time WT has elapsed (when the determination in step S47 is Yes), in step S49, the control unit 10 determines whether there is a previously reserved printing waiting job (step S49).

[0124] When there is no previously reserved printing waiting job (when the determination in step S49 is No), in step S53, the control unit 10 starts printing (step S53).

[0125] On the other hand, when there is a previously reserved printing waiting job (when the determination in step S49 is Yes), in step S50, the control unit 10 determines whether printing will be completed during the previously reserved printing waiting time (step S50).

[0126] FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of the time course of the printing process of the digital multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. FIG. 14(A) shows the time course of the printing process of the printing job JA from the user terminal 2A, and FIG. 14(B) shows the time course of the printing process of the printing job JB from the user terminal 2B.

[0127] In FIG. 14, it is assumed that the digital multifunction machine 1 receives a printing instruction from the user terminal 2A and receives a printing instruction from the user terminal 2B 10 seconds later during the 30-second printing waiting time WT.

[0128] In this case, when the data expansion time of the print job JB is 4 seconds, the print waiting time is 0 seconds, and the printing time is 4 seconds, the print job JB is completed 17 seconds later, that is, within the print waiting time WT of the print job JA.

[0129] Thus, in step S50 of FIG. 13, when printing is completed during the print waiting time of the prior appointment (when the determination in step S50 is Yes), in step S53, the control unit 10 starts printing (step S53).

[0130] On the other hand, when printing is not completed during the print waiting time of the prior appointment (when the determination in step S50 is No), in step S52, the control unit 10 determines whether the prior appointment job has completed printing (step S52).

[0131] When the prior appointment job has completed printing (when the determination in step S52 is Yes), in step S53, the control unit 10 starts printing (step S53).

[0132] On the other hand, when the prior appointment job has not completed printing (when the determination in step S52 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S50 (step S50).

[0133] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification window during the print waiting time displayed on the display unit 171 of the digital multi-function machine 1 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. FIG. 15(A) shows an example of a notification window during the print waiting time when there is only one print waiting job, and FIG. 15(B) shows an example of a notification window during the print waiting time when there are two or more print waiting jobs.

[0134] Since the content of the notification window in FIG. 15(A) is the same as that of the notification window in FIG. 7(A), the description is omitted. When there are two or more print waiting jobs, as shown in the example of FIG. 15(B), two or more notification windows are displayed so as to be scrollable up and down. Therefore, the user can know whether there is a prior appointment print waiting job.

[0135] In this way, even when there is a job waiting for printing of a previous reservation, if the printing is completed during the waiting time for printing of the previous reservation, in order to start printing, the jobs waiting for printing can be efficiently processed, and the digital multifunction machine 1 that executes printing at a more appropriate timing than before can be realized.

[0136] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure also include combinations of any of the above-described embodiments.

[0137] In addition to the above-described embodiments, there can be various modifications to this disclosure. Those modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0138] 1: Digital multifunction machine, 2: User terminal, 3: Network, 10, 20: Control unit, 11: Image data acquisition unit, 12: Image forming unit, 13, 21: Storage unit, 14, 22: Image processing unit, 15, 23: Communication unit, 16, 24: Timer, 17: Operation panel, 100: Image forming system, 25, 171: Display unit, 26, 172: Operation unit, BT: Basic time, K: Coefficient, WT: Printing waiting time

Claims

1. An operation unit that receives a user's input operation, A communication unit that receives a print job of image data from an external device via a network, A storage unit that receives settings of the print job, An image processing unit that generates print data based on the image data of the print job, An image forming unit that forms an image based on the print data, An image forming apparatus comprising the operation unit, the communication unit, the storage unit, the image processing unit, and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, The operation unit receives an input of distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus, The settings of the print job include a setting of a print waiting time based on the distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus, When the communication unit receives the print job of the image data from the external device, and when the print waiting time of the external device is set, the control unit causes the image forming unit to form the image based on the image data of the print job after the elapse of the print waiting time from when the print job is received. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

2. The operation unit receives an input of information on the moving speed of the user, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print waiting time is determined based on the distance information between the external device and the image forming apparatus and the information on the moving speed of the user.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the image processing unit to generate the print data based on the image data also during the print waiting time.

4. The apparatus further includes a display unit that displays various information to the user, The control unit causes the display unit to display the print waiting time of the received print job, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is caused to receive the user's processing for the print job during the print waiting time.

5. The user's processing for the print job during the print waiting time includes at least one of canceling the print job, starting the print job, and extending the print waiting time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the operation unit receives the start of the print job or the extension of the print waiting time, the control unit reflects the result in the setting of the print waiting time.

Images