Image forming apparatus and operation control method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the wait time of a user until a list of print jobs held in a print server is displayed, and to provide an operation control method.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 3 includes: an acquisition processing unit 83 that starts an acquisition process of sequentially acquiring job information on each of print jobs held in a print server from the print server when predetermined acquisition timing arrives; and a first display processing unit 84 that causes an operation display unit 56 to display the list of the print jobs on the basis of the job information acquired by the acquisition process until the reception of the specific operation according to the specific operation received after the acquisition timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an operation control method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image forming system capable of displaying a list of print jobs held in a print server on a display unit of an image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the image forming system, the job information of the print job used for displaying the list, which can be transmitted in one communication, may be limited to only one by a communication protocol that defines a communication procedure between the print server and the image forming apparatus. In this case, when the sequential acquisition of the job information is started after a display instruction for the list is input by the user, the waiting time of the user until the list is displayed becomes long.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an operation control method capable of shortening the waiting time of the user until a list of print jobs held in a print server is displayed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition processing unit and a first display processing unit. When a predetermined acquisition timing arrives, the acquisition processing unit starts an acquisition process of sequentially acquiring job information of each print job held by the print server from the print server. The first display processing unit causes a list of the print jobs based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process up to the time of receiving the specific operation to be displayed on a display unit in response to a predetermined specific operation received after the acquisition timing.

[0007] An operation control method according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step and a display step. In the acquisition step, when a predetermined acquisition timing arrives, an acquisition process of sequentially acquiring job information of each print job held by the print server from the print server is started. In the display step, a list of the print jobs based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process up to the time of receiving the specific operation is displayed on a display unit in response to a predetermined specific operation received after the acquisition timing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the user's waiting time until a list of print jobs held by a print server is displayed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] [Configuration of Image Forming System 100] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of an image forming system 100 including an image forming apparatus 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an information processing apparatus 1, a print server 2, and an image forming apparatus 3. In the image forming system 100, the information processing apparatus 1, the print server 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 are each connected to a communication network 4. The information processing apparatus 1 and the print server 2 can communicate with each other via the communication network 4. Also, the print server 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 can communicate with each other via the communication network 4. For example, the communication network 4 is the Internet.

[0013] In the image forming system 100, communication between the print server 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 is executed according to a predetermined communication protocol. For example, the communication protocol is IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

[0014] [Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 1] Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0015] The information processing apparatus 1 is a client terminal used by a first user of the print server 2. The first user is a user of the printing service provided by the print server 2. Also, the first user is a user who has been registered in advance with the print server 2 as a user of the printing service. The printing service is a service that prints image data specified by the first user using the image forming apparatus 3. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 is a personal computer or a notebook computer. Note that the information processing apparatus 1 may also be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, an operation display unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

[0017] The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the information processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23. The CPU 21 is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 21 to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 23 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU 21. The CPU 21 executes various control programs stored in advance in the ROM 22. Thereby, the CPU 21 comprehensively controls the information processing apparatus 1.

[0018] The operation display unit 12 is the user interface of the information processing apparatus 1. The operation display unit 12 includes a first display unit and a first operation unit. The first display unit displays various types of information in response to a control instruction from the control unit 11. For example, the first display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The first operation unit inputs various types of information to the control unit 11 in response to a user operation. For example, the first operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0019] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that performs wired or wireless data communication via a communication network 4 with an external communication device such as a printing server 2.

[0020] The storage unit 14 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 14 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0021] [Configuration of the Printing Server 2] Next, the configuration of the printing server 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0022] The printing server 2 is one or more information processing apparatuses that provide the printing service to the first user. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, an example in which the printing server 2 is configured by one information processing apparatus will be described.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the printing server 2 includes a control unit 31, an operation display unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a storage unit 34.

[0024] The control unit 31 comprehensively controls the printing server 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 31 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. The CPU 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 have the same functions as the CPU 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23 of the information processing apparatus 1.

[0025] The operation display unit 32 is the user interface of the printing server 2. The operation display unit 32 includes a second display unit and a second operation unit. The second display unit displays various information according to a control instruction from the control unit 31. For example, the second display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The second operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 31 according to a user's operation. For example, the second operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0026] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface that performs wired or wireless data communication via the communication network 4 with external communication devices such as the information processing device 1 and the image forming device 3.

[0027] The storage unit 34 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 14 of the information processing device 1.

[0028] The storage unit 34 stores in advance first account information corresponding to each of the first users. The first account information includes identification information of the first user such as a user ID and a password.

[0029] In addition, the storage unit 34 stores in advance a first printing service program for providing the printing service to the first user. The CPU 41 of the control unit 31 functions as the first login processing unit 71 and the generation processing unit 72 shown in FIG. 3 by executing the first printing service program.

[0030] The first login processing unit 71 logs in the first user to the printing server 2.

[0031] Specifically, the first login processing unit 71 causes the operation display unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 1 to display a first authentication screen used for authenticating the first user in response to an operation of a user instructing access to the printing server 2. On the first authentication screen, operations of the user for inputting the identification information of the first user and the password are accepted. When information is input by the operation of the user on the first authentication screen, the first login processing unit 71 determines whether the input information matches any of the first account information stored in the storage unit 34. Then, when the information input on the first authentication screen matches any of the first account information stored in the storage unit 34, the first login processing unit 71 determines that the authentication is successful and logs in the first user to the printing server 2.

[0032] The generation processing unit 72 generates a print job for printing the image data specified by the first user. The print job is a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus 3.

[0033] For example, the generation processing unit 72 causes the operation display unit 12 to display a print target designation screen used for designating the image data to be printed in response to a predetermined operation by the first user on the operation display unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 1. Then, when the image data to be printed is designated by the operation of the first user on the print target designation screen, the generation processing unit 72 generates the print job for printing the designated image data. Further, the generation processing unit 72 stores the generated print job in the storage unit 34.

[0034] Also, when the print job is generated, the generation processing unit 72 stores the job information of the generated print job in the storage unit 34. For example, the job information includes a job ID used for identifying the print job, the identification information of the first user, the name information of the print target, the page number information of the print target, and the generation timing information of the print job.

[0035] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 3] Next, while referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 3 executes the print job held in the print server 2. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 3 is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a scan function, a fax function, and a copy function, together with a print function for forming an image on a sheet based on image data. Note that the image forming apparatus 3 may be a printer having the print function, a fax device, a copy machine, or the like.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a control unit 51, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 52, an image reading unit 53, an image forming unit 54, a paper feeding unit 55, an operation display unit 56, a communication unit 57, and a storage unit 58.

[0038] The control unit 51 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 51 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, and a RAM 63. The CPU 61, the ROM 62, and the RAM 63 have the same functions as the CPU 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23 of the information processing apparatus 1.

[0039] The ADF 52 conveys the document on which the image is read by the image reading unit 53. The ADF 52 includes a document set unit, a plurality of conveyance rollers, a document presser, and a paper discharge unit.

[0040] The image reading unit 53 realizes the scan function. The image reading unit 53 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD.

[0041] The image forming unit 54 realizes the printing function. For example, the image forming unit 54 forms a color or monochrome image on a sheet supplied by the paper feeding unit 55 by an electrophotographic method. For example, the image forming unit 54 includes a plurality of image forming units, an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and a paper discharge tray. Note that the image forming unit 54 may form an image on a sheet supplied by the paper feeding unit 55 by another image forming method such as an inkjet method.

[0042] The paper feeding unit 55 supplies a sheet to the image forming unit 54. The paper feeding unit 55 includes a paper feeding cassette, a manual feed tray, and a plurality of conveying rollers.

[0043] The operation display unit 56 is a user interface of the image forming apparatus 3. The operation display unit 56 includes a third display unit and a third operation unit. The third display unit displays various information in response to a control instruction from the control unit 51. For example, the third display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The third operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 51 in response to a user operation. For example, the third operation unit includes operation keys and a touch panel.

[0044] The communication unit 57 is a communication interface that performs wired or wireless data communication via a communication network 4 with an external communication device such as a print server 2.

[0045] The storage unit 58 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 14 of the information processing apparatus 1.

[0046] The storage unit 58 stores in advance second account information corresponding to each of the second users of the image forming apparatus 3. The second user is a user who has been registered in the image forming apparatus 3 in advance as a user of the image forming apparatus 3. The second account information includes identification information of the second user such as a user ID and a password. The second account information is associated in advance with the identification information of the first user.

[0047] In addition, the storage unit 58 stores in advance an authentication program for authenticating the second user. The CPU 61 of the control unit 51 functions as a second login processing unit 81 and a second display processing unit 82 shown in FIG. 4 by executing the authentication program.

[0048] The second login processing unit 81 allows the second user to log in to the image forming apparatus 3. The second user is an example of a registered user of the present invention. The second login processing unit 81 is an example of the login processing unit of the present invention.

[0049] For example, when the authentication function of the second user is set to be valid, the second login processing unit 81 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a second authentication screen used for authenticating the second user when an operation by the user is received on the operation display unit 56. On the second authentication screen, operations by the user for inputting the identification information and password of the second user are received. Note that the authentication function is switched between valid and invalid according to a predetermined operation by the user on the operation display unit 56.

[0050] When information is input by an operation of the user on the second authentication screen, the second login processing unit 81 determines whether or not the input information matches any of the second account information stored in the storage unit 58. Then, when the information input on the second authentication screen matches any of the second account information stored in the storage unit 58, the second login processing unit 81 determines that the authentication is successful and allows the second user to log in to the image forming apparatus 3.

[0051] Note that the second login processing unit 81 executes a logout process for logging out the second user who is currently logged in when a predetermined logout operation is performed on the operation display unit 56, when a preset time has elapsed, or when another second user is logged in.

[0052] The second display processing unit 82 causes the operation display unit 56 (an example of the display unit of the present invention) to display a function selection screen used for selecting a target function to be used.

[0053] For example, when the authentication function is set to be valid, the second display processing unit 82 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the function selection screen when the second user logs in to the image forming apparatus 3.

[0054] Further, when the authentication function is set to be invalid, the second display processing unit 82 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the function selection screen when an operation of the user is received by the operation display unit 56.

[0055] The function selection screen is a so-called main menu screen. On the function selection screen, it is possible to select the target function to be used from various functions that the image forming apparatus 3 has. The functions that can be selected on the function selection screen include a specific function for executing the print job held in the print server 2.

[0056] [[ID=ID=15]] By the way, in the image forming apparatus 3, it is possible to cause the operation display unit 56 to display a job list of the print jobs held in the print server 2.

[0057] Here, in the image forming system 100, the job information of the print jobs used for displaying the job list, which can be transmitted in one communication by the communication protocol that defines the communication procedure between the print server 2 and the image forming apparatus 3, is limited to only one. Therefore, when the sequential acquisition of the job information is started after a user inputs an instruction to display the job list in the image forming apparatus 3, the waiting time of the user until the job list is displayed becomes long.

[0058] On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user until the job list of the print jobs held in the print server 2 is displayed.

[0059] Specifically, the storage unit 58 of the image forming apparatus 3 stores in advance a second print service program for causing the control unit 51 to function as the acquisition processing unit 83, the first display processing unit 84, the determination processing unit 85, and the execution processing unit 86 shown in FIG. 4. The CPU 61 of the control unit 51 functions as each of the above-described processing units by executing the second print service program.

[0060] Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 51 of the image forming apparatus 3 may be configured by electronic circuits. Further, the authentication program and the second print service program may be programs for causing a plurality of processors to function as the respective processing units shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] When a predetermined acquisition timing arrives, the acquisition processing unit 83 starts an acquisition process of sequentially acquiring the job information of each of the print jobs held by the print server 2 from the print server 2 in accordance with the communication protocol.

[0062] Here, the acquisition timing is different between when the authentication function is valid and when it is invalid.

[0063] For example, the acquisition timing (hereinafter referred to as "first acquisition timing") when the authentication function is valid is the timing when the specific function is selected as the target function on the function selection screen.

[0064] Also, the acquisition timing (hereinafter referred to as "second acquisition timing") when the authentication function is invalid is the timing when communication in accordance with the communication protocol becomes possible with the print server 2.

[0065] In the acquisition process (hereinafter referred to as "first acquisition process") executed when the first acquisition timing arrives, the job information of each of the print jobs corresponding to the second user during login is sequentially acquired.

[0066] For example, in the first acquisition process, based on the identification information of the first user associated with the second account information of the second user during login, the first user corresponding to the second user during login is recognized. Also, in the first acquisition process, from the print server 2, a list of the job IDs of the print jobs of the first user corresponding to the second user during login (hereinafter referred to as the "first job ID list") is acquired. Then, in the first acquisition process, the acquired first job ID list is used to sequentially acquire the job information of each of the print jobs corresponding to the second user during login. The job information acquired in the first acquisition process is stored in a predetermined specific storage area in the RAM 63.

[0067] For example, in the first acquisition process, for each job ID included in the first job ID list, the acquisition of the job information is performed once. Then, in the first acquisition process, after the acquisition of the job information has been performed once for all the job IDs included in the first job ID list, for each job ID for which the acquisition of the job information has failed, a retry is performed a predetermined number of times.

[0068] For example, the first acquisition process is repeatedly executed until the second user logs out or the authentication setting is switched from valid to invalid.

[0069] Also, in the acquisition process (hereinafter referred to as the "second acquisition process") executed when the second acquisition timing arrives, the job information of each of all the print jobs held in the print server 2 is sequentially acquired.

[0070] For example, in the second acquisition process, a list of the job IDs of all the print jobs held in the print server 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second job ID list") is acquired from the print server 2. Then, in the second acquisition process, the acquired second job ID list is used to sequentially acquire the job information of each of all the print jobs held in the print server 2. The job information acquired in the second acquisition process is stored in the specific storage area in the RAM 63.

[0071] For example, in the second acquisition process, for each job ID included in the second job ID list, the acquisition of the job information is performed once. Then, in the second acquisition process, after the acquisition of the job information has been performed once for all the job IDs included in the second job ID list, for each job ID for which the acquisition of the job information has failed, a retry is performed a predetermined number of times.

[0072] For example, the second acquisition process is repeatedly executed until the authentication setting is switched from invalid to valid.

[0073] The first display processing unit 84 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a job list of the print jobs (an example of the list of the present invention) based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process up to the time of receiving the specific operation in response to a predetermined specific operation received after the acquisition timing.

[0074] For example, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the authentication function is valid and the specific function is selected as the function to be used on the function selection screen, a user icon image indicating the first user corresponding to the second user who is logged in is displayed on the operation display unit 56.

[0075] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the authentication function is invalid and the specific function is selected as the target function on the function selection screen, the user icon image indicating each of the first users in which the identification information is stored in the specific storage area is displayed on the operation display unit 56.

[0076] For example, the specific operation is a selection operation on the user icon image.

[0077] For example, when the specific operation is received while the authentication function is invalid, the first display processing unit 84 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the job list of the print job of the first user corresponding to the user icon image selected by the specific operation.

[0078] For example, the job list includes the job ID, the name information of the print target, the page number information of the print target, and the generation timing information of the print job for each of the print jobs to be displayed.

[0079] In addition, the first display processing unit 84 updates the job list based on the job information acquired by the acquisition processing until the reception of the update operation in response to a predetermined update operation received after the display of the job list.

[0080] For example, the job list includes an update operation key used for the update operation. In this case, the update operation is an operation on the update operation key.

[0081] Note that the first display processing unit 84 may update the job list each time the job information is acquired by the acquisition processing.

[0082] The determination processing unit 85 determines whether or not the print job specified by the designation operation is held in the print server 2 in response to a designation operation for designating any one of the print jobs included in the job list displayed by the first display processing unit 84.

[0083] Specifically, the determination processing unit 85 determines whether or not the print job specified by the specified operation is held by the print server 2 based on the answer result to the inquiry as to whether or not the print job specified by the specified operation is held by the print server 2 by the print server 2.

[0084] When the execution processing unit 86 determines that the print job specified by the specified operation is held by the print server 2 by the determination processing unit 85, the execution processing unit 86 executes the print job specified by the specified operation.

[0085] Specifically, the execution processing unit 86 acquires the print job specified by the specified operation from the print server 2 and executes the acquired print job.

[0086] Also, when the execution processing unit 86 determines that the print job specified by the specified operation is not held by the print server 2 by the determination processing unit 85, the execution processing unit 86 notifies the user that the print job specified by the specified operation cannot be executed.

[0087] [Operation Control Processing] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the procedure of the operation control processing executed by the control unit 51 of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described together with the operation control method of the present invention. Here, steps S11, S12,... represent the numbers of the processing steps (steps) executed by the control unit 51. The operation control processing is executed when the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is turned on.

[0088] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the authentication function is valid.

[0089] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the authentication function is valid (Yes side in S11), it causes the process to proceed to step S12. Also, if the authentication function is not valid (No side in S11), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S13.

[0090] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 51 executes a first waiting process, which will be described later.

[0091] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 51 determines whether communication conforming to the communication protocol with the print server 2 has become possible.

[0092] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that communication conforming to the communication protocol with the print server 2 has become possible (Yes side in S13), it causes the process to proceed to step S14. Also, if communication conforming to the communication protocol with the print server 2 has not become possible (No side in S13), the control unit 51 waits for communication conforming to the communication protocol with the print server 2 to become possible in step S13.

[0093] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 51 starts the second acquisition process. The process of step S14 is another example of the acquisition step of the present invention and is executed by the acquisition processing unit 83 of the control unit 51.

[0094] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 51 executes a second waiting process, which will be described later.

[0095] [First Waiting Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the procedure of the first waiting process executed in step S12 of the operation control process will be described.

[0096] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 51 determines whether the second user has logged in to the image forming apparatus 3.

[0097] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the second user has logged in to the image forming apparatus 3 (Yes side in S21), the process proceeds to step S22. Also, if the second user has not logged in to the image forming apparatus 3 (No side in S21), the control unit 51 waits for the second user to log in to the image forming apparatus 3 in step S21.

[0098] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the function selection screen. The process of step S22 is executed by the second display processing unit 82 of the control unit 51.

[0099] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 51 determines whether the setting of the authentication function has been switched from valid to invalid.

[0100] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the setting of the authentication function has been switched from valid to invalid (Yes side in S23), the process proceeds to step S29. Also, if the setting of the authentication function has not been switched (No side in S23), the control unit 51 proceeds with the process to step S24.

[0101] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 51 determines whether the specific function has been selected as the target function to be used on the function selection screen.

[0102] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the specific function has been selected as the target function to be used (Yes side in S24), the process proceeds to step S25. Also, if the specific function has not been selected as the target function to be used (No side in S24), the control unit 51 proceeds with the process to step S27.

[0103] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 51 starts the first acquisition process. The process of step S25 is an example of the acquisition step of the present invention and is executed by the acquisition processing unit 83 of the control unit 51.

[0104] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 51 executes a third waiting process described later.

[0105] <Step S27> In step S27, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the second user who is logged in has logged out from the image forming apparatus 3.

[0106] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the second user who is logged in has logged out from the image forming apparatus 3 (Yes side of S27), the process is shifted to step S28. Also, if the second user who is logged in has not logged out from the image forming apparatus 3 (No side of S27), the control unit 51 shifts the process to step S23.

[0107] Note that when a function different from the specific function is selected as the target function on the function selection screen, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the setting screen of the selected function, and executes processing corresponding to the selected function according to the user's operation on the setting screen.

[0108] <Step S28> In step S28, the control unit 51 executes an erasure process for erasing the job information stored in the specific storage area.

[0109] <Step S29> In step S29, the control unit 51 executes the erasure process.

[0110] [Third Waiting Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an example of the procedure of the third waiting process executed in step S26 of the first waiting process will be described.

[0111] <Step S31> First, in step S31, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the specific operation has been received.

[0112] Specifically, when a selection operation on the user icon image indicating the first user corresponding to the second user during login, which is displayed on the operation display unit 56 in response to the selection operation of the specific function on the function selection screen, is received, the control unit 51 determines that the specific operation has been received.

[0113] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the specific operation has been received (Yes side of S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If the specific operation has not been received (No side of S31), the control unit 51 waits for the reception of the specific operation in step S31.

[0114] <Step S32> In step S32, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the job list of the print job based on the job information acquired by the first acquisition process until the reception of the specific operation. The process of step S32 is an example of the display step of the present invention and is executed by the first display processing unit 84 of the control unit 51.

[0115] <Step S33> In step S33, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the update operation has been received.

[0116] Specifically, when an operation on the update operation key included in the job list is received, the control unit 51 determines that the update operation has been received.

[0117] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the update operation has been received (Yes side of S33), it causes the process to proceed to step S34. Also, if the update operation has not been received (No side of S33), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S35.

[0118] <Step S34> In step S34, the control unit 51 updates the job list based on the job information acquired by the first acquisition process up to the time when the update operation was received. The process of step S34 is executed by the first display processing unit 84 of the control unit 51.

[0119] <Step S35> In step S35, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a designation operation for designating any one of the print jobs included in the job list has been received.

[0120] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the designation operation has been received (Yes side of S35), it causes the process to proceed to step S36. Also, if the designation operation has not been received (No side of S35), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S33.

[0121] <Step S36> In step S36, the control unit 51 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the print job designated by the designation operation is held in the print server 2. The process of step S36 is executed by the determination processing unit 85 of the control unit 51.

[0122] <Step S37> In step S37, the control unit 51 branches the process according to the result of the determination process. Specifically, when it is determined by the determination process that the print job specified by the specified operation is held in the print server 2 (on the Yes side of S37), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S38. Also, when it is determined by the determination process that the print job specified by the specified operation is not held in the print server 2 (on the No side of S, the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S39.

[0123] <Step S38> In step S38, the control unit 51 executes the print job specified by the specified operation. The process of step S38 is executed by the execution processing unit 86 of the control unit 51.

[0124] <Step S39> In step S39, the control unit 51 notifies the user that the print job specified by the specified operation cannot be executed. The process of step S39 is executed by the execution processing unit 86 of the control unit 51.

[0125] For example, since the print job specified by the specified operation does not exist in the print server 2, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a message indicating that the print job cannot be executed.

[0126] [Second waiting process] Next, an example of the procedure of the second waiting process executed in step S15 of the operation control process will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0127] <Step S41> First, in step S41, the control unit 51 determines whether the setting of the authentication function has been switched from invalid to valid.

[0128] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the setting of the authentication function has been switched from invalid to valid (Yes side of S41), it causes the process to proceed to step S51. Also, if the setting of the authentication function has not been switched (No side of S41), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S42.

[0129] <Step S42> In step S42, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the specific operation has been received.

[0130] Specifically, when a selection operation is received for any of the user icon images indicating each of the first users in which identification information is stored in the specific storage area and which are displayed on the operation display unit 56 in response to the selection operation of the specific function on the function selection screen, the control unit 51 determines that the specific operation has been received.

[0131] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the specific operation has been received (Yes side of S42), it causes the process to proceed to step S43. Also, if the specific operation has not been received (No side of S42), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S41.

[0132] <Step S43> In step S43, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the job list of the print job of the first user selected by the specific operation based on the job information acquired by the second acquisition process until the specific operation is received. The process of step S43 is another example of the display step of the present invention and is executed by the first display processing unit 84 of the control unit 51.

[0133] <Step S44> In step S44, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the update operation has been received.

[0134] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the update operation has been received (Yes side in S44), it causes the process to proceed to step S45. Also, if the update operation has not been received (No side in S44), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S46.

[0135] <Step S45> In step S45, the control unit 51 updates the job list based on the job information acquired by the second acquisition process up to the time when the update operation is received. The process of step S45 is executed by the first display processing unit 84 of the control unit 51.

[0136] <Step S46> In step S46, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a designation operation for designating any one of the print jobs included in the job list has been received.

[0137] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the designation operation has been received (Yes side in S46), it causes the process to proceed to step S47. Also, if the designation operation has not been received (No side in S46), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S44.

[0138] <Step S47> In step S47, the control unit 51 executes the determination process. The process of step S47 is executed by the determination processing unit 85 of the control unit 51.

[0139] <Step S48> In step S48, the control unit 51 branches the process according to the result of the determination process. Specifically, when the control unit 51 determines that the print job designated by the designation operation by the determination process is held in the print server 2 (Yes side in S48), it causes the process to proceed to step S49. Also, when the control unit 51 determines that the print job designated by the designation operation by the determination process is not held in the print server 2 (No side in S48), it causes the process to proceed to step S50.

[0140] <Step S49> In step S49, the control unit 51 executes the print job specified by the specified operation. The process of step S49 is executed by the execution processing unit 86 of the control unit 51.

[0141] <Step S50> In step S50, the control unit 51 notifies the user that the print job specified by the specified operation cannot be executed. The process of step S50 is executed by the execution processing unit 86 of the control unit 51.

[0142] <Step S51> In step S51, the control unit 51 executes the deletion process.

[0143] In this way, in the image forming system 100, the job list is displayed according to the specific operation received after the start of the acquisition process. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which the acquisition process is started according to the specific operation and the job list is displayed based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process, the waiting time of the user until the job list of the print job held in the print server 2 is displayed can be shortened.

[0144] Further, in the image forming system 100, when the authentication function is valid, the first acquisition process is started at the timing when the specific function is selected as the target function after the second user logs in. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which the first acquisition process is started at the timing when the second user logs in, it is possible to suppress the execution of the unnecessary first acquisition process. Note that the acquisition timing may include any timing after the second user logs in.

[0145] [Supplementary Note of the Invention] The following is an appendix on the outline of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and each processing function described in the following appendix can be arbitrarily combined by making selections.

[0146] <Appendix 1> An image forming apparatus comprising: an acquisition processing unit that starts an acquisition process of sequentially acquiring job information of each print job held in the print server when a predetermined acquisition timing arrives; and a first display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a list of the print jobs based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process by the time of reception of the specific operation in response to a predetermined specific operation received after the acquisition timing.

[0147] <Appendix 2> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1, further comprising a login processing unit that logs in a registered user registered in advance, wherein the acquisition timing includes a timing after the login of the registered user, and the acquisition process includes a process of sequentially acquiring the job information of each print job corresponding to the registered user during login.

[0148] <Appendix 3> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 2, further comprising a second display processing unit that causes the display unit to display a function selection screen used for selecting a target function to be used when the registered user logs in, wherein the functions selectable on the function selection screen include a specific function for executing the print job held in the print server, and the acquisition timing includes a timing when the specific function is selected as the target function on the function selection screen.

[0149] <Appendix 4> The image forming apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the first display processing unit updates the list based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process by the time of reception of the update operation in response to a predetermined update operation received after the display of the list.

[0150] <Appendix 5> A determination processing unit that determines whether or not the print job specified by the specification operation is held by the print server in response to a specification operation for specifying any one of the print jobs included in the list displayed by the first display processing unit; and an execution processing unit that executes the print job specified by the specification operation when the determination processing unit determines that the print job specified by the specification operation is held by the print server. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0151] <Appendix 6> An acquisition step of starting an acquisition process of sequentially acquiring job information of each print job held by the print server from the print server when a predetermined acquisition timing arrives; and a display step of causing a display unit to display a list of the print jobs based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process up to the time of reception of the specific operation in response to a predetermined specific operation received after the acquisition timing. An operation control method including the above steps.

Explanation of Signs

[0152] 1 Information processing apparatus 2 Print server 3 Image forming apparatus 4 Communication network 11 Control unit 12 Operation display unit 13 Communication unit 14 Storage unit 31 Control unit 32 Operation display unit 33 Communication unit 34 Storage unit 51 Control unit 52 ADF 53 Image reading unit 54 Image forming unit 55 Paper feeding unit 56 Operation display unit 57 Communication unit 58 Storage unit 71 First login processing unit 72 Generation processing unit 81 Second Login Processing Unit 82 Second Display Processing Unit 83 Acquisition Processing Unit 84 First Display Processing Unit 85 Judgment Processing Unit 86 Execution Processing Unit 100 Image Formation System

Claims

1. An acquisition processing unit that starts an acquisition process for sequentially acquiring job information of each print job held by the print server from the print server when a predetermined acquisition timing arrives; A first display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a list of the print jobs based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process up to the time when the specific operation is received, in response to a predetermined specific operation received after the acquisition timing; An image forming apparatus comprising the above.

2. A login processing unit for logging in a registered user registered in advance; The acquisition timing includes a timing after the login of the registered user; The acquisition process includes a process of sequentially acquiring the job information of each print job corresponding to the registered user during login; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A second display processing unit that causes the display unit to display a function selection screen used for selecting a target function to be used when the registered user logs in; The functions selectable on the function selection screen include a specific function for executing the print job held by the print server; The acquisition timing includes a timing when the specific function is selected as the target function on the function selection screen; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The first display processing unit updates the list based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process up to the time when the update operation is received, in response to a predetermined update operation received after the display of the list; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A determination processing unit that determines whether or not the print job specified by the designation operation is held by the print server, in response to a designation operation for designating any one of the print jobs included in the list displayed by the first display processing unit; An execution processing unit that executes the print job specified by the designation operation when the determination processing unit determines that the print job specified by the designation operation is held by the print server; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the above.

6. An acquisition step of starting an acquisition process for sequentially acquiring job information of each print job held by the print server from the print server when a predetermined acquisition timing arrives; A display step of causing a display unit to display a list of the print jobs based on the job information acquired by the acquisition process up to the time of reception of the specific operation in response to a predetermined specific operation that is received after the acquisition timing; An operation control method including the above.

Images