Image forming apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for effectively securing security of a print product in an image forming apparatus that provides multi-system network connection.SOLUTION: When it is determined that both a main line and a sub line are valid, image formation of a print job received via the main line is not immediately performed, but is controlled to be held inside an apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of network systems, a control method, and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming devices (also known as multifunction peripherals, hereafter referred to as MFPs) have the function of executing print jobs received from external client devices connected via a network. In this case, the received job data is not only printed immediately, but also temporarily stored within the MFP in a box or a storage location called a forced reservation. Some MFPs have a storage printing function that allows the job owner to output the print job by operating the MFP at an appropriate timing.

[0003] Furthermore, MFPs with multiple network systems have become increasingly common in recent years. For example, there are MFPs equipped with two wired LAN systems. There are also MFPs that can use multiple networks, including a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-149809 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the main reasons for the use of multiple LANs is that the users of MFPs belong to different organizations, have different terms of use, and have different security requirements, so that a single device can be used by different users with different characteristics. Take the following case as an example: Imagine an environment where employees and customers use the same MFP.

[0006] Information processing devices used by employees are connected to the MFP via an intranet. On the other hand, it is generally undesirable to connect information processing devices owned by customers to the same intranet as employees, primarily for security reasons. For this reason, the intranet separates the network systems by connecting the customer's information processing devices to a second network system set up separately. This separates the employee and customer network environments, eliminating the security concerns mentioned above. For this reason, MFPs installed in the above-mentioned environment have a multi-system (two-system) network connection configuration to enable connection from both the employee and customer networks.

[0007] However, the following problem exists when ensuring the security of printed output. Assume that an employee prints Document 1, which contains confidential information that the employee does not want the customer to see, using an MFP in a shared environment with the customer, as described above. In this case, the employee prints Document 1 to the MFP via the employee network, and the printed output is discharged into the MFP's output tray. Next, suppose the customer instructs the same MFP to print Document 2 via the customer network.

[0008] As a result of the operations shown in the example above, document 1 by the employee and document 2 by the customer are output onto the output tray of the MFP. In other words, the printouts of the employee and the customer are mixed and stacked on the output tray.

[0009] In this case, the information security of the employee's printed output may be compromised for the following reasons. First, because documents output by employees are output onto the output tray, there is a possibility that a third party, such as a customer, may be able to view the contents of Document 1. Second, in the example above, when a customer removes Document 2 from the output tray, Document 1 may be accidentally or intentionally removed, as it is mixed in with Document 2 below it. Either of these situations compromises the information security of the employee's printed output.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances and solves at least one of the problems. That is, in an MFP that is connected to and shared by multiple networks, a system is provided that can ensure convenience and information security by enabling shared use from multiple systems without compromising the security of print deliverables via one of the networks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having two means, a first connection means for communicating via a network and a second connection means for communicating via a network, and is characterized by having a control means that, when it is determined that a print job has been received via the first connection means while both the first connection means and the second connection means are in a valid state, controls to perform image formation processing on the received print job, and, on the other hand, when it is determined that a print job has been received via the second connection means, controls to store the received print job in a storage means without performing image formation processing on it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when a multi-system network is enabled, the forced reservation print function for print jobs from the main system network is enabled.Even in a situation where an MFP is shared and used by users with different security requirements via multiple systems networks, it is possible to provide an MFP that realizes a safe usage environment without compromising the security of print deliverables from the main system network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an entire printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of MFP in the first embodiment [Figure 3]Hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device according to the first embodiment [Figure 4] Software configuration diagram of MFP in the first embodiment [Figure 5] Software configuration diagram of the information processing device in the first embodiment [Figure 6] An example of a display state on the operation unit in the first embodiment [Figure 7] Second example of display state on the operation unit in the first embodiment [Figure 8] An example illustrating the usage status of the MFP in the first embodiment [Figure 9] Flow diagram in the first embodiment [Figure 10] Second flow chart in the first embodiment [Figure 11] Third flow chart in the first embodiment [Figure 12] An example of a display state on an operation unit in the second embodiment [Figure 13] Flow diagram in the third embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. [Example]

[0015] 1 is a block diagram showing a print processing system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 102 is described as an example of an image forming apparatus, and a PC 103 and an information terminal 104 are described as examples of information processing apparatuses. The MFP 102 and PC 103 are connected to each other via a first network 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The information terminal 104 and MFP 102 are connected to each other via a second network 101 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0016] In the example shown in the figure, the first network 100 is a wired LAN, and the second network 101 is a wireless LAN. However, these physical connection forms are not limited to the example shown in the figure. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a router 105 is connected to the first network 100, and a PC 103 establishes a communication path between the router 105 and the PC 103 via a wireless LAN, and the PC 103 is able to communicate with the MFP 102 via this communication path.

[0017] In the following description of the embodiment, the first network 100 shown in the figure is the main system connection and is also referred to as the main line 100, and the second network 101 is the connection other than the main system and is also referred to as the sub-line 101. While the main line 100 is the main line that is always available, the sub-line 101 is a line that is configured so that its use can be started or stopped arbitrarily as needed.

[0018] First, the PC 103 will be described. The PC 103 can execute various programs, such as an application program that submits a print job. The PC 103 also has installed thereon various applications, such as a printer driver and workflow software, that have the function of converting print data into a printer language compatible with the MFP 102. A user who wishes to print can issue a print instruction from the various applications. The printer driver, workflow software, etc. can convert data output by the application based on the print instruction into print data that can be interpreted by the MFP 102, and transmit this as print data to the MFP 102 connected to the network 100.

[0019] In this embodiment, a PC is used as an example of an information processing device, but a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal may also be used. The method of transmitting print data to the image forming device can be modified as appropriate. The print data may be transmitted to the image forming device via a printing application or driver, or the print data may be transmitted to the image forming device via a cloud server.

[0020] Next, the information terminal 104 will be described. The information terminal 104 has the same functions as the PC 103. In other words, it can execute various programs, such as an application program for submitting a print job. In the example shown in the figure, the information terminal is configured as a portable information terminal that can submit a print job to the MFP 102 via a wireless LAN. However, this is shown as an example, and a general-purpose information processing device such as a PC may also be used. Furthermore, the means for connecting to the MFP may equally well be a connection via a wired LAN rather than a wireless LAN.

[0021] Next, we will explain the MFP 102. The MFP 102 has a reading function that reads images on sheets and a printing function that prints images on sheets. The MFP 102 also has post-processing functions that bind multiple sheets with printed images, align multiple sheets, and sort multiple sheets into multiple trays. Note that sheets include paper such as plain paper, cardboard, and coated paper, as well as film.

[0022] In this embodiment, the MFP 102 is described as an example of an image forming apparatus, but it may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer that does not have a reading function. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus is assumed to have the various configurations described below.

[0023] The MFP 102 is configured so that multiple devices with different roles are interconnected and capable of complex sheet processing. The main operating principles of this MFP 102 are explained below. The printer unit forms (prints) an image using toner on media (sheets) fed from the paper feed unit based on image data. The operating principles of this printer unit are as follows.

[0024] A beam of light, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror and directed onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed with toner, and the resulting toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is performed sequentially for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners to form a full-color image on the sheet. In addition to these four colors, special color toners and transparent toners may also be transferred. The sheet on the transfer drum with the full-color image thus formed is then transported to a fuser. The fuser includes rollers and belts, and the rollers incorporate heat sources such as halogen heaters. The fuser uses heat and pressure to melt the toner on the sheet with the transferred toner image, fusing it to the sheet.

[0025] The MFP 102 can also be equipped with a device that staples a stack of printed sheets. Staple binding can be performed in any style desired by the user, including corner binding and two-point binding. Printed or processed products are discharged and stacked on a tray 106.

[0026] Next, the configuration (mainly software configuration) of the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment. The MFP 102 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD 209 (hereinafter referred to as HDD) capable of storing data of multiple jobs to be processed within the MFP 102. Note that, although the first embodiment shows an example of the MFP 102 using a hard disk, the storage device is not limited to a hard disk as long as it is a similar large-capacity nonvolatile storage device.

[0027] The MFP 102 also has a copy function of storing data received from the scanner 201 in the HDD 209, reading the data from the HDD 209, and printing the data with the printer unit 203. The MFP 102 also has a print function of storing job data received from an external device via the first external I / F 202 or the second external I / F 203, which are examples of a communication unit, in the HDD 209, reading the data from the HDD 209, and printing the data with the printer unit 203. The MFP 102 is a multifunction processing device (MFP) (also called an image forming device) equipped with these multiple functions. The MFP 102 may be capable of either color printing or monochrome printing.

[0028] The first external I / F 202 and the second external I / F 203 are communication units that enable the MFP 102 to provide network services through multiple system connections. In the example of this embodiment, an example is shown in which it is assumed that the first external I / F 202 is used as the main line 100 and the second external I / F 203 is used as the sub-line 101.

[0029] The scanner 201 reads an original image, processes the image data obtained by scanning the original, and outputs it. The HDD 209 also stores various management information that is permanently stored, changed, and managed by the MFP 102. The MFP 102 also includes a printer unit 203 that executes print processing of the job data to be printed that is stored in the HDD 209.

[0030] The MFP 102 also includes an operation unit 204 having a display unit, which corresponds to an example of a user interface unit. A controller unit (control unit) 205, which corresponds to an example of a control unit included in the MFP 102, has a CPU (not shown) and comprehensively controls the processing and operations of various units included in the MFP 102.

[0031] The ROM 207 stores various control programs required in this embodiment, including programs for executing various processes shown in flowcharts described below, which are executed by the controller unit 205. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens, including user interface screens (hereinafter referred to as UI screens), on the display unit of the operation unit 204.

[0032] The CPU of the controller unit 205 reads and executes programs stored in the ROM 207, thereby causing the MFP 102 to perform various operations according to the first embodiment. The controller unit 205 also interprets page description language (hereinafter abbreviated as PDL) data received from an external device via the first external I / F 202 or the second external I / F 203. The ROM 207 also stores programs for executing operations such as expanding data into raster image data (bitmap image data).

[0033] Similarly, the ROM 207 also stores programs and the like for the controller unit 205 to interpret and process print jobs received from external devices via the first external I / F 202 or the second external I / F 203. These are processed by software. The ROM 207 is a read-only memory that stores in advance programs such as boot sequences and font information, as well as various other programs such as the above programs. Details of the various programs stored in the ROM 207 will be described later. The RAM 208 is a readable and writable memory that stores image data sent from the scanner 201 or the external I / F 202, various programs, setting information, and the like.

[0034] The HDD 209 also stores image data compressed by the decompression unit 206 when it is necessary to store the compressed image data temporarily. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold multiple data such as print data for a job to be processed.

[0035] The controller unit 205 stores data to be processed, which is input via various input units such as the scanner 201, first external I / F 202, and second external I / F 203, in this HDD 209, reads the data from the HDD 209, and outputs the data to the printer unit 203 for printing. The controller unit 205 can also perform control so that job data read from the HDD 209 can be sent to an external device via the first external I / F 202 or second external I / F 203. In this way, the controller unit 205 executes various output processes for data of a job to be processed stored in the HDD 209. The controller unit is also configured to read various programs stored in the ROM 207 and control the MFP 102 based on the processes described in the programs.

[0036] A compression / decompression unit 206 compresses and decompresses image data stored in a RAM 208 and an HDD 209 using various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG.

[0037] A paper feed unit 212 supplies sheets to be printed to the printer unit 211 under the control of the controller unit 205. The sheet processing device is a processing unit for performing processing such as binding on sheets printed by the printer unit 211. An output tray 213 is a stacking unit onto which sheets printed or processed by the printer unit 211 or the sheet processing device 210 are discharged.

[0038] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 103 according to embodiment 1. The information terminal 104 has a similar configuration, although there are differences in some of the components.

[0039] In the figure, a CPU 301 executes programs such as an OS, general applications, and bookbinding applications stored in a program ROM of a ROM 303 or loaded from an HDD 311 to a RAM 302. The ROM 303 is also used as a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 302 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 301. A keyboard controller (KBC) 305 controls input from a keyboard 309 and a pointing device (not shown).

[0040] A display controller 306 controls the display on a display unit 310. A disk controller (DKC) 307 controls access to an HDD 311 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, etc. A network controller (NC) 312 is connected to the network 100 and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network 100. A bus 304 connects the CPU 301 with the RAM 302, ROM 303, various controllers, etc., and transfers data signals and control signals.

[0041] 4 is a diagram for explaining the programs of the MFP 102 according to embodiment 1. These programs are stored in the ROM 207, and are read and executed by the controller unit 205 of the MFP 102.

[0042] The boot loader 401 is a program that is executed immediately after powering on the MFP 101. These programs include programs for executing various startup sequences required for system startup.

[0043] The operating system 402 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the MFP 102. It mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the MFP 102, i.e., the ROM 207, RAM 208, HDD 209, etc., and basic input / output control of the other components shown in FIG.

[0044] The network control program 403 is a program executed when sending and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. This program is used when receiving files to be printed, sending data from external devices, and sending and receiving commands. The network control program also includes a device driver program for controlling the first external I / F 202 and the second external I / F 203.

[0045] The setting management program 404 is a program used when an administrator of the MFP 102 sets the operation mode of the MFP 102 via the operation unit 204. Specific examples of setting functions provided by this program include the execution mode of a print job and network settings. Specific setting contents and setting operations performed by this program will be described later.

[0046] The copy program is a program for providing a copy function, which duplicates an original image read by the scanner 201 and prints it out with the printer unit 211 .

[0047] When PDL data (image data to be printed) is received by the MFP 102 via the first external I / F 202 or the second external I / F 203, the PDL function program 405 executes PDL data rendering processing and printing functions executed by the controller unit 205. In the PDL function performed by the controller unit 205, the controller unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each device shown in Figure 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. As a result, control is performed so that PDL print processing is ultimately executed. These devices include the sheet processing apparatus 200, printer unit 203, HDD 209, compression / decompression unit 206, RAM 208, etc.

[0048] In addition to outputting the received job data to the printer unit 203 as described above, the PDL print function program can also be controlled to store the data in the HDD 209 and output it from another program at an appropriate time, thereby realizing a forced reservation function.

[0049] The stored print program 407 is a program used to select print data stored in the HDD 209 and output it to the printer unit. The operation of this program will be described in detail later.

[0050] The user authentication program 408 is a program that manages users of the MFP 102 and executes various authentication processes required when the users use the MFP 102 .

[0051] Other programs 409 is a general term for programs that are not included in any of the above programs stored in ROM 207 and that can be executed by MFP 102. MFP 102 has many other functions in addition to those shown in the above examples, but these are not important for explaining the effects of the present invention and therefore will not be described here.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of programs stored in the PC 103 and the information terminal 104 according to the first embodiment.

[0053] The boot loader 501 is a program that is executed immediately after powering on the PC 103 and the information terminal 104. These programs include programs for executing various start-up sequences required for starting the system.

[0054] The operating system 502 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the PC 103 and the information terminal 104. It provides functions such as resource management for the device's memory, i.e., the ROM 303, RAM 302, HDD 311, etc.

[0055] The network control program 503 is a program executed when sending and receiving data to devices connected via a network. That is, it is used to send print job data to the MFP 102 and instruct printing processing. It is also used for purposes such as receiving print data from external devices and sending status.

[0056] The job management program 504 is a program for managing print jobs sent to the MFP 102 by the PC 103 and the information terminal 104. It manages the job list in the order in which the jobs were sent, and can also instruct the MFP 102 to change the order of jobs, suspend jobs, cancel jobs, change settings, and perform other processing via this program.

[0057] The print driver program 505 is a program that converts data from various application programs running on the PC 103 and information terminal 104 into a format that can be interpreted by the PDL print program 406 in the MFP 102 when printing the data.

[0058] Other programs 506 is a general term for programs not included in any of the above programs among the programs included in the PC 103 and information terminal 104. These are not important for explaining the effects of the present invention, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] FIG. 6 shows an example of various operations and displays displayed on the operation unit 204 of the MFP 102, for explaining an example relating to the execution of a print job.

[0060] FIG. 6A shows an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 204. A plurality of function selection means are arranged on the screen 600. These selection means include a save print execution instruction means 603 and a setting registration instruction means 604. Although the example shown in FIG. 6A shows an example in which a plurality of function selection means are contained within the screen 600, the MFP 102 in this embodiment is a multifunction peripheral capable of providing a plurality of functions. Therefore, it is possible to configure the MFP 102 to provide many functions other than those shown in FIG. In this case, if the function selection means do not fit within the display area of ​​the screen 600, it is possible to access the selection means for the functions that do not fit within the same screen by operating the scroll button 602.

[0061] A status information presentation unit 601 presents information about the operating status of the MFP to the operator. In the example shown in the figure, the MFP 102 is not operating, so no status information is presented.

[0062] Fig. 6(B) shows an example of a case where a normal print job that is not a forced reservation print job is submitted from an external device when the state of the MFP operation unit 204 is the state shown in Fig. 6(A). A normal print job refers to the execution of a series of processes in which the PDL print program 406 in the MFP 102 executes image formation processing from a device such as the PC 103 or information terminal 104 without going through the saved print program 407, and the resulting product is discharged to the tray 106.

[0063] That is, after the print job data is received by the first external I / F 202 or the second external I / F 203 from the PC 103 or the information terminal 104, it is subjected to an expanded image formation process by the modules shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and the image-formed sheets are sequentially discharged onto the tray 106. When the image formation process starts, a printing status 605 is displayed on the status information display unit 601, as shown in the figure. In the case of a normal print job, the print data is not held in a reserve, but is processed one by one, and is executed as a continuous series of processes until the final page of the job data is discharged onto the tray 106. The requester of the print job does not need to take any particular action other than retrieving the deliverables discharged onto the tray 106. However, the deliverables of the job remain stacked on the tray 106 of the MFP 102, and the contents of the deliverables are left open to viewing until the deliverables are retrieved, and there is a risk that they may be taken away intentionally or accidentally.

[0064] Fig. 6(C) shows an example of a case where a forced reservation print job is submitted from an external device when the state of the MFP's operation unit 204 is the state shown in Fig. 6(A). In the case of a forced reservation print job, unlike the normal print job shown in the example of Fig. 6(B), the print job data processed by the MFP 102 is immediately image-formed and not stacked on the tray 106. The image formation process for a forced reservation print job is characterized by being executed based on an explicit instruction via an operation described below. In the example shown in Fig. 6(C), unlike Fig. 6(B), the status information presentation unit presents information 606 indicating that preparation for the forced reservation job has been completed and that it is ready to print based on the explicit instruction described above, instead of a printing status 605.

[0065] 6(D) shows an example of a screen displayed immediately after selecting the saved print execution instruction means 603 when the state of the operation unit 204 is as shown in FIG. 6(C). By selecting the saved print execution instruction means to print a forced reservation print job, the forced reservation print process is executed by selecting the reserved document to be printed and then issuing an explicit print execution instruction.

[0066] The figure shows an example of a user authentication screen displayed by the MFP 102. The information security of the print output of a forced reservation print job is ensured by controlling the reserved document so that it can only be printed by the user who issued the print instruction. Therefore, in order to obtain the list of reserved documents, select documents to be printed, and issue a print execution instruction for those documents, the MFP 102 in this embodiment requires user authentication processing.

[0067] Multiple fields are arranged on the authentication screen 607. By inputting appropriate information into a user name input field 608, a password input field 609, and a login destination 610, and then selecting a login button 611, the MFP 102 is instructed to perform user authentication processing.

[0068] Fig. 6(E) shows an example of a save print execution instruction screen displayed on the operation unit 204 after the authentication process shown in Fig. 6(D) is successful. The print jobs sent to the MFP 102 by the authenticated user as forced reservation print jobs are held in a job list 612 in the figure, and three jobs (Job A 613, Job B 614, and Job C 615) are shown selected for printing. The job list also displays information such as a job name 616, a reservation date 617, and the number of pages and copies 618 included in the job, so that each job can be easily identified.

[0069] Selecting the select all button 619 makes it possible to select or deselect all jobs displayed in the job list 162 with a single operation. The start print button 620 is a means for instructing image formation processing of a forced reservation print job that is selected in the job list 612. By selecting this button, the forced reservation print job is executed and the resulting product is loaded onto the tray 106.

[0070] In the case of a forced reservation print job, the authentication process shown in Fig. 6(D) is executed on the operation unit 204 of the MFP 102, and an instruction to execute a process for creating a deliverable is issued as an accompanying operation. In other words, unlike a normal print job, the timing of execution of the image formation process by the MFP 102 is controlled by instructions from the user operating the operation unit 204 of the MFP 102. In other words, because the timing at which the user's deliverable is stacked on the tray 106 is controlled by an operation by the user, it is possible to effectively eliminate the risk that the deliverable will be left stacked on the tray 106 or that someone else will view or take it away.

[0071] In a system according to an embodiment of the present invention, whether a print job is executed as a normal print job or as a forced reservation print job is determined according to the settings of the MFP 102, as described below. That is, when the secondary line 101 is enabled in addition to the main line 100, an environment is created in which users with different security requirements share the same MFP 102, as described above. Therefore, to ensure the security of print results stacked on the tray 106, particularly for the user of the main line 100, print jobs on the main line 100 are controlled to be processed as forced reservation prints under the above conditions. Even in an environment in which users from different systems coexist and use the MFP 102, no special considerations or additional setting operations are required. The system according to this embodiment makes it possible to easily build a system that ensures security for print job results sent via the main line 100.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of various setting means in the MFP 102 that are executed when the setting registration instruction means 604 shown in FIG. 6A is selected. FIG. 7A is for illustrating an example of the screen state of the operation unit 204 to which the transition occurs immediately after the setting registration instruction means 604 shown in FIG. 6A is selected. Various settings in the MFP 102 are managed in a hierarchy for each setting item. In the example shown in the figure, network settings 701, adjustment maintenance 702, print settings 703, and management settings 704 are presented as the highest selectable hierarchy. Note that depending on the setting hierarchy, the number of items may vary and may not all be able to be displayed on the screen. In such cases, the screen is configured so that the items can be selected by operating the scroll button 705.

[0073] 7(B) shows an example of the setting hierarchy displayed on the operation unit 204 immediately after selecting the network setting 701 in FIG. 7(A). As shown in the figure, the network setting 701 includes an interface selection setting 706, with "wired LAN" selected. In other words, only the main line 100 is enabled, and the sub-line 101 is not enabled in the state shown in the figure.

[0074] 7(C) shows an example of a detailed screen for interface selection settings to which the screen transitions after selecting interface selection setting 706 when the state of the operation unit 204 is as shown in FIG. 7(B). The following describes the settings that can be selected on the setting screen in the same figure.

[0075] The wired LAN setting selection means 707 is a mode used when only the main line 100 is used. In the example shown in the same figure, the wired LAN setting selection means 707 is in a selected state. When only the main line 100 is used, it is not assumed that multiple network systems are enabled, each system is linked to users with different security requirements for separate operation, and the MFP 102 is shared. The wired LAN + Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 is a mode used when both the main line 100 and the secondary line 101 are used simultaneously.

[0076] When both the main line 100 and the secondary line 101 are used, multiple network systems are enabled, and users with different security requirements are associated with each system for separate operation, with the MFP 102 being shared. In this case, it is more important for users who primarily use the main line 100 to ensure the security of print outputs for users who use the secondary line 101 than when the wired LAN setting selection means 707 is enabled. As will be described later, an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that when the wired LAN+Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 is enabled, print jobs submitted to the MFP 102 from the main line 100 are controlled to be executed as forced reservation print jobs rather than as normal print jobs.

[0077] An OK button 710 accepts the settings of the wired LAN setting selection means 707 or the wired LAN+Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 selected in the figure and sets them in the MFP 102. On the other hand, a cancel button 709 discards the settings of the wired LAN setting selection means 707 or the wired LAN+Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 selected in the figure and ends the setting process in the figure.

[0078] Figure 7(D) shows an example of the display state when the print setting 703 in Figure 7(A) is selected when the display state on the operation unit 204 is as shown in Figure 7(B) and the setting of the interface selection setting 706 is set to wired LAN 707 in Figure 7(C).

[0079] As shown in the figure, the MFP 102 in this embodiment is configured so that the print settings 703 can be set to a forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711 and a forced reservation (Wi-Fi) setting 712. These settings allow the forced reservation print setting to be enabled for print jobs from the main line 100 and the secondary line 101, respectively. However, the configuration shown in the figure is merely an example. For example, a configuration is also possible in which the forced reservation setting can be enabled / disabled only for the main line. Alternatively, a configuration is conceivable in which the forced reservation setting can be enabled simultaneously for each network system, rather than being set independently for each. However, the purpose of the MFP is to provide a mechanism that effectively ensures the security of print outputs by users using the main line in a shared environment where a multi-system network is used and users with different security requirements coexist. At the same time, the MFP 102's configurability is flexible to accommodate the needs of users who desire other modes of operation. For this reason, the setting items are provided independently for the main line 100 and the sub-line 101 so that the presence or absence of the forced reservation setting can be specified for each of them.

[0080] However, as shown in Figure 7(B), the figure shows an example of a screen in which the setting of the interface selection setting 706 is wired LAN 707, i.e., only the main line 100 is enabled, and the secondary line 101 is disabled. Therefore, the example in the figure shows that the forced parking (Wi-Fi) setting, which is a forced parking setting for the inactive secondary line 101, is grayed out so that it cannot be selected. Also, the example shown in the figure shows that the forced parking (wired LAN) setting 711 for the main line 100 is OFF, i.e., the forced parking setting is disabled.

[0081] The following figures will be used to show the effect of automatically changing the forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711 and the forced reservation (Wi-Fi) setting 712 in conjunction with each other depending on the setting content of the interface selection setting 706.

[0082] FIG. 7(E) shows the screen state when the state transitions from FIG. 7(D) back to the interface selection setting 706 shown in FIG. 7(C), and the state is changed from the state in which the wired LAN setting selection means 707 is selected to the state in which the wired LAN+Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 is selected.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the wired LAN + Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 is selected. That is, an instruction is given to enable the secondary line 101 in addition to the main line 100. When the OK button 710 is selected in this state, the secondary line 101 in the MFP 102 is enabled in addition to the main line 100. This allows the MFP 102 to be shared by multiple users with different security requirements. Therefore, in order to ensure the security of printouts made by users using the main line 100, which is the main line, the MFP 102 in this embodiment is subsequently controlled to perform forced reservation printing when a print job is executed via the main line 100.

[0084] In the example of this embodiment, if a change in the interface selection setting 706 affects other setting items, warning information 713 is sent to notify the operator of the change.

[0085] 7(E), if the cancel button 709 is selected, the selections made on the screen will be discarded, and the forced reservation setting for the main line 100 will not be enabled. In other words, the dual LAN will not be enabled, and the network connection will remain possible only via the main line 100.

[0086] Figure 7(F) illustrates the state of the settings screen when the OK button 710 is selected on the screen shown in Figure 7(E) and then the print settings 703 is selected. In comparison with Figure 7(D), this shows that the forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711 is enabled. Because the secondary line 101 is enabled again by the operation in Figure 7(E), the forced reservation (Wi-Fi) setting 712 item has changed from a grayed-out state to a selectable state.

[0087] The effect of submitting a print job in the setting state implemented for the MFP 102 up to Fig. 7(E) will be described in more detail using Fig. 8. Fig. 8(A) shows an example of a situation in which a print job is submitted from a user on each of the main and sub lines under the condition that the sub line 101 is enabled by the setting for the MFP 102 shown up to Fig. 7(E) and a print job via the main line 100 is changed to forced reservation printing.

[0088] The following description will take as an example a case where user A using the main line 100 and user B using the secondary line 101 are taken as users 801 and these users alternately submit print jobs to the MFP 102 as shown in the figure. The table shown in the figure is in order of job submission 807 from top to bottom, with job X 801 by user B being submitted first and job C 806 by user A being submitted sixth, i.e., last in the table shown in the figure.

[0089] In other words, in a printing system using conventional technology, deliverables are generated in accordance with the input order 807 in the table shown in the figure, and are similarly stacked on the tray of the image forming device in the same order according to the input order 807. In other words, deliverables of jobs submitted by user A and user B, who use different lines, are stacked on the tray in a mixed state according to the input order 807 shown in the figure.

[0090] As described above, due to the effect of the control according to the present invention, when the secondary line 101 is enabled in the MFP 102, print jobs sent via the main line are automatically switched to forced reservation print mode and executed. Therefore, as shown in the figure, when print jobs are received from both the main and secondary lines, print jobs sent via the main line 100 are processed as forced reservation print jobs. In other words, jobs A 802, B 804, and C 806 sent by user A via the main line 100 are output by explicitly performing the operations illustrated in FIGS. 6(C) to 6(E). That is, print jobs sent via the main line 100 are executed at the appropriate timing when the user executes a forced reservation print job, rather than in the order of submission 807 as in the prior art. In this way, a user using the main line 100 of the MFP 102 according to this embodiment can avoid mixed stacking of print products from users using the secondary line 101 on the tray 106 and can output the print products at any time by operating the device. Therefore, it is possible to directly collect the print result, and the MFP 102 of the embodiment can ensure the security of the print result.

[0091] In the example shown in the same figure, user A sends three jobs (job A 802, job B 804, and job C 805) to MFP 102 and places them on hold, then at 13:51 instructs the jobs to be forcibly reserved and printed, and the output state is shown as output time 808.

[0092] 8(B) is a diagram for simply explaining the example in FIG. 8(A) by the state of the deliverables stacked on the tray 106. Jobs (job X 801, job Y 803, job Z 805) by user B using the sub-circuit 101 are stacked on the tray 106 in the order of submission 807, immediately after the time required for image formation has elapsed since submission.

[0093] On the other hand, jobs (job A 802, job B 804, job C 806) by user B using main line 100 are input to MFP 102 alternately with three jobs by user B using sub line 101. Despite this, the jobs are not stacked in the order of tray top input time 807 as in devices of the prior art, but are output and stacked in response to an explicit instruction for forced reservation printing.

[0094] In the example shown in the figure, user A instructs forced reservation printing at a stage (13:51) after user B on sub-circuit 101 has finished outputting all of the jobs shown in Figure 7(A). Therefore, as shown in the figure, user A's jobs (job A802, job B804, job C806) are stacked on top of user B's jobs (job X801, job Y803, job Z805).

[0095] If user B has already removed the job loaded on tray 106 at the stage when user A generates these deliverables by forced reservation printing, the job by user A will not be mixed with deliverables of other users on tray 106 in the first place.

[0096] Furthermore, even if user B has not removed the job already loaded on tray 106 at the stage when user A generates these deliverables by forced reservation printing, the job by user A will be loaded on tray 106 on top of the deliverables of user B. Unlike the mixed loading situation based on the order of print input as in the prior art, it is much easier for a user to remove the deliverables that he or she has output from tray 106 than in the prior art.

[0097] Furthermore, the forced reservation printing command is issued via the operation unit of the MFP 102. Therefore, while the result of image formation by forced reservation printing is stacked on the tray 106, the risk that another user, for example, a user on the secondary line 101, will accidentally or intentionally take away the result of user A can be significantly reduced compared to the prior art.

[0098] In this way, the technology of the present invention makes it possible to effectively ensure the security of printed output for users on the main line, even in an environment where a multi-system network is used and users with different security requirements share the MFP 102.

[0099] 9 is a flow diagram for explaining in detail the operation of the MFP 102 in this embodiment when executing a print job. The operation shown in the diagram is achieved by the controller unit 205 reading out the PDL print program 406 from the ROM 207 and executing it.

[0100] The operation shown in this flowchart starts in step S901 when reception of print job data is detected from the first external I / F 202 or the second external I / F 203. In step S902, the print job data received in step S901 is decompressed. The processing in this step is achieved by the controller unit 205 executing the PDL print program 406 and controlling the compression / decompression unit 206.

[0101] In step S903, the type of network line over which the job data was received in step S901 is determined. That is, it is determined whether the job data was received via the main line 100 or the secondary line 101. In step S904, the forced reservation print setting mode set for the line used when the print job data was received in step S901, as determined in step S903, is determined. Specifically, the settings for the line used, either the forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711 or the forced reservation (Wi-Fi) setting 712 shown in Figures 7(D) and (F), are obtained. If the dual LAN is enabled, the forced reservation print setting is automatically enabled for the main line, and disabled by default for the secondary line.

[0102] In step S905, the information acquired in step S904 is discriminated. If the result of discriminating the information acquired in step S904 shows that the forced reservation setting is enabled for the line used to receive the job data, the process proceeds to step S906, where the decompressed job data is stored without immediately performing image formation processing. This process realizes the print job reservation operation. The process in this step is performed by the controller unit 205 storing the decompressed data processed by the compression / decompression unit 206 in the HDD 209. The decompressed job data stored in the HDD 209 in step S906 is acquired when the forced reservation process, which will be described later, is executed and is used during printing.

[0103] On the other hand, if the result of the half check in step S905 is false, the process proceeds to step S907 and image formation processing is performed without going through the process of storing the expanded data in the HDD 209 as in step S906. In the processing of this step, the expanded data expanded by the compression / expansion unit 206 is sent to the printer unit 211 under the control of the controller unit 205, and image formation processing is performed. Note that at this time, the expanded data may be temporarily cached in the HDD 209, but this is distinguished as processing because the purpose is different from storing the reserved data for printing at a later time as in the processing of step S906.

[0104] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation when the expanded job data stored in the HDD 209 in step S906 in Fig. 9 is acquired as forced reservation printing at a later timing and printing processing is executed. The operations shown in Fig. 10 are the same as those explained in Figs. 6(C), (D), and (E).

[0105] The flow shown in the figure is achieved by the controller unit 205 reading out and executing the saved print program 407 from the ROM 207. The operation of the flow diagram is started when the saved print execution instruction means 603 shown in Figure 6(C) is selected.

[0106] In step S1001, authentication processing is performed for the user who instructs forced reservation printing. This processing is performed to obtain documents reserved in the HDD 209 for each user in the next step S1002. The operation screen on the operation unit 204 corresponding to the processing in this step is as described in FIG. 6(D).

[0107] In step S1002, when the reserved document stored in HDD 209 associated with the user authenticated in step S1001 is acquired, the process transitions to a state of waiting for input from the user in step S1003. The waiting for input in this step means that the process remains in this step until one of the various instruction means arranged on the save print execution instruction screen shown in Fig. 6(E) is selected and an execution instruction is given.

[0108] In step S1004 and subsequent steps, the content of the instruction input by the user in step S1003 is determined. First, in step S1004, it is determined whether or not the instruction was an operation to select job data to be printed that is placed in the job list 612 in the save print execution instruction screen shown in FIG. 6(E).

[0109] If the result of the determination in step S1004 is true, the process proceeds to step S1005, where the specified job data is selected and becomes a candidate for printing, and the process again transitions to the input instruction waiting state in step S1003. If the result of the determination in step S1004 is false, the next and subsequent determination processes are executed.

[0110] In step S1006, it is determined whether the input content in step S1003 is the selection of the print start button 620 shown in Fig. 6(E). If the result of the determination in this step is true, the process proceeds to step S1007, and image formation processing is performed for the expanded job data to be printed that is stored in the HDD 209 and selected in step S1004.

[0111] On the other hand, if the result of the half-check in step S1006 is false, this means that in the processing of the same flowchart, an instruction has been given from one of the other selection means arranged in Fig. 6(E), rather than selecting a job to be printed or the print start button 620. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1008 to execute the respective processes assigned to the other selection means arranged in Fig. 6(E), and after the process is completed, the process transitions again to the input waiting state of step S1003.

[0112] 11 is a flow diagram for explaining the setting operation of the MFP 102 in this embodiment, focusing on the details of the processing content relating to the network interface setting and the forced reservation printing setting. The operation shown in the figure is achieved by the controller unit 205 reading and executing the setting management program 404 from the ROM 207.

[0113] In step S1101, the content of the setting operation instructed by the user is determined in the MFP 102. Specifically, a determination process is executed to determine which setting item the user operated from among the setting items presented on the operation unit 204.

[0114] The operation of the setting item performed in this step is determined in step S1102 and subsequent steps.

[0115] In step S1102, it is determined whether the operation performed in step S1101 is an operation for an interface selection setting item, that is, whether the interface selection setting 706 shown in FIG. 7B has been selected or operated.

[0116] If the result of this determination is false, the process proceeds to step S1103, which corresponds to the case where the user has selected a setting item other than those described in detail in the following steps. In this case, the process of this flow chart ends after performing operations related to each setting process. The processing of the setting items in step S1103 is related to the processing described in this flow chart, and is not important for explaining the effects of this embodiment of the present invention, so details will be omitted.

[0117] If the result of the determination in step S1102 is true, the process proceeds to step S104 and subsequent steps. In step S1104, the process waits for user input for each setting item provided by the interface selection setting 706 means. When an operation is performed on the interface selection setting 706, the process exits this step and proceeds to step S1105. Details of the interface selection setting 706 have been explained in Figures 7(C) and (E), so they will be omitted here.

[0118] In step S1105, it is determined whether the wired LAN setting selection means 707 was selected in step S1104. If the result of the half-check in this step is true, that is, if an instruction to use the main line 100 has been issued or an instruction to stop using the secondary line 101 has been issued, the process proceeds to step S1106, where it is determined whether the warning information 713 shown in FIG. 7(E) has already been displayed. If the warning information 713 is being displayed when the wired LAN setting selection means 707 is selected in step S1104, the display of the warning information is not necessary, so the display of that information must be stopped. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S1107, where the display of the warning information 713 is stopped, and the process returns to step S1104.

[0119] If the result of the half check in step S1105 is false, the process proceeds to step S1108, where it is determined whether or not the wired LAN+Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 was selected in step S1104. If the result of this determination process is true, that is, if an instruction has been given to enable the use of the secondary line 101, the process proceeds to step S1109 and thereafter, where the MFP 102 setting information is controlled so that forced reservation printing is applied when a print job is executed via the main line 100 in response to the enablement of the secondary line 101.

[0120] In step S1109, the state of the forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711, which is the forced reservation setting of the main line 100 at the time of executing step S1104, is obtained, and its contents are determined in step S1110. In other words, if the forced reservation setting of the main line 100 is already enabled and the secondary line 101 is further enabled, the warning information 713 presented when the forced reservation of the main line 100 is enabled from a disabled state is not necessary at all. Therefore, in this case, no processing is performed and the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0121] On the other hand, if the forced reservation setting for the main line 100 is disabled and the secondary line 101 is enabled, warning information 713 is required, which is presented when the forced reservation setting for the main line 100 is enabled from a disabled state. In this case, therefore, the process proceeds to step S1111, where warning information 713 is presented, and then the process transitions to step S1104.

[0122] If the result of the determination in step S1108 is false, the process proceeds to step S1112, where it is determined whether or not the button selected in step S1104 was the cancel button 709. If the result of this determination process is true, the operation content of the interface selection setting item selected in the above flow is discarded, and the setting process ends.

[0123] If the result of the determination in step S1112 is still false, it is determined that the remaining selectable means in the interface selection setting selected in step S1104 is the OK button 710. Therefore, the flow from step S1113 onwards is executed to hold the setting items specified by the user through the interface selection setting items.

[0124] In step S1113, the interface selection setting item selected during execution of the above-mentioned flow is acquired. That is, the item selected from either the wired LAN setting selection means 707 or the wired LAN+Wi-Fi setting selection means 708 is acquired, and a determination process is performed in step S1114.

[0125] If the result of the determination in step S1114 is true, that is, if it is determined that the setting acquired in step S1113 is the wired LAN + Wi-Fi setting selection means 708, step S1114 and subsequent steps are further executed to enable the forced reservation printing setting for the main line 100.

[0126] On the other hand, if the result of the half-check in step S1114 is false and it is determined that the acquired settings are those of the wired LAN setting selection means 707, then the activation process for the secondary line 101 is not included, and therefore the activation process for the forced reservation setting for the main line 100 is not included in the first place. Therefore, in this case, the process described in the same flow chart is terminated.

[0127] In step S1115, the forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711, which is the forced reservation setting for the main line 100, is checked. If the forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711 is not valid, step S1116 is executed to enable the forced reservation printing setting for the main line 100.

[0128] This concludes the description of the first embodiment of the present invention. When two network connections are enabled, print jobs received via a line with high security, such as the main line in the first embodiment, are held in abeyance, so that print jobs received via the two lines are not mixed together. [Example]

[0129] In the first embodiment, a technique has been described in which, when the secondary line 101 is enabled, the settings of the MFP 102 are changed in conjunction with the secondary line 101 so that forced reservation printing is applied to print jobs via the main line 100.

[0130] In the second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the main line 100 in the first embodiment, the purpose is to control the sub line 101 itself so that the forced reservation printing mode can be applied to the print job when the sub line 101 is enabled.

[0131] 12 shows an example of the display state of the print setting 703 on the operation unit 204 in the second embodiment of the present invention. This figure corresponds to FIG. 7(F) in the first embodiment.

[0132] 7A to 7E in the first embodiment, instead of the transition to the state shown in Fig. 7F in the first embodiment, the technology of the second embodiment of the present invention causes a transition to the state shown in Fig. 12 in the second embodiment. That is, when the secondary line 101 is enabled by the operation described in Fig. 7E, the forced reservation (Wi-Fi) setting 712, which is the setting for reservation printing on the secondary line 101, is also controlled to be enabled in conjunction with the operation, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0133] This enables the secondary line 101 to be enabled, and the second embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to provide a system that easily ensures the security of printed output not only for users of the primary line but also for users of secondary lines when the MFP 102 is shared through a multi-system connection. [Example]

[0134] The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a technology for executing print jobs via the main line 100 by forced reservation printing by setting the main line 100 to forced reservation printing mode in conjunction with enabling the secondary line 101.

[0135] However, for example, it is possible to disable the forced reservation printing setting after the forced reservation printing mode of the main line 100 is linked and enabled using the method of the first embodiment. Also, there may be other system forms other than the method of the first embodiment in which the forced reservation printing mode of the main line 100 is linked and enabled in conjunction with the activation of the secondary line 101.

[0136] However, in any of these cases, enabling the secondary line 101 does not necessarily provide a sufficient means to solve the problem of ensuring the security of printed materials used by users of the main line in an environment in which users of different systems share and use the MFP 102.

[0137] In the system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the secondary line 101 is enabled and it is determined that forced reservation printing on the main line 100 is not enabled, the system relates to a technology for ensuring the security of the printed output by suppressing the execution of print jobs from the main line 100.

[0138] 13 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation when expanded job data stored in the HDD 209 is acquired as forced reservation printing at a later timing and printing processing is executed in the third embodiment of the present invention. It corresponds to FIG. 9 in the first embodiment. The following explanation focuses on the differences from FIG. 9.

[0139] In step S905, it is determined whether the received job is for reservation printing, and the processing thereafter when it is determined that the job is not for reservation printing will be described.

[0140] In step S1301, it is further determined which line the print job received up to the previous step came from. If the result of this determination is that the print job was received via the sub-line 101, the line and situation are not to be protected in this embodiment, so the process proceeds to step S907, and printing processing of the job is executed.

[0141] If it is determined in step S1301 that the print job received up to the previous step was received via the main line 100, the process proceeds to step S1302 where further determination processing is performed.

[0142] In step S1302, it is determined whether the sub line 101 is enabled. The case where the determination result in this step is true corresponds to the following situation: a print job is received via the main line 100, the job is not forced reservation printing, and the sub line 101 is enabled. This situation corresponds to the problem of the third embodiment, where the sub line 101 is enabled and the printed matter must be protected when forced reservation printing on the main line 100 is disabled. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S1303 and execution of the job is interrupted.

[0143] If the result of the determination in step S1302 is false, the sub-line 101 is not valid, and therefore the situation does not correspond to the situation where the printed matter should be protected by the technology according to the embodiment. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S907, and the print processing of the job is executed.

[0144] This concludes the description of the third embodiment of the present invention. By suspending the execution of a print job via the main line 100, it is possible to ensure security without relying on settings instructed by the user. [Example]

[0145] In the first to third embodiments, the operation of a job received by the MFP 102 was controlled based on the enabled status of the secondary line 101 and the setting status of the forced reservation (wired LAN) setting 711 and the forced reservation (Wi-Fi) setting 712, etc.

[0146] However, in addition to the above-described forced reservation setting itself, there are other setting items that the MFP 102 has, which may indirectly affect the behavior of the forced reservation setting depending on the setting content.

[0147] The fourth embodiment of the present invention relates to a mechanism for further considering the setting items that may indirectly affect the behavior of the forced reservation setting described above and for ensuring the security of print results sent via the main line 100. Specifically, the following setting items are controlled as the above targets by the security policy setting provided in the MFP 102:

[0148] For example, if a security policy that controls the use of direct printing in wireless LAN settings is enabled, the secondary line 101 will be enabled as a result. Therefore, even in this case, the system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is configured to execute the control described in each of the first to third embodiments to protect the security of print results sent via the main line 100.

[0149] Similarly, the security policy setting items provided in the MFP 102 may also include a setting item for permitting guest users to use the device. In this case, permitting guest users to use the device corresponds to a situation in which it becomes necessary to actively protect the security of the main user's printouts. Therefore, in this case as well, the system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is configured to execute the control described in each of the first to third embodiments for protecting the security of printouts sent via the main line 100.

[0150] As described above, the security policy setting of the MFP 102 includes a setting item of a higher concept that controls whether the forced reservation setting is enabled or disabled, and the MFP 102 is configured so that the administrator of the MFP 102 can set it appropriately according to the security policy. The fourth embodiment of the present invention relates to a mechanism that makes it possible to control whether or not to enable forced reservation control for print jobs on the main line 100 in conjunction with a security policy.

[0151] [Other Examples] As a further detailed setting of the forced reservation setting in the print settings 703, it is also possible to configure the setting screen on the operation unit 204 so that it is possible to specify whether the main line 100 or the secondary line 101 is to be targeted as one of the conditions for the reservation setting.

[0152] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given of a case where there are at most two lines, the main line 100 and the sub-line 101. However, there may also be systems that can use three or more lines. In that case, it is possible to configure the system so that one main line and the other lines are treated as the main line 100 and the sub-line 101 in the above-described embodiment, respectively, and perform the same control. This makes it possible to provide a system that enables the same control as in the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention even in an MFP 102 that can use a multi-line connection of three or more lines.

[0153] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0154] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 102 MFP 103 PC 104 Information terminal

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having two connection means, a first connection means for communicating via a network and a second connection means for communicating via a network, an image forming apparatus characterized by having a control means that, when it is determined that a print job has been received via the first connection means while both the first connection means and the second connection means are in a valid state, controls to perform image formation processing on the received print job, and, when it is determined that a print job has been received via the second connection means, controls to store the received print job in a storage means without performing image formation processing on the print job.

2. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that when both the first connection means and the second connection means are enabled, a reservation setting is enabled to store a print job received via the first connection means in the storage means without performing image formation processing on the print job.

3. The image forming device of claim 1, characterized in that when both the first connection means and the second connection means are enabled, a notification is made to enable a reservation setting for storing a print job received via the first connection means in the storage means without performing image formation processing for the print job, and when the notification does not allow the reservation setting to be enabled, the first connection means is enabled and the second connection means is disabled.

4. The image forming device according to claim 2, characterized in that when both the first connection means and the second connection means are enabled, a reservation setting for storing a print job received via the second connection means in the storage means without performing image formation processing on the print job is enabled or disabled at the user's instruction.

5. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit suspends execution of the print job received via the first connection unit when the reservation setting is disabled by a user instruction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reservation setting is enabled even when both the first connection means and the second connection means are enabled according to a security policy of the image forming apparatus.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connection means is a connection means based on a wired LAN, and the second connection means is a connection means based on a wireless LAN.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second connection means comprises connection means using two or more wireless LANs.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus having two connection means, a first connection means for communicating via a network and a second connection means for communicating via a network, comprising: A control method characterized by including a control step of, when it is determined that a print job has been received via the first connection means while both the first connection means and the second connection means are in a valid state, controlling to perform image formation processing on the received print job, and, when it is determined that a print job has been received via the second connection means, controlling to store the received print job in a storage means without performing image formation processing on the print job.

Images