Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can stop forming an image on the basis of a result of detection performed by a detecting unit.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 comprises a receiving unit 11, a transmitting unit 14, an accepting unit 8, a detecting unit 6, an image forming unit 4, and an image formation controlling unit 15. The receiving unit 11 receives image data from an external terminal of a specific person and stores the data in a storing unit 9. The transmitting unit 14 transmits a first password to the external terminal. The accepting unit 8 accepts the first password. The detecting unit 6 detects whether a person is present. The image forming unit 4 forms images on a plurality of sheets one by one on the basis of the image data. The image formation controlling unit 15 controls the image forming unit 4 when the accepting unit 8 accepts the first password. When the accepting unit 8 accepts the first password and subsequently the detecting unit 6 no longer detects a person, the image formation controlling unit 15 causes the image forming unit 4 to stop forming the images on the sheets on the basis of the image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that performs operation lock or operation lock release. In the printing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an authentication device notifies the user that the operation display unit is locked, a panel lock screen is displayed and the operation display unit becomes unusable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-166880 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the printing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires an authentication device to issue an operation lock notification.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can stop forming an image based on the detection result of a detection unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, an accepting unit, a detecting unit, an image forming unit, and an image forming unit control unit. The receiving unit receives image data from an external terminal of a specific person and stores the image data in a memory unit. The transmitting unit transmits a first password to the external terminal. The accepting unit accepts the first password. The detecting unit detects whether the person is present. The image forming unit forms an image on a plurality of sheets, one sheet at a time, based on the image data. The image forming unit control unit controls the image forming unit when the accepting unit accepts the first password. The image forming unit control unit stops the image forming unit from forming the image on the sheets based on the image data when the detecting unit no longer detects the person after the accepting unit accepts the first password. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, image formation can be stopped based on the detection result of the detection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functions of a main body control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing a method for processing first confidential image information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing a method for processing second confidential image information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for processing third confidential image information according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] The configuration of an image forming system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 1000. The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a plurality of terminal apparatuses 1030. Each of the plurality of terminal apparatuses 1030 is an example of an "external terminal."

[0011] The image forming apparatus 100 and the multiple terminal devices 1030 communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), and a public telephone network. The image forming apparatus 100 is used by multiple users P. The multiple users P include a first user PA and a second user PB. The first user PA is an example of a "specific person."

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 acquires a file and forms an image based on the file on paper. The file is an example of "image data." The file has a data format that the image forming apparatus 100 can process. In the embodiment, the "file" refers to data created in a page description language (PDL). A page description language is a language that describes an output image to the image forming apparatus 100 and instructs the image forming apparatus 100 when printing a document and / or image created on a computer.

[0013] The file includes a document having multiple pages. The file may also include confidential image information. Specifically, the file may include first confidential image information, second confidential image information, or third confidential image information. The first confidential image information has confidential information attached to a header or footer of a page, for example. The second confidential image information has higher confidentiality than the first confidential image information. The second confidential image information has confidential information attached to a center of a page, for example. The third confidential image information has higher confidentiality than the second confidential image information. The third confidential image information has confidential information attached to a header or footer of a page and a center of a page, for example.

[0014] Each of the multiple terminal devices 1030 includes, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, and a smartphone. The multiple terminal devices 1030 include a first terminal device 1030A and a second terminal device 1030B. The first terminal device 1030A is used by a first user PA. The second terminal device 1030B is used by a second user PB.

[0015] Each of the multiple terminal devices 1030 transmits a file to the image forming device 100 via the network NW. Specifically, the first terminal device 1030A receives an operation from the first user PA and transmits a first file to the image forming device 100. The first file is indicated by, for example, a file name given by the first user PA. Then, the image forming device 100 stores the first file associated with terminal information indicating the first terminal device 1030A.

[0016] First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral.

[0017] 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body housing 1, a document reading device 2, a paper feed unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a transport mechanism 5, an output tray 7, an operation unit 8, a main body storage unit 9, a main body control unit 10, a document transport device 30, and a detection unit 6. The operation unit 8 is an example of a "reception unit." The document reading device 2, the paper feed unit 3, the image forming unit 4, the transport mechanism 5, the main body storage unit 9, and the main body control unit 10 are disposed inside the main body housing 1.

[0018] The document reading device 2 reads an image of the document D and outputs image data representing the image of the document D. The image of the document D includes text information. The output image data representing the image of the document D is transmitted to the main body control unit 10. The document reading device 2 is, for example, a scanner. The document reading device 2 has a contact glass 21 and a reading mechanism 22. The reading mechanism 22 reads an image of the document D placed on the contact glass 21 and outputs image data representing the image of the document D. The reading mechanism 22 has a light source, a carriage, an optical system, and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor.

[0019] The document transport device 30 is attached to the main body casing 1. The document transport device 30 transports documents D. The document transport device 30 has a document placement tray 31, a document transport mechanism 32, and a document discharge tray 33.

[0020] The document transport mechanism 32 has rollers and guide members, and forms a document transport path 32L. The document transport mechanism 32 transports multiple documents D placed on the document loading tray 31 along the document transport path 32L, one document D at a time, to the document discharge tray 33 via the reading position R. The reading position R is a position where the document reading device 2 can read the image of the document D.

[0021] The sheet feeding unit 3 stores a plurality of sheets S and feeds the stored sheets S one by one. The sheets S are, for example, paper sheets.

[0022] The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the sheet S fed by the paper feed unit 3. Specifically, the image forming unit 4 forms an image of one document on each sheet S. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 4 includes an exposure device 41, a charging device 42, a developing device 43, a photosensitive drum 44, a transfer device 45, and a fixing device 46, and forms an image on the sheet S by electrophotography. The exposure device 41 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 44 based on image data. The charging device 42 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 44 to a predetermined potential. The developing device 43 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 44 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 44. The transfer device 45 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 44 to the sheet S. The fixing device 46 fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet S to the sheet S.

[0023] The conveying mechanism 5 sequentially conveys a plurality of sheets S from the paper feed unit 3 to the discharge tray 7 via the image forming unit 4. In this embodiment, the conveying mechanism 5 includes a main body conveying mechanism 51.

[0024] The main body conveying mechanism 51 conveys the sheet S from the paper feed unit 3 to the outside of the main body housing 1 via the image forming unit 4. The main body conveying mechanism 51 has a plurality of rollers and a plurality of guide members.

[0025] The sheet S is discharged onto the discharge tray 7. The discharge tray 7 is provided outside the main body housing 1.

[0026] The communication unit 17 receives files from the first terminal device 1030A and the second terminal device 1030B. The communication unit 17 includes, for example, a network interface controller (NIC) that communicates according to a predetermined communication protocol, or communication conforming to a WiFi communication standard. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol suite (i.e., the Internet Protocol Suite).

[0027] The operation unit 8 includes a touch panel 81 and a plurality of operation keys 82. The touch panel 81 includes a display and a touch sensor. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display (Organic Electro Luminescence Display). The touch sensor is, for example, a resistive touch sensor. The plurality of operation keys 82 include, for example, a numeric keypad, a start key, and a cancel key. The touch panel 81 displays various screens.

[0028] The operation unit 8 accepts a password. More specifically, the operation unit 8 accepts a first password from the first user PA. When the operation unit 8 accepts the first password from the first user PA, it transmits the first password to the main body control unit 10. The operation unit 8 also accepts a second password from the first user PA. When the operation unit 8 accepts the second password from the first user PA, it transmits the second password to the main body control unit 10.

[0029] Furthermore, the operation unit 8 receives stop information. Specifically, the operation unit 8 receives stop information from the first user PA. Upon receiving the stop information from the first user PA, the operation unit 8 transmits the stop information to the main body control unit 10.

[0030] The detection unit 6 detects whether or not a person is present. The detection unit 6 is a human sensor.

[0031] Next, functions of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing functions of the main body control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the main body control unit 10 reads out a control program from the main body storage unit 9 and executes it.

[0032] The main body storage unit 9 stores various types of data. The main body storage unit 9 is configured with a storage device and a semiconductor memory. The storage device is configured with, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) and / or a solid state drive (SSD). The semiconductor memory is configured with, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM).

[0033] The main body control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit included in the image forming apparatus 100. The main body control unit 10 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The main body control unit 10 also includes an integrated circuit for image formation processing. The integrated circuit for image formation processing is configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The main body control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 by executing a control program. Specifically, the main body control unit 10 includes a receiving unit 11, a recognition unit 12, a determination unit 13, a transmission unit 14, and an image forming unit control unit 15.

[0034] The receiving unit 11 receives files from the first terminal device 1030A and stores them in the main body storage unit 9. The main body storage unit 9 stores a plurality of files, with terminal information and files associated with each other.

[0035] The recognition unit 12 recognizes character information included in an image of a multi-page document, one page at a time. The recognition unit 12 is, for example, an OCR (Optical Character Reader). Specifically, the recognition unit 12 recognizes character information included in the image of the document, based on image data.

[0036] The determination unit 13 determines whether the file contains confidential image information. The determination unit 13 also determines whether the confidential image information contained in the file is first confidential image information, second confidential image information, or third confidential image information. Specifically, the determination unit 13 determines whether confidential information is attached to the header or footer of the page indicated in the file and whether it is attached to the center of the page indicated in the file. As a result, when confidential information is not attached, the determination unit 13 determines that the file does not contain confidential image information. When confidential information is attached to the header or footer of the page, the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is the first confidential image information. When confidential information is attached to the center of the page, the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is the second confidential image information. When confidential information is attached to the header or footer of the page and in the center of the page, the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is the third confidential image information.

[0037] When the determination unit 13 determines that the file includes confidential image information, the transmission unit 14 transmits the password to the terminal device associated with the file. Specifically, the transmission unit 14 transmits the first password to the first terminal device 1030A associated with the first file.

[0038] Image forming unit control unit 15 controls image forming unit 4 when operation unit 8 accepts the first password. Specifically, when operation unit 8 accepts the first password transmitted by transmission unit 14, image forming unit control unit 15 controls image forming unit 4 so that image forming unit 4 forms an image. In more detail, image forming unit 4 forms an image of one document sheet on each sheet S. As a result, multiple sheets S are discharged one sheet S at a time onto discharge tray 7.

[0039] Furthermore, when the operation unit 8 receives stop information, the image forming unit control unit 15 stops the image forming unit 4 from forming an image. Specifically, multiple sheets S are discharged one sheet S at a time onto the discharge tray 7, but if the operation unit 8 receives stop information when the first user PA leaves the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 4 stops forming an image. Therefore, when a file contains confidential image information, the first user PA can acquire the multiple sheets S discharged onto the discharge tray 7 and prevent the remaining sheets S of the multiple sheets S from being discharged onto the discharge tray 7, thereby preventing sheets S from remaining on the discharge tray 7.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the detection unit 6 no longer detects a person after the operation unit 8 accepts the first password, the image forming unit control unit 15 stops the image forming unit 4 from forming an image on the sheet S based on the image data. As a result, multiple sheets S are discharged one sheet at a time to the discharge tray 7, but when the first user PA leaves the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 4 stops forming an image even if the operation unit 8 does not accept stop information. Therefore, when a file contains confidential image information, the first user PA can acquire the multiple sheets S discharged to the discharge tray 7 and prevent the remaining sheets S of the multiple sheets S from being discharged to the discharge tray 7, thereby preventing sheets S from remaining on the discharge tray 7.

[0041] Furthermore, when the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is the first confidential image information, if the operation unit 8 does not accept the first password after transmitting the first password to the first terminal device 1030A or within the first deletion time from when the detection unit 6 stopped detecting the first user PA, the image forming unit control unit 15 deletes the file received from the first terminal device 1030A from the main body storage unit 9. As a result, it is possible to prevent files from remaining in the main body storage unit 9.

[0042] On the other hand, when the operation unit 8 receives the first password within the first deletion time from when the detection unit 6 no longer detects the first user PA, the image forming unit control unit 15 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms an image.

[0043] When the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is second confidential image information, if the operation unit 8 does not accept the first password within a cancellation time from when the first password was sent to the first terminal device 1030A, or if the detection unit 6 no longer detects the first user PA, the transmission unit 14 transmits a second password to the first terminal device 1030A, and if the operation unit 8 does not accept the second password within a second deletion time from when the second password was sent to the first terminal device 1030A or when the detection unit 6 no longer detects the first user PA, the image forming unit control unit 15 deletes the file received from the first terminal device 1030A from the main body memory unit 9.

[0044] On the other hand, when the operation unit 8 receives the second password within the second deletion time from when the detection unit 6 no longer detects the first user PA, the image forming unit control unit 15 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms an image.

[0045] When the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is the third confidential image information, if the operation unit 8 does not accept the first password within the third deletion time after transmitting the first password to the first terminal device 1030A, or if the detection unit 6 no longer detects the first user PA, the image forming unit control unit 15 deletes the file received from the first terminal device 1030A from the main body memory unit 9.

[0046] Next, a processing method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing method according to the embodiment.

[0047] In step S101, the receiving unit 11 receives a file from the first terminal apparatus 1030A and stores it in the main body storage unit 9. The process proceeds to step S102.

[0048] In step S102, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not the file contains confidential image information. If the determination unit 13 determines that the file does not contain confidential image information (No in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0049] In step S103, the image forming unit 4 forms an image of one document on each sheet S. The process then ends.

[0050] On the other hand, if the determination unit 13 determines that the file contains confidential image information (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0051] In step S104, the transmission unit 14 transmits the first password to the first terminal device 1030 A. The process proceeds to step S105.

[0052] In step S105, the determination unit 13 determines whether the confidential image information included in the file is the first confidential image information, the second confidential image information, or the third confidential image information. If the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is the first confidential image information (first confidential image information in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106, which is a method for processing the first confidential image information.

[0053] If the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is second confidential image information (second confidential image information in step S105), the process proceeds to step S107, which is a method for processing second confidential image information.

[0054] Furthermore, if the determination unit 13 determines that the confidential image information is the third confidential image information (third confidential image information in step S105), the process proceeds to step S108, which is a method for processing the third confidential image information.

[0055] Next, a method for processing first confidential image information according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the method for processing first confidential image information according to the embodiment.

[0056] In step S201, operation unit 8 accepts a first password from first user PA. The process proceeds to step S202.

[0057] In step S202, the image forming unit control unit 15 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms an image. The process proceeds to step S203.

[0058] In step S203, the image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether the document being formed is the last page of the document. If the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the document being formed is the last page of the document (Yes in step S203), the process ends.

[0059] On the other hand, if the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the document being formed is not the last page of the document (No in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0060] In step S204, image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether or not first user PA is detected by detection unit 6. If image forming unit control unit 15 determines that first user PA is detected by detection unit 6 (Yes in step S204), the process returns to step S202.

[0061] On the other hand, if the image forming unit controller 15 determines that the detector 6 has not detected the first user PA (No in step S204), the process proceeds to step S206.

[0062] In step S206, image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether or not operation unit 8 has accepted the first password from first user PA. If image forming unit control unit 15 determines that operation unit 8 has accepted the first password from first user PA (Yes in step S206), the process returns to step S202.

[0063] On the other hand, if the image forming unit controller 15 determines that the operation unit 8 has not received the first password from the first user PA (No in step S206), the process proceeds to step S207.

[0064] In step S207, image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether the first deletion time has elapsed. If image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the first deletion time has not elapsed (No in step S207), the process returns to step S206.

[0065] On the other hand, if the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the first deletion time has elapsed (Yes in step S207), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0066] In step S208, the image forming unit control unit 15 deletes the file received from the first terminal apparatus 1030A from the main body storage unit 9. The process then ends.

[0067] Next, a method for processing second confidential image information according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the method for processing second confidential image information according to the embodiment.

[0068] In step S301, the operation unit 8 accepts a first password from the first user PA. The process proceeds to step S302.

[0069] In step S302, the image forming unit control unit 15 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms an image. The process proceeds to step S303.

[0070] In step S303, the image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether the document being formed is the last page of the document. If the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the document being formed is the last page of the document (Yes in step S303), the process ends.

[0071] On the other hand, if the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the document being formed is not the last page of the document (No in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0072] In step S304, image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether or not first user PA is detected by detection unit 6. If image forming unit control unit 15 determines that first user PA is detected by detection unit 6 (Yes in step S304), the process returns to step S302.

[0073] On the other hand, if the image forming unit controller 15 determines that the detector 6 has not detected the first user PA (No in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0074] In step S305, the transmission unit 14 transmits the second password to the first terminal apparatus 1030 A. The process proceeds to step S306.

[0075] In step S306, image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether operation unit 8 has accepted the second password from first user PA. If image forming unit control unit 15 determines that operation unit 8 has accepted the second password from first user PA (Yes in step S306), the process returns to step S302.

[0076] On the other hand, if the image forming unit controller 15 determines that the operation unit 8 has not received the second password from the first user PA (No in step S306), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0077] In step S307, the image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether the second deletion time has elapsed. If the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the second deletion time has not elapsed (No in step S307), the process returns to step S306.

[0078] On the other hand, if the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the second deletion time has elapsed (Yes in step S307), the process proceeds to step S308.

[0079] In step S308, the image forming unit control unit 15 deletes the file received from the first terminal apparatus 1030A from the main body storage unit 9. The process then ends.

[0080] Next, a method for processing third confidential image information according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the method for processing third confidential image information according to the embodiment.

[0081] In step S401, the operation unit 8 accepts the first password from the first user PA. The process proceeds to step S402.

[0082] In step S402, the image forming unit control unit 15 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms an image. The process proceeds to step S403.

[0083] In step S403, the image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether the document being formed is the last page of the document. If the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the document being formed is the last page of the document (Yes in step S403), the process ends.

[0084] On the other hand, if the image forming unit control unit 15 determines that the document being formed is not the last page of the document (No in step S403), the process proceeds to step S404.

[0085] In step S404, image forming unit control unit 15 determines whether or not first user PA is detected by detection unit 6. If image forming unit control unit 15 determines that first user PA is detected by detection unit 6 (Yes in step S404), the process returns to step S402.

[0086] On the other hand, if the image forming unit controller 15 determines that the detector 6 has not detected the first user PA (No in step S404), the process proceeds to step S408.

[0087] In step S408, the image forming unit control unit 15 deletes the file received from the first terminal apparatus 1030A from the main body storage unit 9. The process then ends.

[0088] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations and numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

[0089] As described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the detection unit 6 detects whether or not a person is present, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the method for processing first confidential image information, the detection unit 6 detects whether or not a person is present within a first distance from the image forming apparatus 100, in the method for processing second confidential image information, the detection unit 6 detects whether or not a person is present within a second distance from the image forming apparatus 100, and in the method for processing third confidential image information, the detection unit 6 detects whether or not a person is present within a third distance from the image forming apparatus 100. The first distance is longer than the second distance. The second distance is longer than the third distance. [Industrial Applicability]

[0090] The present invention is useful in the field of image forming devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 2 Reading unit 3 Paper feed section 4 Image forming unit 5 Main body transport mechanism 6. Detection unit 7 Output tray 8 Operation unit (reception unit) 11 Receiving unit 12 Acquisition Department 14 Transmitter 15 Image forming unit control unit 100 Image forming device

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives image data from an external terminal of a specific person and stores the image data in a storage unit; a transmission unit that transmits a first password to the external terminal; a reception unit that receives the first password; a detection unit that detects whether or not a person is present; an image forming unit that forms an image on each of a plurality of sheets based on the image data; an image forming unit control unit that controls the image forming unit when the reception unit receives the first password; Equipped with An image forming device, wherein the image forming unit control unit stops the image forming unit from forming the image on the sheet based on the image data when the detection unit no longer detects the person after the acceptance unit accepts the first password.

2. The reception unit further receives stop information, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming unit control unit stops the image forming unit from forming the image when the reception unit receives the stop information.

3. a determination unit that determines whether the image data includes confidential image information; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the image data includes the confidential image information and the detection unit no longer detects the person, the image forming unit control unit stops the image forming unit from forming the image.

4. the confidential image information is classified into first confidential image information, second confidential image information having a higher confidentiality level than the first confidential image information, and third confidential image information having a higher confidentiality level than the second confidential image information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the determining unit determines whether the confidential image information included in the image data is the first confidential image information, the second confidential image information, or the third confidential image information.

5. When the determination unit determines that the confidential image information is the first confidential image information, When the receiving unit does not receive the first password within a first deletion time after the first password is transmitted to the external terminal or after the detection unit has stopped detecting the person, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the image forming unit control unit deletes the image data from the storage unit.

6. When the determination unit determines that the confidential image information is the second confidential image information, when the reception unit does not receive the first password or the detection unit no longer detects the person within a cancellation time period after transmitting the first password to the external terminal, the transmission unit transmits a second password to the external terminal; When the receiving unit does not receive the second password within a second deletion time period after transmitting the second password to the external terminal, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the image forming unit control unit deletes the image data from the storage unit.

7. When the determination unit determines that the confidential image information is the third confidential image information, When the reception unit does not receive the first password or the detection unit no longer detects the person within a third deletion time from when the first password was transmitted to the external terminal, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the image forming unit control unit deletes the image data from the storage unit.

Images