Image forming apparatus, image forming system, control method for image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel mechanism that allows for easy and reliable modification of settings related to image formation in a system where, for example, an image formation instruction is transmitted and an image is formed at the destination. [Solution] The image forming apparatus comprises a receiving unit that receives instructions for forming an image including a region for which settings related to image formation can be selected; a forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the instructions; an acquisition unit that acquires information on the region of the sheet for which the user has selected settings, which is the sheet on which the forming unit has formed an image; and a control unit that performs control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit in the settings.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A home learning system using remote printing has been developed. In such a home learning system, a school, a cram school, etc. transmit assignment data to a printer with a scanner at the student's home. Then, the student prints the assignment on the printer at home and writes the answers on the printed sheet. Then, the student scans the answer sheet with a scanner and returns the answer data to the school or cram school. In such a system, the print settings when printing an assignment are set on the transmitting side, such as a school or a cram school. Further, Patent Document 1 describes that print settings can be changed on the printer panel. It is also described that the change of print settings is reflected in the print job at the server and the print job is transmitted to the printer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID=TOC]] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it is difficult for a person with little knowledge of changing print settings, such as a student, to change the print settings. In addition, there is a possibility that a printing problem may occur due to a student's incorrect operation of the printer.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above problems, and provides a novel mechanism that can easily and surely change settings related to image formation in a system in which an image formation instruction is transmitted and image formation is performed at a transmission destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, for example, An image forming apparatus, A receiving unit that receives instructions for image formation, including an area where settings related to image formation can be selected, Based on the above instructions, a forming unit for forming the image on the sheet, The forming unit is a sheet on which the image has been formed, and the acquiring unit acquires information about the area of ​​the sheet for which the user has selected a setting for the area, The system comprises a control unit that performs control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit into the setting, It is an image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a system where an image formation instruction is transmitted and an image is formed at the destination, the settings related to image formation can be easily and reliably changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an image forming system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Hardware configuration diagram of the server and client PC according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of a server according to one embodiment [Figure 5] Functional block diagram of a client PC according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a database. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a database. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of printed content according to an embodiment [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of a print setting change check form according to an embodiment [Figure 12] Schematic diagram of printed content according to an embodiment [Figure 13] Flowchart of a process according to an embodiment [Figure 14] Flowchart of a process according to an embodiment [Figure 15] Functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment [Figure 16] Flowchart of a process according to an embodiment [Figure 17] Flowchart of a process according to an embodiment [Figure 18] Flowchart of a process according to an embodiment [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of print settings according to an embodiment [Figure 20A] Schematic diagram of printed content according to an embodiment [Figure 20B] Schematic diagram of printed content according to an embodiment [Figure 21] Schematic diagram of a print setting change check form according to an embodiment [Figure 22] Flowchart of a process according to an embodiment [Figure 23] Flowchart of a process according to an embodiment

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] In this specification, the term "image forming apparatus" broadly includes devices that form (record) images on recording materials (recording media), such as single-function printers, copiers, multifunction printers, and commercial printing presses. Furthermore, an image forming apparatus may also be a system (image forming system) that connects an image forming apparatus main unit, which forms images on recording materials, with equipment such as a sheet processing device and a sheet feeding device. Also, "printing" in the following includes inkjet printing and toner-based printing.

[0011] An image forming system 1 according to an embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. The image forming system 1 consists of a server 100, a client PC 106 operated by an operator 107 belonging to a school or business, and an input / output device 102 such as a multifunction printer located in the student's home 101. These devices are connected to each other via a communication line 108. The server 100 is an example of an "information processing device." The client PC will also be referred to simply as a client from here on. The input / output device will also be referred to as an image forming device 102 from here on.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 102 is connected to an external communication line via a communication device 105. A parent or student, who is a subscriber 103 to this system, resides in the home 101. The subscriber can use the printed content 104 output from the image forming apparatus 102, or load the printed content 104 into the image forming apparatus 102.

[0013] The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 will be explained using Figure 2. The image forming apparatus 102 consists of a CPU 200, a ROM 201, a RAM 202, an I / F unit 203, a controller unit 204, a scanning unit 205, a printing unit 206, and an operation unit 207. Note that the printing unit 206 is an example of a "forming unit". The scanning unit 205 is an example of an "acquisition unit".

[0014] The CPU 200 operates based on control programs and the like stored in the ROM 201. The CPU 200 outputs image signals as output information to the printing unit 206, which is connected to the controller unit 204 via the system bus 210. The CPU 200 can also communicate with the outside world via the I / F unit 203 and transmit information from within the image forming apparatus 102 to an external server 100 or the like. The CPU 200 can also receive output data to be output to the printing unit 206 via the I / F unit 203.

[0015] RAM202 is memory that functions as the main memory of the CPU200, a work area, etc. RAM202 is also used for output information expansion area, environment data storage area, or non-volatile memory. The I / F unit 203 includes a communication module and enables communication with the outside world. The controller unit 204 controls the scan unit 205, the print unit 206, and the operation unit 207. The scan unit 205 reads the printed surface of the paper and stores the read information in non-volatile memory such as RAM202. The operation unit 207 includes a touch panel display and buttons and enables operation input for scanning or printing using the scan unit 205 and the print unit 206, as well as various printing settings. These components are connected to each other via the system bus 210. The CPU200 controls these components via the main bus 310.

[0016] The hardware configuration of server 100 will be explained using Figure 3. Client 106 has a similar configuration. Server 100 includes a CPU 300, ROM 301, RAM 302, storage 303, and an I / F unit 304. Server 100 also includes a keyboard controller 305, a display controller 306, a disk controller 307, a keyboard 308, and a display 309.

[0017] The CPU 300 reads various programs, such as control programs, system programs, or application programs, from the storage 303 via the disk controller 307 into the RAM 302. The CPU 300 then executes the programs read into the RAM 302 to perform various data processing. Alternatively, the CPU 300 controls the display of the display 309. The CPU 300 may also read control programs, etc., from the ROM 301. Furthermore, the CPU 300 may be a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC. The CPU 300 and the dedicated circuit are examples of hardware circuits and hardware processors.

[0018] The disk controller 307 controls access between the CPU 300 and the storage 303. The RAM 302 is configured to allow expansion of its capacity with optional RAM (not shown) and is primarily used as the CPU 300's work area. The keyboard controller 305 controls key input from the keyboard 308 and a pointing device (not shown). The display controller 306 controls the display 309. The I / F unit 304 (an example of a "communication unit capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus") includes a communication module and is capable of communicating with the outside world. These components are connected to each other via the main bus 310. The CPU 300 controls these components via the main bus 310.

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates the functional blocks of the server 100. These functional blocks are realized by the server 100's CPU 300 executing various programs read from RAM 302. The server 100 broadly includes the functions of various DBs 400, a control / processing unit 500, and a transmission / reception unit 600. The various DBs 400 include a print content DB 401, a subscriber DB 402, a returned answer DB 403, a grading results DB 404, and a print settings DB 405. The print content DB 401 stores the print content that teachers and vendors can select when specifying print content using the client 106. The print content covers, for example, subjects, units, and levels.

[0020] The subscriber database 402 stores the subscriber ID of subscriber 103, the subscriber name which includes the parent's name and the student's name, and the destination address of the image forming apparatus 102 used by subscriber 103. This information is treated as registered information. The returned answer database 403 stores the answer sheet data returned by all subscribers 103. The answer sheet data is, for example, scanned data read by a scanner.

[0021] The scoring result DB 404 stores historical information of the results of scoring the answer sheets returned by all subscribers 103 by the teacher. The CPU 300 of the server 100 sends the answer sheet data to the client 106. The CPU of the client 106 uses the scoring result input unit 801 to accept the scoring operation from the operator 107 using the keyboard of the client 106. The CPU then uses the scoring result transmission unit 703 to send the result to the server 100. The CPU 300 of the server 100 uses the scoring result receiving unit 604 to receive the result and stores it in the scoring result DB 404. Note that the method of storing the scoring results in the scoring result DB 404 is not limited to this method. For example, if the server 100 includes an automatic scoring system, the results may be scored by the automatic scoring system and the scored results may be automatically stored in the scoring result DB 404.

[0022] The print settings DB405 stores all subscriber IDs and the print settings for the image forming apparatus 102 associated with each subscriber ID. Print settings are not limited to settings such as "2 pages per sheet" or "double-sided printing," but if there are print settings that suit the subscriber's purpose of use, such as energy-saving printing, the subscriber's convenience will be improved.

[0023] The control / processing unit 500 includes an object recognition unit 501, a print setting reading unit 502, a print setting change determination unit 503, a print job reflection unit 504, a print destination determination unit 505, and a print job generation unit 506. The object recognition unit 501 is a processing unit that identifies the contractor ID and distinguishes objects such as characters and line drawings from the answer sheet data, which is scanned data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102. In the case of an automated scoring system, the object recognition unit 501 includes a function to distinguish and recognize characters.

[0024] The print setting reading unit 502 reads and recognizes the written instructions for changing print settings in a predetermined area from the answer sheet data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102. The print setting change determination unit 503 determines whether the print setting recognized by the reading unit 502 has been changed from the print setting associated with the subscriber ID stored in the print setting DB 405. If the print setting change determination unit 503 determines that it has been changed, it updates the print setting value stored in the print setting DB 405.

[0025] The print job reflection unit 504 reflects the changed print settings in the print job when the print setting change determination unit 503 determines that the print settings have been changed. Through this process, the image forming apparatus 102 prints the print content with the changed print settings reflected. The print recipient determination unit 505 determines whether the print content is for the parent or student of the subscriber 103. The print job generation unit 506 converts drawing data such as the print content into a data format that the image forming apparatus 102 can interpret and turns it into a command.

[0026] The transmitting / receiving unit 600 includes a print instruction receiving unit 601, a print job transmission unit 602, a returned answer receiving unit 603, and a scoring result receiving unit 604. The print instruction receiving unit 601 receives print instructions for print content from the client 106. These print instructions are sent from the client 106 to the server 100, for example, when an application running on the client 106 is operated.

[0027] The print job transmission unit 602 transmits the print job created by the print job generation unit 506 to the image forming apparatus 102. The returned answer receiving unit 603 receives the answer sheet data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102. The answer sheet data is sent to each processing unit of the control / processing unit 500 after reception for processing. The scoring result receiving unit 604 receives the scoring results of the answer sheet data scored by the operator of the client 106 from the client 106. The received scoring results are stored in the scoring result DB.

[0028] The functional blocks of client 106 are explained using Figure 5. These functional blocks are realized by the CPU of client 106 executing various programs read from RAM. Client 106 includes a transmit / receive unit 700 and an input / output unit 800. Furthermore, the transmit / receive unit 700 includes an answer sheet receiving unit 701, a print instruction transmission unit 702, a scoring result transmission unit 703, and various DB receiving units 704.

[0029] The answer sheet receiving unit 701 is a processing unit that receives answer sheet data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102 via the server 100. The print instruction sending unit 702 sends a command instructing the image forming apparatus 102 of the subscriber 103 to print the selected print content. The scoring result sending unit 703 sends the scoring results of the answer sheet data scored by the operator 107. The various DB receiving unit 704 receives the contents of various DBs.

[0030] The input / output unit 800 includes a scoring result input unit 801, a scoring result display unit 802, a various database display unit 803, and a various database input unit 804. The scoring result input unit 801 inputs the scoring results of the scored answer sheets. The answer sheets are those received by the answer sheet receiving unit 701. The scoring result display unit 802 displays the scoring results received by the various database receiving unit 704 for each subscriber 103. The scoring results are stored in the scoring result DB 404. By viewing these scoring results, subscribers 103 can also check their scoring history. Subscribers 103 can then use the scoring results primarily to select future printed content and plan their studies.

[0031] The various database display unit 803 displays the print content database 401, the subscriber database 402, the returned response database 403, and the print settings database 405. The subscriber 103 can then check the contents of the various databases displayed in this manner. The various database input unit 804 is an input unit for editing the data in the various databases. Data editing is performed using, for example, a dedicated application, but is not limited to this method.

[0032] The functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 102 will be explained using Figure 6. These functional blocks are realized by the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing various programs read from the RAM 202. The image forming apparatus 102 includes a print content receiving unit 901, a reply address holding unit 902, a scan data transmission unit 903, a printing unit 904, a scanning unit 905, and an operation unit 906. The print content receiving unit 901 receives print jobs containing print content sent from the server 100.

[0033] The reply address holding unit 902 holds the destination information of the server to which the answer sheet data scanned by the image forming apparatus 102 will be sent back. The destination information is, for example, destination information set in advance in the image forming apparatus 102, or destination information contained in an identification mark such as a QR code (registered trademark) marked on the printed content. The scan data transmission unit 903 sends the scanned answer sheet data to the destination held in the reply address holding unit 902. The printing unit 904 actually prints the received print job using the printing engine. The scanning unit 905 shines light on the paper answer sheet, measures the intensity and color of the reflected light, and combines this data to create image data of the entire document. The operation unit 906 receives input from the student, who will be the subscriber 103, regarding the operation of scanning the answer sheet, as well as operations related to printing and scanning.

[0034] Using Figure 7, an example of the display on the operation panel when a scan operation is input via the operation unit 906 in Figure 6 in the image forming apparatus 102 will be explained. The screen of the operation panel shows that the student, who is the subscriber 103, can scan the answer sheet and send it to the server 100. When the student sees this screen, they place the answer sheet in the scanner and touch the "Scan & Send" button shown on the screen. Then, the CPU 300 of the image forming apparatus 102 performs a scan using the scan unit 905. The CPU 200 then obtains the destination of the scanned data using the reply destination holding unit 902. The CPU 200 then sends the scanned data to the server 100 using the scan data transmission unit 903.

[0035] Figure 8 illustrates the data structure of subscribers stored in the subscriber DB 402 shown in Figure 4. The subscriber DB 402 registers, for each subscriber ID, the name of subscriber 1 (guardian), the name of subscriber 2 (student), and the destination address of the image forming apparatus 102 owned by the subscriber. Editing of this subscriber DB is possible using the various DB input units described within the client 106 shown in Figure 5.

[0036] Figure 9 illustrates the print settings stored in the print settings DB405 shown in Figure 4. The print settings DB405 stores values ​​indicating the status (ON / OFF) of paper-saving settings such as "2 pages / sheet" (printing two pages on one side of the print sheet) and "double-sided" (printing on both sides of the print sheet), for each subscriber ID. The print settings DB405 also stores values ​​indicating the status (ON / OFF) of ink-saving settings such as "ink saving (low density)" and "print black ink only".

[0037] Figure 10 illustrates the printed content. The printed content is, for example, an assignment sheet in which answers can be written. The top of the assignment sheet includes, for example, the title and number of the content. The upper right of the assignment sheet also includes, for example, the subscriber ID and the student's name, as well as an identification mark such as a QR code containing the subscriber ID, content number, or reply address. The subscriber ID is an example of "user identification information," the content number is an example of "content identification information," and the reply address is an example of "the network address of the information processing device." The QR code shown in Figure 10 is just one example (the same applies to Figures 12, 20A, and 20B).

[0038] Furthermore, the assignment worksheet includes a calculation problem in the center. Below that, there is a change check form where students can check boxes to identify items they wish to change in print settings. The current print settings are printed on the right side of the form for easy identification. This form allows students to check their current print settings before making any changes. Note that the format of this current print setting display is not limited to the example shown in Figure 10. Also, this form is just one example of an "area where settings can be entered."

[0039] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the print settings change check form in Figure 10. This change check form may be pre-printed on the print content as shown in Figure 10. Alternatively, it may be printed on a special sticker and given to the students in advance. In such a case, students can attach the sticker with the changes written on it to the answer sheet. The form on which such a sticker is attached is an example of an "area where a sticker with settings written on it can be attached."

[0040] In the form, there are, for example, four change check items. For each item, changing the "○" to the left of "○ / ○" turns the function ON. Conversely, changing the "○" to the right turns the function OFF. In other words, students black out the "○" for the item they wish to change. For example, blacking out the left "○" means changing the setting of that item from OFF to ON. If both remain "○", it is considered that no change has been made. The print setting reading unit 502 of the server 100 reads the "○" and black circles for each of the items from 1 to 4. Then, the print setting change determination unit 503 uses the read data to determine whether or not to change the print settings. Note that the print setting change determination is not limited to the form shown in Figure 11 or the method described above; it is sufficient if the print setting change can be determined by reading the answer sheet.

[0041] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the assignment worksheet in Figure 10 with the answers written on it. As shown in Figure 12, the student writes the answers in the center of the assignment worksheet. Also, at the bottom of the assignment worksheet, black circles are placed next to the print settings that the student wishes to change. The student places the assignment worksheet in this state into the scanner and touches "Scan & Send" on the control panel screen shown in Figure 7.

[0042] <Processing Example 1> Using Figure 13, we will explain the process by which the server 100 transmits an answer sheet containing the print settings checklist form shown in Figure 10 to the image forming apparatus 102. This process is realized when the CPU 300 of the server 100 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 301 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0043] In S101, the CPU 300 of server 100 receives a print command for print content from client 106 using the print command receiving unit 601. In S102, the CPU 300 retrieves the print content corresponding to the number of the print command from the print content DB 401. In S103, the CPU 300 retrieves the print setting checklist form from the print content DB 401.

[0044] In S104, the CPU 300 obtains the subscriber ID included in the print instruction. In S105, the CPU 300 obtains the print setting item corresponding to the subscriber ID from the print setting DB 405. In S106, the CPU 300 obtains the destination address of the image forming apparatus 102 corresponding to the subscriber ID from the subscriber DB 402. In S107, drawing data is generated that contains the print content obtained in S102, the print setting check item form obtained in S103, and the current setting value of the print setting obtained in S105. The format of the drawing data is, for example, bitmap data.

[0045] In S108, the CPU 300 determines whether the merging of drawing data in S107 was successful. If the CPU 300 determines that the merging of drawing data was successful, the process proceeds to S109; otherwise, the process proceeds to S115. In S109, the CPU 300 uses the print job generation unit 506 to create a print job that includes the drawing data generated in S107.

[0046] In S110, the CPU 300 determines whether the print job was created successfully. If the CPU 300 determines that the print job was created successfully, the process proceeds to S111; otherwise, the process proceeds to S115.

[0047] In S111, the CPU 300 uses the print job reflection unit 504 to reflect the print settings acquired in S105 to the print job. In S112, the CPU 300 determines whether the reflection of the print settings to the print job was successful. If the CPU 300 determines that the reflection of the print settings to the print job was successful, the process proceeds to S113; otherwise, the process proceeds to S115.

[0048] In S113, the CPU 300 uses the print job transmission unit 602 to send the print job to the destination address of the subscriber's image forming apparatus 102. In S114, the CPU 300 determines whether the transmission of the print job was successful. If the CPU 300 determines that the transmission of the print job was successful, the process ends. This print job is received by the print content receiving unit 901 of the image forming apparatus 102. The printing unit 904 in the image forming apparatus 102 then executes the print job.

[0049] On the other hand, if the CPU 300 determines in S112 that the print settings were not successfully applied to the print job, the process proceeds to S115. In S115, the CPU 300 sends a message to client 106 using the I / F 304 requesting further instructions from client 106.

[0050] <Processing Example 2> In step S105 of the above processing example 1, the CPU 300 obtains the print settings from the print settings DB 405. The process of updating these print settings will be explained below. Using Figure 14, we will explain the process by which the server 100 reads the changes from the answer sheet data in which the print settings shown in Figure 12 have been modified. This process is achieved by the CPU 300 of the server 100 reading a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 301 and controlling the aforementioned components.

[0051] In S201, the CPU 300 of the server 100 uses the returned answer receiving unit 603 to acquire the scanned answer sheet data. If the answer sheet data includes a QR code, the subscriber ID is obtained by reading the QR code. Alternatively, if the subscriber ID is directly written on the answer sheet data, the subscriber ID is obtained by reading this information. The answer sheet data is data that the CPU 200 (an example of a "control unit") in the image forming apparatus 102 scans using the scanning unit 905 and then transmits to the server 100 (an example of a "sender") using the scanned data transmission unit 903.

[0052] In S202, the CPU 300 determines whether or not print settings are included in a predetermined location (e.g., the bottom) of the answer sheet data. If the CPU 300 determines that print settings are included, the process proceeds to S203. That is, the CPU 300 determines that print settings are included if, for example, it detects that border lines are included in the answer sheet data. On the other hand, if the CPU 300 determines that print settings are not included, the CPU 300 determines that there are no changes to the print settings. In such cases, the print settings stored in the print settings DB 405 are not updated. The process then terminates.

[0053] In S203, the CPU 300 reads the print settings from the answer sheet data using the print setting reading unit 502. In S204, the CPU 300 determines whether the reading was successful. If the CPU 300 determines that the reading was successful, the process proceeds to S205. On the other hand, if the CPU 300 determines that the reading was unsuccessful, the CPU 300 determines that there is no change in the print settings. In this case, the print settings stored in the print setting DB 405 are not updated, and the process ends.

[0054] In S205, the CPU 300 retrieves the print settings corresponding to the subscriber ID from the print settings DB 405 (an example of the "second memory unit"). In S206, the CPU 300 uses the print setting change determination unit 503 to compare the print settings read from the answer sheet data with the print settings obtained from the print settings DB 405 for each setting item. In S207, the CPU 300 determines whether there is a difference between the two based on the comparison in S206. If the CPU 300 determines that there is a difference, the process proceeds to S208. On the other hand, if the CPU 300 determines that there is no difference, the CPU 300 determines that there is no change in the print settings. In this case, the print settings stored in the print settings DB 405 are not updated. The process then ends. In S208, the CPU 300 updates the corresponding print settings in the print settings DB 405. The process then ends.

[0055] <One aspect of action / effect> According to the image forming system 1 described above, students can write their desired print settings on an answer sheet as shown in Figure 10. Then, by scanning the answer sheet with the written settings, the print settings are easily and reliably reflected in the printed answer sheet. With such an image forming system 1, even people with little knowledge of operating equipment or software, or with little knowledge of changing print settings, can easily and reliably change the print settings. In addition, the current print settings are recorded on the answer sheet. Therefore, students can easily and reliably change the print settings by checking these current settings.

[0056] (First variation) In the above embodiment, the print settings are sent from the image forming apparatus 102 to the server 100 and held by the server 100. On the other hand, in the first modified example, the print settings are read by the image forming apparatus 102 and held by the image forming apparatus 102.

[0057] Using Figure 15, the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the first modified example will be explained. The blocks from the print content receiving unit 901 to the operation unit 906 are the same as those in the image forming apparatus 102 according to the embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted. In addition to these functional blocks, the image forming apparatus 102 according to the first modified example includes a print setting holding unit 950, a print setting updating unit 951, and a print setting reading unit 952.

[0058] The print setting storage unit 950 stores the print settings in a storage medium such as the RAM 202 of the image forming apparatus 102. The print setting reading unit 952 reads the print settings contained in the answer sheet data scanned by the scanning unit 905. The print setting update unit 951 determines whether there is a difference between the print settings held by the print setting storage unit 950 and the print settings read by the print setting reading unit 952. If the print setting update unit 951 determines that there is a difference, it causes the print setting storage unit 950 to hold the print settings read by the print setting reading unit 952. The print setting update unit 951 also updates the print settings of the print job to the print settings read by the print setting reading unit 952. In this way, the print settings are updated.

[0059] <Processing Example 3> Using Figure 16, the process of reading changes in print settings from answer sheet data, which contains these changes, in the image forming apparatus 102 will be explained. This process is achieved when the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 102 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as ROM 201 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0060] In S301, the CPU 200 uses the scanning unit 905 to acquire scanned data of the answer sheet. In S302, the CPU 200 determines whether or not print settings are written in a designated location on the answer sheet (for example, at the bottom). If the CPU 200 determines that print settings are written there, the process proceeds to S303; otherwise, the process ends without updating the print settings.

[0061] In S303, the CPU 200 reads the print settings from the scanned data using the print setting reading unit 952. In S304, the CPU 200 determines whether the reading was successful. If the CPU 200 determines that the reading was successful, the process proceeds to S305; otherwise, the process ends without updating the print settings. In S305, the CPU 200 retrieves the print settings that were already held by the print setting holding unit 950 (an example of the "first storage unit").

[0062] In S306, the CPU 200 compares the print settings read in S303 with the print settings acquired in S305. In S307, the CPU 200 uses the print setting update unit 951 to determine whether there is a difference between the print settings read in S303 and the print settings acquired in S305. If the CPU 200 determines that there is a difference, the process proceeds to S308; otherwise, the process ends without updating the print settings. In S308, the CPU 200 uses the print setting update unit 951 to update the print settings held by the print setting retention unit 950 with the print settings read in S303. In this way, the print settings are updated.

[0063] <Processing Example 4> Using Figure 17, the process of sending an answer sheet from the server 100 to the image forming apparatus 102 according to the first modified example will be explained. This answer sheet contains a form for checking print settings. This process is realized when the CPU 300 of the server 100 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 301 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0064] Steps S401-S406 and S408-S415 shown in Figure 17 are the same as steps S101-S106 and S108-S115 shown in Figure 13, respectively. On the other hand, in the first modified example, as shown in Figure 16, the print settings are read by the image forming apparatus 102 and held in the image forming apparatus 102. Therefore, in the first modified example, the items to be merged as drawing data in S407 are the print content and the print setting check item form. In other words, the current print setting is not merged as drawing data.

[0065] <Processing Example 5> The printing process of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the first modified example will be explained using Figure 18. This process is realized when the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 102 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as ROM 201 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0066] The CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 102 receives print content from the server 100 using the print content receiving unit 901. In S502, the CPU 200 acquires the print settings held by the print setting holding unit 950. Then, the CPU 200 uses the print setting update unit 951 to overwrite and reflect the acquired print settings in the print settings included in the print job. In S504, the CPU 200 uses the print unit 904 to print the print content. In S505, the CPU 200 terminates printing while maintaining the updated print settings.

[0067] <One aspect of action / effect> According to the first modified image forming system 1, in addition to the effects of the above embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus 102 has already received multiple print jobs, changes to the print settings can be reflected from the intermediate print jobs.

[0068] (Second variation) Although the printable content according to the above embodiment is for students, there may also be cases where the client 106 sends instructions to send printable content for parents and printable content for students separately. Therefore, in the second modified example, the print settings are configured separately for the cases of printable content for parents and for students.

[0069] Using Figure 19, the items of print settings stored in the print settings DB 405 according to the second modified example will be explained. The print settings DB 405 according to the second modified example manages print settings by associating them with the subscriber ID, similar to the embodiment (Figure 9). In addition, the print settings DB 405 according to the second modified example also manages subscriber attribute information (an example of "user attributes") by associating it with the subscriber ID. That is, the attributes of the subscriber ID are, for example, parent (P attribute) or student (S attribute). Then, print settings are managed in association with each attribute information.

[0070] Figures 20A and 20B illustrate the printable content for parents and students. Figure 20A shows an example of printable content for students. The printable content is, for example, an answer sheet, and a form for checking print settings is provided at the bottom of the printable content. However, unlike the form in the embodiment, this form has separate settings for students and parents. With such a form, students and parents can each change the print settings.

[0071] On the other hand, Figure 20B illustrates printable content for parents. The printable content is, for example, a student's timetable, and a form for checking print settings is included at the bottom of the printable content. This form is the same as the form included in the student content shown in Figure 20A.

[0072] Figure 21 is a magnified view of a portion of the print settings checklist form shown in Figures 20A and 20B. Here, we will explain the differences between this form and the form shown in Figure 11. Specifically, the first row of this form contains the strings "For Students" and "For Parents." In addition, a star mark is placed on either side of these strings. The CPU 300 of the server 100 reads these strings and marks to recognize whether the settings described in the first and second halves of the row are for student print settings or parent print settings. The print content in Figures 20A and 20B is transmitted from the server 100 to the image forming apparatus 102. This transmission is achieved, for example, by executing the flow in Figure 13 where the answer sheet is replaced with print content.

[0073] <Processing Example 6> Using Figure 22, the process by which the server 100 reads print setting changes from print content will be explained. This process reads print setting changes described for each subscriber attribute, in contrast to the process shown in Figure 14. This process is realized when the CPU 300 of the server 100 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 301 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0074] Steps S601 to S604 are the same as steps S201 to S204 in Figure 14, so their explanation is omitted. In step S605, the CPU 300 retrieves the print settings for the P attribute and S attribute of the subscriber ID from the print settings DB 405. In step S606, the CPU 300 uses the print setting change determination unit 503 to compare the two types of print settings obtained from the answer sheet (P attribute and S attribute) with the print settings for the P attribute and S attribute obtained from the print settings DB 405.

[0075] In S607, CPU300 determines whether there is a difference between the two based on the comparison results in S606. If CPU300 determines that there is a difference, the process proceeds to S608. On the other hand, if CPU300 determines that there is no difference, CPU300 determines that there is no change in the print settings. In S608, CPU300 updates the print settings of the P attribute and S attribute of the print settings DB405 by the amount of the difference. Then the process ends.

[0076] <Processing Example 7> Using Figure 23, we will explain the process by which client 106 issues a print command for parental or student-oriented print content. This process is achieved when the CPU of client 106 reads a program stored in the ROM storage medium and controls the aforementioned components.

[0077] In S701, the CPU of client 106 specifies the address of the subscriber's image forming apparatus 102 as the destination included in the instruction. The destination data is extracted from the subscriber DB 402, which is previously received by the various DB receiving unit 704 from the server 100. In S702, the CPU selects the print content to be sent. The print content is selected from the print content DB 401, which is previously received by the various DB receiving unit 704 from the server 100.

[0078] In S703, the CPU determines whether the selected print content is for parents. If the CPU determines that it is for parents, the process proceeds to S704. In S704, the CPU uses the print instruction transmission unit 702 to send the print content, information indicating that the print content has the P attribute, and information including the print instruction for the print content to the server 100.

[0079] On the other hand, if the CPU determines in S703 that the print content is not intended for parents, the CPU determines that the print content is intended for students, and processing proceeds to S705. In S705, the CPU uses the print instruction transmission unit 702 to send the print content, information indicating that the print content has the S attribute, and information including the print instruction for the print content to the server 100. Then, processing ends.

[0080] Alternatively, instead of S703 to S705, the CPU may use the print instruction transmission unit 702 to send information including the print content and the print instruction for the print content to the server 100. In this case, the process shown in Figure 23 corresponds to the process in which the client 106 in the embodiment sends a print instruction for the print content to the server 100.

[0081] <One aspect of action / effect> According to the second modified image forming system 1, in addition to the effects of the above embodiment, changes to the print settings are reflected according to the subscriber, thus improving the subscriber's usability.

[0082] (Other variations) The print settings are not limited to those mentioned above. For example, a print settings item may include an option to reprint the same print content using the changed print settings. Alternatively, a print settings item may include an option to prioritize parental settings when parental settings differ from child settings.

[0083] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0084] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0085] This disclosure includes the following image forming apparatus, image forming system, control method for image forming apparatus, and program. [Item 1] An image forming apparatus, A receiving unit that receives instructions for image formation, including an area where settings related to image formation can be selected, Based on the above instructions, a forming unit for forming the image on the sheet, The forming unit is a sheet on which the image has been formed, and the acquiring unit acquires information about the area of ​​the sheet for which the user has selected a setting for the area, The system comprises a control unit that performs control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit into the setting, Image forming apparatus. [Item 2] It further includes a transmitting unit for sending information, The control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit to the source. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the receiving unit receives the instruction that reflects the information of the region transmitted by the transmitting unit. [Item 3] The system further comprises a first storage unit that stores the aforementioned settings, The control unit, Using the settings stored in the first storage unit and the information of the area acquired by the acquisition unit, it is determined whether or not the settings have been changed. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that, when it is determined that the setting has been changed, the first storage unit is controlled to store the changed setting as a setting related to image forming. [Item 4] The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the area is an area on which the setting can be entered, or an area on which a sticker on which the setting is entered can be attached. [Item 5] The image forming apparatus described in item 2, The system includes an information processing device that transmits the instructions to the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned information processing device is A communication unit capable of communicating with the aforementioned image forming apparatus, A second storage unit that stores the aforementioned settings, A determination unit that determines whether the above setting has been changed, The system comprises a generation unit that generates the instruction based on the above setting, In the aforementioned information processing device, The communication unit receives the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit from the image forming apparatus. The determination unit performs the determination using the setting stored in the second storage unit and the setting included in the information of the area. If the determination unit determines that the setting has been changed, The generation unit generates the instruction that reflects the settings included in the information of the region, The image forming system is characterized in that the second storage unit stores the settings included in the information of the region as settings related to image forming. [Item 6] The image forming system according to item 5, characterized in that the region includes the setting item and the current setting. [Item 7] The above settings are provided for each user attribute that utilizes the image forming system. In the aforementioned information processing device, The determination unit makes the determination for each of the user's attributes, The generation unit generates the instructions for each of the user's attributes, The image forming system according to item 5, characterized in that the communication unit transmits each of the instructions generated for each of the user's attributes to the image forming apparatus associated with the user. [Item 8] The image forming system according to item 7, characterized in that the region includes, for each attribute of the user, the setting item and the current setting. [Item 9] The image forming system according to any one of items 5 to 8, characterized in that the image includes a code indicating at least one of the following: identification information of a user using the image forming system, identification information of the content contained in the image, and the network address of the information processing device. [Item 10] A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives an instruction to form an image, which includes a region in which settings related to image formation can be selected, The forming unit performs a forming step of forming the image on the sheet based on the instructions, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step of acquiring information about the region of the sheet on which the forming unit has formed the image, and for which the user has selected a setting for the region. The control unit includes a control step of performing control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit in the setting, A control method for an image forming apparatus. [Item 11] A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the control method is: A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives an instruction to form an image, which includes a region in which settings related to image formation can be selected, The forming unit performs a forming step of forming the image on the sheet based on the instructions, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step of acquiring information about the region of the sheet on which the forming unit has formed the image, and for which the user has selected a setting for the region. The control unit includes a control step of performing control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit in the setting, program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1: Image forming system, 100: Server, 102: Image forming apparatus, 103: Contractor, 106: Client PC, 200, 300: CPU, 206: Printing unit, 301: ROM, 302: RAM, 401: Print content DB, 402: Contractor DB, 404: Scoring result DB, 405: Print settings DB, 502, 952: Reading unit, 503: Print setting change determination unit, 702: Print instruction transmission unit, 704: Various DB receiving unit, 901: Print content receiving unit, 905: Scanning unit, 950: Print setting retention unit, 951: Print setting update unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A receiving unit that receives instructions for image formation, including an area where settings related to image formation can be selected, Based on the above instructions, a forming unit for forming the image on the sheet, The forming unit is a sheet on which the image has been formed, and the acquiring unit acquires information about the area of ​​the sheet for which the user has selected a setting for the area, The system comprises a control unit that performs control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit into the setting, Image forming apparatus.

2. It further includes a transmitting unit for sending information, The control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit to the source. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving unit receives the instruction that reflects the information of the region transmitted by the transmitting unit.

3. The system further comprises a first storage unit that stores the aforementioned settings, The control unit, Using the settings stored in the first storage unit and the information of the area acquired by the acquisition unit, it is determined whether or not the settings have been changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when it is determined that the setting has been changed, the first storage unit is controlled to store the changed setting as a setting related to image forming.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the area is an area on which the settings can be entered, or an area on which a sticker on which the settings are entered can be attached.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, The system includes an information processing device that transmits the instructions to the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned information processing device is A communication unit capable of communicating with the aforementioned image forming apparatus, A second storage unit that stores the aforementioned settings, A determination unit that determines whether the above setting has been changed, The system comprises a generation unit that generates the instruction based on the above setting, In the aforementioned information processing device, The communication unit receives the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit from the image forming apparatus. The determination unit performs the determination using the setting stored in the second storage unit and the setting included in the information of the area. If the determination unit determines that the setting has been changed, The generation unit generates the instruction that reflects the settings included in the information of the region, The image forming system is characterized in that the second storage unit stores the settings included in the information of the region as settings related to image forming.

6. The image forming system according to claim 5, characterized in that the region includes the setting items and the current setting.

7. The above settings are provided for each user attribute that utilizes the image forming system. In the aforementioned information processing device, The determination unit makes the determination for each of the user's attributes, The generation unit generates the instructions for each of the user's attributes, The image forming system according to claim 5, characterized in that the communication unit transmits each of the instructions generated for each of the user's attributes to the image forming apparatus associated with the user.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7, characterized in that the region includes, for each attribute of the user, the setting item and the current setting.

9. The image forming system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the image includes a code indicating at least one of the following: identification information of a user using the image forming system, identification information of the content contained in the image, and the network address of the information processing device.

10. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives an instruction to form an image, which includes a region in which settings related to image formation can be selected, The forming unit performs a forming step of forming the image on the sheet based on the instructions, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step of acquiring information about the region of the sheet on which the forming unit has formed the image, and for which the user has selected a setting for the region. The control unit includes a control step of performing control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit in the setting, A control method for an image forming apparatus.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the control method is: A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives an instruction to form an image, which includes a region in which settings related to image formation can be selected, The forming unit performs a forming step of forming the image on the sheet based on the instructions, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step of acquiring information about the region of the sheet on which the forming unit has formed the image, and for which the user has selected a setting for the region. The control unit includes a control step of performing control to reflect the information of the region acquired by the acquisition unit in the setting, program.

Images