Image forming apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To determine the current location of the user who printed the document when it is left unattended around the image forming apparatus. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 2 is capable of communicating with a server 5 that manages the location of users. The image forming apparatus 2 comprises a job execution unit 23 and a display control unit 24. The job execution unit 23 executes a print job specified by the user and records the job information and the user in history information 19, associating them with each other. The display control unit 24 displays the contents recorded in the history information 19 on the display unit 15. When displaying the history information 19, the display control unit 24 communicates with the server 5, obtains user information about the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information 19, and displays the user information on the display unit 15.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a control system is known that manages schedule data in which a user's destination is described and causes a printing apparatus to print a map around the user's destination based on the schedule data (for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional technology estimates whether the destination described in the schedule data is a known location for the user, and prints and outputs a map around the destination when it is not a known location for the user.

[0003] An image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) executes a print job specified by a user and outputs a printed matter. However, after performing print output using the image forming apparatus, the user may forget to acquire the printed matter. In that case, the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is left around the image forming apparatus. However, the printed matter may contain confidential information, and it is not preferable for the printed matter to be left unattended for a long time. Therefore, a user who notices that a printed matter is left around the image forming apparatus tries to deliver the printed matter to the original user.

[0004] However, in recent years, many offices adopt free addresses, and there is a problem that it is not known where the user who output the printed matter is. The above-described conventional technology does not print and output the location of the user who output the printed matter in an office that adopts a free address. Therefore, even if the above-described conventional technology is applied, the above problem cannot be solved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above problem. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus, control method, and program that can display the current location of the user who printed the unattended printed material, thereby preventing the printed material from being left unattended for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server that manages the location of a user, comprising: a job execution unit that executes a print job specified by a user and records the job information and the user in a history information by associating them with each other; and a display control unit that displays the history information on a predetermined display unit, wherein the display control unit communicates with the server when displaying the history information on the display unit, obtains user information relating to the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information, and displays the user information on the display unit.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job information includes the number of output sheets produced by the execution of a print job, and the display control unit displays the number of output sheets when displaying the history information on the display unit.

[0009] The invention according to claim 3 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job information includes the first image information output by the execution of a print job, and the display control unit displays the image information when displaying the history information on the display unit.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job information includes the date and time of printing when the print job was executed, the file name, the number of copies to be printed, and the status, and the display control unit displays the date and time of printing, the file name, the number of copies to be printed, and the status when the history information is displayed on the display unit.

[0011] The invention according to claim 5 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit communicates with the server to acquire the user's location information as user information and displays the location information on the display unit.

[0012] The invention according to claim 6 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the location information is information that can identify the floor and seat where the user is located.

[0013] The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the location information includes a seating arrangement image showing the seating arrangement in an office.

[0014] The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the job execution unit prints out the location information based on the user's instructions when the location information is displayed by the display control unit.

[0015] The invention according to claim 9 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the job execution unit associates user identification information with the job information and records it in the history information.

[0016] The invention according to claim 10 is a control method for an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server that manages the location of a user, comprising: a job execution step of executing a print job specified by a user, associating the job information with the user and recording it in history information; and a display step of displaying the history information on a predetermined display unit, wherein the display step communicates with the server when displaying the history information on the display unit, obtains user information relating to the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information, and displays the user information on the display unit.

[0017] The invention according to claim 11 is a program executed in an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server that manages the location of a user, wherein the program causes the image forming apparatus to execute a print job specified by a user, associate the job information with the user and record it in history information, and to perform a display step of displaying the history information on a predetermined display unit, wherein the display step communicates with the server when displaying the history information on the display unit, obtains user information relating to the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information, and displays the user information on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to display the current location of the user who printed out the unattended document. Therefore, the present invention can prevent printed documents from being left unattended for extended periods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates a print job transmitted from an information processing device to an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the communication between the user detection device and the server. [Figure 4]It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of history information. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit by a display control unit. [Figure 7] It is a diagram illustrating an operation process in an image forming system. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a detailed screen displayed when a detail button is operated. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing another example of a detailed screen displayed when a detail button is operated. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by a job execution unit. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by a display control unit. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of history information in which image information is recorded.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, elements common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0021] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system 1 including an image forming apparatus 2 in an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, an information processing apparatus 4, a server 5, and a user detection apparatus 6. The image forming apparatus 2, the information processing apparatus 4, the server 5, and the user detection apparatus 6 are connected to a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 2 is comprised of, for example, an MFP installed in an office and shared by multiple users. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 has scanning, printing, and copying functions and executes jobs specified by the user. The image forming apparatus 2 comprises a scanner unit 12, a printer unit 13, and an operation panel 14. The scanner unit 12 optically reads the original document set by the user and generates image data. The printer unit 13 forms the image contained in the data to be printed onto a sheet such as printing paper and outputs it. In other words, the printer unit 13 prints the image onto a sheet and outputs it. The operation panel 14 is the user interface when the user uses the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 sets various parameters for job execution based on the user's settings operations on the operation panel 14.

[0023] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives a print job via the network 3, it prints an image onto a sheet and outputs it based on the print data included in the print job. At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 sets various parameters for executing the print job based on the print settings included in the print job.

[0024] The information processing device 4 consists of, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a tablet terminal. The information processing device 4 is used by users working in an office. The information processing device 4 creates document data based on the user's editing operations. When the user issues a print command for the document data, the information processing device 4 starts the printer driver and sends a print job to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0025] Figure 2 shows a print job 34 transmitted from the information processing device 4 to the image forming apparatus 2. In addition to the print settings described above, the print job 34 includes user identification information 35 and print target data 36. User identification information 35 is information that can identify the user, such as a username or user ID. Print target data 36 is the data to be printed, and includes, for example, image data or document data.

[0026] When the image forming apparatus 2 receives a print job 34 from the information processing device 4, it identifies the user who sent the print job 34 based on the user identification information 35. The image forming apparatus 2 then drives the printer unit 13 and prints the image based on the print target data 36 onto a sheet and outputs it. The image forming apparatus 2 then outputs a printed document 9 with the image based on the print target data 36 printed on it.

[0027] For example, in the office shown in Figure 1, a free-address system is in place, allowing users to freely change their work location. A user detection device 6 is installed at each work location. The user detection device 6 detects users working at each work location. When the user detection device 6 detects a user, it sends information associating the user with the work location to the server 5.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the communication between the user detection device 6 and the server 5. As shown in Figure 3, user detection devices 6a and 6b are installed at each seating position where a user can perform their duties. These user detection devices 6a and 6b consist of card readers capable of reading information recorded on IC cards, such as employee ID cards. In addition, user detection devices 6a and 6b store unique device information.

[0029] For example, when user A starts work at the location where user detection device 6a is installed, user A holds their IC card 31a over user detection device 6a. When user detection device 6a detects the IC card 31a, it obtains information about user A from the IC card 31a. The information about user A is the same as the user identification information 35 described above. Then user detection device 6a generates user detection information 32a by adding its own device information to the information about user A, and sends the user detection information 32a to server 5.

[0030] Similarly, when user B starts work at the location where user detection device 6b is installed, user B holds their IC card 31b over user detection device 6b. When user detection device 6b detects IC card 31b, it obtains information about user B from the IC card 31b. The information about user B is the same as the user identification information 35 described above. Then user detection device 6b generates user detection information 32b by adding its own device information to the information about user B, and transmits this user detection information 32b to server 5.

[0031] Server 5 is a server that manages users working in the office. For example, Server 5 is configured as a human resources management server and holds information about all users working in the office. Server 5 manages the work status of each user and the seat location where each user is working. Server 5 holds table information that associates the installation location of each user detection device 6 with the device information of each user detection device 6. Therefore, when Server 5 obtains user detection information 32a and 32b from user detection devices 6a and 6b, it can refer to the table information to identify the seat locations where users A and B are currently working. Server 5 identifies the seat locations of all users working in the office and registers and manages each user's seat location in a database.

[0032] For example, if user A moves seats during work hours, they will again hold their IC card 31a over the user detection device 6 installed at their new seat location. As a result, every time user A moves seats, server 5 obtains user detection information 32a from the user detection device 6 and updates the database. In other words, server 5 can manage the current location of each user in real time.

[0033] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 has a hardware configuration consisting of a control unit 10, a storage device 11, a scanner unit 12, a printer unit 13, an operation panel 14, and a communication interface 17. The image forming apparatus 2 connects each of these units to a bus 18, and each unit is configured to input and output data to and from each other via the bus 18.

[0034] The scanner unit 12 comprises a document transport unit 12a and an image reading unit 12b. The document transport unit 12a picks up one document at a time from multiple documents set by the user and automatically transports the document to the image reading position of the image reading unit 12b. The image reading unit 12b reads the image of the document as it passes through the image reading position, which is being automatically transported by the document transport unit 12a.

[0035] The printer unit 13 comprises a paper feed unit 13a and an image forming unit 13b. The paper feed unit 13a holds sheets such as printing paper and feeds sheets one by one when a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming unit 13b forms an image on the sheet fed by the paper feed unit 13a as it passes through a predetermined position and outputs it.

[0036] The control panel 14 comprises a display unit 15 and an operation unit 16. The display unit 15 is composed of a color liquid crystal display or the like and displays various screens that the user can operate. The operation unit 16 is composed of, for example, touchscreen keys and accepts user input.

[0037] The communication interface 17 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 2 to the network 3 and communicates with the information processing apparatus 4 and the server 5.

[0038] The storage device 11 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage device 11 stores history information 19 of jobs executed in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0039] The control unit 10 controls the operation of each of the above-described parts. The control unit 10 comprises a storage unit 20 and a processor 21. The storage unit 20 is composed of, for example, non-volatile memory. A program 22 is pre-stored in the storage unit 20. The program 22 is a computer program executed by the processor 21. The processor 21 is a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the image forming apparatus 2 is started up, the processor 21 reads the program 22 from the storage unit 20 and executes it. The processor 21 realizes various functions by executing the program 22. Figure 2 shows some of the functions realized by the processor 21. For example, by executing the program 22, the processor 21 functions as a job execution unit 23 and a display control unit 24.

[0040] The job execution unit 23 controls the execution of jobs specified by the user. For example, when the job execution unit 23 receives a print job 34 via the communication interface 17, it drives the printer unit 13 based on the print job 34 and prints the image onto a sheet for output. The job execution unit 23 also controls the execution of scan jobs and copy jobs.

[0041] When the job execution unit 23 executes a job specified by the user, it records information relating the job information and the user in the history information 19. Figure 5 shows an example of the history information 19. As shown in Figure 5, the history information 19 includes user identification information and job information. User identification information is information that can identify the user who executed the job. For example, in the case of a print job, the user identification information is information that records the user identification information 35 included in the print job 34. Job information is information that shows the details of the job. For example, in the case of a print job, the job information includes information such as the file name, print date and time, number of output pages, number of copies to print, and status. The file name is the file name of the data to be printed. The print date and time is the date and time when the print job was executed. The number of output pages is the number of sheets output from the image forming apparatus 2 as a result of the execution of the print job. The number of copies to print is the number of printed materials 9 output from the image forming apparatus 2 as a result of the execution of the print job. The status is information that indicates whether the print job was completed successfully or not. Job information may also include other information such as sheet size and print settings such as single-sided or double-sided printing.

[0042] The display control unit 24 controls the screen displayed on the display unit 15 of the operation panel 14. For example, when the display control unit 15 is displaying an operation screen that the user can operate, the display control unit 24 detects user operation on the operation unit 16. The display control unit 24 then switches the display screen based on the user's operation.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of an operation screen G1 displayed on the display unit 15 by the display control unit 24. This operation screen G1 is the initial screen of the image forming apparatus 2. The display control unit 24 displays the operation screen G1 on the display unit 15 after the image forming apparatus 2 has finished starting up, or when the image forming apparatus 2 is not being used by a user. This operation screen G1 is a screen for selecting functions of the image forming apparatus 2. In addition, a history information display button 40 for displaying history information 19 is displayed on this operation screen G1. In other words, the history information display button 40 is displayed on the initial screen when the initial screen is displayed in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0044] Incidentally, after a user sends a print job 34 to the image forming apparatus 2, they may forget to retrieve the printed document 9 output by the image forming apparatus 2. In that case, the printed document 9 output from the image forming apparatus 2 is left lying around the image forming apparatus 2. If another user moves to the location where the image forming apparatus 2 is installed while the printed document 9 is lying around the image forming apparatus 2, they will notice that the printed document 9 output by another user has been left there. The user who notices that the printed document 9 has been left there will try to deliver the printed document 9 to the user who output it. At this time, the user operates the history information display button 40 on the operation screen G1 displayed on the display unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0045] When the user operates the history information display button 40, the display control unit 24 reads the history information 19 from the storage device 11 and displays the job execution history of the image forming apparatus 2 on the display unit 15. At this time, the display control unit 24 displays the user identification information and job information included in the history information 19. Also, when the display control unit 24 displays the history information 19 on the display unit 15, it communicates with the server 5 and obtains user information about the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information 19. This user information includes location information that indicates the user's current location. This location information is information that can identify the floor and seat where the user is located. When the display control unit 24 displays the history information 19, it simultaneously displays the user information obtained from the server 5. This allows the user to identify the current location of the user who printed the unattended printout 9. In other words, even in an office where a free address system is adopted, the user can deliver the unattended printout 9 to the user who printed it.

[0046] Figure 7 illustrates the operation process in the image forming system 1. The information processing device 4 starts the printer driver based on user input (process P1). After starting the printer driver, the information processing device 4 configures the print settings based on user input. Subsequently, upon receiving a print command from the user, the information processing device 4 generates a print job and sends it to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0047] When the image forming apparatus 2 receives a print job, it activates the job execution unit 23 (process P2). The image forming apparatus 2 then executes the print job. When the execution of the print job is completed successfully, the image forming apparatus 2 sends a completion notification to the information processing device 4. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 2 records information about the executed print job in the history information 19 and updates the history information 19.

[0048] Subsequently, when the image forming apparatus 2 detects that the history information display button 40 has been operated, it starts the process of displaying the history information 19 (process P3). When it starts the process of displaying the history information 19, the image forming apparatus 2 requests user information from the server 5. At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 requests user information of users who have previously executed jobs, based on the user identification information recorded in the history information 19.

[0049] Server 5 retrieves current user information from the database based on a request from the image forming apparatus 2. This user information includes the current location information of the user specified by the image forming apparatus 2. Server 5 transmits this user information to the image forming apparatus 2. When the image forming apparatus 2 retrieves the user information from Server 5, it generates a job history display screen based on the history information 19 and the user information, and displays it on the display unit 15. At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 associates the user information retrieved from Server 5 with each job based on the user identification information recorded in the history information 19 and displays it.

[0050] Figure 8 shows an example of the job history display screen G2. This job history display screen G2 displays user identification information and job information included in the history information 19, as well as user information 41 obtained from the server 5. The job information for each job includes the file name, print date and time, number of copies, and status. This information helps to identify which print job produced the abandoned printout 9. Once the user can identify the print job that produced the abandoned printout 9, they can also identify the user who executed that print job.

[0051] User information 41 is displayed for each job recorded in the history information 19. User information 41 indicates whether the user who performed the job is currently on duty. In addition, a details button 42 is displayed for the user information 41 of each job. When the image forming apparatus 2 detects that the details button 42 has been operated, it displays the detailed information of the user corresponding to that details button 42.

[0052] For example, if a left-untouched printout 9 has 3 sheets, the user can identify that printout 9 was produced by user B by referring to the job history display screen G2. In that case, the user operates the details button 42 for the job executed by user B.

[0053] Figure 9 shows an example of the details screen G3 displayed when the details button 42 of user B is operated. In the details screen G3 shown in Figure 9, user B's work status is displayed as "on duty" and their attendance status is displayed as "remote work". Therefore, the user can understand that user B is currently working remotely. The user can also understand that the unattended printed materials 9 cannot be delivered to user B.

[0054] For example, if a left-untouched printout 9 has 6 sheets, the user can identify that printout 9 was produced by user F by referring to the job history display screen G2. In that case, the user operates the details button 42 for the job executed by user F.

[0055] Figure 10 shows an example of the detail screen G4 displayed when the detail button 42 for user F is operated. In the detail screen G4 shown in Figure 10, it is shown that user F's work status is "on duty" and that their attendance status is "at the office". When user F is at the office, the image forming apparatus 2 displays user F's location information based on the location information obtained from the server 5. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 displays a floor map 44 of the floor where user F is located and displays a pointer 45 indicating user F's position on the floor map 44. The floor map 44 includes a seating arrangement image showing the seating arrangement within the office. Therefore, by checking the floor map 44 and pointer 45 displayed on the detail screen G4, the user can identify the seating location where user F is working as the destination for the unattended printed materials 9.

[0056] The detail screen G4 shown in Figure 10 includes a print button 46. By operating this print button 46, the user can print the floor map 44 included in the detail screen G4. That is, when the image forming apparatus 2 detects that the print button 46 has been operated by the user, it prints the user's detailed information. At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 may also print the detail screen G4 directly onto a sheet and output it. The user can deliver the printed material 9 to user F by moving while looking at the printed floor map 44 and pointer 45.

[0057] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the job execution unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 2. When the image forming apparatus 2 is started, the job execution unit 23 repeatedly executes the processing based on the flowchart in Figure 11. When this processing starts, the job execution unit 23 determines whether or not it has received a print job 34 (step S10). If it has not received a print job 34 (NO in step S10), the processing by the job execution unit 23 ends.

[0058] On the other hand, if a print job 34 is received (YES in step S10), the job execution unit 23 executes the print job 34 (step S11). That is, the job execution unit 23 forms an image on the sheet based on the print target data 36 included in the print job 34 and outputs it. When the print job 34 is executed, the job execution unit 23 records the job execution history in the history information 19 (step S12). At this time, the job execution unit 23 records the user identification information in the history information 19 based on the user identification information 35 included in the print job 34. This completes the processing by the job execution unit 23.

[0059] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the display control unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2. When the image forming apparatus 2 is started, the display control unit 24 repeatedly executes the processing based on the flowchart in Figure 12. When this processing starts, the display control unit 24 displays the operation screen G1 on the display unit 15 (step S20). The display control unit 24 then determines whether or not it has detected an operation on the history information display button 40 on the operation screen G1 (step S21). If it has not detected an operation on the history information display button 40 (NO in step S21), the processing by the display control unit 24 ends.

[0060] On the other hand, if an operation on the history information display button 40 is detected (YES in step S21), the display control unit 24 reads the history information 19 (step S22). Based on the user identification information recorded in the history information 19, the display control unit 24 identifies the user who has a job execution history (step S23). The display control unit 24 then sends a request for user information regarding the identified user to the server 5 (step S24).

[0061] When a request for user information is made to server 5, the display control unit 24 waits until it receives the user information from server 5 (step S25). Upon receiving the user information, the display control unit 24 generates the job history display screen G2 based on the history information 19 and the user information received from server 5 (step S26). At this time, the display control unit 24 identifies the user based on the user identification information recorded in the history information 19 and associates it with the user information received from server 5. The display control unit 24 then displays the job history display screen G2 on the display unit 15 (step S27). As a result, the contents recorded in the history information 19 are displayed on the display unit 15.

[0062] Subsequently, the display control unit 24 determines whether the details button 42 on the job history display screen G2 has been operated (step S28). If the operation of the details button 42 is detected (YES in step S28), the display control unit 24 displays the details screens G3 and G4, which show the detailed information corresponding to the operated details button 42 (step S29). If the display control unit 24 displays the details screen G4, it determines whether the print button 46 included in the details screen G4 has been operated (step S30). If the operation of the print button 46 is detected (YES in step S30), the display control unit 24 operates the job execution unit 23 and prints the image based on the details screen G4 (step S31). As a result, the user who retrieves the unattended printed document 9 can deliver the printed document 9 while looking at the floor map 44.

[0063] Subsequently, the display control unit 24 determines whether or not to terminate the display of the job history display screen G2 (step S32). If the display of the job history display screen G2 is not terminated (NO in step S32), the processing by the display control unit 24 returns to step S28. On the other hand, if the display of the job history display screen G2 is terminated (YES in step S32), the processing by the display control unit 24 ends.

[0064] As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment can communicate with a server 5 that manages the location of users. The image forming apparatus 2 executes a print job 34 specified by the user and records the job information and the user in history information 19, associating them with each other. The image forming apparatus 2 also includes a display control unit 24 that displays the history information 19 on a display unit 15. When displaying the history information 19 on the display unit 15, the display control unit 24 communicates with the server 5 and obtains user information about the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information 19. The display control unit 24 then displays the user information obtained from the server 5 together with the history information 19 on the display unit 15.

[0065] The user information acquired by the display control unit 24 from the server 5 includes location information indicating the user's location. Therefore, a user who notices that a printed document 9 has been left unattended near the image forming apparatus 2 can display the history information 19 on the image forming apparatus 2 to identify the location of the user who printed the document 9. Thus, even if the office uses a free-address system, the user who acquires the printed document 9 can deliver it to the user who printed it.

[0066] (modified version) Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are applicable.

[0067] For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 executes a print job and records the job information in the history information 19, it may also record the image information contained in the print target data 36 in the job information. Figure 13 shows an example of history information 19 in which image information is recorded. As shown in Figure 13, this history information 19 includes image information in the job information. The image information is, for example, a thumbnail image of the image output by the execution of print job 43. If multiple sheets are output by the execution of print job 34, the image information only needs to include the image printed on at least the first sheet.

[0068] When the user operates the history information display button 40, the image forming apparatus 2 reads the history information 19 shown in Figure 13 and displays the job history display screen G2 on the display unit 15. At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 displays thumbnail images of the output images based on the image information recorded in the history information 19. Therefore, a user who notices that a printed document 9 has been left lying around the image forming apparatus 2 can identify the print job by comparing the image printed on the first page of the printed document 9 with the thumbnail image displayed on the job history display screen G2. In other words, by the image forming apparatus 2 recording image information in the history information 19, it becomes easier for the user to identify the print job that produced the left-behind printed document 9.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the image forming apparatus 2 is configured as an MFP. However, the image forming apparatus 2 is not limited to being configured as an MFP. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 may be a printer equipped only with a printing function.

[0070] Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates a case where the program 22 executed by the processor 21 is pre-stored in the storage unit 20. However, the program 22 is not limited to being pre-stored in the storage unit 20. That is, the program 22 can be traded on its own. Therefore, the program 22 may be provided in a manner that allows it to be downloaded to the image forming apparatus 2 via a network such as the Internet and installed in the image forming apparatus 2. Alternatively, the program 22 may be provided recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory or CD-ROM and installed in the image forming apparatus 2. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Image forming system 2 Image forming apparatus 3 Network 4. Information Processing Device 5 servers 14. Control Panel 15 Display 16 Control section 19. History Information 22 Programs 23 Job Execution Unit 24 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server that manages the location of users, A job execution unit that executes a print job specified by the user, associates the job information with the user, and records it in the history information. A display control unit that displays the history information on a predetermined display unit, Equipped with, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display control unit communicates with the server when displaying the history information on the display unit, obtains user information relating to the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information, and displays the user information on the display unit.

2. The aforementioned job information includes the number of output pages produced by the execution of the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays the number of output sheets when displaying the history information on the display unit.

3. The aforementioned job information includes the information of the first image output by the execution of the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays the image information when displaying the history information on the display unit.

4. The aforementioned job information includes the date and time the print job was executed, the file name, the number of copies to print, and the status. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the display control unit displays the history information on the display unit, it displays the print date and time, file name, number of copies to print, and status.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit communicates with the server to acquire the user's location information as user information and displays the location information on the display unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the location information is information that can identify the floor and seat where the user is located.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the location information includes a seating arrangement image showing the seating arrangement within an office.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the job execution unit prints out the location information based on the user's instructions when the location information is displayed by the display control unit.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the job execution unit associates user identification information with the job information and records it in the history information.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus that can communicate with a server that manages the location of users, A job execution step that executes a print job specified by the user, associates the job information with the user, and records it in the history information, A display step in which the historical information is displayed on a predetermined display unit, It has, The control method is characterized in that the display step involves communicating with the server when displaying the history information on the display unit, obtaining user information relating to the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information, and displaying the user information on the display unit.

11. A program executed in an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server that manages the location of users, wherein the image forming apparatus, A job execution step that executes a print job specified by the user, associates the job information with the user, and records it in the history information, A display step in which the historical information is displayed on a predetermined display unit, Make it run, The program is characterized in that the display step communicates with the server when displaying the history information on the display unit, obtains user information relating to the user associated with the print job recorded in the history information, and displays the user information on the display unit.

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