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

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism that can minimize the user burden for coordinating an LMS and an image forming apparatus. [Solution] The image forming apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the cooperation status between a learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus; a first determination unit that determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not cooperated with the learning management device using the cooperation status; a synthesis unit that, if the first determination unit determines that there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not cooperated, synthesizes identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet into the data for forming the managed sheet; and an output unit that outputs an image using the data.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An electronic scoring system that can electronically score test answers on a device such as a PC (Personal Computer) has been developed. Such a system reads, for example, a test answer sheet on which answers are filled in with a scanner provided in an image forming apparatus. Then, the read data is displayed on a monitor from a PC via a browser, or uploaded to cloud storage for scoring.

[0003] By the way, as one of the upload destinations, for example, an LMS (Learning Management System) can be mentioned. And when communicating with such an LMS, a standard specification called LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) is used. When this standard specification is used, registration work for all the devices used, that is, the image forming apparatus and the LMS, is required. Here, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for transmitting information used in the registration process from a registered device to an unregistered device. When such a technique is used for the registration work, the burden of the user's registration work for an unregistered image forming apparatus can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when using the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to reduce the burden of user registration work on the LMS.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-mentioned problems and provides a novel mechanism that can reduce the user burden for linking an LMS and an image forming apparatus as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention, for example, An acquisition unit that acquires the cooperation status between the learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus, A first determination unit determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, using the aforementioned linkage status. If the first determination unit determines that there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked, the synthesis unit synthesizes identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet with the data for forming the managed sheet, The system includes an output unit that outputs an image using the aforementioned data. It is an image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the user burden for coordinating the LMS and the image forming apparatus can be reduced as much as possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of an image forming system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the display screen of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Figure 4B] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Figure 4C]Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 4D] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 4E] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of a command according to an embodiment [Figure 6] Diagram showing the data structure of the roster information according to an embodiment [Figure 7] Outline diagram of the answer sheet for the test according to an embodiment [Figure 8] Diagram showing the display screen of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment [Figure 9A] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 9B] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 9C] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 9D] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 10A] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 10B] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 10C] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 11A] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 11B] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 12A] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 12B] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 12C] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 12D] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 12E] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 13A] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 13B] Flowchart of the process according to an embodiment [Figure 13C] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Figure 13D] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Figure 14] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] 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.

[0012] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a configuration diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction device configured as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that integrates multiple functions, such as scanning and printing functions.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 comprises a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and a storage device 104. The CPU 101 is the system control unit and controls the entire apparatus. The ROM 102 is, for example, flash memory and stores the control program for the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is volatile memory that can temporarily store program control variables, image data, etc. The storage device 104 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD and stores data such as image data.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes an operation unit 105, a communication unit 106 (an example of a "communication unit capable of communicating with the outside"), and a print control unit 107. The operation unit 105 is an interface unit between the image forming apparatus 100 and the user and displays information within the device. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display unit with touch panel functionality. The communication unit 106 includes a communication module and is an interface unit between the image forming apparatus 100 and an external communication network. The print control unit 107 applies image processing to the input image data and generates print data.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a printing unit 108 (an example of an "output unit"), a device detection unit 109, a registration information detection unit 110, a barcode processing unit 111, and a barcode addition unit 112 (an example of a "combination unit"). The printing unit 108 receives print data generated by the print control unit 107 and prints it on a recording medium such as paper. The device detection unit 109 detects devices connected to the same network. Specifically, the device detection unit 109 includes a function to request a response from devices on the same network and a function to respond to requests from devices on the same network. The device detection unit 109 broadcasts a device detection request to the LAN (Local Area Network) via the communication unit 106 in the master device. On the other hand, the device detection unit 109 returns a response containing information about the image forming apparatus 100 in response to the device detection request in the slave device.

[0016] The registration information detection unit 110 analyzes the response received by the device detection unit 109 and stores the registration status in a storage medium such as the storage device 104. The barcode processing unit 111 converts the list information (an example of "identification information") acquired by the LMS information acquisition unit 115 (described later) into a barcode (an example of "identification object"). In this embodiment, for example, all of the list information is converted into a two-dimensional barcode as is. On the other hand, if the size of the barcode is larger than a predetermined value, the information contained in the barcode is extracted (an example of "reduction in the amount of information"), and a barcode with a reduced size is generated. It should be noted that all of the list information may be partially extracted and converted into a barcode from the beginning. For example, the number of people listed in the list may be converted into a one-dimensional barcode as information necessary for comparing the number of scans. The barcode processing unit 111 also decodes the barcode information attached to the scanned image.

[0017] The barcode addition unit 112 superimposes the barcode generated by the barcode processing unit 111 onto an image containing the test answer sheet (hereinafter also referred to as the test image). That is, the barcode addition unit 112 scans the blank areas of the test image, determines the placement position and scaling of the barcode, and lays out the barcode. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a reading control unit 113, a reading unit 114, an LMS information acquisition unit 115, a roster information analysis unit 116, a reading result acquisition unit 117, a reading result comparison unit 118, and a system bus 119.

[0018] The reading control unit 113 configures settings related to reading the original image and processes the read data according to these settings. The reading unit 114 includes a scanner and reads the original image to generate image data. The LMS information acquisition unit 115 acquires information from the LMS 210 that identifies the number of students belonging to a class, roster information including individual names, and test information such as test images. The roster information analysis unit 116 acquires and analyzes the roster information from the barcode processing unit 111 or the LMS information acquisition unit 115 to generate the number of students in the class and a list of individual names, and stores them in a storage medium such as the storage device 104.

[0019] The reading result acquisition unit 117 acquires additional information for the scanned image. This additional information includes, for example, the number of scanned image data read by the reading unit 114, or the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) results if OCR processing was performed on the scanned image. The reading result comparison unit 118 compares the information acquired by the roster information analysis unit 116 with the information acquired by the reading result acquisition unit 117. The CPU 101 is connected to the hardware that implements these components via the system bus 119.

[0020] The image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 2. The image forming system 10 is composed of, for example, a scoring system 200 (an example of an "evaluation device"), an LMS 210 (an example of a "learning management device"), and a plurality of image forming devices 100 (100A, 100B, 100C). In the first embodiment, a test answer sheet (an example of a "managed sheet") is printed in the image forming device 100 based on data transmitted from the LMS 210. Then, a student (an example of an "inputter") writes their answers on the answer sheet, and the completed answer sheet is scanned in the image forming device 100. The scanned data is then transmitted from the image forming device 100 to the scoring system 200. The scoring system 200 then scores the answers written on the answer sheet.

[0021] The scoring system 200 is a computer comprising a processor such as a CPU, main memory such as RAM or ROM, and auxiliary storage devices such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or removable media. The scoring system 200 also comprises communication modules such as a USB module, a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a video module. The removable media may be, for example, a USB memory stick or a disk recording medium such as a CD or DVD. The auxiliary storage device stores the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The processor then loads the programs stored there into the working area of ​​the main memory and executes them, controlling each component through program execution. In this way, various functions that meet predetermined purposes, as described later, can be realized.

[0022] The scoring system 200 manages the aforementioned test information and test images. The scoring system 200 is an electronic scoring system that can perform scoring electronically using a device such as a PC, but it may also be a storage device that manages the test information and test images.

[0023] The LMS210 is a computer comprising a processor such as a CPU, main memory such as RAM and ROM, and auxiliary storage devices such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or removable media. The LMS210 also includes communication modules such as a USB module, a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a video module. The removable media may be, for example, a USB memory stick or a disk recording medium such as a CD or DVD. The auxiliary storage device stores the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The processor then loads the programs stored there into the working area of ​​the main memory and executes them, controlling each component through program execution. In this way, various functions that meet predetermined purposes, as described later, can be realized.

[0024] LMS210 is a learning support system that can be used on the web. With LMS210, for example, it can be linked with other web-based storage services to generate shared files such as homework and assignments on the internet 220, and these shared files can be shared among users over the network.

[0025] The scoring system 200, the LMS 210, and the image forming apparatus 100 are connected to each other via the Internet 220. Furthermore, a standard called LTI is used for communication between the image forming apparatus 100 and the LMS 210. One of the LTI functions is NRPS (Names and Role Provisioning Services). Using NRPS, test information such as "name" and "role (student, teacher, etc.)" can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, this information is collectively referred to as a "roster."

[0026] In Figure 2, there are three image forming apparatuses 100, but the number is not limited to this number; there may be two or four or more. Furthermore, some of the three image forming apparatuses 100 may be replaced with devices that only have certain functions, such as printers or scanners.

[0027] Furthermore, the image forming apparatuses (100A, 100B, 100C) are connected to each other via LAN240. LAN240 may be a wired LAN (for example, a network compliant with Ethernet®) or a wireless LAN (for example, a network compliant with WiFi®). A single network is formed by the nodes connected to LAN240 (three image forming apparatuses 100 and a router not shown). A single network may be a network composed of nodes having the same network address. In other words, a single network is formed by nodes within the range reachable by broadcast.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates how three image forming machines (100A, 100B, and 100C) establish a connection to the same LAN 240. Furthermore, only one image forming machine 100 needs to establish a connection to the Internet 220. Figure 2 illustrates how image forming machine 100A establishes a connection to the LMS 210 via the Internet 220 and LTI connection. Additionally, an educational support application (an example of an "application") is installed on image forming machine 100A via the Internet 220.

[0029] Furthermore, image forming apparatus 100B has established a connection to the Internet 220 and has an educational support application installed. However, since image forming apparatus 100B is not registered with LMS 210, a connection to LMS 210 via LTI connection has not been established. Also, image forming apparatus 100C has not established a connection to the Internet 220 and is not registered with LMS 210. Therefore, a connection to LMS 210 via LTI connection has not been established. In addition, no educational support application is installed on image forming apparatus 100C. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that only image forming apparatus 100A communicates with LMS 210 via the Internet 220 and LTI connection.

[0030] Figures 3(A) to 3(D) illustrate the screens displayed on the operation unit 105 related to printing operations. Figure 3(A) shows the home screen 300 as an example. The home screen 300 is mainly displayed on the operation unit 105 immediately after the image forming apparatus 100 is started up. Users can display the screens registered to the icons by tapping the icons displayed on the home screen 300. For example, a user can display a screen for operating the educational support application by tapping the educational support application icon 301.

[0031] Figure 3(B) illustrates the Top page 310 of the scoring support application. The Top page 310 of the scoring support application is displayed on the operation unit 105 immediately after the scoring support application is launched. The Top page 310 includes a test print button 311, a scoring and calculation button 312, and an application exit button 313. When the test print button 311 is tapped, the screen transitions to the test selection screen 320. In the first embodiment, printing is performed from the application UI, but it may also be performed by the printer driver settings. When the scoring and calculation button 312 is tapped, the screen transitions to the test settings screen 800 (Figure 8(A)). On the test settings screen 800, scanning can be performed and images can be sent to the scoring system 200 (details will be described later). When the application exit button 313 is tapped, the scoring support application is terminated.

[0032] Figure 3(C) illustrates the test selection screen 320. The test selection screen 320 displays the test images to be printed, allowing the user to select one. When the user taps either test A321 or test B322 on the test selection screen 320, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 retrieves the registered test information for that test. The CPU 101 then transitions the screen to the print execution screen 330.

[0033] Figure 3(D) illustrates the print execution screen 330. The print execution screen 330 is the screen displayed on the operation unit 105 for printing. The print execution screen 330 includes a test title display unit 331, a print quantity display unit 332, a paper size display unit 333, and a print execution button 334. The test title display unit 331 permanently displays the title of the test selected on the test selection screen 320. The print quantity display unit 332 displays the number of copies of the test to be printed. When the print quantity display unit 332 is tapped, the screen transitions to a screen where a numerical value can be entered. The paper size display unit 333 displays the paper size to be printed. When the paper size display unit 333 is tapped, the screen transitions to a screen where the paper size to be used can be selected. These settings may be automatically set from test information, etc. When the print execution button 334 is tapped, the selected test is printed.

[0034] (Example of printing operation of an image forming apparatus 1) The printing process of the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained using Figures 4A to 4E. Here, as an example of the image forming apparatus 100, the flowchart for printing a test image of the image forming apparatus 100A will be explained. This process is initiated when the print execution button 334 on the print execution screen 330 is tapped. This process is realized when the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A reads the program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executes it.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4A, in S401, the CPU 101 requests test information from the LMS 210 and obtains the test information from the LMS 210. In S402, the CPU 101 determines whether all devices on the same network have completed communication with the LMS 210 using LTI. In S403, if the CPU 101 determines that all devices on the same network have completed communication, the process proceeds to S406; otherwise, the process proceeds to S404. In S404, the CPU 101 performs the roster request process. In S405, the CPU 101 performs the barcode addition process. In S406, the CPU 101 performs the printing process. Then, the process ends.

[0036] Figure 4B will be used to explain the details of the process in S401. In S410, the CPU 101 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100A is registered with the LMS 210. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100A is registered with the LMS 210. If the CPU 101 determines that it is registered, the CPU 101 requests the LMS 210 to retrieve a list of registered test information. If the image forming apparatus 100A is registered, the image forming apparatus 100A and the LMS 210 can communicate using the LTI standard. In S411, the CPU 101 receives the list of test information from the LMS 210. After that, the process proceeds to S402.

[0037] Figure 4C will be used to explain the details of the processing in S402. In S420, the CPU 101 searches for devices on the same network. That is, the CPU 101 broadcasts request 500 to the network to which the image forming apparatus 100A is connected (i.e., LAN240). Figure 5 shows an example of such a request 500 command. This allows the image forming apparatus 100A to detect devices connected to the same network and with the educational support application installed. In the example in Figure 2, image forming apparatuses 100B and 100C receive request 500.

[0038] Image forming apparatuses 100B and 100C, upon receiving request 500, generate and send response 501. Figure 5 illustrates an example of such a response 501 command. Here, devices on the same network that do not have the educational support application installed cannot generate response 501. Therefore, image forming apparatus 100A can only receive response 501 from devices that have the educational support application installed.

[0039] Subsequently, in S421, the CPU 101 checks the registration status of devices with the LMS 210. The image forming apparatus 100A identifies unregistered devices by analyzing the received response 501. For example, as shown in Figure 5, if the Status in response 501 is registered, the CPU 101 determines that the source of response 501 is a registered device. If a device is registered, the device and the LMS 210 can communicate using the LTI standard. Then, in S422, the CPU 101 determines whether all devices are registered or not. The process then proceeds to S403.

[0040] Figure 4D will be used to explain the details of the process in S404. In S430, the CPU 101 sends information about the target class to the LMS 210. Then, it requests roster information corresponding to the target class from the LMS 210. In S431, the CPU 101 receives the roster from the LMS 210. Figure 6 shows an example of roster information. Details of the roster information will be described later. Then, the process proceeds to S405.

[0041] Figure 4E will be used to explain the details of the process in S405. In S440, the CPU 101 checks the data size of the roster information 600, for example, as shown in Figure 6. In S441, the CPU 101 determines whether the data size exceeds the upper limit. If the CPU 101 determines that it exceeds the upper limit, the process proceeds to S442; otherwise, the process proceeds to S443.

[0042] In S442, CPU 101 reduces the size of the roster information 600. That is, CPU 101 extracts the information necessary for scoring scan from the roster information 600 so that it fits within the upper limit of the data size used for judgment in S441. Here, CPU 101 extracts, for example, the number of students. After that, processing proceeds to S443.

[0043] In S443, the CPU 101 generates a barcode. The CPU 101 then converts the roster information 600 into a barcode. In S444, the CPU 101 scans the test image 700 based on the barcode size generated in S443, as shown in scanning example 710, to determine whether it is possible to print in areas without test-related printing (an example of a "blank area"). Figures 7(A) to 7(C) illustrate the test image. In scanning example 710 shown in Figure 7(B), the upper right area of ​​the image is scanned, but the entire image or other areas may also be scanned.

[0044] In S445, the CPU 101 uses the scan results of the test image in S444 to determine whether or not a barcode can be printed on the test image 700. If the CPU 101 determines that a barcode can be printed, the process proceeds to S447. In S447, the CPU 101 superimposes the barcode onto the area of ​​the test image that does not have a barcode printed on it. In this way, the superimposed image 720 shown in Figure 7(C) is generated. The process then ends.

[0045] On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in S445 that the barcode is unprintable, the process proceeds to S446. In S446, the CPU 101 resets the barcode generation settings. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the barcode size to be reduced. In other words, the CPU 101 extracts the information contained in the barcode and regenerates it. At this time, the CPU 101 determines the printable area using the results of scanning the test image in S444. Then, it resets the barcode generation settings so that it fits within that printable area. The process then returns to S443.

[0046] Figure 8 illustrates the screens displayed on the operation unit 105 in relation to the scanning operation. When the scoring and aggregation button 312 is tapped on the top page 310 of the scoring support application shown in Figure 3(B), the screen transitions to the test settings screen 800. Figure 8(A) shows an example of the test settings screen 800.

[0047] The test settings screen 800 is used to set test information to be associated with scanned test images. When either button 801 for scanning the answer sheet for Test A or button 802 for scanning the answer sheet for Test B is tapped, the CPU 101 retrieves the test information to be registered for each. The CPU 101 then transitions the test settings screen 800 to the scan execution screen 810. In this embodiment, a scoring scan job is generated in advance from the information at the time of printing, and the test is available for selection when transitioning to the test settings screen 800. However, new test information may be generated and added to the existing test information when the test settings screen 800 is operated.

[0048] The scan execution screen 810 shown in Figure 8(B) includes a message prompting the user to scan in order to send the test image to the scoring system 200, and a scan execution button 811. When the user places an image in the reading unit 114 and taps the scan execution button 811, the CPU 101 uses the reading control unit 113 to perform a scan. The CPU 101 then requests a roster from the LMS 210 based on the class information of the test information selected on the test setting screen 800. If the acquired roster information matches the names contained in the scanned test image, the CPU 101 uses the communication unit 106 to send the scanned test image to the scoring system 200.

[0049] Once the test image transmission is complete, the CPU 101 displays a transmission completion screen 820 as shown in Figure 8(C), and then transitions the screen to the top page 310 of the scoring support application as shown in Figure 3(B). On the other hand, if the test image transmission fails, the CPU 101 may display an error screen and transition the screen to the top page 310 of the scoring support application.

[0050] Furthermore, if the acquired roster information does not match the names contained in the scanned test images, the CPU 101 determines whether the number of scanned images is insufficient or excessive. If the CPU 101 determines that the number of scanned images is insufficient, it displays a warning screen 830 indicating that the number of scanned images is insufficient, as shown in Figure 8(D). On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the number of scanned images is excessive, it displays a warning screen 840 indicating that the number of scanned images is excessive, as shown in Figure 8(E).

[0051] The warning screen 830, which warns of insufficient scans, includes a results display unit 831, an additional scan button 832 (an example of a "first object"), and a send button 833 (an example of a "second object"). The CPU 101 displays the number of scans and the number of people on the list on the results display unit 831. The user can recognize the insufficient number of scans by looking at this display. When the user taps the additional scan button 832, the CPU 101 accepts the tap. The CPU 101 then transitions the screen to the scan execution screen 810, allowing the user to perform the scan. If it is acceptable to send the scans even with insufficient scans, such as when there are absentees among the test takers, the CPU 101 accepts the tap when the send button 833 is tapped and executes the transmission process to the scoring system 200.

[0052] A warning screen 840 (an example of a "notification screen") that warns of an excessive number of scans includes a results display unit 841 and a "Next" button 842 (an example of a "third object"). The CPU 101 displays the number of scans and the number of students included in the roster on the results display unit 841. The user can recognize the excessive number of scans by looking at this display. When the user taps the "Next" button 842, the CPU 101 accepts this tap operation. The CPU 101 then transitions the screen to a scan image deletion screen 850, as shown in Figure 8(F).

[0053] In the scan image deletion screen 850 shown in Figure 8(F), scanned test images that are not to be transmitted are displayed for selection. The scan image deletion screen 850 includes an image display unit 851, selection status display units (852, 853), transmission count display unit 854, a confirm button 855, and a deselect button 856. Note that the selection status display units (852, 853) are examples of "fourth objects," the deselect button 856 is an example of "fifth object," and the confirm button 855 is an example of "sixth object."

[0054] The CPU 101 displays thumbnails of scanned images on the image display unit 851. The CPU 101 may also display additional text information, such as names, in addition to the images. When the user taps the image display unit 851, the CPU 101 accepts this tap. The CPU 101 then toggles the checkmark display on the selection status display units (852, 853). Test images with a checkmark displayed on the selection status display units (852, 853) are images to be deleted (an example of "deleted data"). The CPU 101 also displays the number obtained by subtracting the number of selected items to be deleted from the value displayed on the result display unit 841 on the number of transmitted images display unit 854. Furthermore, when the CPU 101 accepts a tap on the deselect button 856, it deselects all scanned images on the image display unit 851. Finally, when the number of transmitted images on the left side of the number of transmitted images display unit 854 becomes equal to or less than the number of people on the right side, the CPU 101 makes the confirm button 855 tappable. Then, when the CPU 101 receives a tap on the confirmation button 855, it processes the test image and sends it to the scoring system 200.

[0055] (Example of scanning operation of an image forming apparatus 1) The scanning operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained using Figures 9A to 9D. Here, as an example of an image forming apparatus, a flowchart for the test image scanning process of the image forming apparatus 100A will be explained. This process is initiated when the scan execution button 811 on the scan execution screen 810 shown in Figure 8(B) is tapped. This process is realized by the CPU 101 reading the program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executing it.

[0056] In S901, CPU101 scans the test answer sheet. Details of the processing will be described later. In S902, CPU101 searches for a barcode in the image containing the scanned test answer sheet (test image). That is, with respect to the test image saved in S921 (described later), it searches for a barcode in the same area as the area scanned in S444.

[0057] In S903, the CPU 101 determines whether a barcode exists or not. If the CPU 101 determines that a barcode exists, the process proceeds to S904. In S904, the CPU 101 decodes the barcode and obtains the roster information. The process then proceeds to S907. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in S903 that a barcode does not exist, the process proceeds to S905. In S905, the CPU 101 refers to the test information (Figure 8(A)) corresponding to the test type selected on the test setting screen 800 and obtains the class name.

[0058] In S906, CPU101 performs the same roster acquisition process as in S404. In S907, CPU101 performs roster analysis. Details of the roster analysis process will be described later. In S908, CPU101 compares the number of students listed in the roster with the number of scanned test answer sheets. Details of the comparison process will be described later. In S909, CPU101 determines the result of the comparison process in S908. That is, if the comparison results match, CPU101 proceeds to S916; otherwise, it proceeds to S910.

[0059] In S910, the CPU 101 determines whether the number of scanned pages is insufficient or excessive. If the CPU 101 determines that the number of scanned pages is insufficient, the process proceeds to S911. In S911, the CPU 101 displays the scan shortage warning screen 830 shown in Figure 8(D). The warning screen 830 displays information about the number of pages insufficient and allows the user to choose whether or not to send a test image. In S912, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to send a test image. That is, if the CPU 101 receives a tap operation of the send button 833 via the warning screen 830, it determines to send a test image and proceeds to S916.

[0060] In S916, the CPU 101 transmits the test image stored in the memory device 104 to the scoring system 200 in S921 (details will be described later). On the other hand, in S912, if the CPU 101 receives a tap operation of the additional scan button 832 via the warning screen 830, it determines not to transmit the test image and proceeds to S913. In S913, the CPU 101 uses the read control unit 113 to perform an additional scan of the test answer sheet. That is, the CPU 101 transitions the screen to the scan execution screen 810 shown in Figure 8(B). The user then places the test answer sheet to be added in the ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and taps the scan execution button 811. The CPU 101 receives this tap operation and executes the scan using the read control unit 113. Then, the process returns to S908.

[0061] On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in S910 that the number of scanned images is excessive, the process proceeds to S914. In S914, the CPU 101 displays a warning screen 840, shown in Figure 8(E), which warns that the number of scanned images is excessive. The CPU 101 then accepts the operation of the "Next" button 842 shown on the warning screen 840 and displays the scanned image deletion screen 850, shown in Figure 8(F).

[0062] In S915, the CPU 101 receives a tap operation on the image display unit 851 included in the scanned image deletion screen 850 and a confirmation button 855, and acquires the test image to be deleted. The CPU 101 then deletes the test image data to be deleted from the storage device 104. The process then proceeds to S916 and then terminates.

[0063] Figure 9B will be used to explain the details of the test answer sheet scanning process in S901. In S920, the CPU 101 reads the test answer sheet set in the ADF of the reading unit 114. In S921, the CPU 101 stores the read test image in the storage device 104. In S922, the CPU 101 increments the scan count counter by one. These processes in S921 and S922 are repeated for the number of test answer sheets loaded in the ADF. In S923, the CPU 101 stores the scan count counter counted in S922 as the scan count in the storage device 104. Then, the process proceeds to S902.

[0064] Figure 9C will be used to explain the details of the roster analysis process in S907. For the purpose of this explanation, refer to the data structure of the roster information exemplified in Figure 6. In S930, the CPU 101 creates a student list. More specifically, the CPU 101 extracts the names of those whose role is "student" from the roster information obtained from the LMS 210 as shown in Figure 6 and creates a student list. Note that if the role in the roster information is set to "teacher", the names associated with this teacher are not extracted (ID001 in Figure 6). In S931, the CPU 101 obtains the length (number of elements) of the created student list and stores it in the storage device 104 as the number of students. Then, the process proceeds to S908.

[0065] Figure 9D will be used to explain the details of the comparison process in S908. In S940, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a difference between the number of students obtained in S931 and the number of scanned images obtained in S923. In S941, the CPU 101 stores the result of the determination in S940 in the storage device 104. Then, the process proceeds to S909.

[0066] (Example of operation of LMS210 and scoring system 200 1) Figures 10A to 10C will be used to explain the processing in the LMS210 and the scoring system 200. Figure 10A shows an example flowchart of the test information transmission process in the LMS210. This process is achieved by the LMS210's CPU loading a program stored in ROM into a working area such as RAM and executing it, thereby controlling each component through the execution of the program.

[0067] In S1001, the CPU of the LMS210 receives a test information transmission request from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication module. In S1002, the CPU transmits a list of test information to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0068] Figure 10B illustrates a flowchart of the roster transmission process in LMS210. This process is implemented by the LMS210's CPU loading a program stored in ROM into a working area such as RAM and executing it, thereby controlling each component through the execution of the program. In S1011, the LMS210's CPU receives a request to transmit roster information and the corresponding class name from the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication module. In S1012, the CPU transmits the roster corresponding to the class name to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0069] Figure 10C illustrates a flowchart of the test reception process of the scoring system 200. This process is achieved by the CPU of the scoring system 200 loading a program stored in ROM into a working area such as RAM and executing it, thereby controlling each component through the execution of the program. In S1021, the CPU of the scoring system 200 receives test images from the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication module. In S1022, the CPU assigns personnel to the received test images. The CPU then creates a scoring job that includes the test image data and personnel data.

[0070] (Example of printing operation of image forming system 10 1) Figure 11A illustrates the sequence processing related to printing test answer sheets in the image forming system 10. This process is achieved by the CPUs of the multiple image forming machines (100A, 100B, 100C) and the LMS210 reading programs stored in their respective ROMs into RAM and executing them.

[0071] In S1100, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives a tap operation on the educational support application icon 301 (Figure 3(A)) using the operation unit 105. In S1101, the CPU 101 displays a screen as shown in Figure 3(B). The CPU 101 then receives a tap operation on the test print button 311. The CPU 101 then displays the screens shown in Figures 3(C) to 3(D) in response to the user's tap operation as described above. In S1102, the CPU 101 receives a tap operation on the print execution button 334 displayed on the print execution screen 330 shown in Figure 3(D).

[0072] In S1103, the CPU 101 requests test information from the LMS 210 using the communication unit 106. In S1104, the CPU 101 receives test information from the LMS 210 using the communication unit 106. In S1105, the CPU 101 broadcasts a request 500 using the communication unit 106 to search for devices that have established a connection within the same network as the LAN 240 to which the image forming apparatus 100A is connected.

[0073] In S1106, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus (100B, 100C) receives request 500 using the communication unit 106. In this case, the CPU 101 of image forming apparatus 100B sends a response 501 to image forming apparatus 100A for request 500. On the other hand, image forming apparatus 100C cannot generate a response 501 because the educational support application is not installed. Therefore, the CPU 101 of image forming apparatus 100A receives the response 501 (an example of "cooperation status") sent from image forming apparatus 100B using the communication unit 106.

[0074] The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A (an example of the "first determination unit") detects that it did not receive a response 501 from the image forming apparatus 100C and identifies that the image forming apparatus 100C is an unregistered device. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A (an example of the "first determination unit") also identifies that the image forming apparatus 100B is an unregistered device by analyzing the response 501 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, the CPU 101 determines that there is an image forming apparatus that has not yet established cooperation with the LMS 210 using LTI. If the CPU 101 determines that there is an uncooperative device in this way, the process proceeds to S1107. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that all devices are already cooperative, the process proceeds to S1110.

[0075] In S1107, the CPU 101 uses the communication unit 106 to request roster information corresponding to the class information included in the test information from the LMS 210. In S1108, the CPU 101 uses the communication unit to receive the roster information from the LMS 210. In S1109, the CPU 101 converts the received roster information into a barcode. Then the process proceeds to S1110. In S1110, the CPU 101 generates the test answer sheet by printing. Then the process ends.

[0076] (Example of scanning operation of the image forming system 10 1) Figure 11B illustrates the sequence processing related to scanning the test answer sheet in the image forming system 10. This process is achieved by the CPUs of the image forming apparatus 100A, LMS 210, and scoring system 200 reading the programs stored in their respective ROMs into RAM and executing them.

[0077] In S1150, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A accepts a tap operation on the icon 301 of the educational support application (Figure 3(A)) using the operation unit 105. In S1151, the CPU 101 displays the top page 310 of the scoring support application as shown in Figure 3(B). The CPU 101 then accepts a tap operation on the scoring and aggregation button 312. In S1151, the CPU 101 transitions the screen to the test settings screen 800 as shown in Figure 8(A). The CPU 101 then displays the scan execution screen 810 (Figure 8(B)) in response to the user's tap operation.

[0078] In S1152, the CPU 101 accepts a tap operation of the scan execution button 811 on the scan execution screen 810. In S1153, the CPU 101 executes the scanning process of the answer sheet of the test selected on the test setting screen 800. In S1154, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a barcode in the scanned test answer sheet (test image). If the CPU 101 determines that there is no barcode, the process proceeds to S1155.

[0079] In S1155, the CPU 101 obtains the class name included in the test information corresponding to the test type selected on the test setting screen 800 (Figure 8(A)). Then, the CPU 101 requests roster information corresponding to the obtained class name from the LMS 210 using the communication unit 106. In S1156, the CPU 101 receives the roster information from the LMS 210 using the communication unit 106. Then, the process proceeds to S1158. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in S1154 that there is a barcode, the process proceeds to S1157. In S1157, the CPU 101 decodes the barcode and obtains the roster information. Then, the process proceeds to S1158.

[0080] In S1158, the CPU 101 performs a roster analysis. In S1159, the CPU 101 compares the number of students included in the roster with the number of scanned test answer sheets. If the comparison results do not match, the process proceeds to S1160. In S1160, the CPU 101 executes the processes from S910 to S915. After that, the CPU 101 displays a warning screen 830 (Figure 8(D)). If the CPU 101 receives a tap on the send button 833, it sends the test image stored in the storage device 104 to the LMS 210. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in S1158 that the comparison results match, the process proceeds directly to S1161. The process then ends.

[0081] (One aspect of action / effect) According to the image forming system 10 described above, the image forming apparatus 100B can acquire roster information held by the LMS 210 when scanning, for example, an answer sheet with a 2D barcode printed by the image forming apparatus 100A. Furthermore, this acquisition of roster information can be done without the user registering the image forming apparatus 100B with the LMS 210. Therefore, the user can use the image forming apparatus 100B to send the read data of the answer sheets to the scoring system 200 when the number of scanned answer sheets matches the number of students. Thus, according to the image forming system 10 described above, the user's burden for coordinating the LMS 210 and the image forming apparatus 100B can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, the image forming system 10 described above can prevent the image forming apparatus 100 from being missed in the LMS 210. In addition, users who do not want the image forming apparatus 100 to be registered in the LMS 210 can also use the image forming system 10.

[0083] <Second Embodiment> (Example of printing operation of an image forming apparatus 2) In the first example of printing operation of an image forming apparatus, the printing operation using a scoring support application was described for an image forming apparatus 100A that has already been linked with an LMS210 using LTI. Here, using Figures 12A to 12D, the printing operation using a scoring support application in an image forming apparatus 100B that has not yet been linked with an LMS210 using LTI will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus. This process is initiated when the print execution button 334 on the print execution screen 330 displayed on the image forming apparatus 100B is tapped. This process is realized by the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B reading the program stored in ROM 102 into RAM 103 and executing it.

[0084] In S1201 in Figure 12A, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B refers to the storage device 104 and determines whether it has already stored devices that have completed communication with the LMS 210 using LTI. If the CPU 101 determines that the devices have already been stored, the process proceeds to S1204; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1202. In S1202, the CPU 101 determines whether all devices on the same network as the LAN 240 to which the image forming apparatus 100B is connected have completed communication with the LMS 210 using LTI. Details of the processing will be described later.

[0085] In S1203, the CPU 101 stores at least one of the devices determined to be registered in S1202 in the storage device 104 as a registered device. Then, the process proceeds to S1204. In S1204, the CPU 101 requests and retrieves test information from the registered device. In S1205, the CPU 101 performs a roster request process as in S404. However, unlike S404, the request is made to a registered device. In S1206, the CPU 101 performs a barcode addition process similar to S405. In S1207, the CPU 101 performs a printing process similar to S406. Then, the process ends.

[0086] Figure 12B will be used to explain the details of the process in S1202. In S1210, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B searches for devices that have established a connection to the same network, as in S420. In S1211, the CPU 101 checks the registration status of the devices that have been found, as in S421. In S1212, the CPU 101 uses the device registration status to determine whether or not there are any registered devices among the devices found by the search. After the determination has been made for all the devices found, the process ends. The process may also end when it is determined that there is one registered device among the found devices. Then the process proceeds to S1203.

[0087] Figure 12C will be used to explain the details of the process in S1204. In S1220, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 100B is registered with the LMS 210. Here, we assume that the image forming apparatus 100B is not registered. If the CPU 101 determines that it is not registered, the CPU 101 requests the acquisition of a list of test information, as in S401. However, unlike S401, the request is made to a registered device. Here, we assume that the image forming apparatus 100A is stored as a registered device, and the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B requests the image forming apparatus 100A to acquire a list of test information. In S1221, the CPU 101 receives the test information, as in S411. However, unlike S411, the CPU 101 receives it from the image forming apparatus 100A. Then, the process proceeds to S1205.

[0088] Furthermore, Figure 12D illustrates the details of the list request process in S1205. Steps S1230 to S1231 shown in Figure 12D are the same as steps S430 to S431 shown in Figure 4D, so their explanation is omitted. Also, Figure 12E illustrates the details of the barcode addition process in S1206. Steps S1240 to S1247 shown in Figure 12E are the same as steps S440 to S447 shown in Figure 4E, so their explanation is omitted. After the process in S1247 is executed, the process proceeds to S1207.

[0089] (Example of relay operation in an image forming apparatus) Figures 13A to 13D illustrate the process by which the image forming apparatus 100A relays communication of test information and roster information between the LMS 210 and the image forming apparatus 100B. This process is achieved by the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A reading a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executing it.

[0090] The relay process for the test information transmission request will be explained using Figure 13A. In S1301, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives a test information transmission request from the image forming apparatus 100B via the communication unit 106. In S1302, the CPU 101 sends the test information transmission request to the LMS 210. Then the process ends.

[0091] The relay process for transmitting test information will be explained using Figure 13B. In S1311, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives test information from the LMS 210 via the communication unit 106. In S1312, the CPU 101 transmits the test information to the image forming apparatus 100B using the communication unit 106. Then the process ends.

[0092] The relay process for the request to transmit roster information will be explained using Figure 13C. In S1321, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives a request to transmit roster information from the image forming apparatus 100B via the communication unit 106. In S1322, the CPU 101 transmits the request to transmit roster information to the LMS 210. Then the process ends.

[0093] The relay process for transmitting roster information will be explained using Figure 13D. In S1331, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives roster information from the LMS 210 via the communication unit 106. In S1332, the CPU 101 transmits the roster information to the image forming apparatus 100B using the communication unit 106. Then the process ends. Note that the scanning process of the test answer sheet in the image forming apparatus 100B, the processing in the scoring system 200, and the processing operations in the LMS 210 are the same as the processing operations in the image forming apparatus 100A in the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted.

[0094] (Example of printing operation of image forming system 10 2) Figure 14 illustrates the sequence processing for printing test answer sheets in the image forming system 10 according to the second embodiment. This processing is achieved by the CPUs of the multiple image forming apparatuses (100A, 100B, 100C) and the LMS210 reading programs stored in their respective ROMs into RAM and executing them.

[0095] Steps S1400 to S1402 are the same as steps S1100 to S1102 in Figure 11A, so their explanation is omitted. In step S1403, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B requests test information from the image forming apparatus 100A using the communication unit 106. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives this request using the communication unit 106. In step S1404, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A sends a request to the LMS 210 to transmit test information. The CPU in the LMS 210 receives this request via the communication module.

[0096] In S1405, the CPU of the LMS210 transmits test information to the image forming apparatus 100A. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives this test information using the communication unit 106. In S1406, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A transmits test information to the image forming apparatus 100B using the communication unit 106. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B receives this test information from the image forming apparatus 100A using the communication unit 106.

[0097] Steps S1407 and S1408 are the same as steps S1105 and S1106 in Figure 11A, so their explanation is omitted. In step S1408, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B determines that of the image forming apparatus 100A and the image forming apparatus 100C, the image forming apparatus 100A is a registered device. In step S1409, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B stores the image forming apparatus 100A, which was determined to be a registered device in step S1408, in the storage device 104 as a registered device.

[0098] In S1410, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B requests roster information from the image forming apparatus 100A using the communication unit 106. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives this request using the communication unit 106. In S1411, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A sends a request to the LMS 210 to transmit the roster information. The CPU in the LMS 210 receives this request via the communication module.

[0099] In S1412, the CPU of the LMS210 transmits the roster information to the image forming apparatus 100A. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A receives this roster information using the communication unit 106. In S1413, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A transmits the roster information to the image forming apparatus 100B using the communication unit 106. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100B receives the roster information from the image forming apparatus 100A using the communication unit 106. S1414 and S1415 are the same as S1109 and S1110 in Figure 11A, so their explanation is omitted. Then the process ends.

[0100] According to the image forming system 10 of this second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100B can acquire roster information held by the LMS 210 via the image forming apparatus 100A when scanning an answer sheet with a QR code (registered trademark) printed by the apparatus. Furthermore, this acquisition of roster information can be performed without the user registering the image forming apparatus 100B with the LMS 210. Thus, it can achieve the same effects as the image forming system of the first embodiment.

[0101] <Variation> In the above embodiment, the determination of whether or not there is an image forming apparatus that is not communicating with the LMS210 using the LTI standard is performed using the communication unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 100A (S1105-S1106). However, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A may use the operation unit 105 to display a screen in which an image forming apparatus 100B not registered with the LMS210 can be entered. The CPU 101 may then accept the input of information about the image forming apparatus 100B not registered with the LMS210 and determine in S1106 that there is an image forming apparatus 100B that has not yet established cooperation with the LMS210 using LTI.

[0102] Alternatively, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A may use the operation unit 105 to display a screen on which the image forming apparatus registered in the LMS 210 can be input. The CPU 101 may then accept the input of information on the image forming apparatus registered in the LMS 210 and determine in S1106 that all devices have completed cooperation with the LMS 210 using LTI.

[0103] Furthermore, the data of the superimposed image 720, including the QR code shown in Figure 7(C), may be generated in the image forming apparatus 100A and then transmitted by the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A to the image forming apparatus 100B connected to the same network. In this case, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100A is an example of an "output unit". The data of the superimposed image 720 may then be formed on a sheet in the image forming apparatus 100B. The QR code formed on the answer sheet may also be a character, figure, or symbol such as a barcode that can identify the number of people who answered the test. The sheet formed in the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to a test answer sheet, but may also be a questionnaire answer sheet, report paper, learning record sheet, attendance sheet, etc. The LMS 210 may manage the scanned data of these sheets scanned in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that there is one answer sheet per student, but the number of answer sheets is not limited to this. Students may fill out multiple answer sheets. In S910, the number of scanned answer sheets may be compared and determined to be the number of students.

[0105] <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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] This disclosure includes the following image forming apparatus, control method for the image forming apparatus, and program. [Item 1] An acquisition unit that acquires the cooperation status between the learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus, A first determination unit determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, using the aforementioned linkage status. If the first determination unit determines that there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked, the synthesis unit synthesizes identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet with the data for forming the managed sheet, The system includes an output unit that outputs an image using the aforementioned data. Image forming apparatus. [Item 2] The acquisition unit includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the outside, The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that, if the first determination unit determines that there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, the acquisition unit further acquires the identification information that the synthesis unit synthesizes with the data from an external source. [Item 3] The acquisition unit further acquires the status of cooperation between the learning management device and other image forming apparatus from the other image forming apparatus, The first determination unit makes the determination using the cooperation status. The image forming apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Item 4] The image forming apparatus according to item 3, further characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the data from an external source. [Item 5] The first determination unit, The image forming apparatus is determined to be communicating with the learning management device in accordance with the LTI standard. Using the aforementioned communication status, the determination is made that there is another image forming apparatus that is not communicating with the learning management device using the LTI standard. The acquisition unit acquires the data and the identification information from the learning management device. The image forming apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Item 6] The first determination unit, The image forming apparatus makes the determination that it is not communicating with the learning management device in accordance with the LTI standard. Using the aforementioned collaboration status, the determination is made that there is another image forming apparatus that is communicating with the learning management device using the LTI standard. The acquisition unit acquires the data and the identification information from the other image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Item 7] The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the synthesis unit synthesizes the identification information with the data such that an identification object representing the identification information fits into the blank area of ​​the image before the identification information is synthesized. [Item 8] The image forming apparatus according to item 7, characterized in that the synthesis unit determines whether the size of the identification object exceeds a predetermined value, and if the size of the identification object exceeds the predetermined value, it synthesizes the identification information with reduced information content into the data. [Item 9] The image forming apparatus according to item 7, characterized in that the identification object is a barcode. [Item 10] The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the predetermined image forming apparatus not linked to the learning management device includes an image forming apparatus on which an application for supporting the evaluation of the managed sheet is installed. [Item 11] It further includes a display unit that shows the screen, The display unit displays the image output to the sheet in a selectable manner. The image forming apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Item 12] A reading unit reads the sheet on which the aforementioned image has been output, The system further includes a second determination unit that determines whether the number of sheets read by the reading unit matches the number of inputters. If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets matches the number of inputters, the communication unit transmits the sheet reading data read by the reading unit to the evaluation device that evaluates the managed sheet on which the information has been entered. If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets and the number of inputters do not match, the display unit displays a screen indicating that they do not match. The image forming apparatus according to item 11, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Item 13] If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets is less than the number of inputters, the display unit will: The system displays that the number of copies of the sheet is less than the number of inputters, a first object for selecting to read the sheet further, and a second object for selecting to send the read data to the evaluation device. If the first object is selected, a screen will be displayed to start reading the sheet. If the second object is selected, the read data is transmitted to the evaluation device. The image forming apparatus according to item 12, characterized in that [Item 14] If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets is greater than the number of inputters, the display unit will: A notification screen is displayed indicating that the number of copies of the sheet is greater than the number of inputters, and a third object for selecting to transition to a delete screen to delete the read data. If the third object is selected, the delete screen is displayed, showing a fourth object for selecting the read data to be deleted, a fifth object for deselecting the read data, and a sixth object for determining the selected read data as data to be deleted. The image forming apparatus according to item 12, characterized in that [Item 15] The aforementioned managed sheet includes the test answer sheet, The aforementioned data includes information about the class to which the student taking the test belongs. The aforementioned identification information includes the name list information of students taking the test. An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 12 to 14, characterized by the above. [Item 16] If the read data includes the identification information, the second determination unit uses the identification information to obtain the number of students. If the aforementioned read data does not include the aforementioned identification information, The communication unit receives the roster information from the learning management device, The second determination unit obtains the number of students using the received list information. The image forming apparatus according to item 15, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Item 17] A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step to acquire the status of cooperation between the learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, using the linkage status. If the synthesis unit determines that the first determination unit is not cooperating with the predetermined image forming apparatus, the synthesis step involves synthesizing identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet with the data for forming the managed sheet. The output unit includes an output step of outputting an image using the data, A control method for an image forming apparatus. [Item 18] A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the control method is: The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step to acquire the status of cooperation between the learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, using the linkage status. If the synthesis unit determines that the first determination unit is not cooperating with the predetermined image forming apparatus, the synthesis step involves synthesizing identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet with the data for forming the managed sheet. The output unit includes an output step of outputting an image using the data, program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10: Image forming system, 100: Image forming apparatus, 101: CPU, 104: Storage device, 105: Operation unit, 106: Communication unit, 109: Device detection unit, 111: Barcode processing unit, 113: Reading control unit, 114: Reading unit, 200: Scoring system, 310: Top page, 320: Test selection screen, 330: Print execution screen, 334: Print execution button, 500: Request, 501: Response, 600: Roster information, 800: Test settings screen, 810: Scan execution screen, 811: Scan execution button, 830: Warning screen, 850: Scan image deletion screen, 851: Image display unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the cooperation status between the learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus, A first determination unit determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device using the aforementioned linkage status, If the first determination unit determines that there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked, the synthesis unit synthesizes identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet with the data for forming the managed sheet, The system includes an output unit that outputs an image using the aforementioned data. Image forming apparatus.

2. The acquisition unit includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the outside, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the first determination unit determines that there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, the acquisition unit further acquires the identification information that the synthesis unit synthesizes with the data from an external source.

3. The acquisition unit further acquires the status of cooperation between the learning management device and other image forming apparatus from the other image forming apparatus, The first determination unit makes the determination using the cooperation status. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the data from an external source.

5. The first determination unit is, The image forming apparatus is determined to be communicating with the learning management device in accordance with the LTI standard. Using the aforementioned communication status, the determination is made that there is another image forming apparatus that is not communicating with the learning management device using the LTI standard. The acquisition unit acquires the data and the identification information from the learning management device. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The first determination unit is, The image forming apparatus makes the determination that it is not communicating with the learning management device in accordance with the LTI standard. Using the aforementioned collaboration status, the determination is made that there is another image forming apparatus that is communicating with the learning management device using the LTI standard. The acquisition unit acquires the data and the identification information from the other image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the synthesis unit synthesizes the identification information with the data such that an identification object representing the identification information fits into the blank area of ​​the image before the identification information is synthesized.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the synthesis unit determines whether the size of the identification object exceeds a predetermined value, and if the size of the identification object exceeds the predetermined value, it synthesizes the identification information with reduced information content into the data.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the identification object is a barcode.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked to the learning management device includes an image forming apparatus on which an application for supporting the evaluation of the managed sheet is installed.

11. It further includes a display unit that shows the screen, The display unit displays the image output to the sheet in a selectable manner. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

12. A reading unit reads the sheet on which the aforementioned image has been output, The system further includes a second determination unit that determines whether the number of sheets read by the reading unit matches the number of inputters. If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets matches the number of inputters, the communication unit transmits the data read from the sheet by the reading unit to the evaluation device that evaluates the managed sheet on which the information has been entered. If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets and the number of inputters do not match, the display unit displays a screen indicating that they do not match. The image forming apparatus according to feature 11.

13. If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets is less than the number of inputters, the display unit will: The system displays that the number of copies of the sheet is less than the number of inputters, a first object for selecting to read the sheet further, and a second object for selecting to transmit the read data to the evaluation device. If the first object is selected, a screen will be displayed to start reading the sheet. If the second object is selected, the read data is transmitted to the evaluation device. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

14. If the second determination unit determines that the number of sheets is greater than the number of inputters, the display unit will: A notification screen is displayed indicating that the number of copies of the sheet is greater than the number of inputters, and a third object for selecting to transition to a delete screen to delete the read data. If the third object is selected, the delete screen is displayed, showing a fourth object for selecting the read data to be deleted, a fifth object for deselecting the read data, and a sixth object for determining the selected read data as data to be deleted. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

15. The aforementioned managed sheet includes the test answer sheet, The aforementioned data includes information about the class to which the student taking the test belongs. The aforementioned identification information includes the name list information of students taking the test. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. If the read data includes the identification information, the second determination unit uses the identification information to obtain the number of students. If the aforementioned read data does not include the aforementioned identification information, The communication unit receives the roster information from the learning management device, The second determination unit obtains the number of students using the received list information. The image forming apparatus according to feature 15.

17. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step to acquire the status of cooperation between the learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, using the linkage status. If the synthesis unit determines that the first determination unit is not cooperating with the predetermined image forming apparatus, the synthesis step involves synthesizing identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet with the data for forming the managed sheet. The output unit includes an output step of outputting an image using the data, A control method for an image forming apparatus.

18. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the control method is: The acquisition unit performs an acquisition step to acquire the status of cooperation between the learning management device and a predetermined image forming apparatus, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not there is a predetermined image forming apparatus that is not linked with the learning management device, using the linkage status. If the synthesis unit determines that the first determination unit is not cooperating with the predetermined image forming apparatus, the synthesis step involves synthesizing identification information that can identify the number of inputters who input information into the managed sheet with the data for forming the managed sheet. The output unit includes an output step of outputting an image using the data, program.

Images