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

Abstract

To avoid inconvenience due to an error in the contents of printing setting related to a printing job in job storage printing including confidential printing.SOLUTION: According to a network system 10 related to the present invention, a printing job generated by each PC 30 is stored (spool) in a storage unit 402 of a management server 40. When an IC card (60) is held over a card reading unit 202 of any compound machine 20 and a user ID is read from the IC card (60), a printing job related to the read user ID is executed by the compound machine 20. When the contents of the printing setting related to the printing job satisfy a printing condition being a reference, the printing job is executed. When the contents of the printing setting related to the printing job do not satisfy the printing condition, a prescribed warning is output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a printing system including an image forming apparatus, and a control program and control method for the image forming apparatus, and in particular to an image forming apparatus, which is equipped with an operation receiving means and is capable of job stored printing, in which a print job is executed when a user operation instructing the execution of a previously stored print job is received by the operation receiving means, the print job is executed, the printing system including the image forming apparatus, and the control program and control method for the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a client computer, a server, and a printer as an image forming device are connected to each other via a network. The client computer generates a print job and spools it in itself. In addition, the client computer transmits its own IP address, a client IP, to the server. The server manages the client IP and the user ID in association with each other. In this state, when a user's ID card is swiped through the printer slot, that is, when such a user operation is performed, the user ID is read from the ID card. The printer notifies the server of the read user ID. The server instructs the client computer corresponding to the user ID notified from the printer to send a print job to the printer. In response to this instruction, the client computer sends the print job spooled in itself to the printer. The printer executes the print job received from the client computer. In this manner, job storage printing is performed, and confidential printing requiring user authentication in particular is realized. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-242735 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In job storage printing including confidential printing, the print job is executed according to the settings such as the number of copies to be printed that were set when the print job was created. If there is an error in the settings related to this print job, for example, if a number of copies more than necessary is set as the number of copies to be printed, the more copies than necessary will be printed. This is extremely undesirable for the user and is also uneconomical.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique that can avoid problems caused by errors in the settings related to a print job in job stored printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention includes a first invention relating to an image forming apparatus, a second invention relating to a printing system including an image forming apparatus, a third invention relating to a control program for the image forming apparatus, and a fourth invention relating to a control method for the image forming apparatus.

[0007] The first invention of the image forming apparatus is based on the premise that the image forming apparatus includes an operation receiving means and a printing means. On this premise, the first invention further includes a collating means and a printing control means. When a first operation instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage means is received by the operation receiving means, the collating means collates the setting contents related to the print job with the preset printing conditions. The printing control means controls the printing means based on the collation result by the collating means. Here, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job. The predetermined information includes origin information representing the origin of the print job. Furthermore, the printing conditions include any one of the upper limit of the number of prints, the size of the image recording medium to be printed, and the magnification, and can be set for each origin information. Then, the printing control means causes the printing means to execute the print job according to the setting contents when at least the setting contents related to the print job satisfy the printing conditions for the origin information related to the print job. In addition, the first invention further includes a warning output means. The warning output means outputs a warning when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. The first invention further includes an inquiry means for inquiring of a user as to whether or not to proceed with the execution of the print job when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions, and the printing control means, when a second operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means is accepted by the operation accepting means, causes the printing means to execute the print job, and in addition to whether or not to proceed with the execution of the print job, the inquiry means inquires as to whether or not to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with the execution of the print job, and the printing control means, when a third operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents is accepted by the operation accepting means in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means, causes the printing means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents.

[0008] The printing conditions for the origin information may be configurable by a user associated with the origin information.

[0009] Also, The predetermined information may be stored in a portable storage medium. In this case, it is preferable that the operation receiving means includes an information reading means capable of reading the predetermined information from the storage medium. In this configuration, an operation of making the information reading means read the predetermined information from the storage medium corresponds to an input operation of the predetermined information.

[0010] In the first invention The generator refers to, for example, a print job generating device that generates a print job, or a user of the print job generating device.

[0011] therefore, The printing conditions mentioned above are ,Ta For example, the setting may be made for each print job generating device or for each user of the print job generating device. R .

[0012] Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, a warning output means may be provided, which outputs a warning when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions.

[0014] The inquiring means also inquires about the setting contents related to the print job in addition to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job. Based on printing conditions of update In this configuration, the print control means may inquire whether to proceed with the execution of the print job after checking the setting contents of the print job. Based on printing conditions of update When a third operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job after the above-mentioned is received by the operation receiving means, The relevant The printing means executes the print job according to the predetermined contents.

[0015] In addition, in the first aspect of the present invention, a condition update unit may be provided. The condition update unit updates the setting contents related to the print job when the third operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit. Based on printing conditions of update When the third operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job after the third operation is accepted, The relevant Update the printing conditions based on the specified content.

[0016] The storage unit may be provided in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] A printing system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention and an external device. In this second aspect of the present invention, the external device includes a storage means.

[0018] A control program for an image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is based on the premise that the image forming apparatus includes an operation receiving means and a printing means. On this premise, the third aspect of the present invention causes a computer of the image forming apparatus to execute a collation procedure and a print control procedure. In the collation procedure, when a first operation instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage means is received by the operation receiving means, the setting contents related to the print job are collated with a preset printing condition. In the print control procedure, the print means is controlled based on the collation result of the collation procedure. Here, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job. The predetermined information includes origin information representing the origin of the print job. Furthermore, the print conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of the image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each origin information. In addition, in the print control procedure, when at least the setting contents related to the print job satisfy the printing conditions for the origin information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the print means according to the setting contents. In addition, the third aspect of the present invention causes the computer of the image forming apparatus to further execute a warning output procedure, which outputs a warning when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. The third invention further executes an inquiry procedure for inquiring of a user as to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions, and in the printing control procedure, when a second operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job in response to the inquiry made by the inquiry procedure is accepted by the operation accepting means, the printing means executes the print job, and in addition to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job, the inquiry procedure inquires as to whether to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with the execution of the print job, and the printing control procedure causes the printing means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents when a third operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents is accepted by the operation accepting means in response to the inquiry made by the inquiry procedure.

[0019] A control method for an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the premise that the image forming apparatus includes an operation receiving means and a printing means. On this premise, the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a collation step and a print control step. In the collation step, when a first operation instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage means is received by the operation receiving means, the setting contents related to the print job are collated with a preset printing condition. In the print control step, the print means is controlled based on the collation result by the collation step. Here, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job. The predetermined information includes origin information representing the origin of the print job. Furthermore, the print conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of the image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each origin information. In addition, in the print control step, when at least the setting contents related to the print job satisfy the printing conditions for the origin information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the printing means according to the setting contents. In addition, the fourth aspect of the present invention further includes a warning output step. In this warning output step, a warning is output when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. The fourth invention further includes an inquiry step of inquiring of a user as to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions, and in the printing control step, when a second operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job in response to the inquiry made by the inquiry step is accepted by the operation accepting means, the printing step executes the print job, and in addition to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job, the inquiry step inquires as to whether to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with the execution of the print job, and in the printing control step, when a third operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents is accepted by the operation accepting means in response to the inquiry made by the inquiry step, the printing step executes the print job in accordance with the setting contents. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, in job stored printing including confidential printing, it is possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings related to the print job. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a user management table in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication procedure between an arbitrary personal computer and a management server in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a communication procedure between an arbitrary multifunction peripheral and a management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a printing condition setting screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the printing condition table in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a warning screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print job operation screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a memory map conceptually showing the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage unit of each multifunction peripheral in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a part of the stored job print control task in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the remaining part of the stored job print control task in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a part of the stored job print control task in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a print job operation screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of a part of the stored job print control task in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] [First Example] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an enterprise network system 10 shown in FIG.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... as image forming devices, a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "PCs") 30, 30, ... as print job generating devices, and one management server 40 as a management device. These are connected to each other via a communication line 50 installed in the company to form an in-house LAN (Local Area Network). The communication line 50 may be either a wired line or a wireless line, or may be a combination of these. Furthermore, the network system 10 may be connected to other network systems (not shown) to form a larger-scale network system such as a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Furthermore, the network system 10 may be connected to the Internet.

[0024] Each multifunction device 20 is a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a fax function. Each multifunction device 20 is installed in an appropriate location within the company, on the assumption that it will be shared by multiple people including employees. Each multifunction device 20 includes a card reading unit 202, which will be described later. Each multifunction device 20 is also assigned an IP (Internet Protocol) address as individual device identification information.

[0025] Each PC 30 is assigned to each employee for use by the employee. Each PC 30 is also assigned an individual IP address. In addition, each PC 30 is assigned a user name, which is the name of the user of the PC 30. The users of the PCs 30 may be individually expressed as "user A", "user B", "user C", and so on. Each user of the PCs 30 is also assigned a user ID (IDentification) as individual user identification information. This user ID is, for example, an employee number, but may be any other appropriate information other than the employee number. Furthermore, each user of the PCs 30 is given a portable storage medium, such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card 60 described later, in which the user ID of the user is stored. This IC card 60 also serves as, for example, an employee ID card, but may be given separately from the employee ID card.

[0026] The management server 40 has a storage unit 402 as a storage means. A user management table 100 as shown in Fig. 2 is stored in this storage unit 402. Information on the user of each PC 30 is stored in this user management table 100. Specifically, with a user ID as a primary key, various information such as the user name, the department to which the user belongs, and the IP address of the PC 30 is stored in the user management table 100. Note that an IP address is naturally assigned to the management server 40 as well.

[0027] To explain each multifunction device 20 in more detail, as shown in Fig. 3, the multifunction device 20 includes an image reading unit 204, an image forming unit 206, and a paper feeding unit 208. The multifunction device 20 also includes a control unit 210, an auxiliary storage unit 212, and a communication unit 214. The multifunction device 20 further includes an operation display unit 216. In addition, the multifunction device 20 includes the card reading unit 202 described above. These are connected to each other via a common bus 220.

[0028] The image reading unit 204 is an example of an image reading unit. That is, the image reading unit 204 performs image reading processing by reading an image of an original (not shown) and outputting two-dimensional read image data corresponding to the image of the original. For this purpose, the image reading unit 204 includes an original table (not shown) on which an original is placed. In addition, the image reading unit 204 includes an image reading unit including a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like (not shown), and a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving an image reading position by the image reading unit. Furthermore, the image reading unit 204 includes an original pressing cover (not shown) for pressing an original placed on the original table. An automatic document feeder (ADF) (not shown) may be attached to this original pressing cover.

[0029] The image forming unit 206 is an example of an image forming means, or in other words, an example of a printing means. That is, the image forming unit 206 performs image forming processing, that is, forming an image based on appropriate image data such as the above-mentioned read image data on a sheet-like image recording medium (not shown), that is, printing the image. This image forming processing is performed, for example, by a known electrophotographic method. For this reason, the image forming unit 206 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like (not shown). The paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming processing by the image forming unit 206, that is, the printed matter, is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown). Note that the image forming unit 206 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may perform image forming processing by, for example, an inkjet method.

[0030] The paper feed unit 208 is an example of a paper feed means. That is, the paper feed unit 208 has one or more, for example, a plurality of, paper feed cassettes (not shown). These paper feed cassettes store paper of appropriate specified sizes. The paper feed unit 208 uses one of the paper feed cassettes as a paper feed source and supplies paper one sheet at a time from the paper feed source to the image forming unit 206. Note that, as the paper, plain paper of B5 size, A4 size, B4 size, A3 size, etc. is prepared.

[0031] The control unit 210 is an example of a control means that controls the entire multifunction device 20. For this purpose, the control unit 210 has a computer, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210a, as a control execution means. In addition, the control unit 210 has a main memory unit 210b as a main memory means that can be directly accessed by the CPU 210a. The main memory unit 210b includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), not shown. Of these, the ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 210a. The RAM constitutes a working area and a buffer area when the CPU 210a executes processing according to the control program.

[0032] The auxiliary storage unit 212 is an example of an auxiliary storage means. That is, various data including various image data such as the above-mentioned scanned image data are appropriately stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212. Such an auxiliary storage unit 212 has, for example, a hard disk drive (not shown). In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 212 may have a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

[0033] The communication unit 214 is an example of a communication means that handles two-way communication processing via the communication line 50. The communication unit 214 also handles two-way communication processing via a public switched telephone network (not shown).

[0034] The operation display unit 216 is a so-called operation panel, and includes a display 216a as an example of a display means and a touch panel 216b as an example of an operation receiving means. The display 216a has a roughly rectangular display surface, and the touch panel 216b is provided so as to overlap the display surface of the display 28a. The display 216a is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited to this, and may be another type of display such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The touch panel 216b is, for example, a capacitive panel, but is not limited to this, and may be another type of panel such as an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, or an infrared type. The operation display unit 216 also includes appropriate light-emitting means such as a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown) in addition to the display 216a. In addition, the operation display unit 216 also includes appropriate hardware switch means such as a push button switch (not shown) in addition to the touch panel 216b.

[0035] Card reading unit 202 is an example of information reading means for reading a user ID from IC card 60, and more specifically, is an IC card reader / writer for reading and writing appropriate data including a user ID to and from IC card 60. Reading and writing data to and from IC card 60 by card reading unit 202 is performed in a non-contact manner, and more specifically, complies with a short-range wireless communication standard such as ISO / IEC18092 (so-called NFC: Near Field Communication). Card reading unit 202 is provided integrally with operation display unit 216, for example, and is provided particularly near touch panel 216b (and display 216a).

[0036] Now, according to the network system 10 of the first embodiment, a print job generated by an arbitrary PC 30 is saved (spooled) in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, and the print job saved in the storage unit 402 is executed by an arbitrary MFP 20 by operating the MFP 20, which is a job save printing. The operation of the MFP 20 here means an operation of holding (touching) an IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20 to have the user ID read from the IC card 60. This operation also serves as user authentication. Therefore, the IC card 60 used in this operation needs to be an IC card 60 in which a user ID related to the print job to be executed is stored, that is, the IC card 60 of the user of the PC 30 that is the source of the print job. That is, according to the network system 10 of the first embodiment, job save printing, that is, confidential printing, which requires user authentication by the IC card 60, is possible. This confidential printing is performed as follows.

[0037] First, as shown in FIG. 4, at a certain time t1, a print job for confidential printing is generated by an arbitrary PC 30 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "PC 30a" to distinguish it from other PCs 30). This print job is generated by an operation to instruct a reservation for confidential printing via a printer driver installed in the PC 30a. When generating the print job, various settings such as the number of copies to be printed and the size of the paper to be printed on are performed via the printer driver, that is, so-called print settings are performed. The print job generated by the PC 30a is transmitted from the PC 30a to the management server 40 at a time t3 immediately after the time t1. The print job includes user ID data that indicates the user ID of the user of the PC 30a that generated the print job. Additionally, the print job includes print setting data that indicates the contents of the print settings.

[0038] A print job transmitted from an arbitrary PC 30a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t5 after time t3. The print job received by the management server 40 is stored, i.e., saved, in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 at time t7 after time t5.

[0039] In this way, the print job generated by any PC 30a is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, and then confidential printing is reserved, so to speak, and the any MFP 20 is operated to execute the print job. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, at a certain time t11, an IC card 60 of a user of the PC 30a is held over a card reading unit 202 of any MFP 20 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "MFP 20a" to distinguish it from other MFPs 20), and a user ID is read from the IC card 60. Then, at a time t13 immediately after the time t11, the MFP 20a makes a user authentication inquiry to the management server 40 about the user ID (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "target ID") read at the time t11, and strictly speaking, authentication inquiry data is transmitted. This authentication inquiry data includes user ID data representing the target ID. Additionally, the authentication inquiry data includes multifunction device address data indicating the IP address of the multifunction device 20a which is the sender of the authentication inquiry data, that is, the source of the user authentication inquiry.

[0040] The authentication inquiry data transmitted from the multifunction device 20a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t15 after time t13. In response to this, at time t17 after time t15, user authentication is performed for the target ID, and more specifically, a check is made to see if the target ID exists in the user management table 100 described above (FIG. 2). Then, at time t19 after time t17, the management server 40 notifies the multifunction device 20a of the result of the user authentication at time t17, and strictly speaking, transmits authentication result data. This authentication result data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. Additionally, the authentication result data includes multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the destination of the data, that is, the destination of the notification of the result of the user authentication.

[0041] The authentication result data transmitted from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a is received by the multifunction device 20a at time t21 after time t19. For example, the authentication result data indicates that the user authentication for the target ID has been successful, that is, that the target ID exists in the above-mentioned user management table 100. In this case, at time t23 immediately after time t21, the multifunction device 20a inquires of the management server 40 as to whether a print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402, and strictly speaking, transmits job inquiry data. This job inquiry data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. In addition, the job inquiry data includes the multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the sender of the data, that is, the inquiry source. Note that if the user authentication fails, that is, if the target ID does not exist in the user management table 100, an authentication error message screen (not shown) indicating that fact is displayed on the display 216a for a certain period of time (for example, several seconds). Then, the multifunction device 20a enters a so-called standby state, waiting for some operation by the user. In this standby state, a home screen (not shown) is displayed on the display 216a.

[0042] The job inquiry data transmitted from the multifunction device 20a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t25 after time t23. In response to this, at time t27 after time t25, a check is made as to whether or not a print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40. Then, at time t29 after time t27, the management server 40 notifies the multifunction device 20a of the result of the check at time t27, and strictly speaking, sends the check result data. This check result data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. Additionally, the check result data includes the multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the destination of the check, i.e., the destination of the check result.

[0043] The confirmation result data transmitted from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a is received by the multifunction device 20a at time t31 after time t29. For example, it is assumed here that the confirmation result data indicates that the print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, at time t33 after time t31, the multifunction device 20a requests the management server 40 to transmit the print job related to the target ID, and strictly speaking, transmits job transmission request data. This job transmission request data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. In addition, the job transmission request data includes multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the sender, that is, the requester. Note that if the print job related to the target ID is not stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, a job non-existence message screen (not shown) indicating this is displayed on the display 216a for a certain period (for example, several seconds). After that, the multifunction device 20a enters the above-mentioned standby state.

[0044] The job transmission request data transmitted from the multifunction device 20a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t35, which is after time t33. In response to this, at time t37, which is immediately after time t35, a print job related to the target ID is read from the storage unit 402 of the management server 40. Then, at time t39, which is after time t37, the print job read at time t37 is transmitted from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a. This print job includes user ID data and print setting data, as described above.

[0045] The print job sent from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a is received by the multifunction device 20a at time point 41, which is after time point t39. Then, at time point t43, which is after time point t41, the print job received at time point t41 is executed. This print job is executed according to the print setting data included therein, that is, according to the settings (print setting contents) such as the number of copies to be printed and the size of the paper to be printed that were set when the print job was created.

[0046] In this manner, confidential printing is performed. According to this confidential printing, after the user of each PC 30 performs an operation to store the print job to be used for the confidential printing in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, that is, after reserving the confidential printing, the user can have any of the multifunction machines 20 execute the print job. In other words, the user who has reserved the confidential printing can arbitrarily select the multifunction machine 20 that will execute the print job to be used for the confidential printing. This realizes efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including the multifunction machines 20, 20, .... In addition, the user who has reserved the confidential printing can have any of the multifunction machines 20 execute the print job simply by holding his / her IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the multifunction machine 20. This also greatly contributes to efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including the multifunction machines 20, 20, ....

[0047] As described above, in confidential printing, the print job is executed according to the settings such as the number of copies to be printed and the paper size that were set when the print job to be used for confidential printing was created. If there is an error in the settings related to this print job, for example, if a number of copies more than necessary is set as the number of copies to be printed, the more copies than necessary will be printed. This is extremely unpleasant for the user and uneconomical. In order to avoid such inconvenience, the following measures are taken in the first embodiment.

[0048] That is, for each user of the PC 30, or more precisely, for each user ID, standard printing conditions for confidential printing are set in advance. Then, strictly speaking, before a print job for confidential printing is executed, the setting contents for the print job are collated (compared) with the standard printing conditions. If, as a result of this collation, the setting contents for the print job satisfy the standard printing conditions, the print job is executed according to the setting contents. On the other hand, if the setting contents for the print job do not satisfy the standard printing conditions, a predetermined warning is output, and a warning screen 600, which will be described later in detail, is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20 that is about to execute the print job. In addition, if the setting contents for the print job do not satisfy the standard printing conditions, appropriate options are provided, including whether to execute the print job, as will be described later.

[0049] For this purpose, first, printing conditions are set by operating any of the multifunction devices 20. Specifically, when an operation for starting to set printing conditions is performed on any of the multifunction devices 20, a printing condition setting screen 500 as shown in FIG.

[0050] 7, an appropriate character string 502 indicating the title of the printing condition setting screen 500 is disposed, for example, at the upper left position. Then, to the right of the character string 502, a character string 504 indicating the name of the user who has set the printing conditions is disposed. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example in which the character string 504 indicates that the user who has set the printing conditions is "User A." The user who has set the printing conditions is identified, for example, by holding the user's IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 at an appropriate timing before the printing condition setting screen 500 is displayed.

[0051] Then, below the character strings 502 and 504, an appropriate character string 506 is arranged to prompt the user to set the printing conditions. Further, below the character string 506, a rectangular setting area 508 for specifically setting the printing conditions is arranged. A plurality of character strings 510, 510, ... representing individual conditions (items) such as the upper limit of the number of prints, paper size, and magnification are arranged in a vertical line in a position close to the left side of this setting area 508. Then, to the right of each character string 510, a rectangular field 512 for inputting a specific value of the condition represented by the character string 510 is arranged. Further, to the right side of the setting area 508, a scroll bar 514 is arranged to scroll the display contents of the setting area 508 (each character string 510, 510, ... and each field 512, 512, ...) up and down.

[0052] Although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, when each field 512 is operated (pressed), an appropriate input screen, for example a dialog box, for inputting a specific value into the field 512 is displayed. Inputting a specific value into each field 512 is not essential but is optional. In other words, the user does not need to input specific values ​​into all fields 512, 512, ..., and may input specific values ​​into only some of the fields 512, 512, ..., and may not even need to input specific values ​​into all fields 512, 512, ....

[0053] In addition, two buttons 516 and 518 are arranged side by side below the setting area 508, that is, at the bottom of the printing condition setting screen 500. One button, 516, is an [OK] button for finalizing the setting of the printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen 500. The other button, 518, is a [Cancel] button for canceling the setting of the printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen 500.

[0054] In this printing condition setting screen 500, after the printing conditions have been appropriately set, that is, after specific values ​​have been entered in the appropriate fields 512, operating an [OK] button 516 fixes the setting of the printing conditions, and more specifically, the printing condition data representing the printing conditions is sent to management server 40. On the other hand, operating a [Cancel] button 518 in the printing condition setting screen 500 cancels the setting of the printing conditions through the printing condition setting screen 500.

[0055] As described above, the printing condition data transmitted to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40. The printing condition data received by the management server 40 is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 in a state where it is compiled into a printing condition table 150 as shown in FIG.

[0056] According to the printing condition table 150 shown in Fig. 8, for each user ID, individual conditions such as the upper limit of the number of prints, paper size, magnification, etc. are stored with the user ID as a primary key. Note that in Fig. 8, for convenience of explanation, each user ID is represented by the user name.

[0057] For example, when paying attention to the printing conditions for user A, the conditions set for user A are (at least) the upper limit of the number of prints of "10", the paper size of "A4", and the magnification of "100". And for user B, the conditions set for the upper limit of the number of prints of "50" and the paper size of "A4", but the magnification is not set. This is because no specific value was entered in the field 512 related to the magnification in the printing condition setting screen 500 described above (FIG. 7). And for user C, the conditions set for the upper limit of the number of prints of "100", the paper sizes of "B5" and "A4", and the magnification of "100"% to "150"%. Like the conditions for user C, for example, a plurality of sizes can be set as the condition related to the paper size. And, as the condition related to the magnification, a range can be set instead of one value. The printing conditions are not limited to the maximum number of prints, paper size, and magnification shown here, but other conditions such as document orientation, whether or not to print on both sides, page aggregation, color mode, etc. can also be set as appropriate.

[0058] After the printing conditions are set for each user ID in this way, an arbitrary MFP 20a is operated to execute a print job for confidential printing. In this case, when a print job is sent from the management server 40 to the MFP 20a at time t39 described above (FIG. 6), printing condition data indicating the printing conditions for the user ID (target ID) related to the print job is attached to the print job. The print job with this printing condition data attached is received by the MFP 20a at time t41 after time t39.

[0059] Then, at time t43 after time t41, the print job received at time t41 is executed by the multifunction device 20a as described above, and at that time, the setting contents (print setting contents) of the print job are compared with the printing conditions according to the printing condition data attached to the print job. For example, if the setting contents of the print job satisfy the printing conditions, the print job is executed by the multifunction device 20a. On the other hand, if the setting contents of the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions, a warning screen 600 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20a.

[0060] In the warning screen 600 shown in FIG. 9, for example, a relatively large character string 602 that reads "Warning" is arranged at the top. Then, an appropriate character string 604 is arranged below the character string 602, indicating that the setting contents of the print job to be executed do not satisfy the printing conditions. Furthermore, an appropriate character string 606 is arranged below the character string 604, asking the user whether to execute the print job to be executed as it is, that is, in a state in which the setting contents of the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. In addition, two buttons 608 and 610 are arranged side by side below the character string 606, that is, at the bottom of the warning screen 600. One button 608 is a [Yes] button that instructs the user to execute the print job to be executed as it is. The other button 610 is a [No] button that instructs the user not to execute the print job to be executed as it is.

[0061] For example, when the [Yes] button 608 is operated on this warning screen 600, the print job is executed as is, that is, in a state where the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. On the other hand, when the [No] button 610 is operated, instead of the warning screen 600, a print job operation screen 700 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20a.

[0062] In the print job operation screen 700 shown in Fig. 10, an appropriate character string 702 indicating the title of the print job operation screen 700 is arranged, for example, in a position toward the upper left side. Then, a character string 704 indicating the user name related to the print job to be executed is arranged to the right of the character string 702. Note that Fig. 10 shows an example in which the character string 704 indicates that the user related to the print job to be executed is "User A."

[0063] Further, below the character string 702, a character string 706 is arranged to indicate the file name of the print job to be executed. Fig. 10 shows an example in which the character string 706 indicates that the file name of the print job to be executed is "Regular Meeting Materials.pdf". Additionally, to the right of the character string 702, a character string 708 is arranged to indicate the number of pages of the file related to the print job to be executed. Fig. 10 shows an example in which the character string 708 indicates that the number of pages of the file related to the print job to be executed is "2".

[0064] In addition, a rectangular setting content display area 710 is arranged below the character strings 706 and 708. In this setting content display area 710, setting contents related to the print job to be executed are displayed. Specifically, in a position toward the left side of the setting content display area 710, a plurality of character strings 712, 712, ... representing individual items such as the upper limit of the number of prints, paper size, and magnification are arranged in a vertical line. Then, in the horizontal direction to the right of each character string 712, a rectangular field 714 is arranged. In each field 714, a specific setting value of the corresponding item is displayed. In addition, in a position toward the right side of the setting content display area 710, a scroll bar 716 is arranged for vertically scrolling the display contents (each character string 712, 712, ... and each field 714, 714, ...) in the setting content display area 710.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows an example in which the print job to be executed has settings of (at least) 10 copies, A4 paper size, and 100% magnification. Here, since the number of pages in the file related to the print job to be executed is 2 as described above, the number of sheets to be printed is 20 (=2 pages x 10 copies). This number of sheets, 20, exceeds the upper limit of the number of sheets to be printed in the printing conditions for user A (see FIG. 8), and does not satisfy the printing conditions. Such setting contents (items) that do not satisfy the printing conditions are appropriately decorated so that they are visually noticeable, for example, the corresponding field 714 is colored in an appropriate color such as yellow or red, and the setting value in the field 714 is displayed in bold.

[0066] On the other hand, the setting contents displayed in the setting content display area 710, that is, the setting values ​​in each field 714, can be changed as appropriate. Although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, when each field 714 is operated, an appropriate re-input screen, for example a dialog box, for changing (re-inputting) the setting value in that field 714 is displayed. This re-input screen allows the setting value in that field 714 to be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, when the setting value re-input in this way satisfies, for example, the printing conditions, that is, when such a setting value is re-input, the above-mentioned modification is released.

[0067] Furthermore, below the setting content display area 710 on the print job operation screen 700, that is, at the bottom of the print job operation screen 700, two buttons 718 and 720 are arranged side by side. One button, 718, is a [Print] button that instructs the execution of a print job according to the setting content displayed in the setting content display area 710. The other button, 720, is a [Cancel] button that instructs the execution of a print job not to be performed.

[0068] In this print job operation screen 700, for example, when the [Print] button 718 is operated, the print job is executed according to the setting contents displayed in the setting contents display area 710. On the other hand, when the [Cancel] button 720 is operated, the print job is not executed and the multifunction device 20a goes into the above-mentioned standby state.

[0069] Thus, according to the confidential printing in the first embodiment, if the settings of the print job to be used for confidential printing satisfy the reference printing conditions, the print job is executed. On the other hand, if the settings of the print job do not satisfy the reference printing conditions, a warning screen 600 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20 that is about to execute the print job, and appropriate options are provided, including whether or not to execute the print job. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings of the print job.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows a memory map 800 conceptually illustrating the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage unit 210b of each multifunction device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0071] As shown in this memory map 800, the RAM has a program storage area 810 and a data storage area 850. The above-mentioned control programs are stored in the program storage area 810. Specifically, the control programs include a display control program 812, an operation detection program 814, an image reading program 816, an image forming program 818, a paper feed control program 820, an auxiliary storage control program 822, and a communication control program 824. In addition, the control programs include a card reading control program 826 and a stored job printing control program 828.

[0072] The display control program 812 is a program for generating display screen data required for displaying various screens such as the print condition setting screen 500 described above on the display 216a. The operation detection program 814 is a program for detecting an operation state on the touch panel 216b. The image reading program 816 is a program for controlling the image reading unit 204. The image forming program 818 is a program for controlling the image forming unit 206. The paper feed control program 820 is a program for controlling the paper feed unit 208. The auxiliary storage control program 822 is a program for controlling the auxiliary storage unit 212. The communication control program 824 is a program for controlling the communication unit 214. The card reading control program 826 is a program for controlling the card reading unit 202. And the stored job print control program 828 is a program for causing the CPU 210a to execute a stored job print control task described later.

[0073] Meanwhile, various types of data are stored in the data storage area 850. The various types of data include display image generation data 852, operation data 854, transmission / reception data 856, and the like.

[0074] The display image generation data 852 is data such as polygon data and texture data used to generate display screen data based on the above-mentioned display control program 812. The operation data 854 is data representing an operation state on the touch panel 216b, and more specifically, is time-series data representing a touch position (coordinates) of the user on the touch panel 216b. The transmission and reception data 856 is data transmitted and received between an external device such as the management server 40. The transmission and reception data 856 includes the above-mentioned authentication inquiry data, authentication result data, and the like.

[0075] As described above, the CPU 210a of each MFP 20 operates according to the control program, and particularly for confidential printing, executes a stored job print control task according to the stored job print control program 828. The flow of this stored job print control task is shown in Figures 12 and 13. The stored job print control task is executed in response to communication being started between the card reading unit 202 and the IC card 60 as a result of the IC card 60 being held over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20.

[0076] According to this stored job print control task, first, in step S1, the CPU 210a reads ID data from the IC card 60 held over the card reading unit 202, and strictly speaking controls the card reading unit 202 to do so. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S3.

[0077] In step S3, the CPU 210a inquires of the management server 40 about user authentication for the user ID read in step S1, i.e., the target ID, and more precisely transmits the authentication inquiry data described above. This authentication inquiry data includes user ID data representing the target ID as described above, and multifunction device address data representing the sender of the authentication inquiry data. In addition, in step S3, the CPU 210a displays on the display 216a an inquiry screen (not shown) indicating that various inquiries, including user authentication, are being made. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S5.

[0078] In step S5, the CPU 210a waits for a response from the management server 40 to the inquiry to the management server 40 in step S3, that is, waits for the authentication result data to be sent from the management server 40 (S5: NO). Then, when the CPU 210a receives the authentication result data from the management server 40 (S5: YES), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0079] In step S7, the CPU 210a judges whether the user authentication for the target ID has been successful based on the authentication result data received in step S5. For example, if the user authentication has been successful (S7: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S11, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the user authentication has been unsuccessful (S7: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S9.

[0080] In step S9, the CPU 210a displays the above-mentioned authentication error message screen on the display 216a, more specifically, instead of the above-mentioned inquiry screen, the authentication error message screen is displayed. This authentication error message screen is displayed for a certain period of time as described above. With the execution of this step S9, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. Thereafter, the multifunction device 20 enters the above-mentioned standby state. In addition to or instead of displaying the authentication error message screen, in step S9, an appropriate authentication error message may be output by voice.

[0081] Furthermore, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S7 to step S11, in step S11, it inquires of the management server 40 whether or not a print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402, and strictly speaking, transmits the job inquiry data described above. This job inquiry data includes the user ID data representing the target ID as described above, and the multifunction device address data representing the sender of the job inquiry data. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S13.

[0082] In step S13, the CPU 210a waits for a response from the management server 40 to the inquiry to the management server 40 in step S11, that is, waits for the confirmation result data to be sent from the management server 40 (S13: NO). Then, when the CPU 210a receives the confirmation result data from the management server 40 (S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0083] In step S15, the CPU 210a determines whether or not the print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, based on the confirmation result data received in step S13. If the print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 (S15: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S19, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the print job related to the target ID is not stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 (S15: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S17.

[0084] In step S17, the CPU 210a displays the aforementioned job-absent message screen on the display 216a, more specifically, instead of the aforementioned inquiry screen, displays the job-absent message screen. This job-absent message screen is displayed for a certain period of time as described above. With the execution of this step S17, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. Thereafter, the multifunction device 20 enters a standby state as described above. In addition to or instead of displaying the job-absent message screen, an appropriate job-absent message may be output by voice in step S17.

[0085] Then, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S15 to step S19, it requests the management server 40 to send a print job related to the target ID in step S19, and more precisely, sends the job transmission request data described above. This job transmission request data also includes the user ID data representing the target ID and the multifunction device address data representing the sender of the job transmission request data, as described above. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S21.

[0086] In step S21, the CPU 210a waits for a response from the management server 40 to the request made in step S19, that is, waits for a print job related to the target ID to be sent from the management server 40 (S21: NO). Then, when the CPU 210a receives a print job from the management server 40 (S21: YES), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0087] In step S23, the CPU 210a temporarily stores the print job received in step S21, more specifically, in the auxiliary storage unit 212. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S25. As described above, the print job includes user ID data representing the target ID and print setting data related to the print job. In addition, print condition data representing the print conditions for the target ID is attached to the print job.

[0088] In step S25, the CPU 210a checks the setting contents (print setting contents) related to the print job temporarily stored in step S23 against the print conditions according to the print condition data attached to the print job. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S27.

[0089] In step S27, the CPU 210a judges whether the setting contents of the print job satisfy the printing conditions as a result of the comparison in step S25. For example, if the setting contents of the print job satisfy the printing conditions (S25: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S29. On the other hand, if the setting contents of the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions (S25: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S33, which will be described later.

[0090] In step S29, the CPU 210a executes the print job. At the same time, the CPU 210a displays a printing screen (not shown) on the display 216a, which indicates that the print job is being executed, and more specifically, displays the printing screen instead of the inquiry screen described above. Then, when the execution of the print job is completed, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S31.

[0091] In step S31, the CPU 210a erases the print job executed in step S29 from the auxiliary storage unit 212. With the execution of step S31, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task.

[0092] Furthermore, when the CPU 210a advances the process from the above-mentioned step S27 to step S33, in step S33, the CPU 210a displays the warning screen 600 on the display 216a, more specifically, instead of the above-mentioned inquiring screen, displays the warning screen 600. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S35.

[0093] In step S35, the CPU 210a waits for any user operation to be accepted on the warning screen 600 displayed in step S33 (S35: NO). If any user operation is accepted on the warning screen 600 (S35: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S37.

[0094] In step S37, the CPU 210a judges whether the user operation accepted in step S35 is the operation of the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S35 is the operation of the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600 (S37: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to the above-mentioned step S29 to execute the print job. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S35 is not the operation of the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600 but the operation of the [No] button 610 on the warning screen 600 (S37: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S39. Note that, if the process proceeds from step S37 to step S29, the CPU 210a executes the print job as described above in step S29 and displays the printing screen on the display 216a, but the printing screen is displayed instead of the warning screen 600.

[0095] Then, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S37 to step S39, in step S39, the CPU 210a displays the print job operation screen 700 on the display 216a, more specifically, displays the print job operation screen 700 in place of the warning screen 600. When displaying the print job operation screen 700, the CPU 210a appropriately applies the above-mentioned modifications. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S41.

[0096] In step S41, the CPU 210a waits for any user operation to be accepted on the print job operation screen 700 displayed in step S39 (S41: NO). If any user operation is accepted on the print job operation screen 700 (S41: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S43.

[0097] In step S43, the CPU 210a judges whether the user operation accepted in step S41 is the operation of the [Print] button 718 on the print job operation screen 700. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is the operation of the [Print] button 718 on the print job operation screen 700 (S43: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to the above-mentioned step S29 to execute the print job. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is not the operation of the [Print] button 718 on the print job operation screen 700 (S43: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S45. Note that, if the process proceeds from step S43 to step S29, the CPU 210a executes the print job as described above in step S29 and displays the printing screen on the display 216a, but the printing screen is displayed instead of the print job operation screen 700.

[0098] Then, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S43 to step S45, it determines in step S45 whether the user operation accepted in the above-mentioned step S41 is the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 on the print job operation screen 700. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 on the print job operation screen 700 (S45: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to the above-mentioned step S31 to postpone the execution of the print job and erase the print job from the auxiliary storage unit 212. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is not the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 on the print job operation screen 700 (S45: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S47.

[0099] In step S47, the CPU 210a performs processing according to the operation accepted in step S41. The processing in step S47 includes processing for displaying the re-input screen described above in response to an operation on any of the fields 714, and processing for changing a setting value in the field 714 in response to an operation on the re-input screen. The processing in step S47 also includes processing for removing the above-mentioned modification as necessary, processing for reapplying the modification, and processing according to an operation on the scroll bar 716. After executing step S47, the CPU 210a returns the processing to step S41 to wait for some user operation to be accepted again on the print job operation screen 700.

[0100] Thus, according to the first embodiment, and particularly according to the confidential printing in the first embodiment, the user of each PC 30 can have any MFP 20 execute the print job after performing an operation to store the print job to be used for the confidential printing in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, that is, after reserving the confidential printing. In other words, the user who reserved the confidential printing can arbitrarily select the MFP 20 to execute the print job to be used for the confidential printing. This realizes efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including the MFPs 20, 20, .... In addition, the user who reserved the confidential printing can have any MFP 20 execute the print job by simply holding his / her IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20. This also greatly contributes to efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including the MFPs 20, 20, ....

[0101] In addition, according to the confidential printing in the first embodiment, if the setting contents of the print job to be used for the confidential printing satisfy the reference printing conditions, the print job is executed. On the other hand, if the setting contents of the print job do not satisfy the reference printing conditions, a warning screen 600 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20 that is about to execute the print job, and appropriate options are provided, including whether or not to execute the print job. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the setting contents of the print job.

[0102] In the first embodiment, after a print job for confidential printing is executed by any MFP 20, the executed print job is deleted from the auxiliary storage unit 212 of the MFP 20 (see step S31 in FIG. 13), but the print job (strictly speaking, the corresponding job) stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 can be handled appropriately. For example, in response to the execution of a print job being deleted from the auxiliary storage unit 212 of the MFP 20, the print job stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 may also be deleted from the storage unit 402. Alternatively, the print job stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 may be configured to be deleted by an operation of the management server 40 or an operation of the PC 30 that is the source of the print job. Furthermore, when a print job is sent from the management server 40 to any MFP 20 (see, for example, time t39 in FIG. 6 and step S21 in FIG. 12), strictly speaking, immediately thereafter, the print job may be deleted from the memory unit 402 of the management server 40.

[0103] In addition, although the advance setting of printing conditions is described as being performed by operating any MFP 20, this is not limiting. Advance setting of printing conditions may be performed by operating a device other than the MFP 20, such as any PC 30 or management server 40. Also, the content of the set printing conditions may be changed or the print conditions may be deleted as appropriate.

[0104] The printing condition table 150 is configured to organize printing conditions for each user ID using the user ID as a primary key, but is not limited to this. In other words, instead of the user ID, predetermined information other than the user ID, such as the IP address of each PC, may be used as a primary key, and printing conditions may be organized for each predetermined information. The same applies to the user management table 100.

[0105] Furthermore, although the IC card 60 is of the non-contact type, a contact type may be adopted. In this case, a card reader 202 that corresponds to the contact type is adopted.

[0106] In addition, when a print job for confidential printing is executed by any MFP 20, the IC card 60 is held over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20 to read the user ID from the IC card 60, but this is not limiting. That is, instead of the operation for user authentication using the IC card 60, an appropriate operation such as an operation for biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication or a manual password input operation may be adopted.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the CPU 210a, specifically the CPU 210a executing the saved job print control task, is an example of the print control means according to the present invention. And in particular, the CPU 210a executing step S25 of the saved job print control task is an example of the collation means according to the present invention. In addition, the CPU 210a executing step S33 of the saved job print control task, that is, the CPU 210a displaying the warning screen 600 on the display 216a, cooperates with the display 216a to constitute an example of the warning output means according to the present invention and an example of the inquiry means according to the present invention. And the CPU 210a executing step S39 of the saved job print control task, that is, the CPU 210a displaying the print job operation screen 700 on the display 216a, also cooperates with the display 216a to constitute an example of the inquiry means according to the present invention.

[0108] In addition, the user ID in the first embodiment is an example of the source information according to the present invention, in other words, an example of the predetermined information according to the present invention. When a print job to be used for confidential printing is executed by any MFP 20, an operation of holding the IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20 to read the user ID from the IC card 60 is an example of the first operation according to the present invention. In addition, an operation on the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600 is an example of the second operation according to the present invention.

[0109] [Second Example] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this second embodiment, the present invention is applied to a network system 10a shown in FIG.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 14, unlike the network system 10 according to the first embodiment, the network system 10a according to the second embodiment includes only one multifunction device 20. The management server 40 is not provided in the second embodiment. That is, the multifunction device 20 functions as the management server 40 in the second embodiment. For this reason, the user management table 100 and the printing condition table 150 are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of the multifunction device 20 in the second embodiment. In addition, the print job to be used for confidential printing, that is, the print job generated by each PC 30 for the confidential printing, is also saved (spooled) in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of the multifunction device 20. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the CPU 210a of the multifunction device 20 executes a saved job print control task, but in the second embodiment, steps S101 to S117 are executed in the flow shown in FIG. 15, instead of steps S1 to S23 in the first embodiment (FIG. 12). Other than this, the configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the same parts of the second embodiment as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] 15, according to the stored job print control task in the second embodiment, the CPU 210a first reads ID data from the IC card 60 held over the card reading unit 202 in step S101, similar to step S1 in the first embodiment. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S103.

[0112] In step S103, the CPU 210a performs user authentication for the user ID read in step S101, that is, the target ID, and more specifically, checks whether the target ID exists in the user management table 100. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S105.

[0113] In step S105, the CPU 210a judges whether the user authentication in step S103 was successful. If the user authentication is successful, that is, if the target ID exists in the user management table 100 (S105: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S109, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the user authentication is unsuccessful, that is, if the target ID does not exist in the user management table 100 (S105: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S107.

[0114] In step S107, the CPU 210a displays an authentication error message screen on the display 216a for a certain period of time, similar to step S9 in the first embodiment. With the execution of step S107, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. After this, the multifunction device 20 enters the above-mentioned standby state.

[0115] Furthermore, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S105 to step S109, the CPU 210a checks in step S109 whether or not the print job related to the target ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S111.

[0116] In step S111, the CPU 210a determines from the confirmation result in step S109 whether or not the print job related to the target ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212. For example, if the print job related to the target ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 (S111: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S115, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the print job related to the target ID is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 (S111: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S113.

[0117] In step S113, the CPU 210a displays a job non-existence message screen on the display 216a for a certain period of time, similar to step S17 in the first embodiment. By executing step S113, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. After this, the multifunction device 20 enters the above-mentioned standby state.

[0118] Then, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S111 to step S115, in step S115, the CPU 210a reads out the print job related to the target ID from the auxiliary storage unit 212. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S117.

[0119] In step S117, the CPU 210a checks the printing conditions for the target ID by referring to the printing condition table 150. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S25 described above (FIG. 13). Since the subsequent steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0120] In this second embodiment, and particularly in the confidential printing in the second embodiment, if the settings for a print job satisfy the reference printing conditions, the print job is executed, as in the confidential printing in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the settings for a print job do not satisfy the reference printing conditions, a warning screen 600 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20, and appropriate options are provided, including whether or not to execute the print job. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings for the print job.

[0121] Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a user who has reserved confidential printing can have the multifunction device 20 execute the print job simply by holding his / her IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the multifunction device 20. This enables efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10a including the multifunction device 20.

[0122] In the second embodiment, only one multifunction device 20 is provided, but two or more multifunction devices 20, that is, a plurality of multifunction devices, may be provided. In this case, it is preferable that the user management table 100 and the print condition table 150 are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of each multifunction device 20. It is also preferable that the print job to be used for confidential printing is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of each multifunction device 20. With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, a user who has reserved confidential printing can arbitrarily select a multifunction device 20 that will execute the print job to be used for confidential printing. This also greatly contributes to efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10a including each multifunction device 20.

[0123] [Third Example] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is, for example, a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0124] Specifically, in the third embodiment, instead of the print job operation screen 700 in the first embodiment, a print job operation screen 700a as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 16, in the print job operation screen 700a in the third embodiment, in addition to the print job operation screen 700 in the first embodiment (FIG. 10), a character string 750 in parentheses is arranged on the right side of each field 714 in the setting content display area 710. The character string 750, particularly the character string in parentheses, represents the printing conditions that are the basis of the corresponding setting contents (items) (represented by the character string 712). That is, FIG. 16 shows an example in which the character strings 750, 750, ... represent that the printing conditions set for the user A represented by the character string 704 are (at least) an upper limit of "10" sheets of prints, a paper size of "A4", and a magnification of "100"%. The character string 750 indicating the upper limit of the number of copies to be printed is followed to the right by the character string 750a, which indicates the unit of the upper limit of the number of copies to be printed. In Fig. 16, as in Fig. 10 in the first embodiment, the number of copies to be printed (20 sheets = 2 pages x 10 copies) for the print job to be executed exceeds the reference upper limit (10 sheets), so that appropriate modifications are applied to the field 714 corresponding to the number of copies to be printed and the setting value in the field 714.

[0125] Furthermore, in the print job operation screen 700a in the third embodiment, another button 752 is arranged at the bottom, for example, between the [Print] button 718 and the [Cancel] button 720, that is, side-by-side with these buttons 718 and 720. This button 752 is an [Update conditions and print] button that updates the printing conditions based on the setting contents displayed in the setting content display area 710, strictly speaking, updates the printing conditions for the user ID (target ID) related to the print job to be executed, and then instructs to execute the print job according to the setting contents.

[0126] That is, when the "Update conditions and print" button 752 is operated on the print job operation screen 700a in the third embodiment, the print conditions for the target ID are updated based on the setting contents displayed in the setting contents display area 710. Then, the print job to be executed is executed according to the setting contents displayed in the setting contents display area 710.

[0127] In addition, in the print job operation screen 700a in the third embodiment, for example, when the [Print] button 718 is operated, the print job is executed according to the setting contents displayed in the setting contents display area 710, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the printing conditions are not updated. And, when the [Cancel] button 720 is operated, the print job is not executed, as in the first embodiment, and the multifunction device 20a goes into the above-mentioned standby state.

[0128] In this third embodiment as well, the CPU 210a of each MFP 20 executes the stored job print control task, but in this third embodiment, steps S201 to S203 shown in FIG. 17 are added to the stored job print control task.

[0129] That is, in step S45 of the above (FIG. 13), if the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is not the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 (S45: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S201. In this step S201, the CPU 210a judges whether the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752. Here, for example, if the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752 (S201: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S203. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is not the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752 (S201: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S47 of the above (FIG. 13).

[0130] In step S203, the CPU 210a instructs the management server 40 to update the printing conditions for the target ID based on the setting contents displayed in the setting contents display area 710 on the print job operation screen 700a, and more precisely, transmits printing condition update data. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S29 described above (FIG. 13) in order to execute the print job. Note that, although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, the printing condition update data transmitted to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40. Upon receiving the printing condition update data, the management server 40 updates the printing conditions for the target ID based on the printing condition update data, that is, updates the printing condition table 150 described above (FIG. 8).

[0131] Thus, according to the third embodiment, and particularly according to the print job operation screen 700a in the third embodiment, when the [Update conditions and print] button 752 is operated, the printing conditions for the target ID are updated and the print job to be executed is executed. That is, two processes, that is, updating the printing conditions for the target ID and executing the print job, are performed by a single operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752. This also greatly contributes to efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including each multifunction device 20.

[0132] In the third embodiment, the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752 on the print job operation screen 700a is an example of a third operation according to the present invention. In particular, the CPU 210a that executes step S203 of the saved job print control task is an example of a condition update unit according to the present invention.

[0133] As described above, the third embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment, but may be applied as a modified example of the second embodiment. In this case, although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, a step of updating the printing condition table 150 is provided instead of step S203 of the stored job print control task.

[0134] [Other application examples] The above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to aspects other than these embodiments.

[0135] For example, in each embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to confidential printing that requires user authentication, but the present invention can also be applied to job stored printing that does not require user authentication, i.e., which is not confidential printing.

[0136] Additionally, in each embodiment, the present invention is applied to the network system 10 (or 10a) including the multifunction device 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a network system (printing system) that includes an image forming device other than the multifunction device 20, such as a printer.

[0137] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus and a printing system including the image forming apparatus, but can also be provided in the form of a control program for the image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus.

[0138] In addition, the present invention can also be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium on which a control program for an image forming apparatus is recorded. In this case, the control program recorded on the recording medium is read by a computer of the image forming apparatus and executed by the computer, thereby realizing an image forming apparatus similar to the present invention. The recording medium referred to here includes disk-type media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and semiconductor-type media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards. In addition to portable media, device-embedded (built-in) media such as ROMs and hard disk drives can also be applied as the recording medium referred to here. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 10. Network system 20…Multifunction device 30...PC 40 ... Management server 60...IC card 202 …Card reader 206 ... Image forming section 210 ...Control unit 210a...CPU 212…Auxiliary storage unit 216...Operation display section 216a …Display 216b ... Touch panel

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including an operation receiving unit and a printing unit, a comparison means for comparing a setting content of the print job with a preset printing condition when a first operation for instructing execution of the print job stored in the storage means is accepted by the operation acceptance means; a print control unit that controls the print unit based on a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job, the predetermined information includes origin information indicating an origin of the print job, the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of an image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each of the generation source information; The print control means causes the print means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents when at least the setting contents satisfy the printing conditions for the generation source information related to the print job, and in addition, a warning output means for outputting a warning when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions; and a querying means for querying a user whether to proceed with execution of the print job when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions; the print control means, when a second operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means is accepted by the operation acceptance means, causes the printing means to execute the print job; the inquiry means inquires whether to proceed with execution of the print job and, in addition, whether to proceed with execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents; The printing control means, in response to a query by the query means, causes the printing means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents when the operation receiving means receives a third operation instructing the printing means to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with the execution of the print job.An image forming device.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the printing conditions for the origin information are configurable by a user associated with the origin information.

3. The predetermined information is stored in a portable storage medium, the operation receiving means includes information reading means capable of reading the predetermined information from the storage medium, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input operation of the predetermined information is an operation for making the information reading means read the predetermined information from the storage medium.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a condition update unit that updates the printing conditions based on the setting content when the third operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the storage means.

6. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and an external device comprising the storage means.

7. A control program for an image forming apparatus including an operation receiving unit and a printing unit, A computer of the image forming apparatus a verification step of verifying, when a first operation for instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage unit is accepted by the operation acceptance unit, a setting content related to the print job and a printing condition set in advance; a print control procedure for controlling the printing means based on a collation result by the collation procedure; the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job, the predetermined information includes origin information indicating an origin of the print job, the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of an image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each of the generation source information; In the print control procedure, when at least the setting contents satisfy the printing conditions for the generation source information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the printing means according to the setting contents, and in addition, a warning output step of outputting a warning when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions; and executing an inquiry procedure for inquiring of a user as to whether or not to proceed with execution of the print job if the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions; In the print control step, when a second operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job in response to the inquiry in the inquiry step is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the print job is executed by the printing means; the inquiry step inquires whether to proceed with the execution of the print job and, in addition, whether to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents; The printing control procedure is a control program for an image forming device that, when a third operation is accepted by the operation accepting means in response to an inquiry made by the inquiry procedure, instructs the printing means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents.

8. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including an operation receiving unit and a printing unit, comprising: a collation step of collating setting contents related to the print job with preset printing conditions when a first operation for instructing execution of the print job stored in the storage means is accepted by the operation acceptance means; a print control step of controlling the printing means based on a result of the comparison step, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job, the predetermined information includes origin information indicating an origin of the print job, the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of an image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each of the generation source information; In the print control step, when at least the setting contents satisfy the printing conditions for the generation source information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the printing means according to the setting contents, and a warning output step of outputting a warning when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions; and a query step of querying a user as to whether to proceed with execution of the print job when the setting content does not satisfy the printing conditions; In the print control step, when a second operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job in response to the inquiry in the inquiry step is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the print job is executed by the printing means; The inquiring step inquires whether to proceed with the execution of the print job and, in addition, whether to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with the execution of the print job; The printing control step is a control method for an image forming device, in which when a third operation is accepted by the operation accepting means in response to an inquiry made by the inquiry step, the third operation instructs the printing means to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with execution of the print job, the printing means executes the print job in accordance with the setting contents.

Images