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

Abstract

To effectively notify a user of existence of a printing job unconfirmed by the user without excess and deficiency, suppress troublesomeness due to excess notifications and improve usability, and enable the user to grasp the printing job only in the case where there exists the unconfirmed printing job.SOLUTION: An image formation device 111 manages whether or not job information is displayed for each held printing job (job notification flag 904), when there exists a printing job where the job information is not displayed (S1404, and S1406 to S1409), displays notification information for notifying the user that the printing job is stored, when there exists no printing job where the job information is not displayed, performs control that the notification information is not displayed (S1401 to S1409, S1413 to S1415 and Fig. 16).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that notifies a user of the existence of a print job stored in the image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For the purpose of improving security, there is an authentication print system that temporarily stores a print job input from a printer driver in a hard disk or the like in an image forming apparatus and prints the stored print job after the user authenticates it from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] There is also a print system that displays on the operation unit that a print job is stored in a hard disk or the like in the image forming apparatus and notifies the user of the existence of the print job. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for notifying a user that an unprinted job exists when the user uses an image forming apparatus and detects the existence of an unprinted job.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] While the technology described in Patent Document 1 allows users to be aware of the existence of unprinted jobs, they cannot determine whether these jobs are new. Therefore, to find out about new jobs, users must visually check the print job list to see if there are any new jobs, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, since Patent Document 1 notifies the user of the existence of unprinted jobs, the notification for print jobs that have already been checked continues to be displayed on the control panel. Since users are already aware of the existence of print jobs they have checked, the continued display of notifications for previously checked print jobs on the control panel can be annoying to the user.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The objective of this invention is to provide a mechanism that enables users to be notified effectively and appropriately of the existence of unconfirmed print jobs, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by excessive notifications and improving usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is an image forming apparatus having a display unit, comprising a storage means for storing print jobs, and the storage means Information regarding new print jobs stored in the storage device whose job information has not yet been displayed on the display unit, or information regarding unprinted print jobs stored in the storage means that have not yet been printed, will be displayed on the top screen. A notification means for displaying information, and the information stored in the storage means. The aforementioned Print job The aforementioned Job information is displayed on the display unit. Let Job display means and A setting means for setting whether to notify information about new jobs or information about unprinted jobs using the notification means, The notification means has, Based on the setting means being configured to notify about new jobs, information about new jobs is displayed on the top screen without notifying about unprinted jobs, and based on the setting means being configured to notify about unprinted jobs, information about unprinted jobs is displayed on the top screen without notifying about new jobs, and the top screen is a screen for selecting a function to use from a plurality of functions including copy function and scan function. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to effectively notify users of the existence of unconfirmed print jobs without excessive or insufficient notifications, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by excessive notifications and improving usability. As a result, users will only be aware that there are print jobs if there are unconfirmed print jobs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an information processing apparatus. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the software configuration of an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram when transmitting a print job from an information processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the data structure of a print job. [Figure 7] A flowchart for explaining job reception processing. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of job information. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of a saved job list. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of a user authentication screen in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] A flowchart for explaining screen display processing after user authentication. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of the top screen of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] A flowchart for explaining the registration / updating process of notification information. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of notification information of a job. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of a screen for specifying a job notification method and management information. [Figure 16] A flowchart for explaining the display process of notification information after successful user authentication. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of an authentication print screen. [Figure 18] A flowchart for explaining job list display processing on an authentication print screen. <� [Figure 19] A flowchart for explaining the printing process and deletion process of a job on an authentication print screen. [Figure 20] A flowchart for explaining another example of job list display processing on the authentication print screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a notification control method for notifying a user of the existence of a print job stored in an image forming apparatus will be described. In particular, a notification control method for notifying the user that there is a new job when the user has not confirmed the print job even once since it was stored in the image forming apparatus, and not notifying when it has been confirmed will be described. Note that parts that are not important in the present invention will be described only in outline and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 101 can be connected to a network (LAN 105). The image forming apparatus 111 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 101 via the LAN 105. The image forming apparatus 111 can print a print job received from the information processing apparatus 101. Note that the LAN 105 may be wired or wireless. Also, the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 111 only need to be communicably connected, and are not limited to a network, and may be communicably connected by USB, NFC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a general information processing apparatus, and shows the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 101 in FIG. 1. The CPU 201 performs information processing when controlling the information processing device. The RAM 202 provides the work area for the CPU 201. The auxiliary storage device 203 stores various control programs, specifically HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The CPU 201 performs various controls by loading the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 into RAM as needed and executing them.

[0013] The image display device 204 is used for the purpose of notifying the user of a message, and specifically includes a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, and the like. The user command input device 205 is for inputting user commands, and specifically includes a mouse, touch panel, keyboard, etc. The network interface card (NIC) 206 is used to exchange data with other network devices via LAN 220 (105 in Figure 1). The CPU 201, RAM 202, auxiliary storage device 203, image display device 204, user command input device 205, and NIC 206 are connected to the main bus 209.

[0014] Figure 3 shows an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 111. The CPU 301 performs information processing when controlling the image forming apparatus. The RAM 302 provides the work area for the CPU 301 and temporarily stores data. The auxiliary storage device 303 stores various control programs and data, and specifically includes an HDD, SSD, etc. In addition, the auxiliary storage device 303 is used for temporary data storage and as a substitute for the RAM 302.

[0015] The image display device 304 is a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, and is used to display the status of the image forming apparatus, error messages, etc. The user command input device (touch panel, etc.) 305 is for the user to operate, such as specifying the desired print job. NIC306 is used to exchange data bidirectionally with other network devices via LAN320 (105 in Figure 1).

[0016] The printing device 307 is used to print scanned image data and image data received from other network devices via the NIC 306 onto paper. The scanning unit (scanner) 308 scans a paper document placed on the document glass and generates black and white binary or color multi-level image data. The image data scanned by the scanning unit 308 can be printed by the printing device 307, or it can be stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 and printed at any time.

[0017] The DSU (Digital Service Unit) 310 is connected to the digital line 330 and is used for data transmission and reception. The Network Control Unit (NCU) 312 is connected to the analog line 340 and is used for opening and closing the line, controlling incoming and outgoing calls, and transmitting and receiving image data (analog). The modem 311 is responsible for modulating and demodulating the transmitted and received data. Timer 313 is responsible for time management.

[0018] Figure 4(a) shows an example of the software configuration of the information processing device 101. The software 400 is a software module that is implemented and functions when the CPU 201 reads and executes a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 or the like into the RAM 202 as needed.

[0019] The system software 400 includes an optional application 401 and a printer driver 402. An optional application 401 is, for example, a tool that allows users to create and edit images and documents using an input device 205 such as a pointing device or keyboard while viewing the image display device 204 of the information processing device 101. The printer driver 402 is software for converting images and documents created by an arbitrary application 401 into a format that the image forming apparatus 111 can interpret.

[0020] Figure 4(b) shows an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 111. The software 500 is a software module that is implemented and functions when the CPU 301 reads a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 into the RAM 302 and executes it.

[0021] The software 500 includes a job storage unit 501, a job management unit 502, a job display unit 503, a job notification unit 504, and a user authentication unit 505. The job storage unit 501 receives the print job 700 from the information processing device 101 via the NIC 306 and stores it as the print job 700 (Figure 6) in the auxiliary storage device 303.

[0022] The job management unit 502 analyzes the print jobs 700 submitted from the information processing device 101, stores them in the auxiliary storage device 303, and manages them. The job management unit 502 is also used when printing the print jobs stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 using the printing device 307. The job display unit 503 displays the print jobs stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 by the image forming apparatus 111 on the image display device 304.

[0023] The job notification unit 504 analyzes the print jobs stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 to determine if there is any information that should be notified to the user, and controls the display of the determined information on the image display device 304. The user authentication unit 505 is for identifying the user who will be using the image forming apparatus 111.

[0024] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the general processing of the information processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 111 when a user sends a print job from the information processing device 101 to the image forming apparatus 111. The information processing device 101 operates based on software 400, and the image forming apparatus 111 operates based on software 500.

[0025] The user issues a print command in an arbitrary application 401 (S601). In response, the information processing device 101 generates a print job 700 using the printer driver 402 from the data created by the arbitrary application 401 (S602). Next, the information processing device 101 transmits the print job 700 to the image forming apparatus 111 via the NIC 206 (S603). When the image forming apparatus 111 receives a print job 700, it stores the received print job 700 in the auxiliary storage device 303 (S604).

[0026] Figure 6 shows an example of a print job generated by the information processing device 101. In print job 700, the print job name 701 represents the name of the print job. The user ID 702 is used to identify the user who created the print job. The print settings 703 indicate print information such as single-sided / double-sided printing, number of copies, and color mode. The print data 704 consists of bitmaps, rectangular data, etc., and is used to generate image data for printing. The job management unit 502 of the image forming apparatus 111 can interpret the print job 700 and print the print data 704 using the printing device 307, applying the print settings 703.

[0027] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the process (S604 in Figure 5) in which the image forming apparatus 111 saves a print job 700 to the auxiliary storage device 303. This flowchart is realized when the CPU 301 reads a program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executes it.

[0028] When the job storage unit 501 receives the print job 700 (S802), it proceeds to processing in S803. In S803, the job storage unit 501 analyzes the print job 700 to obtain the print job name 701, user ID 702, print settings 703, and print data 704.

[0029] Next, in S810, the job storage unit 501 determines whether the analysis of the job in S803 was successful. If the analysis of the job in S803 fails (the result is No in S810), the job storage unit 501 cancels the job saving process and terminates the processing of this flowchart (S809). Failure to analyze the job in S803 may occur, for example, if the data of the received print job 700 is corrupted, or if the print data 704 included in the print job 700 is in an unsupported data format.

[0030] On the other hand, if the analysis of the job in S803 is successful (if the answer is Yes in S810), the job storage unit 501 proceeds to S804. In S804, the job storage unit 501 generates job information 900 as shown in Figure 8 from the analysis results of S803.

[0031] Next, the job storage unit 501 sets the printed flag 903 of the job information 900 to OFF (S805), sets the job notification flag 904 to ON (S806), and adds the job information 900 to the saved job list 1000 as shown in Figure 9 (S807). Next, in S808, the job storage unit 501 saves the print job 700 to the auxiliary storage device 303, and the processing of this flowchart ends (S809).

[0032] Figure 8 shows an example of job information 900. In job information 900, user ID 901 corresponds to user ID 702 included in print job 700. Print job name 902 corresponds to print job name 701 included in print job 700. Print setting 905 corresponds to print setting 703 included in print job 700.

[0033] The printed flag 903 indicates whether the print job 700 has been printed or not. In this embodiment, it is represented as ON if printed and OFF if not printed. In Figure 7, at the time the print job 700 is received, the printed flag 903 is OFF. In other words, the printed flag 903 makes it possible to identify print jobs that have already been printed. The job notification flag 904 is a flag used to determine whether or not to notify the user of the existence of a print job. In this embodiment, it is represented as ON if the user is to be notified, and OFF if the user is not to be notified. In Figure 7, at the time the print job 700 is received, the job notification flag 904 is ON. In other words, the job notification flag 904 makes it possible to identify print jobs that should be notified to the user (in this embodiment, print jobs that the user has not yet confirmed).

[0034] The save date and time 906 is the date and time information when the job storage unit 501 saved the print job 700 to the auxiliary storage device 303. The storage location 907 indicates the location where the print job 700 was saved by the job storage unit 501 to the auxiliary storage device 303.

[0035] Figure 9 shows an example of a saved job list, which is saved, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 303. The saved job list 1000 is data that manages the list of job information 900 generated when the job storage unit 501 saves a job to the auxiliary storage device 303.

[0036] In the saved job list 1000, user ID 1001 corresponds to user ID 901 in job information 900. Print job name 1002 corresponds to print job name 902 in job information 900. Printed flag 1003 corresponds to printed flag 903 in job information 900. Job notification flag 1004 corresponds to job notification flag 904 in job information 900. Print setting 1005 corresponds to print setting 905 in job information 900. Save date and time 1006 corresponds to save date and time 906 in job information 900. Storage location 1007 corresponds to storage location 907 in job information 900. In this embodiment, the saved job list 1000 manages saved jobs for all users, but it may also be configured to manage a saved job list for each user ID.

[0037] Figure 10 shows an example of a user authentication screen displayed by the software 500 of the image forming apparatus 111, and is displayed on the image display device 304. On the user authentication screen 1100, the user enters ID 1101 and password 1102 and presses the login button 1104 to request user authentication from the user authentication unit 505. The user authentication unit 505 performs user authentication based on the information entered on the user authentication screen 1100 and performs any processing according to the result of user authentication. A detailed explanation of the user authentication process itself is omitted.

[0038] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the image forming apparatus 111 based on the software 500 when user authentication using the user authentication screen 1100 is successful. The processing in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 301 reads the program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executes it.

[0039] Upon successful user authentication, the image forming apparatus 111 begins processing according to this flowchart (S1201). First, in S1202, the image forming apparatus 111 obtains authenticated user information from the user authentication unit 505 and identifies the authenticated user.

[0040] Next, in S1203, the job notification unit 504 performs the registration process for notification information as shown in Figure 13, which will be described later. Furthermore, in S1204, the job notification unit 504 displays the top screen 1300 as shown in Figure 12. Next, in S1206, the job notification unit 504 performs the display processing of the notification information shown in Figure 15(a), which will be described later, and terminates the processing of this flowchart (S1206).

[0041] Figure 12 shows an example of a top screen for operating the image forming apparatus 111, which is displayed on the image display device 304 of the image forming apparatus 111 when user authentication is successful on the user authentication screen 1100.

[0042] Function buttons 1301 to 1305 are buttons for using functions provided by the image forming apparatus 111. Button 1306 is used to instruct the user to switch screens when they want to display the top screen while any other screen is open.

[0043] The notification information display area 1308 is an area for displaying information to notify the user, and is used to notify the user of the existence of a print job or to display the history of executed jobs in a timeline. Notification 1307 shows an example of a notification when there is one new job in the authenticated print function.

[0044] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the process of registering or registering notification information 1500 that the job notification unit 504 notifies in the notification information display area 1308 (for example, S1203 in Figure 11). The process in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 reading a program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executing it.

[0045] When the notification information registration process is initiated (S1401), the processing of this flowchart begins. The notification information is the information to be displayed in the notification information display area 1308 in Figure 12, and the details will be explained in Figure 14 below. First, in S1402, the job notification unit 504 refers to the saved job list 1000 and obtains the job information of the logged-in user.

[0046] Next, in S1403, the job notification unit 504 initializes the variable N for repetitive processing to 1 and the number of notified jobs M to 0. Next, in S1404, the job notification unit 504 determines whether or not the Nth job information for the logged-in user obtained in S1402 exists. If the Nth job information for the logged-in user exists (if Yes in S1404), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to S1405.

[0047] In S1405, the job notification unit 504 determines whether the notification method 1700 is set to "notify new jobs". The notification method 1700 can be specified from a screen like the one shown in Figure 15(a) below, and details will be explained in Figures 15(a) and 15(b) below. If the notification method 1700 is "Notify of new jobs" (Yes in S1405), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to S1406. In S1406, the job notification unit 504 checks the job notification flag 1004 for the Nth job.

[0048] Next, in S1407, the job notification unit 504 determines whether the job notification flag 1004 for the Nth job, which was confirmed in S1406, is ON or OFF. If the job notification flag 1004 for the Nth job is OFF (No in S1407), the job notification unit 504 increments the variable N in the loop processing table (1409) and returns processing to S1404.

[0049] On the other hand, if the job notification flag 1004 for the Nth job is ON (Yes in S1407), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to S1408. In S1408, the job notification unit 504 increments the number of notified jobs M. Furthermore, in S1409, the job notification unit 504 increments the variable N in the repeating processing table and returns processing to S1404.

[0050] Furthermore, if the notification method 1700 is specified as "Notify unprinted jobs" (and the result is No in S1405), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to S1410. In S1410, the job notification unit 504 checks the printed flag 1003 for the Nth job.

[0051] Next, in S1411, the job notification unit 504 determines whether the printed flag 1003 for the Nth job, which was confirmed in S1410, is OFF or OFF. If the printed flag 1003 for the Nth job is ON (No in S1411), the job notification unit 504 increments the variable N in the repeating processing table (1409) and returns processing to S1404.

[0052] On the other hand, if the printed flag 1003 for the Nth job is OFF (Yes in S1411), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to S1412. In S1412, the job notification unit 504 increments the number of notified jobs M. Furthermore, in S1409, the job notification unit 504 increments the variable N in the repeating processing table and returns processing to S1404.

[0053] Furthermore, if there is no information for the Nth job (the result is No in S1404), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to S1413. In S1413, the job notification unit 504 determines whether the number of notified jobs M is 1 or greater. If the number of notified jobs M is 0 (No in S1413), the job notification unit 504 terminates the processing of this flowchart (S1415).

[0054] On the other hand, if the number of notification jobs M is 1 or more (if Yes in S1413), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to S1414. In S1414, the job notification unit 504 generates notification information 1500, registers or updates it in the system as notification information, and terminates the processing of this flowchart (S1415).

[0055] Figure 14 shows an example of notification information that the job notification unit 504 registers and updates in S1414 of Figure 13. In the notification information 1500, the notification title 1501 indicates the name of the function provided by the image forming apparatus 111 in this embodiment. The notification text 1502 indicates the information to be notified to the user. In the example shown in Figure 14, the notification title 1501 is "Authentication Print" and the notification text is "New job available. Number of jobs: 1". Notification information 1500 is information that the job notification unit 504 displays in the notification information display area 1308, and there may be multiple notification items.

[0056] Figure 15(a) shows an example of a notification method specification screen for specifying the type of notification that the job notification unit 504 will notify the user of. On the notification method selection screen 1600, radio button 1601 is a control for selecting "Notify of new jobs." Radio button 1602 is a control for selecting "Notify of unprinted jobs." Note that only one of radio buttons 1601 or 1602 can be selected.

[0057] When radio button 1601 is selected as "Notify of new jobs," the target of notifications by the job notification unit 504 is set to print jobs whose print job information has not yet been displayed. When radio button 1602 is selected as "Notify of unprinted jobs," the target of notifications by the job notification unit 504 is set to print jobs whose print job information has not yet been printed.

[0058] The close button 1603 is a control for closing the screen without reflecting the content specified on the notification method specification screen 1600. The OK button 1604 is a control for saving the content specified on the notification method specification screen 1600 as a notification method 1700 as shown in Figure 15(b) to the auxiliary storage device 303 or RAM 302 of the image forming apparatus 111. The notification method 1700 is to be accessible to the software 500 at any time.

[0059] Figure 15(b) shows an example of information for storing the notification method specified on the notification method specification screen 1600. Notification method 1700 stores and manages either "Notify of new jobs" or "Notify of unprinted jobs" as notification methods. Notification method 1700 can be specified from the notification method specification screen 1600, but one of these values ​​is assumed to be specified by default.

[0060] In this embodiment, when the notification method 1700 is set to "Notify of new jobs," the job notification unit 504 notifies the user of the existence of a print job if there is a print job 700 that has been saved but has not been checked by the user. In other words, it only notifies the user of the existence of print jobs that have not been checked by the user. Furthermore, if notification method 1700 is set to "Notify of unprinted jobs," the job notification unit 504 will notify the user of the existence of a print job if there is a print job 700 that has not been printed by the user since it was saved. In other words, it will only notify the user of the existence of print jobs that have not been printed by the user.

[0061] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the display process of notification information after successful user authentication (S1205 in Figure 11), as shown in Figure 11. The process in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 reading a program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executing it.

[0062] When the job notification unit 504 is instructed to display notification information, the processing described in this flowchart begins (S1801). First, in S1802, the job notification unit 504 obtains notification information 1500 for the logged-in user. The notification information 1500 is registered through the notification information registration process shown in Figure 13.

[0063] Next, in S1803, the job notification unit 504 determines whether or not there is notification information 1500. If there is no notification information 1500 (the result is No in S1803), the job notification unit 504 terminates the processing of this flowchart (S1805).

[0064] On the other hand, if there is notification information 1500 (if Yes in S1803), the job notification unit 504 proceeds to process S1804. In S1804, the job notification unit 504 displays the notification information 1500 in the notification information display area 1308 as shown in Figure 12, and terminates the processing of this flowchart (S1805).

[0065] Figure 17 shows an example of a screen for a user to use the authentication print function on the image forming apparatus 111. When a user presses the authentication print button 1305 or the notification 1307 in the notification information display area 1308 on the top screen 1300 as shown in Figure 12, the job display unit 503 displays the authentication print screen 1900.

[0066] On the authentication print screen 1900, the Unprinted tab 1901 is a control for displaying unprinted print jobs. The Printed tab 1902 is a control for displaying printed print jobs. The display area 1903 is an area that displays a scrollable list of print job information (job information) (area for displaying the job list). In the display area 1903, the user can view the entire list of job information by operating the scroll button 1910 to scroll the screen.

[0067] When the Unprinted tab 1901 is selected, the Job Display Unit 503 displays information in the display area 1903 of print jobs from the Saved Job List 1000 in which the logged-in user and user ID 1001 match and the Printed flag 1003 is OFF. When the Printed tab 1902 is selected, the Job Display Unit 503 displays information in the Display Area 1903 of print jobs from the Saved Job List 1000 in which the logged-in user and user ID 1001 match and the Printed flag 1003 is ON.

[0068] The delete button 1904 is used to delete the print job selected in the display area 1903. The print button 1905 is used to print the print job selected in the display area 1903.

[0069] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the process when the job display unit 503 displays the authentication print screen 1900. The process shown in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 301 reads a program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executes it.

[0070] When the user presses the authentication print button 1305 on the top screen 1300 or the notification 1307 in the notification information display area 1308, the processing of this flowchart begins (S2001).

[0071] First, in S2002, the job display unit 503 retrieves job information from the saved job list 1000 in which the logged-in user and user ID 1001 match. Next, in S2003, the job display unit 503 determines whether or not there is job information for the logged-in user. If there is no job information for the logged-in user (the result is No in S2003), the job display unit 503 terminates the processing of this flowchart (S2007).

[0072] On the other hand, if there is job information for the logged-in user (if the answer is Yes in S2003), the job display unit 503 proceeds to S2004. In S2004, the job display unit 503 displays job information in the display area 1903.

[0073] Next, in S2005, the job notification unit 504 overwrites the job notification flag 1004 of the job information displayed by the job display unit 503 to OFF. At this time, only the job notification flag 1004 of the job information that is visible to the user is turned OFF. That is, for job information that is only visible after scrolling the display area 1903 by operating the scroll button 1910, the job notification flag 1004 is turned OFF when it becomes visible through scrolling.

[0074] Next, in S2006, the job notification unit 504 performs the registration process of the notification information shown in Figure 13, and the processing of this flowchart ends (S2007).

[0075] As described above, by performing the notification information registration process in S2006, the job notification unit can manage the job notification information 1500 in its most up-to-date state. Here, we have shown an example where the job notification flag is turned OFF when the job information is displayed in the display area 1903, but it is also possible to configure the system to turn OFF the job notification flag when it is displayed on the top screen 1300 as in notification example 1307.

[0076] In S2005, only the job notification flag 1004 of the job information displayed in the display area 1903 was overwritten to OFF. However, it is also possible to configure the system to overwrite the job notification flag 1004 of all job information to OFF. In other words, even for job information that is not visible at the time of S2005 and only becomes visible after scrolling the display area 1903 by operating the scroll button 1910, the job notification flag 1004 may be turned OFF at the time of S2005. This process will be explained below using Figure 20.

[0077] [Other examples of job list display processing] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process when the job display unit 503 displays the authentication print screen 1900. The process in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 301 reads a program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executes it.

[0078] The process shown in Figure 20 is the same as that in Figure 18, with only S2305 replaced. The processes S2301-S2304 and S2306 are identical to S2001-S2004 and S2006 in Figure 18, so their explanation is omitted. In S2305, the job notification unit 504 overwrites the job notification flag 1004 of all job information for the logged-in user to OFF.

[0079] Figure 19(a) is a flowchart illustrating the process when a user selects a job on the authentication print screen 1900 and presses the print button 1905. The process shown in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 301 reads a program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executes it.

[0080] When the user selects a job on the authentication print screen 1900 and presses the print button 1905, the process in this flowchart begins (S2101). First, in S2102, the job management unit 502 prints the selected job using the printing device 307 of the image forming apparatus 111.

[0081] Next, in S2103, the job notification unit 504 turns ON the printed flag 1003 for the print job executed in S2102. Next, in S2105, the job notification unit 504 performs the registration process of the notification information shown in Figure 13, and the processing of this flowchart ends (S2105). As described above, by performing the notification information registration process in S2104, the job notification unit 504 can manage the job notification information 1500 in its most up-to-date state.

[0082] Figure 19(b) is a flowchart illustrating the process when a user selects a job on the authentication print screen 1900 and presses the delete button 1904. The process shown in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 301 reads a program corresponding to the software 500 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303, etc., into the RAM 302 and executes it.

[0083] When the user selects a job on the authentication print screen 1900 and presses the delete button 1904, the process in this flowchart begins (S2201). First, in S2202, the job management unit 502 deletes the selected job from the auxiliary storage device 303 of the image forming apparatus 111.

[0084] Next, in S2203, the job management unit 502 removes the job information of the job deleted in S2202 from the saved job list 1000. Next, in S2204, the job notification unit 504 performs the registration process of the notification information shown in Figure 13, and the processing of this flowchart ends (S2205). As described above, by performing the notification information registration process in S2204, the job notification unit can manage the job notification information 1500 in its most up-to-date state.

[0085] As a result, it is possible to notify the user of the existence of a new job only when there is a print job that has been stored in the image forming machine but has not yet been viewed by the user. Furthermore, by changing the notification conditions, it is also possible to notify the user of the existence of a job only when there is a print job that has been stored in the image forming machine but has not yet been printed by the user.

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, the user is notified of the existence of a print job only when the pending print job is in a new state and has not been checked by the user. This allows the pending print system to efficiently notify the user of the existence of pending print jobs. In other words, the user will only know that there are print jobs if there are unchecked print jobs. Thus, jobs that have been checked once are not displayed as notification information (notification 1307) even if they have not been printed, so the user does not have to check unnecessarily (duplicately), improving usability. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively notify users of the existence of unconfirmed print jobs without being excessive or insufficient, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by excessive notifications and improving usability.

[0087] It should be noted that the structure and content of the various data described above are not limited to those mentioned, and it goes without saying that they can be composed of various structures and contents depending on the use and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device. Furthermore, any configurations combining the above embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0088] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modified forms are included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 111 Image forming apparatus 501 Job Storage Unit 502 Job Management Department 503 Job display section 504 Job Notification Department 505 User Authentication Department

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a display unit, A means of saving print jobs, A notification means that displays on the top screen information about new print jobs stored in the storage means for which the job information of the print job has not yet been displayed on the display unit, or information about unprinted print jobs stored in the storage means for which printing has not yet been completed. A job display means for displaying the job information of the print job stored in the storage means on the display unit, The notification means includes a setting means for setting whether to notify information about new jobs or information about unprinted jobs, Based on the setting means being configured to notify information about new jobs, the notification means displays information about new jobs on the top screen without notifying information about unprinted jobs, and based on the setting means being configured to notify information about unprinted jobs, the notification means displays information about unprinted jobs on the top screen without notifying information about new jobs. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the top screen is a screen for selecting a function to use from a plurality of functions, including a copy function and a scan function.

2. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the information relating to new jobs includes the number of new jobs for which the job information has not been displayed so far, and the information relating to unprinted jobs includes the number of unprinted jobs.

3. The invention further comprises a management means for managing whether or not the job information has been displayed for each print job, The job display means displays the information of the print job in a scrollable list, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the management means manages the print job on which the print job information is displayed as a print job on which the job information is displayed.

4. The job display means displays the information of the print job in a scrollable list, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the management means manages the print jobs included in the list display as print jobs on which the job information is displayed.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the management means displays the job information for print jobs that have been printed.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the notification means displays information regarding new jobs or information regarding unprinted jobs for print jobs corresponding to the logged-in user.

7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the top screen is a screen that is displayed on the display unit when user authentication is successful.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the top screen includes a notification information display area, and the notification information display area displays information regarding new jobs or information regarding unprinted jobs.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification information display area displays history information of executed jobs.

10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the job display means displays job information, which is information about print jobs stored in the storage means, on the display unit based on the user operation selecting an object that displays information about new jobs or information about unprinted jobs.

11. A control method for an image forming apparatus having a display unit, A notification step of displaying on the top screen information about a new print job stored in the storage means for saving print jobs, the print job information of which has not yet been displayed on the display unit, or information about an unprinted print job stored in the storage means that has not yet been printed. A job display step of displaying the job information of the print job stored in the storage means on the display unit, The notification process includes a setting step to determine whether to notify information about new jobs or information about unprinted jobs, In the notification step, based on the setting step which configures the system to notify information about new jobs, information about unprinted jobs is displayed on the top screen without notifying information about unprinted jobs, and based on the setting step which configures the system to notify information about unprinted jobs, information about unprinted jobs is displayed on the top screen without notifying information about new jobs. The control method for an image forming apparatus is characterized in that the top screen is a screen on which the user selects a function to use from a plurality of functions, including a copy function and a scan function.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image forming apparatus described in claim 11.

Images