Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, program, and printed material delivery system

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus which can prevent stagnation of processing for delivering other printed matters caused by absence of a user instructing to deliver a printed matter.SOLUTION: When an image forming apparatus 100 receives a request of printing delivery processing from a user U1, the image forming apparatus performs printing processing to generate a printed matter and transmits a delivery instruction set with a delivery destination of the printed matter to an automatic delivery robot 300. The image forming apparatus 100 executes presence confirmation processing of the user U1. In the image forming apparatus 100, the user U1 transmits the delivery instruction set with the delivery destination to the automatic delivery robot 300 when the presence of the user U1 is confirmed, and a proxy of the user U1 transmits the delivery instruction set with the delivery destination to the automatic delivery robot 300 when the presence of the user U1 is not confirmed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0003] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus that performs printing processing to generate a printed matter according to a print instruction by a user is known. A user can give a print instruction to the image forming apparatus from a computer. When giving a print instruction to the image forming apparatus from a computer, the user has to go to pick up the printed matter at the image forming apparatus after giving the print instruction, which is troublesome. In order to reduce such trouble for the user, a printed matter delivery apparatus for delivering the printed matter has been developed. The printed matter delivery apparatus receives the printed matter generated by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus and delivers the received printed matter to a destination, for example, the seat of the user who gave the print instruction (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Because the print delivery device moves at a relatively slow speed, it takes some time from when a user places a print order until the printed materials are delivered to the user's seat. During this time, the user may leave their seat, and the print delivery device may not be able to complete the delivery. In such cases, for example, it is assumed that the printed materials will be handed over to an agent. However, if the device moves to the user's seat, confirms the user's absence, and then begins moving to the agent, it will take a considerable amount of time to complete the delivery of the printed materials, during which time it will be impossible to accept processing for the delivery of other printed materials. In other words, conventionally, the absence of the user who ordered the delivery of printed materials causes a problem in the processing of other printed materials.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, a program, and a printed material delivery system that can prevent delays in the delivery of other printed materials due to the absence of the user who instructed the delivery of printed materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that generates printed material by performing printing processing according to instructions received from an information processing device operated by a user, and transmits a delivery instruction to a printed material delivery device in which the delivery destination of the printed material has been set, comprising: means for performing an attendance confirmation process to confirm the presence status of the user; and means for transmitting a delivery instruction set by the user to the printed material delivery device if the user's presence is confirmed, and for transmitting a delivery instruction set by the user to the printed material delivery device if the user's presence is not confirmed, and a proxy for the user to transmit a delivery instruction set to the delivery destination to the printed material delivery device. If a user other than the aforementioned user is set as the delivery destination, means for notifying the user of information indicating the delivery destination, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent delays in the delivery of other printed materials due to the absence of the user who instructed the delivery of printed materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the network configuration of a printed material delivery system including an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the arrangement of the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an external view of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the automated delivery robot. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is an external view of the automated delivery robot. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the storage box. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is an external view of the storage box. [Figure 9] Figure 2 shows an example of a settings screen displayed on the PC's display. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of how the settings screen looks when the checkbox is checked. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the procedure for the delivery control process performed in the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 2 shows an example of the presence confirmation screen displayed on the PC's display unit. [Figure 13] Figure 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the PC display to confirm whether or not the item can be received. [Figure 14] Figure 2 shows an example of the "Proxy Receipt Complete" screen displayed on the PC's display. [Figure 15] Figure 2 shows an example of the storage completion screen displayed on the PC's display unit. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows the steps of the delivery process performed by the automated delivery robot shown in Figure 1. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows the procedure for storing printed materials in the storage box shown in Figure 1. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of unlocking control processing in the storage BOX of FIG. 1. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing another procedure of delivery control processing executed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of an attendance confirmation screen displayed on the display unit of the PC in FIG. 2. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of an authentication code screen displayed on the display unit of the PC in FIG. 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a printed matter delivery system including an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the printed matter delivery system includes an image forming apparatus 100, a PC 200, and an automatic delivery robot 300 as a printed matter delivery apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a network 500. A PC (Personal Computer) 200 is also connected to the network 500. The image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with the PC 200 via the network 500. In FIG. 1, as an example, a configuration in which one PC 200 is connected to the network 500 is shown. However, in the present embodiment, assuming use in an office as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of PCs are connected to the network 500. An access point AP is further connected to the network 500. The image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with devices wirelessly LAN-connected via the access point AP. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with an automatic delivery robot 300 and a storage BOX 400 having a wireless LAN function.

[0011] Figure 2 shows an example of the layout of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, one image forming apparatus 100, one automated delivery robot 300, and one storage box 400 are arranged. Also in Figure 2, each user is assigned a different PC; for example, user U1 uses PC201, which has the same functions and configuration as PC200, and user U2 uses PC202, which has the same functions and configuration as PC200. All PCs are connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 500. The image forming apparatus 100 is also connected to the automated delivery robot 300 and the storage box 400 via a wireless LAN network.

[0012] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with multiple functions such as printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. The image forming apparatus 100 performs printing processing based on instructions received from the PC 200 to produce printed materials and delivers these printed materials to the automated delivery robot 300. The image forming apparatus 100 also transmits information regarding the delivery destination of the printed materials and authentication information to be used when receiving the printed materials to the automated delivery robot 300. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the delivery status of the printed materials from the storage box 400.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0014] In Figure 3, the image forming apparatus 100 comprises a control unit 101, an operation panel 102, a reading unit 103, a printing processing unit 104, a card reader unit 105, a LAN interface unit 107, a WLAN interface unit 108, and a storage device 109. The control unit 101, the operation panel 102, the reading unit 103, the printing processing unit 104, the card reader unit 105, and the storage device 109 are connected to each other via a bus 106.

[0015] The control unit 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 101 includes a CPU 101a and a memory 101b. The CPU 101a reads and executes a program 109a stored in the storage device 109. The memory 101b stores temporary data and the like generated when the CPU 101a executes the program 109a.

[0016] The control panel 102 is a user interface and accepts operation instructions from the user. The control panel 102 is composed of an LCD panel or the like. The control panel 102 includes a display unit 102a that displays various information, and an operation input unit 102b that accepts operation instructions from the user by detecting operations on the display unit 102a.

[0017] The reading unit 103 reads an image from a document and generates image data. The printing processing unit 104 performs printing based on the image data generated by the reading unit 103 and produces a printed document. The card reader unit 105 reads a card for user authentication. The LAN interface unit 107 is an interface for connecting to a wired network and communicating with external devices. The WLAN interface unit 108 is an interface for connecting to a wireless network and communicating with external devices. The storage device 109 stores programs 109a, image data, setting information, etc. The storage device 109 also includes a user folder 109b for storing print data used in the printing process.

[0018] Next, the configuration of the automated delivery robot 300 will be described. The automated delivery robot 300 receives printed materials from the image forming apparatus 100, stores these printed materials in the collection unit 306 (described later), and delivers the printed materials from the image forming apparatus 100 to the designated delivery destination.

[0019] Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the automated delivery robot 300 shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is an external view of the automated delivery robot 300 shown in Figure 1.

[0020] In Figure 5, the automated delivery robot 300 consists of a delivery robot control unit 301 that controls the operation of the automated delivery robot 300, and a vehicle unit 302 that moves to a designated location based on pre-stored map information.

[0021] The delivery robot control unit 301 comprises a control unit 303, an operation panel 304, a vehicle interface unit 305, a collection unit 306, and a discharge unit 307. These are connected to each other via a bus 309. Furthermore, the delivery robot control unit 301 includes a WLAN interface unit 308 for connecting to a wireless network and communicating with external devices.

[0022] The control unit 303 controls the operation of the delivery robot control unit 301. The control unit 303 includes a CPU 303a, RAM 303b, and ROM 303c. The CPU 303a reads and executes the program stored in ROM 303c. RAM 303b stores temporary data generated by the CPU 303a executing the program. ROM 303c stores the operation program of the delivery robot control unit 301.

[0023] The control panel 304 is a user interface and accepts operation instructions from the user. The control panel 304 is composed of an LCD panel or the like. The control panel 304 includes a display unit 304a that displays various information, and an operation input unit 304b that accepts operation instructions from the user by detecting operations on the display unit 304a.

[0024] The vehicle I / F unit 305 is an interface for communicating with the vehicle unit 302. The collection unit 306 has a locking function and stores printed materials received from the image forming apparatus 100. The discharge unit 307 discharges the printed materials stored in the collection unit 306 to the outside. In this embodiment, when an authentication code corresponding to the printed materials stored in the collection unit 306 is entered into the operation panel 304, the user can retrieve the printed materials from the collection unit 306.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the storage box 400 will be described. The storage box 400 is for the secure storage of printed materials and is equipped with a locking function. The storage box 400 locks when printed materials are stored inside, and an authentication code must be entered to retrieve the stored printed materials.

[0026] Figure 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the storage box 400 in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an external view of the storage box 400 in Figure 1. In Figure 7, the storage box 400 comprises a control unit 401, an operation panel 402, a storage unit 404, and a sensor unit 405. These are connected to each other via a bus 406. Furthermore, the storage box 400 includes a WLAN-I / F unit 403 for connecting to a wireless network and communicating with external devices.

[0027] The control unit 401 controls the operation of the storage box 400. The control unit 401 includes a CPU 401a, RAM 401b, and ROM 401c. The CPU 401a reads and executes the program stored in ROM 401c. RAM 401b stores temporary data, etc., generated by the execution of the program by the CPU 401a. ROM 401c stores the operation program of the storage box 400, etc.

[0028] The control panel 402 is a user interface and accepts operation instructions from the user. The control panel 402 is composed of an LCD panel or the like. The control panel 402 includes a display unit 402a that displays various information, and an operation input unit 402b that accepts operation instructions from the user by detecting operations on the display unit 402a. The storage unit 404 stores printed materials and has a locking function. The sensor unit 405 detects whether or not printed materials are stored in the storage unit 404.

[0029] Next, we will explain how a user can request print delivery processing from the image forming apparatus 100 using a PC. In print delivery processing, the image forming apparatus 100 performs printing processing based on the print data received from the PC to generate printed materials, and the automated delivery robot 300 delivers these printed materials to a specified delivery destination, for example, the source of the print delivery processing request. Here, as an example, we will explain the case where a print delivery processing request is made from PC 201 to the image forming apparatus 100 to generate printed materials created by user U1 and deliver the printed materials to user U1's seat.

[0030] User U1 starts the printer driver (not shown) for the image forming apparatus 100 on PC201 and configures the print delivery process. Figure 9 shows an example of the settings screen 900 displayed on the display unit of PC201 in Figure 2. The settings screen 900 is displayed on the display unit of PC201 when the above printer driver is started on PC201. The settings screen 900 is a screen for issuing instructions to execute the print delivery process. In the print category of the settings screen 900, settings related to printing such as paper size, whether or not to use staples, and color / black and white settings are set. The number of copies to print is also set in the print category of the settings screen 900.

[0031] When requesting delivery of printed materials by the automated delivery robot 300, user U1 checks the checkbox CB1 in the delivery category on the settings screen 900. When checkbox CB1 is checked, additional delivery-related settings are displayed in the delivery category, as shown in Figure 10. User U1 enters the authentication code required when receiving the printed materials into the input field IB2. If user U1 is certain that they will receive the delivered printed materials, they can request delivery of the printed materials by setting only the authentication code. In this embodiment, user U1 can also designate a recipient to receive the delivered printed materials on their behalf. Specifically, user U1 selects "Yes" from the agent setting pull-down menu SL1 in the delivery category. User U1 also selects the name of the recipient from the agent designation pull-down menu SL2 in the delivery category. The agent designation pull-down menu SL2 displays pre-configured names. When the name of the recipient is selected in the agent designation pull-down menu SL2, the email address of the selected agent is displayed in the display field SL3.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the receiving agent may also be absent, the storage box 400 can be used. If "Yes" is selected in the pull-down menu SL4 in the delivery category, the printed materials will be stored in the storage box 400 if both user U1 and the receiving agent are absent. In addition, a notification indicating the location of the storage box 400 will be sent from the image forming apparatus 100 to user U1's PC 201. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which agent settings, agent designation, and delivery box settings are selected from pull-down menus has been described, but a configuration in which the user directly inputs these settings is also possible.

[0033] When user U1 completes the settings on the settings screen 900 and selects the OK button, PC201 generates print data for the print delivery process based on the settings set on the settings screen 900 and sends this print data to the image forming apparatus 100. In this way, a request for print delivery processing is made.

[0034] Furthermore, after sending print data to the image forming apparatus 100, the printer driver of PC201 periodically polls the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 uses the polling by the printer driver of PC201 to perform, for example, user presence confirmation processing and user acceptance confirmation processing, which will be described later.

[0035] The CPU 101a of the image forming apparatus 100, upon receiving print data from PC201 for print delivery processing, temporarily stores the received print data in the user folder 109b in the storage device 109. Subsequently, the CPU 101a reads the print data stored in the user folder 109b into memory 101b, converts the print data into image data, and outputs this image data to the print processing unit 104. The print processing unit 104 prints the received image data onto paper. Once the generation of all printed materials related to the received print data is complete, the CPU 101a communicates with the automatic delivery robot 300 via the WLAN-I / F unit 108 and executes the delivery control process shown in Figure 11.

[0036] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the delivery control process performed in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. The delivery control process in Figure 11 is realized when the CPU 101a reads the program 109a stored in the storage device 109 into memory 101b and executes it. The delivery control process in Figure 11 is executed when the generation of all printed materials related to the received print data is completed. In Figure 11, as an example, the process is based on a request received from user U1.

[0037] In Figure 11, the CPU 101a hands over the generated printout to the automated delivery robot 300 (step S1101). Next, the CPU 101a controls the WLAN-I / F unit 108 to notify the automated delivery robot 300 of the authentication code (code information) (step S1102). This authentication code is the authentication code entered in the input field IB2 of the setting screen 900 when requesting the print delivery process. Next, the CPU 101a clears the NG receipt flag (step S1103). Specifically, the CPU 101a sets the NG receipt flag bit in memory 101b to "0". The NG receipt flag is history information that records that the printout was delivered to the seat of user U1, the requester of the print delivery process, but the delivery of the printout was not completed.

[0038] Next, the CPU 101a performs an attendance confirmation process to check the attendance status of user U1 (step S1104). Specifically, the CPU 101a sends a display instruction to user U1's PC 201 to show the attendance confirmation screen. Upon receiving this instruction, the PC 201 displays, for example, the attendance confirmation screen PD1 shown in Figure 12 on its display unit. The attendance confirmation screen PD1 is a pop-up screen. The attendance confirmation screen PD1 displays an attendance button PB1 blinking. When user U1 selects the attendance button PB1, the PC 201 sends an attendance confirmation notification to the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that user U1 is present. As mentioned above, the attendance confirmation process for user U1 in step S1104 is performed using polling by the PC 201's printer driver.

[0039] Next, the CPU 101a determines whether or not user U1's presence has been confirmed within a certain period of time (step S1105). In step S1105, for example, if a presence confirmation notification is received from the image forming apparatus 100 between the completion of print production and the elapsed of a predetermined time, the CPU 101a determines that user U1's presence has been confirmed within a certain period of time. On the other hand, if no presence confirmation notification is received from the image forming apparatus 100 between the completion of print production and the elapsed of a predetermined time, the CPU 101a determines that user U1's presence has not been confirmed within a certain period of time. If, in step S1105, it is determined that user U1's presence has been confirmed within a certain period of time, the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0040] In step S1106, the CPU 101a sends a delivery instruction to the automated delivery robot 300, which is set as the delivery destination for user U1. This delivery instruction includes delivery destination information such as information indicating user U1 as the delivery destination and information indicating the location of user U1's seat. This delivery instruction also includes an authentication code required when receiving the printed materials. Upon receiving this delivery instruction, the automated delivery robot 300 performs the delivery process shown in Figure 16, which will be described later. When the automated delivery robot 300 arrives at the set delivery destination, it sends a destination arrival notification to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0041] CPU 101a waits until it receives a destination arrival notification from the automated delivery robot 300. Upon receiving the destination arrival notification from the automated delivery robot 300 (YES in step S1107), CPU 101a performs a check to confirm whether user U1 is able to receive the printed materials (step S1108). Specifically, CPU 101a sends an instruction to PC 201 to display the check to confirm the availability of When user U1 selects button PB2, PC201 sends a notification to the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that user U1 is able to receive the printed material. The confirmation process of whether user U1 is able to receive the material in step S1108 is also performed using polling by the printer driver of PC201.

[0042] CPU 101a determines whether or not it has received a notification that it is ready to receive from PC 201 (step S1109). If it is determined in step S1109 that it has received a notification that it is ready to receive from PC 201, the process proceeds to step S1112, which will be described later. If it is determined in step S1109 that it has not received a notification that it is ready to receive from PC 201, CPU 101a waits for a predetermined period of time (step S1110). Next, CPU 101a determines whether or not it has received a notification that it is ready to receive from PC 201 (step S1111). If it is determined in step S1111 that it has received a notification that it is ready to receive from PC 201, the process proceeds to step S1112.

[0043] In step S1112, the CPU 101a instructs the automated delivery robot 300 to hand over the printed materials to user U1. Next, the CPU 101a waits until it receives a delivery completion notification from the automated delivery robot 300 indicating that the delivery of the printed materials has been completed. When the delivery completion notification is received from the automated delivery robot 300 (YES in step S1113), this process ends.

[0044] In step S1111, if it is determined that no notification of readiness for delivery has been received from PC201, CPU101a determines whether the delivery NG flag is ON or OFF (step S1114). In this embodiment, if the delivery of printed materials has been made to the seat of user U1, the requester of the print delivery process, but the delivery of the printed materials has not been completed, the delivery NG flag bit in memory 101b is set to "1". In step S1114, if the delivery NG flag bit in memory 101b is set to "1", CPU101a determines that the delivery NG flag is ON. On the other hand, if the delivery NG flag bit in memory 101b is not set to "1", but for example to "0", CPU101a determines that the delivery NG flag is not ON.

[0045] In step S1114, if the NG receiving flag is not ON, CPU 101a sets the NG receiving flag to ON (step S1115). Specifically, CPU 101a sets the NG receiving flag bit in memory 101b to "1". The process then proceeds to step S1116, which will be described later.

[0046] In step S1105, if it is determined that user U1's presence cannot be confirmed within a certain period of time, the CPU 101a sends an email to the designated receiving agent, for example, user U2's PC 202 (step S1116). The email includes a notification indicating that user U2 has been designated as the receiving agent for the printed materials, and an authentication code required for receiving the materials. When user U2 clicks on the link provided in the email, the printer driver on PC 202 starts, and communication between the printer driver and the image forming apparatus 100 via polling begins. Next, the CPU 101a performs a presence confirmation process for user U2, the receiving agent, in the same manner as described in step S1104 (step S1117). When user U2 selects the presence button PB1 on the presence confirmation screen PD1 displayed on the PC 202's display unit, PC 202 sends a presence confirmation notification to the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that user U2 is present. Thus, in this embodiment, if the presence of user U1, the requester of the print delivery process, cannot be confirmed, the presence confirmation process for user U2, the receiving agent, is executed. This prevents the unnecessary presence confirmation screen PD1 from being displayed on the display of user U2's PC202 even though user U1, the requester of the print delivery process, is present.

[0047] Next, CPU 101a determines, in the same manner as in step S1105, whether or not user U2's presence was confirmed within a certain period of time (step S1118). If it is determined in step S1118 that user U2's presence was confirmed within a certain period of time, the process proceeds to step S1119.

[0048] In step S1119, the CPU 101a sends a delivery instruction to the automated delivery robot 300, where user U2, the recipient agent, is set as the delivery destination. This delivery instruction includes delivery destination information such as information indicating user U2 as the delivery destination and information indicating the location of user U2's seat. This delivery instruction also includes an authentication code required when receiving the printed materials. Upon receiving this delivery instruction, the automated delivery robot 300 performs the delivery process shown in Figure 16, which will be described later. When the automated delivery robot 300 arrives at the set delivery destination, it sends a destination arrival notification to the image forming apparatus 100. Next, the CPU 101a determines whether user U1, the requester of the print delivery process, is present (step S1120). In step S1120, if the CPU 101a receives a presence confirmation notification from user U1's PC 201, it determines that user U1 is present. On the other hand, if CPU 101a does not receive a presence confirmation notification from user U1's PC 201, it determines that user U1 is not present.

[0049] In step S1120, if it is determined that user U1 is present, the CPU 101a determines whether the "receiving NG" flag is ON or OFF (step S1121). In step S1121, if it is determined that the "receiving NG" flag is NOT ON, the CPU 101a determines that user U1, who was away from their desk, has returned and changes the delivery destination from the receiving agent to user U1 (step S1122). The CPU 101a sends a delivery instruction with the delivery destination changed to user U1 to the automated delivery robot 300. Thus, in this embodiment, if user U1's presence is confirmed between the time the receiving agent is set as the delivery destination and the time the printed materials are delivered to the receiving agent, the delivery destination is changed from the receiving agent to user U1. By controlling it in this way, the printed materials can be delivered to user U1, the requester of the print delivery process, whenever possible.

[0050] If, in step S1121, the receiving NG flag is determined to be ON, or in step S1120, the user U1 is determined to be absent, the CPU 101a waits until it receives a destination arrival notification from the automated delivery robot 300. When the destination arrival notification is received from the automated delivery robot 300 (YES in step S1123), the CPU 101a performs a confirmation process to determine whether the receiving agent can receive the package (step S1124). Specifically, the CPU 101a sends an instruction to the PC 202 to display the receiving agent confirmation screen described above. Upon receiving this instruction, the PC 202 displays the receiving agent confirmation screen PD2 on its display unit. When user U2 selects button PB2 on the receiving agent confirmation screen PD2, the PC 202 sends a receiving-ready notification to the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that user U2 can receive the printed materials. The receiving agent confirmation process in step S1124 is performed using polling by the PC 202's printer driver.

[0051] Next, CPU 101a determines whether or not it has received a notification that the PC 202 is ready to receive (step S1125). If it is determined in step S1125 that it has received a notification that the PC 202 is ready to receive, the process proceeds to step S1128, which will be described later. If it is determined in step S1125 that it has not received a notification that the PC 202 is ready to receive, CPU 101a waits for a predetermined period of time (step S1126). Next, CPU 101a determines whether or not it has received a notification that the PC 202 is ready to receive (step S1127). If it is determined in step S1127 that it has received a notification that the PC 202 is ready to receive, the process proceeds to step S1128.

[0052] In step S1128, CPU 101a instructs the automated delivery robot 300 to hand over the printed materials to user U2, who is the receiving agent. Next, CPU 101a waits until it receives a delivery completion notification from the automated delivery robot 300. When it receives the delivery completion notification from the automated delivery robot 300 (YES in step S1129), CPU 101a sends an instruction to user U1's PC 201 to display the agent receiving completion screen (step S1130). Upon receiving this instruction, PC 201 displays the agent receiving completion screen PD3 shown in Figure 14 on its display unit. The agent receiving completion screen PD3 is a pop-up screen. The agent receiving completion screen PD3 displays a notification indicating that the receiving agent has received the printed materials. Preferably, the agent receiving completion screen PD3 displays information that can identify the receiving agent, such as the receiving agent's name. This allows user U1, who requested the print delivery process, to be notified that the receiving agent has received the printed materials. After this, the process ends.

[0053] In step S1127, if it is determined that no notification of readiness for delivery has been received from PC202, CPU101a sends a delivery instruction to the automated delivery robot 300 with the delivery destination set to storage BOX 400 (step S1131). This delivery instruction includes delivery destination information such as information indicating the storage BOX 400 set as the delivery destination and information indicating the location of storage BOX 400. Furthermore, this delivery instruction also includes an authentication code required when receiving the printed materials. Also, if it is determined in step S1118 that user U2's presence cannot be confirmed within a certain period of time, the process proceeds to step S1131. Thus, in this embodiment, storage BOX 400 is set as the delivery destination when neither user U1 nor user U2's presence can be confirmed. This prevents delays in the delivery of other printed materials due to the absence of both the requester and the recipient agent, while allowing the printed materials to be stored in storage BOX 400.

[0054] Furthermore, if the "Receipt NG" flag is ON in step S1114, the process proceeds to step S1131. In this embodiment, if the printed materials are delivered to the seat of user U1, who requested the print delivery process, but the handover of the printed materials is not completed, the storage box 400 is set as the delivery destination. This prevents the automated delivery robot 300, which failed to complete the handover of the printed materials, from continuing to hold onto the printed materials indefinitely, and during that time being unable to accept processing for the delivery of other printed materials.

[0055] Next, the CPU 101a waits until it receives a storage completion notification from the automated delivery robot 300 indicating that the printed materials have been stored in the storage section 404 of the storage box 400. When the storage completion notification is received from the automated delivery robot 300 (YES in step S1132), the process proceeds to step S1133. In step S1133, the CPU 101a controls the WLAN-I / F unit 108 to notify the storage box 400 of an authentication code which will be the unlock code, and instructs it to lock the storage section 404. In this embodiment, whether or not to lock the storage section 404 is controlled based on instructions from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0056] Next, the CPU 101a sends a command to user U1's PC 201 to display the storage completion screen (step S1134). Upon receiving this command, PC 201 displays the storage completion screen PD4 shown in Figure 15 on its display unit. The storage completion screen PD4 is also a pop-up screen. The storage completion screen PD4 displays a notification PB6 indicating that the storage of the printed materials in the storage box 400 is complete, and an authentication code PB7 which is the unlock code. Furthermore, the storage completion screen PD4 displays a receipt confirmation button PB8, which is selected when user U1 receives the printed materials from the storage box 400. When user U1 selects the receipt confirmation button PB8, PC 201 sends a receipt completion notification to the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that user U1 has received the printed materials. The CPU 101a waits until it receives the receipt completion notification from PC 201. When it receives the receipt completion notification from PC 201 (step S1135), this process ends.

[0057] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the delivery process performed by the automated delivery robot 300 in Figure 1. The delivery process in Figure 16 is realized when the CPU 303a reads the program stored in the ROM 303c into the RAM 303b and executes it.

[0058] In Figure 16, first, the CPU 303a waits until it receives the printed material from the image forming apparatus 100. When the printed material is received from the image forming apparatus 100 (YES in step S1601), the CPU 303a stores the printed material in the collection unit 306 and locks the collection unit 306 so that the printed material cannot be retrieved (step S1602). The unlocking code for the collection unit 306 is the authentication code notified by the image forming apparatus 100 in step S1102. Next, the CPU 303a receives a delivery instruction from the image forming apparatus 100 via the WLAN-I / F unit 308 (step S1603).

[0059] Next, the CPU 303a starts moving to the delivery destination set in the delivery instruction acquired in step S1603 (step S1604). When it arrives at the destination delivery destination (YES in step S1605), the CPU 303a sends a destination arrival notification to the image forming apparatus 100 via the WLAN-I / F unit 308 to indicate that it has arrived at the destination (step S1606). Next, the CPU 303a determines whether or not the delivery destination is the storage box 400 (step S1607).

[0060] In step S1607, if it is determined that the delivery destination is not the storage box 400, the CPU 303a determines whether or not it has detected an operation of the operation input unit 304b within a certain time after arriving at the destination (step S1608). In step S1608, if it is determined that no operation of the operation input unit 304b has been detected within a certain time after arriving at the destination, the CPU 303a notifies the image forming apparatus 100 that the recipient has not appeared even after a certain time has elapsed (step S1609). After that, the process returns to step S1603.

[0061] In step S1608, if it is determined that an operation of the operation input unit 304b has been detected within a certain time after arriving at the destination, the CPU 303a waits until an unlocking code matching the authentication code included in the delivery instructions received in step S1603 is entered into the operation input unit 304b. When an unlocking code matching the authentication code is entered into the operation input unit 304b (YES in step S1610), the CPU 303a unlocks the collection unit 306 so that the printed material can be retrieved (step S1611). Next, the CPU 303a sends a delivery completion notification to the image forming apparatus 100 (step S1612). Then, the CPU 303a returns to the location of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S1613) and terminates this process.

[0062] In step S1607, if it is determined that the delivery destination is the storage box 400, the CPU 303a uses the discharge unit 307 to store the printed material in the storage box 400 (step S1614), and terminates this process.

[0063] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure for storing printed materials in the storage box 400 shown in Figure 1. The printed material storage process in Figure 17 is realized when the CPU 401a reads the program stored in the ROM 401c into the RAM 401b and executes it. The printed material storage process in Figure 17 is executed when printed materials are received from the automated delivery robot 300.

[0064] In Figure 17, the CPU 401a uses the sensor unit 405 to determine whether or not a printed document has been stored in the storage unit 404 (step S1701). If it is determined in step S1701 that no printed document has been stored in the storage unit 404, the process remains at step S1701. If it is determined in step S1701 that a printed document has been stored in the storage unit 404, the process proceeds to step S1702. In step S1702, the CPU 401a sends a storage completion notification to the image forming apparatus 100 via the WLAN-I / F unit 403. Next, the CPU 401a waits until it receives an authentication code from the image forming apparatus 100. When the image forming apparatus 100 sends an authentication code (YES in step S1703), the CPU 401a stores this authentication code in the RAM 401b as an unlock code and locks the storage unit 404 based on this authentication code (step S1704). After that, the process ends.

[0065] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the unlocking control process in the storage box 400 of Figure 1. The unlocking control process in Figure 18 is realized by the CPU 401a reading the program stored in ROM 401c into RAM 401b and executing it. The unlocking control process in Figure 18 assumes that the print material storage process described above has been executed and the print material has been stored in the storage unit 404.

[0066] In Figure 18, the CPU 401a determines whether or not an unlocking code has been entered into the operation input unit 402b (step S1801). If it is determined in step S1801 that no unlocking code has been entered into the operation input unit 402b, the process remains at step S1801. If it is determined in step S1801 that an unlocking code has been entered into the operation input unit 402b, the process proceeds to step S1802. In step S1802, the CPU 401a determines whether or not the entered unlocking code matches the authentication code stored in RAM 401b (step S1802). If it is determined in step S1802 that the entered unlocking code does not match the authentication code stored in RAM 401b, the process remains at step S1802. If it is determined in step S1802 that the entered unlocking code matches the authentication code stored in RAM 401b, the process proceeds to step S1803.

[0067] In step S1803, the CPU 401a unlocks the storage unit 404. This allows the user who has entered the unlocking code into the operation input unit 402b to retrieve the printed material from the storage unit 404. Next, the CPU 401a uses the sensor unit 405 to determine whether or not the printed material has been retrieved from the storage unit 404 (step S1804). If it is determined in step S1804 that the printed material has not been retrieved from the storage unit 404, the process remains at step S1804. If it is determined in step S1804 that the printed material has been retrieved from the storage unit 404, the process proceeds to step S1805. In step S1805, the CPU 401a sends a receipt completion notification to the image forming apparatus 100 via the WLAN-I / F unit 403 (step S1805), and the process ends.

[0068] According to the embodiment described above, a process to confirm the presence of user U1, who is the requester for the print delivery process, is executed. If user U1's presence is confirmed, a delivery instruction with user U1 as the delivery destination is sent to the automated delivery robot 300. If user U1's presence is not confirmed, a delivery instruction with a receiving agent acting on behalf of user U1 as the delivery destination is sent to the automated delivery robot 300. In other words, in this embodiment, user U1's presence is confirmed before the delivery instruction is sent to the automated delivery robot 300, and a delivery instruction with user U1 as the delivery destination, who is not confirmed to be present, is not sent to the automated delivery robot 300. This prevents the automated delivery robot 300 from making unnecessary movements to the seat of user U1, who is not confirmed to be present, and thereby prevents delays in the delivery of other printed materials due to user U1's absence.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the notification of the authentication code to the receiving agent may be done via a pop-up screen instead of by email in step S1116.

[0070] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the delivery control process performed in the image forming apparatus 100 of Figure 1. The delivery control process in Figure 19 is similar to the delivery control process in Figure 11, and here we will explain the differences from the delivery control process in Figure 11 in particular. The delivery control process in Figure 19, like the delivery control process in Figure 11, is realized by the CPU 101a reading the program 109a stored in the storage device 109 into memory 101b and executing it. Also, the delivery control process in Figure 19, like the delivery control process in Figure 11, is executed when the generation of all printed materials related to the received print data is completed. In Figure 19, as an example, we will assume that the process is based on a request received from user U1.

[0071] In Figure 19, first, the CPU 101a performs the processes described in steps S1101 to S1105. In step S1105, if it is determined that user U1 is present within a certain time, the process proceeds to step S1106. In step S1105, if it is determined that user U1 is not present within a certain time, the CPU 101a sends an email to the receiving agent designated by user U1, for example, user U2's PC 202 (step S1901). This email includes a notification indicating that user U2 has been designated as the receiving agent for the printed materials, but does not include the authentication code required for receiving the materials. When user U2 clicks on the link information in the email, the printer driver on PC 202 starts and begins polling communication with the image forming apparatus 100.

[0072] Next, CPU 101a performs an attendance confirmation process for user U2, who is the receiving agent (step S1902). Specifically, CPU 101a sends an instruction to user U2's PC 202 to display the attendance confirmation screen. Upon receiving this instruction, PC 202 displays, for example, the attendance confirmation screen PD5 shown in Figure 20 on its display unit. The attendance confirmation screen PD5 is a pop-up screen. The attendance confirmation screen PD5 displays the attendance button PB9 in a blinking state. The attendance confirmation screen PD5 also displays the authentication code PE10, which is required when receiving printed materials. When user U2 selects the attendance button PB9, PC 202 sends an attendance confirmation notification to the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that user U2 is present. Next, the process proceeds to step S1118 described above. In step S1118, if it is determined that user U2's presence cannot be confirmed within a certain period of time, the process proceeds to step S1131 described above. In step S1118, if it is determined that user U2 is present within a certain time, the process proceeds to step S1119 described above. Next, CPU 101a sends a command to user U2's PC 202 to display the authentication code screen (step S1903). Upon receiving this command, PC 202 displays the authentication code screen PD6 shown in Figure 21 on its display unit. The authentication code screen PD6 is a pop-up screen. The authentication code screen PD6 displays the authentication code PB10 required when receiving printed materials. After that, the process proceeds to step S1120 described above.

[0073] Thus, even in a configuration where the authentication code is notified to the receiving agent via a pop-up screen, the same effects as those of the embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0074] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 100 may also notify the recipient agent's mobile terminal of an authentication code. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 may notify the authentication code by email to the recipient agent's mobile terminal's email address that has been registered in advance, or it may notify the authentication code via an application installed on the mobile terminal.

[0075] In the embodiment described above, the recipient agent is not limited to one person, but may be multiple people, or a group such as a department may be designated as the recipient agent. This prevents delays in the delivery of other printed materials due to the absence of the requester of the print delivery process or some of the recipient agents.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if multiple receiving agents are set, the presence confirmation process may be performed in order from the receiving agent with the highest priority designated by the client requesting the print delivery process. This allows for a more precise reflection of the client's wishes regarding the setting of a delivery destination when the client is absent.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if multiple receiving agents are set, the presence confirmation process may be performed sequentially, starting with the receiving agent whose seat is closest to the person who requested the print delivery. This allows the printed materials to be delivered to the receiving agent whose seat is closest to the person who requested the print delivery when the person who requested the print delivery is absent.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the storage box 400 is not limited to one, and a configuration in which multiple storage boxes 400 are arranged is also possible. In such a configuration, the printed materials are stored in the storage box 400 whose storage section 404 is empty, and the client requesting the print delivery process is notified which storage box 400 the printed materials have been delivered to. This allows the printed materials to be stored in another storage box 400 if the client requesting the print delivery process is absent and there are no empty storage sections 404 in some of the storage boxes 400.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if a request for print delivery processing is made without setting a recipient agent in the settings screen 900 of Figure 10, the storage box 400 may be set as the delivery destination when the person requesting the print delivery processing is absent. This prevents delays in the delivery of other printed materials due to the absence of the person requesting the print delivery processing, while allowing the printed materials to be stored in the storage box 400.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if both the client requesting the print delivery process and the receiving agent are absent for a certain period of time or longer, the image forming apparatus 100 may have the automatic delivery robot 300 discard the printed materials and notify the client requesting the print delivery process that the printed materials have been discarded. This prevents delays in the delivery of other printed materials due to the absence of the client requesting the print delivery process or the receiving agent.

[0081] In the embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which an authentication code is used when receiving printed materials from the automated delivery robot 300 or the storage box 400, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in a configuration in which personal authentication information read from an IC card or the like is used when logging into the image forming apparatus 100, printed materials may be received from the automated delivery robot 300 or the storage box 400 using said personal authentication information. In such a configuration, the automated delivery robot 300 or the storage box 400 may perform authentication processing based on the personal authentication information. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may perform authentication processing based on the personal authentication information, and if authentication is successful, notify the automated delivery robot 300 or the storage box 400 that delivery is permitted, and control whether or not the automated delivery robot 300 or the storage box 400 unlocks based on this notification.

[0082] 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 the system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0083] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus that generates printed materials by performing printing processing according to instructions received from an information processing device operated by a user, and transmits a delivery instruction to a printed material delivery device in which the delivery destination of the printed materials has been set, comprising: means for performing an attendance confirmation process to confirm the presence status of the user; and means for transmitting a delivery instruction set to the delivery destination by the user to the printed material delivery device if the presence of the user has been confirmed, and for transmitting a delivery instruction set to the delivery destination by the user's representative to the printed material delivery device if the presence of the user has not been confirmed. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the user's agent is a receiving agent designated by the user. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that if the presence of the user cannot be confirmed, a process is executed to confirm the presence status of the receiving agent. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that if the presence of the user is confirmed between the time the receiving agent is set as the delivery destination and the time the printed material is delivered to the receiving agent, a delivery instruction in which the delivery destination is changed to the user is sent to the printed material delivery device. (Configuration 5) An image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 4, characterized in that multiple receiving agents are designated as agents of the user. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized in that when multiple receiving agents are designated as agents for the user, the presence confirmation process is performed in order from the receiving agent with the highest priority designated by the user. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized in that when multiple receiving agents are designated as agents for the user, the presence confirmation process is performed in order starting with the receiving agent whose seat is closest to the user. (Configuration 8) An image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 7, characterized in that if neither the user nor the receiving agent is confirmed to be present, an instruction to discard the printed material is sent to the printed material delivery device. (Configuration 9) An image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, further comprising means for notifying the user of information indicating the delivery destination when a user other than the user is set as the delivery destination. (Configuration 10) An image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 9, characterized in that if neither the user nor the receiving agent is confirmed to be present, a storage device equipped with a locking function is set at the delivery destination. (Configuration 11) An image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, further comprising means for maintaining history information indicating that the print delivery device delivered the print to the user's seat but did not complete the handover of the print, wherein if the print delivery device delivered the print to the user's seat but did not complete the handover of the print, a delivery instruction set in a storage device having a locking function as the delivery destination is transmitted to the print delivery device. (Configuration 12) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the user's proxy is a storage device equipped with a storage section having a locking function. (Configuration 13) An image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 10 to 12, further comprising means for transmitting code information to be used when receiving the printed material to the delivery destination if a user other than the user is set as the delivery destination, wherein the storage device unlocks the storage section using the code information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 Image forming apparatus 300 Automated Delivery Robots 101a CPU 108 WLAN-I / F section 400 Storage Box 404 Storage Unit 900 Settings screen

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that, in accordance with instructions received from an information processing device operated by a user, performs printing to generate a printed material, and transmits a delivery instruction to a printed material delivery device, specifying the delivery destination of the printed material, Means for performing an attendance confirmation process to confirm the attendance status of the aforementioned user, If the presence of the user is confirmed, the user sends the delivery instructions set to the delivery destination to the printed material delivery device; if the presence of the user is not confirmed, the user's representative sends the delivery instructions set to the delivery destination to the printed material delivery device. An image forming apparatus comprising means for notifying the user of information indicating the delivery destination when a user other than the aforementioned user is set as the delivery destination.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the user's agent is a receiving agent designated by the user.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that if the presence of the user cannot be confirmed, the presence confirmation process of the receiving agent is executed.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that if the presence of the user is confirmed between the time the recipient agent is set as the delivery address and the time the printed material is delivered to the recipient agent, a delivery instruction in which the delivery address is changed to the user is transmitted to the printed material delivery device.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that multiple receiving agents are designated on behalf of the user.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, if multiple receiving agents are designated as agents for the user, the presence confirmation process is performed in order from the receiving agent with the highest priority designated by the user.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, when multiple receiving agents are designated as representatives of the user, the presence confirmation process is performed in order starting with the receiving agent whose seat is closest to the user.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that if neither the user nor the receiving agent is confirmed to be present, an instruction to discard the printed material is sent to the printed material delivery device.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that if neither the user nor the receiving agent is confirmed to be present, a storage device equipped with a locking function is set as the delivery destination.

10. The system further includes means for maintaining historical information indicating that the print delivery device delivered the print to the user's seat but did not complete the handover of the print, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that if the print delivery device has delivered the print to the user's seat but has not completed the handover of the print, a delivery instruction is transmitted to the print delivery device in which a storage device equipped with a locking function has been set as the delivery destination.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the user's agent is a storage device equipped with a storage section having a locking function.

12. If a user other than the aforementioned user is set as the delivery address, the system further provides means for sending code information to be used when receiving the printed material to the delivery address. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the storage device unlocks the storage section using the code information.

13. A control method for an image forming apparatus, which generates a printed document by performing a printing process according to instructions received from an information processing device operated by a user, and transmits a delivery instruction to a printed document delivery device with the delivery destination of the printed document set, The process includes executing an attendance confirmation process to check the attendance status of the aforementioned user, If the presence of the user is confirmed, the user sends the delivery instructions set to the delivery destination to the printed material delivery device; if the presence of the user is not confirmed, the user's representative sends the delivery instructions set to the delivery destination to the printed material delivery device. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by comprising the step of notifying the user of information indicating the delivery destination if a user other than the user is set as the delivery destination.

14. A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an image forming apparatus, which, in accordance with instructions received from an information processing device operated by a user, performs printing to generate a printed material and transmits a delivery instruction to a printed material delivery device specifying the delivery destination of the printed material, The control method for the image forming apparatus is as follows: The process includes executing an attendance confirmation process to check the attendance status of the aforementioned user, If the presence of the user is confirmed, the user sends the delivery instructions set to the delivery destination to the printed material delivery device; if the presence of the user is not confirmed, the user's representative sends the delivery instructions set to the delivery destination to the printed material delivery device. A program characterized by having the step of notifying the user of information indicating the delivery destination if a user other than the aforementioned user is set as the delivery destination.

15. A printed material delivery system comprising an image forming apparatus and a printed material delivery apparatus, Means for receiving instructions to execute a print delivery process, which involves causing the image forming apparatus to generate a printed material and the printed material delivery apparatus to deliver the printed material, A means for performing an attendance confirmation process to confirm the attendance status of the user who issued the instruction to execute the print delivery process, Means for setting up a proxy user to receive the printed materials on behalf of the aforementioned user, If the presence of the aforementioned user is confirmed, the means of setting the aforementioned user as the delivery address for the printed materials; if the presence of the aforementioned user is not confirmed, the means of setting the aforementioned user's proxy as the delivery address. A printed material delivery system characterized by comprising: means for notifying the user of information indicating the delivery destination when a user other than the aforementioned user is set as the delivery destination.

Images