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

Abstract

To manage whether or not a print output can be surely delivered to a user, as a delivery history.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 100 performs printing based on a printing job (S203), receives a completion notification from an automatic printed matter delivery device 300 (S212), transmits a reception confirmation request to a PC corresponding to a user (request source user and designated user) based on the job according to the reception of the completion notification (S217), receives a confirmation request based on a user operation performed by the PC relevant to the reception confirmation request from the PC (S218), and registers information indicating that the printed matter is received by the user based on the job as a job history of the job according to the reception of the confirmation notification (completion registration; S220).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printed matter delivery device that delivers a printed matter output by an image forming apparatus to the user has been proposed. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a printed matter delivery device having a plurality of storage trays delivers a printed matter output by an image forming apparatus to the position of a user who has requested it. The completion detection of printed matter delivery in Patent Document 1 is performed by the printed matter delivery device moving to the position of the requested user and turning the rear opening for taking out the printed matter toward the user, or by the printed matter detection means detecting that the printed matter has been removed by the user.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a printed matter delivery system provided with a request inquiry and reception means so that the delivery of a printed matter when the user who has requested printing and delivery is different from the delivery destination user can meet the requirements of the delivery destination user. The completion detection of printed matter delivery in Patent Document 2 is performed by the printed matter delivery device moving to the position of the requested user and directly handing over the printed matter to the user with an arm or the like of the printed matter delivery device, or by placing it on the user's seat.

[0004] Also, in the conventional technology, the printed matter delivery device completes the delivery of the document and sends a completion notice to the image forming apparatus, and stores the delivery completion information in the delivery job history of the image forming apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, the detection of delivery completion by the print delivery device does not necessarily coincide with the user designated as the delivery address actually receiving the printout. For example, someone other than the designated user may take the printout from the print delivery device or from a seat. Thus, conventional technology could not determine whether the delivered printout was actually received by the designated user, and could not record in the delivery history whether the printout was reliably delivered to the designated user.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this invention is to provide a mechanism that enables the management of information indicating whether or not the printed output was reliably delivered to the user who was supposed to receive it, as a delivery history. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that outputs printed materials based on a job to a delivery device and requests the delivery device to deliver the printed materials, wherein, upon receiving a completion notification from the delivery device indicating that the delivery of the printed materials based on the job has been completed, the request means makes a first confirmation request to an information processing device corresponding to the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials, and upon receiving a first confirmation notification from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed materials based on user operations performed by the information processing device in connection with the first confirmation request, the request means makes a first confirmation request to an information processing device corresponding to the user based on the job, indicating that the printed materials have been received by the user based on the job ofA registration means registers the information shown as the history of the job, and if, before receiving the completion notification, the delivery device receives an absence notification indicating that the printed materials have not been received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the request means makes a second confirmation request to the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user designated in the job to be able to receive the printed materials on behalf of the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials, and the registration means, upon receiving a second confirmation notification from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed materials based on user operations performed by the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user in connection with the second confirmation request, confirms that the printed materials have been received by the proxy user. of The information shown is registered in the history of the job. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to manage information indicating whether or not the print output was reliably delivered to the user who was supposed to receive it, as a delivery history. This management of print output receipt improves security and reduces the leakage of confidential information from printed materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of the image forming system shown in this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the external appearance of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the external appearance of the automatic printed material delivery device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the automated printed material delivery device of this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the printer driver settings screen in this embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the job history management table in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure showing the pop-up window for receipt confirmation in the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] Flowchart for explaining the processing within the PC 200 in this embodiment. [Figure 9B] Flowchart for explaining the processing within the PC 200 in this embodiment. [Figure 10] Flowchart for explaining the processing within the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Flowchart for explaining the processing within the automatic printed matter delivery apparatus 300 in the first embodiment. [Figure 12A] Figure showing the flow from the PC operation to the printed matter delivery apparatus starting delivery in the first embodiment. [Figure 12B] Figure showing the flow from the printed matter delivery apparatus arriving at the destination to the delivery history being recorded in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure showing the pop-up screen for delivery destination setting in the second embodiment. [Figure 14A] Figure showing the flow from the PC operation to the printed matter delivery apparatus starting delivery in the second embodiment. [Figure 14B] Figure showing the flow from the printed matter delivery apparatus arriving at the destination to the delivery history being recorded in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure for explaining the job history management table in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Flowchart for explaining the processing within the PC of the designated user in the second embodiment. [Figure 17A] Figure showing the flow from the PC operation to the printed matter delivery apparatus starting delivery in the third embodiment. [Figure 17B] Figure showing the flow from the printed matter delivery apparatus arriving at the destination to the delivery history being recorded in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] Flowchart for explaining the processing of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] Flowchart for explaining the processing of the printed matter delivery apparatus in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] A flowchart illustrating the processing within the designated user's PC in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows the pop-up screen for the proxy receipt confirmation setting in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] A diagram showing the pop-up screen for delivery completion confirmation in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] A diagram illustrating the job history management table in the third embodiment. [Figure 24] A diagram illustrating the printer driver operation screen in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the components described in this embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention to them alone.

[0012] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system representing one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the connections between each device in an office. The image forming apparatus 100 and the PC (Personal Computer) 200, which acts as an information processing device, are connected to each other via a network (NT) for communication. In reality, multiple PCs 200 are connected to the network NT (PCs 201, 202, 203, ..., not shown in the diagram), and multiple image forming apparatuses 100 are also connected to the network NT.

[0013] Network NT is also connected to an access point AP, and can communicate with devices connected via wireless LAN through the access point AP. The automated print delivery device 300 has wireless LAN functionality and can communicate with the image forming apparatus 100 via the access point AP. The automated print delivery device 300 is a print delivery robot that receives printed materials from the image forming apparatus 100 and delivers them.

[0014] However, the connection configuration of these devices is not limited to these. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 and PC 200 may also have wireless LAN functionality and connect to an access point AP via this wireless LAN function. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may function as an access point, and the automatic print delivery device 300 may be connected to this access point.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an example of the external appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with multiple functions, such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a faxing function.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 102, a reading unit 103, a card reader unit 105, etc. The image forming apparatus 100 hands over documents to be delivered to the automatic document delivery device 300, provides the delivery location and authentication information for the handover, and issues instructions based on notifications from the automatic document delivery device 300. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 may be an SFP (Single Function Peripheral) or the like, as long as it is capable of printing and transferring printed materials to the automatic printed material delivery device 300.

[0017] Figure 3 shows an example of the external appearance of the automatic printed material delivery device 300 in this embodiment. The automatic print delivery device 300 receives the output printed by the image forming apparatus 100, stores the received output inside the device, and delivers it to the designated location.

[0018] The automatic printed material delivery device 300 consists of two parts. One component is a vehicle unit (302 in Figure 5, described later) that moves to a designated location based on pre-stored map information. The other is a delivery device control unit (301 in Figure 5, described later) that handles the transfer of documents to be delivered to an external device, communication with the image forming apparatus 100, and provides necessary information to the vehicle unit for control.

[0019] The delivery device control unit includes an operation panel 304 equipped with a display unit and an operation input unit, a collection unit 306, and a discharge unit 307. If an authentication setting (including authentication code information) is set for a print job for a stored printed material, the delivery device control unit will make the stored printed material available for the user to receive when information matching the set authentication code information is input from the operation panel 304.

[0020] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. 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, and a storage device 109, which are connected via a bus 106 to enable communication with each other. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a LAN-I / F unit 107 for connecting to a wired network and communicating with external devices, and a WLAN-I / F unit 108 for connecting to a wireless network and communicating with external devices.

[0021] The control unit 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 102 is the user interface. The reading unit 103 reads the original document and generates image data. The printing processing unit 104 performs printing based on the image data. The card reader unit 105 reads a card for user authentication. The storage device 109 is for storing various types of information.

[0022] The control unit 101 comprises a CPU 101a and a memory 101b, and controls the operation of each part. The CPU 101a reads and executes program 109a stored in the storage device 109. Program 109a is a program that causes the control unit 101 to function as various processing units, which will be described later. Memory 101b stores temporary data and other information associated with the execution of the program by the CPU 101a.

[0023] The control panel 102 is configured to receive operation instructions from the user. Specifically, the control panel 102 includes a display unit 102a, which is made up of, for example, an LCD panel and displays various information, and an operation input unit 102b that receives operation instructions from the user by detecting operations on the display unit 102a.

[0024] Figure 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the automatic printed material delivery device 300. As shown in Figure 3, the automatic printed material delivery device 300 includes a delivery device control unit 301 that controls its own operation and a vehicle unit 302 that has the function of moving to a given location based on pre-stored map information.

[0025] The delivery device 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, which are connected via a bus 309 to enable communication with each other. The delivery device control unit 301 also has a WLAN interface unit 308 for connecting to a wireless network and communicating with external devices.

[0026] The control unit 303 controls the operation of the delivery device control unit 301. The operation panel 304 is the user interface. The vehicle I / F unit 305 is for communicating with the vehicle unit 302. The collection unit 306 receives and stores the documents output by the image forming apparatus 100. The discharge unit 307 discharges the documents stored in the collection unit 306 to the outside.

[0027] In some cases, the collection unit 306 and the discharge unit 307 are physically integrated, and some units are equipped with an arm (not shown) for collecting and discharging printed materials. In addition, some units are equipped with a sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of printed materials. In units equipped with the aforementioned arm, delivery detection is determined when the arm has finished discharging the printed materials. In units without the aforementioned arm, the collection unit 306 and the discharge unit 307 are in the shape of a tray or box, and delivery completion is determined when the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of printed materials installed therein detects that the printed materials have been removed. However, the method of determining delivery completion is not limited to these.

[0028] As described above, if authentication code information is set for a print job for a printed document stored in the collection unit 306, when information matching the authentication code information is input from the operation input unit 304b, the control unit 303 controls the printed document so that it can be discharged from the discharge unit 307.

[0029] The control unit 303 comprises a CPU 303a, memory 303b, and ROM 303c, and controls the operation of each part. The CPU 303a reads and executes the program stored in ROM 303c. This program is designed to allow the control unit 303 to function as various processing units, which will be described later. Memory 303b stores temporary data associated with the execution of the program by the CPU 303a. ROM 303c is a ROM for storing the operation program of the delivery device control unit 301.

[0030] The control panel 304 is configured to receive user operation instructions. Specifically, the control panel 304 includes a display unit 304a, which is composed of, for example, an LCD panel and displays various information, and an operation input unit 304b that receives user operation instructions by detecting operations on the display unit 304a.

[0031] The following describes the process from when a user creates data on PC200 and prints it using image forming apparatus 100, to when the print output is delivered to the user, and when the user confirms receipt and the delivery history is recorded, using Figures 6 to 12.

[0032] Figure 12A shows an example of the flow from PC operation to the delivery of the printed material delivery device 300 in the first embodiment. Figure 12B shows an example of the flow from the arrival of the printed material delivery device 300 at the destination to the recording of the delivery history in the first embodiment.

[0033] As shown in Figure 12A, first, when the requesting user AAA performs a print operation on PC200, a print job is sent from PC200 to the printing device (in this case, image forming apparatus 100) (S101-S119 in Figure 9). The image forming apparatus 100 receives the job data sent from PC200, prints it, and sends a delivery request to the automatic print delivery device 300 (S201-S211 in Figure 10). The automatic print delivery device 300 receives the delivery request from the image forming apparatus 100, loads the printed materials printed by the image forming apparatus 100, and delivers them (S301-S305 in Figure 11). These processes will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 9, 10, and 11.

[0034] Figures 9A and 9B are flowcharts illustrating the processing within PC200 in response to the operations of the requesting user AAA in the first embodiment. The processing in these flowcharts is realized by the execution of programs such as applications and printer drivers by the CPU of PC200 (not shown). Hereafter, Figures 9A and 9B will be collectively referred to as Figure 9. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing within the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is achieved when the CPU 101 in the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 reads a program stored in the storage device 109 into memory 101b and executes it. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing within the automatic print delivery device 300 in the first embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 303a in the control unit 303 of the automatic print delivery device 300 reading a program (application, printer driver, etc.) stored in the ROM 303c into the RAM 303b and executing it.

[0035] First, we will explain the processing within PC200 using Figure 9. The requesting user AAA opens the data to be printed in an application on PC200 and performs a print command operation. Hereafter, when simply referred to as "application," this application is being referred to. Upon receiving this print command operation (S101), the application switches its display to the application's print settings screen (not shown) (or displays a print settings pop-up window) (S102). The application's print settings screen displayed here provides controls for selecting the printing device, its detailed settings (printer properties), print range, number of copies, simple print settings, a print execution button, a cancel button, etc. In this case, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 is selected as the printing device. The application accepts operations on these controls and makes the necessary decisions according to the operations (S303, S118, S120, etc.).

[0036] Here, when the requesting user AAA selects the detailed settings for the printer device (printer properties), the application decides to configure the printer driver (Yes in S103) and calls the printer driver corresponding to the device that will perform the printing described above. Here, it is explained that the printer driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus 100 is called. This printer driver is capable of generating a print job for printing on the image forming apparatus 100 and delivering the printed materials to the delivery device.

[0037] In step S103 above, the printer driver, which is called according to the selection of the detailed settings for the printer device (printer properties), displays the printer driver settings screen 220, as shown in Figure 6, on the display unit of the PC200. Hereafter, when simply referred to as "printer driver," it refers to this printer driver. Figure 6 shows an example of the printer driver settings screen 220 in this embodiment.

[0038] On the printer driver settings screen 220, the requesting user AAA can set the print specifications as needed, such as size, orientation, number of copies, page layout, single-sided / double-sided printing, binding direction, and color mode. The printer driver accepts the above-mentioned print specifications on the printer driver settings screen 220 (S104).

[0039] If the user has selected the "Automatic Delivery" checkbox 221 on the printer driver settings screen 220 (if the answer is "Yes" in S105), the printer driver proceeds to S106. If the selection of the "Automatic Delivery" checkbox 221 is not confirmed (if the answer is "No" in S105), the process proceeds to S114.

[0040] In S106, the printer driver enables the automatic delivery function using the print delivery device 300 (also enables the advanced setting (AD) 222) and enables the delivery flag.

[0041] If the user selects the automatic delivery details setting (AD) 222 (Yes in S107), the printer driver accepts the delivery destination details setting (delivery destination specification) (S108). This will be explained in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the case in which no delivery destination details are set will be explained. If the selection of the automatic delivery details setting (AD) 222 is not confirmed (No in S107), the printer driver proceeds to S109. Although not shown, if the user does not set the delivery destination details setting (delivery destination specification), the printer driver automatically sets the delivery destination to the requesting user.

[0042] If the user selects the authentication acceptance checkbox 223 (Yes in S109), the printer driver accepts the authentication settings (S110). This will be explained in the fourth embodiment. If the authentication settings are accepted, the printer driver proceeds to S114. In the first embodiment, the case where no authentication settings are performed will be explained. If the selection of the authentication acceptance checkbox 223 is not confirmed (No in S109), the printer driver proceeds to S111.

[0043] If the user selects the receipt confirmation checkbox 225 (Yes in S111), the printer driver proceeds to S112. On the other hand, if the selection of the receipt confirmation checkbox 225 is not confirmed (No in S111), the printer driver proceeds to S114.

[0044] If the user selects the detailed receipt confirmation setting (CK) 226 (Yes in S112), the printer driver accepts the setting of a proxy for receipt confirmation (S113). This will be explained in the third embodiment. In the first embodiment, the case in which no proxy for receipt confirmation is set will be explained. If the selection of the detailed receipt confirmation setting (CK) 226 is not confirmed (No in S112), the printer driver proceeds to S114.

[0045] If neither the OK button 227 nor the Cancel button 228 on the printer driver settings screen 220 is selected (i.e., No in both S114 and S116), the printer driver returns to S104.

[0046] Furthermore, if the OK button 227 on the printer driver settings screen 220 is selected (if Yes is selected in S114), the printer driver will activate the settings configured in S104 (S115) and close the printer driver settings screen 220. Furthermore, if the Cancel button 228 on the printer driver settings screen 220 is selected (if No is selected in S114 and Yes in S116), the printer driver clears all the settings from S104 onwards (S117) and closes the printer driver settings screen 220. When the printer driver settings screen 220 is closed, control returns to the application and process S118 is executed.

[0047] If, in the application's print settings screen (not shown), neither the print execution button nor the cancel button is selected (i.e., No in both S118 and S120), the application returns to S103. Furthermore, if the Cancel button is selected on the application's print settings screen (i.e., No in S118 and Yes in S120), the application terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0048] Furthermore, when the print execution button is selected on the application's print settings screen, the application determines that a print output command has been received (Yes in S118) and sends a print job to the printing device (in this case, the image forming apparatus 100) (S119). The subsequent processing of the PC200 will be described later.

[0049] Here, we will explain the processing of the image forming apparatus 100 using Figure 10. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives job data transmitted from the PC 200 (S201), it proceeds to processing in S202. In S202, the image forming apparatus 100 confirms the job specifications based on the job data received in S201. Hereafter, when the term "job" is used, it refers to this job. Next, in S203, the image forming apparatus 100 starts executing the printing process based on the job specifications.

[0050] Next, in S204, it is checked whether the job is eligible for automatic delivery. If the job is not eligible for automatic delivery (the answer in S204 is No), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S208. On the other hand, if the job is eligible for automatic delivery (if the answer is Yes in S204), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to processing in S205.

[0051] In S205, the image forming apparatus 100 assigns a delivery flag to the job. Next, in S206, the image forming apparatus 100 searches for an available automatic print delivery device and selects one. The automatic print delivery device selected here is designated as the automatic print delivery device 300.

[0052] Next, in S207, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a delivery request to the automatic print delivery device 300 selected in S206, and proceeds to S208. The processing from S208 onward will be described later.

[0053] Here, we will explain the processing of the automatic printed material delivery device 300 using Figure 11. When the automatic print delivery device 300 receives a delivery request transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 (S231), it proceeds to process in S302. In S302, the automatic print delivery device 300 moves to the image forming apparatus 100. Once the automatic print delivery device 300 has completed its movement to the image forming apparatus 100, it connects to the image forming apparatus 100 (S303) and proceeds to S304. The processing from S304 onward will be described later.

[0054] Now, let's return to the explanation of the processing of the image forming apparatus 100 using Figure 10. In S208, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for the completion of the printing process for the job that was started in S202. If the printing process is completed (Yes in S208), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S209.

[0055] In S209, the image forming apparatus 100 checks whether a delivery flag has been assigned to the job. If the job does not have a delivery flag assigned (if the result is No in S209), the image forming apparatus 100 terminates the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if a delivery flag is set for the job (Yes in S209), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S210.

[0056] In S210, the image forming apparatus 100 waits until the delivery device is OK (the automatic printed material delivery device 300 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100). If the delivery device is OK (if the answer is Yes in S210), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S211.

[0057] In S211, the image forming apparatus 100 stores the printed materials of the job in the collection unit 306 of the automatic printed material delivery device 300, and sets the information necessary for delivery of the destination (delivery address, etc.) for the automatic printed material delivery device 300. Next, in S212, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for a delivery completion notification from the automatic printed material delivery device 300. The processing after S212 will be described later.

[0058] Now, let's return to the explanation of the process of the automatic printed material delivery device 300 using Figure 11. In S304, the automatic print delivery device 300 waits until the image forming apparatus 100 has finished storing the print materials to be delivered and making the necessary settings for delivery. If the device confirms that the storage and settings for the print materials are complete (if the answer in S304 is Yes), the automatic print delivery device 300 proceeds to S305.

[0059] In S305, the automated printed material delivery device 300 begins moving towards the delivery destination. Next, in S306, the automatic printed material delivery device 300 waits until it arrives at its destination. If it confirms that it has arrived at its destination (if it answers Yes in S306), the automatic printed material delivery device 300 proceeds to S307. The following describes the process from when the printed material delivery device 300 arrives at its destination until the delivery history is recorded, as shown in Figure 12B.

[0060] In S307, the automatic printed material delivery device 300 performs the delivery process for the printed materials. As mentioned above, the delivery process differs depending on the specifications of the automatic printed material delivery device. For example, if the automatic printed material delivery device 300 is of the type that uses an arm to eject printed materials, the delivery process is completed by either handing the printed materials directly to the user at the destination using the arm, or by placing the printed materials on the designated desk using the arm. If the automatic printed material delivery device 300 does not have an arm and the collection and discharge units are trays or boxes, the delivery process is completed when a print detection sensor provided in the tray or box detects that the printed materials have been removed. If the settings completed in S304 above include authentication settings, the automatic printed material delivery device 300 will perform authentication as described above and then enable the receipt of printed materials.

[0061] Next, in S308, the automatic printed material delivery device 300 waits until the delivery process for the printed materials is completed. If it confirms that the delivery process for the printed materials is complete (if the answer is Yes in S308), the automatic printed material delivery device 300 proceeds to S309. In S309, the automated print delivery device 300 sends a delivery completion notification to the image forming apparatus 100. Next, in S310, the automatic print delivery device 300 moves (returns) to its home position (HP), and the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0062] Now, let's return to the explanation of the processing of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 10. When the automatic printed material delivery device 300 starts delivery, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for a delivery completion notification from the automatic printed material delivery device 300 (S212). If the image forming apparatus 100 receives a delivery completion notification from the automatic printed material delivery device 300 (Yes in S212), it proceeds to process S213. In S213, the image forming apparatus 100 clears the delivery flag assigned to the job in question.

[0063] Next, in S214, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether authentication acceptance is set for the job. If authentication acceptance is set (the result in No in S214), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S220. The case where authentication acceptance is set will be explained in the fourth embodiment. On the other hand, if authentication reception is not set (if Yes in S214), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to processing in S215.

[0064] In S215, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not acceptance confirmation settings have been made for the job. If acceptance confirmation settings have not been made (the result is No in S215), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S219. In S219, the image forming apparatus 100 registers the delivery history in the job history management table 110 as shown in Figure 7 (details will be described later). After S219, the image forming apparatus 100 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0065] On the other hand, if the receipt confirmation setting is enabled (Yes in S215), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to processing in S216. In S216, the image forming apparatus 100 provisionally registers the delivery history in the job history management table 110. In the case of provisional registration, for example, as shown in "No. 4" in Figure 7(a), the delivery history is provisionally registered in the job history management table 110. In the provisional registration state, since receipt confirmation has not been completed, the recipient ID is registered as "?" and the delivery status is registered as "Received (Unconfirmed)". Also, since this describes the case where detailed settings for the delivery destination (S108 in Figure 9) have not been performed and the delivery destination is automatically set to the requesting user, the delivery destination ID becomes "AAA", which is the ID of the requesting user AAA. In addition, the date and time timestamp records the date and time at the time of provisional registration.

[0066] Here, we will explain the job history management table 110 using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the job history management table 110 that the image forming apparatus 100 holds in a storage device 109, etc., in the first embodiment. In conventional job history systems, the following items were managed: management number, date and time, job name, and print processing status. However, in this embodiment, the delivery destination ID, recipient ID, and delivery status are added to these items and managed in the job history management table 110.

[0067] In the job history management table 110, the delivery destination ID stores the ID of the delivery destination user set in S107~S108 of Figure 9. If no delivery destination is set, the ID of the requesting user is stored. The recipient ID stores the ID of the user who confirmed receipt, if receipt confirmation was set in S111 of Figure 9. The delivery status stores one of the following delivery statuses: "Preparing for delivery", "In transit", "Delivered", "Delivered (unconfirmed)", or "Delivered (received)". "Delivered" is the status when receipt confirmation is not set (e.g., "No. 2"). If receipt confirmation is set, the status will be "Delivered (unconfirmed)" (e.g., "No. 4") or "Delivered (received)" (e.g., "No. 3").

[0068] Additionally, if automatic delivery is disabled, the delivery destination ID, recipient ID, and delivery status will all be "-" (for example, "No.1"). Additionally, if automatic delivery is enabled and receipt confirmation is disabled, the recipient ID will be "—" (for example, "No.2"). Therefore, if the receipt confirmation checkbox is not selected in S109 of Figure 9, the receipt confirmation setting will be invalid (No) in S215 of Figure 10. Consequently, in S219 of Figure 10, "-" will be recorded in the receipt ID and receipt confirmation fields of the job history management table 110, as in "No. 2". Additionally, the timestamp will record the time the delivery completion notification was received.

[0069] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 10. In S217 of Figure 10, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a receipt confirmation request to the PC (in this case, PC200) of the recipient user (in the first embodiment, the requesting user AAA is automatically set). After sending the receipt confirmation request, the image forming apparatus 100 waits until it receives a receipt confirmation notification from PC200 (S218). The processing from S218 onward will be described later.

[0070] The information linking the user and the PC may be managed in advance by the image forming apparatus 100, or it may be managed on a server on the network, etc. The information linking the user and the PC may be generated and managed based on the user's login information to the PC, or it may be pre-registered.

[0071] Now, let's return to the explanation of the PC200's processing using Figure 9. The printer driver, which sent the job to the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the instructions from the application in S119 above, executes the processing from S121 onwards. In S121, the printer driver determines whether the delivery flag is enabled or disabled. If the delivery flag is disabled (No in S121), automatic delivery will not occur, and the printer driver terminates the process in this flowchart. On the other hand, if the delivery flag is enabled (Yes in S121), the printer driver proceeds to S129.

[0072] In S129, the printer driver determines whether authentication settings are configured for the job. If authentication settings are configured for the job (Yes in S129), the printer driver proceeds to S218. Details of this case will be explained in the fourth embodiment. On the other hand, if authentication settings are not configured for the job (if the answer is No in S129), the printer driver proceeds to S122.

[0073] In S122, the printer driver determines whether the job has a specified delivery destination (the setting in S108 described above). If the job has a specified delivery destination (Yes in S122), the printer driver proceeds to S218. Details of this case will be explained in the second embodiment. On the other hand, if no delivery destination is specified for the job (if the answer is No in S122), the printer driver proceeds to S123.

[0074] In S123, the printer driver waits until it receives a request to confirm receipt of the print output sent from the image forming apparatus 100. If it receives the request to confirm receipt (if it answers Yes in S123), the printer driver displays a confirmation pop-up window 230 on the PC200 display unit as shown in Figure 8 (S124) and accepts user input on the pop-up window 230. Figure 8 shows an example of the receipt confirmation pop-up window 230 in the first embodiment.

[0075] Next, the printer driver waits until the requesting user AAA selects either the Yes button 2301 or the No button 2302 on the receipt confirmation pop-up window (S125, S126).

[0076] If the requesting user AAA selects the Yes button 2301 (Yes in S125), the printer driver proceeds to S127. In S127, the printer driver sends an acknowledgment of receipt to the image forming apparatus 100, closes the pop-up window 230, and proceeds to S128.

[0077] On the other hand, if the requesting user AAA selects the No button 2302 (No in S125 and Yes in S126), the printer driver closes the pop-up window 230 and proceeds to S128. In S128, the printer driver clears the delivery flag for the job and terminates the PC200 process shown in this flowchart.

[0078] Now, let's return to the explanation of the processing of the image forming apparatus 100 using Figure 10. In S218, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for a confirmation of receipt notification from the PC 200 (sent in S127 in Figure 9). If the confirmation of receipt notification is received (Yes in S218), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to processing in S220. In S220, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the recipient ID in the job history management table 110 to "AAA" and the delivery status to "Delivered (Received)" as shown in "No. 4" in Figure 7(b). The image forming apparatus 100 also updates the timestamp to the time the receipt of the delivery completion notification. After processing in S220, the image forming apparatus 100 terminates the processing of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in this flowchart. Furthermore, if the No button 2302 is pressed in the aforementioned receipt confirmation popup window 230, the PC 200 will not send a receipt completion notification. Therefore, although not shown in the diagram, the image forming apparatus 100 will terminate the processing of this flowchart due to a timeout or the like. In this case, the state of the job history management table 110 will be maintained as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0079] According to the process described above, information on whether or not the printed materials were successfully delivered to the print requester can be recorded as a delivery history.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, we will describe a case in which the user selects the automatic delivery detailed settings (AD) 222 on the printer driver operation screen 220 to specify the delivery destination. The following describes the process, using Figures 13 to 16, from the creation of data on a PC by a user to printing it at a designated delivery address using an image forming machine, to the delivery of the printed output to the designated user, and finally, the recording of the delivery history after the designated user confirms receipt.

[0081] Figure 14A shows an example of the flow from PC operation to the delivery of the printed material delivery device 300 in the second embodiment. Figure 14B also shows an example of the flow from the arrival of the printed material delivery device 300 at the destination to the recording of the delivery history in the second embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 14A, first, when the requesting user AAA performs a print operation (including specifying the delivery address) on PC200, a print job is sent from PC200 to the printing device (in this case, the image forming apparatus 100) (S101-S119 in Figure 9). The image forming apparatus 100 receives the job data sent from PC200, prints it, and sends a delivery request to the automatic print delivery device 300 (S201-S211 in Figure 10). The automatic print delivery device 300 receives the delivery request from the image forming apparatus 100, loads the printed materials printed by the image forming apparatus 100, and delivers them to the specified user (S301-S305 in Figure 11).

[0083] These processes will be explained below with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11. First, we will explain the processing within PC200 using Figure 9, but we will omit the explanation of steps that are the same as in the first embodiment. If the user selects Automatic Delivery Advanced Settings (AD) 222 (Yes in S107), the printer driver proceeds to S108. In S108, the printer driver launches an Automatic Delivery Advanced Settings (AD) pop-up window 240, as shown in Figure 13, and accepts detailed settings for the delivery destination (delivery destination specification).

[0084] Figure 13 shows an example of a pop-up screen used to set the delivery destination using a printer driver running on PC200 in the second embodiment. In the Advanced Settings (AD) popup window 240, the default setting for the delivery destination is the user 241. When the user selects the designated recipient 242 and presses the destination button 243, a search window (not shown) opens. The user searches for the delivery destination in this search window and confirms it, and the delivery destination is reflected in the destination field 244. If the OK button 245 is pressed, the settings in the Advanced Settings (AD) popup window 240 are applied, and the Advanced Settings (AD) popup window 240 closes. If the Cancel button 246 is pressed, the settings in the popup window 240 are discarded, and the popup window 240 closes. The following explanation assumes that the designated user DDD is set as the designated delivery destination, as shown in Figure 13.

[0085] The processes S109-S119 in Figure 9, S201-S211 in Figure 10, and S301-S303 in Figure 11 are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted. Here, if the delivery destination for the print output is specified as user DDD, then in the delivery settings (S304 in Figure 11) after the print delivery device 300 connects to the image forming apparatus 100, the delivery destination address will be set to the specified user DDD. Furthermore, the processes from S304 to S310 in Figure 11 and from S212 to S215 in Figure 10 are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0086] In S216 of Figure 10, the image forming apparatus 100 provisionally registers the delivery history in the job history management table 110. In the case of provisional registration, for example, the delivery history is provisionally registered in the job history management table 110 as "No. 4" in Figure 15(a). In the provisional registration state, since receipt confirmation has not been completed, the recipient ID is registered as "?" and the delivery status is registered as "Received (Unconfirmed)". In the second embodiment, since the specified user DDD is specified in the detailed settings of the delivery destination (S108 in Figure 9), the delivery destination ID becomes "DDD", which is the ID of the specified user DDD. In addition, the date and time timestamp records the date and time at the time of provisional registration. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the job history management table 110 that the image forming apparatus 100 holds in a storage device 109, etc., in the second embodiment.

[0087] Next, as shown in Figure 14B, we will explain the process from when the printed material delivery device 300 arrives at its destination until the delivery history is recorded. In S217 of Figure 10, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a receipt confirmation request to the designated user DDD's PC 203. After sending the receipt confirmation request, the image forming apparatus 100 waits until it receives a receipt confirmation notification from PC 203 (S218).

[0088] In S122 of Figure 9, the printer driver proceeds to S218 because the delivery destination (specified user DDD) is set for the job (Yes in S122). In S218, the printer driver clears the delivery flag and terminates the processing of PC200 as shown in this flowchart.

[0089] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing within PC203 for designated user DDD in the second embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is realized by the execution of a program such as a printer driver by the CPU (not shown) of PC203.

[0090] Here, we will use Figure 16 to explain PC203 of the designated user DDD. When the printer driver on PC203 receives an acknowledgment request sent from the image forming apparatus 100 (S131), it proceeds to process S132. In step S132, the printer driver displays a receipt confirmation pop-up window 230 on the display unit of the PC203, similar to the one shown in Figure 8.

[0091] Next, the printer driver waits until the designated user DDD selects either the Yes button 2301 or the No button 2302 on the receipt confirmation pop-up window (S133, S134).

[0092] If the designated user DDD selects the Yes button 2301 (Yes in S133), the printer driver proceeds to S135. In S135, the printer driver sends an acknowledgment of receipt to the image forming apparatus 100, closes the pop-up window 230, and terminates the processing of PC203 as shown in this flowchart.

[0093] On the other hand, if the designated user DDD selects the No button 2302 (No in S133 and Yes in S134), the printer driver closes the pop-up window 230 and terminates the processing of PC203 as shown in this flowchart.

[0094] In S218 of Figure 10, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a notification of receipt completion from the PC 203 (if Yes), it registers the completion of the job history (S220). In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the recipient ID in the job history management table 110 to "DDD," which is the ID of the specified user DDD, and the delivery status to "Delivered (Received)," as shown in "No. 4" in Figure 15(b). The image forming apparatus 100 also updates the timestamp to the time the receipt of the receipt completion notification was received. Note that if the No button 2302 is pressed in the aforementioned receipt confirmation popup window 230, the PC 203 will not send a receipt completion notification. Therefore, although not shown, the image forming apparatus 100 will terminate the processing of this flowchart due to a timeout or the like. In this case, the state of the job history management table 110 is maintained as shown in Figure 15(a).

[0095] According to the process described above, information on whether or not the printed output was successfully delivered to the designated user can be recorded as a delivery history.

[0096] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, we will describe a case in which the user selects the detailed settings for receipt confirmation (CK) 226 on the printer driver operation screen 220 to set up a proxy for receipt confirmation. The following describes the process from when a user creates data on a PC, when a proxy is set up, when the image forming machine prints the output, when the proxy (proxy user) confirms receipt, and when the delivery history is recorded, using Figures 17A, 17B to 23.

[0097] Figure 17A shows an example of the flow from PC operation to the delivery of the printed material delivery device 300 in the third embodiment. Figure 17B shows an example of the flow from the arrival of the printed material delivery device 300 at the destination until the delivery history is recorded.

[0098] As shown in Figure 17A, first, when the requesting user AAA performs a print operation (including setting a proxy) on PC200, a print job is sent from PC200 to the printing device (in this case, the image forming apparatus 100) (S101-S119 in Figure 9). The image forming apparatus 100 receives the job data sent from PC200, prints it, and sends a delivery request to the automatic print delivery device 300 (S201-S211 in Figure 18). The automatic print delivery device 300 receives the delivery request from the image forming apparatus 100, loads the printed materials printed by the image forming apparatus 100, and delivers them to the designated user (S301-S305 in Figure 19).

[0099] These processes will be explained below with reference to Figures 9, 18, and 19. First, we will explain the processing within PC200 using Figure 9, but we will omit the explanation of steps that are the same as in the first embodiment. If the user selects the detailed receiving confirmation setting (CK) 226 (Yes in S112), the printer driver proceeds to S113. In S113, the printer driver launches a pop-up window 250 for detailed settings of receipt confirmation, as shown in Figure 21, and accepts the setting of a proxy for receipt confirmation.

[0100] Figure 21 shows an example of a pop-up screen for configuring detailed settings for receipt confirmation by the printer driver running on PC200 in the third embodiment. In the detailed settings pop-up window 250 for receipt confirmation, when the user presses the recipient button 251, a search window (not shown) opens. When the user searches for and confirms the agent in this search window, the agent is reflected in the recipient field 252. Furthermore, by pressing the add button 253, the agent is added to the agent list 254. If the user selects an agent displayed in the agent list 254 and presses the delete button 255, the selected agent is removed from the agent list 254. If the OK button 256 is pressed, the settings in the detailed settings pop-up window 250 for receipt confirmation are applied, and the pop-up window 250 closes. If the cancel button 257 is pressed, the settings in the pop-up window 250 are discarded, and the pop-up window 250 closes. Here, we will explain the process assuming that in step S113 of Figure 9, user BBB and user CCC are set as agents for receipt confirmation, as shown in Figure 17A. The following steps S109 to S119 in Figure 9 are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will omit their explanation.

[0101] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the processing within the image forming apparatus 100 in the third embodiment, with the same step numbers used in Figure 10 for steps identical to those in Figure 10. The processing in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 101 in the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 reading the program stored in the storage device 109 into memory 101b and executing it. Note that the processing from S201 to S211 in Figure 18 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its explanation is omitted.

[0102] In Figure 18, at step 212, the image forming apparatus 100 checks whether it has received a delivery completion notification from the automatic printed material delivery device 300. If it has not received a delivery completion notification (if the result is "No" in S212), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S230. In S230, the image forming apparatus 100 checks whether it has received a delivery notice from the printed material delivery device 300. If it has not received a delivery notice (the answer in S230 is No), the image forming apparatus 100 returns to S212. On the other hand, if an absence notification is received (if the answer is Yes in S230), the image forming apparatus 100 waits for a delivery completion notification from the automatic printed material delivery device 300 (S231). Then, if a delivery completion notification is received from the automatic printed material delivery device 300 (if the answer is Yes in S231), the image forming apparatus 100 clears the delivery flag (S232). The processing from S233 onwards will be described later.

[0103] Next, as shown in Figure 17B, we will explain the process from when the printed material delivery device 300 arrives at its destination until the delivery history is recorded. Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating the processing within the automatic printed material delivery device 300 in the third embodiment, with the same step numbers used in Figure 11. The processing in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 303a in the control unit 303 of the automatic printed material delivery device 300 reading the program stored in ROM 303c into RAM 303b and executing it. Note that the processing from S301 to S303 in Figure 19 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its explanation is omitted.

[0104] In S308 of Figure 19, if the print delivery device 300 confirms that the delivery of the print materials has been completed (if the answer is Yes in S323), it sends a delivery completion notification to the image forming apparatus 100 (S309). On the other hand, if the completion of delivery of the printed materials cannot be confirmed (in the case of Yes), the automatic printed material delivery device 300 proceeds to process S320.

[0105] In S320, the automatic printed material delivery device 300 monitors the timer value and determines a timeout if it exceeds a preset value. The printed material delivery device 300 also has a timer function (not shown) that starts from the time of arrival at the destination. In other words, if delivery completion is not detected before a predetermined time has elapsed since arrival at the destination, a timeout occurs. If the timeout has not yet occurred (the answer is No in S320), the print delivery device 300 returns to processing in S308.

[0106] On the other hand, if a timeout occurs (if the answer is Yes in S320), the print delivery device 300 proceeds to S321. In S321, the print delivery device 300 sends an absence notification to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0107] Next, in S323, the print delivery device 300 waits for detection of completion of print delivery. If it confirms that the print delivery is complete (Yes in S323), the print delivery device 300 sends a delivery completion notification to the image forming apparatus 100 (S309). Note that the process in S310 of Figure 19 is the same as the process in the first embodiment, so its explanation is omitted. In this example, we assume that, as shown in Figure 17B, the proxy user BBB receives the print output and the completion of delivery is detected.

[0108] In step S233 of Figure 18, the image forming apparatus 100 provisionally registers the delivery history in the job history management table 110, as shown in "No. 4" of Figure 7(a). In the provisional registration state, the recipient ID is "?" and the delivery status is "Received (Unconfirmed)" because receipt confirmation has not been completed. If the settings in S107~S108 of Figure 9 are in the default state, the delivery destination ID will be AAA, which is the ID of the requesting user AAA. The date and time timestamp records the time at the time of provisional registration.

[0109] Next, in S234, the image forming apparatus 100 sends proxy receipt confirmation requests to PC201 and PC202 of users BBB and CCC, who have been set up for proxy receipt confirmation, and also sends a receipt confirmation request to PC200 of the requesting user AAA. After these transmissions, the image forming apparatus 100 waits until it receives a receipt confirmation notification (S235).

[0110] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the processing within PC201 and PC202 for users BBB and CCC, who have been set to receive confirmation by proxy, in the third embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is realized by the execution of programs such as printer drivers by the CPUs (not shown) of PC201 and PC202.

[0111] The following explanation will use PC201 as an example, but the process is similar for PC202. When the printer driver of PC201 receives a proxy confirmation request sent from the image forming apparatus 100 (S141), it proceeds to process S142. In step S142, the printer driver displays a proxy confirmation pop-up window 260 on the display unit of the PC201, as shown in Figure 22. Figure 22 shows an example of a receipt confirmation pop-up window 260 in the third embodiment.

[0112] Next, the printer driver waits until the user BBB, who has been configured for proxy receipt confirmation, selects either the Yes button 2601 or the No button 2602 on the proxy confirmation pop-up window 260 (S143, S144).

[0113] If the Yes button 2601 is selected by the proxy user BBB (Yes in S143), the printer driver proceeds to S145. In S145, the printer driver sends a proxy confirmation notification to the image forming apparatus 100, closes the pop-up window 260, and terminates the processing of PC201 as shown in this flowchart.

[0114] On the other hand, if the proxy user BBB selects the No button 2602 (No in S163 and Yes in S164), the printer driver closes the pop-up window 260 and terminates the process of PC201 as shown in this flowchart.

[0115] Here, in S235 of Figure 18, if the image forming apparatus 100 receives a confirmation notification from, for example, user BBB's PC201 (if Yes), it registers the completion of the job history (S220). In this case, in S220, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the recipient ID in the job history management table 110 to "BBB" and the delivery status to "Delivered (Received)" as shown in "No. 4" of Figure 23. The image forming apparatus 100 also updates the timestamp to the time the receipt completion notification was received. Note that if the No button 2602 is pressed in the aforementioned proxy confirmation pop-up window 260, the proxy confirmation notification will not be sent from PC201. Although not shown, if the image forming apparatus 100 cannot receive a confirmation notification, it terminates the processing of this flowchart due to a timeout or the like. In this case, the state of the job history management table 110 is maintained as shown in "No. 4" of Figure 7(a).

[0116] Next, we will explain the case where the requesting user AAA receives the printed material in S323 of Figure 19, and the requesting user AAA selects the OK button on the receipt confirmation pop-up window 230 on PC200. In this case, the confirmation notification from PC200 is received by the image forming apparatus (S235 in Figure 18). In this case, the job history management table 110 is recorded as "No. 4" in Figure 7(b), similar to the first embodiment. The same applies if a delivery address is specified and the printed materials are received by the designated user in S323 of Figure 19.

[0117] Note that the processing steps S213 to S220 in Figure 18 of the third embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0118] According to the process described above, information on which user who was designated as a proxy received the delivered print output can be recorded as a delivery history, making it possible to track the print output.

[0119] [Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, we will describe the case in which the authentication settings are performed by selecting the authentication acceptance checkbox 223 by the user. Figure 24 shows an example of the operation screen 220 of the printer driver running on PC200 in the fourth embodiment.

[0120] As shown in Figure 24, when the authentication receipt checkbox 223 is selected, the detailed authentication settings (S) 224 are enabled, and the receipt confirmation checkbox 225 and the detailed receipt confirmation settings (CK) 226 are disabled (grayed out). When authentication is enabled, the user must enter authentication code information to receive the printed materials from the delivery device 300, so the delivery completion notification alone is sufficient to confirm that the printed materials have been delivered. For this reason, when authentication is enabled for receiving print output, the receipt confirmation process described in the first to third embodiments above becomes unnecessary. Requiring a user who has authenticated and received the printed materials to perform an additional receipt confirmation operation would only be a nuisance to the user.

[0121] As shown in Figure 9, if the user selects the authentication acceptance checkbox 223 (Yes in S109), the printer driver grays out the acceptance confirmation checkbox 225 and the acceptance confirmation detailed settings (CK) 226, as shown in Figure 24, making them unselectable. Furthermore, the printer driver enables the detailed settings (AD) 222 to accept the authentication settings (S110) and proceeds to S114. Furthermore, if authentication is enabled for the job (Yes in S129), the printer driver skips the acceptance confirmation process in S122-S127 and proceeds to S218. In other words, the acceptance confirmation process is not executed.

[0122] According to the process described above, if authentication is enabled, the receipt confirmation can be automatically disabled. This prevents users who have authenticated and received the printed material from having to perform an additional receipt confirmation operation, which would be cumbersome.

[0123] According to each embodiment described above, it becomes possible to manage information indicating whether or not the print output was reliably delivered to the user who was supposed to receive it, as a delivery history. This management of print output receipt improves security and reduces the risk of confidential information being leaked from printed materials.

[0124] 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. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various other forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention.

[0125] (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]

[0126] 100 Image forming apparatus 200 PC 300 Automatic Printed Material Delivery Machine

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that outputs printed materials based on a job to a delivery device and requests the delivery device to deliver the printed materials, A request means that, upon receiving a completion notification from the delivery device indicating that the delivery of the printed materials based on the job has been completed, makes a first confirmation request to the information processing device corresponding to the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials. A registration means that, upon receiving a first confirmation notice from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed material based on user operations performed in connection with the first confirmation request, registers information indicating that the printed material has been received by the user based on the job as part of the job history, If, before receiving the completion notification, the delivery device receives an absence notification indicating that the printed materials have not been received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the requesting means makes a second confirmation request to the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user designated in the job to be able to receive the printed materials on behalf of the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, upon receiving a second confirmation notice from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed material based on a user operation performed by the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user in connection with the second confirmation request, the registration means registers information indicating that the printed material has been received by the proxy user in the job history.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the user based on the job is the user who requested the job.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the user based on the job is the user specified in the job.

4. The requesting means does not make the first confirmation request if the job has authentication settings that perform authentication when receiving printed materials from the delivery device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, if the authentication setting is applied to the job, the registration means does not register the information of the user who received the printed material based on the job in the history of the job.

5. A control method for an image forming apparatus that outputs printed materials based on a job to a delivery device and requests the delivery device to deliver the printed materials, A request step in which, upon receiving a completion notification from the delivery device indicating that the delivery of the printed materials based on the job has been completed, a confirmation request is made to the information processing device corresponding to the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials. A registration step in which, upon receiving a confirmation notice from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed material based on user operations performed in connection with the confirmation request, information indicating that the printed material has been received by the user based on the job is registered as part of the job history, If, before receiving the completion notification, the delivery device receives an absence notification indicating that the printed materials have not been received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the request step makes a second confirmation request to the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user designated in the job as capable of receiving the printed materials on behalf of the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, in the registration step, upon receiving a second confirmation notice from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed material based on user operations performed on the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user in relation to the second confirmation request, information indicating that the printed material has been received by the proxy user is registered in the job history.

6. A program for causing a computer to perform the method described in claim 5.

7. A system comprising: an information processing device; an image forming apparatus that outputs printed materials based on a job to a delivery device and requests the delivery device to deliver the printed materials; and a delivery device that delivers the printed materials received from the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus is A request means that, upon receiving a completion notification from the delivery device indicating that the delivery of the printed materials based on the job has been completed, makes a confirmation request to the information processing device corresponding to the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials. A registration means that, upon receiving a confirmation notice from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed material based on user operations performed in connection with the confirmation request, registers information indicating that the printed material has been received by the user based on the job as part of the job history. If, before receiving the completion notification, the delivery device receives an absence notification indicating that the printed materials have not been received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the requesting means makes a second confirmation request to the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user designated in the job to be able to receive the printed materials on behalf of the user based on the job, requesting confirmation of receipt of the printed materials. The registration means, upon receiving a second confirmation notice from the information processing device indicating that the user has confirmed receipt of the printed material based on user operations performed by the information processing device corresponding to the proxy user in connection with the second confirmation request, registers information in the job history indicating that the printed material has been received by the proxy user. The aforementioned information processing device is An operating means for receiving a user operation to confirm that the user has received the printed material from the delivery device in response to the receipt of the aforementioned confirmation request, The system includes a first transmission means that transmits the confirmation notification to the image forming apparatus in response to the user operation, The system is characterized in that the delivery device has a second transmission means that transmits the completion notification to the image forming apparatus in response to detecting that the delivery of the printed material received from the image forming apparatus has been completed.

Images