Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which when performing such a processing that the image formation apparatus requests processing to an external device and requires to receive the processing result from the external device, which can perform processing from another user request even when the processing request under execution is not completed.SOLUTION: When a control unit 35 waits receiving of processing result from a cloud server 20 when the control unit 35 performs such a job that the control unit 35 requests processing to the cloud server 20 and requires to receive the processing result from the cloud server 20, the control unit 35 shifts to a state in which the control unit 35 can perform a different job from another user by setting identification information for identifying a job for specifying a job being performed. When set identification information is input from a user, the control unit 35 obtains from the cloud server 20, processing result of the job which is specified from the input identification information, and the control unit 35 causes an image output unit 38 to output the obtained processing result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, when receiving a notification indicating that a print job has been created by an external printing system, the print job is acquired and stored in a storage means, and in response to a request from an image forming apparatus connected via a network, the print job stored in the storage means is transmitted. A service providing system is disclosed.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, when a job start is instructed and another user who is not the logged-in user is detected, the logged-in user is allowed to select whether to execute the job or hold the job on a selection screen. If execution of the job is selected, the job is executed, and if holding of the job is selected, the job is held and the logged-in user is logged out. An image forming apparatus is disclosed.

[0004] In Patent Document 3, when receiving a job including transfer of data to the outside and executing the job, before the first job received earlier ends, an information processing apparatus capable of starting a second job using the same transfer protocol is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] For example, cloud services are available that allow users to scan documents using image forming machines installed in convenience stores, send the scanned document data to an external device such as a cloud server, and perform translation processing. Users of such cloud services cannot leave the image forming machine while the translation process is running on the cloud server, because they do not know when the translation process will be completed and the results will be printed on the image forming machine. As a result, the image forming machine cannot accept and execute processing requests from other users because the user is occupying the machine, leading to poor processing efficiency, and in some cases, a queue may form in front of the image forming machine.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and program that, when executing a processing request that requires requesting processing from an external device and receiving processing results from that external device, can execute another processing request from another user even if the processing request currently being executed has not been completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first embodiment of the image forming apparatus includes a processor, and when the processor executes a processing request that requires requesting processing from an external device and receiving processing results from the external device, if it enters a state of waiting for processing results from the external device, it sets identification information for identifying the processing request and transitions to a state where it can execute other processing requests from other users. When the configured identification information is entered, the processing result of the processing request identified by the entered identification information is output.

[0009] In the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the processor displays an operator on the control panel for issuing the identification information when it is in a state of waiting for processing results from the external device.

[0010] In the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, when the operator displayed on the operation unit is operated by the user, the processor prints and outputs code information on paper that includes identification information for identifying a processing request that has entered a processing result waiting state from the external device. Identification information is entered by reading an image of a paper with code information printed on it and analyzing that image.

[0011] The image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, when the operator displayed on the operation unit is operated by the user, the processor displays code information on the display device that includes identification information for identifying a processing request that has entered a processing result waiting state from the external device. The system reads the image containing the code information and inputs the identification information by analyzing the image.

[0012] In the fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus, if the processing request identified by the input identification information is not executed by the apparatus itself, the processor uses the information contained in the input identification information to identify an external device that has requested part of the processing in the processing request, and obtains and outputs the processing result from the identified external device.

[0013] The sixth image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, wherein the identification information includes information for reconstructing a processing request. If the processing request identified by the input identification information is not executed by the processor itself, the processor uses the information contained in the input identification information to reconstruct the processing request in its own device, thereby obtaining and outputting the processing result from the identified external device.

[0014] The program of the seventh embodiment includes the step of setting identification information to identify the processing request and transitioning to a state where it can execute other processing requests from other users when it enters a state of waiting for processing results from the external device after executing a processing request that requires requesting processing from an external device and receiving processing results from the external device, When the configured identification information is input, the step of outputting the processing result of the processing request identified by the input identification information, Have the computer execute it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, when executing a processing request that requires requesting processing from an external device and receiving processing results from that external device, it becomes possible to execute another processing request from another user even if the processing request currently being executed has not been completed.

[0016] According to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, the user who made the processing request can know that the device is in a state of waiting for processing results from an external device and that it is now possible to leave the image forming apparatus.

[0017] According to the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the user can leave the image forming apparatus simply by receiving a sheet of paper on which code information has been printed.

[0018] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the user can leave the image forming apparatus simply by taking a picture of the displayed code information.

[0019] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the user can obtain processing results from an image forming apparatus different from the one that performed the processing request.

[0020] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth embodiment, an image forming apparatus that has received identification information can resume a processing request and obtain the processing result from an external device, even if the processing request has not been executed within the apparatus itself.

[0021] According to the program of the seventh aspect, when executing a processing request that requires requesting an external device to perform processing and receiving a processing result from the external device, even if the processing request being executed has not been completed, it becomes possible to execute another processing request from another user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing when performing scan translation using the cloud server 20 in the image forming apparatus 10. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a state where a queue of people waiting to use the image forming apparatus 10 occurs when executing a translation process that takes a long time in the processing in the cloud server 20. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 until it transitions to a standby state when a user executes a job on the image forming apparatus 10 and enters a state of waiting for a processing result from the cloud server 20. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen when a standby button 41 is displayed on the operation panel 40 of the image forming apparatus 10. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when setting a character string input by a user as a keyword for result acquisition. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen when a user prints and receives a ticket for result acquisition. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen when a user issues a two-dimensional code for result acquisition. [Figure 11]This is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when setting a 2D code as identification information. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a 2D code printed on paper. [Figure 13] This diagram shows examples of the information included in the identification information when a 2D code is issued as identification information and when a result retrieval ticket containing a string is issued. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the operation screen of the control panel 40 when resuming a job that was in a user waiting state. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the operation screen when a list of jobs awaiting processing results is displayed on the operation panel 40. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when it performs the restart process for a selected job awaiting results. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of an operation screen for receiving keyword input from the user. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of an operation screen that instructs the user to scan a result retrieval ticket or a 2D code with a scanner. [Figure 19] This flowchart shows the details of the restart determination process in step S309, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 16. [Figure 20] This diagram shows how a user starts a job in the image forming apparatus 10A, performs scan translation, waits for the translation result on the cloud server 20, operates the wait button to obtain a 2D code, and then restarts the job in the image forming apparatus 10B. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example of the operation screen when the user waiting information job restart process is executed in the image forming apparatus 10B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] An image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 1, consists of image forming apparatuses 10 and a cloud server 20 that are interconnected via the Internet 30. Although only one image forming apparatus 10 is shown in Figure 1 for simplicity of explanation, in reality, multiple image forming apparatuses 10 are configured to connect to the cloud server 20 via the Internet 30. The image forming apparatus 10 is installed, for example, in a store used by an unspecified number of users, such as a convenience store. The image forming apparatus 10 has multiple functions such as printing, scanning, copying, and facsimile, and is a so-called multifunction device that performs processing based on jobs instructed to be executed by the user. Here, a job is a processing request that requests the image forming apparatus 10 to perform processing.

[0026] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 has the ability to provide users with functions that cannot be realized by the image forming apparatus 10 alone, by coordinating with cloud services provided by the cloud server 20. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 can scan and read an English document, transfer the scanned image to the cloud server 20, and perform OCR (Optical Character Reading) processing to translate it into Japanese. This type of service, which translates scanned text images on a cloud service, is called scan translation.

[0027] The processing flow when performing such scan translation using the cloud server 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0028] (1) In this type of scan translation, the user first scans and reads the document to be translated using the image forming apparatus 10. (2) Next, the scanned document is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 to the cloud server 20 via the internet 30. (3) The cloud server 20 then performs OCR processing on the transmitted scanned document to obtain character data. (4) Then, the cloud server 20 performs translation processing on the acquired text data. (5) Subsequently, the cloud server 20 transmits the translation results to the image forming apparatus 10 via the internet 30. (6) The image forming apparatus 10, upon receiving the translation results transmitted from the cloud server 20, outputs the received translation results by printing them onto paper.

[0029] However, when performing such processing, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job that requires requesting processing from an external device, the cloud server 20, and receiving processing results from the cloud server 20. If the processing on the cloud server 20 takes a long time, the apparatus will enter a waiting state for processing results from the cloud server 20.

[0030] For example, if the translation speed of the cloud server 20 is 1 minute per page, it will take 20 minutes to translate a 20-page document.

[0031] If the image forming apparatus 10 enters a state of waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20, the image forming apparatus 10 will continue to wait for the translation process on the cloud server 20 to be completed.

[0032] Furthermore, even when the system is in a waiting state for processing results, the user who executed the job cannot leave the image forming apparatus 10, as the job may be canceled if the image forming apparatus 10 is used by another user. Also, since it is unknown when the processing results will be sent from the cloud server 20, if the user leaves the image forming apparatus 10, there is a possibility that the processing results may be obtained by another user.

[0033] For these reasons, even when the image forming apparatus 10 is waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20, the user cannot leave the image forming apparatus 10. However, from the perspective of other users, it may appear that the user is monopolizing the image forming apparatus 10 even though they are not using it.

[0034] Furthermore, if a user occupies the image forming apparatus 10 for an extended period to perform translation processing on the cloud server 20, as described above, a queue of users waiting to use the image forming apparatus 10 may form, as shown in Figure 3. In such cases, the user currently running a job cannot leave the image forming apparatus 10, leading to an awkward situation. Moreover, other users are also unable to use the image forming apparatus 10, resulting in reduced processing efficiency.

[0035] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, by performing the control described below, when executing a processing request such as a job that requires requesting processing from an external device such as a cloud server 20 and receiving processing results from that external device, it is possible to execute another processing request from another user even if the processing request currently being executed has not been completed.

[0036] Next, Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 11, memory 12, storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (IF) 14 for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices via the Internet 30, a user interface (UI) device 15 including a touch panel or liquid crystal display and keyboard, a scan unit 16, and an image forming unit 17. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 18.

[0038] The image forming unit 17 prints an image onto a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0039] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 by executing predetermined processes based on a control program stored in the memory 12 or storage device 13. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing a control program stored in the memory 12 or storage device 13, but it is not limited to this. This control program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium. For example, this program may be provided in the form of a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM recorded on an optical disc, or in the form of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and memory card recorded on a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, this control program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication interface 14.

[0040] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 realized by the execution of the control program described above.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes an authentication unit 31, an operation input unit 32, a display unit 33, a data transmission / reception unit 34, a control unit 35, an image reading unit 36, a data storage unit 37, and an image output unit 38.

[0042] The authentication unit 31 authenticates the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 10, for example, by inputting a user ID and password. The operation input unit 32 receives various operation information performed by the user. The display unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 35 and displays various information to the user.

[0043] The data transmission / reception unit 34 transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the cloud server 20. The image output unit 38 outputs images onto a recording medium such as printing paper based on control by the control unit 35. The image reading unit 36 ​​reads the original image from the set original based on control by the control unit 35. The data storage unit 37 stores various data such as print data generated by the control unit 35.

[0044] When the control unit 35 receives a job from the user through an operation input unit 32, it controls the image reading unit 36, image output unit 38, data transmission / reception unit 34, etc., based on the received job to execute the received job.

[0045] In this case, when the control unit 35 executes a job that requires requesting processing from an external device, the cloud server 20, and receiving processing results from the cloud server 20, it requests processing from the cloud server 20 via the data transmission / reception unit 34 and receives the processing results from the cloud server 20 via the data transmission / reception unit 34.

[0046] Then, when the control unit 35 executes a job that requires it to request processing from the cloud server 20 and receive processing results from the cloud server 20, if it enters a state of waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20, it sets identification information to identify the job currently running and transitions to a state where it can execute other jobs from other users.

[0047] Then, when the user inputs the configured identification information, the control unit 35 retrieves the processing result of the job identified by the input identification information from the cloud server 20 and outputs it from the image output unit 38.

[0048] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured as a touch panel type operation panel by the operation input unit 32 and the display unit 33. When the control unit 35 is in a state of waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20, it displays operation buttons or other controls for issuing identification information on the operation panel, which is the operation unit.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 35 may print code information containing identification information for identifying jobs that are waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20 when an operator such as an operation button displayed on the operation panel is operated by the user. When identification information is set in this manner, the user takes the paper with the printed code information and leaves the image forming apparatus 10. Then, when the processing on the cloud server 20 is expected to be completed, the user places the paper with the printed code information into the image reading unit 36 ​​of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 35 then reads the image of the paper with the printed code information using the image reading unit 36 ​​and inputs the identification information by analyzing the read image.

[0050] Alternatively, the control unit 35 may, when an operation button displayed on the operation panel is operated by the user, display code information containing identification information for identifying a job that is waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20 on the display unit 33, such as a display device. When identification information is set in this manner, the user reads and saves the code information displayed on the display unit 33 using, for example, a camera on a smartphone, and leaves the image forming apparatus 10. Then, when the processing on the cloud server 20 is about to be completed, the user displays the code information saved on the smartphone and sets it toward the image reading unit 36. The control unit 35 then reads the image containing the code information with the image reading unit 36 ​​and inputs the identification information by analyzing the image.

[0051] The code information described above may include, for example, one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, or two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks). Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with a barcode scanner or a two-dimensional code scanner, the code information displayed on a smartphone or the like may be read by the barcode scanner or two-dimensional code scanner.

[0052] The above explanation describes the case where the image forming apparatus 10 in which the user starts executing a job and the image forming apparatus 10 that resumes the job after transitioning to a standby state and receives the processing results from the cloud server 20 are the same apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus 10 in which the user starts executing a job and the image forming apparatus 10 that resumes the job after transitioning to a standby state and receives the processing results from the cloud server 20 may be different apparatuses.

[0053] In this case, if the job identified by the input identification information is not executed by the device itself, the control unit 35 uses the address information of the cloud server 20 included in the input identification information to identify the cloud server 20 that was requested to perform some of the processing in the job, and retrieves the processing results from the identified cloud server 20 and outputs them.

[0054] Furthermore, when performing such control, the identification information is made to include various information necessary for reconstructing the job. Then, if the job identified by the input identification information is not executed on the device itself, the control unit 35 uses the information contained in the input identification information to reconstruct the job on the device itself, thereby obtaining and outputting the processing result from the identified cloud server 20.

[0055] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0056] In the following explanation, we will use a case where scan-and-translate is performed in which the scanned original document image is sent to the cloud server 20 for OCR processing and translation processing, and the processing results are printed and output from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0057] First, when a user executes a job on the image forming apparatus 10 and enters a state of waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20, the flowchart in Figure 6 shows the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 until it transitions to a standby state.

[0058] In step S101, the control unit 35 monitors the progress of jobs in the image forming apparatus 10 and the cloud server 20. Then, in step S102, when monitoring the progress, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the cloud server 20 is in a waiting state for processing results. Here, the waiting state for processing results of the cloud server 20 means that when the image forming apparatus 10 is executing a job, it cannot proceed to the next process until the processing on the cloud server 20 is completed.

[0059] Then, in step S102, if the control unit 35 determines that the image forming apparatus 10 is not in a state of waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20, the control unit 35 returns to the process of step S101. Then, in step S102, if the control unit 35 determines that the image forming apparatus 10 is in a state of waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20, in step S103, the control unit 35 displays a standby button on the operation panel as an operator for issuing identification information.

[0060] Figure 7 shows an example of the operation screen when the standby button 41 is displayed on the operation panel 40 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7, the standby button 41 is not displayed on the control panel 40 while the image forming apparatus 10 is scanning a document and sending it to the cloud server 20. However, the standby button 41 is displayed on the control panel 40 when the transmission of the scanned document is complete and the cloud server 20 is processing it. In other words, the display of the standby button 41 on the control panel 40 allows the user to know that they can leave the image forming apparatus 10 and enter a standby state.

[0062] Next, in step S104, the control unit 35 determines whether the user has operated the standby button 41. If it is determined in step S104 that the user has not operated the standby button 41, the control unit 35 returns to the process in step S101.

[0063] Then, in step S104, if it is determined that the user has operated the standby button 41, the control unit 35 sets identification information to identify the job that is currently running in step S105.

[0064] The identification information set here may be keyword information such as a string, or it may be code information such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code as described above.

[0065] For example, Figure 8 shows an example of the display screen when setting a string entered by the user as a keyword for retrieving results. In the example operation screen shown in Figure 8, the entered string is registered as a keyword when the user enters a string and presses the register button.

[0066] Figure 9 shows an example of the user interface when printing and receiving a ticket for obtaining the results. In the example interface shown in Figure 9, the user presses the issue button to issue a ticket for obtaining the results, and a ticket for receiving the scanned translation results is issued. In Figure 9, a string of characters set as identification information is printed on this ticket for receiving the scanned translation results, but a one-dimensional code such as a barcode may be printed instead of this string of characters.

[0067] Figure 10 also shows an example of the user interface when issuing a 2D code for obtaining results. The example interface in Figure 10 shows the user selecting one of the following methods when issuing and receiving a 2D code: display, print, or send.

[0068] The operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when setting a two-dimensional code as identification information is shown in the flowchart of Figure 11. The flowchart shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the process of step S105 in the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0069] First, in step S201, the control unit 35 acquires job information from the image forming apparatus 10 and the cloud server 20. Specifically, the control unit 35 acquires the job ID, which is the identifier of the job currently running in the image forming apparatus 10; the user ID and password of the user running the job; the settings information at the time of job startup; information about the cloud service that uses this job; address information such as the URL of the cloud server 20; and user authentication information for the cloud service.

[0070] Then, in step S202, the control unit 35 converts the acquired information into a two-dimensional code.

[0071] Next, in step S203, the control unit 35 determines whether the receiving method selected by the user is transmission, printing, or display.

[0072] In step S203, if the control unit 35 determines that the receiving method selected by the user is transmission, in step S204, it transmits the generated 2D code to the user's smartphone or other device via proximity wireless communication such as Bluetooth®.

[0073] Furthermore, if step S203 determines that the user's selected method of receiving is printing, the control unit 35 prints the generated 2D code onto the paper and outputs it in step S205.

[0074] Figure 12 shows an example of a two-dimensional code printed on paper in this manner. Figure 12 shows an image of the two-dimensional code generated as described above, along with a note indicating that when obtaining the job processing results, this two-dimensional code should be read by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0075] Furthermore, if in step S203 the control unit 35 determines that the receiving method selected by the user is display, in step S206 the control unit 35 displays the generated 2D code on the operation panel and instructs the user to photograph and store the displayed 2D code.

[0076] Furthermore, when a two-dimensional code is issued as identification information, it can include more information compared to when a simple string of characters or a one-dimensional code is issued as identification information. For example, as shown in Figure 13, when a result acquisition ticket containing a string of characters is issued as identification information, it only includes the job ID and user authentication information for the image forming apparatus 10. However, when a two-dimensional code is issued as identification information, it can include not only the job ID and user authentication information, but also various other information such as job startup settings information such as resolution and color settings, cloud service information, address information such as the URL of the cloud server 20, and user authentication information for the cloud service.

[0077] Finally, in step S106, the control unit 35 puts the currently running job into a user-waiting state. When a currently running job is put into a user-waiting state in this way, the control unit 35 transitions the image forming apparatus 10 to a state where it can execute another job from another user. In other words, when this state is reached, the image forming apparatus 10 becomes capable of accepting another job from another user. As a result, the user currently executing a job can leave the image forming apparatus 10, and the next user who was waiting in line to use the image forming apparatus 10 can then use it.

[0078] Next, we will explain the process when a user who was in a waiting state due to the above process resumes the job and obtains the scan translation processing results.

[0079] Figure 14 shows an example of the operation screen of the control panel 40 when a user who has been away from the image forming apparatus 10 and is in a waiting state for some time resumes a job on the image forming apparatus 10. The control panel 40 shown in Figure 14 displays an operation button 42 labeled "List of jobs awaiting results". A user who wants to resume a job that was waiting for processing results from the cloud server 20 presses the operation button 42 labeled "List of jobs awaiting results" shown in Figure 14.

[0080] As shown in Figure 15, a list of jobs awaiting processing results is then displayed on the operation panel 40. The user then selects the job they executed from the displayed list of jobs awaiting processing results and presses the Get Results button. The restart process for the selected job awaiting results is then executed.

[0081] In this way, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when it performs the restart process for the selected job awaiting results is shown in the flowchart of Figure 16.

[0082] First, in step S301, the control unit 35 determines whether the type of identification information set when the job was put into a user-waiting state was keyword information, 2D code information, or result acquisition ticket information.

[0083] In step S301, if the control unit 35 determines that the type of identification information set when putting the job into user waiting state is keyword information, in step S302, it accepts keyword input from the user. An example of the operation screen when accepting keyword input from the user in this way is shown in Figure 17.

[0084] Next, in step S303, the control unit 35 compares the stored keyword information with the entered keyword information. Then, in step S304, the control unit 35 determines whether the stored keyword information and the entered keyword information match.

[0085] If it is determined in step S304 that the stored keyword information matches the entered keyword information, the control unit 35 retrieves the processing result of this job from the cloud server 20 in step S305 and prints the retrieved processing result onto paper.

[0086] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S304 that the keyword information stored does not match the entered keyword information, the control unit 35 terminates the process.

[0087] In step S301, if the control unit 35 determines that the type of identification information set when putting the job into user waiting state is a result acquisition ticket, it displays an operation screen as shown in Figure 18 and instructs the user to scan the result acquisition ticket. Then, in step S306, the control unit 35 reads the result acquisition ticket with the image reading unit 36, analyzes the read image, and obtains the ticket information of the result acquisition ticket.

[0088] Next, in step S307, the control unit 35 compares the stored ticket information with the acquired ticket information. Then, in step S308, the control unit 35 determines whether the stored ticket information and the acquired ticket information match.

[0089] If it is determined in step S308 that the stored ticket information matches the acquired ticket information, the control unit 35 retrieves the processing result of this job from the cloud server 20 in step S305 and prints the retrieved processing result onto paper for output.

[0090] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S308 that the ticket information stored does not match the acquired ticket information, the control unit 35 terminates the process.

[0091] In step S301, if the control unit 35 determines that the type of identification information set when putting the job into a user-waiting state is a two-dimensional code, in step S309, it performs a job restart determination process based on the two-dimensional code.

[0092] Then, in step S310, if the determination result of the restart determination process in step S309 is that the job can be restarted, the control unit 35 retrieves the processing result of this job from the cloud server 20 in step S305 and prints the retrieved processing result onto paper for output.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S310, if the result of the restart determination process in step S309 is that the job cannot be restarted, the control unit 35 terminates the process.

[0094] Next, the details of the restart determination process in step S309, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 16, are shown in the flowchart of Figure 19.

[0095] First, the control unit 35 displays an operation screen as shown in Figure 18 on the operation panel 40 and instructs the user to scan the 2D code. If the 2D code is printed on paper, the paper is scanned. If the 2D code is displayed and photographed with a smartphone or other device, or transmitted to a smartphone or other device via proximity wireless communication, the user displays the 2D code on the smartphone or other device and has it scanned. If the image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with a 2D code reader, the 2D code displayed on the smartphone or other device may be read using that reader.

[0096] Then, in step S401, the control unit 35 reads the 2D code and performs image analysis processing of the read 2D code.

[0097] Next, in step S402, the control unit 35 determines whether or not its own device is the image forming apparatus that initiated the job. Specifically, by including the identification information of the image forming apparatus that initiated the job within the two-dimensional code, the control unit 35 compares its own identification information with the identification information of the image forming apparatus obtained by analyzing the two-dimensional code to determine whether or not its own device is the image forming apparatus that initiated the job.

[0098] Then, if it is determined in step S402 that the device is an image forming apparatus that started a job, the control unit 35 determines in step S403 whether or not the target job identified by the 2D code exists in the device.

[0099] Then, if it is determined in step S403 that the target job does not exist in the device, or if it is determined in step S402 that the device is not the image forming apparatus that started the job, the control unit 35 reconstructs the job in step S404 based on the information obtained from the 2D code.

[0100] Then, after reconfiguring the job in step S404, the control unit 35 determines in step S405 whether or not the processing of the target job on the cloud server 20 has been completed.

[0101] If it is determined in step S405 that the processing of the target job on the cloud server 20 is complete, the control unit 35 determines in step S406 that the target job can be resumed and terminates processing.

[0102] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S405 that the processing of the target job on the cloud server 20 is not yet complete, the control unit 35 displays a message on the operation panel in step S407 indicating that it will wait further until the job processing is complete. Then, in step S408, the control unit 35 determines that the target job cannot be resumed and terminates processing.

[0103] As described above, if a user selects a 2D code as the identification information when entering a standby state, the job can be restarted on a different image forming machine than the one that started the job, and the job processing results can be received.

[0104] For example, as shown in Figure 20, let's consider a case where a user starts a job at an image forming machine 10A in a convenience store, performs scan and translation, and enters a state of waiting for the translation result on the cloud server 20, and then operates the wait button to obtain a 2D code. Let's assume that this user moves to another convenience store while in the waiting state and performs the job restart process at an image forming machine 10B. Then, at the image forming machine 10B, an operation screen like the one shown in Figure 21 is displayed, and when the 2D code issued by the image forming machine 10A is read, the words "Do you want to obtain the processing result of the cloud service performed on another multifunction device?" are displayed. When the user presses the "Get" operation button on this operation screen, the image forming machine 10B accesses the cloud server 20, receives the processing result of this job, and prints the processing result out.

[0105] In each of the embodiments described above, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0106] Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10, 10A, 10B image forming device 11 CPU 12 memory 13 Storage device 14. Communication Interface 15. User Interface Device 16 scan units 17 Image forming unit 18 Control bus 20 Cloud Servers 30 Internet 31. Authentication Department 32 Operation Input Section 33 Display section 34 Data transmission / reception unit 35 Control Unit 36 Image reading unit 37 Data Storage Unit 38 Image output section 40 Control Panel 41 Standby button 42 Operation buttons

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When executing a processing request that requires requesting processing from an external device and receiving processing results from that external device, if the system enters a state of waiting for processing results from the external device, identification information for identifying the processing request is set, and the system transitions to a state where it can execute other processing requests from other users. When the configured identification information is input, the processing result of the processing request identified by the input identification information is output. Image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays an operator on the control panel for issuing the identification information when it is in a state of waiting for processing results from the external device.

3. When the user operates the control element displayed on the control panel, the processor prints and outputs code information containing identification information for identifying the processing request that has entered a processing result waiting state from the external device onto a sheet of paper. The system reads an image of a paper with code information printed on it and inputs identification information by analyzing that image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. When the user operates the control element displayed on the control unit, the processor displays code information on the display device that includes identification information for identifying a processing request that has entered a processing result waiting state from the external device. The system reads the image containing the code information and inputs identification information by analyzing the image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, if the processing request identified by the input identification information is not executed by the apparatus itself, the processor uses the information contained in the input identification information to identify an external device that requested part of the processing in the processing request, and obtains and outputs the processing result from the identified external device.

6. The aforementioned identification information includes information for reconstructing the processing request. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, if the processing request identified by the input identification information is not executed by the apparatus itself, the processor uses the information contained in the input identification information to reconstruct the processing request in the apparatus itself, thereby acquiring and outputting a processing result from the identified external device.

7. When executing a processing request that requires requesting processing from an external device and receiving processing results from said external device, if the system enters a state of waiting for processing results from said external device, the steps include setting identification information to identify the processing request and transitioning to a state where other processing requests from other users can be executed, When the configured identification information is input, the step of outputting the processing result of the processing request identified by the input identification information, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images