JP4127611B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of printing print data from a host computer such as a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there has been an increase in usage patterns in which a single printer is connected to a network and shared by a plurality of users. In such a usage pattern, when printing a document that is not desired to be seen by a person, it has become necessary to be more careful such as confirming that there is no other user around the printer. Therefore, a queue that manages the printing order by setting a dedicated password for documents etc. using the copy server function, transferring the document to the hard disk drive of the printer, and entering the password by operating the input panel of the printer. In some cases, the document is output in front of the printer body.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a conventional image forming apparatus, when a user inputs a password for confidential document print data for queue entry, the confidential document print data is handled in the same manner as normal print data thereafter, so that other users In order to prevent the printed matter from being seen, the user has to wait in front of the apparatus even if it takes a long time to print the confidential document print data.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that solves such problems and realizes a reduction in the burden on the user side when printing confidential document print data.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus that develops job data received from a host device and prints it out as print data, and is given a confidential document designation password received from the host device. A storage unit for storing the confidential document print data and the normal print data without a password for specifying the confidential document, and a queue for taking out the confidential document print data and the normal print data stored in the storage unit and arranging them in the print order Managing means for displaying the password for specifying the confidential document as input information for printing the confidential document print data, and storing the password when the password specified for the confidential document is received. The presence of confidential document print data stored in the means is detected, and the confidential document print data is When issued, the calculation result of the processing time of all the print data arranged in the queue is displayed on the operation means before the confidential document print data, and printing of the detected confidential document print data is all performed. If the user is prompted to input whether or not to wait until after processing of the print data, and the input means that it cannot wait until after processing of all the print data is made via the operation means, the detected confidential document printing A print start password attribute for executing a print process only when a password designated for confidential documents is input at the start of data printing is added to the confidential document print data, arranged in the queue, and all the print data If the input to wait until the processing of the above is made via the operation means, the print start password attribute is not added to the confidential document print data, When the confidential document print data to which the printing start password attribute is added is printed, the password input screen for specifying the confidential document is displayed on the operation unit, and the password is specified. The confidential document print data is printed only when an input is accepted, and when the confidential document print data without the print start password attribute is printed, the confidential document is not displayed without displaying the confidential document designation password input screen. Print data is printed. With this configuration, the print data is stored in the queue in consideration of the time from when the password for entry to the queue is entered until the print data specified by the confidential document entered in the queue comes to the top of the queue. The user can select whether to execute the printing process when it comes to the top or whether to enter the password again to start printing without starting printing when the print data comes to the top of the queue. Printing can be started according to the circumstances.
[0006]
Further, the present invention provides the normal printing while displaying the input screen on the operation means and accepting the password input in order to print the confidential document print data to which the password attribute for starting printing is added. When the data is registered in the queue of the management means, the normal print data is printed prior to the printing of the confidential document print data to which the print start password attribute is added. Even when normal print data is entered on the screen waiting for input, the normal print data is processed by overtaking the print data waiting for the password, so that the device can be used normally even when waiting for password input. .
[0007]
According to the present invention, in order to print the confidential document print data to which the password attribute for starting printing is added, the input screen is displayed on the operation unit and a password is input, and a predetermined time is received. When the time has elapsed, the input screen is closed, and the confidential document print data to which the password attribute for starting printing is added is removed from the queue and stored again in the storage means, whereby there is print data waiting for password input. When time elapses, it is removed from the queue entry and returned to the original accumulated state, so even if the user forgets to enter the password for starting printing, it confuses other users who saw the password entry screen. This can be prevented.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a host terminal represented by a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a host), and 2 is a communication cable. Reference numeral 3 denotes a laser printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer). The printer 3 includes a controller 4, a panel 9, a hard disk drive 12 (hereinafter referred to as an HDD), an engine unit 14, and the like. Further, the controller 4 includes a host I / F 5, a CPU 6, a program ROM 7, a RAM 8, a panel I / F 10, an HDD I / F 11, an engine I / F 13, and the like.
[0010]
An image forming system is configured by connecting the host 1 and the printer 3 via the communication cable 2, and the host 1 transmits job data to the printer 3 via the communication cable 2 that is physically connected.
[0011]
The controller 4 receives and develops the job sent from the host 1, enters the print data management queue on the RAM 8, and converts the video data from the head of the queue, finally the engine unit. 14 is controlled.
[0012]
The host I / F 5 is an interface unit for receiving job data from the host 1 to the printer 3. The CPU 6 processes data from the host 1 according to the program ROM 7. The RAM 8 is a work memory when the CPU 6 processes, a queue for managing and temporarily storing data from the host 1 in print data units, a page buffer for managing and temporarily storing data in page units, and data stored in the page buffer. It is used as various storage areas such as a bitmap memory that stores print data by converting it into an actual print pattern.
[0013]
The program ROM 7 stores a main program for managing data in the controller 4 and controlling peripheral modules such as the HDD 12, the panel 9, and the engine unit 14. The HDD 12 is a large-capacity nonvolatile memory that holds print information that has been accumulated and developed into jobs.
[0014]
Engine I / F13, the control signal from the controller 4 to the engine unit 14, the status signal from the engine unit 14 to the controller 4, and such as video signals from the controller 4, an interface over the face portion for each signal transmission and reception. The engine unit 14 creates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member based on the video signal and the control signal from the controller 4 and develops the electrostatic latent image, while feeding the transfer paper from the paper feeding unit to The image on the photosensitive member is transferred and further fixed to form an image on the transfer paper.
[0015]
The panel 9 is a main user interface unit including a display unit that displays print information stored in the printer and a password input screen, and a switch unit that commands various operations such as password input.
[0016]
2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the flow of control when confidential document printing is performed using the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 include an array of print data queues.
[0017]
When the user operates the host 1 to create confidential document print data S1, inputs a password and transmits it to the printer 3, the transmission data is expanded on the printer 3 side, and the confidential document print data and password are stored in the HDD 12. Accumulated. Next, the user goes to the place where the printer that sent the confidential document print data is, operates the panel 9 (Step 1-1), and opens the entry password input screen on the display screen of the panel 9 ( Step 1-2), enter the password set when the user sends confidential document print data (Step 1-3). Then, it is detected whether or not print data having a password that matches the input password is present in the print data stored in the HDD 12, and if a matched password is not detected (No in Step 1-4), When the input of the password is requested again and a matched password is detected (Yes in Step 1-4), information of all print data entered in the queue Q is acquired (Step 1-5). In FIG. 2, information about the print data A1 to A4 is acquired. Then, the time required for the controller 4 to complete all the processing related to the print data A1 to A4 is calculated, the calculation result is displayed on the panel 9, and the user determines whether to wait until printing (Step 1-6). The result is input from the panel 9. If a considerable amount of time is required and printing cannot be waited (Yes in Step 1-6), the “print start password attribute” of the print data S1 is set to “ON” (Step 1-7), and the print data S1 is queued Q. (Step1-9). On the other hand, if it takes less time or if it can wait (No in Step 1-6), the “password attribute at start of printing” is set to “OFF” (Step 1-8) and entry is made (Step 1-9). At this time, the print data S1 is entered at the end of the queue Q array.
[0018]
Thereafter, when the processing of all the print data A1 to A4 that existed before the print data S1 is completed (Step 1-10), the information of the print data S1 positioned at the head of the queue is acquired (Step 1-11). If it is “OFF” with reference to “Password attribute at start” (No in Step 1-12), the printing process is performed immediately (Step 1-16), but if it is “ON” (Yes in Step 1-12), the password is processed. An input screen is displayed on the panel 9 (Step 1-13), and the user inputs the password set when transmitting confidential document print data (Step 1-14). At this time, if the correct password is entered (Yes in Step 1-15), the process proceeds to the printing process (Step 1-16), and printing is started, and the process does not proceed until the user inputs the correct password ( Step1-15 No, Step1-14).
[0019]
With this configuration, when entry is made to the queue Q for printing execution of the confidential document designation print data stored in the HDD 12, the target document is printed with the previously entered wait data. Even in a state that requires a considerable amount of time, the password is requested again on the panel 9 at the start of printing, so that the user does not need to be on the apparatus side until the document is printed out.
[0020]
4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the flow of control when confidential document printing is performed using the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 4 and 5 include an array of print data queues.
[0021]
When the user operates the host 1 to create confidential document print data S1, inputs a password and transmits it to the printer 3, the confidential document print data and password are stored in the HDD 12 on the printer 3 side. Next, the user goes to the place where the printer that sent the confidential document print data is located, operates the panel 9 (Step 2-1), and opens the entry password input screen on the display screen of the panel 9 ( Step 2-2), the password entered when the user sends confidential document print data is input (Step 2-3). Then, it is detected whether or not the print data having a password that matches the input password is in the print data stored in the HDD 12, and if the matched password is not detected (No in Step 2-4), When the password is requested again and a matched password is detected (Yes in Step 2-4), information of all print data entered in the queue Q is acquired (Step 2-5). In FIG. 4, information about the print data A1 to A4 is acquired. Then, the controller 4 calculates the time required for completing all the processing related to the print data A1 to A4, displays the calculation result on the panel 9, and allows the user to determine whether to wait until printing (Step 2). -6) Input the result from panel 9. If a considerable amount of time is required and printing cannot be waited (Yes in Step 2-6), the “printing start password attribute” of the print data S1 is set to “ON” (Step 2-7), and the print data S1 is queued Q. (Step2-9). On the other hand, if it takes less time or waits (No in Step 2-6), the “password attribute at start of printing” is set to “OFF” (Step 2-8) and entry is made (Step 2-9). At this time, the print data S1 is entered at the end of the queue Q array.
[0022]
Thereafter, when the processing of all the print data A1 to A4 that existed before the print data S1 is completed (Step 2-10), the information of the print data S1 located at the head of the queue is acquired (Step 2-11). If it is “OFF” with reference to “Password attribute at start” (No in Step 2-12), the printing process is performed immediately (Step 2-16), but if it is “ON” (Yes in Step 2-12), the password is processed. An input screen is displayed on the panel 9 (Step 2-13), and the user inputs the password set when transmitting confidential document print data (Step 2-14). At this time, if the correct password is entered (Yes in Step 2-15), the process proceeds to the printing process (Step 2-16), and printing is started, and the process does not proceed until the user enters the correct password (Step 2-15). Step2-15 No, Step2-14).
[0023]
Here, when the password input screen is displayed on the panel 9 (Step 2-13) and the print data B1 is entered in the queue Q (Step 2-17), the information of the print data B1 is acquired (Step 2-18). ), Refer to “Password attribute at start of printing” (Step 2-19). If the “print start password attribute” is “ON” (Yes in Step 2-19), the process returns to the password input waiting state for the print data S1, but if “OFF” (No in Step 2-19), the print data S1 is returned. (Step 2-20), the print data B1 passes the print data S1 by exchanging the print data S1 and the print data B1 in the queue Q (Step 2-21), and Step 2- Return to the process of 10. After that, the information of the print data B1 is acquired and the “password attribute at the start of printing” is referred to.
[0024]
With this configuration, even when normal print data is entered in the print start password entry waiting screen state, normal print data is processed by overtaking the print data waiting for the password. The printer 3 can be used normally.
[0025]
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the flow of control when confidential document printing is performed using the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 6 and 7 include an array of print data queues.
[0026]
When the user operates the host 1 to create confidential document print data S1, inputs a password and transmits it to the printer 3, the confidential document print data and password are stored in the HDD 12 on the printer 3 side. Next, the user goes to the place where the printer that sent the confidential document print data is located, operates the panel 9 (Step 3-1), and opens the entry password input screen on the display screen of the panel 9 ( Step 3-2), the password entered when the user sends confidential document print data is input (Step 3-3). Then, it is detected whether or not the print data having the password that matches the input password is in the print data stored in the HDD 12, and if the matched password is not detected (No in Step 3-4), When the password is requested again and a matched password is detected (Yes in Step 3-4), information of all print data entered in the queue Q is acquired (Step 3-5). In FIG. 6, information about the print data A1 to A4 is acquired. Then, the time required to complete all the processes related to the print data A1 to A4 is calculated, the calculation result is displayed on the panel 9, and the user is determined whether to wait until printing or not (Step 3-6). The result is input from panel 9. If a considerable amount of time is required and printing cannot be waited (Yes in Step 3-6), the “print start password attribute” of the print data S1 is set to “ON” (Step 3-7), and the print data S1 is queued Q. (Step3-9). On the other hand, if it takes less time or waits (No in Step 3-6), the “password attribute at the start of printing” is set to “OFF” (Step 3-8) and entry is made (Step 3-9). At this time, the print data S1 is entered at the end of the queue Q array.
[0027]
Thereafter, when the processing of all the print data A1 to A4 that existed before the print data S1 is completed (Step 3-10), the information of the print data S1 positioned at the head of the queue is acquired (Step 3-11). If it is “OFF” with reference to “Password attribute at start” (No in Step 3-12), the printing process is performed immediately (Step 3-16). If it is “ON” (Yes in Step 3-12), the password is processed. An input screen is displayed on the panel 9 (Step 3-13), and the user inputs the password set when transmitting confidential document print data (Step 3-14). At this time, only when the correct password is entered (Yes in Step 3-15), the process proceeds to the printing process (Step 3-16), and printing is started, and the process does not proceed until the user inputs the correct password ( Step3-15 No, Step3-14).
[0028]
Here, when the password input screen is displayed on the panel 9 (Step 3-13) and continues for a predetermined time (Step 3-17), the entry state is canceled (Step 3-18) and the password for the print data S1 is input. The screen is closed (Step 3-18), and the print data S1 is stored again in the HDD 12 as the original accumulated document (Step 3-20). The release of the entry state is transmitted from the printer 3 to the host 1 via the communication cable 2. Therefore, the user can know that the entry state has been canceled by looking at the host 1.
[0029]
With this configuration, when a predetermined time elapses while waiting for a password to be executed to print the print data entered in the queue Q, the entry is removed from the queue and the original storage state in the HDD 12 is restored. Thus, even if the user forgets the input operation of the password for starting printing, the printer 3 can return to the original steady state without confusing other users.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention configured as described above, when the stored print data designated as the confidential document is printed, a considerable amount of time is required until there is waiting data before the desired document is printed. Even in such a state, since the password input is requested again on the panel at the start of printing, the user does not need to stay on the apparatus side until the document is printed out.
[0031]
Corresponds to the time when the target document is printed when there is waiting data previously entered when entering the queue Q to execute the print data designated by the confidential document stored in the large-capacity nonvolatile memory. even of the state, such as time-consuming, because it requires a password again input from the operation panel at the start of printing, printing is executed unless the password is entered even if the print data of the parent exhibition document specified come to the head of the queue This eliminates the need for the user to remain on the device until the document is printed out.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control when confidential document printing is performed using the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control flow subsequent to the control shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a control when confidential document printing is performed using the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow subsequent to the control shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a control when confidential document printing is performed using the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control flow that is a continuation of the control shown in FIG.
1 Host terminal (host)
2 Communication cable 3 Laser printer (printer)
4 Controller 5 Host I / F
6 CPU
7 Program ROM
8 RAM
9 Panel 10 Panel I / F
11 HDD I / F
12 Hard disk drive (HDD)
13 Engine I / F
14 Engine unit

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus that develops job data received from a host device and prints out the print data as print data.
Storage means for storing confidential document print data received from the host device and assigned with a confidential document designated password and normal print data without a confidential document designated password;
Management means for managing a queue that takes out the confidential document print data and normal print data stored in the storage means and arranges them in print order;
Operating means for displaying a screen for accepting a password for specifying the confidential document as input information for printing the confidential document print data;
When the confidential document designation password is received, the presence / absence of confidential document print data stored in the storage unit is detected. When the confidential document print data is detected, the confidential document print data is detected before the confidential document print data. The calculation result of the processing time of all the print data arranged in the queue is displayed on the operation means, and the user is requested to input whether or not to wait for the printing of the detected confidential document print data until after the processing of all the print data. Prompt
When an input indicating that the user cannot wait until after processing of all the print data is made through the operation unit, only when the password for specifying the confidential document is input when printing of the detected confidential document print data is started. A password attribute for starting printing for executing the printing process is added to the confidential document print data and arranged in the queue;
When an input to wait until processing of all the print data is made via the operation means, control is performed to arrange the print start password attribute in the queue without adding it to the confidential document print data. An image forming apparatus.   When printing the confidential document print data to which the password attribute for starting printing is added, the confidential document printing is performed only when the password input screen for specifying the confidential document is displayed on the operation unit and the password input is accepted. The confidential document print data is printed without displaying a password input screen for specifying the confidential document when printing data and printing the confidential document print data without the print start password attribute. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. In order to print the confidential document print data to which the print start password attribute is added , the normal print data is stored in the management unit while the input screen is displayed on the operation unit and password input is accepted. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when registered in the queue, printing of the normal print data is performed with priority over printing of confidential document print data to which the password attribute for starting printing is added . When a predetermined time has passed in a state where the input screen is displayed on the operation unit and password input is accepted in order to print the confidential document print data to which the password attribute for starting printing is added 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the input screen is closed, and the confidential document print data to which the password attribute for starting printing is added is removed from the queue and stored again in the storage unit.

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