JP6852466B2 - Image-forming equipment, printing systems, and computer-based methods of image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more specifically, to a process of receiving printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus.

Risk management for security is one of the important management issues for companies. In particular, when handling important information such as personal information and customer information, it is a social responsibility for the company to protect it.

In recent years, security measures are also required for image forming devices. Regarding the security of the image forming apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-166152 (Patent Document 1) states that "a printable range (printable area) is obtained by using the number of printouts of a print job, and a print instruction is given. It determines whether the position of the terminal has moved within the print startable range and controls the timing to start printing. As a result, it controls to end printing when the user finishes moving near the printer. Discloses an image forming apparatus (see "Summary").

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-181186 (Patent Document 2) specifies "a condition acquisition unit for acquiring designated agent information and designated number of people information, and user identification information provided by a user who intends to perform printing. The authentication unit that inquires about the agent information and authenticates that the user is the designated agent specified by the input person and the designated agent for the number of people specified by the input person form the same image. A print management device that causes an image forming device to perform printing based on a print job when authenticated by the authentication unit via the device is disclosed (see "Summary").

JP-A-2015-166152 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-181186

If the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus contains confidential information, the printed matter needs to be promptly recovered from the image forming apparatus. However, the user who has input the print instruction may not always be able to collect the printed matter promptly. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for promptly recovering printed matter from an image forming apparatus.

In this regard, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not start printing unless the position of the mobile terminal moves to the printable area. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot obtain the printed matter when the user of the mobile terminal needs the printed matter and cannot move to the printable area.

Further, the print management device disclosed in Patent Document 2 designates an agent who acts as an agent for collecting the printed matter, but this agent may not be able to collect the printed matter. In such a case, information leakage due to printed matter may occur.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object in a certain aspect is to provide a technique for improving the security of an image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image forming unit that forms an image according to a printing job, and a control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit. The control device prints based on a calculation unit for calculating the print time required for printing based on a print job, a schedule acquisition unit for acquiring the schedule of one or more users of the image forming device, and the schedule and the print time. It includes a specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive a printed matter based on a job from one or more users, and a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of a request to receive the printed matter.

Preferably, the specific unit estimates the print completion time of the print job based on the print time, refers to the schedule, and identifies the user who has no business at the print completion time as an agent.

Preferably, the specific unit estimates the print completion time of the print job based on the print time, refers to the schedule, and identifies a user who has no business from the predetermined time to the print completion time as an agent.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit for determining whether the input person of the print job can or cannot receive the printed matter. The specific unit identifies the agent when the judgment unit determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter.

More preferably, the control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between the image forming device and the device of the input person. The determination unit determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter when the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

Preferably, the determination unit refers to the schedule of the input person and determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter when there is a business at the print completion time of the print job calculated from the print time.

Preferably, the specific unit selects one or more candidates who can receive the printed matter based on the print job, and identifies the user selected by the input person of the print job from the one or more candidates as an agent. ..

Preferably, the specific unit refers to the schedule and identifies, among one or more users, a user who shares the business of the input person of the print job as an agent.

Preferably, the control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between each computer of one or more users and the computer of the input person of the print job. The specific unit identifies, as an agent, a computer user whose calculated distance is less than a predetermined distance from among one or more users.

Preferably, the control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between each device of one or more users and the image forming device. The specific unit identifies as an agent a user of a device whose calculated distance is less than a predetermined distance from among one or more users.

Preferably, the control device further includes a level acquisition unit that acquires the security level of each of one or more users. The specific unit identifies as an agent a user who is set to a security level equal to or higher than the security level of the input person of the print job from among one or more users.

Preferably, the control device further includes an affiliation acquisition unit that acquires the affiliation of each of one or more users. The specific unit identifies a user who belongs to the same affiliation as the input person of the print job as an agent from one or more users.

Preferably, the notification unit is configured to notify the input person of the print job of the identified agent.

Preferably, the control device includes an address acquisition unit that acquires the email address of each of one or more users. The notification unit sends a receipt request notification to the email address of the agent.

Preferably, the notification unit sends a receipt request notification to the application installed on the delegate's device.

Preferably, the specific unit refers to the schedule and identifies another agent different from the agent from the users described in 1 or more according to the time when the agent cannot receive the printed matter. The notification unit notifies the other specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.

Preferably, a storage device for storing the authentication information of one or more users is further provided. The control device is configured to execute a print job when authenticated by an agent.

More preferably, the control device further includes an authentication device for receiving authentication information from the agent.

Preferably, the control device is configured to perform authentication by the agent based on the authentication information input from the agent's device.

Preferably, the control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between the image forming device and the device of the agent. When the distance calculated during the execution of the print job exceeds a predetermined distance, the specific unit suspends the print job and selects another agent from one or more users who is different from the agent. Identify. The notification unit notifies the other specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.

Preferably, the specific unit suspends the print job and identifies another agent different from the agent from one or more users when the agent's schedule is changed during the execution of the print job. To do. The notification unit notifies the other specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.

Preferably, the control device further includes a counting unit that counts the cumulative number of prints for each user. The counting unit is configured to add the number of prints according to the print job to the cumulative number of prints of the person who entered the print job.

Preferably, the controller executes the other print job before the print job if another print job different from the print job is input during the execution of the print job for which the agent has been identified. It is configured to prohibit things.

In another aspect, a printing system including an image forming apparatus and each device of a server apparatus and one or more users of the image forming apparatus is provided. The server device includes a storage device that stores the schedule of one or more users. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job, a communication interface for communicating with the server device, and a control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit. The control device includes a calculation unit for calculating the print time required for printing based on a print job, a schedule acquisition unit for acquiring a schedule of one or more users from a server device via a communication interface, and a schedule and a print time. Based on this, a specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the users on 1 and a notification unit that notifies the device of the specified agent via the communication interface of the request to receive the printed matter. including.

In yet another aspect, a method is provided that is performed on the computer of the image forming apparatus for the agent to receive the printed matter on behalf of the input person of the print job. In this method, a printed matter based on a print job is produced based on a step of calculating the print time required for printing based on the print job, a step of acquiring the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and the schedule and the print time. It includes a step of identifying a receivable agent from among the users on the 1st, and a step of notifying the specified agent of a request for receiving printed matter.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment can increase the probability that the printed matter will be collected promptly more than before. As a result, this image forming apparatus can suppress information leakage due to printed matter more than before.

The above and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed technical features will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which is understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of processing of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of a printing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a server. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of a mobile terminal and a computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the 1st user information. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of a schedule DB. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the 2nd user information. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which a printing system performs in order to collect a printed matter by an agent. It is a flowchart which shows the whole picture of the process which an image forming apparatus performs in order to collect a printed matter by an agent. It is a flowchart which shows the process (step S1010 of FIG. 10) which determines whether or not the image forming apparatus sets an agent. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process (step S1020 in FIG. 10) for the image forming apparatus to detect a candidate for a proxy. It is a flowchart which shows the process (step S1045 of FIG. 10) which determines whether or not the image forming apparatus changes an agent. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of step S1310 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional structure of a CPU.

Hereinafter, embodiments of this technical idea will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, the detailed description of them will not be repeated. In addition, each embodiment and each modification described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[Technical Thought]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is configured so that the user's schedule can be acquired. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus has acquired the schedules of users 10 to 40.

In a certain aspect, the user 10 inputs a print job X to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus calculates the time required for printing based on the print job X (hereinafter, also referred to as “printing time”). The image forming apparatus further identifies an agent who can receive the printed matter based on the print job X based on the calculated printing time and the schedules of the users 20 to 40.

A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus receives the input of the print job X at 13:00. Next, the image forming apparatus calculates that the print time of the print job X is 10 minutes, and estimates that the print completion time is 13:10. In the image forming apparatus, since the user 10 who is the input person of the print job X (hereinafter, also referred to as “job input person”) has the errand A from 13:05 to 13:12, the user 10 completes printing. Judge that the printed matter cannot be collected at the time.

The image forming apparatus identifies an agent from among these users based on the schedule of users 20 to 40 in response to the job inputter determining that the printed matter cannot be collected. User 20 has errand B from 13:08 to 13:14. Therefore, the image forming apparatus determines that the user 20 cannot collect the printed matter at the printing completion time. On the other hand, the user 30 and the user 40 have no business at the printing completion time. Therefore, the image forming apparatus identifies at least one of the user 30 and the user 40 as an agent.

The image forming apparatus notifies the identified agent of the request for receiving the printed matter. For example, the image forming apparatus notifies a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal used by the agent of the receiving request. The agent collects the printed matter of the print job X in response to the receipt request notification.

According to the above, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment identifies a user who can receive the printed matter as an agent in consideration of the user's schedule. Therefore, this image forming apparatus can suppress the situation where the printed matter is not collected promptly. As a result, this image forming apparatus can suppress information leakage due to printed matter. Hereinafter, a specific configuration and control of such an image forming apparatus will be described.

[Embodiment]
(A. Printing system 1)
FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 1. The printing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a server 200, computers 300A to 300D, and mobile terminals 400A to 400D. Hereinafter, the computers 300A to 300D are collectively referred to as "computer 300", and the mobile terminals 400A to 400D are collectively referred to as "mobile terminal 400". Each device included in the printing system 1 is configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

Hereinafter, the computer 300A and the mobile terminal 400A are devices used by the user 10, the computer 300B and the mobile terminal 400B are devices used by the user 20, the computer 300C and the mobile terminal 400C are devices used by the user 30, the computer 300D and the mobile terminal 400D. Is the device used by the user 40.

(B. Image forming apparatus 100)
FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 functions as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a printer function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. The image forming apparatus 100 receives a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 105, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 110, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 115, an image forming unit 120, a storage device 125, an operation panel 135, and the like. It has an antenna 140 for use, a timer 145, an authentication device 150, and a communication interface (I / F) 155.

The CPU 105 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 by reading and executing the control program. The RAM 110 functions as a working memory when the CPU 105 executes a control program. The ROM 115 stores the control program, the settings of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

The image forming unit 120 is configured so that an image can be formed on a recording medium. As an example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is of an electrophotographic method, the image forming unit 120 is for forming a photoconductor for carrying and transporting a toner image, a charging device for charging the photoconductor, and a latent image on the photoconductor. It is composed of an exposure device, a developing device for developing a latent image, a transfer device for transferring a toner image formed on a photoconductor to a recording medium, and the like.

The storage device 125 is composed of a non-volatile memory. The storage device 125 stores the first user information 126 and the position information 127. Details of the first user information 126 will be described later with reference to FIG. The position information 127 is information indicating the installation location of the image forming apparatus 100. In a certain aspect, the position information 127 may be GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates. In another aspect, the position information 127 represents the floor on which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed in the building. The position information 127 can be input by the installer of the image forming apparatus 100 operating the operation panel 135.

As an example, the operation panel 135 is composed of a screen in which a touch panel and a display are superposed on each other, and physical buttons. The operation panel 135 displays a screen for receiving various settings of the image forming apparatus 100, a screen showing the status of the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, a printing status), and the like. The timer 145 is composed of a crystal oscillator as an example, and counts the time.

The authentication device 150 is a device for performing user authentication. In a certain aspect, the authentication device 150 is configured to be capable of acquiring biological information such as fingerprints, veins, and irises. In another aspect, the authentication device 150 is configured to be able to read a predetermined device (for example, an IC card) that stores information for performing user authentication. Communication I / F 155 is realized by a LAN card as an example. The communication I / F 155 transmits and receives various data to and from the server 200, the computer 300, and the mobile terminal 400. In another aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 has an antenna for receiving GPS signals.

(C. Server 200)
FIG. 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server 200. The server 200 has a CPU 210, a storage device 220, and a communication I / F 230. The CPU 210 controls the operation of the server 200 by reading and executing the program stored in the storage device 220.

The storage device 220 stores the schedule DB 222 and the second user information 224. The schedule DB 222 stores the schedules of each of the plurality of users of the image forming apparatus 100. Details of the schedule DB 222 will be described later with reference to FIG. Details of the second user information 224 will be described later with reference to FIG. The server 200 transmits and receives various data to and from the image forming apparatus 100, the computer 300, and the mobile terminal 400 via the communication I / F 230.

(D. Mobile terminal 400)
FIG. 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 400 and the computer 300. The mobile terminal 400 has a CPU 410, a GPS antenna 420, and a communication I / F 430. The CPU 410 controls the operation of the mobile terminal 400 by reading and executing a program stored in a memory (not shown). The GPS antenna 420 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites. The mobile terminal 400 transmits and receives various data to and from the image forming apparatus 100, the server 200, and the computer 300 via the communication I / F 430. The communication I / F430 is configured to communicate with the specifications specified in IEEE802.11 (Wi-Fi) (registered trademark) or IEEE802.5.1 (Bluetooth) (registered trademark), for example.

(E. Computer 300)
The computer 300 is configured in the same manner as the mobile terminal 400. More specifically, the computer 300 has a CPU 310, a GPS antenna 320, and a communication I / F 330. The computer 300 further has a driver (for example, a printer driver, a scanner driver, a FAX driver) for operating the image forming apparatus 100.

(F. First user information 126)
FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of the first user information 126. The first user information 126 holds a user ID, authentication information, a cumulative number of printed sheets, a fixed terminal IP address, and a mobile terminal IP address in association with each other.

The user ID is information for identifying a plurality of users of the image forming apparatus 100 from each other. Hereinafter, the user ID "001" represents the user 10, the user ID "002" represents the user 20, the user ID "003" represents the user 30, and the user ID "004" represents the user 40.

The authentication information is information for the corresponding user to authenticate to the image forming apparatus 100. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the authentication information is a 4-digit number. In a certain aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 performs user authentication when the character string input to the operation panel 135 and the character string indicated by the authentication information match. In another aspect, the authentication information may be biometric information previously acquired by the authentication device 150. The image forming apparatus 100 performs user authentication when the information acquired by the authentication apparatus 150 and the authentication information substantially match.

The cumulative number of prints represents the total number of recording media (papers) printed by the corresponding user using the image forming apparatus 100. The fixed terminal IP address is the IP address of the computer 300 used by the corresponding user. The mobile terminal IP address is the IP address of the mobile terminal 400 used by the corresponding user.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the first user information 126, the authentication information of the user 10 is "0354", the cumulative number of printed sheets of the user 10 is 450, and the IP address of the computer 300A is "192. It indicates that it is "168.1.1" and that the IP address of the mobile terminal 400A is "192.168.2.1".

(G. Schedule DB 222)
FIG. 7 shows an example of the data structure of the schedule DB 222. The schedule DB 222 holds the business and the time in association with each other for each user ID (user). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user 10 with the user ID "001" has the business of "A meeting" from 10:00 to 12:00 on November 10, 2016, and from 14:00 to 15:00 on the same day. I have a business trip to company B.

(H. Second user information 224)
FIG. 8 shows an example of the data structure of the second user information 224. The second user information 224 holds a user ID, an e-mail address, an affiliation, and a security level in association with each other.

The e-mail address represents the e-mail address (source) used by the corresponding user. Affiliation represents the organization to which the corresponding user belongs. The security level represents the level of authority for the corresponding user's confidential information. In one aspect, the security level can be a numerical representation of the authority over the confidential information of the corresponding user's job title.

(I. Control structure of printing system 1)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the printing system 1 in order for the agent to collect the printed matter.

In step S905, the computer 300 outputs the print job received from the job input person to the image forming apparatus 100. In step S910, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the job input person can quickly collect the printed matter. In making this determination, the image forming apparatus 100 may send a schedule request to the server 200 (step S915). In step S920, the server 200 outputs the schedule stored in the schedule DB 222 to the image forming apparatus 100 in response to receiving the schedule request. In the example of FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the job input person cannot promptly collect the printed matter, and performs the process of step S925.

In step S925, the image forming apparatus 100 selects an agent. In a certain aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 calculates the printing time based on the input printing job and the conveying speed of the recording medium (paper), and estimates the printing completion time. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 estimates the time when the printing time has elapsed as the printing completion time with reference to the current time indicated by the timer 145 (the time when the process of step S925 is executed). The image forming apparatus 100 selects a user who has no business at the printing completion time as a candidate for an agent based on the schedule received from the server 200.

In another aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 selects a user who has no business from a predetermined time to the printing completion time as a candidate for an agent. The predetermined time may be the time when the print job is input to the image forming apparatus 100. In other aspects, the predetermined time may be the current time indicated by timer 145. According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus 100 can prevent the printed matter being printed from being stolen.

In step S930, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs the candidate list of the selected agent to the computer 300 of the job input person. In step S940, the computer 300 accepts the selection of one agent from the agent candidate list from the job input person. The computer 300 outputs information indicating the agent selected by the job input person to the image forming apparatus 100.

In step S945, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs a notification (hereinafter, also referred to as “receipt request notification”) requesting the device used by the specified agent to receive the printed matter instead. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the second user information 224 from the server 200 together with the schedule in step S920. The image forming apparatus 100 refers to the second user information 224 and identifies the e-mail address associated with the user ID of the identified agent. The image forming apparatus 100 outputs a receipt request notification to the specified e-mail address.

In another aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs a receipt request notification to the device used by the agent. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the first user information 126 to identify the fixed terminal IP address and the mobile terminal IP address associated with the user ID of the agent. The image forming apparatus 100 outputs a receipt request notification to the computer 300 and the mobile terminal 400 used by the agent based on the specified IP address. The image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to output a reception request notification to one of the computer 300 and the mobile terminal 400 used by the agent. In the example of FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs a reception request notification to the mobile terminal 400. In still other aspects, the image forming apparatus 100 may output a receipt request notification to a predetermined application installed on the device used by the agent. The predetermined application includes an application installed as standard in the operation system and an application dedicated to proxy receiving processing.

In step S950, the image forming apparatus 100 authenticates the user of the agent. In a certain aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires user information (for example, biological information) by the authentication apparatus 150. The image forming apparatus 100 performs user authentication of the agent when the acquired information and the authentication information associated with the user ID of the agent substantially match. In another aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 performs user authentication of the agent when the character string input to the operation panel 135 and the authentication information associated with the user ID of the agent match. In still another aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 receives input of authentication information (for example, a character string) from the agent's device (computer 300 or mobile terminal 400) and associates the authentication information with the agent's user ID. If the provided authentication information matches, the agent user authentication is performed. In step S955, the image forming apparatus 100 starts the printing process of the input print job.

In the above example, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to transmit the candidate of the agent to the job input person (step S930), but in another aspect, one agent is specified. However, it may be configured to notify the job inputter of information indicating the identified agent.

(Processing of J. image forming apparatus 100)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, the process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 for the agent to collect the printed matter will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an overall picture of the process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 for the agent to collect the printed matter. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process (step S1010 of FIG. 10) for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 sets an agent. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for the image forming apparatus 100 to detect a candidate for a proxy (step S1020 in FIG. 10). FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process (step S1045 of FIG. 10) for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 changes the agent. The processing shown in these flowcharts is realized by the CPU 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 reading and executing the control program stored in the ROM 115 or the storage apparatus 125.

In step S1005, the CPU 105 receives the input of the print job from the job input person. The CPU 105 refers to the first user information 126 to identify the job input person (user ID) corresponding to the IP address of the computer 300 that is the source of the print job.

In step S1010, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 executes a process of setting a proxy (hereinafter, also referred to as a “proxy process”). In other words, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the job input person can collect the printed matter.

<J1. Proxy processing>
With reference to FIG. 11, in step S1100, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the distance between the job input person's device and the image forming apparatus 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (for example, 50 m). As an example, the CPU 105 refers to the first user information 126 and identifies the mobile terminal 400 used by the job input person based on the user ID of the job input person. The CPU 105 outputs a signal requesting position information to the specified mobile terminal 400. In response to the reception of this signal, the mobile terminal 400 outputs the position information (GPS coordinates) specified by the GPS signal received from the GPS antenna 420 to the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 105 calculates the distance between the mobile terminal 400 and the image forming device 100 based on the input position information and the position information 127 stored in the storage device 125. The CPU 105 determines whether or not the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

As another example, in the CPU 105, when the reception intensity of the radio wave emitted by the mobile terminal 400 used by the job input person is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity, the distance between the mobile terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100 is predetermined. It may be determined that the distance is greater than or equal to.

In another aspect, the CPU 105 may be configured to determine whether or not the distance between the computer 300 used by the job input person and the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. Since the method of calculating the distance is the same as the method of calculating the distance between the mobile terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100, the description thereof will not be repeated.

When the CPU 105 determines that the distance between the device of the job input person and the image forming apparatus 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (YES in step S1100), the CPU 105 advances the process to step S1150 and determines that the proxy process is executed. .. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the distance between the device of the job input person and the image forming apparatus 100 is less than a predetermined distance (NO in step S1100), the processing proceeds to step S1110. That is, the CPU 105 determines that the proxy process is executed when it is determined that the job input person is not near the image forming apparatus 100.

In step S1110, the CPU 105 accesses the server 200 to acquire the schedule of the job input person. More specifically, the CPU 105 transmits the user ID of the job input person to the server 200. The server 200 refers to the schedule DB 222 and transmits the schedule corresponding to the received user ID to the image forming apparatus 100. In step S1120, the CPU 105 calculates the print time based on the input print job and the transfer speed of the recording medium (paper).

In step S1130, the CPU 105 refers to the acquired schedule and confirms whether or not there is a job of the job input person during the job execution time. The job execution time is, for example, the time from the time when the input of the print job is accepted to the time when the print time has elapsed (print completion time).

When the CPU 105 determines that there is a job of the job input person during the job execution time (YES in step S1130), the CPU 105 advances the process to step S1150 and determines that the proxy process is executed. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that there is no business for the job input person during the job execution time (NO in step S1130), the CPU 105 advances the process to step S1140 and determines that the proxy process is not executed.

In another aspect, the CPU 105 may be configured to determine whether or not there is a job of the job input person at the print completion time, not during the job execution time.

With reference to FIG. 10 again, in step S1015, when the CPU 105 determines that the proxy process is to be executed (YES in step S1015), the process proceeds to step S1020. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the proxy process is not executed (NO in step S1015), the CPU 105 advances the process to step S1055.

In step S1020, the CPU 105 executes a process for detecting a candidate for a proxy (hereinafter, also referred to as a “proxy detection process”).

<J2. Agent detection process>
With reference to FIG. 12, in step S1205, the CPU 105 acquires a target list for selecting a candidate for the agent. The target person list can be the second user information 224. In this case, the CPU 105 receives the second user information 224 from the server 200.

In step S1210, the CPU 105 determines whether or not it is at the end of the target person list, that is, whether or not the processing of steps S125 to S1245 described later is executed for all the users included in the target person list. .. The CPU 105 selects a candidate for a proxy by executing the routine of steps S121-10 to S1250 for each user included in the target list.

When the CPU 105 determines that it is the end of the target person list (YES in step S1210), the process proceeds to step S1025. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that it is not the end of the target person list (NO in step S1210), the process proceeds to step S1212.

In step S1212, the CPU 105 acquires the schedule of the user to be processed among the users stored in the target person list (second user information 224). The processing target user is a user who is the target of the routine processing of steps S121-10 to S1250. As an example, when the user 20 is the processing target, the CPU 105 transmits the user ID "002" to the server 200, and receives the schedule corresponding to the user ID "002" from the server 200. In another aspect, the CPU 105 may acquire the schedules of all the users stored in the target person list at once.

<< j2-1. Whether or not there is a schedule ≫
In step S1215, the CPU 105 refers to the acquired schedule and determines whether or not there is a business of the user to be processed during the job execution time. When the CPU 105 determines that there is a business (YES in step S1215), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1250. That is, the CPU 105 determines that the user to be processed is not a candidate for the agent. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that there is no business (NO in step S1215), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1220.

By the above processing, the image forming apparatus 100 can select a person who has a vacant schedule as a candidate for an agent for collecting the printed matter. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can prevent the printed matter from being stolen by someone.

≪j2-2. Whether or not it is near the image forming apparatus 100 >>
In step S1220, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the distance between the device of the user to be processed and the image forming apparatus 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (for example, 50 m). That is, the CPU 105 determines whether the user to be processed is near the image forming apparatus 100. This process is executed in the same manner as the process of step S1100. Therefore, the description of this process will not be repeated.

When the CPU 105 determines that the distance between the device of the user to be processed and the image forming apparatus 100 is less than a predetermined distance (YES in step S1220), the processing proceeds to step S1225. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the distance between the device of the user to be processed and the image forming apparatus 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (NO in step S1220), the processing proceeds to step S1250.

By the above processing, the image forming apparatus 100 can select a user close to the image forming apparatus 100 as a candidate for an agent. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can prevent the printed matter from being stolen by someone.

≪j2-3. Security level ≫
In step S1225, the CPU 105 refers to the second user information 224 and determines whether or not the security level of the user to be processed is equal to or higher than the security level of the job input person. When the CPU 105 determines that the security level of the user to be processed is equal to or higher than the security level of the job input person (YES in step S1225), the CPU 105 proceeds to the process in step S1230. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the security level of the user to be processed is lower than the security level of the job input person (NO in step S1225), the CPU 105 proceeds to the process in step S1250.

By the above processing, the image forming apparatus 100 can prevent the highly confidential confidential information contained in the printed matter from being leaked to a user having a low security level.

≪j2-4. Whether they belong to the same affiliation ≫
In step S1230, the CPU 105 refers to the second user information 224 and determines whether or not the affiliation of the user to be processed is the same as the affiliation of the job input person. When the CPU 105 determines that the affiliation of the user to be processed is the same as the affiliation of the job input person (YES in step S1230), the CPU 105 proceeds to the process in step S1235. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the affiliation of the user to be processed is different from the affiliation of the job input person (NO in step S1230), the CPU 105 proceeds to the process in step S1250.

By the above processing, the image forming apparatus 100 can select a user who belongs to the same affiliation as the job input person as a candidate for the agent. Usually, users belonging to the same affiliation know each other. In addition, these users often act (work) at a short distance. Therefore, the agent can easily hand the printed matter to the job input person. Also, as a job input person, it is easier if a user with the same affiliation is selected as an agent.

≪j2-5. Whether or not they share the same errand ≫
In step S1235, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the user to be processed shares the same errand as the errand of the job input person. The CPU 105 may determine whether or not these users share the same errand during a predetermined period (for example, one hour after the print job is input). When the CPU 105 determines that these users share the same errand (YES in step S1235), the process proceeds to step S1240. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that these users do not share the same errand (NO in step S1235), the process proceeds to step S1250.

By the above processing, the image forming apparatus 100 can select a processing target user who shares the same errand as the job input person's errand as a candidate for the agent. In this case, the agent is likely to meet the job entrant in the shared errand. Therefore, the agent can easily hand the collected printed matter to the job input person.

≪j2-6. Whether it is close to the job input person's seat ≫
In step S1240, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the distance between the installation location of the computer 300 of the user to be processed and the installation location of the computer 300 of the job input person is less than a predetermined distance (for example, 50 m). To do. As an example, the CPU 105 acquires position information (GSP coordinates) from each of the computer 300 of the user to be processed and the computer 300 of the job input person, and calculates the distance. When the CPU 105 determines that the calculated distance is less than a predetermined distance (YES in step S1240), the CPU 105 advances the process to step S1245. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (YES in step S1240), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1250.

By the above processing, the image forming apparatus 100 can select a user whose seat is close to the seat of the job input person (the place where the computer 300 is installed) as an agent. As a result, since the agent is acting (working) near the job input person, the collected printed matter can be easily handed over to the job input person.

In step S1245, the CPU 105 stores the user to be processed in the proxy candidate list. In step S1250, the CPU 105 shifts the user to be processed to the next target person in the target list. As an example, when the target list holds a number indicating the order of processing, the CPU 105 increments the number indicating the user to be processed.

In another aspect, the CPU 105 may sort the users stored in the candidate list according to a predetermined condition. For example, the CPU 105 sorts the users stored in the candidate list so that the security levels are in descending order. In another example, the CPU 105 sorts the users stored in the candidate list so that the distances calculated in step S1240 are in ascending order.

With reference to FIG. 10 again, in step S1025, the CPU 105 transmits the candidate list of the selected agent to the computer 300 of the job input person. The computer 300 accepts the selection of one agent from the candidate list of agents from the job input person.

In step S1030, the CPU 105 determines whether or not an agent has been set. More specifically, when the CPU 105 receives the information indicating the agent of 1 from the computer 300, it determines that the agent has been set. When the CPU 105 determines that the agent has been set (YES in step S1030), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1035. If not (NO in step S1030), the CPU 105 waits until an agent is set.

In step S1035, the CPU 105 transmits a receipt request notification to the agent. Specifically, as described above, the CPU 105 sends a receipt request notification to the device used by the agent or the email address of the agent.

In step S1040, the CPU 105 determines whether or not user authentication by a proxy (hereinafter, also referred to as “proxy authentication”) has been executed. When the CPU 105 determines that the proxy authentication has been executed (YES in step S1040), the CPU 105 advances the process to step S1055. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the proxy authentication has not been executed (NO in step S1040), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1045. In step S1045, the CPU 105 determines whether or not to change the agent.

<J3. Agent change judgment process>
With reference to FIG. 13, in step S1310, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the time that the agent can receive the printed matter has elapsed. When the CPU 105 determines that the time in which the printed matter can be received has elapsed (YES in step S1310), the CPU 105 determines that it is necessary to proceed to step S1350 and change the agent. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the time in which the agent can receive the printed matter has not elapsed (NO in step S1310), the CPU 105 proceeds to the process in step S1320. This process will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the process of step S1310 of FIG. In FIG. 14, the same elements as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the description of that element will not be repeated.

In FIG. 14, user 30 is selected as the agent. The CPU 105 sets the time 13:05, which is 10 minutes back from the start time 13:15 of the user 30's business C, as the time when the agent can receive the printed matter. The CPU 105 determines that it is necessary to change the proxy when the proxy authentication by the user 30 is not performed even at 13:05. The reason is that even if the user 30 performs proxy authentication and starts the print job after the time 13:05, the user 30 cannot collect the printed matter due to the business C.

With reference to FIG. 13 again, in step S1320, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the agent's schedule has been changed. As an example, the CPU 105 transmits the user ID of the agent to the server 200. The server 200 monitors the schedule of the agent in the schedule DB 222, and when the schedule is changed, the server 200 transmits information indicating the changed business to the image forming apparatus 100. A changed errand is a newly added errand or an errand whose time has been changed. When the CPU 105 receives the information indicating the changed business from the server 200, the CPU 105 determines that the schedule of the agent has been changed.

When the CPU 105 determines that the agent's schedule has been changed (YES in step S1320), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1330. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the agent's schedule has not been changed (NO in step S1320), the process proceeds to step S1340 and determines that it is not necessary to change the agent.

In step S1330, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the changed errand time overlaps with the job execution time. More specifically, when the start time or end time of the changed errand is included in the job execution time, the CPU 105 determines that the changed errand overlaps with the job execution time.

When the CPU 105 determines that the changed errand time overlaps with the job execution time (YES in step S1330), the CPU 105 determines that it is necessary to proceed to step S1350 and change the agent. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the changed errand time does not overlap with the job execution time (NO in step S1330), the process proceeds to step S1340, and it is determined that it is not necessary to change the agent.

With reference to FIG. 10 again, when the CPU 105 determines in step S1050 that it is necessary to change the agent (YES in step S1050), the process returns to step S1020 and the agent detection process is executed again. As a result, a user different from the currently selected agent is newly selected as the agent. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that it is not necessary to change the agent (NO in step S1050), the process returns to step S1040.

In step S1055, the CPU 105 executes the print job according to the proxy authentication. In step S1060, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the print job has been completed. When the CPU 105 determines that the print job has been completed (YES in step S1060), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1062. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the print job has not been completed (NO in step S1060), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1065.

In step S1062, the CPU 105 accesses the first user information 126 and adds the number of prints according to the print job to the cumulative number of prints of the job input person.

In step S1065, the CPU 105 determines whether the agent's schedule has been changed. When the CPU 105 determines that the agent's schedule has been changed (YES in step S1065), the CPU 105 proceeds to step S1070. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the agent's schedule has not been changed (NO in step S1065), the process returns to step S1060.

In step S1070, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the changed errand time overlaps with the time from the current time indicated by the timer 145 to the end time of the print job. When the CPU 105 determines that the changed errand time overlaps with the time from the current time to the end time of the print job (YES in step S1070), the CPU 105 advances the process to step S1075. On the other hand, when the CPU 105 determines that the changed errand time does not overlap with the time from the current time to the end time of the print job (NO in step S1070), the process returns to step S1060. The process of step S1065 is performed in the same manner as the process of step S1320. The process of step S1070 is performed in the same manner as the process of step S1330.

In step S1075, the CPU 105 suspends the print job. After that, the CPU 105 returns the process to step S1020 and executes the agent detection process again. As a result, a user different from the currently selected agent is newly selected as the agent.

(K. Functional configuration of control device)
FIG. 15 shows an example of the functional configuration of the CPU 105. With reference to FIG. 15, the CPU 105 reads and executes the control program, so that the reception unit 1505, the calculation unit 1510, the schedule acquisition unit 1515, the determination unit 1520, the processing execution unit 1525, the specific unit 1530, and the distance calculation unit 1535 , Level acquisition unit 1540, affiliation acquisition unit 1545, notification unit 1550, address acquisition unit 1555, authentication unit 1560, and counting unit 1565.

The reception unit 1505 receives the input of the print job and outputs the contents to the calculation unit 1510 and the schedule acquisition unit 1515. The calculation unit 1510 calculates the printing time required for printing based on the input print job, and outputs the calculation result to the determination unit 1520. The schedule acquisition unit 1515 accesses the server 200 and acquires the schedule of one or more users. The schedule acquisition unit 1515 outputs the schedule of the job input person to the determination unit 1520.

The determination unit 1520 determines whether or not the job input person can collect the printed matter based on the schedule of the job input person and the print time. In another aspect, the distance calculation unit 1535 calculates the distance between the image forming apparatus 100 and the device of the job input person, and outputs the calculation result to the determination unit 1520. The determination unit 1520 may determine that the job input person can collect the printed matter when the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

When the job input person determines that the printed matter can be collected, the determination unit 1520 outputs a job execution instruction to the process execution unit 1525. The processing execution unit 1525 accesses the image forming unit 120 and executes a print job based on the input of the job execution instruction. When the job input person determines that the printed matter cannot be collected, the determination unit 1520 outputs an agent identification notification to the identification unit 1530.

The identification unit 1530 executes a process of identifying the agent (process of FIG. 12) in response to the input of the agent identification notification. In a certain aspect, the specific unit 1530 acquires the schedule of the user to be processed from the schedule acquisition unit 1515, and selects a user who has no business during the job execution time as a candidate for the agent.

In a certain aspect, the distance calculation unit 1535 calculates the distance between each device (computer 300 or mobile terminal 400) of one or more users to be processed and the image forming apparatus 100, and outputs the calculation result to the specific unit 1530. .. The specific unit 1530 selects a user of the device whose calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance as a candidate for the agent.

In a certain aspect, the distance calculation unit 1535 calculates the distance between each computer 300 of one or more users to be processed and the computer 300 of the input person of the print job, and outputs the calculation result to the specific unit 1530. The specific unit 1530 selects a user of the computer 300 whose calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance as a candidate for the agent.

In a certain aspect, the level acquisition unit 1540 accesses the server 200, acquires the security level of each of one or more users (user to be processed and job input person), and outputs the acquisition result to the specific unit 1530. .. The specific unit 1530 selects a user whose security level is set to be equal to or higher than the security level of the job input person as a candidate for the agent.

In a certain aspect, the affiliation acquisition unit 1545 accesses the server 200, acquires the affiliation information of each of one or more users (user to be processed and job input person), and outputs the acquisition result to the specific unit 1530. .. The specific unit 1530 selects a user who belongs to the same affiliation as the job input person as a candidate for the agent.

In a certain aspect, the specific unit 1530 refers to the schedule acquired from the schedule acquisition unit 1515, and selects a user who shares the business of the job input person as a candidate for the agent from among one or more users to be processed. ..

The specific unit 1530 outputs a candidate list including the candidates of the selected agent to the notification unit 1550. The notification unit 1550 transmits the candidate list to the computer 300 of the job input person. In another aspect, the notification unit 1550 may be configured to transmit the candidate list to the mobile terminal 400 of the job input person.

The specific unit 1530 acquires information indicating one of the plurality of users included in the candidate list from the device of the job input person. The identification unit 1530 identifies the user as an agent. The specific unit 1530 outputs the user ID of the specified agent to the notification unit 1550.

The notification unit 1550 outputs a signal requesting the agent's e-mail address to the address acquisition unit 1555. The address acquisition unit 1555 is configured to be able to access the server 200 and acquire the e-mail addresses of one or more users. The address acquisition unit 1555 transmits the user ID of the agent to the server 200, and receives the e-mail address of the agent from the server 200. The address acquisition unit 1555 outputs the e-mail address of the agent to the notification unit 1550. The notification unit 1550 sends a receipt request notification to the input agent's e-mail address. In another aspect, the notification unit 1550 transmits a receipt request notification to the agent's device (computer 300 or mobile terminal 400).

The authentication unit 1560 determines whether or not the input authentication information matches the authentication information associated with the user ID of the agent. When these authentication information match, the authentication unit 1560 outputs a job execution instruction to the processing execution unit 1525. After finishing the print job, the processing execution unit 1525 notifies the counting unit 1565 to that effect. The counting unit 1565 accesses the first user information 126 in response to the notification, and adds the number of prints according to the print job to the cumulative number of prints of the job input person.

(M. other configuration)
<M1. Timing to start printing>
In the above example, the image forming apparatus 100 starts printing after the user authentication by the agent is performed, but in another aspect, printing is started when the input of the print job is received (step S905). You may. In still another aspect, the agent may return information indicating whether or not the printed matter can be collected to the image forming apparatus 100 in response to the receipt request notification in step S945. The image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to start printing when it receives a reply from an agent that the printed matter can be collected.

<M2. When the server 200 does not exist in the printing system 1>
In the above example, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to receive information such as a user's schedule from the server 200. In another aspect, the image forming apparatus 100 may identify the agent without communicating with the server 200. In this case, the storage device 125 of the image forming device 100 stores the schedule DB 222 and the second user information 224.

<M3. Server 200 identifies agent>
In the above example, the image forming apparatus 100 performs a process of identifying an agent. In another aspect, the server 200 may be configured to perform a process of identifying an agent. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the user ID of the job input person and the calculated printing time to the server 200. The server 200 identifies an agent based on the received information, the second user information 224, and the schedule DB 222, and transmits the user ID of the identified agent to the image forming apparatus 100.

<M4. Change to another agent when the agent leaves the image forming device>
The distance calculation unit 1535 calculates the distance between the agent's mobile terminal 400 and the image forming apparatus 100. The specific unit 1530 suspends the print job when the calculated distance exceeds a predetermined distance (for example, 50 m) during the execution of the print job, and another proxy different from the current proxy. Identify a new person. The notification unit 1550 sends a receipt request notification to the newly identified agent's device. According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus 100 can prevent the printed matter from being stolen during and after printing.

<M5. Interrupt printing cancellation processing>
In the image forming apparatus 100, another print job (referred to as the second print job) different from the first print job is input during the execution of the print job (referred to as the first print job) for which the proxy processing is executed. In this case, it is prohibited that the second print job is executed before the first print job. Even if the second print job is an interrupt print job that is executed before the previously input job, the image forming apparatus 100 causes the second print job to be executed before the first print job. Is prohibited.

If the second print job is executed before the first print job, the job execution time of the first print job is changed. In this case, the agent may not be able to collect the printed matter. The image forming apparatus 100 according to a certain embodiment can reliably collect the printed matter by the agent by prohibiting the interrupt printing job. The image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to preferentially execute the interrupt printing job after the completion of the first printing job.

The above-mentioned various processes are supposed to be realized by one CPU 105, but the present invention is not limited to this. These various processes include a semiconductor integrated circuit such as at least one processor, at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and at least one FPGA (Field Programmable). It can be implemented by a Gate Array) and / or a circuit with other arithmetic functions.

These circuits can perform the various processes described above by reading one or more instructions from at least one tangible readable medium.

Such media take the form of magnetic media (eg, hard disks), optical media (eg, compact discs (CDs), DVDs), volatile memory, non-volatile memory of any type, and the like. It is not limited to the form.

Volatile memory may include DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory may include ROM, NVRAM. A semiconductor memory can be a part of a semiconductor circuit along with at least one processor.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 Printing system, 10, 20, 30, 40 users, 100 image forming device, 120 image forming unit, 125, 220 storage device, 126 first user information, 127 position information, 135 operation panel, 140 receiving antenna, 145 timer , 150 authentication device, 200 server, 224 second user information, 300 computer, 320,420 GPS antenna, 400 mobile terminal, 1505 reception unit, 1510 calculation unit, 1515 schedule acquisition unit, 1520 judgment unit, 1525 processing execution unit, 1530 Specific unit, 1535 distance calculation unit, 1540 level acquisition unit, 1545 affiliation acquisition unit, 1550 notification unit, 1555 address acquisition unit, 1560 authentication unit, 1565 count unit, 222 schedule DB.

Claims (25)

It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Look including a notification unit that notifies the receipt request for the printed material to delegate that the specific,
The specific part is
Based on the print time, the print completion time of the print job is estimated.
With reference to the schedule, a user who has no business at the printing completion time is identified as the agent.
The control device further includes a determination unit for determining whether the input person of the print job can or cannot receive the printed matter.
The identification unit is an image forming apparatus that identifies the agent when the determination unit determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Look including a notification unit that notifies the receipt request for the printed material to delegate that the specific,
The specific part is
Based on the print time, the print completion time of the print job is estimated.
With reference to the schedule, a user who has no business from the predetermined time to the printing completion time is specified as the agent.
The control device further includes a determination unit for determining whether the input person of the print job can or cannot receive the printed matter.
The identification unit is an image forming apparatus that identifies the agent when the determination unit determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The specific part is
Select one or more candidates who can receive printed matter based on the print job,
An image forming apparatus that identifies a user selected by an input person of the print job from the one or more candidates as the agent. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The identification unit is an image forming apparatus that refers to the schedule and identifies a user who shares the business of the input person of the print job as the agent from the one or more users. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between each computer of the one or more users and the computer of the input person of the print job.
The identification unit is an image forming apparatus that identifies a computer user whose calculated distance is less than a predetermined distance from among the one or more users as the agent. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between each device of the one or more users and the image forming device.
The identification unit is an image forming apparatus that identifies as an agent a user of a device whose calculated distance is less than a predetermined distance from among the one or more users. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The control device further includes a level acquisition unit that acquires the security level of each of the one or more users.
The identification unit is an image forming apparatus that identifies as an agent a user who is set to a security level equal to or higher than the security level of the input person of the print job from the one or more users. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The control device further includes an affiliation acquisition unit that acquires the affiliation of each of the one or more users.
The identification unit is an image forming apparatus that identifies a user who belongs to the same affiliation as the input person of the print job from among the one or more users as the agent. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The notification unit is an image forming apparatus configured to notify the input person of the print job of the specified agent. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The control device is
Includes an address acquisition unit that acquires each email address of one or more users.
The notification unit is an image forming apparatus that transmits the receiving request to the e-mail address of the agent. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The notification unit is an image forming apparatus that transmits the receiving request to an application installed on the agent's device. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
With reference to the schedule, the specific unit identifies another agent different from the agent from the users described in 1 or more according to the time when the agent cannot receive the printed matter. And
The notification unit is an image forming apparatus that notifies the other specified agent of the request for receiving the printed matter. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
A storage device for storing the authentication information of one or more users is further provided.
The control device is an image forming device configured to execute the print job when the agent authenticates the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the control device further includes an authentication device for receiving authentication information from the agent. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the control device is configured to execute authentication by the agent based on the authentication information input from the device of the agent. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between the image forming device and the device of the agent.
When the calculated distance exceeds a predetermined distance during the execution of the print job, the specific unit suspends the print job, and among the one or more users, the agent is Identify different other agents,
The notification unit is an image forming apparatus that notifies the other specified agent of the request for receiving the printed matter. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
When the schedule of the agent is changed during the execution of the print job, the specific unit suspends the print job, and among the one or more users, another agent different from the agent. Identify people
The notification unit is an image forming apparatus that notifies the other specified agent of the request for receiving the printed matter. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
The control device further includes a counting unit that counts the cumulative number of prints for each user.
The counting unit is an image forming apparatus configured to add the number of prints according to the print job to the cumulative number of prints of the person who input the print job. It is an image forming device
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit is provided.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Including a notification unit that notifies the specified agent of the request to receive the printed matter.
When another print job different from the print job is input during the execution of the print job specified by the agent, the control device executes the other print job before the print job. An image forming apparatus configured to be prohibited from being printed. The control device further includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between the image forming device and the device of the input person.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the determination unit determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter when the calculated distance is equal to or longer than a predetermined distance. The determination unit determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter when there is a business at the print completion time of the print job calculated from the print time with reference to the schedule of the input person. , The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 20. A printing system including an image forming apparatus, a server apparatus, and each device of one or more users of the image forming apparatus.
The server device includes a storage device that stores the schedule of one or more users.
The image forming apparatus
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A communication interface for communicating with the server device and
Including a control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires a schedule of one or more users from the server device via the communication interface, and a schedule acquisition unit.
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from the users on the above 1 based on the schedule and the print time.
Look including a notification unit that notifies the receipt request for the printed material to delegate devices the identified via the communication interface,
The specific part is
Based on the print time, the print completion time of the print job is estimated.
With reference to the schedule, a user who has no business at the printing completion time is identified as the agent.
The control device further includes a determination unit for determining whether the input person of the print job can or cannot receive the printed matter.
The specific unit is a printing system that identifies the agent when the input person determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter by the determination unit. A printing system including an image forming apparatus, a server apparatus, and each device of one or more users of the image forming apparatus.
The server device includes a storage device that stores the schedule of one or more users.
The image forming apparatus
An image forming unit that forms an image according to a print job,
A communication interface for communicating with the server device and
Including a control device for controlling the operation of the image forming unit.
The control device is
A calculation unit for calculating the printing time required for printing based on the printing job, and
A schedule acquisition unit that acquires a schedule of one or more users from the server device via the communication interface, and a schedule acquisition unit.
A specific unit that identifies an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from the users on the above 1 based on the schedule and the print time.
Includes a notification unit that notifies the device of the identified agent via the communication interface of a request to receive the printed matter.
The specific part is
Based on the print time, the print completion time of the print job is estimated.
With reference to the schedule, a user who has no business from the predetermined time to the printing completion time is specified as the agent.
The control device further includes a determination unit for determining whether the input person of the print job can or cannot receive the printed matter.
The identification unit identifies the agent when the determination unit determines that the input person cannot receive the printed matter.
Printing system. A method performed on the computer of an image forming apparatus for an agent to receive the printed matter on behalf of the input person of the print job.
Steps to calculate the print time required for printing based on the print job,
The step of acquiring the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A step of identifying an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Look including the step of notifying a receiving request of the printed material to delegate that the specific,
In the identifying step
Based on the print time, the print completion time of the print job is estimated.
With reference to the schedule, a user who has no business at the printing completion time is identified as the agent.
Further including a step of determining whether the input person of the print job can or cannot receive the printed matter.
In the specifying step, a method of identifying the agent when it is determined by the determination step that the input person cannot receive the printed matter. A method performed on the computer of an image forming apparatus for an agent to receive the printed matter on behalf of the input person of the print job.
Steps to calculate the print time required for printing based on the print job,
The step of acquiring the schedule of one or more users of the image forming apparatus, and
A step of identifying an agent who can receive printed matter based on the print job from among the one or more users based on the schedule and the print time.
Look including the step of notifying a receiving request of the printed material to delegate that the specific,
In the identifying step
Based on the print time, the print completion time of the print job is estimated.
With reference to the schedule, a user who has no business from the predetermined time to the printing completion time is specified as the agent.
Further including a step of determining whether the input person of the print job can or cannot receive the printed matter.
In the specifying step, a method of identifying the agent when it is determined by the determination step that the input person cannot receive the printed matter.

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