JP7638073B2 - Image forming apparatus, printing system including image forming apparatus, control program and control method for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a printing system including an image forming apparatus, and a control program and control method for the image forming apparatus, and in particular to an image forming apparatus, a printing system including an image forming apparatus, and a control program and control method for the image forming apparatus, which are equipped with an operation receiving means and are capable of job-storing printing, in which a user operation instructing the execution of a previously stored print job is received by the operation receiving means and the print job is executed.

One example of this type of technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a client computer, a server, and a printer as an image forming device are connected to each other via a network. The client computer generates a print job and spools it in itself. In addition, the client computer transmits its own IP address, a client IP, to the server. The server manages the client IP and the user ID in association with each other. In this state, when a user's ID card is swiped through the printer slot, that is, when such a user operation is performed, the user ID is read from the ID card. The printer notifies the server of the read user ID. The server instructs the client computer corresponding to the user ID notified from the printer to send a print job to the printer. In response to this instruction, the client computer sends the print job spooled in itself to the printer. The printer executes the print job received from the client computer. In this manner, job storage printing is performed, and confidential printing requiring user authentication in particular is realized.

JP 2005-242735 A

In job storage printing, including confidential printing, the print job is executed according to the settings, such as the number of copies to be printed, that were set when the print job was created. If there is an error in the settings for this print job, for example if a number of copies more than necessary is set, then more copies than necessary will be printed. This is extremely unpleasant for the user and uneconomical.

The present invention aims to provide a new technology that can avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings related to a print job when performing job-storing printing.

To achieve this objective, the present invention includes a first invention relating to an image forming apparatus, a second invention relating to a printing system including an image forming apparatus, a third invention relating to a control program for the image forming apparatus, and a fourth invention relating to a control method for the image forming apparatus.

The first invention of the image forming apparatus is based on the premise that the image forming apparatus includes an operation receiving means and a printing means. On this premise, the first invention further includes a collating means and a printing control means. When a first operation instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage means is received by the operation receiving means, the collating means collates the setting contents related to the print job with the preset printing conditions. The printing control means controls the printing means based on the collation result by the collating means. Here, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job. The predetermined information includes origin information representing the origin of the print job. Furthermore, the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of the image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each origin information. Then, the printing control means causes the printing means to execute the print job according to the setting contents when at least the setting contents related to the print job satisfy the printing conditions for the origin information related to the print job. In addition, the first invention further includes a warning output means. The warning output means outputs a warning when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. The first invention further includes an inquiry means for inquiring of a user whether to proceed with execution of the print job when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions, and the print control means causes the print means to execute the print job when the operation acceptance means accepts a second operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means, and in addition to whether to proceed with execution of the print job, the inquiry means inquires whether to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with execution of the print job, and the print control means causes the print means to execute the print job according to the setting contents when the operation acceptance means accepts a third operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means.

The printing conditions for the origin information may be configurable by a user associated with the origin information.

The predetermined information may also be stored in a portable storage medium. In this case, it is preferable that the operation receiving means includes an information reading means capable of reading the predetermined information from the storage medium. In this configuration, an operation of making the information reading means read the predetermined information from the storage medium corresponds to an input operation of the predetermined information.

The generator in the first aspect of the present invention refers to, for example, a print job generating device that generates a print job, or a user of the print job generating device.

Therefore, the above-mentioned printing conditions can be set , for example , for each print job generating device or for each user of the print job generating device.

Furthermore, in the first invention, a warning output means may be provided. This warning output means outputs a warning when the settings related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions.

In addition to inquiring whether to proceed with the execution of the print job, the inquiry means may inquire whether to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents related to the print job and then proceed with the execution of the print job. In this configuration, when the operation acceptance means accepts a third operation in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means, which instructs the printing control means to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents related to the print job and then proceed with the execution of the print job, the print control means causes the printing means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents.

Additionally, in the first invention, a condition update unit may be provided, which updates the printing conditions based on the setting contents when the operation reception unit receives the third operation, that is, when the third operation instructs to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents related to the print job and then proceed with the execution of the print job, updates the printing conditions based on the setting contents.

The storage means may be provided in the image forming device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

A printing system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the image forming device according to the first aspect of the present invention and an external device. In this second aspect of the present invention, the external device includes a storage means.

A control program for an image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is based on the premise that the image forming apparatus includes an operation receiving unit and a printing unit. On this premise, the third aspect of the present invention causes a computer of the image forming apparatus to execute a collation procedure and a print control procedure. In the collation procedure, when a first operation instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage unit is received by the operation receiving unit, the setting contents related to the print job are collated with a preset printing condition. In the print control procedure, the print unit is controlled based on the collation result of the collation procedure. Here, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job. The predetermined information includes origin information representing the origin of the print job. Furthermore, the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of the image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each origin information. In addition, in the print control procedure, when at least the setting contents related to the print job satisfy the printing conditions for the origin information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the print unit according to the setting contents. In addition, the third invention further causes the computer of the image forming apparatus to execute a warning output procedure. In this warning output procedure, a warning is output when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. In the third invention, an inquiry procedure is further executed to inquire of a user whether to proceed with the execution of the print job when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions, and in the print control procedure, when a second operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job in response to the inquiry from the inquiry procedure is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the print job is executed by the printing means, the inquiry procedure inquires whether to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents in addition to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job, and the print control procedure causes the printing means to execute the print job according to the setting contents when a third operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents is accepted by the operation acceptance means in response to the inquiry from the inquiry procedure.

A method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the premise that the image forming apparatus includes an operation receiving means and a printing means. On this premise, the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a collation step and a print control step. In the collation step, when a first operation instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage means is received by the operation receiving means, the setting contents related to the print job are collated with preset printing conditions. In the print control step, the print means is controlled based on the collation result by the collation step. Here, the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job. The predetermined information includes origin information representing the origin of the print job. Furthermore, the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of the image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each origin information. In addition, in the print control step, when at least the setting contents related to the print job satisfy the printing conditions for the origin information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the printing means according to the setting contents. In addition, the fourth aspect of the present invention further includes a warning output step. In the warning output step, a warning is output when the setting contents related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. The fourth invention further includes an inquiry step of inquiring of a user as to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions, and in the print control step, when a second operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job in response to the inquiry by the inquiry step is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the print job is executed by the print step, the inquiry step inquires whether to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents in addition to whether to proceed with the execution of the print job, and the print control step, when a third operation instructing to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents is accepted by the operation acceptance means in response to the inquiry by the inquiry step, the print job is executed by the print means according to the setting contents.

According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings related to a print job in job storage printing, including confidential printing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a user management table in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication procedure between an arbitrary personal computer and a management server in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a communication procedure between an arbitrary multifunction device and a management server in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a continuation of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a printing condition setting screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the printing condition table in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a warning screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print job operation screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a memory map conceptually showing the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage unit of each multifunction peripheral in the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a part of the stored job print control task in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the remaining part of the stored job print control task in the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a part of the stored job print control task in the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a print job operation screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a part of the stored job print control task in the third embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an enterprise network system 10 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... as image forming devices, a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "PCs") 30, 30, ... as print job generating devices, and one management server 40 as a management device. These are connected to each other via a communication line 50 installed within the company to form an in-house LAN (Local Area Network). The communication line 50 may be either a wired line or a wireless line, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the network system 10 may be connected to other network systems (not shown) to form a larger-scale network system such as a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Furthermore, the network system 10 may be connected to the Internet.

Each multifunction device 20 is a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that has multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a fax function. Each multifunction device 20 is installed in an appropriate location within the company, on the assumption that it will be shared by multiple people, including employees. Each multifunction device 20 is equipped with a card reading unit 202, which will be described later. Each multifunction device 20 is also assigned an IP (Internet Protocol) address as individual device identification information.

Each PC 30 is assigned to an individual employee for use by that employee. Each PC 30 is also assigned an individual IP address. In addition, each PC 30 is assigned a user name, which is the name of the user of that PC 30. The users of each PC 30 may be individually expressed as "User A", "User B", "User C", .... Each user of the PC 30 is also assigned a user ID (IDentification) as individual user identification information. This user ID is, for example, an employee number, but may be appropriate information other than the employee number. Furthermore, each user of the PC 30 is given a portable storage medium, such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card 60 described later, in which the user ID of the user is stored. This IC card 60 also serves as an employee ID card, but may be given separately from the employee ID card.

The management server 40 has a storage unit 402 as a storage means. The storage unit 402 stores a user management table 100 as shown in FIG. 2. The user management table 100 stores information about the user of each PC 30. Specifically, with the user ID as the primary key, various information such as the user name, the department to which the user belongs, and the IP address of the PC 30 is stored in the user management table 100. Naturally, the management server 40 is also assigned an IP address.

To explain each multifunction device 20 in more detail, as shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction device 20 includes an image reading unit 204, an image forming unit 206, and a paper feeding unit 208. The multifunction device 20 also includes a control unit 210, an auxiliary memory unit 212, and a communication unit 214. The multifunction device 20 further includes an operation display unit 216. In addition, the multifunction device 20 includes the card reading unit 202 mentioned above. These are connected to each other via a common bus 220.

The image reading unit 204 is an example of an image reading means. That is, the image reading unit 204 performs image reading processing, which reads an image of an original (not shown) and outputs two-dimensional read image data corresponding to the image of the original. For this purpose, the image reading unit 204 is provided with an original table (not shown) on which the original is placed. The image reading unit 204 also includes an image reading unit including a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc. (not shown), and a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the image reading position by the image reading unit. Furthermore, the image reading unit 204 is provided with an original pressing cover (not shown) for pressing the original placed on the original table. An automatic document feeder (ADF) (not shown) may be attached to this original pressing cover.

The image forming unit 206 is an example of an image forming means, or in other words, an example of a printing means. That is, the image forming unit 206 performs image forming processing to form, that is, print, an image based on appropriate image data such as the above-mentioned scanned image data on paper as a sheet-like image recording medium (not shown). This image forming processing is performed, for example, by a known electrophotographic method. For this reason, the image forming unit 206 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like (not shown). The paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming processing by the image forming unit 206, that is, the printed matter, is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown). Note that the image forming unit 206 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may perform image forming processing by, for example, an inkjet method.

The paper feed unit 208 is an example of a paper feed means. That is, the paper feed unit 208 has one or more, for example multiple, paper feed cassettes (not shown). These paper feed cassettes store paper of appropriate specified sizes. The paper feed unit 208 uses one of the paper feed cassettes as a paper feed source and supplies paper one sheet at a time from the paper feed source to the image forming unit 206. Note that plain paper of B5 size, A4 size, B4 size, A3 size, etc. is prepared as the paper.

The control unit 210 is an example of a control means that controls the entire multifunction device 20. For this reason, the control unit 210 has a computer, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210a, as a control execution means. In addition, the control unit 210 has a main memory unit 210b as a main memory means that can be directly accessed by the CPU 210a. The main memory unit 210b includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), not shown. Of these, the ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 210a. The RAM forms a working area and a buffer area when the CPU 210a executes processing according to the control program.

The auxiliary memory unit 212 is an example of an auxiliary storage means. That is, various data including various image data such as the above-mentioned scanned image data are appropriately stored in the auxiliary memory unit 212. Such an auxiliary memory unit 212 has, for example, a hard disk drive (not shown). Additionally, the auxiliary memory unit 212 may have a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 214 is an example of a communication means that handles two-way communication processing via the communication line 50. The communication unit 214 also handles two-way communication processing via a public switched telephone network (not shown).

The operation display unit 216 is a so-called operation panel, and has a display 216a as an example of a display means and a touch panel 216b as an example of an operation receiving means. The display 216a has a roughly rectangular display surface, and the touch panel 216b is provided so as to overlap the display surface of the display 28a. The display 216a is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited to this, and may be other types of displays such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The touch panel 216b is, for example, a capacitive panel, but is not limited to this, and may be other types of panels such as an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, or an infrared type. In addition to the display 216a, the operation display unit 216 has appropriate light-emitting means such as a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown). In addition, the operation display unit 216 has appropriate hardware switch means such as a push button switch (not shown) in addition to the touch panel 216b.

The card reading unit 202 is an example of an information reading means for reading the user ID from the IC card 60, and more specifically, is an IC card reader/writer for reading and writing appropriate data including the user ID to and from the IC card 60. The card reading unit 202 reads and writes data from and to the IC card 60 without contact, and more specifically, complies with short-range wireless communication standards such as ISO/IEC18092 (so-called NFC: Near Field Communication). The card reading unit 202 is provided, for example, integrally with the operation display unit 216, and is provided particularly near the touch panel 216b (and the display 216a).

Now, according to the network system 10 of the first embodiment, a print job generated by an arbitrary PC 30 is saved (spooled) in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, and the print job saved in the storage unit 402 is executed by an arbitrary MFP 20 by operating the MFP 20, which is called job save printing. The operation of the MFP 20 here means an operation of holding (touching) an IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20 to read a user ID from the IC card 60. This operation also serves as user authentication. Therefore, the IC card 60 used in this operation must be an IC card 60 in which a user ID related to the print job to be executed is stored, that is, the IC card 60 of the user of the PC 30 that generated the print job. In other words, according to the network system 10 of the first embodiment, job save printing, that is, confidential printing, which requires user authentication by the IC card 60, is possible. This confidential printing is performed as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, at a certain time t1, a print job for confidential printing is generated by an arbitrary PC 30 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "PC 30a" to distinguish it from other PCs 30). This print job is generated by performing an operation to instruct a reservation for confidential printing via a printer driver installed in PC 30a. When generating the print job, various settings such as the number of copies to be printed and the size of the paper to be printed on are performed via the printer driver, so-called print settings are performed. The print job generated by PC 30a is transmitted from PC 30a to management server 40 at time t3 immediately after time t1. Note that the print job includes user ID data that indicates the user ID of the user of PC 30a that generated it. In addition, the print job includes print setting data that indicates the contents of the print settings.

A print job sent from any PC 30a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t5, which is after time t3. The print job received by the management server 40 is stored, i.e., saved, in the memory unit 402 of the management server 40 at time t7, which is after time t5.

In this way, the print job generated by any PC 30a is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, and then confidential printing is reserved, and the multifunction device 20 is operated to execute the print job. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, at a certain time t11, the IC card 60 of the user of the PC 30a is held over the card reading unit 202 of any multifunction device 20 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "multifunction device 20a" to distinguish it from other multifunction devices 20), and the user ID is read from the IC card 60. Then, at time t13 immediately after time t11, the multifunction device 20a makes a user authentication inquiry to the management server 40 about the user ID (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "target ID") read at that time t11, and strictly speaking, authentication inquiry data is transmitted. This authentication inquiry data includes user ID data representing the target ID. Additionally, the authentication inquiry data includes multifunction device address data that indicates the IP address of the multifunction device 20a that is the sender of the authentication inquiry data, i.e., the source of the user authentication inquiry.

The authentication inquiry data sent from the multifunction device 20a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t15 after time t13. In response to this, at time t17 after time t15, user authentication is performed for the target ID, and more specifically, a check is made to see if the target ID exists in the user management table 100 described above (FIG. 2). Then, at time t19 after time t17, the management server 40 notifies the multifunction device 20a of the result of the user authentication at time t17, and strictly speaking, authentication result data is sent. This authentication result data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. Additionally, the authentication result data includes the multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the destination of the data, i.e., the destination of the notification of the user authentication result.

The authentication result data transmitted from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a is received by the multifunction device 20a at time t21 after time t19. For example, the authentication result data indicates that the user authentication for the target ID has been successful, that is, that the target ID exists in the above-mentioned user management table 100. In this case, at time t23 immediately after time t21, the multifunction device 20a inquires of the management server 40 as to whether a print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402, and strictly speaking, job inquiry data is transmitted. This job inquiry data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. In addition, the job inquiry data includes the multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the sender, that is, the inquiry source. Note that if the user authentication fails, that is, if the target ID does not exist in the user management table 100, an authentication error message screen (not shown) indicating this is displayed on the display 216a for a certain period of time (for example, several seconds). The multifunction device 20a then enters a so-called standby state, waiting for some operation to be performed by the user. In this standby state, a home screen (not shown) is displayed on the display 216a.

The job inquiry data sent from the multifunction device 20a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t25 after time t23. In response to this, at time t27 after time t25, a check is made to see if the print job related to the target ID is saved in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40. Then, at time t29 after time t27, the management server 40 notifies the multifunction device 20a of the result of the check made at time t27, and strictly speaking, the check result data is sent. This check result data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. Additionally, the check result data includes the multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the destination of the data, i.e., the destination of the check result.

The confirmation result data transmitted from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a is received by the multifunction device 20a at time t31 after time t29. For example, the confirmation result data indicates that the print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, at time t33 after time t31, the multifunction device 20a requests the management server 40 to transmit the print job related to the target ID, and strictly speaking, transmits job transmission request data. This job transmission request data also includes user ID data representing the target ID. In addition, the job transmission request data includes the multifunction device address data of the multifunction device 20a, which is the sender, that is, the requester. If the print job related to the target ID is not stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, a job non-existence message screen (not shown) indicating this is displayed on the display 216a for a certain period of time (for example, several seconds). After that, the multifunction device 20a enters the above-mentioned standby state.

The job transmission request data sent from the multifunction device 20a to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40 at time t35, which is after time t33. In response to this, at time t37, which is immediately after time t35, the print job related to the target ID is read from the memory unit 402 of the management server 40. Then, at time t39, which is after time t37, the print job read at time t37 is sent from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a. This print job includes user ID data and print setting data, as described above.

The print job sent from the management server 40 to the multifunction device 20a is received by the multifunction device 20a at time 41, which is after time t39. Then, at time t43, which is after time t41, the print job received at time t41 is executed. This print job is executed according to the print setting data included therein, that is, according to the settings (print setting contents) such as the number of copies to be printed and the size of the paper to be printed that were set when the print job was created.

In this manner, confidential printing is performed. According to this confidential printing, after the user of each PC 30 performs an operation to store the print job to be used for the confidential printing in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, that is, after reserving confidential printing, the user can have any of the multifunction devices 20 execute the print job. In other words, the user who reserved the confidential printing can arbitrarily select the multifunction device 20 that will execute the print job to be used for the confidential printing. This realizes efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including the multifunction devices 20, 20, .... In addition, the user who reserved the confidential printing can have any of the multifunction devices 20 execute the print job simply by holding their own IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the multifunction device 20. This also greatly contributes to efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including the multifunction devices 20, 20, ....

As mentioned above, in confidential printing, the print job is executed according to the settings such as the number of copies to be printed and paper size that were set when the print job to be used for confidential printing was created. If there is an error in the settings related to this print job, for example if the number of copies to be printed is set to more than necessary, more copies than necessary will be printed. This is extremely unpleasant for the user and also uneconomical. To avoid such inconvenience, the following measures are taken in this first embodiment.

That is, the printing conditions that are the standard for confidential printing are set in advance for each user of the PC 30, or more precisely, for each user ID. Then, strictly speaking, before a print job to be used for confidential printing is executed, the settings for the print job are collated (compared) with the standard printing conditions. If, as a result of this collation, the settings for the print job satisfy the standard printing conditions, the print job is executed according to the settings. On the other hand, if the settings for the print job do not satisfy the standard printing conditions, a predetermined warning is output, and a warning screen 600, which will be described in detail later, is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20 that is about to execute the print job. In addition, if the settings for the print job do not satisfy the standard printing conditions, appropriate options are provided, including whether to execute the print job, as described later.

To do this, first, the printing conditions are set by operating any of the multifunction devices 20. Specifically, when an operation to start setting the printing conditions is performed on any of the multifunction devices 20, a printing condition setting screen 500 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20.

In the printing condition setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 7, for example, an appropriate character string 502 indicating the title of the printing condition setting screen 500 is placed at the top left position. Then, to the right of the character string 502, a character string 504 indicating the name of the user related to the setting of the printing conditions is placed. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example in which the character string 504 indicates that the user related to the setting of the printing conditions is "User A". The user related to the setting of the printing conditions is identified, for example, by holding the user's IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 at an appropriate time before the printing condition setting screen 500 is displayed.

Then, below the character strings 502 and 504, an appropriate character string 506 is arranged to prompt the user to set the printing conditions. Furthermore, below the character string 506, a rectangular setting area 508 for specifically setting the printing conditions is arranged. On the left side of this setting area 508, a plurality of character strings 510, 510, ... representing individual conditions (items) such as the upper limit of the number of copies to be printed, paper size, and magnification are arranged in a vertical line. On the right side of each character string 510, a rectangular field 512 for inputting the specific value of the condition represented by the character string 510 is arranged. Also, on the right side of the setting area 508, a scroll bar 514 is arranged to scroll the display contents of the setting area 508 (each character string 510, 510, ... and each field 512, 512, ...) up and down.

Although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, when each field 512 is operated (pressed), an appropriate input screen, such as a dialog box, for inputting a specific value into that field 512 is displayed. Furthermore, inputting a specific value into each field 512 is not mandatory but is optional. In other words, the user does not need to input specific values into all fields 512, 512, ..., but may input specific values into only some of the fields 512, 512, ..., and in extreme cases, may not input specific values into all fields 512, 512, ....

In addition, two buttons 516 and 518 are arranged side by side below the setting area 508, that is, at the bottom of the printing condition setting screen 500. One button, 516, is an [OK] button for confirming the setting of printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen 500. The other button, 518, is a [Cancel] button for canceling the setting of printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen 500.

After the printing conditions are appropriately set in this printing condition setting screen 500, that is, specific values are entered in the appropriate fields 512, when the [OK] button 516 is operated, the setting of the printing conditions is confirmed, and more specifically, the printing condition data representing the printing conditions is sent to the management server 40. On the other hand, when the [Cancel] button 518 on the printing condition setting screen 500 is operated, the setting of the printing conditions by the printing condition setting screen 500 is canceled.

As described above, the printing condition data sent to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40. The printing condition data received by the management server 40 is then stored in the memory unit 402 of the management server 40 in a state where it is compiled into a printing condition table 150 as shown in FIG. 8.

According to the printing condition table 150 shown in FIG. 8, for each user ID, individual conditions such as the maximum number of prints, paper size, and magnification are stored with the user ID as the primary key. Note that in FIG. 8, for ease of explanation, each user ID is represented by the user name.

For example, if we look at the printing conditions for user A, the conditions set for that user are (at least) a maximum number of prints of "10", a paper size of "A4", and a magnification of "100". And for user B, the conditions set are a maximum number of prints of "50", a paper size of "A4", but no magnification is set. This is because no specific value was entered in the field 512 related to magnification in the printing condition setting screen 500 described above (Figure 7). And for user C, the conditions set are a maximum number of prints of "100", paper sizes of "B5" and "A4", and a magnification of "100"% to "150"%. Like the conditions for user C, for example, multiple sizes can be set as conditions related to paper size. Also, as conditions related to magnification, a range can be set rather than a single value. Note that printing conditions are not limited to the maximum number of prints, paper size, and magnification shown here; other conditions such as document orientation, whether or not to print on both sides, page aggregation, and color mode can also be set as appropriate.

After printing conditions are set for each user ID in this way, an arbitrary MFP 20a is operated to execute the print job to be used for confidential printing. In this case, when a print job is sent from the management server 40 to the MFP 20a at time t39 described above (FIG. 6), printing condition data representing the printing conditions for the user ID (target ID) related to that print job is attached to that print job. The print job with this printing condition data attached is received by the MFP 20a at time t41, which is after time t39.

Then, at time t43 after time t41, the print job received at time t41 is executed by the multifunction device 20a as described above, and at that time, the setting contents (print setting contents) of the print job are compared with the printing conditions according to the printing condition data attached to the print job. Here, for example, if the setting contents of the print job satisfy the printing conditions, the print job is executed by the multifunction device 20a. On the other hand, if the setting contents of the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions, a warning screen 600 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20a.

In the warning screen 600 shown in FIG. 9, for example, a relatively large character string 602 that reads "Warning" is placed at the top. Then, below the character string 602, an appropriate character string 604 is placed to indicate that the settings related to the print job to be executed do not satisfy the printing conditions. Furthermore, below the character string 604, an appropriate character string 606 is placed to ask the user whether to execute the print job to be executed as it is, that is, in a state in which the settings related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. In addition, below the character string 606, that is, at the bottom of the warning screen 600, two buttons 608 and 610 are placed side by side. One button 608 is a "Yes" button that instructs the user to execute the print job to be executed as it is. The other button 610 is a "No" button that instructs the user not to execute the print job to be executed as it is.

For example, if the "Yes" button 608 is operated on this warning screen 600, the print job is executed as is, that is, in a state where the settings related to the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions. On the other hand, if the "No" button 610 is operated, a print job operation screen 700 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20a instead of the warning screen 600.

In the print job operation screen 700 shown in FIG. 10, an appropriate character string 702 indicating the title of the print job operation screen 700 is placed, for example, in a position toward the upper left side. Then, to the right of the character string 702, a character string 704 indicating the user name related to the print job to be executed is placed. Note that FIG. 10 shows an example in which the character string 704 indicates that the user related to the print job to be executed is "User A."

Furthermore, below the character string 702, a character string 706 is arranged to indicate the file name of the print job to be executed. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the character string 706 indicates that the file name of the print job to be executed is "Regular Meeting Materials.pdf". Additionally, to the right of the character string 702, a character string 708 is arranged to indicate the number of pages of the file related to the print job to be executed. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the character string 708 indicates that the number of pages of the file related to the print job to be executed is "2".

In addition, a rectangular setting content display area 710 is arranged below the character strings 706 and 708. In this setting content display area 710, the setting content related to the print job to be executed is displayed. Specifically, on the left side of the setting content display area 710, a plurality of character strings 712, 712, ... representing individual items such as the upper limit of the number of prints, paper size, and magnification are arranged in a vertical line. Then, on the right side of each character string 712, a rectangular field 714 is arranged. In each field 714, a specific setting value of the corresponding item is displayed. Also, on the right side of the setting content display area 710, a scroll bar 716 is arranged for vertically scrolling the display contents in the setting content display area 710 (each character string 712, 712, ... and each field 714, 714, ...).

FIG. 10 shows an example where the print job to be executed has (at least) 10 copies, A4 paper size, and 100% magnification. Here, because the number of pages in the file related to the print job to be executed is 2, as described above, the number of pages to be printed is 20 (= 2 pages x 10 copies). This number of 20 pages exceeds the upper limit of the number of pages in the printing conditions for user A (see FIG. 8), and therefore does not satisfy the printing conditions. For settings (items) that do not satisfy such printing conditions, appropriate modifications are applied to make them visually noticeable, for example, the corresponding field 714 is colored in an appropriate color such as yellow or red, and the setting value in the field 714 is displayed in bold.

On the other hand, the setting contents displayed in the setting content display area 710, that is, the setting values in each field 714, can be changed as appropriate. Although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, when each field 714 is operated, an appropriate re-input screen, for example a dialog box, for changing (re-inputting) the setting value in that field 714 is displayed. This re-input screen allows the setting value in that field 714 to be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, when the setting value re-input in this way satisfies, for example, the printing conditions, that is, when such a setting value is re-input, the above-mentioned modification is released.

In addition, below the setting content display area 710 on the print job operation screen 700, i.e., at the bottom of the print job operation screen 700, two buttons 718 and 720 are arranged side by side. One button, 718, is a [Print] button that instructs the user to execute a print job according to the setting content displayed in the setting content display area 710. The other button, 720, is a [Cancel] button that instructs the user not to execute a print job.

When, for example, the [Print] button 718 is operated on this print job operation screen 700, the print job is executed according to the settings displayed in the settings display area 710. On the other hand, when the [Cancel] button 720 is operated, the print job is not executed and the multifunction device 20a enters the standby state described above.

Thus, according to the confidential printing in the first embodiment, if the settings for the print job used for confidential printing satisfy the reference printing conditions, the print job is executed. On the other hand, if the settings for the print job do not satisfy the reference printing conditions, a warning screen 600 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20 that is about to execute the print job, and appropriate options are provided, including whether or not to execute the print job. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings for the print job.

Figure 11 shows a memory map 800 that conceptually represents the configuration within the RAM of the main memory unit 210b of each multifunction device 20.

As shown in this memory map 800, the RAM has a program memory area 810 and a data memory area 850. The above-mentioned control programs are stored in the program memory area 810. Specifically, the control programs include a display control program 812, an operation detection program 814, an image reading program 816, an image forming program 818, a paper feed control program 820, an auxiliary memory control program 822, and a communication control program 824. In addition, the control programs include a card reading control program 826 and a stored job printing control program 828.

The display control program 812 is a program for generating display screen data required to display various screens such as the print condition setting screen 500 described above on the display 216a. The operation detection program 814 is a program for detecting the operation state of the touch panel 216b. The image reading program 816 is a program for controlling the image reading unit 204. The image forming program 818 is a program for controlling the image forming unit 206. The paper feed control program 820 is a program for controlling the paper feed unit 208. The auxiliary memory control program 822 is a program for controlling the auxiliary memory unit 212. The communication control program 824 is a program for controlling the communication unit 214. The card reading control program 826 is a program for controlling the card reading unit 202. And the saved job print control program 828 is a program for causing the CPU 210a to execute a saved job print control task described later.

On the other hand, various types of data are stored in the data storage area 850. These types of data include display image generation data 852, operation data 854, and transmission/reception data 856.

The display image generation data 852 is data such as polygon data and texture data used to generate display screen data based on the above-mentioned display control program 812. The operation data 854 is data that represents the operation state of the touch panel 216b, and more specifically, is time-series data that represents the touch position (coordinates) of the user on the touch panel 216b. The transmission and reception data 856 is data that is transmitted and received between an external device such as the management server 40. This transmission and reception data 856 includes the above-mentioned authentication inquiry data and authentication result data.

As described above, the CPU 210a of each MFP 20 operates according to the control program, and in particular, for confidential printing, it executes the stored job print control task according to the stored job print control program 828. The flow of this stored job print control task is shown in Figures 12 and 13. The stored job print control task is executed in response to communication being started between the card reading unit 202 and the IC card 60 when the IC card 60 is held over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20.

According to this stored job print control task, the CPU 210a first reads the ID data from the IC card 60 held over the card reading unit 202 in step S1, and strictly speaking controls the card reading unit 202 to do so. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S3.

In step S3, the CPU 210a inquires of the management server 40 about user authentication for the user ID read in step S1, i.e., the target ID, and more precisely transmits the authentication inquiry data described above. This authentication inquiry data includes user ID data representing the target ID as described above, and multifunction device address data representing the sender of the authentication inquiry data. In addition, in step S3, the CPU 210a displays an inquiry screen (not shown) on the display 216a, indicating that various inquiries, including user authentication, are being made. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S5.

In step S5, the CPU 210a waits for a response from the management server 40 to the inquiry to the management server 40 in step S3, that is, waits for the authentication result data described above to be sent from the management server 40 (S5: NO). Then, when the CPU 210a receives the authentication result data from the management server 40 (S5: YES), the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the CPU 210a determines whether or not user authentication for the target ID has been successful based on the authentication result data received in step S5. For example, if user authentication has been successful (S7: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S11, which will be described later. On the other hand, if user authentication has failed (S7: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S9.

In step S9, the CPU 210a displays the authentication error message screen described above on the display 216a, and more specifically, displays the authentication error message screen instead of the inquiry screen described above. This authentication error message screen is displayed for a certain period of time as described above. With the execution of step S9, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. Thereafter, the multifunction device 20 enters the standby state described above. In step S9, in addition to or instead of displaying the authentication error message screen, an appropriate authentication error message may be output by voice.

Furthermore, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S7 to step S11, it inquires of the management server 40 in step S11 as to whether or not a print job related to the target ID is stored in the memory unit 402, and more precisely, transmits the job inquiry data described above. This job inquiry data includes user ID data representing the target ID as described above, and multifunction device address data representing the sender of the job inquiry data. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S13.

In step S13, the CPU 210a waits for a response from the management server 40 to the inquiry to the management server 40 in step S11, that is, waits for the aforementioned confirmation result data to be sent from the management server 40 (S13: NO). Then, when the CPU 210a receives the confirmation result data from the management server 40 (S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the CPU 210a determines whether or not the print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 based on the confirmation result data received in step S13. For example, if the print job related to the target ID is stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 (S15: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S19, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the print job related to the target ID is not stored in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 (S15: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S17.

In step S17, the CPU 210a displays the aforementioned job-not-existing message screen on the display 216a, and more specifically, displays the job-not-existing message screen instead of the aforementioned inquiry screen. This job-not-existing message screen is displayed for a certain period of time as described above. With the execution of this step S17, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. Thereafter, the multifunction device 20 enters a standby state as described above. In addition to or instead of displaying the job-not-existing message screen in step S17, an appropriate job-not-existing message may be output by voice.

Then, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S15 to step S19, it requests the management server 40 to send a print job related to the target ID in step S19, and more precisely, sends the job transmission request data described above. This job transmission request data also includes user ID data representing the target ID as described above, and multifunction device address data representing the sender of the job transmission request data. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S21.

In step S21, the CPU 210a waits for a response from the management server 40 to the request made to the management server 40 in step S19, that is, waits for a print job related to the target ID to be sent from the management server 40 (S21: NO). Then, when the CPU 210a receives a print job from the management server 40 (S21: YES), the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the CPU 210a temporarily stores the print job received in step S21, specifically in the auxiliary storage unit 212. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S25. As described above, the print job includes user ID data representing the target ID and print setting data related to the print job. In addition, print condition data representing the printing conditions for the target ID is attached to the print job.

In step S25, the CPU 210a compares the settings (print settings) for the print job temporarily stored in step S23 with the print conditions according to the print condition data attached to the print job. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S27.

In step S27, the CPU 210a determines whether the setting contents of the print job satisfy the printing conditions as a result of the comparison in step S25. For example, if the setting contents of the print job satisfy the printing conditions (S25: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S29. On the other hand, if the setting contents of the print job do not satisfy the printing conditions (S25: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S33, which will be described later.

In step S29, the CPU 210a executes the print job. At the same time, the CPU 210a displays a printing screen (not shown) on the display 216a, indicating that the print job is being executed; more specifically, the printing screen is displayed in place of the inquiry screen described above. Then, when the execution of the print job is completed, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S31.

In step S31, the CPU 210a erases the print job executed in step S29 from the auxiliary storage unit 212. With the execution of this step S31, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task.

When the CPU 210a advances the process from step S27 to step S33, the CPU 210a displays a warning screen 600 on the display 216a in step S33. More specifically, the CPU 210a displays the warning screen 600 instead of the inquiry screen. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S35.

In step S35, the CPU 210a waits for any user operation to be accepted on the warning screen 600 displayed in step S33 (S35: NO). Then, when any user operation is accepted on the warning screen 600 (S35: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S37.

In step S37, the CPU 210a determines whether the user operation accepted in step S35 is the operation of the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S35 is the operation of the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600 (S37: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to the above-mentioned step S29 to execute the print job. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S35 is not the operation of the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600 but the operation of the [No] button 610 on the warning screen 600 (S37: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S39. Note that, if the process proceeds from step S37 to step S29, the CPU 210a executes the print job as described above in step S29 and displays the printing screen on the display 216a, but the printing screen is displayed instead of the warning screen 600.

When the CPU 210a advances the process from step S37 to step S39, the CPU 210a displays the print job operation screen 700 on the display 216a in step S39. More specifically, the CPU 210a displays the print job operation screen 700 in place of the warning screen 600. When displaying the print job operation screen 700, the CPU 210a applies the above-mentioned modifications as appropriate. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S41.

In step S41, the CPU 210a waits for any user operation to be accepted on the print job operation screen 700 displayed in step S39 (S41: NO). Then, when any user operation is accepted on the print job operation screen 700 (S41: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S43.

In step S43, the CPU 210a determines whether the user operation accepted in step S41 is the operation of the [Print] button 718 on the print job operation screen 700. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is the operation of the [Print] button 718 on the print job operation screen 700 (S43: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to the above-mentioned step S29 to execute the print job. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is not the operation of the [Print] button 718 on the print job operation screen 700 (S43: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S45. Note that, if the process proceeds from step S43 to step S29, the CPU 210a executes the print job as described above in step S29 and displays the printing screen on the display 216a, but the printing screen is displayed instead of the print job operation screen 700.

When the CPU 210a advances the process from step S43 to step S45, it determines in step S45 whether the user operation accepted in the above-mentioned step S41 is the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 on the print job operation screen 700. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 on the print job operation screen 700 (S45: YES), the CPU 210a postpones the execution of the print job and advances the process to the above-mentioned step S31 to erase the print job from the auxiliary storage unit 212. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S41 is not the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 on the print job operation screen 700 (S45: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S47.

In step S47, the CPU 210a performs processing in response to the operation accepted in step S41. The processing in step S47 includes processing for displaying the re-input screen described above in response to an operation on any of the fields 714, and processing for changing the setting value in the field 714 in response to an operation on the re-input screen. The processing in step S47 also includes processing for removing the above-mentioned modifications as necessary, processing for re-applying the modifications, and processing in response to an operation on the scroll bar 716. After executing step S47, the CPU 210a returns the processing to step S41 to wait for a new user operation to be accepted by the print job operation screen 700.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, and particularly according to the confidential printing in the first embodiment, the user of each PC 30 can have any MFP 20 execute the print job after performing an operation to save the print job to be used for the confidential printing in the storage unit 402 of the management server 40, that is, after reserving the confidential printing. In other words, the user who reserved the confidential printing can arbitrarily select the MFP 20 that will execute the print job to be used for the confidential printing. This realizes efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including each MFP 20, 20, .... In addition, the user who reserved the confidential printing can have any MFP 20 execute the print job simply by holding his/her IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20. This also greatly contributes to efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including each MFP 20, 20, ....

In addition, according to the confidential printing in the first embodiment, if the settings for the print job used for confidential printing satisfy the reference printing conditions, the print job is executed. On the other hand, if the settings for the print job do not satisfy the reference printing conditions, a warning screen 600 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20 that is about to execute the print job, and appropriate options are provided, including whether or not to execute the print job. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings for the print job.

In the first embodiment, after a print job for confidential printing is executed by any MFP 20, the executed print job is deleted from the auxiliary memory 212 of the MFP 20 (see step S31 in FIG. 13), but the print job (strictly speaking, the corresponding job) stored in the memory 402 of the management server 40 can be handled appropriately. For example, in response to the execution of a print job being deleted from the auxiliary memory 212 of the MFP 20, the print job stored in the memory 402 of the management server 40 may also be deleted from the memory 402. Alternatively, the print job stored in the memory 402 of the management server 40 may be configured to be deleted by the operation of the management server 40 or the operation of the PC 30 that generated the print job. Furthermore, when a print job is sent from the management server 40 to any MFP 20 (see, for example, time t39 in FIG. 6 and step S21 in FIG. 12), strictly speaking, the print job may be deleted from the storage unit 402 of the management server 40 immediately thereafter.

In addition, although the advance setting of printing conditions is performed by operating an arbitrary MFP 20, this is not limited to the above. Advance setting of printing conditions may be performed by operating an arbitrary PC 30, a management server 40, or other device other than the arbitrary MFP 20. Furthermore, the printing conditions that have been set may be configured so that their contents can be changed or the printing conditions can be deleted as appropriate.

The printing condition table 150 is configured to use the user ID as the primary key and organize the printing conditions for each user ID, but this is not limited to this. In other words, instead of the user ID, specific information other than the user ID, such as the IP address of each of the 30 PCs, may be used as the primary key and the printing conditions may be organized for each specific information. The same is true for the user management table 100.

Furthermore, although the IC card 60 is a non-contact type, a contact type may also be used. In this case, a card reader 202 that corresponds to the contact type is used.

In addition, when a print job for confidential printing is executed by any MFP 20, the IC card 60 is held over the card reading unit 202 of the MFP 20 to read the user ID from the IC card 60, but this is not limited to the above. In other words, instead of an operation for user authentication using the IC card 60, an operation for biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication, or an appropriate operation such as manual password input operation may be used.

In this first embodiment, the CPU 210a, specifically the CPU 210a that executes the saved job print control task, is an example of the print control means according to the present invention. And in particular, the CPU 210a that executes step S25 of the saved job print control task is an example of the collation means according to the present invention. In addition, the CPU 210a that executes step S33 of the saved job print control task, that is, the CPU 210a that displays the warning screen 600 on the display 216a, cooperates with the display 216a to constitute an example of the warning output means according to the present invention and an example of the inquiry means according to the present invention. And the CPU 210a that executes step S39 of the saved job print control task, that is, the CPU 210a that displays the print job operation screen 700 on the display 216a, also cooperates with the display 216a to constitute an example of the inquiry means according to the present invention.

In addition, the user ID in this first embodiment is an example of the source information according to the present invention, or in other words, an example of the specified information according to the present invention. When a print job to be used for confidential printing is executed by any multifunction device 20, the operation of holding the IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the multifunction device 20 to read the user ID from the IC card 60 is an example of the first operation according to the present invention. In addition, the operation of the [Yes] button 608 on the warning screen 600 is an example of the second operation according to the present invention.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this second embodiment, the present invention is applied to a network system 10a shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, unlike the network system 10 according to the first embodiment, the network system 10a according to the second embodiment has only one multifunction device 20. Also, the management server 40 is not provided in the second embodiment. That is, the multifunction device 20 performs the functions of the management server 40 in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the user management table 100 and the printing condition table 150 are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of the multifunction device 20. In addition, the print job to be used for confidential printing, that is, the print job generated by each PC 30 for the confidential printing, is also saved (spooled) in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of the multifunction device 20. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the CPU 210a of the multifunction device 20 executes the saved job print control task, but in the second embodiment, instead of steps S1 to S23 in the first embodiment (FIG. 12), steps S101 to S117 are executed in the flow shown in FIG. 15. Other than this, the configuration of this second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the parts of this second embodiment that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of those parts are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, according to the stored job print control task in this second embodiment, the CPU 210a first reads ID data from the IC card 60 held over the card reading unit 202 in step S101, similar to step S1 in the first embodiment described above. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S103.

In step S103, the CPU 210a performs user authentication for the user ID read in step S101, i.e., the target ID, and more specifically, checks whether the target ID exists in the user management table 100. The CPU 210a then proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the CPU 210a determines whether the user authentication in step S103 was successful. For example, if the user authentication is successful, that is, if the target ID exists in the user management table 100 (S105: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S109, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the user authentication is unsuccessful, that is, if the target ID does not exist in the user management table 100 (S105: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S107.

In step S107, the CPU 210a displays an authentication error message screen on the display 216a for a certain period of time, similar to step S9 in the first embodiment. With the execution of step S107, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. After this, the multifunction device 20 enters the standby state described above.

In addition, when the CPU 210a advances the process from step S105 to step S109, the CPU 210a checks in step S109 whether the print job related to the target ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212. Then, the CPU 210a advances the process to step S111.

In step S111, the CPU 210a determines from the confirmation result in step S109 whether the print job related to the target ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212. For example, if the print job related to the target ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 (S111: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S115 described below. On the other hand, if the print job related to the target ID is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 (S111: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S113.

In step S113, the CPU 210a displays a job non-existence message screen on the display 216a for a certain period of time, similar to step S17 in the first embodiment. With the execution of step S113, the CPU 210a ends the stored job print control task. After this, the multifunction device 20 enters the standby state described above.

When the CPU 210a advances the process from step S111 to step S115, the CPU 210a reads the print job related to the target ID from the auxiliary storage unit 212 in step S115. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S117.

In step S117, the CPU 210a refers to the printing condition table 150 to confirm the printing conditions for the target ID. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S25 described above (FIG. 13). From this point onwards, the process is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In this second embodiment, and particularly in the confidential printing in this second embodiment, the print job is executed if the settings for the print job satisfy the reference printing conditions, just like the confidential printing in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the settings for the print job do not satisfy the reference printing conditions, a warning screen 600 is displayed on the display 216a of the multifunction device 20, and appropriate options are provided, including whether or not to execute the print job. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences caused by errors in the settings for the print job.

In addition, in this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a user who has reserved confidential printing can have the multifunction device 20 execute the print job simply by holding his/her IC card 60 over the card reading unit 202 of the multifunction device 20. This enables efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10a including the multifunction device 20.

In the second embodiment, only one multifunction device 20 is provided, but two or more multifunction devices 20, i.e., multiple multifunction devices, may be provided. In this case, it is preferable that the user management table 100 and the print condition table 150 are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of each multifunction device 20. It is also preferable that the print job to be used for confidential printing is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 212 of each multifunction device 20. With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, a user who has reserved confidential printing can arbitrarily select the multifunction device 20 that will execute the print job to be used for confidential printing. This also greatly contributes to the efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10a including each multifunction device 20.

[Third Example]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is, for example, a modified example of the first embodiment.

Specifically, in this third embodiment, instead of the print job operation screen 700 in the first embodiment, a print job operation screen 700a as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 16, in the print job operation screen 700a in this third embodiment, in addition to the print job operation screen 700 in the first embodiment (FIG. 10), a character string 750 in parentheses is arranged on the right side of each field 714 in the setting content display area 710. This character string 750, especially the character string in parentheses, represents the printing conditions that are the basis of the corresponding setting contents (item) (represented by the character string 712). That is, FIG. 16 shows an example in which the character strings 750, 750, ... represent that the printing conditions set for user A represented by the character string 704 are (at least) a maximum number of prints of "10", a paper size of "A4", and a magnification of "100". Note that the character string 750 indicating the maximum number of copies is followed to the right by the character string 750a, which indicates the unit of the maximum number of copies. Also, in FIG. 16, as in FIG. 10 in the first embodiment, the number of copies (20 copies = 2 pages x 10 copies) for the print job to be executed exceeds the reference maximum number (10 copies), so appropriate modifications are applied to the field 714 corresponding to the number of copies and the setting value in that field 714.

Furthermore, in the print job operation screen 700a in this third embodiment, another button 752 is arranged at the bottom, for example between the [Print] button 718 and the [Cancel] button 720, that is, side-by-side with these buttons 718 and 720. This button 752 is an [Update conditions and print] button that updates the printing conditions based on the settings displayed in the settings display area 710, or more precisely, updates the printing conditions for the user ID (target ID) related to the print job to be executed, and then instructs the print job to be executed according to the settings.

In other words, when the [Update conditions and print] button 752 is operated on the print job operation screen 700a in this third embodiment, the printing conditions for the target ID are updated based on the settings displayed in the settings display area 710. The print job to be executed is then executed according to the settings displayed in the settings display area 710.

In the print job operation screen 700a in this third embodiment, for example, if the [Print] button 718 is operated, the print job is executed according to the settings displayed in the settings display area 710, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the printing conditions are not updated. And, if the [Cancel] button 720 is operated, the print job is not executed, as in the first embodiment, and the multifunction device 20a goes into the standby state described above.

In this third embodiment, the CPU 210a of each MFP 20 also executes the stored job print control task, but in this third embodiment, steps S201 to S203 shown in FIG. 17 are added to the stored job print control task.

That is, in step S45 (FIG. 13) described above, if the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is not the operation of the [Cancel] button 720 (S45: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S201. In this step S201, the CPU 210a determines whether the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752. Here, for example, if the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752 (S201: YES), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S203. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted by the print job operation screen 700a is not the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752 (S201: NO), the CPU 210a advances the process to step S47 (FIG. 13) described above.

In step S203, the CPU 210a instructs the management server 40 to update the printing conditions for the target ID based on the settings displayed in the settings display area 710 on the print job operation screen 700a, and more precisely, sends printing condition update data. The CPU 210a then advances the process to step S29 described above (FIG. 13) to execute the print job. Note that although detailed explanations, including illustrations, are omitted, the printing condition update data sent to the management server 40 is received by the management server 40. Upon receiving the printing condition update data, the management server 40 updates the printing conditions for the target ID based on the printing condition update data, that is, updates the printing condition table 150 described above (FIG. 8).

As described above, according to the third embodiment, and particularly according to the print job operation screen 700a in the third embodiment, when the [Update conditions and print] button 752 is operated, the printing conditions for the target ID are updated and the print job to be executed is executed. In other words, the single operation of operating the [Update conditions and print] button 752 performs two processes: updating the printing conditions for the target ID and executing the print job. This also greatly contributes to the efficient and flexible operation of the entire network system 10 including each multifunction device 20.

In this third embodiment, the operation of the [Update conditions and print] button 752 on the print job operation screen 700a is an example of a third operation according to the present invention. In particular, the CPU 210a that executes step S203 of the stored job print control task is an example of a condition update means according to the present invention.

As mentioned above, the third embodiment is a modified version of the first embodiment, but may also be applied as a modified version of the second embodiment. In this case, although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, a step of updating the print condition table 150 is provided instead of step S203 of the stored job print control task.

[Other application examples]
The above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to aspects other than these embodiments.

For example, in each embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to confidential printing that requires user authentication, but the present invention can also be applied to job-stored printing that does not require user authentication, i.e., is not confidential printing.

In addition, in each embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to a network system 10 (or 10a) including a multifunction device 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a network system (printing system) that includes an image forming device other than a multifunction device 20, such as a printer.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to being provided in the form of an image forming device and a printing system including the image forming device, but can also be provided in the form of a control program for the image forming device and a control method for the image forming device.

In addition, the present invention can also be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium on which a control program for an image forming apparatus is recorded. In this case, the control program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the image forming apparatus and executed by the computer, thereby realizing an image forming apparatus similar to the present invention. The recording medium referred to here includes disk-type media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and semiconductor-type media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards. Also, device-embedded (built-in) media such as ROMs and hard disk drives, rather than portable media, can also be applied as the recording medium referred to here.

10 Network system 20 Multifunction device 30 PC
40 Management server 60 IC card 202 Card reading section 206 Image forming section 210 Control section 210a CPU
212: Auxiliary storage unit 216: Operation display unit 216a: Display 216b: Touch panel

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus including an operation receiving unit and a printing unit,
a comparison means for comparing a setting content of the print job with a preset printing condition when a first operation for instructing execution of the print job stored in the storage means is accepted by the operation acceptance means;
a print control unit that controls the print unit based on a result of the comparison by the comparison unit,
the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job,
the predetermined information includes origin information indicating an origin of the print job,
the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of an image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each of the generation source information;
The print control means causes the print means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents when at least the setting contents satisfy the printing conditions for the generation source information related to the print job, and in addition,
a warning output means for outputting a warning when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions ; and
a querying means for querying a user whether to proceed with execution of the print job when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions;
the print control means, when a second operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means is accepted by the operation acceptance means, causes the printing means to execute the print job;
the inquiry means inquires whether to proceed with the execution of the print job and, in addition, whether to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents;
The printing control means, when a third operation instructing the printing means to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents in response to a query by the query means and then proceed with execution of the print job, is accepted by the operation accepting means, causes the printing means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents . The image forming device according to claim 1, wherein the printing conditions for the origin information can be set by a user associated with the origin information. The predetermined information is stored in a portable storage medium,
the operation receiving means includes information reading means capable of reading the predetermined information from the storage medium,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input operation of the predetermined information is an operation for making the information reading means read the predetermined information from the storage medium. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a condition update unit that updates the printing conditions based on the setting content when the third operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the storage means. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
and an external device comprising the storage means. A control program for an image forming apparatus including an operation receiving unit and a printing unit,
A computer of the image forming apparatus
a verification step of verifying, when a first operation for instructing execution of a print job stored in a storage unit is accepted by the operation acceptance unit, a setting content related to the print job and a printing condition set in advance;
a print control procedure for controlling the printing means based on a collation result by the collation procedure;
the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job,
the predetermined information includes origin information indicating an origin of the print job,
the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of an image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each of the generation source information;
In the print control procedure, when at least the setting contents satisfy the printing conditions for the generation source information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the printing means according to the setting contents, and in addition,
a warning output step of outputting a warning when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions ; and
executing an inquiry procedure for inquiring of a user as to whether or not to proceed with execution of the print job if the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions;
In the print control step, when a second operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job in response to the inquiry in the inquiry step is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the print job is executed by the printing means;
the inquiry step inquires whether to proceed with the execution of the print job and, in addition, whether to proceed with the execution of the print job after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents;
The printing control procedure is a control program for an image forming device that, when a third operation is accepted by the operation accepting means in response to an inquiry made by the inquiry procedure, instructs the printing means to execute the print job in accordance with the setting contents after updating the printing conditions based on the setting contents . A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including an operation receiving unit and a printing unit, comprising:
a collation step of collating setting contents related to the print job with preset printing conditions when a first operation for instructing execution of the print job stored in the storage means is accepted by the operation acceptance means;
a print control step of controlling the printing means based on a result of the comparison step,
the first operation includes an input operation of predetermined information related to the print job,
the predetermined information includes origin information indicating an origin of the print job,
the printing conditions include any one of an upper limit of the number of prints, a size of an image recording medium to be printed, and a magnification, and can be set for each of the generation source information;
In the print control step, when at least the setting contents satisfy the printing conditions for the generation source information related to the print job, the print job is executed by the printing means according to the setting contents, and
a warning output step of outputting a warning when the setting contents do not satisfy the printing conditions ; and
a query step of querying a user as to whether to proceed with execution of the print job when the setting content does not satisfy the printing conditions;
In the print control step, when a second operation instructing to proceed with execution of the print job in response to the inquiry in the inquiry step is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the print job is executed by the printing means;
The inquiring step inquires whether to proceed with the execution of the print job and, in addition, whether to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with the execution of the print job;
The printing control step is a control method for an image forming device, in which when a third operation is accepted by the operation accepting means in response to an inquiry made by the inquiry step, the third operation instructs the printing means to update the printing conditions based on the setting contents and then proceed with execution of the print job, the printing means executes the print job in accordance with the setting contents.

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