JP2017001200A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing another user from erroneously picking up printed matters when a certain user prints a plurality of printed matters and another user prints printed matters matching at least partially the former printed matters.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 compares image data included in a first print job with image data included in a second print job input continuously after the first print job and not executed yet by a printing part 18. Furthermore, if it is determined from user information that a user who inputs the first print job differs from a user who inputs the second print job and the image data included in the first print job is identical to the image data included in the second print job, the image forming apparatus 10 causes the printing part 18 to stand by for execution of the second print job even after execution of the first print job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for preventing mistaking of printed matter of each user.

  Conventionally, when each user prints a printed matter with one image forming apparatus, a certain user (referred to as user A) may accidentally take away the printed matter of another user (referred to as user B) discharged to the tray. It was. In particular, when the user A prints a plurality of printed materials, and the user B continuously prints the same printed material as the user A, when the user A collects the printed material of the user A, There is a case where the user A's printed matter is judged by looking only at the transition of the printed matter image without checking the number of copies of the printed matter output by the user A himself. As a result, the user A sometimes took away the printed matter of the user B by mistake.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the user A erroneously takes away the printed matter of the user B. In detail, FIG. 13 shows that user A submits job A for printing 20 copies of file A to the image forming apparatus, and user B continues job B for printing 1 copy of file A to job A. The situation of loading into the image forming apparatus is shown.

  In this case, in the conventional image forming apparatus, 20 copies of the file A are printed by executing the job A, and immediately after that, the copy of the file A is printed by executing the job B. As a result, 21 copies of the printed matter of file A are discharged to the paper discharge tray.

  When the user A collects the printed matter of the user A by looking only at the transition of the printed matter image without checking the number of copies of the printed matter output by the user A, the user A outputs the printed matter output by the user A and the user B. The boundary between the printed material and the printed material is not known, and the printed material of the user B is sometimes taken away.

  In order to solve the above problems, the following techniques have been proposed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which a printed material discharge method can be designated for each user (or each group), and the user can make a judgment by looking at the state of the printed material on a paper discharge tray. Examples of the discharge method include offset, rotation, and color paper insertion.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 detects an empty discharge tray, and if there is an empty discharge tray, the printed matter is preferentially discharged to the empty discharge tray, and if there is no empty discharge tray. It is disclosed that the printed material is discharged to a paper discharge tray on which the printed material printed most recently is placed with reference to the output history.

JP 2007-25208 A JP 2010-37068 A

  In Patent Document 1, even if the offset or rotation is changed for each job, the user may unintentionally change the placement state of the printed material discharged to the tray when checking his / her printed material. . After that, when another user collects his / her printed material, the boundary between his / her printed material and another person's printed material is lost, and if his / her printed material is the same as that of the other person's printed material, There was a possibility that I took it all together.

  Furthermore, in the discharge method for inserting colored paper, the cost of the colored paper is high, and the user may not notice the colored paper when collecting only the first and last pages of the printed material and collecting the printed material. .

  Further, in Patent Document 2, even if the paper discharge tray is divided for each printed material, the user may move another person's printed material to another paper discharge tray when searching for his / her printed material. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 is effective when the printing press has a plurality of paper discharge trays, and cannot be applied to a printing press having only one paper discharge tray.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and when a certain user prints a plurality of printed materials, and immediately after that another user prints a printed material that at least partially matches the printed material, An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent mistaking of printed materials of other users.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A printing unit that prints an image based on a print job;
A storage unit that stores image data included in the print job and user information that identifies a user who has input the print job;
An image for comparing the image data included in the first print job with the image data included in the second print job that is continuously input after the first print job and is executed by the printing unit. A data comparison unit;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the printing unit;
Have
The image data comparison unit includes the image data included in the first print job and the second print job when the first print job is a print job for printing a plurality of copies. Compared to the image data
The control unit determines, based on the user information, that a user who has submitted the first print job is different from a user who has submitted the second print job, and at least the first print job When the part of the image data included in the second print job and the part of the image data included in the second print job are the same, the second print job is executed after the first print job is executed. An image forming apparatus characterized by waiting for execution of a print job.

  In the above invention, when the first print job is a print job for printing a plurality of copies, the image data included in the first print job and the first print job are continuously input after the first print job. The image data included in the second print job is compared. When the user who has submitted the first print job is different from the user who has submitted the second print job, at least a part of the image data included in the first print job and the second print job When part of the image data included in the image data is the same, the execution of the second print job is awaited even after the execution of the first print job.

[2] When the first page of the image data included in the first print job is the same as the first page of the image data included in the second print job, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to [1], wherein the printing unit waits for execution of the second print job.

[3] When the last page of the image data included in the first print job is the same as the last page of the image data included in the second print job, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to [1], wherein the execution of the second print job is made to stand by.

[4] When all pages of the image data included in the first print job are the same as all pages of the image data included in the second print job, The image forming apparatus according to [1], wherein the printing unit waits for execution of the second print job.

[5] Further, an operation unit that receives an instruction to cause the printing unit to execute a waiting print job;
Any one of [1] to [4], wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to execute the second print job that is waited to be executed when the operation unit receives the instruction. The image forming apparatus described in the item.

  In the above-described invention, the second print job is executed when the user or the like who has input the second print job that is on standby operates the operation unit.

[6] The control unit checks whether there is a third print job waiting after the second print job,
The image data comparison unit includes the image data included in the second print job and the third print job when there is the third print job waiting after the second print job. Compare with the image data contained in
The control unit executes the second print job and the third print job when the image data included in the second print job and the image data included in the third print job are not the same. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the second print job that is waiting to be executed is executed by the printing unit.

  In the above invention, the printed matter based on the first print job and the printed matter based on the second print job are output so that the printed matter having different print contents is sandwiched therebetween.

[7] The control unit checks whether there is a subsequent print job waiting after the second print job,
If the subsequent print job exists, the image data included in the second print job and the Xth (X is an integer of 3 or more) subsequent print job counted from the first print job The number of print jobs waiting between the second print job and the Xth subsequent print job, or the waiting print job and the Xth Check the total number of sheets used for printing based on the subsequent print job,
The image data included in the second print job is not the same as the image data included in the Xth subsequent print job, and the number of the waiting print jobs or the total number of sheets is a predetermined number. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the execution order of the second print job is changed after the Xth subsequent print job, and the second print job is executed by the printing unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5].

  In the above invention, the printed material based on the first print job and the printed material based on the second print job are output so that more printed materials having different print contents are sandwiched therebetween.

[8] The control unit measures an elapsed time after the first print job is executed,
The image according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the printing unit is caused to execute the second print job that is waited to be executed. Forming equipment.

  In the above invention, the printed material based on the second print job is output after a certain time from the output of the printed material based on the first print job.

[9] Further, a paper discharge tray,
A detection unit that detects whether or not printed matter is placed on the discharge tray;
When the detection unit detects that the printed matter printed based on the first print job is not placed on the discharge tray, the control unit waits for the second execution. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the print unit is caused to execute a print job.

  In the above invention, the printed material based on the second print job is output after the printed material based on the first print job is collected from the paper discharge tray.

[10] The control unit compares settings specified by a file name or a page description language of image data included in the first print job and the second print job,
The image data comparison unit compares the image data included in the first print job with the image data included in the second print job when the file name or the setting is different, without comparing the image data included in the second print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the image data included in one print job is different from the image data included in the second print job. .

  In the above invention, before comparing the image data included in the first print job with the image data included in the second print job, it is determined whether the contents to be printed are different based on the two print jobs. It is judged simply.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a certain user prints a plurality of printed materials and immediately after that another user prints a printed material that at least partially matches the printed material, the printed material of the other user is printed. Can prevent mistakes.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to first and second embodiments. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to first and second embodiments. It is explanatory drawing which shows the execution procedure of the several print job waiting by the job queue which concerns on 1st and 2nd embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of a plurality of print jobs waiting in the job queue according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of a job standby process. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of the 1st example of a job standby process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of a job standby process. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of the 2nd example of a job standby process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of a job standby process. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of the 3rd example of a job standby process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an execution procedure of a fourth example of job standby processing. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an execution procedure of a plurality of print jobs waiting in a job queue according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example in case the user A takes away the printed matter of the user B accidentally.

  Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first and second embodiments.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a copy job that optically reads a document and prints a duplicate image on a recording sheet, a scan job that saves the image data of the read document as a file, or sends it to an external device, a PC This is a so-called multi-function machine having a function of executing a job such as a print job (print job) for printing an image relating to data sent from the printer on a recording sheet.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a paper discharge tray 5 for discharging printed matter printed based on a print job or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first and second embodiments. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 11 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, a hard disk device 15, an image processing unit 16, a scanner unit 17, a printer unit 18, and a facsimile via a bus. A communication unit 19, a network communication unit 20, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 21, an authentication unit 22, an operation panel 30, and a printed matter detection unit 35 are connected.

  The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. The CPU 11 also functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the printer unit 18. Further, the CPU 11 adds the image data included in the first print job and the second print job before being input to the image forming apparatus 10 and executed by the printer unit 18 after the first print job. It functions as an image data comparison unit that compares the included image data.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing various processes according to these programs. The ROM 12 stores a program for the CPU 11 to execute a series of controls of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The RAM 13 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes processing based on a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 14 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information.

  The hard disk device 15 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores an OS program, various application programs, user information, print data, image data, job history, and the like. In particular, the hard disk device 15 functions as a storage unit that stores image data included in a print job and user information that identifies a user who has input the print job.

  The image processing unit 16 performs processing such as image enlargement / reduction, rotation, rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The scanner unit 17 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The scanner unit 17 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a reading position in line units in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit, a lens or a mirror that guides the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor and forms an image, a conversion unit that converts the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data, etc. It is configured with.

  The printer unit 18 has a function of forming an image corresponding to image data on a recording sheet. The printer unit 18 functions as a printing unit that prints an image based on a print job. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer engine unit. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The facsimile communication unit 19 performs a function of transmitting / receiving image data to / from an external device having a facsimile function through a public line.

  The network communication unit 20 performs a function of communicating data with a terminal device or other external devices through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The ADF 21 fulfills the function of feeding the original set on the original table one by one from the top one by one, passing the read position of the scanner unit 17 and discharging it to a predetermined discharge position.

  The authentication unit 22 authenticates a user who uses the image forming apparatus 10. The authentication method may be any password, fingerprint, vein, or the like.

  The operation panel 30 includes an operation unit 31 and a display unit 32, and receives operations such as job submission from the user.

  The display unit 32 is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD ... Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 31 includes various operation switches such as a start button and a touch panel provided on the physical screen of the display unit 32. The touch panel detects a coordinate position where the physical screen of the display unit 32 is touched with a touch pen or a finger. The operation unit 31 has a function of receiving an instruction to cause the printer unit 18 to execute a print job waiting in the image forming apparatus 10 by the operation.

  The printed matter detection unit 35 has a function as a detection unit that detects whether or not a printed matter is placed on the paper discharge tray 5. The printed matter detection unit 35 may detect whether or not the printed matter is placed on the discharge tray 5 based on, for example, infrared rays, a mechanical mechanism, or a change in the weight of the placed matter on the discharge tray 5.

  Next, the execution procedure of a plurality of print jobs waiting in the job queue according to the first embodiment will be described. Normally, when a plurality of print jobs are input, the image forming apparatus 10 temporarily waits for these print jobs in the job queue and continuously executes the print jobs in the input order. However, when a user (user A) submits a print job for printing a plurality of copies to the image forming apparatus 10, another user (user B) is the same as user A. When continuously submitting print jobs for printing a printed matter, the image forming apparatus 10 performs the following job execution procedure.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an execution procedure of a plurality of print jobs waiting in the job queue.

  In FIG. 3, user A submits job A (first print job) for printing 20 copies of file A to image forming apparatus 10. Immediately after that, the user B inputs a job B (second print job) for printing one copy of the same file A as the job A to the image forming apparatus 10.

  In this case, since the job A is a print job for printing a plurality of copies in the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 11 is included in the print job and is based on user information that identifies the user who has input the print job. The user who has submitted job A is compared with the user who has submitted job B. Further, the CPU 11 compares the image data of the file A included in the job A with the image data of the file A included in the job B.

  In this example, the image data included in both jobs is the same, and the user who submitted each job is different. Therefore, after executing job A, the CPU 11 leaves job B in the queue to the printer unit 18. To wait for execution of job B.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of a plurality of print jobs waiting in the job queue. This execution procedure is performed when a print job is input to the image forming apparatus 10 or when the print job exists in the job queue.

  First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there are a plurality of print jobs in the job queue (step S101). If a plurality of print jobs do not exist in the job queue (step S101; No), the printer unit 18 is caused to execute the print job (step S106), and this process is terminated.

  If there are a plurality of print jobs in the job queue (step S101; Yes), the print job to be executed first among the plurality of print jobs, that is, the print job waiting at the head of the queue ( It is determined whether or not the first print job is a print job for printing a plurality of copies (step S102).

  If the first print job is not a print job for printing a plurality of copies (step S102; No), the printer unit 18 is caused to execute the first print job (step S106), and this process is terminated. .

  When the first print job is a print job for printing a plurality of printed materials (step S102; Yes), the user who has input the first print job and the first print job continuously with the first print job It is determined whether or not the user who submitted the second print job is different (step S103).

  If the user who submitted the first print job is the same as the user who submitted the second print job (step S103; No), the printer unit 18 is caused to execute the first print job (step S106). ), This process is terminated.

  When the user who has submitted the first print job is different from the user who has submitted the second print job (step S103; Yes), the CPU 11 determines the image data (for example, raster) included in the first print job. Data) and image data included in the second print job are compared (step S104).

  If the two image data are different (step S104; No), the printer unit 18 is caused to execute the first print job (step S106), and this process is terminated.

  If the above-described image data are the same (step S104; Yes), the CPU 11 causes the printer unit 18 to execute the first print job, and then causes the printer unit 18 to execute the second print job. A job standby process for waiting for execution is performed (step S105), and this process is terminated.

  Here, the image data is the same as long as at least a part of each image data is the same. For example, the first page of image data included in the first print job may be the same as the first page of image data included in the second print job, or the image data included in the first print job. May be the same as the last page of the image data included in the second print job.

  Alternatively, all pages of image data included in the first print job may be the same as all pages of image data included in the second print job. The setting for whether the image data is the same when a part of the image data is the same or when all the pages are the same is the setting for the content of the image data and a part of the printed matter. Depending on the time required for printing, the administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 can appropriately change it. Further, the identity of the image data is determined based on the coincidence of the images that are finally output on the paper, for example, based on the image that has been subjected to image processing in accordance with the print magnification and Nin1 setting.

  If a print job remains in the job queue when the execution procedure ends, the execution procedure is repeated with the print job waiting at the head of the queue as the first print job.

  Next, the job standby process in step S105 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of job standby processing.

  In the first example of job standby processing, first, after execution of job A (first print job) is completed, job B (second print job) is queued, and job B is executed. Is waiting. Thereafter, the user (user B) who has input the job B goes to the image forming apparatus 10 to collect his / her printed matter, and causes the standby job B to be executed by pressing the start button or the like of the operation unit 31. As a result, the user B can collect the printed material printed in front of the user, and as a result, the user (user A) who has input the job A can be prevented from accidentally taking away the printed material of the user B. it can.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of the first example of the job standby process.

  First, after the first print job is executed, the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to wait for execution of the second print job (step S201).

  The CPU 11 monitors whether or not the start button or the like of the operation unit 31 has been pressed (step S202; No). When it is detected that the start button or the like of the operation unit 31 has been pressed (step S202; Yes), the print unit 18 is caused to execute a second print job that is on standby (step S203), and this process is performed. Terminate. Further, when the start button or the like is pressed, the authentication unit 22 performs user authentication via the operation panel 30, and the CPU 11 starts only when the authenticated user is the user B who has submitted the second print job. The second print job may be executed by pressing a button or the like.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second example of job standby processing.

  In the second example of the job standby process, first, when another job C (third print job) is continuously present in the queue after the job B (second print job), the CPU 11 changes the job B to The image data included is compared with the image data included in job C. If the two image data are not the same, the CPU 11 switches the execution order of the job B and the job C, and causes the printing unit 18 to execute the job B for which execution has been awaited. As a result, the printed matter based on job A (first print job) and the printed matter based on job B (second print job) are prevented from being output continuously, and as a result, the user (user) who entered job A It is possible to prevent A) from accidentally taking away User B's printed matter. When comparing the image data, the CPU 11 compares the image data included in the job A and the image data included in the job C. If the image data is not the same, the job B and the job C are compared. The order of execution may be changed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of the second example of the job standby process.

  First, after the first print job is executed, the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to wait for execution of the second print job (step S301).

  The CPU 11 determines whether a third print job exists in the queue after the second print job (step S302). When the subsequent third print job does not exist in the queue (step S302; No), the CPU 11 checks whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S303).

  If the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S303; Yes), the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to execute a second print job that is on standby (step S304), and ends this processing.

  Here, the predetermined condition is, for example, as described above, detecting that the start button of the operation unit 31 is pressed while the second print job is waiting, as described later. The predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed after the execution of the first print job is completed, the printed matter output based on the first print job has been collected from the paper discharge tray 5, and the like. Can be mentioned.

  If the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S303: No), the CPU 11 continues to monitor whether or not the subsequent third print job exists in the queue while waiting for the second print job. When it is confirmed that the third print job exists in the queue after the second print job (step S302; Yes), the image data included in the second print job and the image data included in the third print job are stored. Compare (step S305).

  If both the image data are the same (step S305; Yes), the process proceeds to step S303.

  If the image data is not the same (step S305; No), the CPU 11 switches the execution order of the second print job and the third print job (step S306).

  Then, the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to execute the third print job, and then causes the second print job to be executed (step S307) and ends this processing.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of job standby processing.

  In the third example of job standby processing, first, when job B (second print job) and another job X (Xth subsequent print job counted from the first print job) exist in the queue The CPU 11 compares the image data included in the job B and the image data included in the job X, and the number of print jobs waiting between the job B and the job X, or the job B and the job X, The total number of sheets used for printing is confirmed based on the print job and job X waiting in between. When the image data included in the job B and the image data included in the job X are not the same, the number of print jobs waiting between the job B and the job X or the total number is the predetermined number. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold, the CPU 11 changes the execution order of job B after job X, and causes the printer unit 18 to execute job B after execution of job X.

  In the second example of the job standby process described above, if job C is a print job for printing one copy of a document of one page, job B is executed immediately after job A is executed. Executed. Further, since the printed matter based on job A and the printed matter based on job B are output so that only one page of the document is sandwiched therebetween, the boundary between the printed matter based on job A and the printed matter based on job B becomes inconspicuous. . In such a situation, the user who collects the printed matter printed based on the job A confirms only the first and last of the printed matter and takes away the printed matter printed based on the job B. It is conceivable that the user who collects the printed matter printed based on the above information goes to the image forming apparatus 10 before the user who inputs the job A and pulls out the printed matter printed based on the job C. As a result, the effect of preventing the removal of printed matter by changing the execution order of job B and job C is diminished.

  On the other hand, in the third example of the job standby process, the CPU 11 prints the number of print jobs waiting between the job B and the job X or the print waiting between the job B and the job X. Check the total number of sheets used for printing based on the job and job X, and if the number of waiting print jobs or the total number is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, Since B is executed by the printer unit 18, it is possible to more reliably prevent the user who has input the job A from accidentally taking away the printed matter of the user B.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of the third example of the job standby process.

  First, after the first print job is executed, the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to wait for execution of the second print job (step S401).

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the Xth print job (X> 2 and the initial value of X is 3) counted from the first print job after the second print job exists in the queue. (Step S402). When the Xth print job does not exist in the queue (step S402; No), the CPU 11 checks whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S403). The predetermined condition in this example is the same as that in the second example of the job standby process.

  When the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S403; Yes), the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to execute a second print job that is on standby (step S404), and ends this processing.

  If the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S403; No), the CPU 11 keeps monitoring whether the Xth print job exists in the queue while waiting for the second print job, and the Xth. If it is confirmed that the print job exists in the queue (step S402; Yes), the image data included in the second print job is compared with the image data included in the Xth print job (step S405).

  If both the image data are the same (step S405; Yes), 1 is added to X (step S406), and the process proceeds to step S402.

  If the two image data are not the same (step S405; No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the value of (X-2) is larger than the integer N (step S407).

  Here, N is the reference number of print jobs waiting between the second print job and the Xth print job, and the execution order of the second print job is the number of the Xth print job. This is a reference value (threshold value) that is changed immediately after that to permit execution of the second print job.

  As N increases, the execution order of the second print job is changed to immediately after the Xth print job, so that the printed matter based on the first print job and the printed matter based on the second print job are printed in the meantime. Since the printed materials having different contents are output so as to be sandwiched between them, the printed materials based on the second print job are hardly taken away together with the printed materials based on the first print job.

  N can be appropriately set (for example, 2) by an administrator or the like in consideration of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 and the convenience of the user.

  If the value of (X-2) is greater than N (step S407; Yes), the CPU 11 changes the execution order of the second print job after the Xth print job (step S411), After the execution of the first print job, the print unit 18 is caused to execute the second print job (step S412), and this process is terminated.

  When the value of (X-2) is N or less (step S407; No), the CPU 11 is based on the print jobs from the third print job following the second print job to the Xth print job. Then, the total number of sheets used for printing is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the total number is larger than the integer M (step S408).

  Here, M is a reference value for the total number of sheets, and a reference value for permitting execution of the second print job by changing the execution order of the second print job immediately after the Xth print job. (Threshold).

  Similarly to N, the larger M is, the second print job is executed immediately after the Xth print job, so that the printed matter based on the first print job and the printed matter based on the second print job are changed. Are output so that more printed materials having different print contents are sandwiched therebetween, so that printed materials based on the second print job are hardly taken away together with printed materials based on the first print job.

  In addition, M can be appropriately set (for example, 50 sheets) by an administrator or the like in consideration of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 and user convenience.

  If the total number is greater than M (step S408; Yes), the CPU 11 changes the execution order of the second print job after the Xth print job (step S411), and the Xth print job. Is executed, the print unit 18 is caused to execute the second print job (step S412), and this process is terminated.

  If the total number is less than or equal to M (step S408; No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the first print job was completed (step S409).

  Here, the predetermined time is a reference time after the execution of the first print job is completed, and the execution order of the second print job is changed to immediately after the Xth print job to change the second time. This is a reference value (threshold value) for permitting execution of a print job. The longer the time since the execution of the first print job is completed, the higher the possibility that the print job based on the first print job is collected. Accordingly, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of the first print job is completed, the execution of the second print job is started assuming that the printed matter based on the first print job has been collected.

  This predetermined time can be set as appropriate (for example, 5 minutes) by an administrator or the like in consideration of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 and user convenience.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S409; Yes), the CPU 11 changes the execution order of the second print job after the Xth print job (step S411), and changes the Xth print job. After execution, the print unit 18 is caused to execute the second print job (step S412), and this process is terminated.

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S409; No), 1 is added to X (step S410), and the process proceeds to step S401 to continue this processing.

  In the above processing, when the predetermined time has elapsed in step S409, the CPU 11 changes the execution order of the second print job after the Xth print job, and after executing the Xth print job, Although the print unit 18 is caused to execute the second print job, the CPU 11 executes the second print job on the assumption that the printed matter based on the first print job is collected when the predetermined time has elapsed. The second print job may be immediately executed without changing the order.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of the fourth example of the job standby process.

  In the fourth example of job standby processing, first, after execution of the first print job is completed, execution of the second print job is waited because the second print job is held in the queue. . Then, the printed material based on the first print job is collected, and when the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the printed material based on the first print job is collected based on a signal from the printed material detection unit 35, the second print job. Start running. Since the second print job is executed after the printed material based on the first print job is collected, the user who has input the first print job is prevented from accidentally taking away the printed material based on the second print job. Can do.

  First, after the first print job is executed, the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to wait for execution of the second print job (step S501).

  The CPU 11 monitors whether the printed matter based on the first print job has been collected from the paper discharge tray 5 (step S502; No). When the printed matter detection unit 35 detects the collection of the printed matter (step S502; Yes), the CPU 11 causes the print unit 18 to execute a second print job that is on standby (step S503), and ends this processing. .

  Next, an execution procedure of a plurality of print jobs waiting in the job queue according to the second embodiment will be described.

  In the job execution procedure according to the second embodiment, before comparing the image data included in the two print jobs (first print job and second print job) in the first embodiment, respectively. The setting is specified by the file name of the image data included in the print job or the page description language (for example, setting values of PCL (Printer Control Language) and PS (PostScript) files (Nin1 setting, etc.)). If the file names and settings are different, the image data included in the first print job is compared with the image data included in the second print job. As a result, when it is clear that the contents to be printed are different from the file name or the print setting, the second print job can be performed without comparing the image data, and as a result, the image The processing burden on the image forming apparatus 10 required for data comparison can be reduced.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of a plurality of print jobs waiting in the job queue according to the second embodiment.

  The processes performed in steps S601 to S606 in FIG. 12 are the same as the processes performed in steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 4, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the execution procedure according to the second embodiment, since step S607 is newly added, the process performed in step S607 will be described.

  If the user who has submitted the first print job is different from the user who has submitted the second print job (step S603; Yes), the CPU 11 is included in the first print job and the second print job. Reference is made to file names of image data and / or settings (for example, Nin1 setting, color / monochrome setting, paper size setting, etc.) specified in the page description language of these print jobs (step S607).

  When the file names of the two image data are different, the contents of the image data are generally different. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 assumes that the two image data are different, and continues to execute the second print after the first print job. Execute the print job.

  Also, if the settings specified in the page description language are different, the print layout etc. will be different even if the contents of the image data are the same. You can collect your printed materials while grasping the difference. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the second print job continuously after the execution of the first print job.

  If the file names of the image data included in the first print job and the second print job and / or the settings specified in the page description language of these print jobs are different (step S607; No), the first It is determined that the image data included in the print job is different from the image data included in the second print job, the printer unit 18 is caused to execute the first print job (step S606), and the process is terminated.

  When the file name and / or the setting are the same (step S607; Yes), the process proceeds to step S604, and the CPU 11 is included in the image data included in the first print job and the second print job. Compare with image data.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the first print job and the second print job are waiting in the queue has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied even when a printed matter based on the first print job has already been output to the paper discharge tray 5 by executing the first print job.

  For example, if user information and image data relating to the first print job are recorded in the job history, the user who submitted the first print job using the recorded user information and image data etc. Are compared with the user of the second print job before being executed by the print unit 18, and the image data included in the first print job is compared with the image data included in the second print job. can do.

  Thereby, even after the printed matter based on the first print job has already been output to the paper discharge tray 5, the execution of the second print job can be put on standby as necessary.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the image forming apparatus 10 has one discharge tray 5 has been described. However, the image forming apparatus 10 may have a plurality of discharge trays. When the image forming apparatus 10 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays, the printed material based on the first print job and the printed material based on the second print job may be output to different paper discharge trays. At this time, the second print job may be executed immediately after the execution of the first print job. Alternatively, the execution of the second print job may be waited even after the execution of the first print job. In this case, since the printed material based on the second print job is not output, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the printed material as in the first and second embodiments.

  In the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be an apparatus having at least a printing function.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 5 ... Paper discharge tray 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Nonvolatile memory 15 ... Hard disk device 16 ... Image processing part 17 ... Scanner part 18 ... Printer part 19 ... Facsimile communication part 20 ... Network communication part 21 ... ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Authentication part 30 ... Operation panel 31 ... Operation part 32 ... Display part 35 ... Printed matter detection part

Claims (10)

A printing section for printing an image based on a print job;
A storage unit that stores image data included in the print job and user information that identifies a user who has input the print job;
An image for comparing the image data included in the first print job with the image data included in the second print job that is continuously input after the first print job and is executed by the printing unit. A data comparison unit;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the printing unit;
Have
The image data comparison unit includes the image data included in the first print job and the second print job when the first print job is a print job for printing a plurality of copies. Compared to the image data
The control unit determines, based on the user information, that a user who has submitted the first print job is different from a user who has submitted the second print job, and at least the first print job When the part of the image data included in the second print job and the part of the image data included in the second print job are the same, the second print job is executed after the first print job is executed. An image forming apparatus characterized by waiting for execution of a print job. When the first page of the image data included in the first print job is the same as the first page of the image data included in the second print job, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of the second print job is waited for the image forming apparatus. When the last page of the image data included in the first print job is the same as the last page of the image data included in the second print job, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of the second print job is waited. When all pages of the image data included in the first print job are the same as all pages of the image data included in the second print job, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of the second print job is waited for the image forming apparatus. And an operation unit that receives an instruction to cause the printing unit to execute a waiting print job.
5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the operation unit receives the instruction, the control unit causes the printing unit to execute the second print job that is waited to be executed. 6. The image forming apparatus described. The control unit checks whether there is a third print job waiting after the second print job,
The image data comparison unit includes the image data included in the second print job and the third print job when there is the third print job waiting after the second print job. Compare with the image data contained in
The control unit executes the second print job and the third print job when the image data included in the second print job and the image data included in the third print job are not the same. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second print job that is waiting to be executed is caused to be executed by the printing unit. The controller checks whether there is a subsequent print job waiting after the second print job;
If the subsequent print job exists, the image data included in the second print job and the Xth (X is an integer of 3 or more) subsequent print job counted from the first print job The number of print jobs waiting between the second print job and the Xth subsequent print job, or the waiting print job and the Xth Check the total number of sheets used for printing based on the subsequent print job,
The image data included in the second print job is not the same as the image data included in the Xth subsequent print job, and the number of the waiting print jobs or the total number of sheets is a predetermined number. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the execution order of the second print job is changed after the Xth subsequent print job, and the second print job is executed by the printing unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The control unit measures an elapsed time from the execution of the first print job;
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the printing unit is caused to execute the second print job that is waiting to be executed. 9. . In addition,
A detection unit that detects whether or not printed matter is placed on the discharge tray;
When the detection unit detects that the printed matter printed based on the first print job is not placed on the discharge tray, the control unit waits for the second execution. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit is caused to execute a print job. The control unit compares the settings specified in the file name or page description language of the image data included in the first print job and the second print job,
The image data comparison unit compares the image data included in the first print job with the image data included in the second print job when the file name or the setting is different, without comparing the image data included in the second print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data included in one print job is determined to be different from the image data included in the second print job.

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