Image forming apparatus and image forming system

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, specially relates to a managing means of print result object and print job.

2. Related Background Art

In recent years, such case becomes more as that a plurality of information processing apparatuses use an image forming apparatus in common via network. In such case, the image forming apparatus receives respective print jobs from the plurality of information processing apparatuses and respectively prints them. Then, print result object is accumulated in a print result object keeping section provided into the image forming apparatus (refer to Patent Document 1: Japan patent publication H08-224922). After that, the sender of the print job collects the print result object of himself/herself from the print result object keeping section. In such image forming system, some case occurs as that, for example, the sender collected print result object of a third party, or on the contrary, the sender's own print result object is taken by a third party away from the print result object keeping section.

Further, when the sender of the print job forgot to collect the print result object of himself/herself, the print result object is placed in the print result object keeping section for a long time.

In order to prevent such cases from happening, it is possible to provide the image forming apparatus with a plurality of print result object keeping sections, then to divide the plurality of print result object keeping sections into users. However, the image forming apparatus will become a large-scale apparatus, and with the number of the users adds, it is impossible to correspond to all users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of solving the mentioned above problems to prevent that the sender collected print result object of a third party, or that on the contrary, the sender's own print result object is taken by a third party away from the print result object keeping section from happening.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image onto a record medium which has an identification information storing section to store identification information, comprising:

an print data specific information storing section for storing specific information to specify print data sent from a information processing apparatus per the print data to correspond to the identification information;

a record medium keeping section for keeping print end record medium;

wherein the identification information read out from the record medium kept in the print end record medium keeping section and the specific information stored in the print data specific information storing section are collated.

Moreover, the image forming apparatus may further comprise a print job managing section to judge movement of the print end record medium on the basis of a collated result.

Moreover, the image forming apparatus may further comprise an identification information writing section to write the identification information into the identification information storing section; and an identification information reading section to read out the identification information from the identification information storing section.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus, the print job managing section monitors the print end record medium kept in the print end record medium keeping section, when detected a mistake collection, makes a predetermined notifying section notify.

In the case, the predetermined notifying section may notify in visual sensation or in hearing sensation. Further, the predetermined notifying section may send a mail with respect to sender of print job.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus, the print job managing section monitors a pass time of the print end record medium kept in the print end record medium keeping section, when the pass time exceeded an appointed time, makes a predetermined notifying section notify.

In the case, the predetermined notifying section may send a mail with respect to sender of print job.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus, the print job managing section receives a predetermined request, and outputs a message indicating the print data specific information stored in the print data specific information storing section.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus designates the record medium which has the identification information storing section to store the identification information, and sends the print data.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus, the identification information storing section is a tag capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus by using an electromagnetic induction way or a electric wave way.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an image forming system, comprising:

The above-stated image forming apparatus and the above-stated information processing apparatus.

The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DSCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration drawing of a record medium used in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1;

FIG. 3 is a summary structure drawing showing machinery part of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanation drawing of print job management information in embodiment 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of print process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1;

FIG. 6 is an explanation drawing of print job in embodiment 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of print job surveillance process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of print job collection process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1;

FIG. 9 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 2;

FIG. 10 is an explanation drawing of print job management information in embodiment 2;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of print job surveillance process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 2;

FIG. 12 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 3;

FIG. 13 is an explanation drawing of print job management information in embodiment 3;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of print process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 3;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of print job surveillance process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 3;

FIG. 16 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 4;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of print job information display process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 4;

FIG. 18 is a display screen of information processing apparatus in embodiment 5;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of print process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 5; and

FIG. 20 is a block drawing showing an example of an general reading system for an wireless IC tag in embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is an illustration drawing of a record medium used in the present invention.

On record medium 1 used in the present invention, as shown by FIG. 1, IC tag 2 is provided. The record medium 1 may be a product with sheet shape for forming image, but has no limits on material and on form. It is well if only the record medium 1 is printable.

The IC tag 2 is a part for identifying the record medium 1 (hereinafter: print result object) which is outputted from an image forming apparatus and should be collected after the image is formed. The IC tag 2 may store management information, and may communicate by electromagnetic induction, that is, may communicate with the image forming apparatus by non-contact way. In the present invention, as an example, it is possible to use Radio Frequency Identification. Further, it is also possible to use other means.

Even if the IC tag 2 used in the present invention can be identified individually, it is unnecessary that the IC tag 2 have to store an individual information. For example, the IC tag 2 may be provided with an element to emits a special frequency, thus the IC tag 2 can also be identified individually. Further, the IC tag 2 may be incorporated in advance into the record medium 1, and also may be added onto the record medium 1 by the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1.

As shown by FIG. 2, an image forming apparatus 100 comprises a transmission and receiving processing section 41, a print processing section 42, a print result object keeping section 43, a message inputting and outputting section 44, an identification information writing section 45, an identification information reading section 46, a print job management information storing section 47, a print job managing section 48, a warning section 49, a CPU 50, a ROM 51, a RAM 52 and a common bus 53.

The transmission and receiving processing section 41 is an interface part to communicatively connect with an information processing apparatus 54 via network (not shown). The image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job in which a print job management information is attached from the information processing apparatus 54 by the transmission and receiving processing section 41. Regarding the print job management information, it will be explained in the following description of the print job management information storing section 47.

The print processing section 42 is a part to change the received print job into print data, to control a print machinery portion 42-1 stated below and to output a print. The print processing section 42 is started by the CPU 50 to execute a predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 51. The following is an explanation about the print machinery portion 42-1.

FIG. 3 is a summary structure drawing showing machinery part of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1.

As shown by FIG. 3, the print machinery portion 42-1 of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment, includes process units 11a-11d for forming respective images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black. The process units 11a-11d are placed in tandem along a conveyance route of record medium and have respective image carrying bodies. The record medium 1 is sent from a sheet accommodating cassette 17 to accommodate the record medium 1 one by one, and is attracted to be conveyed along the conveyance route.

As shown by FIG. 3, in the four process units 11a-11d, respective photosensitive drums 12, respective charging units 13 placed on the circumference of the photosensitive drum 12, respective exposing units 14, developing units 15 and cleaning units 16 are provided. In each process unit, a static latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 by the exposing unit 14 becomes visible by the developing unit 15 having toner to correspond to respective colors.

The record medium 1 is taken out of the sheet accommodating cassette 17 installed in a under position of the image forming apparatus, one by one by a hoppling roller 18, and is provided to a conveyance belt 27 via registration rollers 19a and 19b. Moreover, the conveyance belt 27 holds the record medium 1 in a stretching state by static force and conveys the record medium 1. Thereby, the record medium 1 is conveyed under the respective photosensitive drums 12 to sequentially pass under of the process units 11a-11d (in FIG. 3, from the right to the left).

The conveyance belt 27 is placed between a supporting roller 28a and a supporting roller 28b, the supporting rollers 28a and 28b are respectively driven by a driving source (not shown), and rotate with a same speed equal to the circumferential speed of the photosensitive drum 12 to convey the record medium 1. On the under places of respective photosensitive drums 12, respective transferring rollers 29 are mounted. Through the transferring roller 29, toner image on the photosensitive drum 12 is made to cling onto the record medium 1. Thus, through the process units 11a-11d, toner images with respective colors are repeated together on the record medium 1 to form an image.

Then, the record medium 1 is conveyed to a fixing unit 23. after the toner is fixed on the record medium 1 by the fixing unit 23, the record medium 1 is ejected to outside of the image forming apparatus by plural ejecting rollers 24a and 24b. Moreover, 20a, 20b, 25c and 25d are pinching rollers. 43 is a print result object keeping section to accommodate print result object ejected. As a result, as stated above, an image is formed on the record medium 1 by the image forming apparatus.

Further, a tag information writing section 30 is an electromagnetic induction transmitter to communicate with an IC tag 2 added into the record medium 1 after the image is formed, and to write management information for identify respective IC tags 2 (FIG. 1); a tag information reading section 31 is an electromagnetic induction receiver to read the written management information in the print result object which is being kept in the print result object keeping section 43.

Here, a general example of reading system for wireless is explained by using FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is a block drawing showing an example of an general reading system for an wireless IC tag in embodiment.

In the FIG. 20, 110A is a wireless IC tag, 120 is a reading apparatus used for the wireless tag 110A. The wireless tag 110A is functionally formed by an electromagnetic coil 111 and an electronic circuit section 112 to process communication data. The reading apparatus 120 has an electric power conveyance use electromagnetic coil 121, a receiving coil 122 and an electronic circuit section 123.

The electromagnetic coil (electromagnetic induction coil) 111 has a function as an antenna of data communication. Thus, when the wireless tag 110A enters an area capable of communicate with the reading apparatus 120, the electronic circuit section 112 operates to obtain necessary electric power from the reading apparatus 120 by wireless communication (electromagnetic wave), and to output previously stored record data to the reading apparatus 120 by wireless communication. The electronic circuit section 112 is to control respective processes in the cases of data storage, data transfer, data process and data communication with external (reading apparatus 120).

The electric power conveyance use electromagnetic coil 121 is to provide electric power by electromagnetic wave in order to make the electronic circuit section 112 of the wireless tag 110A operate. The receiving coil 122 is to receive data sent from the wireless tag 110A through the electronic circuit section 112 receives electric power and operates. The electronic circuit section 123 is to control operations of the electric power conveyance use electromagnetic coil 121 and the receiving coil 122, and is to collectively control data communication with the wireless tag 110A. The electronic circuit section 123 executes respective processes such as transmission of electric power used for the wireless tag 110A, analysis of data received from the wireless tag 110A, and the like. Moreover, the electromagnetic coil 121 and the receiving coil 122 may be made in common.

Next is to end the summary explanation of the above part, to return FIG. 1 to continuously explain structure of image forming apparatus.

The print result object keeping section 43, as stated in the summary explanation of the print machinery portion 42-1 (FIG. 3), is a part to keep print result object that is executed print job received from the transmission and receiving processing section 41. Here, the print result object means the record medium outputted from the image forming apparatus 100 and performed print.

The message inputting and outputting section 44 is a part to serve as a man-machine interface to, while collecting the print result object, input owner information indicating sender (operator) of the print job, by using displaying plate or switch (not shown) through operator; and to display a caution to the sender.

The identification information writing section 45 is a part to control the tag information writing section 30 (FIG. 3), and to write print job management information managed by the print job management information storing section 47 into the IC tag 2 of the record medium 1. The identification information writing section 45 is driven through the CPU 50 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 51.

The identification information reading section 46 is a part to control the tag information reading section 31 (FIG. 3), and to read the print job management information from the IC tag 2 of the record medium 1 kept in the print result object keeping section 43. The identification information reading section 46 is driven through the CPU 50 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 51.

The print job management information storing section 47 is a memory to store print job management information. In general, the print job management information storing section 47 is constructed by using a part of memorizing area of RAM 52. However, in the case to manage print process over a long period, the print job management information storing section 47 is constructed by non-volatile memory.

Next, the print job management information will be explained.

FIG. 4 is an explanation drawing of print job management information in embodiment 1.

As shown by FIG. 4, three items of print job name, password and management information are set, and the print job name, the password and the management information are stored sequentially according to a receiving order of the print job. The print job name, the password and the management information constructs the print job management information, are added into the print job and are sent by the information processing apparatus 54.

To return FIG. 2, the print job managing section 48 is a part to obtain the print job management information from the print job in which the print job management information received by the transmission and receiving processing section 41 is added; to take out necessary information for management of the print job such as the print job name, the password, the management information and the like; to assign them to respective record mediums 1, and to write them into the print job management information storing section 47 as the print job management information (FIG. 4). The print job managing section 48 also is a part to execute an individual identification of operator on the basis of the sender information inputted into the message inputting and outputting section 44 while operator plans to collect the print result object. Further, the print job managing section 48 also is a part to periodically monitor the print result object kept in the print result object keeping section 43. The print job managing section 48 is driven through the CPU 50 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 51.

The warning section 49 is a part to warn by using the message inputting and outputting section 44 when the print result object is mistakenly collected by a third party, and to notify operator of his/her mistake via visual sensation or hearing sensation. Here, it is possible to include the cases of unique visual sensation, unique hearing sensation, and both of visual sensation and hearing sensation. In the case of unique visual sensation, it is possible to notify by displaying the content indicating the collection is mistake on a displaying screen such as LED or the like; in the case of unique hearing sensation, it is possible to mount a speaker onto the image forming apparatus 100 to send a warning. The warning section 49 is driven through the CPU 50 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 51.

The CPU 50 is a micro processor to control the whole apparatus by executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 51, and is a part to drive general image formation functions (its explanation is omitted). Further, in the embodiment, through executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 51, the CPU 50 drives the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 48 and the warning section 49.

The ROM 51 is a read only memory to previously store control program for driving general image formation functions through the CPU 50 executes it. Further, in the embodiment, the ROM 51 also is a read only memory to store control program to drive the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 48 and the warning section 49, through the CPU 50 executes it.

The RAM 52 is a random access memory to form an arithmetic process area needed in the course that the CPU 50 executes the control program.

The common bus 53 is a bus to connect respective compositions.

Next is to explain operations of image forming apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of print process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1.

The FIG. 5 is a flowchart to explain operations from that the transmission and receiving processing section 41 (FIG. 2) receives print job in which print job management information is added from the information processing apparatus 54 (FIG. 2) to that the print processing section 42 (FIG. 2) ends the print of all pages. According to step order from step S1-1 to step S1-5, the operations will be explained.

Step S1-1:

The transmission and receiving processing section 41 (FIG. 2) receives print job in which print job management information is added from the information processing apparatus 54. Here, an example of print job is explained.

FIG. 6 is an explanation drawing of print job in embodiment 1.

As shown by FIG. 6, in the received print job, a job name, a user name, a password are added into print data.

To return FIG. 5, the explanation of the print process flowchart of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment is continued.

Step S1-2:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) obtains the job name, the user name, the password from the print job (FIG. 6) received by the transmission and receiving processing section 41 (FIG. 2), and stores these print job management information into the print job management information storing section 47 (FIG. 2).

Step S1-3:

The print processing section 42 (FIG. 2) changes the received print job into the print data, and controls the print machinery portion 42-1 (FIG. 3) explained by using the FIG. 3 to perform print process.

Step S1-4:

The identification information writing section 45 (FIG. 2) controls the tag information writing section 30, and writes the print job management information managed by the print job management information storing section 47 (FIG. 2) into the IC tag 2 of the record medium 1 (FIG. 1) by using electromagnetic induction.

Step S1-5:

The step S1-3 to step S1-5 are repeated till process of all pages ended. When the process of all pages ends, the flow is ended.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of print job surveillance process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1.

The image forming apparatus 100 monitors the print result object kept in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 2 and 3) by reading a tag information in the print result object in a fixed cycle so as to prevent a third party being not formally identified yet from taking the print result object away. The monitoring cycle is desired to be much short so as to immediately detect that the third party take away the print result object from the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 2 and 3). According to step order from step S1-11 to step S1-17, the operations will be explained.

Step S1-11:

The print job managing section 48 retrieves the print job from the print job management information stored in the print job management information storing section 47.

Step S1-12:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) retrieves the print job management information storing section 47, and judges whether the print result object should remain in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 2 and 3). If the print job managing section 48 judges that the print result object does not remain, the flow is ended; if the print job managing section 48 judges that the print result object should remain, the flow enters step S1-13.

Step S1-13:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) reads out the extant management information from the print job management information storing section 47 (FIG. 2).

Step S1-14:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) communicates with the IC tags 2 of all print result object remaining in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 2 and 3) via the identification information reading section 46 (FIGS. 2 and 3), and confirms whether the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information exists.

Step S1-15:

In the case that the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information exists, the process enters step S1-16; in the case that the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information does not exist, the process enters step S1-17.

Step S1-16:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) repeats the steps from S1-13 to S1-16 if the confirmation does not end yet about all of the extant management information indicating that the print result object should remain; if the confirmation of the all of the extant management information ends, the flow is ended.

Step S1-17:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) judges that the print result object is mistakenly collected by the third party if the confirmation can not be performed about all of the extant management information indicating that the print result object should remain. The warning section 49 displays a warning message on the message inputting and outputting section 44 (FIG. 2) on the basis of the judgment of the print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2), and the flow is ended.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of print job collection process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 1.

The drawing is a flowchart to explain operations while the sender of the print job collects the print result object from the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 2 and 3). According to step order from step S1-21 to step S1-24, the operations will be explained.

Step S1-21:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) receives the print job name and the password from the operator via the message inputting and outputting section 44 (FIG. 2).

Step S1-22:

In the case that the print job name and the password inputted by the operator can be collated with the print job management information stored in the print job management information storing section 47 (FIG. 2), the print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) enters step S1-23; in the case that the print job name and the password inputted by the operator can not be collated with the print job management information stored in the print job management information storing section 47 (FIG. 2), the print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) enters step S1-24.

Step S1-23:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) deletes the corresponding print job management information from the print job management information storing section 47 (FIG. 2) and ends the flow. Then, the corresponding print job management information is excluded from monitored object.

Step S1-24:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 2) displays a message indicating content that the identification with respect to the user failed onto the message inputting and outputting section 44 (FIG. 2) via the CPU 50 (FIG. 2), and ends the flow.

As stated in the above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to obtain such effects as preventing that the sender collected print result object of a third party, or that on the contrary, the sender's own print result object is taken away by a third party from the print result object keeping section from happening. Further, through short setting the cycle of monitoring process, when the sender of the print job mistaken collects the print result object of a third party, a warning is sent, it is possible make the third party identify the mistake.

Embodiment 2

In the above stated embodiment 1, when the print result object is mistaken taken away by a third party, a message is displayed on the message inputting and outputting section 44 to warn the sender of the print job. However, in the embodiment 2, to replace the above stated warning section, a warning mail notifying section is provided, the warning mail notifying section sends a mail to the sender of the print job to warn. Therefore, in the embodiment, in the print job management information added in information processing apparatus, mail address is added.

FIG. 9 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 2.

As shown by FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 200 comprises a transmission and receiving processing section 41, a print processing section 42, a print result object keeping section 43, a message inputting and outputting section 44, an identification information writing section 45, an identification information reading section 46, a print job managing section 48, a print job management information storing section 60, a warning mail notifying section 61, a CPU 62, a ROM 63 and a common bus 53. In the following, only the part different from the embodiment 1 is explained, the same part as the embodiment 1 is granted a same mark, and its explanation is omitted.

The print job management information storing section 60 is a memory to store the print job management information. In general, the print job management information storing section 60 is constructed by using a part of memorizing area of RAM 52. However, in the case to manage print process over a long period, the print job management information storing section 60 is constructed by a non-volatile memory.

Next, the print job management information used in the embodiment 2 will be explained.

FIG. 10 is an explanation drawing of print job management information in embodiment 2.

As shown by FIG. 10, four items (an example) of print job name, mail address (of the sender of the print job), password and management information are set, and the print job name, the mail address (of the sender of the print job), the password and the management information are stored sequentially from upper (in the drawing) according to a receiving order of the print job. The print job name, the mail address, the password and the management information constructs the print job management information, are added into the print job and are sent by the information processing apparatus 54.

To return FIG. 9, the warning mail notifying section 61 is a part to, when the print result object is mistakenly collected by a third party, make a message indicating the mistake to the sender of the print job, and to notify mail. The warning mail notifying section 61 is driven through the CPU 62 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 63.

The CPU 62 is a micro processor to control the whole apparatus by executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 63, and is a part to drive general image formation functions (its explanation is omitted). Further, in the embodiment, through executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 63, the CPU 62 drives the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 48 and the warning mail notifying section 61.

The ROM 63 is a read only memory to previously store control program for driving general image formation functions through the CPU 62 executes it. Further, in the embodiment, the ROM 63 also is a read only memory to store control program to drive the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 48 and the warning mail notifying section 61, through the CPU 62 executes it. Regarding other part, because it is the same as the embodiment 1, its explanation is omitted.

Next is to explain operations of image forming apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of print job surveillance process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 2.

The image forming apparatus 200 monitors the print result object kept in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 9 and 3) by reading a tag information in the print result object in a fixed cycle so as to prevent a third party being not formally identified yet from taking the print result object away. The monitoring cycle is desired to be much short so as to immediately detect that the third party takes away the print result object from the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 9 and 3). According to step order from step S2-1 to step S2-8, the operations will be explained.

Step S2-1:

The print job managing section 48 retrieves the print job from the print job management information stored in the print job management information storing section 60 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-2:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 9) retrieves the print job management information storing section 60 (FIG. 9), and judges whether the print result object should remain in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 9 and 3). If the print job managing section 48 judges that the print result object does not remain, the flow is ended; if the print job managing section 48 judges that the print result object should remain, the flow enters step S2-3.

Step S2-3:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 9) reads out the extant management information from the print job management information storing section 60 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-4:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 9) communicates with the IC tags 2 (FIG. 1) of all print result object remaining in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 9 and 3) via the identification information reading section 46 (FIGS. 9 and 3), and confirms whether the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information exists.

Step S2-5:

In the case that the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information exists, the process enters step S2-6; in the case that the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information does not exist, the process enters step S2-7.

Step S2-6:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 9) repeats the steps from S2-3 to S2-6 if the confirmation does not end yet about all of the extant management information indicating that the print result object should remain; if the confirmation of the all of the extant management information ends, the flow is ended.

Step S2-7:

The print job managing section 48 (FIG. 9) judges that the print result object is mistakenly collected by the third party if the confirmation can not be performed about all of the extant management information indicating that the print result object should remain. The warning mail notifying section 61 (FIG. 9) makes a warning message on the basis of the judgment of the print job managing section 48 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-8:

The warning mail notifying section 61 (FIG. 9) sends the warning message to the sender of the print job in a mail (i.e. an e-mail). Then, the flow is ended.

As stated in the above, according to the embodiment, to add the effect of the embodiment 1, because the sender of the print job corresponding that the print result object is collected by a third party is notified of the mail, it is further possible to obtain such effects that a notification to the sender of the print job becomes certain.

Embodiment 3

In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus is provided with a clock (timer), a print process end time is recorded, after the print process, if a collection is not be executed even if an appointed time passed, with respect to the corresponding sender of the print job, a notification is sent in a mail indicating such content and a collection is requested.

FIG. 12 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 3.

As shown by FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 300 comprises a transmission and receiving processing section 41, a print processing section 42, a print result object keeping section 43, a message inputting and outputting section 44, an identification information writing section 45, an identification information reading section 46, a RAM 52, a print job management information storing section 70, a print job managing section 71, a clock 72, a warning mail notifying section 73, a CPU 74, a ROM 75 and a common bus 53. In the following, only the part different from the embodiment 2 is explained, the same part as the embodiment 2 is granted a same mark, and its explanation is omitted.

The print job management information storing section 70 is a memory to store the print job management information. In general, the print job management information storing section 70 is constructed by a non-volatile memory.

Next, the print job management information used in the embodiment 3 will be explained.

FIG. 13 is an explanation drawing of print job management information in embodiment 3.

As shown by FIG. 13, five items (an example) of print job name, mail address, password, print end time and management information are set, and the print job name, the mail address (of the sender of the print job), the password, the print end time and the management information are stored sequentially from upper (in the drawing) according to a receiving order of the print job. The print job name, the mail address, the password, the print end time and the management information constructs the print job management information, and are added into the print job, further are sent by the information processing apparatus 54. The print end time is stored after the print of the print job is ended through the print job managing section 71 monitoring the clock 72.

The print job managing section 71 is a part to obtain the print job management information from the print job in which the print job management information received by the transmission and receiving processing section 41 is added; to take out necessary information for management of the print job such as the print job name, the password, the management information and the like; to assign them to respective record mediums 1, and to write them into the print job management information storing section 70 as the print job management information. The print job managing section 71 also is a part to execute an individual identification of operator on the basis of the sender information inputted into the message inputting and outputting section 44 while operator plans to collect the print result object.

Further, the print job managing section 71 also is a part to monitor the print result object kept in the print result object keeping section 43 in a fixed cycle. Moreover, the print job managing section 71 also is a part to monitor the clock 72 and to store the print end time into the print job management information storing section 70. Furthermore, the print job managing section 71 also is a part to measure a pass time from the print result object is kept in the print result object keeping section 43 per the fixed cycle to monitor the print result object in the print result object keeping section 43. The print job managing section 71 is driven through the CPU 74 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 74.

The clock 72 is a clock for measure the pass time.

The warning mail notifying section 73 is a part to, when the print result object is mistakenly collected by a third party, make a message indicating the mistake to the sender of the print job, and to notify mail. Further, The warning mail notifying section 73 is a part to, in the case that the print result object is stored in the print result object keeping section 43 over an appointed time, make a message indicating the condition and notify the sender who sent the print job in a mail. The warning mail notifying section 73 is driven through the CPU 74 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 75.

The CPU 74 is a micro processor to control the whole apparatus by executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 75, and is a part to drive general image formation functions (its explanation is omitted). Further, in the embodiment, through executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 75, the CPU 74 drives the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 71 and the warning mail notifying section 73.

The ROM 75 is a read only memory to previously store control program for driving general image formation functions through the CPU 74 executes it. Further, in the embodiment, the ROM 75 also is a read only memory to store control program to drive the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 71 and the warning mail notifying section 73, through the CPU 74 executes it. Regarding other part, because it is the same as the embodiment 2, its explanation is omitted.

Next is to explain operations of image forming apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of print process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 3.

The drawing is a flowchart to explain operations from that the transmission and receiving processing section 41 (FIG. 12) receives print job in which print job management information is added from the information processing apparatus 54 (FIG. 12) to that the print processing section 42 (FIG. 12) ends the print of all pages. According to step order from step S3-1 to step S3-6, the operations are explained.

Step S3-1:

The transmission and receiving processing section 41 (FIG. 12) receives print job in which print job management information is added from the information processing apparatus 54. Here, in the received print job, the print name, the password, the mail address and the like, as the print job management information are contained and are added in the print data.

Step S3-2:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) obtains the job name, the password and the mail address from the print job (FIG. 6) received by the transmission and receiving processing section 41 (FIG. 12), and stores these print job management information into the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 12).

Step S3-3:

The print processing section 42 (FIG. 12) changes the received print job into the print data, and controls the print machinery portion 42-1 (FIG. 3) explained by using the FIG. 3 to perform print process.

Step S3-4:

The identification information writing section 45 (FIG. 12) controls the tag information writing section 30 (FIG. 3), and writes the print job management information managed by the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 12) into the IC tag 2 of the record medium 1 (FIG. 1) by using electromagnetic induction.

Step S3-5:

The step S1-3 to step S1-5 are repeated till process of all pages ended. When the process of all pages ends, the flow enters the next.

Step S3-6:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) obtains a print (process) end time of all pages from the clock 72 (FIG. 12), and stores the print end time into the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 12). Then, the flow is ended.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of print job surveillance process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 4.

The image forming apparatus 300 monitors the print result object kept in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 12 and 3) by reading a tag information in the print result object in a fixed cycle so as to prevent a third party being not formally identified yet from taking the print result object away. Further, the image forming apparatus 300 also monitors a pass time beginning from that the print ends. The monitoring cycle is desired to be much short so as to immediately detect that the third party takes away the print result object from the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 12 and 3). According to step order from step S3-11 to step S3-22, the operations will be explained.

Step S3-11:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) retrieves the print job from the print job management information stored in the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 12).

Step S3-12:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) retrieves the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 12), and judges whether the print result object should remain in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 12 and 3). If the print job managing section 71 judges that the print result object does not remain, the flow is ended; if the print job managing section 71 judges that the print result object should remain, the flow enters step S3-13.

Step S3-13:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) reads out the extant management information from the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 12).

Step S3-14:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) communicates with the IC tags 2 (FIG. 1) of all print result object remaining in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 12 and 3) via the identification information reading section 46 (FIGS. 12 and 3), and confirms whether the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information exists.

Step S3-15:

In the case that the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information exists, the process enters step S3-16; in the case that the print result object having the tag information (management information) corresponding to the extant management information does not exist, the process enters step S3-19.

Step S3-16:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) calculates a pass time of the print result object stored in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 12 and 9) beginning from the print is performed.

Step S3-17:

In the case that the pass time is less than an appointed time, the flow enters step S3-18; in the case that the pass time exceeds the appointed time, the flow enters step S3-21.

Step S3-18:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) repeats the steps from S3-13 to S3-18 if the confirmation does not end yet about all of the extant management information indicating that the print result object should remain; if the confirmation of the all of the extant management information ends, the flow is ended.

Step S3-19:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) judges that the print result object is mistakenly collected by the third party if the confirmation can not be performed about remaining in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 12 and 3). Then, the warning mail notifying section 73 (FIG. 12) makes a warning message indicating that the print result object is mistakenly collected by a third party on the basis of the judgment of the print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12).

Step S3-20:

The warning mail notifying section 73 (FIG. 12) sends the warning message to the sender of the print job in a mail (i.e. an e-mail). Then, the flow enters S3-18.

Step S3-21:

The print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12) judges that the sender of the print job has forgot to collect the print result object if the pass time exceeds the appointed time. Then, the warning mail notifying section 73 (FIG. 12) makes a warning message indicating that the collection of the print result object is forgot on the basis of the judgment of the print job managing section 71 (FIG. 12).

Step S3-22:

The warning mail notifying section 73 (FIG. 12) sends the warning message to the sender of the print job in a mail (i.e. an e-mail). Then, the flow enters S3-18.

Regarding other operations, because they are the same as the embodiment 1 or 2, the same explanation is omitted.

As stated in the above, according to the embodiment, to add the effect of the embodiments 1 and 2, when the sender of the print job forgets to collect the print result object, it is further possible to obtain such effect to prevent the print result object from being placed in the print result object keeping section 43 over a long time.

Embodiment 4

In the embodiment, on the basis of a request of manager and the like of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to display management information of all print result object (i.e. owner information of the print result object) kept in the print result object keeping section onto the message inputting and outputting section.

FIG. 16 is a functional block drawing of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 4.

As shown by FIG. 16, the image forming apparatus 400 comprises a transmission and receiving processing section 41, a print processing section 42, a print result object keeping section 43, a message inputting and outputting section 44, an identification information writing section 45, an identification information reading section 46, a RAM 52, a print job management information storing section 70, a clock 72, a warning mail notifying section 73, a print job managing section 80, a management information message generating section 81, a CPU 82, a ROM 83 and a common bus 53. In the following, only the part different from the embodiment 3 is explained, the same part as the embodiment 3 is granted a same mark, and its explanation is omitted.

The print job managing section 80 is a part to obtain the print job management information from the print job in which the print job management information received by the transmission and receiving processing section 41 is added; to take out necessary information for management of the print job such as the print job name, the password, the management information and the like; to assign them to respective record mediums 1, and to write them into the print job management information storing section 70 as the print job management information. The print job managing section 80 also is a part to execute an individual identification of operator on the basis of the sender information inputted into the message inputting and outputting section 44 while operator plans to collect the print result object.

Further, the print job managing section 80 also is a part to monitor the print result object kept in the print result object keeping section 43 in a fixed cycle. Moreover, the print job managing section 80 also is a part to monitor the clock 72 and to store the print end time into the print job management information storing section 70. Furthermore, the print job managing section 80 also is a part to measure a pass time from the print result object is kept in the print result object keeping section 43 per the fixed cycle to monitor the print result object in the print result object keeping section 43.

Further, the print job managing section 80 makes the management information message generating section 81 generate a message concerning with the management information of all print result object (i.e. owner information of the print result object) currently kept in the print result object keeping section 43, on the basis of a request inputted by manager of the image forming apparatus via the message inputting and outputting section 44; and displays the message onto the message inputting and outputting section 44. The print job managing section 80 is driven through the CPU 82 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 83.

The management information message generating section 81 is a part to generate a management information message of all print job currently stored in the print job management information storing section 70, on the basis of a request of the print job managing section 80. The management information message generating section 81 is driven through the CPU 82 executes predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 83.

The CPU 82 is a micro processor to control the whole apparatus by executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 83, and is a part to drive general image formation functions (its explanation is omitted). Further, in the embodiment, through executing predetermined control program previously stored in the ROM 83, the CPU 82 drives the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 80, the warning mail notifying section 73 and the management information message generating section 81.

The ROM 83 is a read only memory to previously store control program for driving general image formation functions through the CPU 82 executes it. Further, in the embodiment, the ROM 83 also is a read only memory to store control program to drive the above-stated transmission and receiving processing section 41, the print processing section 42, the identification information writing section 45, the identification information reading section 46, the print job managing section 80, the warning mail notifying section 73 and the management information message generating section 81 through the CPU 82 executes it. Regarding other part, because it is the same as the embodiment 3, its explanation is omitted.

Next is to explain operations of image forming apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of print job information display process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 4.

The drawing is a flowchart to explain operations to display management information of all print result object (i.e. owner information of the print result object) currently kept in the print result object keeping section 43 on the basis of a request from manager and the like of the image forming apparatus. According to step order from step S4-1 to step S4-6, the operations are explained.

Step S4-1:

The print job managing section 80 (FIG. 16) receives a display request to display the management information of all print result object (i.e. owner information of the print result object) currently kept in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIG. 16) from the manager and the like of the image forming apparatus via the message inputting and outputting section 44 (FIG. 16).

Step S4-2:

The print job managing section 80 (FIG. 16) retrieves the print job from the print job management information stored in the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 16).

Step S4-3:

The print job managing section 80 (FIG. 16) retrieves the print job management information storing section 70 (FIG. 16), and judges whether the print result object should remain in the print result object keeping section 43 (FIGS. 16 and 3). If the print job managing section 80 judges that the print result object does not remain, the flow is ended; if the print job managing section 80 judges that the print result object should remain, the flow enters step S4-4.

Step S4-4:

The print job managing section 80 (FIG. 16) makes the management information message generating section 81 generate a management information message. Then, the management information message generating section 81 generates the management information message.

Step S4-5:

The management information message generating section 81 repeats the steps S4-4 and S4-5 till all management information messages are generated with respect to the remaining print result object. When the all management information messages are generated, the flow enters the next.

Step S4-6:

The print job managing section 80 (FIG. 16) displays the all management information messages onto the message inputting and outputting section 44 (FIG. 16), and ends the flow.

As stated in the above, according to the embodiment, because another person expect the sender of the print job, for example, the manager of the image forming apparatus could have command of the owner of the print result object kept in the print result object keeping section of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the print result object from being placed in the print result object keeping section intact, and to improve maintenance of the image forming apparatus.

Embodiment 5

In fact, in a printer as an image forming apparatus, there generally are a record medium in which an IC tag is added and a record medium in which an IC tag is not added. According to such case, in the embodiment, in the case that the print result object corresponding to user's own print job has a possibility to be taken away by a third party, before a print is executed, user selects the record medium having the IC tag in one tray of record medium via a print driver; in the case that the print result object corresponding to user's own print job has no a possibility to be taken away by a third party, before a print is executed, user selects the record medium having no the IC tag from one tray of record medium via a print driver. In the embodiment, the record medium in which an IC tag is added and the record medium in which an IC tag is not added are previously stored in respective trays.

The structure of the embodiment almost is the same as that of the embodiment 1 (FIG. 1), and the information processing apparatus 54 has the following operations.

In the case that user request to print, when the user selects “Yes” in a screen (FIG. 18) indicating whether to select the record medium added IC tag by using the information processing apparatus 54, a command indicating to use the record medium added IC tag is sent to printer together with print data via a print driver; and when the user selects “No”, a general print job is sent.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of print process of an image forming apparatus in embodiment 5.

The differences between FIG. 19 and FIG. 5 are: in the FIG. 19, the printer analyzes whether there is a command to use the record medium added IC tag (step S5-1) in the received print job, if there is the command to use the record medium added IC tag, the same process as the embodiment 1 is executed; if there is not, as a general print job, the printer generates image data and performs a print (step S5-2), then ends the print process. Moreover, such construction (S5-1) in the embodiment may be also applied in the above-stated embodiments 2, 3, and 4.

As stated above, in the embodiment, only in the case that the print result object corresponding to user's print job has a possibility to be taken away by a third party, before a print is executed, the user selects the record medium having the IC tag from one tray of record medium via a print driver, and requests a print, so it is possible to reduce costs.

Moreover, in the above description, the identification information writing section and the identification information reading section are formed in the printer as an image forming apparatus. However, the identification information writing section and the identification information reading section may be formed in outside of the printer, in the case, they may respectively communicate with a image forming apparatus substance via network.

Further, in the above description the communication way between the IC tag and the printer as an image forming apparatus is electromagnetic induction way (electromagnetic inductor). However, it is possible to use an electric wave way.

Furthermore, in the above description, it is explained to apply the present invention into printer. However, the present invention may also be applied into such image forming apparatus as copying apparatus, facsimile apparatus, MFP and the like.

The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but many modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the appended claims of the invention.

Image forming apparatus and image forming system

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CPC

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Description

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Priority Claims (1)