JP2012245768A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of reducing the possibility that the convenience for a user is impaired even when the remaining amount of consumables used for the formation is small when forming image data. To do.
An image acquisition unit, an image forming unit, a remaining amount detection unit that detects a remaining amount of consumables, a determination unit that determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than a set remaining amount, The storage unit 105 that stores the image data, the permission receiving unit 103 that receives permission to form the image data stored in the storage unit 105 by the image forming unit 40, and the determination unit 102 that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the set remaining amount When it is determined and image data is acquired by the image acquisition unit 1, the acquired image data is stored in the storage unit 105. When permission is received by the permission reception unit 103, the image stored in the storage unit 105 is stored. And a control unit 101 that causes the image forming unit 40 to form data.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, if image data is continuously formed on a sheet with a small amount of consumables (for example, paper and toner), the consumables disappear during the formation of the image data. Image data cannot be formed.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, the received image data is accumulated in the memory without being formed on the paper until the data amount for one page determined by the standard recording paper is reached, and the data amount of the image data accumulated in the memory is the same. When the data amount for one page is reached, the image data of the data amount for one page is collectively formed on one sheet of paper.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when the remaining amount of paper decreases, only the first page of the acquired image data is formed on the paper, and the image data of the remaining pages is stored in the memory without being formed on the paper. In addition, when the paper is replenished, the image data of the remaining pages is formed on the paper.

JP-A-5-95455 JP 2004-140501 A

  Incidentally, as described above, in Patent Document 1, when the data amount of the image data stored in the memory reaches one page, the image data in the memory is collectively formed on one sheet. Further, as described above, in Patent Document 2, when the paper is replenished, pages after the first page of the acquired image data are collectively formed on the paper.

  For this reason, even if the user wants to form image data as soon as possible, the user will have to wait for the image data to be formed for a certain period of time, resulting in poor convenience.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When image data is formed, there is a risk that convenience for the user may be impaired even if the remaining amount of consumables used for the formation is small. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can be reduced.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image acquisition unit that acquires image data representing an image, an image formation unit that forms image data acquired by the image acquisition unit on a sheet, and the image formation unit. A remaining amount detecting unit for detecting a remaining amount of consumables used for forming the image data, and determining whether the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount A determination unit, a storage unit that stores the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit, a permission reception unit that receives permission to form the image data stored in the storage unit by the image forming unit, and the determination unit When the image data is acquired by the image acquisition unit when it is determined that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the set remaining amount, the acquired image data is stored in the storage unit. When the permission by the permission reception unit is received, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for forming the image data stored in the storage unit by the image forming unit.

  According to this configuration, when image data to be imaged is acquired when the remaining amount of consumables is reduced to the set remaining amount, the acquired image data is stored in the storage unit.

  When the permission for forming the image data stored in the storage unit is received by the permission receiving unit, the image data in the storage unit is formed by the image forming unit.

  As a result, even when the remaining amount of consumables is small, when permission to form image data to be formed on a sheet immediately is accepted, the image data can be formed on the sheet. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the convenience will be impaired.

  In the above configuration, the consumable includes a plurality of sizes of paper, the remaining amount detection unit detects the remaining amount of the paper of each size, and the determination unit is detected by the remaining amount detection unit. Whether the remaining amount of paper of each size is equal to or less than the set remaining amount, and the permission receiving unit adapts the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit to the image data An instruction to form a non-conforming size paper that is a size other than the conforming size is accepted as the permission, and the control unit determines that the remaining amount of the conforming size paper is equal to or less than the set remaining amount by the determination unit. The storage unit prompts the user to select the non-conforming paper, and the permission receiving unit receives an instruction to form an image on the non-conforming paper as the permission. Thereby forming the stored image data to the paper of the adaptation outer size is preferred.

  According to this configuration, when a non-conforming size that is not suitable for the received image data is selected, the control unit causes the image data in the storage unit to be formed on a non-conforming paper.

  As a result, even when the user cannot obtain permission to form the received image data on a paper having a size suitable for the image data, the user can select the non-conforming size to convert the image data to a paper of a non-conforming size. Can be formed.

  As a result, even when the administrator who performs the permission is absent, it is possible to form image data to be formed in a hurry on a sheet.

  In the above configuration, the control unit stores the stored image data as the stored image data when new image data is acquired by the image acquisition unit after the image data is stored in the storage unit. It is preferable to determine whether or not there is identity with the new image data, and when it is determined that there is identity, the stored data is erased and the new image data is stored in the storage unit.

  According to this configuration, when image data is further acquired after storing the image data in the storage unit, the stored data that is the image data stored in the storage unit and the newly acquired image data are identical. If it is determined that the images are identical, the stored data is erased and the newly acquired image data is stored in the storage unit.

  As a result, a plurality of image data having the same identity is not stored in the storage unit in an overlapping manner, so that waste of the storage area can be eliminated.

  In the above configuration, attribute data representing an attribute of the image data is added to the image data, and the control unit stores the image data in the storage unit in addition to the image data. The attribute data added to the image data is stored in the storage unit in association with the image data, and when the attribute data of the already stored data and the attribute data of the new image data have the same, It is preferable to determine that the stored data and the new image data are identical.

  According to this configuration, after the image data is stored in the storage unit, when the image data is further acquired, the attribute data of the already stored data that is the image data stored in the storage unit and the attribute data of the new image data are stored. And the stored data is erased and the newly acquired image data is stored in the storage unit.

  As a result, a plurality of image data having the same attribute data is not stored in the storage unit in a duplicated manner, so that waste of the storage area can be eliminated.

  In the above configuration, when the amount of a different portion between the content of the already stored data and the content of the new image data is equal to or less than a predetermined set value, the control unit determines that the new image data is It is preferable to determine that there is identity with the stored data.

  According to this configuration, if the amount of the different portion between the content of the already stored data stored in the storage unit and the content of the newly acquired image data is equal to or less than the set value, the new image data is already stored. It is determined that there is identity with the stored data.

  As a result, after the image data is stored in the storage unit, when an error in the image data is corrected, the image data before correction is erased and the corrected image data is stored in the storage unit. The waste of the area can be eliminated.

  In the above configuration, when a plurality of pieces of image data are stored in the storage unit, the control unit permits the formation of image data having the smallest data amount among the image data in preference to other image data. It is preferable to do.

  According to this configuration, the image data having the smallest data amount among the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit is preferentially allowed to be formed on the paper, and therefore stored in the storage unit. When the formation of the image data on the sheet is permitted, the possibility that the sheet is lost during the formation of the image data can be reduced.

  In the above-described configuration, when the consumable item is replenished and the determination unit determines that the remaining amount exceeds the set remaining amount, the control unit displays the image data stored in the storage unit as the image It is preferable to form by a formation part.

  According to this configuration, for image data that is still stored in the storage unit without permission for image formation, when consumables are replenished and the remaining amount of consumables exceeds the set remaining amount, Formed. Thus, when the consumable item is replenished, image formation can be automatically executed, which is convenient for the user.

  In the above configuration, the image forming apparatus further includes a first display unit that displays a notification image for notifying that the image data is not formed until the consumable is replenished, and the control unit is configured to display the remaining image by the determination unit. When the amount is determined to be equal to or less than the set remaining amount and the image data is acquired by the image acquisition unit, the notification image is preferably displayed on the first display unit.

  According to this configuration, when the remaining amount of the consumable item is low, the notification image is displayed on the first display unit. Therefore, the user can easily prevent the image from being formed due to the low remaining amount of the consumable item. I understand.

In the above configuration, the system further includes a first permission operation unit that receives an operation for permission.
The permission receiving unit preferably receives the permission when the operation is received by the first permission operation unit.

  According to this configuration, when an operation for permission is accepted by the first permission operation unit, the image data in the storage unit is formed on the sheet. Consumption of the paper for image formation is suppressed.

  In the above configuration, a management device for performing the permission, the management device having a second permission operation unit that receives an operation for the permission is connected via a communication network, the permission receiving unit is It is preferable that the permission is accepted when the second permission operation unit accepts the operation.

  According to this configuration, when the second permission operation unit provided in the management apparatus is operated by the administrator of the image forming apparatus, the permission reception unit receives permission and image formation is started. Consumption of the paper for image formation is suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the management device for performing the permission, a message reception unit that receives a character message for requesting the permission, and a character message that is received by the message reception unit, are predetermined. A management unit having a permission unit for performing the permission is connected via a communication network, and the permission reception unit is configured to determine whether or not the keyword is present. When the permission is given by the permission unit, the permission is preferably accepted.

  According to this configuration, when there is a predetermined keyword in the character message received by the message receiving unit, the image data stored in the storage unit is allowed to be formed on a sheet. At this time, since the permission is accepted by the permission accepting unit, the image data in the storage unit is formed on the sheet.

  This allows the user to register words that are often used in urgent documents, such as “President”, “Planning Meeting”, and “General Manager” as keywords, so that the administrator who performs the permission is absent. However, it is possible to form image data to be formed on the paper in a hurry.

  In the above configuration, an image transmission unit that transmits the image data to the image acquisition unit, and a second display unit that displays a notification image for notifying that the image data is not formed until the consumable is replenished Are connected via a communication network, and the control unit determines that the remaining amount is equal to or lower than the set remaining amount by the determination unit, and the image acquisition unit When the image data is acquired, the acquired image data is stored in the storage unit, the notification image is displayed on the second display unit, and when the permission is received by the permission receiving unit, The image data stored in the storage unit is preferably formed by the image forming unit.

  According to this configuration, when the image data is transmitted from the communication terminal apparatus to the image forming apparatus and the image data is formed, if the remaining amount of the consumable item is small, the notification image is displayed on the communication terminal apparatus. Thus, when an image is formed from the communication terminal apparatus to the image forming apparatus, it can be seen that the remaining amount of consumables is small in the communication terminal apparatus, so it is more convenient than purposely checking the notification image on the image forming apparatus side. .

  An image forming system according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the above-described image forming apparatus and a management apparatus for performing the permission are connected through a communication network.

  According to this configuration, since the above-described image forming apparatus is provided, an image forming system that exhibits the above-described effects can be provided.

  In the above configuration, the management apparatus includes a second permission operation unit that receives an operation for permission, and the permission reception unit of the image forming apparatus receives the operation by the second permission reception unit. It is preferable to accept the permission.

  According to this configuration, when the second permission operation unit provided in the management apparatus is operated by the administrator of the image forming apparatus, the permission reception unit receives permission and image formation is started. Consumption of the paper for image formation is suppressed.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable that the management device includes a message receiving unit that receives a text message for requesting the permission, and a message display unit that displays the text message received by the message receiving unit.

  According to this configuration, since the character message for requesting permission for image formation of the image data stored in the image forming apparatus is displayed on the management apparatus, the administrator of the image forming apparatus It can be seen that permission to form is required. In addition, since permission to form image data in the storage unit on the sheet is required when the remaining amount of the sheet is low, the administrator or the like refers to the text message for requesting the permission. Thus, it can be seen that the remaining amount of paper is low.

  In the above configuration, the management device receives a character message for requesting the permission, and whether there is a predetermined keyword in the character message received by the message reception unit. And when there is the keyword, a permission unit that performs the permission, and the permission receiving unit of the image forming apparatus receives the permission when the permission is performed by the permission unit. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, the user can register the words frequently used in urgent documents, for example, “President”, “Planning Meeting”, “Director”, etc. Even in the absence, image data desired to be formed quickly can be formed on a sheet.

  In the above configuration, a communication terminal device is further connected to the communication network, the communication terminal device includes an input reception unit that receives an input of the text message, and the message reception unit of the management device includes the It is preferable to receive the character message whose input has been received by the input receiving unit.

  According to this configuration, when an input of a character message is accepted in the communication terminal device, the character message is displayed on the management device. Alternatively, the management apparatus automatically permits image formation based on the presence or absence of a keyword in the text message.

  Thus, the user can display the character message on the management device or allow the management device to automatically permit image formation by inputting the character message to the communication terminal device.

  In the above configuration, a communication terminal device is further connected to the communication network, and the communication terminal device transmits the image data to the image acquisition unit of the image forming device, and the consumables. A second display unit that displays a notification image for notifying that the image data is not formed until the image data is replenished, and the control unit of the image forming apparatus has the remaining amount determined by the determination unit. When it is determined that the remaining amount is equal to or less than a set remaining amount and the image data is acquired by the image acquisition unit, the acquired image data is stored in the storage unit, and the notification image is stored in the second display unit. And when the permission is accepted by the permission accepting unit, the image forming unit preferably forms the image data stored in the storage unit. Arbitrariness.

  According to this configuration, when the image data is transmitted from the communication terminal apparatus to the image forming apparatus and the image data is formed, if the remaining amount of the consumable item is small, the notification image is displayed on the communication terminal apparatus. Thus, when an image is formed from the communication terminal apparatus to the image forming apparatus, it can be seen that the remaining amount of consumables is small in the communication terminal apparatus, so it is more convenient than purposely checking the notification image on the image forming apparatus side. .

  According to the present invention, when image data is formed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the convenience for the user is impaired even if the remaining amount of consumables used for the formation is small.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the principal part structure of the communication terminal device. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the principal part structure of the management apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of basic operation of the image forming apparatus. It is the figure which showed an example of the outline | summary of the basic operation | movement of a communication terminal device. It is the figure which showed an example of the outline | summary of the basic operation | movement of a management apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example of a display in the display part of a communication terminal device, and the example of a display in the display part of a management apparatus. The other example of a character message input image is shown.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming system S includes an image forming apparatus A, a communication terminal apparatus B, and a management apparatus C. Each of the image forming apparatus A, the communication terminal apparatus B, and the management apparatus C is connected to a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The image forming apparatus A is, for example, a network compatible facsimile apparatus. For example, the image forming apparatus A receives image data representing an image from the communication terminal apparatus B through the communication network N, and forms an image on a sheet. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus A transmits and receives various commands to be described later via the communication network N.

  The communication terminal device B is, for example, a personal computer. The communication terminal apparatus B transmits the image data to the image forming apparatus A through the communication network N. Alternatively, the communication terminal apparatus B transmits and receives various commands to be described later via the communication network N.

  The management device C is, for example, a personal computer. The management apparatus C manages image formation in the image forming apparatus A through the communication network N, for example. Alternatively, the management apparatus C transmits and receives various commands described later through the communication network N.

  FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus A includes a communication interface 1 (image acquisition unit). The communication interface 1 is a device that performs communication with the communication terminal apparatus B and the management apparatus C through the communication network N. The communication interface 1 receives image data from the communication terminal device B, for example.

  The image forming apparatus A includes a main body housing 2, a stack tray 3 disposed on the left side of the main body housing 2, and a document reading unit 200 (image acquisition unit) disposed on the upper portion of the main body housing 2. A document feeding unit 6 disposed above the document reading unit 200. In addition, a substantially rectangular user interface unit 100 is provided on the front portion of the image forming apparatus A.

  The document reading unit 200 includes a scanner unit 201 including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an exposure lamp, and the like, a document table 202 and a document reading slit 203 made of a transparent member such as glass. The scanner unit 201 is configured to be movable by a driving unit (not shown). When reading a document placed on the document table 202, the scanner unit 201 is moved along the document surface at a position facing the document table 202, and reads the document image. Scan.

  The scanner unit 201 is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 203 when reading the document fed by the document feeding unit 6, and the document is fed by the document feeding unit 6 through the document reading slit 203. An image of the document is acquired in synchronization with the transport operation.

  The document feeding unit 6 includes a document placing unit 61 for placing a document, a document discharge unit 62 for discharging a document whose image has been read, and a document placed on the document placing unit 61. A document transport mechanism 63 including a paper feed roller (not shown), a transport roller (not shown) and the like for feeding the paper one by one to a position facing the document reading slit 203 and discharging it to the document discharge section 62 is provided. The document transport mechanism 63 further includes a paper reversing mechanism (not shown) that reverses the document and reversely transports the document to a position facing the document reading slit 203, and scans both sides of the document via the document reading slit 203. The data can be read from the unit 201.

  Further, the document feeding unit 6 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body housing 2 so that the front side thereof can move upward. By moving the front side of the document feeder 6 upward to open the upper surface of the document table 202, the user can place a read document, for example, a book in a spread state, on the upper surface of the document table 202. ing.

  The main body housing 2 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a pickup roller 462 that feeds the paper from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one and transports it to the image forming unit 40, and an image on the paper carried out from the paper feed cassette 461. And a registration roller pair 17 that feeds the paper S in the paper feed cassette 461 at a predetermined timing for image transfer onto the paper S by the transfer roller 49 and the photosensitive drum 43.

  Each sheet cassette 461 accommodates sheets of different sizes. For example, the upper sheet cassette 461 stores A4 size sheets, the middle sheet cassette 461 stores B5 size sheets, and the lower sheet cassette 461 stores A3 size sheets. .

  The image forming unit 40 includes a photosensitive drum 43, a static eliminator 421 that neutralizes the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, a charging device 422 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, image data acquired by the scanner unit 201, and the communication interface 1. An exposure device 423 that outputs a laser beam or the like based on the received image data to expose the photosensitive drum 43, a developing device 44 that supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, and a toner image on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer roller 49 for transferring to a sheet is provided.

  In addition, the image forming unit 40 heats the sheet on which the toner image is transferred to fix the toner image on the sheet, and the conveyance for conveying the sheet to the stack tray 3 or the in-body discharge unit 48. A roller 19 is provided.

  The user interface unit 100 includes a display unit 5 (first display unit) and an operation unit 18. The operation unit 18 includes, for example, a button for reading a document image data and selecting a copy function for forming the read image data on a sheet. When the button is operated, the user interface unit 100 accepts a copy function and displays a predetermined operation screen. The user interface unit 100 receives an image formation execution instruction when the image quality, the number of prints, and the like are selected and a predetermined start key is operated. When an image forming execution instruction is received by the user interface unit 100, the image forming apparatus A forms image data of the document on the paper in the paper feed cassette 461 by the document reading unit 200, the image forming unit 40, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the image forming apparatus A.

  The image forming apparatus A includes a control unit 101 having a determination unit 102 and a permission receiving unit 103, a remaining amount detection unit 104, a communication interface 1, a storage unit 105, and an image forming unit 40. In the following description, the communication interface 1 and the image forming unit 40 are the same as described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The remaining amount detection unit 104 detects the remaining amount of consumables used for forming image data in the image forming unit 40. For example, the remaining amount detection unit 104 is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of paper in each of the paper feed cassettes 461. Alternatively, it is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner stored in the developing device 44.

  A storage unit 105 is a device that stores image data received by the communication interface 1 when the determination unit 102 determines that the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit 104 is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount. It is.

  The control unit 101 is a device that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus A. The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. For example, the control unit 101 is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined control program.

  The determination unit 102 determines whether or not the remaining amount of toner or paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit 104 is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount. The permission receiving unit 103 receives permission to form image data stored in the storage unit 105 on a sheet by the image forming unit 40.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the communication terminal apparatus B. The communication terminal device B includes a control unit 106, a storage unit 107, a display unit 108 (second display unit), an input reception unit 109, and a communication interface 110 (image transmission unit).

  The control unit 106 is a device that comprehensively controls the communication terminal apparatus B. The control unit 106 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. For example, the control unit 106 is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined control program.

  The storage unit 107 is a device that stores image data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus A through the communication network N. When the remaining amount of consumables is determined to be less than the set remaining amount in image forming apparatus A, display unit 108 notifies that image data is not formed in image forming apparatus A until the consumables are replenished. This is a device for displaying a notification image.

  The input receiving unit 109 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, and a character for requesting permission to form image data stored in the storage unit 105 when the remaining amount of consumables is less than the set remaining amount in the image forming apparatus A. Accept message input.

  The communication interface 110 is a device that performs communication through the communication network N. The communication interface 110 transmits image data to the image forming apparatus A through the communication network N, for example. At this time, the communication interface 1 of the image forming apparatus A receives the image data transmitted from the communication interface 110 and acquires it.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the management apparatus C. The management apparatus C includes a control unit 111 having a permission unit 112, a display unit 113 (message display unit), a permission operation unit 114 (second permission operation unit), and a communication interface 115.

  The control unit 111 is a device that comprehensively controls the management apparatus C. The control unit 111 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. For example, the control unit 111 is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined control program.

  The permission unit 112 permits the image forming apparatus A to form the image data in the storage unit 105 on a sheet.

  Display unit 113 displays the text message received by input receiving unit 109 of communication terminal apparatus B. The permission operation unit 114 includes, for example, operation keys, and accepts an operation for permission to form image data in the storage unit 105 on a sheet in the image forming apparatus A.

  The communication interface 115 performs communication through the communication network N. For example, the communication interface 115 transmits to the image forming apparatus A a permission command that is a command for permitting the image forming apparatus A to form image data in the storage unit 105 on a sheet. Alternatively, the communication interface 115 receives information representing a text message for requesting the permission, which is accepted by the input accepting unit 109 through the communication network N. Thus, the communication interface 115 functions as a message receiving unit that receives the text message.

  Hereinafter, an example of the basic operation of the above configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of the basic operation of the image forming apparatus A. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of the basic operation of the communication terminal apparatus B. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of the basic operation of the management apparatus C. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example on the display unit 108 of the communication terminal apparatus B and a display example on the display unit 113 of the management apparatus C.

  First, image data is transmitted from the communication terminal apparatus B to the image forming apparatus A. At this time, in order to display a notification image, which will be described later, on the communication terminal apparatus B that is the transmission source of the image data, the communication address of the communication terminal apparatus B that is the transmission source is notified to the image forming apparatus A.

  In the image forming apparatus A, when the image data from the communication terminal apparatus B is received by the communication interface 1 (YES in step S1), the determination unit 102 is a consumable for forming the received image data, for example, It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of paper of an appropriate size that is compatible with the received image data is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount (step S2). The size suitable for the received image data refers to the size of the paper on which image data is to be formed, designated by the communication terminal device B.

  Then, if the remaining amount of the suitable size paper exceeds the set remaining amount (NO in step S2), the control unit 101 forms the received image data on the suitable size paper by the image forming unit 40 ( In step S7), if it is less than the set remaining amount (YES in step S2), the attribute data such as the data size and creation date / time of the received image data is recognized (step S3), and the received image data is recognized as the recognized attribute. The data is stored in the storage unit 105 in association with the data (step S4).

  Then, the control unit 101 transmits to the communication terminal device B a display command for displaying a notification image for notifying that image data is not formed until the paper is replenished (step S5).

  In the communication terminal apparatus B, when the display command is received from the image forming apparatus A (YES in step S20), the control unit 106 causes the display unit 108 to display a notification image (step S21).

  FIG. 9A shows an example of a notification image. The notification image includes a character message 108A (see FIG. 9A) for notifying that image data is not formed until the paper is replenished, and permission to form image data in the storage unit 105 on the paper. A request button 109A (see FIG. 9A) for requesting an image, and an approval button 109B (see FIG. 9A) for accepting waiting for the formation of image data until the paper is replenished. including. The request button 109A and the approval button 109B are operated, for example, by clicking the mouse.

  In the notification image, when the request button 109A is operated, the control unit 106 of the communication terminal apparatus B causes the display unit 108 to display a character message input image (see FIG. 9B). On the other hand, when the acknowledge button 109B is operated, the control unit 106 transmits a notification command for notifying that the remaining amount of paper is equal to or less than the set remaining amount to the management apparatus C (step S24).

  FIG. 9B shows an example of a character message input image. The character message input image includes a character message field 108B, a send button 109C, and a message 108C that prompts the user to input the character message M and operate the send button 108C. The send button 109C is operated, for example, by clicking the mouse.

  When the input of the text message M is received by the input receiving unit 109, the control unit 106 displays the input text message M in the text message field 108B. When the transmission button 109C is operated, an image formation request is made (YES in step S22). At this time, the control unit 106 transmits a request command, which is a command for requesting permission to form image data in the storage unit 105 on a sheet, to the management apparatus C together with the character message M (step S23).

  When the communication terminal device B receives a non-permission command indicating that the image formation request is not permitted from the management device C (YES in step S25), the control unit 106 displays the standby request image on the display unit 108. It is displayed (step S26). FIG. 9D shows an example of the standby request image. The standby request image includes a text message for requesting to wait for image formation until paper is replenished.

  In the management apparatus C, when the notification command is received from the communication terminal apparatus B (YES in step S30), the control unit 111 displays a message such as “please replenish paper because it is insufficient”. By displaying in step 113, it is notified that the remaining amount of paper has become equal to or less than the set remaining amount (step S31).

  In the management apparatus C, when the communication interface 115 receives the request command from the communication terminal apparatus B together with the character message M (YES in step S32), the control unit 111 forms the image data in the storage unit 105 on a sheet. A request image for requesting permission to be displayed is displayed on the display unit 113 (step S33). The display unit 113 is configured with a touch panel.

  FIG. 9C shows an example of the request image. The request image includes a character message field 113A for displaying a character message M that has been accepted by the communication terminal device B, an allow button 114A for permitting the request, and a disallow button for disallowing the request. 114B. The permission button 114A and the non-permission button 114B are operated, for example, by clicking the mouse.

  In the management apparatus C, when the permission button 114A is operated (YES in step S34), the control unit 111 transmits a permission command indicating that the request is permitted to the image forming apparatus A (step S35).

  At this time, when the image forming apparatus A receives a permission command from the management apparatus C (YES in step S6), the permission receiving unit 103 receives permission for image formation. Then, the control unit 101 forms image data in the storage unit 105 on a sheet (step S7). In the image forming apparatus A, even when the control unit 101 has not received the permission command (NO in step S6), when the determination unit 102 determines that the remaining amount of paper exceeds the set remaining amount. (YES in step S8), the image data in the storage unit 105 is formed on a sheet (step S7).

  On the other hand, when the non-permission button 114B is operated (NO in step S34), the control unit 111 transmits a non-permission command indicating that the request is not permitted to the communication terminal apparatus B (step S36). At this time, as described above, the communication terminal apparatus B displays the standby request image.

  As described above, according to the image forming system S, when the image forming apparatus A receives image data, if the remaining amount of paper on which image data is to be formed is equal to or less than the set remaining amount, the received image data is A notification image for notifying that image formation is not performed until the consumable item is replenished is stored in the storage unit 105 and displayed on the communication terminal device B.

  When the management apparatus C receives permission to form image data stored in the storage unit 105, the image data in the storage unit 105 is formed on a sheet.

  As a result, even if the remaining amount of paper is small, the user can form image data that he / she wants to form on the paper as soon as permission to form the image data on the paper is accepted. Therefore, the possibility that the convenience for the user is impaired can be reduced.

  By the way, when the user of the management apparatus C is absent, permission to form image data cannot be given, which is inconvenient if the user wants to form image data on paper as soon as possible.

  Therefore, as described below, the management apparatus C may give permission to form image data under certain conditions.

  For example, in the image forming apparatus A, when the determination unit 102 determines that the remaining amount of the compatible size paper is equal to or less than the set remaining amount, the control unit 101 has a non-compatible size (for example, the compatible size is “A4”) If the remaining amount of paper “B5”, “B4”, and “A3”) exceeds the set remaining amount, information representing one of these non-conforming sizes is used instead of step S5 in FIG. And transmitted to the communication terminal apparatus B together with the display command.

  At that time, in communication terminal apparatus B, in step S21 in FIG. 7, control unit 106 selects character message input image 108D for prompting selection of a non-conforming size and selection of non-conforming size as shown in FIG. And the selection buttons 109D to 109F for accepting are displayed. FIG. 10 shows another example of a character message input image. The selection buttons 109D to 109F are operated, for example, by clicking the mouse.

  When any of the selection buttons 109D to 109F is operated, the control unit 106 transmits to the image forming apparatus A a permission command for permitting the formation of image data on the selected size paper. Then, since the permission receiving unit 103 of the image forming apparatus A receives the permission command, the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus A forms the image data in the storage unit 105 on the selected non-conforming paper size.

  According to this configuration, when the non-conforming size paper is selected when the remaining amount of the conforming size paper is small, the image data in the storage unit 105 is formed on the non-conforming size paper. Even when the manager is absent, urgent image data can be immediately formed on a sheet, which is convenient.

  Alternatively, in the management apparatus C, the permission unit 112 determines whether or not a predetermined keyword (for example, “planning meeting”, “president”, “department manager”) is included in the text message M received from the communication terminal apparatus B. If it is included, the permission command is automatically transmitted to the image forming apparatus A. As a result, when there is a predetermined keyword in the character message M, the formation of image data in the storage unit 105 is automatically permitted, so even if the administrator is absent, It can be immediately formed on paper. As a result, convenience for the user can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the received image data is stored in the storage unit 105 when the remaining amount of paper is less than or equal to the set remaining amount, not when the remaining amount of paper is less than or equal to the set remaining amount. When the image data formation permission is obtained, the image data in the storage unit 105 may be formed on a sheet.

  In addition, when image data is read by the document reading unit 200 in the image forming apparatus A, not when the image forming apparatus A acquires image data from the communication terminal apparatus B, the remaining amount of paper is less than or equal to the set remaining amount. For example, the notification image may be displayed on the image forming apparatus A, the request image may be displayed on the management apparatus C, and the image data in the storage unit 105 may be formed when permission is obtained in the management apparatus C.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented by disposing the image forming apparatus A stand-alone without providing the communication terminal apparatus B and the management apparatus C. In this case, the permission operation unit 114 is provided in the image forming apparatus A as a first permission operation unit. Further, the notification image is displayed on the display unit 5 of the user interface unit 100 instead of the display unit 108 of the communication terminal apparatus B. The permission operation unit 114 is configured by the operation unit 18 of the user interface unit 100, for example.

  In this image forming apparatus A, when the image data is obtained by the document reading unit 200, the control unit 101 obtains the obtained image data when the determination unit 102 determines that the remaining amount of paper is equal to or less than the set remaining amount. Is stored in the storage unit 105, and the notification image is displayed on the display unit 5 of the user interface unit 100.

  Then, when the permission operation unit 114 receives an operation for the permission, the permission receiving unit 103 receives the permission. Then, the control unit 101 forms an image of the image data in the storage unit 105 on a sheet.

  Further, when the remaining amount of paper is equal to or less than the set remaining amount, the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus A stores the image data in the storage unit 105 and then new image data is transmitted from the communication terminal apparatus B. Sometimes, it is determined whether or not the attribute data and the content are identical between the already-stored data that is the image data stored in the storage unit 105 and the new image data, and it is determined that they have the same. In some cases, the stored data may be erased and the newly acquired image data may be stored in the storage unit 105.

  Here, the attribute data is information indicating the size or creation date and time of image data, for example.

  For example, when the data size and creation date and time match between the already stored data and the new image data, the control unit 101 determines that the attribute data has the same between the already stored data and the new image data. Determination is made, the stored data is erased, and new image data is stored. Alternatively, the control unit 101 determines that the content is identical between the stored data and the new image data when the data content matches between the stored data and the new image data. The stored data is erased and new image data is stored.

  Furthermore, when there is a different portion between the content of the new image data and the content of the stored data when the new image data is acquired, the control unit 101 stores the stored data of the different portion. If the ratio with respect to the content of is less than or equal to a predetermined set value, it may be determined that the new image data is identical to the stored data.

  For example, when the data size of the already stored data and the data size of the new image data are both 1 Mbytes, the same data amount of 1 Mbytes is 896 Kbytes, and the amount of different data is 128 Kbytes, The ratio is 1/8. At this time, for example, 1/10 can be used as the set value.

  In addition, although the example which shows the quantity of a different part by the ratio was shown, the quantity of a different part may be the absolute quantity (for example, 10 bytes) of a different part. In this case, if the absolute amount of the different part is equal to or less than a set value (for example, 11 bytes), it is determined that the new image data has the same identity with the stored data.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of pieces of image data are stored in the storage unit 105, the control unit 101 gives priority to the formation of image data with the smallest data amount among the image data over other image data. Also good. For example, when the non-conforming paper size is selected, or when a predetermined keyword is included in the character message M, the control unit 101 stores the image data requested for image formation in the storage unit 105. It is determined whether the data amount is the smallest among the plurality of image data. If the data amount is the smallest, the formation of the image data is automatically permitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS S Image formation system A Image formation apparatus B Communication terminal device C Management apparatus M Character message N Communication network 1 Communication interface 40 Image formation part 100 User interface part 101 Control part 102 Determination part 103 Permit acceptance part 104 Remaining quantity detection part 105 Storage part 106 control unit 108 display unit 109 input receiving unit 112 permission unit 113 display unit 114 permission operation unit

Claims (18)

An image acquisition unit for acquiring image data representing an image;
An image forming unit that forms image data acquired by the image acquiring unit on a sheet;
A remaining amount detecting unit for detecting a remaining amount of consumables used for forming the image data in the image forming unit;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount;
A storage unit for storing image data acquired by the image acquisition unit;
A permission receiving unit that receives permission to form image data stored in the storage unit by the image forming unit;
When the determination unit determines that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the set remaining amount and the image acquisition unit acquires the image data, the acquired image data is stored in the storage unit, and the permission A control unit that causes the image forming unit to form image data stored in the storage unit when the permission is received by the receiving unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: As the consumables, a plurality of sizes of paper are provided,
The remaining amount detection unit detects the remaining amount of the paper of each size,
The determination unit determines whether the remaining amount of each size of paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is equal to or less than the set remaining amount,
The permission accepting unit accepts, as the permission, an instruction to form the image data acquired by the image acquiring unit on a non-conforming size paper having a size other than the conforming size suitable for the image data,
The control unit prompts the selection of the non-conforming paper when the determination unit determines that the remaining amount of the conforming-size paper is equal to or less than the set remaining amount, and the permission receiving unit The image data stored in the storage unit is formed on the non-conforming paper when an instruction to form an image on the non-conforming paper is accepted as the permission. Image forming apparatus. The control unit stores the stored image data as the stored image data and the new image when the image acquisition unit acquires new image data after the image data is stored in the storage unit. The presence or absence of identity with data is determined, and when it is determined that there is identity, the previously stored data is erased and the new image data is stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Attribute data representing the attribute of the image data is added to the image data,
When storing the image data in the storage unit, the control unit stores the attribute data added to the image data in association with the image data in the storage unit in addition to the image data, The attribute data of already stored data and the attribute data of the new image data are determined to be identical when the attribute of the already stored data and the new image data are determined to be identical. The image forming apparatus according to 3. When the amount of the different portion between the content of the already stored data and the content of the new image data is equal to or less than a predetermined set value, the control unit determines that the new image data is the already stored data The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined to be identical to each other. The control unit, when a plurality of image data is stored in the storage unit, allows the formation of image data with the smallest data amount among the image data in preference to other image data. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The control unit forms image data stored in the storage unit by the image forming unit when the consumable item is replenished and the determination unit determines that the remaining amount exceeds the set remaining amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes: A first display unit for displaying a notification image for notifying that the image data is not formed until the consumable is replenished;
The control unit displays the notification image on the first display unit when the determination unit determines that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the set remaining amount and the image acquisition unit acquires the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: A first permission operation unit that accepts an operation for permission;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission receiving unit receives the permission when the operation is received by the first permission operation unit. A management device for performing the permission, the management device having a second permission operation unit for accepting an operation for the permission is connected via a communication network;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission receiving unit receives the permission when the second permission operation unit receives the operation. A management device for performing the permission, wherein there is a predetermined keyword in the message receiving unit that receives the text message for requesting the permission and the text message received by the message receiving unit. A management unit having a permission unit that performs the permission is connected via a communication network, if there is the keyword,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission receiving unit receives the permission when the permission is given by the permission unit. An image transmission unit that transmits the image data to the image acquisition unit; and a second display unit that displays a notification image for notifying that the image data is not formed until the consumable is replenished. The communication terminal device is connected via a communication network,
When the determination unit determines that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the set remaining amount, and the image acquisition unit acquires the image data, the control unit stores the acquired image data in the storage unit. And storing the notification image on the second display unit, and forming the image data stored in the storage unit by the image forming unit when the permission is received by the permission receiving unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 10. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 and the management apparatus for performing the permission are connected through a communication network. The management device includes a second permission operation unit that receives an operation for the permission,
The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the permission receiving unit of the image forming apparatus receives the permission when the operation is received by the second permission receiving unit. The management device
A message accepting unit that accepts a text message for requesting the permission;
The image forming system according to claim 13, further comprising: a message display unit configured to display the text message received by the message receiving unit. The management device
A message accepting unit that accepts a text message for requesting the permission;
It is determined whether or not there is a predetermined keyword in the text message received by the message reception unit, and if there is the keyword, a permission unit that performs the permission, and
The image forming system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the permission receiving unit of the image forming apparatus receives the permission when the permission is given by the permission unit. A communication terminal device is further connected to the communication network,
The communication terminal device includes an input receiving unit that receives an input of the text message,
The image forming system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the message receiving unit of the management apparatus receives the text message whose input has been received by the input receiving unit. A communication terminal device is further connected to the communication network,
The communication terminal device includes an image transmission unit that transmits the image data to the image acquisition unit of the image forming device, and a notification image for notifying that the image data is not formed until the consumable is replenished. A second display unit for displaying
The control unit of the image forming apparatus determines the acquired image data when the determination unit determines that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the set remaining amount and the image acquisition unit acquires the image data. The image is stored in the storage unit, the notification image is displayed on the second display unit, and the image forming unit forms image data stored in the storage unit when the permission is received by the permission receiving unit. The image forming system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein:

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