JP2018161803A - Image forming apparatus, job condition management method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce inconvenience of the designation of conditions of a job to be executed by an image forming apparatus more than before.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 executes a job according to a designation condition to be a condition designated by a user. The image forming apparatus includes: a human sensor 10p which detects the existence of a person in an area to be a place where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed or a prescribed place in the vicinity; and a condition reset section 106 which maintains the designation condition even if the human sensor 10p detects that a person does not exist in the area when a user needs to get out of the area when executing the job and releases the designation condition when the human sensor 10p detects that a person does not exist in the area when the user does not need to get out of the prescribed area when executing the job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to control of job conditions input by a user.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus called a multifunction peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) has been widely used. The user designates conditions for executing a job such as use of a manual feed tray and application of divided reading for reading a large amount of documents little by little, and causes the image forming apparatus to execute the job.

  If the specified condition remains even after the user has finished using the image forming apparatus, the next user may use the remaining condition by mistake. Therefore, when the specified condition remains in the used image forming apparatus, it is desirable that the image forming apparatus cancels or erases the condition after a certain period of time has elapsed.

  The following document describes a technique in which an image forming apparatus directly or indirectly deletes a condition designated by itself when the user does not operate the image forming apparatus for a predetermined time or when the user is not near the image forming apparatus. Disclose.

  The copying machine described in Patent Document 1 includes an intermediate tray unit that temporarily stores and re-feeds copy paper used for copying, and copies the copy paper fed from a paper feed unit to the intermediate tray unit. A first copying operation for storing and a second copying operation for copying to a copy sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit or an intermediate tray unit and discharging the sheet to the outside of the machine are performed. If no key is specified even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the first copying operation, the paper-passing mode is set. If no key is specified after the end of the first and second copying operations, the copying machine is in the standard state When the first operation is performed, control is performed to lengthen the predetermined time of the auto reset mechanism.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2 that performs power saving control for each processing unit receives a job, and then processes the job in an area close to the image forming apparatus when the received job is processed. While the performed human body is detected, control is performed so as not to shift to the sleep state in which the supply of power to the processing unit is stopped according to the type of the accepted job.

  An image output device having a plurality of power modes with different power consumptions described in Patent Document 3 detects a projector that outputs an image by projection, a camera that can capture the output image, and users in a plurality of areas And a switching means for switching the power mode to the normal power mode or the power saving mode based on the detection result by the sensor.

JP 62-280774 A JP2015-99172A JP 2016-39447 A

  When the condition specified by the user is canceled at all times triggered by the user moving away from a specific position near the image forming apparatus (for example, the front of the image forming apparatus), the user is notified of this condition by the image forming apparatus. The same condition must be specified again when the job is executed in. This is inconvenient for the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that, in an image forming apparatus that operates under a specified condition, inconvenience related to specifying a job condition is reduced as compared with the related art.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that executes a job in accordance with a specified condition that is a condition specified by a user, and is a predetermined place near or near the place where the image forming apparatus is installed. Detection means for detecting the presence of a person in a predetermined area as a place, and when the user needs to leave the predetermined area when executing the job, the detection means no longer detects the presence. A condition control unit that maintains the specified condition and cancels the specified condition when the detection unit no longer detects the presence when the user does not need to leave the predetermined area when executing the job. And having.

  Preferably, there is a timing unit that counts an elapsed time since the detection unit no longer detects the presence, and the condition control unit, when the user needs to leave the predetermined area, The specified condition is maintained while the timed time is less than the predetermined time, and the specified condition is canceled when the timed time exceeds the predetermined time.

  More preferably, the case where the user needs to exit from the predetermined area is a case where the specified condition includes a condition that requires the user to perform work outside the predetermined area, and the user needs to exit from the predetermined area. The case where there is no is a case where a condition requiring the work is not included in the designated condition.

  Alternatively, a tray for setting paper for printing an image is provided outside the predetermined area, and the specified condition is to use the paper set in the tray, and the operation is performed on the tray. This is an operation for setting the paper.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience related to the designation of job conditions as compared with the prior art.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an area 60. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of condition input screen 7A. It is a figure which shows the example of the reset time setting screen 7B. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow regarding a copy job.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area 60.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the VPN 3 includes a plurality of segments 2 and communication lines 4.

  The VPN 3 is used by an organization having a plurality of floors or bases. A segment 2 is provided for each of a plurality of floors or bases. Each segment 2 is connected by a communication line 4. As the communication line 4, the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

  The segment 2 includes one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, a router 26, one or a plurality of personal computers 27, one or a plurality of mobile computers 28, and a communication line 29.

  The communication line 29 includes a hub, a twisted pair cable, a radio base station, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1, the router 26, the personal computer 27, and the mobile computer 28 can communicate via a communication line 29. The router 26 connects the segment 2 provided with the other segment 2.

  The mobile computer 28 is a computer that can be carried by a user. As the mobile computer 28, a computer having a wireless local area network (LAN) interface and a short-range wireless interface, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a wearable computer is used.

  The wireless LAN interface is a device that performs communication based on a wireless LAN standard, that is, an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard. The short-range wireless interface is a device that communicates with other devices based on a wireless communication standard having a communication distance of about 1 to several meters. Examples of such a standard include Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA (Infrared Data Association).

  Devices provided in two different segments 2 can communicate with each other via the communication line 4.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus in which functions such as copying, PC printing, fax, scanner, and box are integrated. Generally, it is sometimes called “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  The PC print function is a function for printing an image on a sheet based on image data received from the personal computer 27 or the mobile computer 28. It may also be called “network printing” or “network printing”. The image data is described in a page description language corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, image data of a predetermined format (for example, Portable Document Format (PDF), Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), or XML Paper Specification (XPS)) corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1 There may be.

  The box function is a function for giving a storage area called “box” or “personal box” for each user, and for each user to store and manage image data and the like in his / her storage area. A box can be provided for each group and shared by the members of the group. A box corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an overall control unit 100, an auxiliary storage device 10f, a touch panel display 10g, an operation key panel 10h, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 10i, a modem 10j, a wireless LAN interface 10k, a short distance. The wireless interface 10n, the human sensor 10p, the scan unit 10r, the print unit 10s, and the finisher 10t are configured.

  The overall control unit 100 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. The overall control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10b, an S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 10c, an NV-RAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) 10d, and a clock IC (integrated). circuit) 10e.

  The S-RAM 10c is a working storage device, and is used to temporarily store the result of processing by the CPU 10a or data transmitted from another device.

  The NV-RAM 10d is used to back up data relating to various settings of the image forming apparatus 1 itself (for example, IP (Internet Protocol) address, fax number, address book, screen character size or language, etc.). The clock IC 10e is a circuit for measuring time.

  The ROM 10b or the auxiliary storage device 10f stores an operating system and programs such as the application 11 for realizing the above functions.

  These programs are loaded into the ROM 10b and executed by the CPU 10a. A hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive) is used as the auxiliary storage device 10f.

  The touch panel display 10g displays a screen showing a message for the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. In addition, the touch panel display 10 g sends a signal indicating the touched position to the overall control unit 100.

  The operation key panel 10h is a so-called hardware keyboard, and includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The NIC 10i communicates with other devices using a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The modem 10j exchanges image data with a fax terminal using a protocol such as G3.

  The wireless LAN interface 10k is a device that performs communication based on a wireless LAN standard.

  The short-range wireless interface 10n is a device that communicates with the mobile computer 28 based on the same standard as the short-range wireless interface of the mobile computer 28.

  The human sensor 10p periodically irradiates infrared rays or ultrasonic waves (for example, every 200 milliseconds), and detects whether or not a person is present in a specific area by detecting a change in the reflected wave. Is detected. As the data indicating the detection result, the location data 5A is sent to the overall control unit 100 when the location is detected, and the non-location data 5B is sent to the overall control unit 100 when the location is not detected.

  In the present embodiment, the human sensor 10p detects whether or not a person is present in the area 60 around the front of the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. Located in the center of the front. The sensing angle R0 of the human sensor 10p is about 90 to 150 degrees, and the sensing distance L0 is about 2 to 5 meters. The side surface and the back surface of the image forming apparatus 1 are not included in the range of detection by the human sensor 10p.

  The scan unit 10r reads an image written on a sheet set on the platen glass and generates image data.

  In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10r, the print unit 10s uses, on a sheet, an image shown in the image data received or read from another device by the NIC 10i, the modem 10j, the wireless LAN interface 10k, or the short-range wireless interface 10n. Print.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, the print unit 10s includes a paper feed tray 10s1 and a manual feed tray 10s2.

  Printing paper is supplied from either the paper feed tray 10s1 or the manual feed tray 10s2 according to the conditions specified by the user. A large number of regular copy sheets are set on the sheet feed tray 10s1 as printing sheets. On the manual feed tray 10s2, thick paper, non-standard paper, or colored paper is set.

  The user moves to the right side toward the front of the image forming apparatus 1 and sets paper on the manual feed tray 10s2.

  The finisher 10t performs post-processing as necessary on the printed matter obtained by the print unit 10s. The post-processing includes a staple binding process, a punch hole forming process, a folding process, and the like.

  Further, the finisher 10t is provided with a post inserter 10ta. According to the post inserter 10ta, as post-processing, it is possible to perform a process of attaching a cover sheet to a printed material (that is, booklet) that is saddle-stitched with staples or attaching a cover sheet to a printed material that is stapled with staples.

  The user moves a sheet to be used as a cover sheet or a cover sheet to the left toward the front of the image forming apparatus 1 and sets it on the post inserter 10ta.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the condition designation screen 7A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reset time setting screen 7B.

  According to the application 11, the inconvenience associated with specifying job conditions can be reduced as compared with the prior art. Hereinafter, this mechanism will be described by taking a copy application 11A that realizes a copy (copying) function as an example.

  According to the copy application 11A, the area entry detection unit 101, the job condition reception unit 102, the job execution unit 103, the area exit detection unit 104, the reset hold necessity determination unit 105, the condition reset unit 106, and the elapsed time measurement unit illustrated in FIG. 107, a job condition storage unit 121, a reset hold condition storage unit 122, and the like are realized.

  The job condition storage unit 121 stores in advance condition data 5C indicating default conditions for each copy job item. The condition data 5C is appropriately updated according to the user's operation, as will be described later.

  Examples of copy job items include printing surface, resolution, aggregate printing, stapling, paper size, manual printing, and insert.

  “Print side” is a condition for printing an original on one side or both sides of a sheet. The user can specify “single-sided” or “double-sided” as the condition of this item.

  “Resolution” is a condition for resolution when the print unit 10s prints a document read by the scan unit 10r on a printing sheet. The user can specify “200 dpi”, “400 dpi”, “600 dpi”, or the like as the condition of this item.

  “Consolidated printing” is a condition for determining whether or not to print a plurality of pages of a document on one side of a sheet. The user can specify “on” or “off” as the condition of this item. In the case of “ON”, the user must further specify a condition according to the number of pages to be aggregated in one plane, such as “2 in 1”, “4 in 1”, or “6 in 1”.

  “Staple” is a condition as to whether or not the printed matter obtained by the print unit 10s is bound with staples. The user can specify “on” or “off” as the condition of this item.

  “Paper size” is a condition for the paper size of the copy destination (copy destination). The user can designate “A3”, “A4”, “letter”, etc. as the condition of this item.

  “Manual feed printing” is a condition as to whether or not to use paper set in the manual feed tray of the print unit 10s as copy destination (copy destination) paper. The user can specify “on” or “off” as the condition of this item.

  “Insert” is a condition as to whether or not a cover paper or a cover is attached to the printed matter obtained by the print unit 10 s by the post inserter 10 ta. The user can specify “on” or “off” as the condition of this item.

The reset hold condition storage unit 122 stores hold condition data 5D in advance. The hold condition data 5D indicates a reset hold condition. The “reset hold condition” is a condition that is preferably canceled or not deleted when the user leaves the area 60 among the copy job conditions. As the reset hold condition, the hold condition data 5D indicates a condition in which the user may work outside the area 60 when it is set.

  As described above, the user moves to the right side toward the front of the image forming apparatus 1 when setting paper on the manual feed tray 10 s 2, so the user may go outside the area 60. Further, when the paper is set on the post inserter 10ta, the paper moves to the left side toward the front of the image forming apparatus 1, and thus may go outside the area 60. Therefore, “manual printing = on”, which means that manual printing is applied, and “insert = on”, which means that an insert is applied, are shown in the holding condition data 5D as reset holding conditions.

  The area entry detection unit 101 determines the user's entry into the installation area 60 according to the detection result by the human sensor 10p as follows.

  As described above, whether or not a person is present is periodically detected by the human sensor 10p, and data indicating the result is sent to the CPU 10a.

  The area approach detection unit 101 monitors data sent from the human sensor 10p. Then, when the sent data changes from the non-location data 5B to the location data 5A, it is detected that the user has entered.

  When the area entry detecting unit 101 detects an entry, the job condition accepting unit 102 performs a process for accepting a copy job condition as follows.

  The job condition receiving unit 102 displays a condition designation screen 7A as shown in FIG. 5 on the touch panel display 10g.

  Here, the user designates (inputs) a copy job condition by operating the condition designation screen 7A. At this time, the user can designate “ON” as a manual printing condition by touching and turning on the manual feed button 7A1. That is, it is possible to specify a condition that manual printing is applied.

  Alternatively, the user can designate “ON” as the insert condition by touching the insert button 7A2 to turn it ON. That is, the condition that the insert is applied can be specified.

  Then, the job condition receiving unit 102 receives a condition according to an operation by the user. Then, the job condition receiving unit 102 updates the condition data 5C to indicate the received condition. For example, when the manual feed button 7A1 is touched, “ON” is accepted as the condition of “manual printing”. Then, the condition data 5C is updated so as to indicate “manual printing = on”.

  The update of the condition data 5C completes the reception process, and the received condition is set in the image forming apparatus 1.

  When all the conditions have been specified, the user instructs the execution of the job by pressing the start key in the operation key panel 10h.

  Then, the job execution unit 103 reads the condition data 5C from the job condition storage unit 121, and the copy unit is executed according to the conditions indicated in the condition data 5C. The scan unit 10r, the print unit 10s, the finisher 10t, etc. To control. Even if the copy job is completed, the condition data 5C may not be reset immediately, but may be reset after a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, it may be reset as described below.

  The area exit detection unit 104 monitors data sent from the human sensor 10p, and detects that the user has exited the area 60 when the data changes from the location data 5A to the non-location data 5B.

  Exit may be detected after the copy job has been executed, or may be detected during the execution of the copy job, or may be detected before the user specifies a condition but instructs the execution of the job Sometimes it is done.

  The reset hold necessity determination unit 105, the condition reset unit 106, the elapsed time measurement unit 107, and the reset hold condition storage unit 122, when exit from the area 60 is detected by the area exit detection unit 104, the job condition storage unit 121. The process of resetting the condition data 5C stored in the above is executed as follows.

  The reset hold necessity determination unit 105 determines whether or not to hold the reset of the condition data 5C as follows.

  If any condition indicated in the hold condition data 5D stored in the reset hold condition storage unit 122 is indicated in the condition data 5C, it is determined that the reset should be held. If neither condition is indicated, it is determined that the reset should not be suspended. In this example, if “manual printing = on” or “insert = on” is indicated, it is determined that the reset should be suspended. If neither is indicated, it is determined that the reset should not be suspended.

  The condition reset unit 106 resets the condition data 5C as follows according to the determination result by the reset hold necessity determination unit 105.

  If it is determined that the reset should not be suspended, the condition resetting unit 106 immediately updates the condition data 5C to indicate the default condition. As a result, the condition data 5C is reset.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reset should be suspended, the reset suspension necessity determination unit 105 determines the time elapsed after the exit from the area 60 is detected by the area exit detection unit 104 (hereinafter referred to as “after exit”). Elapsed time T1 ") is requested to the elapsed time measuring unit 107 to measure.

  At the time of the request, the contents of the condition data 5C are maintained with the conditions specified by the user. That is, resetting the condition data 5C is suspended (avoided).

  In accordance with a request from the condition reset unit 106, the elapsed time measurement unit 107 starts to measure the elapsed time T1 after the exit when the exit from the area 60 is detected.

  Then, when the elapsed time T1 after exiting the predetermined time T0, the condition resetting unit 106 updates the condition data 5C to indicate the default condition.

  There may be a case where the area approach detection unit 101 detects human approach to the area 60 before the elapsed time T1 after leaving exceeds a predetermined time T0. In this case, the elapsed time measuring unit 107 finishes measuring the elapsed time T1 after leaving, and the condition resetting unit 106 stops resetting the condition data 5C. After the measurement of the elapsed time T1 after exit, the elapsed time T1 after exit may be reset to zero seconds, or may be left without being reset. When not resetting, after the exit is detected by the area exit detection unit 104 next time, the measurement of the elapsed time T1 after exit may be resumed.

  The administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 can arbitrarily set the predetermined time T0 on the reset time setting screen 7B shown in FIG. The reset time setting screen 7B is displayed on the touch panel display 10g when a predetermined command is input.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow related to a copy job.

  Next, an overall processing flow relating to a copy job in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 executes processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7 based on the copy application 11A. An example will be described in which no one is in the area 60 immediately after the copy application 11A is activated.

  When detecting that the user has entered the area 60 (Yes in # 701 in FIG. 7), the image forming apparatus 1 displays the condition designation screen 7A (see FIG. 5) (# 702).

  When the user designates (inputs) a job condition by operating the condition designation screen 7A (Yes in # 703), the job condition is accepted (# 704), and the condition data is reflected so that the accepted condition is reflected. 5C is updated (# 705). Thereby, conditions are set.

  Alternatively, when the user instructs the execution of the job (Yes in # 706), the job is executed according to the conditions indicated in the condition data 5C (# 707).

  Alternatively, when detecting that the user has left the area 60 (Yes in # 708), the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether any reset hold condition indicated in the hold condition data 5D is indicated in the condition data 5C. Check (# 709).

  If no reset hold condition is indicated (No in # 710), the image forming apparatus 1 updates the condition data 5C so that the default condition is indicated (# 714). As a result, the condition data 5C is reset.

  On the other hand, if any reset hold condition is indicated (Yes in # 710), the image forming apparatus 1 maintains the condition data 5C without resetting (# 711), and starts measuring the elapsed time T1 after exit. (# 712).

  Then, when the elapsed time T1 after exiting the predetermined time T0 (Yes in # 713), the image forming apparatus 1 resets the condition data 5C by updating the default data so as to indicate the default condition (# 714). ).

  When the image forming apparatus 1 detects that the user has entered the area 60 before the elapsed time T1 after exiting the predetermined time T0 (No in # 713, Yes in # 715), the image forming apparatus 1 measures the elapsed time T1 after exit. Is stopped (# 716).

  The image forming apparatus 1 appropriately executes the processes of steps # 701 to # 716 while the copy application 11A is being executed, that is, while the copy service is being provided (Yes in # 717).

  In step # 714, the image forming apparatus 1 may immediately switch the power mode to the power saving mode after resetting the condition data 5C. That is, the display of the screen on the display of the touch panel display 10g may be stopped. Alternatively, when the auxiliary storage device 10f is a hard disk, the rotation of the disk may be stopped or the rotation speed may be reduced more than usual. Alternatively, the heating of the fixing roller of the print unit 10s may be stopped, or the temperature of the fixing roller may be lowered below the temperature necessary for fixing (set temperature).

  According to the present embodiment, the inconvenience associated with specifying job conditions can be reduced as compared with the prior art.

  In the present embodiment, the reset hold necessity determination unit 105 determines that the condition data 5C is displayed if “manual printing” is indicated in the condition data 5C when the exit from the area 60 is detected by the area exit detection unit 104. Determined that resetting should be suspended. However, when a sheet is already set on the manual feed tray 10s2 when it is detected, it may be determined that the sheet should not be suspended.

  However, if the paper size indicated in the condition data 5C and the size of the paper set on the manual feed tray 10s2 are different, the reset hold necessity determination unit 105 should hold the reset of the condition data 5C. Is determined. At this time, a message notifying that the size of the set paper is not as specified may be displayed on the touch panel display 10g.

  Similarly, the reset hold necessity determination unit 105 determines that a sheet having a specified size is displayed even when “insert” is indicated in the condition data 5C when the area exit detection unit 104 detects that the area 60 has been withdrawn. If the post inserter 10ta has already been set, it may be determined that it should not be suspended.

  In the present embodiment, the hold condition data 5D indicates that “manual printing” and “insert” are applied as the conditions for holding the reset, but other conditions may be indicated. Good.

  For example, a condition for adjusting the ADF (Auto Document Feeder) of the scan unit 10r may be indicated in the holding condition data 5D. Alternatively, the condition that needs to adjust the finisher 10t may be indicated in the holding condition data 5D.

  Alternatively, when the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1 becomes necessary before executing the job, during the execution of the job, or after the execution of the job, the reset hold necessity determination unit 105 It may be determined that the reset of the condition data 5C should be suspended regardless of the contents of the data 5C, that is, regardless of the conditions specified by the user. Examples of maintenance include clearing paper jams, replenishing consumables (paper, staples, or toner), discarding dust generated by punch holes, and replacing parts.

  In this embodiment, the case where the conditions for a copy job are specified has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where other types of job conditions are specified. For example, the present invention can also be applied when a condition of a scan job (a job for scanning a document from a sheet and converting it into electronic data) is specified.

  In this case, for example, a condition that the divided reading is applied is registered in advance in the holding condition data 5D. The “divided reading” is a function for sequentially reading a plurality of documents from a sheet on which each document is written and converting them into electronic data, and collecting these electronic data into one file.

  Then, the reset hold necessity determination unit 105 determines that the reset of the condition data 5C should be held when this condition is indicated in the condition data 5C. When this condition is specified, the user returns to the user's seat from the place where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed, or staples (needles) out of a plurality of document sheets. In some cases, the user may be away from the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 such as going to look for a stapler or scissors to remove it. Therefore, by registering this condition in the hold condition data 5D, it is possible to delay the reset of the condition data 5C during the user's work.

  Note that after all the readings are completed, the reset hold necessity determination unit 105 may determine that resetting the condition data 5C should not be held.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined time T0 is set uniformly regardless of the reset hold condition, but the predetermined time T0 may be set for each reset hold condition. Or you may enable it to set predetermined time T0 for every maintenance.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not a person is present in the area 60 is monitored by the human sensor 10p, but may be monitored by another device. For example, you may monitor with a digital camera.

  Conventionally, the condition data 5C has been reset when the time during which the touch panel display 10g or the operation key panel 10h is not operated (so-called no-operation time) becomes equal to or greater than a certain value. Regardless of the length of the no-operation time, the condition data 5C may not be reset. However, it may be reset when the user inputs a predetermined command.

  In the present embodiment, the human sensor 10p is arranged in the image forming apparatus 1, but it may be attached to the ceiling or wall of the room where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire VPN 3 and the image forming apparatus 1 or each unit, the contents of processing, the order of processing, the configuration of the screen, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1 Image forming apparatus 10p Human sensor (detection means)
10r scan unit (scanner)
10s2 Bypass tray (tray)
10t finisher 10ta post inserter 105 reset hold necessity determination unit (condition control means)
106 Condition reset unit (condition control means)
107 Elapsed time measuring unit (time measuring means)
60 areas (predetermined areas)

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus that executes a job according to a specified condition that is a condition specified by a user,
Detecting means for detecting the presence of a person in a predetermined area which is a predetermined place in the vicinity of the place where the image forming apparatus is installed;
When the user needs to leave the predetermined area when executing the job, the specified condition is maintained even when the detection means no longer detects the presence, and the user Condition control means for canceling the designated condition when the detection means no longer detects the presence when there is no need to exit from the predetermined area;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Having time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time since the detection means no longer detects the presence,
When the user needs to leave the predetermined area, the condition control means maintains the specified condition while the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time, and if the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time. Cancel the specified condition,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The case where it is necessary to exit from the predetermined area is a case where the specified condition includes a condition that requires work performed by the user outside the predetermined area.
The case where it is not necessary to exit from the predetermined area is a case where a condition requiring the work is not included in the designated condition.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A tray for setting paper for printing an image outside the predetermined area;
The specified condition is to use the paper set in the tray;
The operation is an operation of setting the paper in the tray.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. A tray for setting paper for printing an image outside the predetermined area;
The specified condition is to use a first sheet of a specific size set in the tray;
The operation includes setting the first paper in the tray or removing the second paper from the tray when a second paper not having the specific size is set in the tray. Is to set the paper in the tray.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. Having a post inserter outside the predetermined area;
The job is a job including an insert process for attaching a sheet set on the post inserter as a cover or cover of a printed matter according to an option,
The specified condition is that the option is on,
The operation is an operation of setting the paper in the post inserter.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. Have a scanner,
The job is a job including a reading process of reading a document by the scanner,
The specified condition is that a plurality of the documents are used as targets of the reading process.
The operation is an operation of sequentially setting a plurality of sheets on which the document is written to the scanner.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. A finisher for processing printed paper on which an image is printed is provided outside the predetermined area,
The case where it is necessary to exit from the predetermined area is a case where it is necessary to replenish consumables used in the finisher or a case where it is necessary to discard the waste accumulated in the finisher.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A job condition management method for managing a specified condition, which is a condition specified by a user, of a job to be executed by an image forming apparatus,
Periodically detecting the presence of a person in a predetermined area which is a place where the image forming apparatus is installed or a predetermined place in the vicinity thereof;
When the user needs to leave the predetermined area when executing the job, the specified condition is maintained even when the presence is no longer detected, and the user exits the predetermined area when executing the job. When there is no need to exit, the specified condition is canceled when the existence is no longer detected.
A job condition management method characterized by the above. A computer program used in an image forming apparatus that executes a job according to a specified condition that is a condition specified by a user,
In the image forming apparatus,
An acquisition process for acquiring a detection result from a detection unit that detects the presence of a person in a predetermined area that is a predetermined place in the vicinity of the place where the image forming apparatus is installed;
When the user needs to leave the predetermined area when executing the job, the specified condition is maintained even when the detection means no longer detects the presence, and the user When there is no need to exit from the predetermined area, a condition management process is executed to release the designated condition when the detection means no longer detects the presence.
A computer program characterized by the above.

Images