JP2018170671A - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of suppressing a user from carrying out a task after a scheduled task end time has elapsed.SOLUTION: When a job (for example, a facsimile transmission job) is accepted, an image processing apparatus (for example, an MFP 10a) obtains a time (understanding required time T10) required for understanding contents of a reception target object related to the job (for example, a printout related to the facsimile transmission job) by a reception user (for example, a user U2) of the reception target object. Further, the MFP 10a also obtains a time (remaining work time T20) up to a scheduled task end time T2 related to the reception user U2. When the understanding required time T10 is longer than the remaining work time T20, the MFP 10a prohibits execution of the job (facsimile transmission job) in the MFP 10a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral), and a technology related thereto.

  In the image processing apparatus, when a job (for example, a job for transmitting facsimile data (facsimile transmission job)) is received, the job is immediately executed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-146874 A

  However, depending on the situation, it may not be desirable to immediately execute the accepted job.

  Specifically, when a job (for example, a facsimile transmission job) received immediately before the scheduled end time of the job is immediately executed, the receiving user of the received object (printed output material, etc.) related to the job ends the job After the scheduled time has passed, there are cases where work (overtime) related to the receiving object is performed.

  For example, when a facsimile transmission job received immediately before the scheduled end time of business (for example, 10 minutes before) is immediately executed and the transmission target data related to the facsimile transmission job is printed out by the transmission destination device, The print output is received immediately before the scheduled business end time, and the contents of the print output are confirmed. When the receiving user receives the printed output just before the scheduled business end time (10 minutes before), when the receiving user takes 20 minutes to understand the contents of the printed output, the receiving user 10 minutes of overtime will be performed after the scheduled end time.

  As described above, when a job received immediately before the scheduled end time of the job is immediately executed, a new task by the receiving user of the receiving object related to the job occurs immediately before the scheduled end time of the task. However, there is a case where overtime is performed after the scheduled end time of the business by passing the new business.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the technique which can suppress that a user performs a business after progress of the business end scheduled time.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image processing apparatus, and when a job is received, the time required for the receiving user of the receiving object related to the job to understand the contents of the receiving object. A first acquisition unit that acquires a certain time required for understanding; a second acquisition unit that acquires a remaining business time that is a time until a scheduled business end time for the receiving user when the job is received; Job control means for controlling an execution operation of the job in the image processing device according to a comparison result between the understanding required time and the remaining work time, and the job control means includes the understanding required time. When the job time is shorter than the work time, the execution of the job in the image processing apparatus is permitted. When the time required for understanding is longer than the remaining work time, the image processing is performed. And inhibits the execution of the job in the apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the first acquisition means has a document understanding rate that is the number of characters that the recipient user can understand per unit time. The time required for understanding the receiving user is calculated and acquired based on a document understanding rate predetermined for the receiving user and the number of characters included in the receiving object.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the first acquisition means is configured to use the receiving user based on a difficulty level predetermined for each language used in the receiving object. The time required for understanding is calculated.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the first acquisition unit acquires the time required for understanding specified by an input operation by a user who requested the job. And

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, when the job control unit prohibits execution of the job, the day to which the scheduled work end time belongs The job execution prohibition is canceled on the condition that attendance information indicating that the receiving user has attended work is acquired on the next work day.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, when the job control unit prohibits the execution of the job, the date to which the scheduled work end time belongs The job execution prohibition is canceled on the condition that the business start time for the receiving user on the next working day has arrived.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, when execution of the job is prohibited, there is an unexecuted job related to the recipient user. The information processing device further comprises notification means for notifying the receiving user.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the job control unit accepts a first type of print output job among a plurality of types of print output jobs. If it is determined, the execution permission / inhibition determination operation according to the comparison result between the understanding required time and the remaining work time is executed, and among the plurality of types of print output jobs, the first type print output job is When a different second type of print output job is received, the execution permission determination operation is not executed, the job is the first type print output job, and the job control means If the second type print output job exists in the image processing apparatus, the job is executed with priority over the second type print output job. It is characterized in.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the computer built in the image processing apparatus a) accepts a job, and b) accepts the job in step a), the user who receives the object to be received in the job Acquiring the required time for understanding, which is the time required for understanding the contents of the receiving object, and acquiring the remaining business time that is the time until the scheduled business end time for the receiving user; c) the step b) And a step of controlling an execution operation of the job in the image processing apparatus according to a comparison result between the understanding required time and the remaining business time acquired in step, wherein the step In c), when the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining work time, execution of the job in the image processing apparatus is not performed. It is volume, if the understanding required time is longer than the remaining business hours, and wherein the execution of the job in the image processing apparatus is prohibited.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system, a transmission source device that is a transmission source image processing device in a transmission job of data to be transmitted, and a transmission destination device that is a transmission destination image processing device in the transmission job; When the transmission job is received, the transmission source device acquires an understanding required time, which is a time required for a user receiving the printed output related to the transmission target data to understand the contents of the printed output A first acquisition unit; and a second acquisition unit that acquires a remaining business time, which is a time until a business end scheduled time for the receiving user when the transmission job is received; and the transmission job to execute the transmission First job control means for transmitting the target data to the transmission destination device, wherein the first job control means is configured so that the time required for understanding is the remaining work time. Is an output prohibition instruction indicating that the execution of the print output job on the transmission destination device relating to the transmission target data received from the transmission source device should be prohibited Is transmitted to the transmission destination device together with the transmission target data, and when the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining business time, the execution of the print output job is permitted in the transmission destination device, and the execution prohibition command The transmission target data is transmitted to the transmission destination apparatus without transmitting the transmission destination, and the transmission destination apparatus prohibits execution of the print output job when the execution prohibition instruction is received from the transmission source apparatus. The job control means.

  The invention of claim 11 is the image processing system according to the invention of claim 10, wherein the first acquisition means is a document comprehension rate that is the number of characters that the receiving user can understand per unit time. The understanding required time for the receiving user is calculated and acquired based on a document understanding rate predetermined for the receiving user and the number of characters included in the printed output.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the first acquisition unit is configured to determine the receiving user based on a difficulty level predetermined for each language used in the printed output. The time required for understanding is calculated.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first acquisition means acquires the time required for understanding specified by an input operation by a requesting user of the transmission job. Features.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, the execution prohibition instruction is issued by the receiving user on a work day next to a day to which the scheduled work end time belongs. A command that prohibits execution of the print output job until attendance information indicating that work has been acquired is obtained, and the second job control means, when execution of the print output job is prohibited, The execution prohibition of the print output job is canceled on condition that the information is acquired.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, the execution prohibition instruction relates to the receiving user on a work day next to a day to which the scheduled work end time belongs. This is a command to prohibit the execution of the print output job until the business start time arrives. When the execution of the print output job is prohibited, the second job control unit has reached the business start time. The execution prohibition of the print output job is canceled on the condition that it has been done.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, when the execution of the print output job is prohibited, the transmission destination device is not yet executed regarding the recipient user. And a notification means for notifying the receiving user that there is a job.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any one of the tenth to sixteenth aspects, the print output job is a first type of print output job among a plurality of types of print output jobs. The second job control unit is configured to output a second type of the plurality of types of print output jobs different from the first type of print output job when the execution of the print output job is permitted. When the print output job exists in the transmission destination apparatus, the print output job is executed with priority over the second type print output job.

  The invention of claim 18 is an image processing apparatus, and when a transmission job for transmitting transmission target data to a transmission destination apparatus is accepted, a receiving user of the printed output according to the transmission target data allows the contents of the printed output A first acquisition unit that acquires a time required for understanding, which is a time required for understanding, and a second time for acquiring a remaining business time that is a time until a scheduled job end time for the receiving user when the transmission job is received. An acquisition unit; and a job control unit that executes the transmission job and transmits the transmission target data to the transmission destination device, wherein the job control unit is longer than the remaining work time. Is a print output job based on the transmission job, and the print output at the transmission destination device related to the transmission target data received from the image processing device An execution prohibition instruction to prohibit the execution of the job is transmitted to the transmission destination device together with the transmission target data, and when the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining work time, the transmission destination device The execution of the print output job is permitted, and the transmission target data is transmitted to the transmission destination apparatus without transmitting the execution prohibition instruction.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer built in the image processing apparatus receives a transmission job for transmitting the transmission target data to the transmission destination apparatus, and b) accepts the transmission job in the step a). In this case, the receiving user of the printed output matter related to the transmission target data obtains the understanding time required for understanding the contents of the printed output matter, and the remaining time until the scheduled work end time related to the receiving user Obtaining a business time; c) executing the transmission job to transmit the transmission target data to the destination device; and the understanding required time and the remaining business time obtained in step b) And a step for executing an operation according to the comparison result of step c), wherein When the time required for understanding is longer than the remaining business time, the print output job based on the transmission job, and the execution of the print output job at the transmission destination device regarding the transmission target data received from the image processing device is executed. When the execution prohibition instruction indicating that it should be prohibited is transmitted to the transmission destination device together with the transmission target data, and the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining business time, execution of the print output job at the transmission destination device And the transmission target data is transmitted to the transmission destination device without transmitting the execution prohibition command.

  According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, when the time required for understanding the receiving user of the receiving object related to the job received by the image processing apparatus is longer than the remaining work time related to the receiving user, Execution of the job in the image processing apparatus is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from performing the business after the scheduled business end time has elapsed.

  Further, according to the invention described in claims 10 to 19, when the time required for understanding the receiving user of the printed output related to the transmission job of the transmission target data is longer than the remaining business time related to the receiving user, An execution prohibition instruction that prohibits execution of the print output job based on the transmission job is transmitted from the transmission source device of the transmission target data to the transmission destination device. Then, execution of a print output job related to the transmission target data is prohibited in the transmission destination apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from performing the business after the scheduled business end time has elapsed.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claims 8 and 17, when the execution of the first type of print output job is permitted and the second type of print output job exists, the first type of print output job exists. This type of job is executed with priority over the second type of print output job. Therefore, when the execution of the accepted job is permitted, the receiving user performs the business after the scheduled job end time has elapsed due to the delay in the execution of the job due to the presence of another print output job. It is possible to suppress.

It is a figure which shows an image processing system. It is a figure which shows the functional block of an image processing apparatus (MFP). It is a conceptual diagram which shows operation | movement in an image processing system. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an image processing apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows an example of operation of an image processing system. It is a conceptual diagram which shows operation | movement in the image processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows an example of operation of an image processing system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows operation | movement in the image processing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the transmission origin apparatus of transmission object data. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the transmission destination apparatus of transmission object data. 12 is a timing chart illustrating an example of an operation of the image processing system according to the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image processing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows operation | movement in the image processing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows an example of operation of an image processing system concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows operation | movement in the image processing system which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

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

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. Outline of configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image processing system 1 (1A) according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1A includes a plurality of image processing apparatuses 10 (10a, 10b,...) And an attendance management server 90.

  The plurality of image processing apparatuses 10 and the attendance management server 90 are connected to each other via a network 108 so as to communicate with each other. The network 108 is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and the like. Further, the connection mode to the network 108 may be wired connection or wireless connection.

  The attendance management server 90 is a server computer that manages attendance (such as a user's attendance, leaving work, absence from work) of an employee (user) of a certain company.

  For example, when a user goes to work or leaves the office, an ID card (a card in which an IC chip in which user identification information (user ID, etc.) is recorded) is embedded in a reader (not shown) installed at a predetermined position. Hold (close). The reading device acquires the user identification information of the possessing user of the ID card through communication with the ID card (IC chip embedded in the ID card), and transmits the acquired user identification information to the attendance management server 90. Then, the attendance management server 90 identifies the possessing user based on the acquired user identification information, and records the identified user's attendance (such as attendance time and attendance time).

  Here, although the user's attendance management in the attendance management server 90 is performed using the user's ID card and the reading device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user's attendance management in the attendance management server 90 may be performed in cooperation with an application (attendance management application) installed in the user's information processing terminal (such as a personal computer).

<1-2. Configuration of Image Processing Device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the image processing apparatus 10. Here, as the image processing apparatus 10, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is illustrated. The MFP 10 is also referred to as an image forming apparatus or a print output apparatus.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller (control unit) 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating these parts in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data (also referred to as document image data or scan data) of the document. It is. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints an image on various media such as paper based on print target data.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Further, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the network 108. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 10 can exchange various data with a desired partner (the attendance management server 90, another MFP 10 or the like). The communication unit 4 includes a transmission unit 4a that transmits various data and a reception unit 4b that receives various data.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a semiconductor memory. In the storage unit 5, an extension number assigned to each user and user identification information (user ID) of each user are registered in advance in association with each other. In the storage unit 5, each user's mail address and each user's user identification information are registered in advance in association with each other.

  The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information.

  The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-like operation panel unit 6c (see FIG. 1). Further, the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding various sensors or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and can display various information and accept various operation inputs from an operator (user).

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM (registered trademark)) in the CPU. Note that the program (specifically, a program module group) may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read from the recording medium, and installed in the MFP 10. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via the network 108 or the like and installed in the MFP 10.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 executes a communication control unit 11, an input control unit 12, a display control unit 13, a calculation unit 14, an acquisition unit 15, and a job control unit 16 by executing the program. Various processing units including the image processing unit 17 are realized.

  The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices (such as the attendance management server 90 and other MFPs) in cooperation with the communication unit 4 and the like. The communication control unit 11 includes a transmission control unit that controls a transmission operation of various data and a reception control unit that controls a reception operation of various data.

  The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input receiving operation and the like from the user for the operation input unit 6a (the touch panel 25 and the like).

  The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 6b (the touch panel 25 or the like). The display control unit 13 causes the touch panel 25 to display an operation screen for operating the MFP 10.

  The calculation unit 14 obtains (calculates) an understanding required time T10 (the following description) related to a receiving user (receiving user) of a receiving object (printed output etc.) related to a received job (for example, a facsimile transmission job). Part. The time required for understanding T10 (FIG. 3) is the time required for the recipient user to understand the contents of the print object. A method for calculating the time required for understanding T10 will be described later.

  The acquisition unit 15 is a processing unit that acquires the remaining business time T20 (described below) related to the receiving user. The remaining business time T20 (FIG. 3) is a time from a predetermined time point regarding a received job (for example, a facsimile transmission job) to a scheduled business end time T2 regarding the receiving user. More specifically, the acquisition unit 15 starts from the time T1 (in other words, the current time) when the instruction to execute the facsimile transmission job is given, and the end time T2 (predetermined in advance) at the company to which the receiving user belongs. The time until the end time of the given working time) (for example, 18:00) is acquired as the remaining work time T20 for the receiving user.

  The job control unit 16 is a processing unit that controls a job execution operation in the own apparatus 10. Specifically, when a predetermined job (for example, a facsimile transmission job) is accepted, the job control unit 16 compares the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user with the remaining work time T20 related to the receiving user. Then, the job control unit 16 controls the execution operation of the facsimile transmission job in the own apparatus 10 according to the comparison result. For example, when the required understanding time T10 is shorter than the remaining work time T20, the job control unit 16 allows the facsimile transmission job to be executed and immediately executes the facsimile transmission job. On the other hand, when the required understanding time T10 is longer than the remaining business time T20, the job control unit 16 prohibits execution of the facsimile transmission job until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  The image processing unit 17 is a processing unit capable of executing image processing on scan data generated for a document. Specifically, the image processing unit 17 performs optical character recognition processing (also referred to as OCR processing (Optical Character Recognition)) on the scan data.

<1-3. Operation>
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation in the present system 1 (1A).

  Here, a transmission job (facsimile transmission job) in which the user U1 transmits (facsimile transmission) the transmission target data (printing target data) (facsimile data in this case) related to a document to the user U2 at 17:50. Is assumed to be given to the MFP 10a. Here, the closing time T2 in the company to which the user U2 belongs is 18:00. Furthermore, it is assumed that the user U1 and the user U2 exist at different sites within the same company.

  Specifically, when the MFP 10a (transmission target data transmission source device) receives a facsimile transmission job, the receiving user of the reception target object (transmission target information (here, the print output)) related to the facsimile transmission job. , The understanding required time T10 and the remaining business time T20 are acquired. Then, the MFP 10a compares both, and if the required understanding time T10 is longer than the remaining business time T20, the MFP 10a prohibits (holds) the execution of the facsimile transmission job in the own apparatus 10a.

  Thereafter, in response to the receiving user going to work on the next working day of the receiving user (for example, the next day), the MFP 10a cancels the prohibition of execution of the prohibited facsimile transmission job (facsimile transmission job addressed to the receiving user). Then, the facsimile transmission job is executed. Specifically, the MFP 10a transmits the transmission target data to the MFP 10 (for example, the MFP 10b) provided in the department to which the receiving user belongs. Then, the MFP 10b (the transmission destination device of the transmission target data) prints out the transmission target data received from the MFP 10a, and the receiving user receives the printed output.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 10. Here, each process of FIG. 4 is executed in the MFP 10 (10a) to which the execution instruction of the facsimile transmission job is given. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the image processing system 1 (1A) according to this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the system 1 (1A) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S11 (FIG. 4), the MFP 10 (MFP 10a) determines whether or not a predetermined job (in this case, a facsimile transmission job) has been accepted.

  Specifically, the user U1 (facsimile transmission job requesting user) places the document at a predetermined position of the MFP 10a and performs various settings related to the facsimile transmission job on the MFP 10a. For example, the requesting user U1 inputs, as destination information, the extension number assigned to the user (here, the user U2) who receives the printed output related to the facsimile transmission job on the facsimile transmission job setting screen (not shown). To do. Then, the requesting user U1 gives an instruction to execute a facsimile transmission job addressed to the user U2 to the MFP 10a by, for example, pressing a “start” button (not shown).

  The MFP 10a determines in step S11 that the facsimile transmission job has been accepted based on the instruction to execute the facsimile transmission job.

  In response to the instruction to execute the facsimile transmission job, the MFP 10a reads the document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10a and generates transmission target data (facsimile data). Further, the MFP 10a (image processing unit 17) performs OCR processing on the scan data of the document. Note that the processing result (character recognition result) of the OCR processing is used to calculate the time required for understanding T10, as will be described later.

  When the facsimile transmission job is accepted in step S11, the process proceeds to step S12, and the MFP 10a specifies the receiving user (reception target user) of the printed output related to the facsimile transmission job (see also FIG. 5).

  Specifically, based on the extension number (destination information) input by the requesting user U1 on the setting screen of the facsimile transmission job, the MFP 10a has a destination (recipient user of the reception target object) related to the facsimile transmission job ( Here, the user U2) is specified (step S12). As described above, in each MFP 10, the extension number assigned to each user and the user identification information (user ID) of each user are registered in advance in association with each other.

  Then, the process proceeds to steps S13 and S14, and the MFP 10a acquires the understanding required time T10 (FIG. 3) and the remaining business time T20 for the specified receiving user (here, user U2).

  Specifically, in step S13, the MFP 10a (calculation unit 14) acquires (calculates) an understanding required time T10 related to the specified recipient user (see also FIG. 5).

  Specifically, the MFP 10a acquires the number of characters (the actual number of characters) D (10000 characters in this case) included in the printed output of the facsimile transmission job based on the character recognition result regarding the read document. Further, based on the character recognition result, the MFP 10a acquires the language used in the printed output (natural language used in the printed output) (here, Japanese).

  Here, in this system 1, the number of characters that each user can understand per unit time (for example, per minute) (also referred to as document understanding rate R) (characters / minute) based on the ability of each user, etc. Is predetermined. For example, “500 characters / minute” is predetermined for the document understanding rate R of the user U2. In the system 1, the difficulty (understanding difficulty) α (α ≧ 1) is determined in advance for each language used in the printed output. For example, a value “1” is defined for the Japanese difficulty level α, and a value “2” (a value higher than the Japanese difficulty level) is defined for the English difficulty level α.

  Then, the MFP 10a (calculating unit 14) determines the difficulty level determined in advance for each number of characters D included in the printed output related to the facsimile transmission job, the document understanding rate R regarding the receiving user U2, and the language used in the printed output. Based on α, an understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is calculated and acquired (step S13). Specifically, the calculation unit 14 calculates an understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 based on the formula “α × (D / R)”.

  Here, the number of characters D acquired from the character recognition result of the read document is “10000 (characters)”, and the document understanding rate R predetermined for the user U2 is “500 (characters / minute)”. The language used in the printed output is Japanese (difficulty α = 1). Therefore, the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is “20 minutes (= 1 × (10000/500))”.

  Here, although the difficulty level α of the language used is used for calculating the understanding required time T10, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the level of difficulty α may not be used for calculating the time required for understanding T10, and the time required for understanding T10 may be calculated based only on the number of characters D and the document understanding rate R.

  Then, the process proceeds from step S13 to step S14, and the MFP 10a also acquires the remaining work time T20 related to the receiving user U2 (time until the scheduled work end time T2 related to the receiving user U2) (FIG. 3) (also FIG. 5). reference).

  Specifically, the MFP 10a (acquisition unit 15) determines the time from the time T1 when the instruction to execute the facsimile transmission job is given to the end time T2 predetermined by the company to which the receiving user U2 belongs, as the receiving user U2 It is acquired as the remaining work time T20 (= T2-T1). Here, the execution instruction of the facsimile transmission job addressed to the receiving user U2 is given at 17:50 (T1), and the closing time T2 in the company to which the receiving user U2 belongs is 18:00. Therefore, the remaining work time T20 regarding the receiving user U2 is “10 minutes (= T2−T1)”.

  When the required understanding time T10 and the remaining business time T20 are acquired for the receiving user U2 (steps S13 and S14), the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) compares the acquired required understanding time T10 and the remaining business time T20. (Step S15) (see also FIGS. 3 and 5). Then, the job control unit 16 controls the execution operation of the facsimile transmission job in the MFP 10a according to the comparison result (the magnitude relationship between the value T10 and the value T20).

  For example, when the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is shorter than the remaining work time T20 (T10 <T20), the process proceeds from step S15 to step S20, and the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) receives the accepted job ( Facsimile transmission job) is allowed. Here, even when the required understanding time T10 and the remaining work time T20 are equal (T10 = T20), execution of the facsimile transmission job is allowed.

  Then, the process proceeds from step S20 to step S19, and the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) executes the facsimile transmission job (immediately). Specifically, the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) transmits transmission target data (facsimile data) generated in response to an instruction to execute a facsimile transmission job to a transmission destination apparatus (output destination apparatus) (here, the MFP 10b). To do. Thereafter, the MFP 10b prints out the transmission target data (facsimile data) received from the MFP 10a, and the receiving user U2 receives the printed output related to the transmission target data.

  As described above, when the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is shorter than the remaining work time T20, the accepted facsimile transmission job is immediately executed. In short, when it is determined that the user U2 who has received the printed output related to the facsimile transmission job can understand the contents of the printed output before the scheduled end time T2, the facsimile transmission is performed. The job is executed immediately.

  On the other hand, if the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is longer than the remaining business time T20 (T10> T20), the process proceeds from step S15 to step S16, and the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) receives the accepted job ( The execution of the facsimile transmission job is prohibited (see also FIG. 3).

  Specifically, the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) acquires attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has attended work on the next work day (for example, the next day) following the day (today) to which the scheduled work end time T2 belongs. The execution of the facsimile transmission job is temporarily prohibited (suspended) (step S16) (see also FIG. 5). Note that the transmission target data (facsimile data) related to the prohibited facsimile transmission job (facsimile transmission job addressed to the receiving user U2) is stored in the MFP 10a.

  Then, the process proceeds from step S16 to step S17.

  In step S17, the MFP 10a notifies the receiving user U2 that there is an unexecuted job related to the receiving user U2 (see also FIG. 5). Specifically, the MFP 10a (communication control unit 11) sends an email including a message that there is an unexecuted job related to the user U2 (and an understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2) to the user U2 (the user U2's Send to e-mail address. According to this, the receiving user U2 can know in advance the existence of a job addressed to himself / herself whose execution is prohibited (in other words, the existence of a new business). As a result, for example, the receiving user U2 can perform scheduling related to the business on the next working day (next day) in consideration of the existence of the new business.

  Further, the MFP 10a transmits an e-mail including a message indicating that execution of the job given by the requesting user U1 (job addressed to the user U2) is incomplete to the user U1 (addressed to the mail address of the user U1). .

  Further, the MFP 10a notifies the attendance management server 90 to the MFP 10a of attendance information indicating that the user U2 has worked on the next working day of the user U2 at the time of recording (detecting) the next attendance of the user U2. Send a transmission request to the effect.

  After that, for example, in response to the receiving user U2 going to work the next day, the prohibition of execution of the prohibited (suspended) facsimile transmission job (facsimile transmission job addressed to the user U2) is canceled and the facsimile transmission job is executed. (Steps S18 and S19).

  Specifically, the MFP 10a determines whether or not the receiving user U2 has gone to work (step S18). In more detail, when the attendance management server 90 records (detects) the attendance of the user U2 on the next day, for example, the user U2 attends the next workday (the next workday to which the scheduled work end time T2 belongs). The attendance information to that effect is notified to the MFP 10a. Based on the acquisition of the attendance information from the attendance management server 90, the MFP 10a determines in step S18 that the receiving user U2 has attended work on the next work day.

  Then, the process proceeds from step S18 to step S19.

  In step S19, the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) executes a facsimile transmission job (see also FIG. 5). Specifically, the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) cancels the prohibition of execution of the facsimile transmission job prohibited (suspended) with respect to the receiving user U2, and generates the transmission generated in response to the instruction to execute the facsimile transmission job. The target data (facsimile data) is transmitted to the transmission destination apparatus (MFP 10b).

  Then, the MFP 10b prints out the transmission target data received by facsimile from the MFP 10a (executes a print output job related to the transmission target data), and the receiving user U2 receives the printed output related to the transmission target data.

  As described above, when the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 is longer than the remaining work time T20 (T10> T20), the accepted facsimile transmission job is not immediately executed, and the receiving user U2 goes to work on the next working day. The facsimile transmission job is executed on the condition.

  When the execution of the facsimile transmission job is completed, the MFP 10a notifies the requesting user (user U1) that the execution of the facsimile transmission job is completed. Specifically, the MFP 10a prints out a completion report (completion report) of the facsimile transmission job by the own apparatus 10a.

  For example, if execution of the accepted facsimile transmission job is permitted (step S20), in response to the completion of execution of the facsimile transmission job on today (the date on which the facsimile transmission job is accepted), the MFP 10a performs facsimile processing. Print out the transmission job completion report. On the other hand, when the execution of the facsimile transmission job is prohibited (step S16), in response to the completion of execution of the facsimile transmission job on the next working day of the receiving user U2 (the day when the prohibition of execution of the facsimile transmission job is released). Then, the MFP 10a prints out the completion report.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 of the receiving target (printed output) related to the job (here, the facsimile transmission job) received by the MFP 10a is the receiving user U2. Is longer than the remaining work time T20, the execution of the facsimile transmission job in the MFP 10a is prohibited. In other words, when the receiving user U2 understands the contents of the printed output, the actual work end time of the receiving user U2 exceeds the scheduled work end time T2 (here, 18:00). Execution of the facsimile transmission job is prohibited. Therefore, the receiving user U2 does not have to receive the printed output related to the new job immediately before the scheduled job end time T2. Therefore, the occurrence of a new (sudden) task (a task that requires a longer time than the remaining task time T20 to understand its contents) immediately before the scheduled task end time T2 for the receiving user U2 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user (reception user U2) from performing work (overtime) after the scheduled work end time T2 has elapsed due to the occurrence of a new work immediately before the scheduled work end time T2. .

  In the first embodiment, the receiving user of the receiving object related to the facsimile transmission job is specified based on the extension number input on the facsimile transmission job setting screen (step S12). It is not limited to. For example, the receiving user may be specified based on a character recognition result in a specific area (for example, an area corresponding to the addressed portion on the cover of the original) in the scan data of the original.

  In the first embodiment, the MFP 10a acquires the attendance information related to the receiving user U2 from the attendance management server 90, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the time management of each user is performed using the time management application installed in the personal computer of each user, the MFP 10a receives the attendance information (not the time management server 90) of the personality of the receiving user U2. You may make it acquire from a computer.

  Specifically, device identification information of each user's personal computer is registered in advance in each MFP 10. If execution of the facsimile transmission job addressed to the receiving user U2 is prohibited, the MFP 10a transmits a request for transmitting attendance information related to the user U2 to the personal computer of the user U2. Thereafter, for example, when the user U2's attendance is recorded on the next day, the user U2's personal computer notifies the MFP 10a of attendance information related to the user U2. Then, the MFP 10a acquires the attendance information from the personal computer of the user U2.

  As described above, the attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has started working on the next working day may be acquired from the personal computer of the receiving user U2 in the MFP 10a.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the required understanding time T10 related to the receiving user U2 is equal to the remaining work time T20 (T10 = T20), execution of the accepted job (facsimile transmission job) is permitted ( Step S20) is not limited to this. If the understanding required time T10 and the remaining work time T20 are equal (T10 = T20), the execution of the accepted job may be prohibited (step S16). As described above, when the equal sign is established with respect to the magnitude relationship between the value T10 and the value T20, any of the processes in steps S16 to S18 and the process in step S20 may be executed.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, each process of FIG. 4 is executed in the apparatus (for example, MFP 10a) on the transmission side of the transmission target data related to the facsimile transmission job (see also FIGS. 3 and 5).

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, each process of FIG. 4 is executed in a device (transmission destination device) (for example, MFP 10b) on the reception side of the transmission target data (see also FIGS. 6 and 7). .

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation of the image processing system 1 (1A) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the image processing system 1 (1A) according to the second embodiment. Note that steps S21 to S29 in FIG. 7 correspond to steps S11 to S19 in FIG. 5 (and FIG. 4).

  Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user U1 transmits (facsimile transmission) transmission target data (facsimile data) related to a document to the user U2 (facsimile transmission job). Is assumed to be given to the MFP 10a.

  Specifically, the MFP 10a executes the facsimile transmission job in response to an instruction to execute the facsimile transmission job addressed to the user U2 by the requesting user U1. Specifically, the MFP 10a transmits transmission target data (facsimile data) related to the document to the transmission destination apparatus (here, the MFP 10b) (see also FIG. 6). Note that the MFP 10a also transmits the character recognition result (the number of characters D and the language used) for the scan data of the document to the MFP 10b.

  When the MFP 10b receives the transmission target data (facsimile data) related to the facsimile transmission job, the MFP 10b indicates that the print output job (facsimile reception print job (described below)) based on the facsimile transmission job has been received in step S21. (See also FIG. 6). The facsimile reception print job is a print output job based on the facsimile transmission job executed by the transmission source apparatus (in this case, the MFP 10a), and the facsimile data received from the transmission source apparatus is printed by the transmission destination apparatus. It is an output job.

  After steps S22 to S24, the MFP 10b (job control unit 16) compares the required understanding time T10 related to the receiving user U2 with the remaining work time T20 (step S25). In addition, the processing content of step S22-S24 is the same as the processing content of step S12-S14 (FIG. 4) of 1st Embodiment.

  For example, when the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is longer than the remaining work time T20, the MFP 10b (job control unit 16) does not receive the attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has worked on the next working day. Execution of the facsimile reception print job is prohibited (step S26) (see also FIG. 6).

  Thereafter, on the condition that attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has attended work is acquired from the attendance management server 90 (step S28) on the next work day (for example, the next day), the MFP 10b executes the prohibited facsimile reception print job. The prohibition is canceled and the facsimile reception print job is executed (step S29). Specifically, the MFP 10b prints out the facsimile data received from the MFP 10a. Then, the receiving user U2 receives a printed output related to the facsimile data.

  On the other hand, when the required understanding time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is shorter than the remaining work time T20, the MFP 10b (job control unit 16) allows the facsimile reception print job to be executed and immediately executes the facsimile reception print job. Specifically, the MFP 10b prints out the facsimile data received from the MFP 10a. Then, the receiving user U2 receives a printed output related to the facsimile data (a printed output printed by the MFP 10b).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, in the apparatus on the receiving side of the transmission target data, the accepted job (in this case, facsimile reception) according to the comparison result between the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user and the remaining work time T20. (Print job) execution operation is controlled.

<3. Third Embodiment>
The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the apparatus (MFP 10a) on the transmission side of the transmission target data (facsimile data) related to the facsimile transmission job prohibits the execution of the facsimile transmission job in the own apparatus 10a.

  In contrast, in the third embodiment, the device on the transmission side of the transmission target data (MFP 10a) prints the transmission target data on the device on the reception side of the transmission target data (transmission destination device) (MFP 10b). Prohibits execution of output job (facsimile reception print job). In other words, the transmission source device of the transmission target data prohibits the execution of the print output job in the transmission destination device based on the transmission job (facsimile transmission job) in the own device.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation of the image processing system 1 (1A) according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission target data in the transmission source apparatus (here, MFP 10a), and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission target data in the transmission destination apparatus (here, MFP 10b). Further, FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the image processing system 1 (1A) according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the third embodiment, the process of step S31 or the process of step S32 is executed according to the comparison result (size relationship) between the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 and the remaining work time T20. Is done. Note that the processing content of steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing content of steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 4 (first embodiment).

  For example, when the required understanding time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is longer than the remaining work time T20, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S31.

  In step S31, the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) executes the facsimile transmission job to transmit the transmission target data (facsimile data) to the transmission destination apparatus 10b, and also transmits an execution prohibition command (described below) to the transmission destination. Transmit to device 10b (see also FIG. 8). The execution prohibition instruction is a print output job based on a transmission job executed by the transmission source device 10a, and a predetermined execution of the print output job at the transmission destination device 10b related to the transmission target data received from the transmission source device. This is a command that should be prohibited until the above condition is satisfied (for example, until attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has attended work is acquired on the next working day).

  Thereafter, based on the reception of the facsimile data related to the facsimile transmission job in the transmission source apparatus 10a, the transmission destination apparatus 10b indicates that the print output job (facsimile reception print job) based on the facsimile transmission job has been received in step S21 ( In S21c) (FIG. 10), determination is made (see also FIG. 8). Then, the transmission destination apparatus 10b determines whether or not an execution prohibition instruction is received together with the facsimile data (step S41).

  If the execution prohibition command is received together with the facsimile data from the transmission source device 10a, the process proceeds to step S26. Then, the destination apparatus 10b does not immediately execute the accepted facsimile reception print job, but prohibits execution of the facsimile reception print job based on the execution prohibition instruction received from the transmission source apparatus 10a (Step S1). S26) (see also FIG. 11).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S27 and subsequent steps. The processes after step S27 are the same as those in the second embodiment. Specifically, the transmission destination apparatus 10b notifies the receiving user U2 that there is an actually executed job related to the receiving user U2 (step S27). Then, on the condition that the attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has attended work has been acquired on the next working day (step S28), the transmission destination device 10b cancels the prohibition of execution of the prohibited facsimile reception print job, and The facsimile reception print job is executed (step S29) (see also FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, if the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is shorter than the remaining work time T20, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S32. In step S32, the MFP 10a permits execution of the facsimile reception print job in the transmission destination apparatus 10b, executes the facsimile transmission job and transmits facsimile data to the transmission destination apparatus 10b without transmitting the execution prohibition instruction. To do.

  Then, in the transmission destination apparatus 10b, based on the fact that the execution prohibition instruction has not been received, the process proceeds from step S41 to step S29, and the MFP 10b (job control unit 16) responds to the reception of the facsimile data. The print output job (facsimile reception print job) relating to the facsimile data is immediately executed.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when the required understanding time T10 related to the receiving user U2 of the print output related to the transmission job of the transmission target data is longer than the remaining work time T20 related to the receiving user U2, the transmission job An execution prohibition instruction indicating that execution of a print output job based on the above should be prohibited is transmitted from the transmission source apparatus 10a to the transmission destination apparatus 10b. Then, in the transmission destination apparatus 10b, execution of the print output job relating to the transmission target data is prohibited. Therefore, the receiving user U2 does not have to receive the printed output related to the new job immediately before the scheduled job end time T2. Therefore, the occurrence of a new (sudden) task (a task that requires a longer time than the remaining task time T20 to understand its contents) immediately before the scheduled task end time T2 for the receiving user U2 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user (reception user U2) from performing work (overtime) after the scheduled work end time T2 has elapsed due to the occurrence of a new work immediately before the scheduled work end time T2. .

  In the third embodiment, when the execution of the print output job in the transmission destination apparatus 10b is prohibited, the transmission destination apparatus 10b notifies the reception user U2 that there is an actual execution job related to the reception user U2. However, it is not limited to this. When the execution of the print output job in the transmission destination apparatus 10b is prohibited, the transmission source apparatus 10a may notify the reception user U2 that there is an actual execution job related to the reception user U2.

<4. Fourth Embodiment>
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the operation of the MFP 10 (MFP 10a) when a facsimile transmission job is accepted is exemplified.

  On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the operation of the MFP 10a when a server storage job (described below) is accepted will be exemplified. The server storage job is a job for transmitting a receiving object (in this embodiment, receiving object data) to the storage server 70 (FIG. 12) and storing it.

  Thus, the “reception target object” in the present invention can include data (reception target data). In addition, for the operation in which the user receives the receiving object (receiving object data), the user accesses the storage server 70 using his / her personal computer 50 (FIG. 12) or the like and receives the receiving object data (in the storage server 70). An operation of receiving (substantially) the data to be received by viewing (browsing) the visualized (imaged) data (information) may be included.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an image processing system 1 (1B) according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the fourth embodiment, a storage server 70 is provided. The storage server 70 is a server computer capable of storing various data such as scan data. The storage server 70 is provided with a directory for each user.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation of the image processing system 1 (1B) according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the image processing system 1 (1B) according to the fourth embodiment.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, each process of FIG. 4 is executed as in the first embodiment. However, the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment are different in the types of accepted jobs and the execution contents of the jobs.

  Specifically, the user U1 gives an instruction to execute a server storage job using the MFP 10a.

  Specifically, the user U1 (user who requested the server storage job) places the document at a predetermined position of the MFP 10a and makes various settings related to the server storage job on the MFP 10a. For example, the request source user U1 uses a specific directory (for example, a directory provided for the user U2) in the storage server 70 on the server storage job setting screen (not shown), and stores the scan data storage destination directory (upload destination directory). ). Then, the user U1 gives an instruction to execute the server storage job to the MFP 10a by, for example, pressing a “start” button (not shown).

  In step S11, the MFP 10a determines that the server storage job has been accepted by giving an instruction to execute the server storage job (see also FIG. 13). Then, the MFP 10a reads the document and generates scan data (reception target data (viewing target data)).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12, and the MFP 10a specifies the receiving user (scan data browsing target user) of the receiving target (scan data) related to the server storage job. Specifically, the MFP 10a sends a user who has access authority to the directory specified in the server storage job (here, user U2) to a receiving user (viewing target) of a receiving target (scan data) related to the server storing job. User).

  Then, the MFP 10a acquires the understanding required time T10 and the remaining business time T20 for the specified receiving user U2 (steps S13 and S14), and compares the understanding required time T10 for the receiving user U2 and the remaining business time T20. (Step S15) (see also FIG. 13). In addition, the acquisition method (calculation method) of the required understanding time T10 and the acquisition method of the remaining work time T20 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  For example, if the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is shorter than the remaining work time T20, the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) allows the received server storage job to be executed (step S20), and the server storage job is Execute (Step S19). Specifically, the MFP 10a transmits (uploads) scan data (reception target data) related to a document to the storage server 70 using various communication protocols (SMB (Server Message Block) or the like).

  The storage server 70 stores the reception target data (scan data) received from the MFP 10a in a designated directory (here, a directory for the user U2). Then, the MFP 10a notifies the requesting user U1 that the execution of the server storage job is completed using an electronic mail or the like. Thereafter, the receiving user U2 uses his / her personal computer 50 to access his / her directory in the storage server 70 and visually recognize (view) the receiving target data (scan data stored by the server storage job). The receiving object data is received by.

  On the other hand, if the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is longer than the remaining business time T20, the MFP 10a (job control unit 16) prohibits the execution of the accepted server storage job (step S16) (see also FIG. 13). . Then, the MFP 10a notifies the receiving user U2 that there is an unexecuted job related to the receiving user U2 using e-mail or the like (step S17).

  Thereafter, when attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has worked on the next working day (for example, the next day) of the receiving user is acquired from the attendance management server 90 (step S18), the MFP 10a prohibits execution of the prohibited server storage job. And the server storage job is executed (step S19). Specifically, the MFP 10a transmits (uploads) the scan data temporarily stored in the MFP 10a to the storage server 70 using various communication protocols.

  The storage server 70 stores the scan data received from the MFP 10b in a designated directory (directory for the user U2), and the MFP 10b notifies the requesting user U1 that the execution of the server storage job has been completed. Notify using email etc. Then, the receiving user U2 uses his / her personal computer 50 to access his / her directory in the storage server 70 and visually recognize (view) the receiving object data, thereby receiving the receiving object data.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the server storage job execution operation in the MFP 10a is controlled in accordance with the comparison result between the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 and the remaining work time T20.

<5. Fifth Embodiment>
The fifth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, execution of a job (for example, a facsimile transmission job) given by a user (user U1) different from the receiving user (user U2) is prohibited.

  On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, execution of a job (for example, a copy job) given by the receiving user (user U2) itself is prohibited.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation of the image processing system 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

  Here, it is assumed that the user U2 gives an instruction to execute a copy job (print output job) of a document to the MFP 10b at 17:50. The user U2 is also a copy job requesting user and a user who receives a printed output related to the copy job.

  Also in the fifth embodiment, each process of FIG. 4 is executed as in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, user U2 (copy job requesting user) logs in to MFP 10b using the user identification information and places the document at a predetermined position on MFP 10b. Then, after making various settings related to the copy job, the request source user U2 gives an instruction to execute the copy job to the MFP 10b by pressing a “start” button (not shown), for example.

  The MFP 10b determines in step S11 that the copy job has been accepted based on the copy job execution instruction (see also FIG. 15). Then, the MFP 10b reads the original and generates print target data (scan data).

  Thereafter, the MFP 10b specifies the receiving user (here, the user U2 (the same user as the requesting user)) based on the user identification information of the login user (step S12), and the understanding required time T10 and the remaining time regarding the receiving user U2 The business time T20 is acquired (steps S13 and S14). In addition, the acquisition method (calculation method) of the required understanding time T10 and the acquisition method of the remaining work time T20 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Then, the MFP 10b (job control unit 16) compares the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 with the remaining work time T20 (step S15) (see also FIG. 15), and performs the copy job execution operation according to the comparison result. Control.

  For example, if the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is shorter than the remaining business time T20, the MFP 10b allows the received copy job to be executed (step S20) and executes the copy job (step S19). Specifically, the MFP 10b prints out print target data regarding the document. Then, the receiving user U2 (requesting user) receives the printed output related to the copy job.

  On the other hand, when the understanding required time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is longer than the remaining work time T20, the MFP 10b executes the accepted copy job until the attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has worked is acquired on the next working day. Is prohibited (step S16) (see also FIG. 15). Then, the MFP 10b notifies the user U2 that there is an uncompleted job related to the user U2 using e-mail or the like (step S17). Note that the print target data (scan data) generated for the document is temporarily stored in the MFP 10b.

  Thereafter, when attendance information indicating that the receiving user U2 has attended work is acquired from the attendance management server 90 on the next working day (for example, the next day) of the receiving user U2 (step S18), the MFP 10b prohibits execution of the copy job. The copy job is executed after being canceled (step S19). Specifically, the MFP 10b prints out the print target data temporarily stored in the own device 10b. Then, the receiving user U2 receives the printed output related to the copy job.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when the required understanding time T10 regarding the receiving user U2 is longer than the remaining work time T20, execution of a job (here, a copy job) given by the receiving user U2 is prohibited. . In other words, even when a copy job execution instruction is given (voluntarily) by the receiving user U2 itself, the receiving user U2 understands the contents of the printed output related to the copy job. When the actual job end time of the receiving user U2 exceeds the scheduled job end time T2, the execution of the copy job is prohibited. As a result, the occurrence of a new job (a job that requires a longer time than the remaining job time T20 for understanding the contents) immediately before the scheduled job end time T2 for the receiving user U2 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user (reception user U2) from performing work (overtime) after the scheduled work end time T2 has elapsed due to the occurrence of a new work immediately before the scheduled work end time T2. .

<Modification of Fifth Embodiment>
Here, when the receiving user U2 gives an instruction to execute a copy job, the idea of the fifth embodiment (control of the execution operation of the job given by the receiving user himself) is applied. It is not limited to. For example, the idea of the fifth embodiment can also be applied when the receiving user U2 gives an instruction to execute a PC print job (described below) using his / her personal computer or the like. The PC print job is a print output job for printing out print target data received from the personal computer based on an execution command from the personal computer.

  Specifically, when the user U2 gives a PC print job execution instruction using his / her personal computer or the like, the personal computer sends a PC print job (printing) to the output destination device (for example, the MFP 10b) of the print target data. Target data and execution commands). The personal computer transmits user identification information of the user U2 and character information about the print target data (the number D of characters included in the print target data and the language used) to the MFP 10b together with the print target data.

  The MFP 10b accepts a PC print job based on reception of print target data from a personal computer (step S11), and receives a print output product related to the PC print job based on the user identification information (user U2). Is specified (step S12). Then, the MFP 10b calculates an understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 based on the character information (number of characters D and language used) and the document understanding rate R related to the user U2 (step S13). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14 and subsequent steps. The processes after step S14 are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

<6. Modified example>
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described content.

<Modification regarding priority execution of accepted print output job>
For example, in the second, third, and fifth embodiments, the print output job may be preferentially executed when the accepted print output job is allowed to be executed. In other words, a print output job that is permitted to be executed based on the determination that the receiving user can understand the contents of the printed output before the scheduled end time T2 is preferentially executed. You may make it do.

  Specifically, with respect to the second and fifth embodiments, the execution is permitted based on the execution permission / inhibition determination operation (step S15, etc.) according to the comparison result between the understanding required time T10 and the remaining work time T20 in the MFP 10b. The printed output job may be preferentially executed in the MFP 10b.

  Specifically, when a specific type of print output job is accepted among a plurality of types of print output jobs, the MFP 10b executes the execution permission / inhibition determination operation (step S15 and the like). For example, in the second embodiment, the MFP 10b executes the execution permission / inhibition determination operation when a facsimile reception print job is accepted. For example, in the fifth embodiment, when a copy job is accepted, the MFP 10b executes the execution permission / inhibition determination operation.

  On the other hand, when a type of print output job (for example, a PC print job) different from the specific type of print output job is received from among a plurality of types of print output jobs, the MFP 10 b performs an operation permission determination operation. Do not execute. In the modified example of the fifth embodiment, when a PC print job is received, the execution permission / inhibition determination operation is executed. Here, the PC print job is a target of the execution permission / inhibition determination operation. It is assumed that this is an external print output job (a print output job of a type different from the specific type of print output job).

  When the MFP 10b permits the execution of the specific type of print output job, if the MFP 10b has a different type of print output job (in this case, a PC print job) from the specific type of print output job, the MFP 10b A specific type of print output job is executed with priority (interrupted) over the PC print job.

  For example, when execution of a specific type of print output job (facsimile reception print job or copy job) is permitted, and there is a PC print job being executed in the MFP 10b, the MFP 10b selects the PC print job being executed. Temporarily interrupt and execute the specific type of print output job. Then, after the execution of the specific type of print output job is completed, the execution of the interrupted PC print job is resumed. Further, when execution of a specific type of print output job is permitted and there is a PC print job in a standby state in the MFP 10b, the MFP 10b preferentially prints the specific type of print over the PC print job in a standby state. Execute the output job.

  In the third embodiment, a print output job that is permitted to be executed in the transmission destination apparatus 10b based on the execution permission determination operation (step S15 or the like) in the transmission source apparatus 10a is executed in the transmission destination apparatus 10b. It may be executed preferentially.

  Specifically, when execution of a specific type of print output job (facsimile reception print job) is permitted, a type of print output job (for example, a PC print job) different from the facsimile reception print job is sent to the destination apparatus 10b. If it exists, the destination apparatus 10b executes the facsimile reception print job with priority over the PC print job.

  As described above, when execution of a specific type of print output job is permitted, if there is a print output job of a type different from the specific type of print output job in the MFP 10b, the specific type of print output job is It may be executed with priority over other types of print output jobs. According to this, when execution of the received specific type of print output job is permitted, the job is scheduled to end due to the delay in starting execution of the specific type of print output job due to the presence of another print output job. It is possible to prevent the receiving user U2 from performing work after the elapse of time T2.

<Variation regarding acquisition of understanding required time T10>
In the first to fourth embodiments, the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user (for example, the user U2) of the receiving object related to the received job is automatically calculated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the time required for understanding T10 may be input by the requesting user (for example, user U1) of the job.

  Specifically, the requesting user U1 may estimate (estimate) and input (perform an input operation) the understanding required time T10 related to the receiving user U2 when instructing execution of a job (facsimile transmission job or the like). Good. Then, the MFP 10 (for example, the MFP 10a) may acquire the required understanding time T10 (the required understanding time T10 regarding the receiving user U2) designated by the input operation by the requesting user U1.

<Modification regarding the start point (start) of the remaining work time T20>
Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the time point T1 at which the job execution instruction is given is used as the starting point (starting point) of the remaining work time T20 related to the receiving user. For example, the predicted execution completion time of the job when the job is temporarily executed may be used as the starting point of the remaining work time T20.

  Specifically, when a print output job (such as a facsimile reception print job or a copy job) is received, the MFP 10 automatically sets the completion time of the print output job (the time at which print output of all print output materials is completed). You may make it estimate (estimate) based on the processing capability of the apparatus 10, etc. Then, the MFP 10 (acquisition unit 15) may acquire the time from the predicted job completion time (execution completion prediction time) to the scheduled job end time T2 as the remaining job time T20 related to the receiving user.

<Modification regarding the end point (end) of the remaining work time T20>
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the scheduled end time T2 (end time) (for example, 18:00) predetermined by the company to which the receiving user belongs is the end point (end time) of the remaining time T20 related to the receiving user. ), But is not limited to this. For example, the scheduled work end time applied by the receiving user may be used as the end point of the remaining working time T20 related to the receiving user.

  Specifically, if the recipient user has previously submitted an overtime application (for example, an overtime application from 18:00 to 20:00) to a supervisor or the like and the overtime application is approved, the MFP 10 (acquisition unit) 15), the time until the scheduled work end time (here, 20:00) after the overtime application by the receiving user may be acquired as the remaining working time T20 related to the receiving user. It should be noted that the presence / absence of overtime application by the receiving user and the scheduled work end time after the overtime application may be acquired in cooperation with the attendance management server 90.

  In this way, in the “business scheduled end time” in the present invention, the closing time T2 (for example, 18:00) determined in advance by the company and the time (for example, 20:00) applied for by the receiving user are included. At least one may be included.

<Modified example regarding prohibition cancellation condition of prohibited job>
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, when execution of the accepted job is prohibited, execution of the prohibited job is performed on the condition that the attendance information indicating that the receiving user has worked is acquired on the next work day. Although the prohibition is lifted, it is not limited to this. For example, when the execution of the accepted job is prohibited, the business start time (for example, a predetermined business start time (starting time) (for example, 9:00)) for the receiving user on the next working day has arrived. On the condition (without determining whether the receiving user is attending work), the prohibition of execution of the prohibited job may be released.

1, 1A, 1B Image processing system 10, 10a, 10b MFP
70 Storage server 90 Attendance management server T10 Time required for understanding T20 Remaining business hours

Claims (19)

An image processing apparatus,
A first acquisition means for acquiring a time required for understanding, which is a time required for a user who receives a reception object related to the job to understand the content of the reception object, when the job is received;
If the job is accepted, second acquisition means for acquiring a remaining work time that is a time until a work end scheduled time for the receiving user;
Job control means for controlling an execution operation of the job in the image processing apparatus according to a comparison result between the acquired understanding required time and the remaining work time;
With
The job control means includes
If the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining work time, the execution of the job in the image processing apparatus is permitted,
An image processing apparatus that prohibits execution of the job in the image processing apparatus when the time required for understanding is longer than the remaining work time. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The first acquisition means is a document understanding rate that is the number of characters that the receiving user can understand per unit time, and is included in the receiving object and a document understanding rate that is predetermined for the receiving user. An image processing apparatus that calculates and acquires the time required for understanding the receiving user based on the number of characters. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit calculates the time required for understanding the receiving user based on a difficulty level predetermined for each language used in the receiving object. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the time required for understanding specified by an input operation by a user who requests the job. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
If the job control means prohibits the execution of the job, the job control means is provided on the condition that attendance information indicating that the recipient user has attended work is acquired on a work day following a day to which the scheduled work end time belongs. An image processing apparatus for canceling the prohibition of execution of the image. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the job control means prohibits the execution of the job, the job control means prohibits the execution of the job on condition that the business start time for the receiving user has arrived on the next work day to which the scheduled work end time belongs. An image processing apparatus characterized by canceling. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A notification means for notifying the receiving user that there is an unexecuted job related to the receiving user when the execution of the job is prohibited;
An image processing apparatus further comprising: The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The job control means includes
When a first type of print output job among a plurality of types of print output jobs is received, an execution permission / inhibition determination operation is performed according to a comparison result between the understanding required time and the remaining work time,
When a second type of print output job different from the first type of print output job among the plurality of types of print output jobs is received, the execution permission / inhibition determination operation is not executed,
The job is the first type of print output job;
When the job control unit permits execution of the job and the second type of print output job exists in the image processing apparatus, the job control unit has priority over the second type of print output job. An image processing apparatus characterized by being executed. In the computer built into the image processing device,
a) accepting a job;
b) When the job is received in the step a), the receiving user of the receiving object related to the job obtains an understanding required time which is a time required for understanding the contents of the receiving object, and the receiving user Obtaining the remaining business hours, which is the time until the scheduled business end time for
c) controlling an execution operation of the job in the image processing apparatus according to a comparison result between the understanding required time acquired in the step b) and the remaining work time;
A program for executing
In step c),
If the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining work time, the execution of the job in the image processing apparatus is permitted,
The program, wherein execution of the job in the image processing apparatus is prohibited when the time required for understanding is longer than the remaining work time. An image processing system,
A transmission source apparatus that is an image processing apparatus of a transmission source in a transmission job of transmission target data;
A destination device which is a destination image processing device in the transmission job;
With
The transmission source device is:
When the transmission job is received, a first acquisition unit that acquires a time required for understanding that is a time required for a user who receives the print output according to the transmission target data to understand the contents of the print output;
If the transmission job is accepted, second acquisition means for acquiring a remaining work time which is a time until a work end scheduled time for the receiving user;
First job control means for executing the transmission job and transmitting the transmission target data to the transmission destination device;
Have
The first job control means includes:
When the time required for understanding is longer than the remaining business time, a print output job based on the transmission job, and execution of the print output job at the transmission destination device related to the transmission target data received from the transmission source device An instruction to prohibit execution is transmitted to the transmission destination device together with the transmission target data,
When the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining business time, the transmission destination device is allowed to execute the print output job, and the transmission target data is transmitted to the transmission destination device without transmitting the execution prohibition instruction. Send
The destination device is
Second job control means for prohibiting execution of the print output job when the execution prohibition instruction is received from the transmission source device;
An image processing system comprising: The image processing system according to claim 10.
The first acquisition means includes a document understanding rate that is the number of characters that the receiving user can understand per unit time, and is included in the print output and a document understanding rate that is predetermined for the receiving user. An image processing system that calculates and acquires the time required for understanding the receiving user based on the number of characters. The image processing system according to claim 11.
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit calculates the time required for understanding the receiving user based on a difficulty level predetermined for each language used in the printed output. The image processing system according to claim 10.
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the time required for understanding specified by an input operation by a requesting user of the transmission job. The image processing system according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
The execution prohibition command is a command to prohibit execution of the print output job until attendance information indicating that the receiving user has attended work is acquired on the next work day to which the scheduled work end time belongs. ,
The second job control means cancels the prohibition of execution of the print output job on condition that the attendance information has been acquired when the execution of the print output job is prohibited. system. The image processing system according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
The execution prohibition instruction is an instruction that the execution of the print output job should be prohibited until the business start time for the recipient user on the next work day to which the scheduled end time of work belongs,
The second job control unit cancels the prohibition of execution of the print output job on condition that the business start time has arrived when the execution of the print output job is prohibited. system. The image processing system according to any one of claims 10 to 15,
The destination device is
Notification means for notifying the receiving user that there is an unexecuted job related to the receiving user when execution of the print output job is prohibited;
An image processing system further comprising: The image processing system according to any one of claims 10 to 16,
The print output job is a first type of print output job among a plurality of types of print output jobs,
When the execution of the print output job is permitted, the second job control unit prints a second type of print different from the first type of print output job among the plurality of types of print output jobs. When the output job exists in the transmission destination apparatus, the print output job is executed with priority over the second type of print output job. An image processing apparatus,
When a transmission job for transmitting transmission target data to a transmission destination apparatus is accepted, a receiving user of the printed output related to the transmission target data acquires an understanding required time that is a time required for understanding the contents of the printed output. 1 acquisition means;
If the transmission job is accepted, second acquisition means for acquiring a remaining work time which is a time until a work end scheduled time for the receiving user;
Job control means for executing the transmission job and transmitting the transmission target data to the transmission destination device;
With
The job control means includes
When the time required for understanding is longer than the remaining business time, a print output job based on the transmission job and execution of the print output job at the transmission destination device regarding the transmission target data received from the image processing device An instruction to prohibit execution is transmitted to the transmission destination device together with the transmission target data,
When the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining business time, the transmission destination device is allowed to execute the print output job, and the transmission target data is transmitted to the transmission destination device without transmitting the execution prohibition instruction. An image processing apparatus for transmitting. In the computer built into the image processing device,
a) receiving a transmission job for transmitting the transmission target data to the transmission destination device;
b) When the transmission job is accepted in the step a), a receiving user of the printed output related to the transmission target data obtains an understanding required time which is a time required for understanding the contents of the printed output; Obtaining a remaining work time that is a time until a work end scheduled time for the receiving user;
c) Execute the transmission job to transmit the transmission target data to the transmission destination device, and perform an operation according to the comparison result between the understanding required time acquired in the step b) and the remaining work time. Steps to perform;
A program for executing
In step c),
When the time required for understanding is longer than the remaining business time, a print output job based on the transmission job and execution of the print output job at the transmission destination device regarding the transmission target data received from the image processing device An execution prohibition instruction to prohibit the transmission is transmitted to the transmission destination device together with the transmission target data,
When the time required for understanding is shorter than the remaining business time, execution of the print output job at the transmission destination apparatus is permitted, and the transmission target data is transmitted to the transmission destination apparatus without transmitting the execution prohibition instruction. A program characterized by being transmitted to.

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