Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program

There is provided an information processing apparatus including: an execution unit that executes a first process or a second process with respect to a processing target in a case where an execution instruction is given to any one of the first process and the second process specified by a setting item and a preparatory action with respect to the processing target; a memory that stores the preparatory action in association with the setting item; and an execution controller that deems that the execution instruction is given in a case where the preparatory action stored in the memory is given, and controls the execution unit such that the first process or the second process specified by the preparatory action and the setting item stored in the memory in association with the preparatory action is executed with respect to the processing target.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-057377 filed Mar. 23, 2017.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including: an execution unit that, in a case where an execution instruction is given to any one of a first process and a second process, in which a setting item and a preparatory action are specified for a processing target, executes the first process or the second process with respect to the processing target; a memory that stores the preparatory action in association with the setting item; and an execution controller that, in a case where the preparatory action stored in the memory is given, deems that the execution instruction is given, and controls the execution unit such that the first process or the second process, in which the preparatory action and the setting item stored in the memory in association with the preparatory action are specified, is executed with respect to the processing target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Meanwhile, the same reference numerals are attached to components which have substantially the same function in the drawings, and description thereof will not be repeated. Hereinafter, although an image forming apparatus will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus.

Overview of Exemplary Embodiment

An image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes: an execution unit that, in a case where an execution instruction is given to any one of a first process and a second process, in which a setting item and a preparatory action are specified for a processing target, executes the first process or the second process with respect to the processing target; a memory that stores the preparatory action in association with the setting item; and an execution controller that, in a case where the preparatory action stored in the memory is given, deems that the execution instruction is given, and controls the execution unit such that the first process or the second process, in which the preparatory action and the setting item stored in the memory in association with the preparatory action are specified, is executed with respect to the processing target.

The processing target indicates a target aimed by the first process and the second process. For example, the processing target includes a document to be copied, a document to be scanned, print data to be printed, and the like.

The first process and the second process includes a job, such as copying, scanning, printing, facsimile, electronic mail, or the like. The job indicates process instruction information used to instruct a process with respect to the processing target. In addition, the first process and the second process include electronic mail transmission performed by attaching data acquired by scanning (hereinafter, referred to as “scan electronic mail”), and transmission (hereinafter, referred to as “multi-sending”) in which the facsimile transmission and the electronic mail transmission are simultaneously performed.

The “setting item” includes various set items which are necessary to execute the above-described jobs. The setting item is determined for each job. Specifically, the setting item includes various parameters relevant to the each job.

The “preparatory action” refers to various actions which are prepared by an operator and are necessary to execute the above-described job. The preparatory action is determined for each job. Specifically, the preparatory action includes, for example, start of each application which executes the above-described job, authentication of the operator, disposition (copying, facsimile communication, and the like) of the document on a document stand, and the like. Meanwhile, the start of the application includes, for example, display of a specific screen of the application.

The execution instruction refers to an instruction to start executing the above-described job, which is performed with respect to the image forming apparatus based on the operation of the operator. The execution instruction includes, for example, press of a start button included in the image forming apparatus, transmission of a job, such as a print job, to the image forming apparatus, an instruction using a sound of a predetermined message indicative of a start, and the like. Meanwhile, there is a case where the execution instruction is included in the preparatory action.

“Deemed that execution instruction is given” indicates that, even though a job execution instruction based on the operation of the above-described operator is not provided, the image forming apparatus starts to execute the above-described job similar to a case where the execution instruction is received. Hereinafter, “deemed that execution instruction is given” is also referred to as “deemed instruction process” as distinguished from a case of starting a job by receiving the execution instruction.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus1is a multi-function machine which has plural functions, for example, a scanning function, a printing function, a copying function, a facsimile transmission/reception function, an electronic mail transmission/reception function, and the like. Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus1may have any one of the above-described functions, and is not limited to the multi-function machine.

The image forming apparatus1includes a control section10that controls respective sections of the image forming apparatus1, a memory section11that stores various data, an operation display12that inputs and displays information, a document sensing section13that senses a fact that the document is disposed on the document stand, which is not illustrated in the drawing, or a fact that paper is fed, an image reading section14that reads a document image from the document disposed on the document stand, an image output section15that prints an image, a facsimile communication section16that performs facsimile transmission/reception with respect to the external facsimile apparatus2through a public line network6, a proximity wireless communication section17that performs proximity wireless communication with the contactless authentication medium3, a short-distance wireless communication section18that communicates with the terminal apparatus4, and a network communication section19that communicates with the external apparatus5through a network7. The memory section11is an example of the memory. Meanwhile, the external facsimile apparatus2, the terminal apparatus4, and the external apparatus5may be a single device which is acquired by integrating the external facsimile apparatus2, the terminal apparatus4, and the external apparatus5.

The control section10is composed of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an interface, and the like. The CPU operates according to a program115stored in the memory section11, and functions as an operation detection unit100, a setting unit101, a communication controller102, an authentication unit103, a reception unit104, a document sensing unit105, a display controller106, a decision unit107, an image reading unit108, a print instruction unit109, a facsimile communication unit110, a mail communication unit111, an execution controller112, a time acquisition unit113, and the like. The print instruction unit109, the image reading unit108, the facsimile communication unit110, and the mail communication unit111are examples of the execution unit. Each of the units100to113will be described in detail later.

The memory section11is composed of a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a hard disk, and the like, and stores the program115, an operator list116, a deemed instruction process table117, a screen information118, a print instruction information119, and the like.

The operation display12is, for example, a touch panel display, and has a configuration in which a touch panel is disposed in front of a display, such as a liquid crystal display, in a polymerization manner.

It is possible to use a light-transmissive light emitting and receiving unit using light reception elements disposed to correspond to light emitting elements or a reflective light emitting and receiving unit using the light emitting elements and the light reception elements, which are disposed in the same directions, as the document sensing section13. The document sensing section13senses a document disposed on the document stand using the light-transmissive light emitting and receiving unit or the reflective light emitting and receiving unit, or a document fed to the document stand by an automatic paper feeding device.

The image reading section14reads the document image from the document, includes the automatic paper feeding device provided on the document stand and a scanner, and optically reads the document image from the document disposed on the document stand or the document fed by the automatic paper feeding device.

The image output section15prints a color image or a monochrome image using, for example, electro-photographic method, an ink jet method.

The facsimile communication section16modulates and demodulates data according to a facsimile protocol such as G3or G4, and performs facsimile communication through telephone lines.

The proximity wireless communication section17performs the proximity wireless communication (for example, NFC) in which a communicable distance from the authentication medium3is, for example, approximately 10 cm or shorter. The authentication medium3is, for example, a contactless IC card determined in an NFC forum.

The short-distance wireless communication section18transmits and receives a signal to and from the terminal apparatus4using Wi-Fi (registered trade mark), BlueTooth (registered trade mark), and the like. It is possible to use, for example, a personal computer, a tablet-type terminal, a multi-function mobile phone (smart phone), or the like as the terminal apparatus4.

The network communication section19transmits and receives a signal to and from the external apparatus5through the network7. The external apparatus5includes, for example, a personal computer, a server device, and the like. In the exemplary embodiment, the external apparatus5is described as the server device. The network7is, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), the Internet, the Intranet, or the like, and may be wired or wireless.

Configuration of Deemed Instruction Process Table

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of the deemed instruction process table117. In the deemed instruction process table117, a deemed instruction process, an ID of an operator who sets the deemed instruction process, a setting item of the deemed instruction process, and a preparatory action are registered in association with each other.

The deemed instruction process table117is provided with a “job ID” field, a “job name” field, an “operator ID” field, a “setting item” field, and a “preparatory action” field. In the “job ID” field, an ID which identifies the deemed instruction process is registered. In the “job name” field, a name of the job, which is a target of the deemed instruction process, is registered. In the “operator ID” field, an ID which identifies the operator is registered. In a case where an individual operator is targeted, an ID of the individual operator, such as “U0123”, is registered. In a case where the operator is not discriminated, for example, “common to all users” is registered.

In the “setting item” field, a detailed setting item is registered for each job type.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting value with respect to the setting item for each job type. In an “example of setting value” field ofFIG. 3, a detailed example of the setting item is illustrated. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the setting item of copying includes, for example, parameters, such as a color mode, single-sided/double-sided, a paper size (printing paper size), a magnification, N-up, and the number of copies. The setting item of the scan electronic mail includes, for example, parameters such as a color mode, a transmission destination, a subject, an attached file name, resolution, and extension. The setting item of the facsimile transmission includes, for example, parameters such as a transmission destination and a subject. The setting item of printing includes parameters such as a color mode, single-sided/double-sided, a paper size (a size of print paper), and N-up. The parameters are selected or input through an operation of the operator. Meanwhile, the examples illustrated inFIG. 3are only examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the “preparatory action” field ofFIG. 2, a preparatory action, which is a condition for starting execution of a job, is registered. The preparatory action is referred to as an alternative to a job execution instruction. The preparatory action is registered through the operation of the operator. Meanwhile, as illustrated in an example of “job ID” S003ofFIG. 2, plural preparatory actions may be registered with respect to one job.

The operation detection unit100detects various operations which are performed by the operator with respect to a screen displayed on the operation display12, and notifies the display controller106and the setting unit101of a detection result. An operation detected by the operation detection unit100includes an operation of setting the deemed instruction process and an operation with respect to the screen displayed on the operation display12.

The setting unit101sets the setting item and the preparatory action of a job, which is a target of the deemed instruction process, based on the operation performed by the operator and detected by the operation detection unit100, and registers the set setting item and the preparatory action in the deemed instruction process table117.

The communication controller102controls the proximity wireless communication section17such that the proximity wireless communication is performed. That is, in a case where a wireless signal is transmitted from the proximity wireless communication section17and connection of the proximity wireless communication is established, communication controller102receives individual identification information, such as an operator ID and an individual identification number, from the authentication medium3through the proximity wireless communication.

In a case where the communication controller102acquires the individual identification information, such as the operator ID, from the authentication medium3, the authentication unit103performs an authentication process based on the acquired individual identification information. Specifically, the authentication unit103determines whether or not the individual identification information is registered in the operator list116of the memory section11, and notifies the decision unit107which will be described later in an authentication result.

In a case where the operator ID is directly input through the operation with respect to the operation display12, there is a case where the authentication process is performed based on the operator ID which is directly input. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the authentication of the individual identification information, and, for example, a fact that the operator comes to the front of the image forming apparatus1may be authenticated using facial authentication or the like.

The reception unit104receives an operation of switching between availableness and unavailableness of control performed by the execution controller112which will be described later. Specifically, the reception unit104receives an operation of switching the control performed by the execution controller112from validity into invalidity (hereinafter, referred to as a “release operation”) or an operation of switching the control from invalidity into validity (hereinafter, referred to as an “recovery operation”) for each process through the operation of the operator with respect to the operation display12.

The document sensing unit105senses a fact that a cover (not illustrated in the drawing) of the document stand is closed. In addition, the document sensing unit105controls a light emitting part of the document sensing section13to perform irradiation of light, detects whether or not a document exists on the document stand based on a quantity of light which is received by a light reception part of the document sensing section13, and notifies the decision unit107of a detection result.

The display controller106performs control such that various screens (for example, seeFIGS. 4 to 7), which are stored in the memory section11as the screen information118, are displayed on the operation display12based on the operation performed by the operator and detected by the operation detection unit100. In addition, the display controller106detects a fact that a specific screen is displayed, and notifies the decision unit107of a display result. The specific screen refers to a screen which is set in the preparatory action and, for example, a screen which is displayed in a case where the application starts.

In addition, the display controller106performs control such that the reception unit104corresponding to a job, in which the control performed by the execution controller112is available, and the reception unit104corresponding to a job, in which the control performed by the execution controller112is unavailable, are separately displayed. Specifically, the display controller106performs control such that the reception unit104corresponding to the job, in which the control performed by the execution controller112is available, is highlighted. For example, a method for coloring the whole reception unit104in a color, a method for hashing the reception unit104, or a method for expressing a frame of the reception unit104by a bold line may be used for highlighting.

In addition, in a case where the preparatory action is not performed by the operator, the display controller106performs control such that a message which guides the action is displayed. For example, in a case where “disposition of document” is registered as a preparatory action for copying, for example, control is performed such that a message “copying will be executed after the document is arranged” is displayed.

In addition, the display controller106performs control such that the reception unit104corresponding to the job, in which the control performed by the execution controller112is available, is displayed prior to the reception unit104corresponding to a job in which the control performed by the execution controller112is unavailable.

The decision unit107decides whether or not the deemed instruction process is set based on the operation of the operator. Specifically, decision unit107decides, based on the authentication result acquired by the authentication unit103, a document detection result acquired by the document sensing unit105, and a display result acquired by the display controller106, whether or not a preparatory action corresponding to the results is registered in the deemed instruction process table117stored in the memory section11.

In addition, the decision unit107determines, based on the authentication result acquired by the authentication unit103, the document detection result acquired by the document sensing unit105, and the display result acquired by the display controller106, whether or not a condition (hereinafter, referred to as “job start condition”) which is necessary for the job is satisfied. Decision of the job start condition may include a decision on whether or not the preparatory action in the job registered in the deemed instruction process table117is completed, a decision whether or not the setting item is set, and a decision whether or not another condition, which is a premise of the execution of the job, is satisfied. In addition, the decision unit107notifies the execution controller112of the decision result.

In addition, the decision unit107decides whether the control performed by the execution controller112for each job is available or unavailable. Specifically, the decision unit107decides whether or not the reception unit104receives the release operation with respect to a designated job.

The image reading unit108controls the image reading section14and reads the document disposed on the document stand or the fed document. In addition, the image reading unit108performs an image process, such as compression, extension, or synthesis of images which are read by the image reading section14.

The print instruction unit109receives a print job, which instructs to print image data, from the terminal apparatus4or the external apparatus5, and stores the print instruction information119, such as print data (image data) and print condition included in the received print job, in the memory section11. In addition, the print instruction unit109stores the image data read by the image reading section14as the print instruction information119in the memory section11. The print instruction unit109executes the print job using the image output section15according to the print instruction information119stored in the memory section11.

The facsimile communication unit110prepares a transmission sheet, in which names of a transmission source and a transmission destination, a facsimile number, a telephone number, text, and the like are written, attaches the image data to the transmission sheet, and performs facsimile transmission of the transmission sheet to the transmission destination using the facsimile communication section16.

The mail communication unit111prepares the transmission sheet, in which names of a transmission source and a transmission destination, a mail address, text, and the like are written, attaches the image data to the transmission sheet, and performs electronic mail transmission/reception through the network communication section19.

The execution controller112controls the image reading unit108, the print instruction unit109, the facsimile communication unit110, and the mail communication unit111for a decision result acquired by the decision unit107, and executes respective jobs thereof. In a case where the reception unit104receives the release operation for the designated job, control of the job designated by the execution controller112becomes unavailable. That is, a state in which the deemed instruction process does not function is made. In contrast, in a case where the reception unit104receives the recovery operation, control of the job designated by the execution controller112becomes available. That is, a state in which the deemed instruction process functions is made.

In addition, in a case where the preparatory action which is set in the deemed instruction process is common to two or more jobs, the execution controller112executes the jobs according to predetermined priorities based on the operation of the operator in a case where the preparatory action exists. In this case, the display controller106performs control such that the reception unit104is highlighted according to the priorities.

For example, in a case where copying and scanning are registered as the deemed instruction process and the preparatory actions thereof are both “authentication”, the execution controller112executes a job, in which the predetermined priority is higher, between the copying and the scanning. In addition, in a case where both the copying and the scanning are available, the display controller106performs control such that the reception unit104corresponding to the job, in which the priority is higher, is highlighted.

The time acquisition unit113acquires current time and notifies the decision unit107of the current time.

Operation of First Exemplary Embodiment

Subsequently, an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus1will be described with reference toFIGS. 4 to 8.FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. The display controller106displays a home screen300on the operation display12based on the operation performed by the operator and detected by the operation detection unit100.FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, it is assumed that the home screen300is displayed on the operation display12. Buttons301to304and311to314corresponding to jobs, which are executed by the image forming apparatus1, are displayed on the home screen300. In a case where the operator operates any one of the buttons301to304and311to314, the control performed by the execution controller112is switched from available to unavailable or from unavailable to available.

Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment, the buttons301to304corresponding to normal jobs are displayed at an upper part of the home screen300. In addition, the buttons311to314corresponding to the deemed instruction process are displayed at a lower part of the home screen300. The buttons311to314corresponding to the deemed instruction process are examples of the reception unit104.

In a case where the operation detection unit100detects an operation of the button performed by the operator, the control, which is performed by the execution controller112on the job displayed on the button operated by the operator, becomes available. The display controller106performs control such that the button311corresponding to the job is highlighted using a predetermined method.

The operation detection unit100, the authentication unit103, the document sensing unit105, and the like detect the preparatory action (S1). Subsequently, the decision unit107decides whether or not the deemed instruction process is set based on the operation of the operator (S2). In a case where the deemed instruction process is set (S2: Yes), the decision unit107decides whether the job start condition is satisfied (S3). In a case where the job start condition is satisfied (S3: Yes), the decision unit107decides whether or not the release operation is performed through the operation of the operator based on a fact whether or not the reception unit104receives the release operation. In a case where the release operation is not performed, that is, the control performed by the execution controller112on the job is available (S4: Yes), the job is executed by the print instruction unit109, the image reading unit108, the facsimile communication unit110, and the mail communication unit111(S5). Hereinafter, an example of the preparatory action will be described in detail.

(1) Example in which Preparatory Action in Deemed Instruction Copy Includes “Disposition of Document”

In a case where the operation detection unit100detects the operation of the “deemed instruction copy” button311of the home screen300, which is performed by the operator, the control performed by the execution controller112on the deemed instruction process relevant to copy (hereinafter, referred to as “deemed instruction copy”) is available. That is, a state in which the deemed instruction copy functions is made. In a case where the deemed instruction copy is available, the display controller106performs control such that a deemed instruction copy button311is highlighted using a predetermined method.

In a case where a document is disposed on the document stand through the operation of the operator, the document sensing unit105detects the document using the document sensing section13(S1), and notifies the decision unit107of document detection. Subsequently, the decision unit107decides whether or not the deemed instruction process, in which the “disposition of document” is the preparatory action, is registered in the deemed instruction process table117of the memory section11(S2).

In a case where the deemed instruction process, in which the “disposition of document” is the preparatory action, is registered (S2: Yes), the decision unit107decides whether or not the job start condition is satisfied (S3). Specifically, decision unit107decides whether or not the setting item of the registered deemed instruction process is set, whether or not copying paper is replenished, and the like. In a case where the setting item of the deemed instruction process is set and the copying paper is replenished, the decision unit107decides that the job start condition is satisfied.

In a case where the job start condition is satisfied (S3: Yes), the decision unit107decides whether the control performed by the execution controller112on the deemed instruction process is available or unavailable (S4). That is, in a case where the release operation is not performed, the decision unit107decides whether or not the control performed by the execution controller112on the deemed instruction process is available.

In a case where the control performed on the deemed instruction process is available (S4: Yes), the print instruction unit109controls the image output section15and executes the print job (S5). As described above, in a case where the operator performs the “disposition of document”, the image forming apparatus1is deemed that the execution instruction is given and copying is executed.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example of a job execution screen. The display controller106displays a job execution screen400while the job is being executed. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the job execution screen400includes a “stop” button401. The reception unit104receives an operation of the “stop” button401, which is performed by the operator. In this case, the execution controller112causes the control of the deemed instruction copy to be unavailable.

In a case where the operation detection unit100detects the operation of the deemed instruction copy button311highlighted through the operation of the operator, the control of the deemed instruction copy becomes unavailable. That in a case where the operator operates the highlighted deemed instruction copy button311, a state in which the deemed instruction copy does not function is made.

As described above, in a case where the operator does not desire the deemed instruction copy, the deemed instruction copy does not function temporarily.

(2) Example in which Preparatory Action in Deemed Instruction Copy Includes “Authentication” and “Disposition of Document”

In a case where the authentication medium3is put on the proximity wireless communication section17through the operation of the operator and thus the document is disposed on the document stand, the communication controller102acquires individual identification information of the operator from the authentication medium3, the authentication unit103performs the authentication process based on the acquired individual identification information, and the document sensing unit105detects the document using the document sensing section13(S1) and notifies the decision unit107of the document detection. Subsequently, the decision unit107decides whether or not the deemed instruction process, in which “authentication” and “disposition of document” are the preparatory actions, is registered in the deemed instruction process table117of the memory section11(S2).

Hereinafter, an operation is performed similar to the above-described steps S3to S5. That is, in a case where the deemed instruction process, in which “authentication” and “disposition of document” are the preparatory actions, is registered in the deemed instruction process table117of the memory section11(S2: Yes), the decision unit107decides whether or not the job start condition is satisfied (S3) and decides whether the control of the deemed instruction process is available or unavailable (S4). In a case where the job start condition is satisfied (S3: Yes) and the control of the deemed instruction process is available (S4: Yes), the print instruction unit109controls the image output section15and executes the print job (S5).

Meanwhile, in step S3, the job start condition decision may include a decision whether or not the operator ID acquired by the communication controller102coincides with the operator ID (for example, “U0123”) registered in the deemed instruction process table117. In this manner, in a case where an operator who is not registered in the deemed instruction process table117performs the preparatory action, the deemed instruction process is prevented from being performed.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide message screen. In a case where the operator does not dispose the document on the document stand after authentication is performed by the authentication unit103, the display controller106displays a guide message screen500, which displays a guide message, on the operation display12. As illustrated inFIG. 6, in the guide message screen500, a guide message502which guides “disposition of document” registered as the preparatory action, that is, “copying will be executed after the document is disposed” is displayed.

In addition, in the guide message screen500, a cancel button501is provided. Similar to the above-described stop button401(seeFIG. 5), in a case where the reception unit104receives an operation of the cancel button501, which is performed by the operator, the execution controller112causes the control of the deemed instruction process to be unavailable.

Even in a case where the operator temporarily forgets registered content of the preparatory action with respect to the deemed instruction copy, if the operator performs an operation according to content of the guide message502, the deemed instruction copy is executed.

Meanwhile, the authentication performed by the authentication unit103is not limited to authentication using the authentication medium3, and may be password authentication, facial authentication, and the like. In addition, in the above-described example, an example in which the deemed instruction copy is registered in the specific operator (ID “U0123”, seeFIG. 2) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be commonly registered in plural operators (for example, all operators who use the image forming apparatus1). In this case, instead of the authentication performed by authentication unit103, designated job may be executed using the fact that the operator comes in front of the image forming apparatus1as the preparatory action.

In addition, in the above description, a case where the document is installed after operator authentication is performed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the order, and the operator authentication may be performed after the document is first installed. In this case, execution of copy may start after the operator authentication is performed.

In addition, in a case where the preparatory action is set to “disposition of document in predetermined size” and a document in the predetermined size is installed, execution of copy may start.

(3) Example in which Preparatory Action in Deemed Instruction Scan Electronic Mail Includes “Screen Display”

In a case where the operation detection unit100detects an operation of a “deemed instruction scan electronic mail” button312of the home screen300, which is performed by the operator, control of the deemed instruction process (hereinafter, referred to as “deemed instruction scan electronic mail”) relevant to the scan electronic mail by the execution controller112becomes available. That is, a state in which the deemed instruction scan electronic mail functions is made. In a case where the deemed instruction scan electronic mail is available, the display controller106performs control such that the deemed instruction scan electronic mail button312is highlighted using a predetermined method.

In a case where the predetermined screen is displayed through the operation of the operator, the display controller106detects the fact that the specific screen is displayed (S1), and notifies the decision unit107of a display result. Hereinafter, an operation is performed similar to steps S2to S5in the above-described deemed instruction copy. That is, the decision unit107decides whether or not the deemed instruction process in which “screen display” is the preparatory action is registered in the deemed instruction process table117of the memory section11(S2). Subsequently, the decision unit107decides whether the job start condition is satisfied (S3) and, subsequently, decides whether the control of the deemed instruction process is available or unavailable (S4). In cases where the job start condition is satisfied (S3: Yes) and the control of the deemed instruction process is available (S4: Yes), the image reading unit108controls the image reading section14and executes reading of the document which is disposed on the document stand. Subsequently, the image reading unit108performs the image process, such as compression, extension, or synthesis of images which are read by the image reading section14. The mail communication unit111attaches the image data, on which the image process is performed, to the transmission sheet and performs electronic mail transmission through the network communication section19(S5).

Meanwhile, in step S3, the job start condition decision may include a decision whether or not the document is disposed on the document stand. In this manner, transmission is prevented in a state in which a document to be scanned is not installed.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating an example of a scan electronic mail screen. While the job is being executed, the display controller106displays a scan electronic mail execution screen600. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the scan electronic mail execution screen600includes a transmission destination field601indicative of the transmission destination which is registered as a setting item in advance, a subject field602indicative of a subject, an attached file name field603indicative of an attached file name, a resolution field604indicative of resolution of the attached file, and an extension field605indicative of extension of the attached file. The setting item corresponds to the setting item of the job ID “S003” illustrated inFIG. 2.

In addition, the scan electronic mail execution screen600includes a guide message620and a cancel button621. Functions of the guide message620and the cancel button621are respectively similar to the guide message502and the cancel button501of the above-described deemed instruction copy.

In addition, the scan electronic mail execution screen600may include start button610that starts execution of the scan electronic mail through the operation of the operator. In this manner, in a case where final determination of the start of the scan electronic mail is entrusted to the operation of the operator, the operator recognizes the setting item of the scan electronic mail, and a case of erroneous registration and erroneous transmission by mistake of the operator are prevented.

(4) Example in which Preparatory Action in Deemed Instruction Print Includes “Authentication”

In a case where the operation detection unit100detects an operation of a “deemed instruction print” button314of the home screen300, which is performed by the operator, control of a deemed instruction process (hereinafter, referred to as “deemed instruction print”) relevant to print by the execution controller112becomes available. That is, a state in which the deemed instruction print functions is made. In a case where the deemed instruction print is available, the display controller106performs control such that the deemed instruction print button314is highlighted using a predetermined method.

In a case where the authentication is not performed in the print process in which the “authentication” is the preparatory action, the server device (external apparatus5) receives the print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus4or the like and accumulates the print job in a memory unit in the server device (external apparatus5). In a case where the authentication is performed, the print job accumulated in the server device (external apparatus5) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus1.

In a case where the authentication medium3is put on the proximity wireless communication section17through the operation of the operator, the communication controller102acquires individual identification information of the operator from the authentication medium3, and the authentication unit103performs the authentication process based on the acquired individual identification information (S1) and notifies the decision unit107of the authentication result. In a case where the authentication is established, the print instruction unit109receives a print job which is transmitted from the server device (external apparatus5). Meanwhile, in a case where the print job is transmitted to the server device (external apparatus5) from the terminal apparatus4after the authentication is established, the print job may be directly transmitted to the image forming apparatus1without accumulating the print job in the memory unit of the server device (external apparatus5).

Subsequently, the decision unit107decides whether or not the deemed instruction process, in which “authentication” is the preparatory action, is registered in the deemed instruction process table117of the memory section11(S2), decides whether or not the job start condition is satisfied (S3), and decides whether the control of the deemed instruction process is available or unavailable (S4). In cases where the job start condition is satisfied (S3: Yes) and the control of the deemed instruction process is available (S4: Yes), the print instruction unit109executes the print job using the image output section15(S5).

Meanwhile, in step S3, the job start condition decision may include a decision whether or not the operator ID acquired by the communication controller102coincides with the operator ID (for example, “U0456”) registered in the deemed instruction process table117. In this case, the print job is not executed with respect to an operator who has an ID which is different from the operator ID registered in the deemed instruction process table117. In this manner, printing performed by an operator who is not registered in the deemed instruction process is prevented.

In addition, the job start condition decision may include a decision whether or not the print condition included in the print job coincides with a setting condition registered in the setting item. For example, in a case where the color mode is registered as “monochrome” and the print condition included in the print job is “color”, the decision unit107decides that the job start condition is not satisfied. In this manner, printing is performed with setting item which is not registered in the deemed instruction process is prevented.

In addition, in a case where the operator ID acquired by the communication controller102is different from the operator ID registered in the deemed instruction process table117or in a case where the print condition does not coincide with the setting condition registered in the setting item, the display controller106may cause the operation display12to display an error reason and an error message (warning).

Modified Example 1

The preparatory action is not limited to the above description and, for example, elapse of predetermined time may be the preparatory action. The time acquisition unit113may acquire current time and notify the decision unit107of the acquired current time, and the execution controller112may control the execution unit to execute the job after predetermined time elapses since the image forming apparatus1has received the job.

Modified Example 2

In addition, in cases where the preparatory action, which is set in the deemed instruction process, is common to two or more jobs and the preparatory action is given, the execution controller112may execute the jobs according to the predetermined priorities based on the operation of the operator. For example, in cases where copying and scanning are registered as the deemed instruction process and the preparatory action is “authentication”, the execution controller112executes a job on a side where the predetermined priority is higher between the copying and the scanning.

In this manner, even in a case where the preparatory action which is common to two or more jobs is registered, any one of the jobs is executed.

Modified Example 3

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an example of the home screen300according to a modified example. As illustrated inFIG. 9, in the home screen300, the deemed instruction copy button311and a deemed instruction facsimile communication button313are displayed on the same screen but the deemed instruction scan electronic mail button312and the deemed instruction print button314are not displayed together due to limitation of dimension of the screen. The home screen300includes a scroll box320, and the deemed instruction scan electronic mail button312and the deemed instruction print button314are displayed by a scroll operation of the operator.

Here, even in a case where both the deemed instruction process (in the modified example, the deemed instruction copy or the deemed instruction facsimile communication), which is currently displayed on the same screen through the operation of the operator, and the deemed instruction process (in the modified example, the deemed instruction scan electronic mail or the deemed instruction print), which is not currently displayed on the same screen, are caused to be available through the operation of the operator, the execution controller112causes only the deemed instruction process, which is currently displayed, to be available, and causes the deemed instruction process, which is not currently displayed, to be unavailable.

In addition, the display controller106performs control such that the deemed instruction process button, which is currently displayed, is highlighted. In this manner, a job, which is not displayed on the home screen300, being executed even though the operator recognizes that the job displayed on the home screen300functions, is avoided.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 10is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The second exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that the recovery operation and the release operation described in the first exemplary embodiment are performed through voice recognition. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described based on facts that are different from the first exemplary embodiment.

The image forming apparatus1includes a voice detection unit20. The voice detection unit20detects voice emitted from the operator, and transmits the voice as a voice signal to a voice analysis unit114which will be described later. The voice detection unit20is composed of, for example, a microphone that receives and detects the voice and the electrical signal, performs conversion on the voice, and outputs a result.

The control section10includes a voice analysis unit114. The voice analysis unit114analyzes the voice signal output from the voice detection unit20, and senses voice of the operator. The voice sensed by the voice analysis unit114is, for example, “release” or “recovery”.

In a case where the voice analysis unit114detects the voice “release”, control performed by an execution controller112on the job becomes unavailable. In contrast, the voice analysis unit114detects the voice “recovery”, the control performed by the execution controller112on the job becomes available.

Operation of Second Exemplary Embodiment

In steps S1to S3, the same operations as in the first exemplary embodiment are performed. That is, in a case where a preparatory action is detected (S1), the decision unit107decides whether or not the preparatory action is registered in the deemed instruction process table117(S2), and decides whether or not the job start condition is satisfied (S3). Subsequently, the decision unit107decides whether or not the release operation is performed by the voice analysis unit114(S4). In a case where the job start condition is satisfied (S3: Yes) and the release operation is not performed, that is, the control of the deemed instruction process is available (S4: Yes), the deemed instruction process is executed (S5).

Hereinabove, although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and executions are possible without changing the gist of the present invention.

For example, instead of the operation display12in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the external apparatus5may include the operation unit and the display. In this case, the operation of the operator may be performed by the operation unit of the external apparatus5, and the display controller106may perform control such that the screen is displayed on the display of the external apparatus5.

A part or all of the respective units of the control section10may be formed by a hardware circuit such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or specific Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

In addition, it is possible to omit and change a part of the components of the above-described exemplary embodiment without changing the gist of the invention. In addition, it is possible to add, remove, change, and replace steps in the flow of the above-described exemplary embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, it is possible to provide the program, which is used in the exemplary embodiment, by recording the program in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, it is possible to store the program in an external server, such as a cloud server, and to use the program through a network.