Method for temporarily locking out print jobs on a network copier when a copier user is present

A multiple-function copy machine, comprising:

• a printer provided within a network environment and operative to receive print jobs;
• an image capturing device associated with the printer and operative to receive copy jobs from a walk-up user;
• the printer and the image capturing device operatively associated for selective operation in a print mode and a copy mode;
• a sensor configured to generate an electrical signal representative of submission of a copy job by a walk-up user;
• and
• a processor coupled with the printer and the image capturing device, configured to receive the sensor electrical signal, and operative to selectively enable the copy mode of operation responsive to detection of a copy job being submitted by a walk-up user.

A method for operating a multiple-function machine selectively in a print mode and a copy mode, comprising the steps of:

• detecting the presence of a walk-up user proximate the machine and indicative of a copy job request;
• generating an electrical signal representative of the detected user and the copy job request;
• switching the operating mode of the machine from a print mode to a copy mode responsive to the generated electrical signal;
• detecting a period of elapsed time passing since the last detected presence of a walk-up user;
• comparing the detected period of elapsed time with a predetermined period of time;
• and
• when the detected period of elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period of elapsed time, switching the operating mode of the machine from the copy mode to the print mode.