JP5116536B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs image processing and an image processing system including the image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus and an image processing system having an access restriction function based on user identification information.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image processing apparatuses such as FAX machines and multi-function machines equipped with a job reservation function are known. The job reservation function is a function that enables reservation of execution of each process for each job. When a user inputs a reservation job such as FAX transmission into the image processing apparatus with a reservation date and time specified, the image processing apparatus executes the reservation job at the specified reservation date and time.

  In addition, when the image processing apparatus has a reservation job changing function or a deletion function, the user can designate an unexecuted reservation job and change or delete the contents of the reservation job.

  By the way, when such an image processing apparatus is shared and used by a plurality of users, there is a problem that a reservation job submitted by any user can be changed or deleted by another user.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that other users can restrict access to the image processing apparatus by performing user authentication based on user identification information such as a user ID and a password. A technique that can prevent a change or deletion of a reserved job by the client is disclosed.

  Access restriction by user authentication in an image processing apparatus is conventionally selected to be valid or invalid depending on the situation by an authorized person having management authority for the image processing apparatus. When the access restriction is set to be valid, the image processing apparatus performs user authentication based on the user identification information before executing each process. Then, the image processing apparatus prohibits an unregistered user from entering a reservation job and disables other users from referring to the reservation job.

Further, when the access restriction is selected by the authority, the image processing apparatus switches the access restriction setting from valid to invalid. When invalid, the image processing apparatus does not perform user authentication, so that each user can refer to all reserved jobs.
JP 2001-111743 A

  However, if the access restriction of the image processing apparatus is switched to invalid before the reservation job submitted during the access restriction valid setting is executed, the reservation job can be changed or deleted by another user. There was a problem that.

  Therefore, there has been a demand for an image processing apparatus and an image processing system that can reliably prevent a user from changing or deleting the contents of a reservation job submitted when access restriction is valid.

  The present invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the above points.

The present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of switching an access restriction function for a user's job, for storing a reserved job that is an unexecuted job that is executed when an execution time is designated and the execution time is reached . a job storage section, the access restriction function is enabled and restriction information storage section which restriction information Ru stored indicating any invalid, the request input unit for inputting a switching request of the restriction information, the storage of reserved job of job storage unit And a control unit that prohibits switching of restriction information when it is determined that a reservation job is stored.

Another invention is an image processing system including an image processing apparatus capable of switching an access restriction function for a user 's job , and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image processing apparatus. A request input unit that inputs a request for switching restriction information indicating whether the function is valid or invalid, and a transmission unit that transmits the switching request to the image processing device. The image processing device is designated with an execution time. A job storage unit for storing a reserved job that is an unexecuted job that is executed when the execution time is reached, a restriction information storage unit that stores restriction information, and a reception unit that receives a switching request from the information processing apparatus When, upon receiving a switching request a determination unit for determining whether the storage of reserved job of job storage portion, reservation the job is determined to be stored, to prohibit the switching of the access restriction function Characterized in that it comprises a control unit.

According to the image processing apparatus and an image processing system of the present invention, if the reserved job unexecuted is stored, since the switching of the access restriction is prohibited by other users of the reserved jobs submitted during enable access restrictions Content change and deletion can be reliably prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine having a FAX transmission function will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The multifunction machine 10 of this embodiment has an access restriction function based on a password as user identification information. Using the multifunction machine 10 of this embodiment, FAX transmission can be reserved by specifying time.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 includes an operation panel 11, an operation panel control unit 12, a character string storage unit 13, a storage unit 14, an authentication control unit 15, a parameter storage unit 16, a parameter management unit 17, and a time management. A unit 18, a job storage unit 19, a job management unit 20, an execution unit 21, and a control unit 22.

  As an operator interface, the operation panel 11 has a function of displaying various information to the operator and a function of allowing the operator to select and input various information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the operation panel.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation panel 11 includes a display panel 28, a numeric keypad 29, an operation key 30, a start button 31, and a cancel button 32.

  The display panel 28 includes a liquid crystal panel in the present embodiment, a notification screen for notifying the state of the multifunction machine 10, the type of error, processing contents, etc., a selection screen for allowing an operator to select various menus, and various settings. The setting screen for the display is displayed.

  The numeric keypad 29 is used by the operator to input an input number as a password for the operator, an input word as requester identification information, and the like.

  The operation key 30 includes an up cursor key 30-1, a right cursor key 30-2, a down cursor key 30-3, a left cursor key 30-4, and an enter key 30-5, and is displayed on the display panel 28. Used to select and input various information on the screen and setting screen.

The start button 31 is used for instructing operations such as start and setting of various processes.
The cancel button 32 is used for canceling the operation.

  The operation panel control unit 12 has a function of controlling display and input of various types of information on the operation panel 11, and inputs a switching request to be described later as a request input unit. Further, the operation panel control unit 12 inputs an input number as a personal identification number, an input word as requester identification information, or the like as an information input unit.

The character string storage unit 13 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores a character string displayed on the operation panel 11.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the character string storage unit.
As shown in FIG. 3, each character string to be displayed on the display panel 28 is stored in the character string storage unit 13. These character strings are read by the operation panel control unit 12 and displayed on the display panel 28.

  The memory | storage part 14 consists of non-volatile memories, and is provided with the PIN code memory | storage part 23 and the password memory | storage part 24 as FIG. 1 shows.

The personal identification number storage unit 23 is a storage unit that stores a personal identification number as user identification information.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the password storage unit.
In the present embodiment, the personal identification number storage unit 23 stores a personal identification number composed of 4 to 9 digits in advance.

The password storage unit 24 is a storage unit that stores a management password as authorized person identification information.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the password storage unit.
In this embodiment, the password storage unit 24 stores a management password composed of 6 to 12 alphanumeric characters in advance.

  The authentication control unit 15 has a management function of a password and management password stored in the storage unit 14, and executes registration and reading of the password and management password. Further, the authentication control unit 15 performs an authentication determination on an input number or an input word notified from the control unit 22 described later as an authentication unit, and notifies the control unit 22 of the determination result.

  The parameter storage unit 16 includes a non-volatile memory, and stores parameters as restriction information indicating whether the access restriction function of the multifunction machine 10 is valid or invalid.

When the parameter “valid” is stored in the parameter storage unit 16, the access restriction function is set to be valid in the multifunction machine 10. In other words, the multifunction device 10 performs user authentication processing based on the password before executing each processing.
On the other hand, when the parameter “invalid” is stored in the parameter storage unit 16, the access restriction function is set to invalid in the multifunction machine 10. That is, the MFP 10 can execute each process without performing the user authentication process.

  The parameter management unit 17 has a function of managing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 16. As a determination unit, the parameter management unit 17 reads parameters from the parameter storage unit 16 and determines whether or not the access restriction function is valid. Further, the parameter management unit 17 performs overwriting processing on the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 16 as a switching unit, and switches the access restriction function.

  The time management unit 18 has a function of managing the time in the multifunction machine 10.

  The job storage unit 19 includes a nonvolatile memory, and has a function of storing a time designation job as an unexecuted reserved job. In this embodiment, the time designation job stored in the job storage unit 19 is a FAX transmission job in which a transmission time is designated. In this embodiment, the time designation FAX transmission job is referred to as a reservation job.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the job storage unit.
FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the configuration of the job storage unit 19 when the access restriction function is invalid, that is, when the parameter “invalid” is stored in the parameter storage unit 16, and FIG. These are diagrams showing the configuration of the job storage unit 19 when the access restriction function is valid, that is, when the parameter “valid” is stored in the parameter storage unit 16.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the job storage unit 19 includes, for each reservation job, FAX number information indicating the FAX number of the transmission destination of the reservation job, and the FAX document to be transmitted. Image data is stored respectively. Corresponding to these, the job storage unit 19 is provided with a size item and a transmission time item, and size information indicating the size of the FAX document and transmission time information indicating the transmission time of the reserved job are respectively provided. Stored.
For example, in FIG. 6A, the job storage unit 19 stores size information “A4” and transmission time information “2008/4/4” corresponding to the FAX number “123-456-7890” and the image data “FAX1”. 1-15: 30 "is stored.

The job storage unit 19 is further provided with a password number item. When the access restriction function is valid, the personal identification number information indicating the personal identification number of the user who has input the corresponding reservation job is stored in the personal identification number item.
For example, in FIG. 6B, the job storage unit 19 stores the size information “A4” and the transmission time information “2008/4/4” corresponding to the FAX number “123-456-7890” and the image data “FAX4”. 2-15: 30 ”and the password information“ 1000 ”is further stored.

  The job management unit 20 has a function of managing each job input to the multi-function peripheral 10. When a job is received from the control unit 22 described later, the job management unit 20 sends the job to the execution unit 21 together with an execution instruction. If the received job includes transmission time information, the job management unit 20 determines that the job is a reserved job, and stores the reserved job in the job storage unit 19.

  Further, the job management unit 20 monitors the time managed by the time management unit 18 and monitors the time managed by the time management unit 18 based on the transmission time information stored in the job storage unit 19. When the time reaches the transmission time, an execution instruction and the reservation job are sent to the execution unit 21 to execute the corresponding reservation job. Then, when execution completion is notified from the execution unit 21, the job management unit 20 deletes the executed reservation job from the job storage unit 19 as a deletion unit.

  Further, the job management unit 20 determines whether the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 based on a determination instruction from the control unit 22 as a determination unit, and notifies the control unit 22 of the determination result.

  The execution unit 21 has a function of executing a job based on an execution instruction from the job management unit 20, and includes a printing unit 25, a scanner unit 26, and a FAX unit 27 as shown in FIG.

The printing unit 25 is a processing unit that executes a printing process based on the control of the job management unit 20.
The scanner unit 26 is a processing unit that executes scan processing based on the control of the job management unit 20.
The FAX unit 27 is a processing unit that executes a FAX transmission process based on the control of the job management unit 20.

  The control unit 22 has a function of controlling each unit of the multifunction machine 10. When the parameter “valid” is stored in the parameter storage unit 16, the control unit 22 performs an authentication process based on the personal identification number and restricts access. In addition, when the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19, the control unit 22 prohibits switching of the access restriction function.

Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 of this embodiment will be described.
Here, first, the flow of processing from the end of warming up until the reception screen for receiving a job in the multifunction device 10 is displayed will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the reception screen display operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the flow of the reception screen display process when the access restriction function is disabled in the multifunction machine 10 will be described.

  When the warm-up is completed in the multifunction machine 10, the control unit 22 sends a parameter reading instruction to the parameter management unit 17. Then, the parameter management unit 17 reads the parameter “invalid” from the parameter storage unit 16 and notifies the control unit 22 (step S101).

  When the control unit 22 determines that the parameter is “invalid”, that is, the access restriction function is invalid (step S102), the control unit 22 instructs the operation panel control unit 12 to display the invalid reception screen.

  The operation panel control unit 12 reads a corresponding character string from the character string storage unit 13 based on an instruction from the control unit 22, and displays an invalid time acceptance screen on the display panel 28 of the operation panel 11 (step S103). Thereby, the reception screen display process ends.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the invalid time acceptance screen.
As shown in FIG. 8, the invalidity acceptance screen 33 has character strings “copy”, “scan”, “fax”, and “menu” indicating functions that can be selected by the operator when the access restriction function is invalid. "Is displayed respectively. In the initial state, on the invalid time acceptance screen 33, as shown in FIG. 8, the “copy” function is selected.

  As described above, when the access restriction function is invalid, the multifunction machine 10 displays the invalid time acceptance screen 33 (FIG. 8) on the display panel 28 when the warm-up is completed.

  Next, the flow of the reception screen display process when the access restriction function is valid will be described.

  When the control unit 22 sends a parameter read instruction to the parameter management unit 17 after the warm-up is completed, the parameter management unit 17 reads the parameter “valid” from the parameter storage unit 16 and notifies the control unit 22 of the parameter (step S101). .

  When the control unit 22 determines that the parameter is “valid”, that is, that the access restriction function is valid (step S102), the control unit 22 instructs the operation panel control unit 12 to display a personal identification number input screen.

  The operation panel control unit 12 reads the corresponding character string from the character string storage unit 13 based on the instruction from the control unit 22, and displays the personal identification number input screen on the display panel 28 (step S104).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a password input screen according to the first embodiment.
In the personal identification number input screen 34 shown in FIG. 9, when the operator operates the numeric keypad 29 of the operation panel 11, inputs a 4-9 digit number as the personal identification number, and presses the enter key 30-5, the operation panel is displayed. The control unit 12 inputs the input number to the control unit 22 as an input number (step S105).

  Subsequently, the control unit 22 sends an authentication instruction and an input number to the authentication control unit 15. And the authentication control part 15 performs the authentication process of this input number (step S106). The authentication control unit 15 determines whether or not the input number is registered as a code number based on whether or not a code number matching the input number is stored in the code number storage unit 23 of the storage unit 14. An authentication determination is made as to whether or not the user is a registered user (step S106). The authentication control unit 15 notifies the control unit 22 of the authentication determination result.

  When it is determined that the input number has been registered as the password, that is, the operator is a registered user (step S106), the control unit 22 sets the multifunction machine 10 in the login state of the operator and controls the operation panel. The unit 12 is instructed to display a valid reception screen.

  Based on an instruction from the control unit 22, the operation panel control unit 12 adds the character string “logout” from the character string storage unit 13 in addition to the character strings “copy”, “scan”, “fax”, and “menu”. Is displayed and a valid reception screen is displayed (step S107). Thereby, the reception screen display process ends.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the valid reception screen.
As shown in FIG. 10A, character strings “copy”, “scan”, “fax”, and “menu” indicating selectable functions are displayed on the reception screen 35a when valid. . Further, by scrolling the screen by operating the operation key 30, as shown in FIG. 10B, in addition to the character strings described above, the character string “logout” is displayed on the valid reception screen 35b. Is displayed.

  As described above, when the access restriction function is valid, the MFP 10 displays the password input screen 34 (FIG. 9) after the warm-up is completed. 10) is displayed.

  If it is determined in step S106 that the password that matches the input number is not stored in the password storage unit 23, that is, if the operator is not a registered user, the authentication control unit 15 causes the control unit 22 to Via the control panel control unit 12, the authentication judgment result is notified. Based on the authentication determination result, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a message indicating that the passwords do not match, and then displays the password input screen 34 (FIG. 9) again (step S104).

Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 when a reservation job is input to designate a time and send a FAX will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the FAX operation of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the flow of job reservation processing when the access restriction function is disabled will be described.

  When the access restriction is invalid, the invalid time acceptance screen 33 (FIG. 8) is displayed on the display panel 28 of the multifunction machine 10. In the invalid time acceptance screen 33, when the operator selects the character string “FAX” using the lower cursor key 30-3 of the operation panel 11 and presses the enter key 30-5, “FAX” is selected. FAX selection information indicating this is input from the operation panel control unit 12 to the control unit 22 (step S201).

  When the FAX selection information is input, the control unit 22 sends a determination instruction to the job management unit 20 to determine whether a reserved job is stored.

  The job management unit 20 determines whether or not a reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S202), and notifies the control unit 22 of the determination result. Then, the control unit 22 notifies the operation panel control unit 12 of the determination result.

  Based on the determination result, the operation panel control unit 12 reads the corresponding character string from the character string storage unit 13 and displays the process selection screen on the display panel 28 (step S203).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the process selection screen.
When no reservation job is stored, a processing selection screen 36a is displayed on the display panel 28 as shown in FIG. On the process selection screen 36a, a character string “Fax No.” for selecting the input of the FAX number, a character string “A4” for selecting the size of the FAX document, and input of the transmission time of the reserved job are selected. A character string “transmission time” is displayed for each.
When a reserved job is stored, a process selection screen 36b is displayed on the display panel 28 as shown in FIG. In addition to the character strings described above, a character string “cancel job” for selecting cancellation of the reservation job is displayed on the process selection screen 36b.

  In the process selection screen (FIG. 12), when the operator operates the operation key 30 to select “Fax No.” and then presses the enter key 30-5, the FAX number input screen is displayed on the display panel 28. Is done.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the FAX number input screen.
In the FAX number input screen 37 shown in FIG. 13, the operator operates the numeric keypad 29 to input a FAX number, and presses the enter key 30-5. Based on this depression, the FAX number information is input to the operation panel control unit 12, and the process selection screen (FIG. 12) is redisplayed on the display panel.

  In addition, when “transmission time” is selected on the process selection screen (FIG. 12) and the enter key 30-5 is pressed, a transmission time input screen is displayed on the display panel 28.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the transmission time input screen.
On the transmission time input screen 38, the operator operates the numeric keypad 29 to input the transmission time. In the transmission time input screen 38 shown in FIG. 14, “2008/4/1 15:30” is input as the transmission time. Thereafter, when the enter key 30-5 is pressed, the transmission time information is input to the operation panel control unit 12, and the process selection screen (FIG. 12) is redisplayed on the display panel.

  As described above, when the FAX number information and the transmission time information are input and the FAX document size is selected, when the operator presses the start button 31 of the operation panel 11, the FAX number information, the transmission time information, and the size are selected. A FAX transmission request is input to the control unit 22 together with the information (step S204).

  When the control unit 22 sends a FAX transmission instruction, FAX number information, transmission time information, and size information to the job management unit 20, the job management unit 20 determines that the job is a reserved job (step S205). Then, a document reading instruction is sent to the execution unit 21.

  In the execution unit 21, the scanner unit 26 reads an image of a FAX document placed on a placement table (not shown), acquires image data, and sends the image data to the job management unit 20 (step S206).

  The job management unit 20 stores the received image data in the job storage unit 19 together with FAX number information, size information, and transmission time information (step S207).

  When the storage is completed, the job management unit 20 notifies the control unit 22 of the completion of reservation. When the control unit 22 displays a message indicating that the FAX transmission job reservation has been completed on the display panel 28 and then determines that the access restriction function is invalid, the control unit 22 displays an invalid time acceptance screen 33 (FIG. 8). 28. Thus, the job reservation process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  As described above, the multifunction machine 10 accepts the reserved job and stores it in the job storage unit 19.

  Next, the flow of job reservation processing when the access restriction function is valid will be described.

  When the access restriction function is valid, after the operator authentication process is executed, the valid time reception screen 35a (FIG. 10A) is displayed on the display panel 28 of the multifunction machine 10. When the character string “FAX” is selected on the valid reception screen 35a and the enter key 30-5 is pressed, FAX selection information is input from the operation panel control unit 12 to the control unit 22 (step S201).

  Then, based on an instruction from the control unit 22, the job management unit 20 determines whether or not the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S202). When the determination result is notified, an operation is performed based on the control of the control unit 22. The panel control unit 12 displays a process selection screen (FIG. 12) on the display panel 28 (step S203).

  After the FAX number information and transmission time information are input, when the start button 31 of the operation panel 11 is pressed on the process selection screen, the FAX transmission request is transmitted together with the FAX number information, transmission time information, and size information. (Step S204).

  Based on the input of the FAX transmission request, the control unit 22 sends, to the job management unit 20, a FAX transmission instruction, FAX number information, transmission time information, and size information, as well as password information indicating the operator's password. When the job management unit 20 determines that the job is a reserved job (step S205), it sends a document reading instruction to the execution unit 21.

  In the execution unit 21, when the scanner unit 26 reads the image of the FAX document to acquire image data and sends it to the job management unit 20 (step S206), the job management unit 20 converts the received image data into the FAX. The number information, size information, transmission time information, and personal identification number information are stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S207).

  When the storage is completed, the job management unit 20 notifies the control unit 22 of the completion of reservation. When the control unit 22 displays a message indicating that the FAX transmission job reservation has been completed on the display panel 28 and determines that the access restriction is valid, the control unit 22 displays the valid reception screen 35a (FIG. 10A). It is displayed on the display panel 28. Thus, the job reservation process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  As described above, when the access restriction function is valid, the multifunction machine 10 stores the reserved job in the job storage unit 19 together with the personal identification number information.

  If no transmission time information is input in step S205, the job management unit 20 determines that the input job is not a reserved job but a FAX transmission job, and sends a FAX transmission instruction to the execution unit 21.

  In the execution unit 21, the scanner unit 26 reads the image of the FAX document to acquire image data (step S208), and the FAX unit 27 transmits the image data based on the FAX number information (step S209).

  When the transmission is completed, the job management unit 20 notifies the control unit 22 of the transmission completion. The control unit 22 causes the display panel 28 to display a message indicating that the FAX transmission is completed, and then causes the operation panel control unit 12 to display a reception screen in accordance with the validity / invalidity of the access restriction function. Thereby, the FAX transmission process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 when canceling a reserved job will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the reservation canceling operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the flow of reservation cancellation processing when the access restriction function is disabled will be described.

  On the invalidity acceptance screen 33 (FIG. 8) displayed on the display panel 28 of the multifunction machine 10, the operator selects the character string “FAX” using the lower cursor key 30-3 of the operation panel 11, and presses the enter key. When 30-5 is pressed, FAX selection information is input from the operation panel control unit 12 to the control unit 22 (step S201).

  Then, based on the instruction from the control unit 22, the job management unit 20 determines whether or not the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S202). The job management unit 20 determines that a reserved job is stored, and notifies the control unit 22 of the determination result.

  Then, based on the control of the control unit 22, the operation panel control unit 12 displays the process selection screen 36b (FIG. 12B) on the display panel 28 (step S203).

  In this process selection screen 36b, the operator selects “Cancel job” and presses the enter key 30-5. Based on this depression, the operation panel control unit 12 inputs cancel selection information indicating that the cancellation of the reserved job has been selected to the control unit 22 (step S301).

  When cancel selection information is input, the control unit 22 determines that the access restriction function is invalid based on the parameters (step S302), and reads the job number to the job management unit 20 to read FAX number information corresponding to all reserved jobs. Send instructions. Then, the job management unit 20 reads FAX number information corresponding to all reserved jobs from the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6A), and notifies the control unit 22 (step S303). For example, the job management unit 20 reads FAX number information “123-456-7890”, “111-222-3333”, and “444-555-6666” from the job storage unit 19 shown in FIG. To the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 sends to the operation panel control unit 12 a display instruction of a cancel job selection screen for selecting a reservation job to be canceled and the notified FAX number information. Then, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a cancel job selection screen including the FAX number information on the display panel 28 (step S304).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the cancel job selection screen.
On the cancel job selection screen 39a, as shown in FIG. 16A, FAX number information corresponding to each reserved job stored in the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6A) is displayed. Yes.

  When the operator selects FAX number information corresponding to a desired reservation job on this cancel job selection screen 39a and presses the enter key 30-5, the operation panel control unit 12 displays the selected FAX number information, A cancel request for requesting cancellation of the reserved job corresponding to the FAX number information is input to the control unit 22 (step S305).

  The control unit 22 sends a reservation job cancel instruction and FAX number information to the job management unit 20. Then, the job management unit 20 deletes the FAX number information and the corresponding image data, size information, and transmission time information from the job storage unit 19 (step S306).

  When the deletion is completed, the job management unit 20 notifies the control unit 22 of the cancellation completion. After displaying a message indicating that the reservation job has been canceled, the control unit 22 displays the invalid time acceptance screen 33 (FIG. 8) again. Thereby, the reservation cancellation process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  As described above, when the access restriction function is invalid, a desired reservation job can be selected from all the reservation jobs displayed on the display panel 28 and canceled.

  Next, the flow of reservation cancellation processing when the access restriction function is valid will be described.

  When the character string “fax” is selected and the enter key 30-5 is pressed on the valid reception screen 35a (FIG. 10A) displayed on the display panel 28 of the multifunction machine 10, the FAX selection information is Input from the operation panel control unit 12 to the control unit 22 (step S201).

  Since the flow of processing from when the FAX selection information is input to when the cancel selection information is input to the control unit 22 (step S301) is the same as when the access restriction is invalid, a description thereof is omitted.

  When the cancel selection information is input, the control unit 22 determines that the access restriction function is valid based on the parameters (step S302), and gives the job management unit 20 an instruction to read the reserved job and the personal identification number information. send. Then, the job management unit 20 searches the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6B) based on the received personal identification number information, reads the corresponding FAX number information, and notifies the control unit 22 (step S303). For example, when the personal identification number information “1000” is received, the job management unit 20 receives FAX number information “123-456-7890” and “No.” corresponding to the personal identification number information from the job storage unit 19 shown in FIG. 111-222-3333 "is read and sent to the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 sends a cancel job selection screen display instruction and the notified FAX number information to the operation panel control unit 12. Then, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a cancel job selection screen 39b including the FAX number information on the display panel 28 as shown in FIG. 16B (step S304).

  In the cancel job selection screen 39b shown in FIG. 16B, FAX number information corresponding to the reserved job stored in the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6B) corresponding to the personal identification number information “1000”. Only “123-456-7890” and “111-222-3333” are displayed.

  When the enter key 30-5 is pressed on the cancel job selection screen 39b, the operation panel control unit 12 inputs a cancel request and FAX number information to the control unit 22 (step S305).

  When a cancel instruction and FAX number information are sent from the control unit 22 to the job management unit 20, the job management unit 20 sends the FAX number information, corresponding image data, size information, transmission time information, and password information. Is deleted from the job storage unit 19 (step S306), and the control unit 22 is notified of the completion of cancellation.

  Subsequently, the control unit 22 displays a message indicating that the reservation job has been canceled, and then displays the valid reception screen 35a (FIG. 10A) again. Thereby, the reservation cancellation process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  As described above, when the access restriction function is valid, only the reserved job corresponding to the operator's personal identification number can be canceled.

Next, an operation in which the multifunction machine 10 cancels the login state of the operator when the access restriction function is valid will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the logout operation in the first embodiment of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention.

  In the multi function device 10, when a certain time has elapsed since the operator last operated the key, the control unit 22 determines that a predetermined timeout time has elapsed based on the management of the time management unit 18 (step S 401). ). Based on this determination, the control unit 22 determines to cancel the operator's login state, that is, to log out (step S402).

  When the operator's login state is canceled, the control unit 22 instructs the operation panel control unit 12 to display the personal identification number input screen 36.

  Subsequently, the operation panel control unit 12 displays the personal identification number input screen 36 (FIG. 12) on the display panel 28 (step S403). Thereby, the logout process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  As described above, when the timeout period elapses, the multifunction machine 10 automatically cancels the operator's login state.

  Further, when the valid reception screen 35b is displayed on the display panel 28, the operator operates the operation key 30 to select “logout” as shown in FIG. 10B, and then press the enter key 30-5. When pressed (step S404), the operation panel control unit 12 displays a logout confirmation screen (step S405).

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the logout confirmation screen.
In the logout confirmation screen 40 shown in FIG. 18, when the operator selects the character string “Yes” and presses the enter key 30-5, logout selection information is input from the operation panel control unit 12 to the control unit 22. (Step S406).

  When the logout selection information is input, the control unit 22 determines to cancel the login state of the operator in the multifunction machine 10, that is, to log out (step S402). When the login state is canceled, the personal identification number input screen 34 (FIG. 9) is displayed on the display panel 28 (step S403).

  When the character string “No” is selected on the logout confirmation screen 40 (FIG. 18) and the enter key 30-5 is pressed, the login continuation selection information is input from the operation panel control unit 12 to the control unit 22 ( Step S406).

  When the login continuation selection information is input, the control unit 22 determines to continue the login state of the operator in the multifunction machine 10 (step S407). Then, the control unit 22 instructs the operation panel control unit 12 to display a valid reception screen. The operation panel control unit 12 displays the valid reception screen 35a (FIG. 10A) on the display panel 28 (step S408).

  As described above, when logout is selected on the valid reception screen 35b (FIG. 10B), the login state of the operator is cancelled.

Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 when switching of access restrictions is instructed will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the switching operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the switching operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. ).

  Here, the flow of processing for switching the access restriction function from invalid to valid will be described first.

  When instructing the switching of the access restriction function, the operator uses the lower cursor key 30-3 of the operation panel 11 on the invalid reception screen 33 (FIG. 8) displayed on the display panel 28 of the multi-function device 10. Select the column “Menu” and press enter key 30-5. Accordingly, menu selection information indicating that “menu” has been selected is input to the operation panel control unit 12 (step S501).

  Subsequently, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a menu selection screen for selecting each menu on the display panel 28 (step S502).

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the menu selection screen.
As shown in FIG. 21, the menu selection screen 41 displays character strings of “copy menu”, “scan menu”, “fax menu”, and “management menu”.

  On the menu selection screen 41 (FIG. 21), the operator selects “management menu” and presses the enter key 30-5. As a result, management menu selection information indicating that the “management menu” has been selected is input to the operation panel control unit 12 (step S503).

  Subsequently, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a password input screen for inputting a management password on the display panel 28 (step S504).

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a password input screen according to the first embodiment.
In the password input screen 42 shown in FIG. 22, when the operator operates the numeric keypad 29 of the operation panel 11 to input 6 to 12 alphanumeric characters as the management password and presses the enter key 30-5, the operation panel is displayed. The control unit 12 inputs the input alphanumeric characters as an input word to the control unit 22 (step S505).

  The control unit 22 receives an input word and sends an authentication instruction and the input word to the authentication control unit 15. And the authentication control part 15 performs the authentication process of this input word (step S506). The authentication control unit 15 determines whether or not the operator is an authorized person based on whether or not the management password that matches the input word is stored in the password storage unit 24 of the storage unit 14. Is performed (step S506). The authentication control unit 15 notifies the control unit 22 of the authentication determination result.

  When it is determined that the input word is a management password, that is, the operator is an authorized person (step S506), the control unit 22 causes the operation panel control unit 12 to display a management menu selection screen for managing the multifunction machine 10. Instruct the display. Then, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a management menu selection screen on the display panel 28 (step S507).

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the management menu selection screen.
In the management menu selection screen 43 shown in FIG. 23, the operator who is an authorized person selects “System Setup” and presses the enter key 30-5.

  Subsequently, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a setup menu selection screen for system setup on the display panel 28 (step S508).

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the setup menu selection screen.
In the setup menu selection screen 44 shown in FIG. 24, the operator selects “access restriction mode” and presses the enter key 30-5.

  Next, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a switching selection screen 45 for switching the access restriction function on the display panel 28 (step S509).

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the switching selection screen.
On the switching selection screen 45, as shown in FIG. 25, a character string “ON” for selecting switching to the access restriction function being valid and a character string “OFF” for selecting switching to the invalidity are displayed. Are displayed.

  On the switching selection screen 45, the operator selects “ON” and presses the enter key 30-5 to switch the access restriction function from invalid to valid (step S510). In response to the pressing, the operation panel control unit 12 inputs an effective switching request for requesting switching to the access restriction function to the control unit 22 (step S511).

  When the valid switching request is input, the control unit 22 sends a determination instruction to the job management unit 20 to determine whether or not a reserved job is stored.

  The job management unit 20 determines whether or not a reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S512), and notifies the control unit 22 of the determination result.

  When it is determined that the reserved job is not stored (step S512), the control unit 22 permits switching of the access restriction function (step S513). Then, an overwrite instruction is sent to the parameter management unit 17 to overwrite the parameter with “valid”.

  The parameter management unit 17 overwrites the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit 16 with “valid” (step S514). Thereby, the access restriction function is switched from invalid to valid. The parameter management unit 17 notifies the control unit 22 of the completion of switching.

  When notified of the completion of switching, the control unit 22 instructs the operation panel control unit 12 to display a switching completion screen. Then, a switching completion screen is displayed on the display panel 28 by the operation panel control unit 12 (step S515). Thereby, the switching process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the switching completion screen.
On the display panel 28, a switching completion screen 46a indicating that the access restriction function has been effectively switched is displayed as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the reservation job is not stored, switching of the access restriction function is permitted, and the parameter is rewritten from “invalid” to “valid”.

  If it is determined in step S512 that the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19, the control unit 22 prohibits switching of the access restriction function (step S516). Thereby, the switching process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  As described above, when a reservation job is stored, switching of the access restriction function is prohibited.

  Next, a flow of processing for switching the access restriction function from valid to invalid will be described.

  When instructing the switching of the access restriction function, the operator selects “Menu” on the valid reception screen 35a (FIG. 10A) displayed on the display panel 28 of the multifunction machine 10 and presses the enter key 30- 5 is pressed. As a result, menu selection information is input to the operation panel control unit 12 (step S501).

  After the menu selection information is input (step S501), the process flow until the switching selection screen 45 (FIG. 25) is displayed on the display panel 28 (step S509) is the same as when the access restriction is invalid. Since there is, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  On the switching selection screen 45, the operator selects “OFF” and presses the enter key 30-5 to switch the access restriction function from valid to invalid (step S510). Along with this depression, the operation panel control unit 12 inputs an invalid switching request for requesting switching of the access restriction function to invalid (step S517).

  When an invalid switching request is input, the control unit 22 sends a determination instruction to the job management unit 20 to determine whether a reserved job is stored. Then, the job management unit 20 determines whether or not a reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S518), and notifies the control unit 22 of the determination result.

  When it is determined that the reserved job is not stored (step S518), the control unit 22 permits switching of the access restriction (step S519). Then, an overwrite instruction is sent to the parameter management unit 17 to overwrite the parameter with “invalid”.

  The parameter management unit 17 overwrites the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit 16 with “invalid” (step S520). Thereby, the access restriction function is switched from valid to invalid. The parameter management unit 17 notifies the control unit 22 of the completion of switching.

  When notified of the completion of switching, the control unit 22 instructs the operation panel control unit 12 to display a switching completion screen. Then, a switching completion screen is displayed on the display panel 28 by the operation panel control unit 12 (step S521). Thereby, the switching process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  On the display panel 28, a switching completion screen 46b indicating that the access restriction function has been disabled is displayed as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the reservation job is not stored, switching of the access restriction function is permitted, and the parameter is rewritten from “valid” to “invalid”.

  If it is determined in step S518 that the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19, the control unit 22 prohibits switching of the access restriction function (step S516). Thereby, the switching process in the multifunction machine 10 is completed.

  In step S506, if it is determined that the management password that matches the input word is not stored, that is, the operator is not an authorized person, the authentication control unit 15 passes the control unit 22 to the operation panel control unit 12. The authentication judgment result is notified. Based on the authentication determination result, the operation panel control unit 12 displays a message indicating that the management password does not match, and then displays the password input screen 42 (FIG. 22) again (step S504).

  As described above, the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment prohibits switching of the access restriction function when an unexecuted reservation job is stored. Therefore, the reservation job input when the access restriction function is valid is not changed. It is possible to reliably prevent cancellation by the user.

  In this embodiment, the description has been given by taking the example of preventing the cancellation of the reserved job. However, the present invention can also be applied to the prevention of the change in the content of the reserved job.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the access restriction function is prohibited from being switched, the multifunction peripheral 10 immediately ends the switching process, but may display a screen or a message for notifying the switching prohibition on the display panel 28. Is possible.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the complex system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 27, the multifunction system 50 of this embodiment includes a multifunction device 51 and a PC 52 that can communicate with the multifunction device 51.
Using the multi-function system 50 of this embodiment, the user of the multi-function peripheral 51 reserves FAX transmission by specifying the time via the PC 52, that is, submits a reservation job, or sets an unexecuted reservation job. Cancel can be implemented.

  The PC 52 is a personal computer used by an operator, and includes a PC input unit 53, a PC display unit 54, a PC interface unit 55, and a PC control unit 56, as shown in FIG.

  The PC input unit 53 includes a keyboard and a mouse, for example, and inputs a request for switching an access restriction function as a request input unit. The PC input unit 53 inputs a management password as requester identification information as an input transmission unit.

  The PC display unit 54 includes, for example, a display, has a web browser function, and displays various web screens.

  The PC interface unit 55 has a function of communicating with the multi-function device 51 via the Internet, and transmits a switching request and a management password input by the PC input unit 53 to the multi-function device 51 as a transmission unit and an input transmission unit. .

  The PC control unit 56 has a function of controlling each unit of the PC 52.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the multi-function device 51 is an operation panel 11, an operation panel control unit 12, a character string storage unit 13, a storage unit 14, an authentication control unit 15, a parameter storage unit 16, and parameter management as shown in FIG. In addition to the unit 17, the time management unit 18, the job storage unit 19, the job management unit 20, the execution unit 21, and the control unit 57, a web server 58 and an interface unit 59 are further provided.

The web server 58 is a server that stores screen information of a web screen displayed on the PC 52.
The web server 58 may be provided separately from the multi-function device 51.

  The interface unit 59 has a function of communicating with the PC 52 via the Internet, receives a switching request, an input word, and the like transmitted from the PC 52 and sends them to the control unit 57. The interface unit 59 acquires screen information from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  The control unit 57 has a function of controlling each unit of the multi-function device 51. In addition, the control unit 57 has a function of determining permission or prohibition of switching of the access restriction function.

Next, the operation of the composite system 50 of this embodiment will be described.
Here, first, the operation of the complex system 50 when canceling a reservation job via the PC 52 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the reservation canceling operation of the complex system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the reservation canceling operation of the complex system according to the second embodiment of the present invention ( Part 2).

  First, the flow of reservation cancellation processing when the access restriction function of the multi-function device 51 is set to invalid will be described.

  In the PC 52, when the operator operates the PC input unit 53 to input a connection request to the multifunction device 51, the PC interface unit 55 transmits the connection request to the multifunction device 51 based on the control of the PC control unit 56. To do.

  In the multi-function device 51, when the interface unit 59 receives a connection request from the PC 52, the interface unit 59 acquires screen information of the reception screen from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives the screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a reception screen based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S601).

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the reception screen.
As illustrated in FIG. 30, the reception screen 60 includes selection buttons 61-1 to 61-4 for selecting each menu that can be implemented in the multi-function device 51. On this reception screen, the operator operates the PC input unit 53 and presses the “fax menu” selection button 61-3. Along with this depression, FAX selection information is input from the PC input unit 53 to the PC control unit 56 and transmitted to the multi-function device 51 by the PC interface unit 55 (step S602).

  In the multi-function device 51, when receiving the FAX selection information from the PC 52, the interface unit 59 acquires the screen information of the FAX menu screen from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a FAX menu screen based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S603).

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the FAX menu screen.
As shown in FIG. 31 (a), the FAX menu screen 62a has selection buttons 63-1 to 63-4 for selecting each menu, a display area 64 for displaying various information, and the selection is confirmed. “OK” button 65 for canceling, and “Cancel” button 66 for canceling.

  When canceling the reserved job, the operator presses a “cancel job” selection button 63-4 on the FAX menu screen 62a. Along with this depression, cancel selection information is input from the PC input unit 53 to the PC control unit 56, and is transmitted to the multi-function device 51 by the PC interface unit 55 (step S604).

  In the multi-function device 51, when receiving the cancel selection information from the PC 52, the interface unit 59 notifies the control unit 57 of the reception.

  In response to this notification, the control unit 57 sends a parameter read instruction to the parameter management unit 17 in order to determine whether or not the access restriction function is valid. Then, the parameter management unit 17 reads the parameter “invalid” from the parameter storage unit 16 and notifies the control unit 57 of the parameter (step S605).

  If it is determined that the access restriction function is invalid (step S605), the control unit 57 sends a read instruction to the job management unit 20 in order to read FAX number information corresponding to all reserved jobs. Then, the job management unit 20 sends FAX number information “123-456-7890”, “111-222-3333”, and “444-555” corresponding to all reserved jobs from the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6A). 6666 "is read out and notified to the control unit 57 (step S606).

  The control unit 57 sends the notified FAX number information and a transmission instruction for the FAX number information to the interface unit 59. The interface unit 59 transmits these FAX number information to the PC 52 (step S607).

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives the FAX number information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays the FAX menu screen 62b including the received FAX number information based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step). S607).

  On the FAX menu screen 62b, as shown in FIG. 31B, a selection area 67 that enables selection of each FAX number information is displayed in the display area 64.

  On this FAX menu screen 62b, the operator operates the PC input unit 53 to select the corresponding FAX number and press the “OK” button 65 in order to cancel the desired reserved job. Based on this depression, the selected FAX number information and a cancel request for requesting cancellation of the reserved job corresponding to the FAX number information are input from the PC input unit 53 to the PC control unit 56, and the PC interface unit 55 It is transmitted to the multi-function device 51 (step S608).

  In the multi-function device 51, when receiving the cancel request and FAX number information from the PC 52, the interface unit 59 sends them to the control unit 57.

  Then, the control unit 57 sends a reservation job cancel instruction and FAX number information to the job management unit 20. Based on this cancel instruction, the job management unit 20 deletes the FAX number information and corresponding image data, size information, and transmission time information from the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6A) (step S609). ).

  When the deletion is completed, the job management unit 20 notifies the control unit 57 of the completion of cancellation. Based on the control of the control unit 57, the interface unit 59 notifies the PC 52 of the completion of cancellation.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives the cancellation completion notification from the multi-function device 51, a message or screen indicating that the reserved job is canceled is displayed on the PC display unit 54 based on the control of the PC control unit 56. The Thereby, the reservation cancellation process in the complex system 50 ends.

  As described above, when the access restriction function of the multi-function device 51 is invalid, a desired reservation job can be selected and canceled from all reservation jobs displayed on the web screen.

  Next, the flow of reservation cancellation processing when the access restriction function of the multi-function device 51 is valid will be described.

  After the acceptance screen 60 (FIG. 30) is displayed on the PC 52 (step S601), cancel selection information is input on the FAX menu screen 62a (FIG. 31A) and transmitted to the multi-function device 51 (step S604). The processing flow up to this point is the same as when the access restriction is invalid, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the multi-function device 51, when the interface unit 59 receives the cancel selection information from the PC 52 and notifies the control unit 57, the control unit 57 instructs the parameter management unit 17 to determine whether or not the access restriction function is valid. Send parameter reading instructions. Then, the parameter management unit 17 reads the parameter “valid” from the parameter storage unit 16 and notifies the control unit 57 of the parameter (step S605).

  If it is determined that the access restriction function is valid (step S605), the control unit 57 controls the interface unit 59 so that the operator can input a personal identification number, and obtains screen information of the personal identification number input screen from the web server. Then, the screen information is transmitted to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a password input screen based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S610).

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a password input screen according to the second embodiment.
On the personal identification number input screen 68, as shown in FIG. 32, an input area 69 for inputting the personal identification number and an “OK” button 70 for confirming the input are displayed. On this personal identification number input screen 68, when the operator operates the PC input unit 53 to input a 4-9 digit number as the personal identification number and presses the “OK” button 70, the PC input unit 53 is input. The input number is input to the PC control unit 56 as an input number, and the PC interface unit 55 transmits the input number to the multi-function device 51 (step S611).

  In the multi-function device 51, when the interface unit 59 receives an input number from the PC 52, the control unit 57 sends an authentication instruction and an input number to the authentication control unit 15. And the authentication control part 15 performs the authentication process of this input number (step S612). The authentication control unit 15 determines whether or not the input number is registered as a code number based on whether or not a code number matching the input number is stored in the code number storage unit 23 of the storage unit 14. An authentication determination is made as to whether or not the user is a registered user (step S612). The authentication control unit 15 notifies the control unit 57 of the authentication determination result.

  When it is determined that the input number has been registered as a personal identification number, that is, the operator is a registered user (step S612), the control unit 57 uses the personal identification number of the operator as personal identification number information together with a read instruction. The job management unit 20 is notified. Then, the job management unit 20 reads the FAX number information of the corresponding reserved job from the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6B) based on the personal identification number information, and notifies the control unit 57 of the FAX number information (step S612). ).

  Then, the control unit 57 sends the notified FAX number information and a transmission instruction for the FAX number information to the interface unit 59, and the interface unit 59 transmits the FAX number information to the PC 52 (step S607).

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives the FAX number information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays the FAX menu screen 62b including the received FAX number information based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (FIG. 31B). )) Is displayed (step S607).

  In this FAX menu screen 62b, when the operator selects a FAX number corresponding to a desired reserved job and presses an “OK” button 65, the selected FAX number information and a cancel request are sent from the PC input unit 53 to the PC. The data is input to the control unit 56 and transmitted to the multi-function device 51 by the PC interface unit 55 (step S608).

  In the multi-function device 51, when receiving the cancel request and FAX number information from the PC 52, the interface unit 59 sends them to the control unit 57. Then, the control unit 57 sends a reservation job cancel instruction and FAX number information to the job management unit 20. Based on this cancellation instruction, the job management unit 20 deletes the FAX number information and the corresponding image data, size information, transmission time information, and password information from the job storage unit 19 (FIG. 6B). (Step S609).

  When the deletion is completed, the job management unit 20 notifies the control unit 57 of the completion of cancellation. Based on the control of the control unit 57, the interface unit 59 notifies the PC 52 of the completion of cancellation.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives a cancellation completion notification from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a message or screen indicating that the reserved job has been canceled. Thereby, the reservation cancellation process in the complex system 50 ends.

  As described above, when the access restriction function is valid, after the operator authentication process is executed, only the reservation job corresponding to the operator is displayed on the web screen and can be canceled.

  If it is determined in step S612 that the password that matches the input number is not stored in the password storage unit 23, that is, the user is not a registered user, the authentication control unit 15 determines the authentication determination result. To the control unit 57. Then, based on the control of the control unit 57, the interface unit 59 acquires the screen information of the password number mismatch screen for notifying the password number mismatch from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives the screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a password mismatch screen based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S614).

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the password number mismatch screen.
When the “OK” button 72 is pressed on the personal identification number mismatch screen 71 shown in FIG. 33, the personal identification number input screen 68 (FIG. 32) is displayed again on the PC display unit 54 (step S610).

Next, the operation of the composite system 50 when switching of access restrictions is instructed will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35. FIG.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the switching operation of the complex system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 35 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the switching operation of the complex system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. ).

  Here, the flow of processing for switching the access restriction function of the multi-function device 51 from invalid to valid will be described first.

  When the acceptance screen 60 (FIG. 30) is displayed on the PC display unit 54 of the PC 52, the operator operates the PC input unit 53 and presses the “management menu” selection button 61-4. Based on this depression, management menu selection information is input from the PC input unit 53 to the PC control unit 56 and transmitted to the multi-function device 51 by the PC interface unit 55 (step S701).

  In the multi-function device 51, when receiving the management menu selection information from the PC 52, the interface unit 59 acquires screen information of the password input screen from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a password input screen based on the control by the PC control unit 56 (step S702).

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a password input screen according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 36, the password input screen 81 displays an input area 82 for inputting a management password and an “OK” button 83 for confirming the input. In this password input screen 81, when the operator operates the PC input unit 53 to input 6 to 12 alphanumeric characters as the management password and presses the “OK” button 83, the PC input unit 53 is input. The input alphanumeric word is input to the PC control unit 56 as an input word, and the PC interface unit 55 transmits the input word to the multi-function device 51 (step S703).

  In the multi-function device 51, when the interface unit 59 receives an input word from the PC 52, the control unit 57 sends an authentication instruction and an input word to the authentication control unit 15. And the authentication control part 15 performs the authentication process of this input word (step S704). The authentication control unit 15 determines whether or not the operator is an authorized person based on whether or not the management password that matches the input word is stored in the password storage unit 24 of the storage unit 14. Is performed (step S704). The authentication control unit 15 notifies the control unit 57 of the authentication determination result.

  When it is determined that the input word is the management password, that is, the operator is an authorized person (step S704), the interface unit 59 receives the screen information of the management menu screen from the web server 58 based on the control of the control unit 57. Obtain it and send it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a management menu screen based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S705).

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the management menu screen.
A management menu screen 74a is displayed on the PC display unit 54 as shown in FIG. On this management menu screen 74a, an operator who is an authorized person selects and presses the “system setting” selection button 75-1 from the selection buttons 75-1 to 75-4 in order to switch the access restriction.

  Based on this depression, a setup menu including pull-down menus 77-1 to 77-4 for performing various system settings is displayed in the display area 76 of the management menu screen as shown in FIG. (Step S706).

  The operator changes the display of the pull-down menu 77-1 for switching the access restriction from “OFF” to “ON” in the setup menu of the management menu screen 74b (FIG. 37B), and clicks the “OK” button. 78 is pressed (step S707).

  Along with this depression, the PC input unit 53 inputs an effective switching request for effectively switching the access restriction function (step S708). At this time, the PC input unit 53 receives other setup information, that is, a request for switching the power save time selected in the pull-down menu 77-2, a request for switching the standby time selected in the pull-down menu 77-3, and a pull-down menu. The request for switching the initial screen selected in 77-4 is input together, but the description is omitted here. The valid switching request input by the PC input unit 53 is transmitted to the multi-function device 51 by the PC interface unit 55 (step S708).

  In the multi-function device 51, when the interface unit 59 receives the valid switching request, the interface unit 59 sends the valid switching request to the control unit 57.

  Then, the control unit 57 sends a determination instruction to the job management unit 20 to determine whether or not a reserved job is stored.

  The job management unit 20 determines whether or not a reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S709), and notifies the control unit 57 of the determination result.

  When it is determined that no reservation job is stored (step S709), the control unit 57 permits switching of the access restriction function (step S710). Then, an overwrite instruction is sent to the parameter management unit 17 to overwrite the parameter “valid”.

  The parameter management unit 17 overwrites the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit 16 with “valid” (step S711). Thereby, the access restriction function is switched from invalid to valid. The parameter management unit 17 notifies the control unit 57 of the completion of switching.

  When notified of the completion of switching, the interface unit 59 notifies the PC 52 of the completion of switching based on the control of the control unit 57.

  When the PC interface unit 55 is notified of the completion of switching in the PC 52, a message indicating the completion of switching is displayed on the PC display unit 54. Thereby, the switching process in the composite system 50 ends.

  As described above, when the reservation job is not stored in the multi-function device 51, switching of the access restriction function is permitted based on the valid switching request from the PC 52, and the parameter is rewritten from “valid” to “invalid”.

  If it is determined in step S709 that a reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19, the control unit 57 prohibits switching of access restrictions (step S712).

  Based on the control of the control unit 57, the interface unit 59 acquires screen information of a switching prohibition notification screen for notifying switching prohibition of access restriction from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a switching prohibition notification screen based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S713).

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the switching prohibition notification screen.
When the “OK” button 80 is pressed on the switching prohibition notification screen 79 shown in FIG. 38, the management menu screen 74 (FIG. 37A) is displayed again on the PC display unit 54 (step S705). .

  As described above, when a reservation job is stored, switching of the access restriction function is prohibited.

  When the access restriction function is switched from valid to invalid, the operator pulls down a menu for switching the access restriction function in the setup menu of the management menu screen 74b (FIG. 37B) displayed on the PC display unit 54. The display of 77-1 is changed from “ON” to “OFF”, and the “OK” button 78 is pressed (step S 707).

  Along with this depression, the PC input unit 53 inputs an invalid switching request for switching the access restriction function to invalid, and the PC interface unit 55 transmits the invalid switching request to the multi-function device 51 (step S714).

  In the multi-function device 51, when receiving the invalid switching request, the interface unit 59 sends the invalid switching request to the control unit 57. Then, the control unit 57 sends a determination instruction to the job management unit 20 to determine whether or not a reserved job is stored.

  The job management unit 20 determines whether or not a reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19 (step S715), and notifies the control unit 57 of the determination result.

  If it is determined that the reserved job is not stored (step S715), the control unit 57 permits switching of the access restriction function (step S716), and instructs the parameter management unit 17 to overwrite the parameter “invalid”. Send.

  Then, the parameter management unit 17 overwrites the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit 16 with “invalid” (step S717). Thereby, the access restriction function is switched from invalid to valid. When the switching is completed, the parameter management unit 17 notifies the control unit 57 of the switching completion.

  When notified of the completion of switching, the interface unit 59 notifies the PC 52 of the completion of switching based on the control of the control unit 57.

  When the PC interface unit 55 is notified of the completion of switching in the PC 52, a message indicating the completion of switching is displayed on the PC display unit 54. Thereby, the switching process in the composite system 50 ends.

  As described above, when the reservation job is not stored in the multi-function device 51, switching of the access restriction function is permitted based on the invalid switching request from the PC 52, and the parameter is rewritten from “invalid” to “valid”.

  If it is determined in step S709 that the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit 19, the control unit 57 prohibits switching of the access restriction function (step S712).

  Then, based on the control of the control unit 57, the interface unit 59 acquires the screen information of the switching prohibition notification screen from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives screen information from the multi-function device 51, the PC display unit 54 displays a switching prohibition notification screen 79 (FIG. 38) based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S713).

  In step S704, if it is determined that the management password that matches the input word is not stored, that is, the operator is not an authorized person, the authentication control unit 15 notifies the control unit 57 of the authentication determination result. Then, based on the control of the control unit 57, the interface unit 59 acquires the screen information of the password mismatch screen for notifying the management password mismatch from the web server 58 and transmits it to the PC 52.

  In the PC 52, when the PC interface unit 55 receives the screen information, the PC display unit 54 displays a password mismatch screen based on the control of the PC control unit 56 (step S718).

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the password mismatch screen.
When the “OK” button 85 is pressed on the password mismatch screen 84 shown in FIG. 39, the PC display unit 54 displays the password input screen 81 (FIG. 36) again (step S702).

  As described above, the multi-function system 50 according to the present embodiment can cancel the reserved job input to the multi-function peripheral 51 via the web screen displayed on the PC 52, and has an access restriction function in the multi-function peripheral 51. Since switching is possible, convenience is improved. In addition, when an unexecuted reservation job is stored in the multi-function device 51, switching of the access restriction function is prohibited, so that cancellation by other users of the reservation job input when the access restriction function is valid is surely prevented. Is done.

  In this embodiment, the description has been given by taking the example of preventing the cancellation of the reserved job. However, the present invention can also be applied to the prevention of the change in the content of the reserved job.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a multifunction peripheral is described as an example of the image processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a copier, a printer, a FAX apparatus, and the like.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an operation panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a character string storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a PIN code memory | storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a password memory | storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a job storage part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an acceptance screen display operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the reception screen at the time of invalidity. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the PIN code input screen in Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a reception screen at the time of validity. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a FAX operation of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a process selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a FAX number input screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a transmission time input screen. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a reservation canceling operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a cancellation job selection screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a logout operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a logout confirmation screen. 6 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a switching operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the switching operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a menu selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the password input screen in Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a management menu selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a setup menu selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a switching selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a switching completion screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the composite system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the reservation cancellation operation | movement of the composite system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the reservation cancellation operation | movement of the composite system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a reception screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a FAX menu screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the PIN code input screen in Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a PIN code mismatch screen. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows switching operation | movement of the composite system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows switching operation | movement of the composite system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the password input screen in Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a management menu screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a switching prohibition notification screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a password mismatch screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 51 Multifunction machine 11 Operation panel 12 Operation panel control part 14 Storage part 15 Authentication control part 16 Parameter storage part 17 Parameter management part 18 Time management part 19 Job storage part 20 Job management part 21 Execution part 22, 57 Control part 50 Composite System 52 PC
53 PC Input Unit 54 PC Display Unit 55 PC Interface Unit 56 PC Control Unit 58 Web Server 59 Interface Unit

Claims (13)

An image processing apparatus capable of switching an access restriction function for a user job ,
A job storage unit for storing a reserved job that is an unexecuted job that is executed when an execution time is specified and the execution time is reached ;
A restriction information storage section for restriction information wherein the access restriction function indicates any effective and invalid Ru stored,
A request input unit for inputting a request for switching the restriction information ;
A determination unit that determines whether the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit;
When the reservation job is determined to be stored, and a control unit for prohibiting the switching of the restriction information,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restriction information switching request is a request for switching from valid to invalid or a request for switching from invalid to valid . A storage unit for previously storing the authorized person identification information of authorized person having switched authority before Symbol limit information,
A requester for requesting the switching of the previous SL restrictions information, an information input unit for inputting a request identification information,
An authenticating unit for authenticating whether or not the requester is the authorized person, based on whether or not the inputted requester identifying information and the authorized person identifying information match;
Further comprising
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the user is authenticated as the authorized person, the request input unit inputs the switching request. A determination unit that determines whether or not the access restriction function is valid based on the restriction information stored in the restriction information storage unit when it is determined that the access is not stored by the determination unit;
If it is determined to be valid, the switching unit disable switch the previous SL restriction information,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the switching unit includes a rewriting unit that rewrites the restriction information to invalidate the access restriction function . Wherein when the access restriction function by the determination unit is determined to be invalid, the switching unit, an image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the switching enable the restriction information. An image processing system including an image processing apparatus capable of switching an access restriction function for a user job , and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A request input unit for inputting a switching request of restriction information which the access restriction function indicates one of valid and invalid,
A transmission unit that transmits the switching request to the image processing apparatus,
With
The image processing apparatus includes:
A job storage unit for storing a reserved job that is an unexecuted job that is executed when an execution time is specified and the execution time is reached ;
A restriction information storage unit for storing the restriction information;
A receiving unit that receives the switching request from the information processing apparatus;
A determination unit that determines whether the reserved job is stored in the job storage unit when receiving the switching request ;
When it is determined that the reserved job is stored, a control unit that prohibits switching of the access restriction function ;
An image processing system comprising:   The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein communication between the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus is performed via the Internet. 8. The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein the restriction information switching request is a request for switching from valid to invalid or a request for switching from invalid to valid . The information processing apparatus includes:
A requester requesting switching of the restriction information to input requester identification information, and further comprising an input transmitter for transmitting the requester identification information to the information processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A storage unit that stores in advance the authority identification information of the authority having the authority to switch the restriction information;
An authentication unit that authenticates whether or not the requester is the authorized person, based on whether or not the requester identifying information received from the image processing apparatus matches the authorized person identifying information;
Further comprising
The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein when the authorized person is authenticated, the determination unit determines whether or not the reserved job is stored. The image processing apparatus includes:
A determination unit that determines whether or not the access restriction function is valid based on the restriction information stored in the restriction information storage unit when it is determined that the access is not stored by the determination unit;
A switching unit that switches the restriction information to invalid when it is determined to be valid;
The image processing system according to claim 7, further comprising: 12. The image processing system according to claim 11, wherein the switching unit includes a rewriting unit that rewrites the restriction information so as to invalidate the access restriction function. The image processing system according to claim 11, wherein when the determination unit determines that the access restriction function is invalid, the switching unit effectively switches the restriction information.

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