JP6605340B2 - Service function providing system, management server, service function providing apparatus, service function providing method, management server program, service function providing apparatus program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a service function providing system, a management server, a service function providing apparatus, a service function providing method, a management server program, and a service function providing apparatus program for providing a service function to a user.・ Service function providing system, management server, service function providing device, and service for providing maintenance functions to store staff, service personnel, and supervisors for MFPs installed in the store The present invention relates to a function providing method, a management server program, and a service function providing apparatus program.

  Multi-function printers (MFPs) that add facsimile functions, communication functions, memory card reading functions, etc. to image copiers including document readers and image forming devices are installed in companies, public institutions, schools, etc. In addition to this, it is also installed in many convenience stores nationwide. Multifunction machines installed in convenience stores are used as image copying apparatuses, image reading apparatuses, local printing apparatuses, network printing apparatuses, facsimile transmission apparatuses, and the like.

  When explaining maintenance services for MFPs installed at convenience stores, store staff will manage consumables such as toner supply and paper supply on a daily basis, and service personnel will maintain image quality adjustment and other functions. The supervisor manages these maintenances by store staff and / or service personnel, that is, grasps maintenance information (maintenance history, maintenance results, etc.).

JP2012-60289A

  By the way, as described above, the content of the maintenance service by the store staff, the content of the maintenance service by the serviceman, and the content of the maintenance service by the supervisor are different from each other. However, at present, the same service screen is displayed for store staff, service personnel, and supervisors. Therefore, each user selects the necessary maintenance / service function and the corresponding screen. However, there is information that is not used for store staff, service personnel, and supervisors, which makes the operation complicated.

  In addition, it is necessary for the store staff assigned to each store to manage consumables only for the multifunction peripherals installed in the convenience store to which the store staff is assigned.

  In addition, each prefecture is divided into multiple regions for maintenance, but in principle, store staff, service personnel, and supervisors set passwords for each store and region assigned to them. However, if this password is leaked and misused, unauthorized access will be made by impersonation. In addition, recently, there have been cases in which a person who has left the office misuses the password at the time of enrollment, and each time, there has been a troublesome change of password management between each region and store.

  Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a display device and an image forming apparatus that can set a use language for each user authority mode, but only a character portion of the same screen can be set for each user authority mode. However, the type of screen to be displayed cannot be set for each user authority mode.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a service function providing system, a management server, a service function providing apparatus, a service function providing method, a management server program, which can allocate service functions that can be provided in a limited manner for each user authority. It is an object to provide a service function providing apparatus program.

  In addition, the present invention provides a service function providing system, a management server, a service function providing apparatus, a service function providing method, and a management server capable of allocating limited service function providing apparatuses capable of providing a service function for each user. An object of the present invention is to provide a service program and a service function providing apparatus program.

According to the present invention,
A service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
Equipped with a,
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated in the user-specific authority code / region code table with them in the user-specific authority code / region code table. Transmission means for transmitting to one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the region code,
Each of the plurality of service function providing devices includes a holding unit that holds the received user identification information and the authority code in association with each other, the authentication unit, and the service function providing unit.
In each service function providing device, when user identification information corresponding to any user is input, the authentication unit determines whether the user identification information is held in the holding unit. If the authentication is successful and the authentication by the authenticating means is successful, the service is provided with one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code held in the holding means in association with the input user identification information. function providing means is provided by the service function providing system characterized that you provide.
Moreover, according to the present invention,
A service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server
Transmission means for transmitting the area code held in the user-specific authority code / area code table to one or more service function providing devices to which the area code is assigned, the authentication means, and authority specifying means With
Each of the plurality of service function providing devices includes:
Holding means for holding the received area code;
The service function providing means;
Inquiry means for transmitting the entered user identification information and the inquiry with the area code held in the holding means to the management server;
With
The authentication means provided in the management server is based on whether or not the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code are associated in the authority code / region code table for each user. To perform the authentication,
If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the authority specifying unit provided in the management server is associated with the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code, for each user. Identify the authority code held in the authority code / region code table,
The service function providing system provided in each of the plurality of service function providing devices provides one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code specified by the authority specifying means. Provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
The management server provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated in the user-specific authority code / region code table with them in the user-specific authority code / region code table. There is provided a management server comprising transmission means for transmitting to one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the area code.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
The management server provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server
Transmission means for transmitting the area code held in the user-specific authority code / area code table to one or more service function providing devices to which the area code is assigned, the authentication means, and authority specifying means With
Each of the plurality of service function providing devices includes:
Holding means for holding the received area code;
The service function providing means;
Inquiry means for transmitting the entered user identification information and the inquiry with the area code held in the holding means to the management server;
With
The authentication means provided in the management server is based on whether or not the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code are associated in the authority code / region code table for each user. To perform the authentication,
If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the authority specifying unit provided in the management server is associated with the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code , for each user. Identify the authority code held in the authority code / region code table,
There is provided a management server, wherein the service function providing means provided in each of the plurality of service function providing devices provides one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code specified by the authority specifying means. The

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
The service function providing apparatus provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing apparatuses connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated in the user-specific authority code / region code table with them in the user-specific authority code / region code table. A transmission means for transmitting to the service function providing device corresponding to the area code;
The service function providing device includes a holding unit that holds the received user identification information and the authority code in association with each other, the authentication unit, and the service function providing unit.
In the service function providing device, when user identification information corresponding to any user is input, the authentication unit determines whether the user identification information is held in the holding unit. If the authentication is successful and the authentication by the authenticating means is successful, the service is provided with one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code held in the holding means in association with the input user identification information. A service function providing device is provided, wherein the function providing means provides.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
The service function providing apparatus provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing apparatuses connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server
A transmission means for transmitting the area code held in the user-specific authority code / area code table to a service function providing apparatus to which the area code is assigned, the authentication means, and an authority specifying means,
The service function providing device includes:
Holding means for holding the received area code;
The service function providing means;
Inquiry means for transmitting the entered user identification information and the inquiry with the area code held in the holding means to the management server;
With
The authentication means provided in the management server is based on whether or not the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code are associated in the authority code / region code table for each user. To perform the authentication,
If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the authority specifying unit provided in the management server is associated with the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code , for each user. Identify the authority code held in the authority code / region code table,
The service function providing device provided in the service function providing device provides one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code specified by the authority specifying device.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a multi-function machine including the service function providing apparatus described above.

  Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a server program for causing a computer to function as the management server.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a service function providing apparatus program for causing a computer to function as the service function providing apparatus.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
A service function providing method performed in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. Steps to prepare,
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated with each other in the user-specific authority code / regional code table in the user-specific authority code / regional code table. A transmission step of transmitting to one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the area code;
Each of the service function providing apparatuses that have received the user identification information and the region code associates the received user identification information and the authority code with each other and retains them in a retaining unit corresponding to the own service function providing apparatus. Means steps;
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing apparatus, the service function providing apparatus receives the input user identification information. Authentication is performed based on whether or not the authentication is successful, and if the authentication is successful, the user service information providing apparatus is associated with the input user identification information. There is provided a service function providing method characterized by providing one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code held in the holding means .
Furthermore, according to the present invention,
A service function providing method performed in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. Steps to prepare,
A transmitting step in which the management server transmits the area code held in the user-specific authority code / area code table to one or more service function providing apparatuses to which the area code is assigned;
Each of the service function providing apparatuses that have received the area code holds the received area code in a holding unit corresponding to the service function providing apparatus;
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the service function providing device is configured to input the user identification information and the own service function providing device. An inquiry step for sending an inquiry with the area code held in the holding means corresponding to the management server;
The management server performs authentication based on whether or not the user identification information accompanying the inquiry received by the management server is associated with the region code in the authority code / region code table for each user. When,
If the management server succeeds in the authentication, the management server stores the user identification information accompanying the inquiry received by the management server and the region code in the user-specific authority code / region code table. Identifying the authority code, and transmitting the identified authority code to the service function providing apparatus that made the inquiry;
If the service function providing device receives the authority code, providing one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code;
A service function providing method is provided .

  According to the invention, a service function that can be provided can be allocated in a limited manner for each user authority. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to assign a limited number of service function providing devices that can provide a service function for each user.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the service function provision system by the 1st thru | or 5th embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the service function provision apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the authority code table classified by individual shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen which the service function provision apparatus by embodiment of this invention displays. (A) is a screen for providing a consumables management service function, (b) is a screen for providing an image quality check service function, and (c) is a maintenance confirmation service function. It is a screen for providing. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the management server by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the authority code / area code table classified by user shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the apparatus table shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the service function provision apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the irregular operation | movement of the management server by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the regular operation | movement of the management server by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the service function provision apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the authority versus function table shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the service function provision apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the service function provision apparatus by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the management server by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the area code table shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the service function provision apparatus by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the management server by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the multifunctional device by the 5th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction device function unit included in a multifunction device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a service providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a management server 151, a plurality of multifunction peripherals 101, and a management PC 191. A plurality of multi-function peripherals 101 are installed throughout the country. The whole country is divided into a plurality of areas 171 for convenience of management. One area 171 has one or more convenience stores (unsigned), and usually one multifunction peripheral 101 is installed in each convenience store. Accordingly, one or more multifunction peripherals 101 exist in each area 171.

  The management server 151 is connected to the plurality of multifunction peripherals 101 and manages them. The management server 151 is also connected to the management PC 191. The management PC 191 transmits / receives data and messages necessary for the management server 151 to manage the plurality of multifunction peripherals 101 to / from the management server 151, and inputs the data and messages from the outside as necessary. Output. There may be a plurality of management PCs 191. For example, one management PC 171 may be installed for each area 171.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the multifunction machine 101 includes a service providing function unit 111 and a multifunction machine function unit 131. The service providing function unit 111 corresponds to the service function providing apparatus of the present invention. The multifunction device function unit 131 is a part that bears the main functions of a multifunction device in which a facsimile function, a communication function, a memory card reading function, and the like are added to the image copying machine including the document reading device and the image forming device described above. The service providing function unit 111 allows the user to use a service function for maintaining the multifunction device function unit 131.

  The service providing function unit 111 includes a user identification information input unit 113, a user-specific authority code table 115, an MFP-side authentication unit 117, an MFP-side user authority specifying unit 119, a service selection unit 121, and a consumable management function unit. 123, an image quality adjustment function unit 125, a maintenance information display function unit 127, and a user-specific authority code table update unit 129.

  The user identification information input unit 113 inputs user identification information (hereinafter also referred to as “user ID”) by an operation by a store staff, a service person, or a supervisor who is a user. The user identification information input unit 113 is a receiving device based on NFC (Near Field Communication), for example. The user's IC card or terminal corresponding to NFC holds user identification information, and this receiving apparatus inputs the user identification information when such an IC card or portable terminal is tricked.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the user-specific authority code table 115 stores user identification information and authority codes in association with each other, for each of one or more users.

  MFP-side authentication unit 117 receives user identification information when user identification information input unit 113 inputs the user identification information. Then, it is determined whether the received user identification information is stored in the authority code table 115 for each user. If stored, authentication is successful.

  When the MFP-side authentication unit 117 determines that the user identification information input by the user identification information input unit 113 is stored in the user-specific authority code table 115 (FIG. If the authentication is successful), the authority code stored in the user-specific authority code table 115 corresponding to the user identification information is output.

  When the authority selection unit 119 inputs an authority code from the MFP-side user authority specifying unit 119, the service selection unit 121 activates the service function part corresponding to the authority code in order to provide the user with a service function corresponding to the authority code. To do. Specifically, at least one of the consumables management function unit 123, the image quality adjustment function unit 125, or the maintenance information display function unit 127 is activated.

  The consumable item management function unit 123 displays a consumable item management screen (see FIG. 4A) on the display unit, and executes consumable item management. For example, the size and percentage of paper loaded in the paper feed tray are displayed, and if the paper is changed or added by store staff, it is detected by a sensor, and the display is updated based on the detection. To do. Further, the remaining amount of ink is displayed, and when the ink cartridge or the ink ribbon is replaced with a new one, it is detected by a sensor, and the display of the remaining amount of ink is updated based on the detection. Further, the remaining amount of toner for each color is displayed. When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, it is detected by a sensor, and the display of the remaining amount of toner is updated based on the detection. The functions for displaying and executing the screen can be realized by, for example, a computer reading and executing a program, but may be realized by hardware alone or by combining them.

  The image quality adjustment function unit 125 displays a screen for image quality adjustment (see FIG. 4B) on the display unit. Then, if an operation for image quality adjustment is performed on the screen by the service person, settings for image quality adjustment are made to the multifunction device function unit 131. Image quality adjustment is, for example, adjustment of the level of each color in color copying.

  The maintenance information display function unit 127 displays a screen representing maintenance information (see FIG. 4C) on the display unit. Maintenance information includes the history (serial number, use date and time, type of function used (printing, copying, image reading, facsimile, etc.), number of printed sheets, input amount, available amount, Amount, balance). Although the maintenance information display function unit 127 itself has a function of recording maintenance information and may be always operating, the maintenance information display function unit 127 has a recording unit for recording maintenance information in addition to the maintenance information display function unit 127. May display maintenance information held in the recording unit when it is called.

  When the user is a store staff, the service selection unit 121 activates the consumables management function unit 123. In addition, when the user is a service person, the service selection unit 121 displays a menu screen (not shown) for allowing the service person to select any of consumables management, image quality adjustment, and maintenance information display. .) Is displayed on the display unit, and one of the consumables management function unit 123, the image quality adjustment function unit 125, and the maintenance information display function unit 127 is activated according to the selection by the service person on this menu screen. Further, the service selection unit 121 activates the maintenance information display function unit 127 when the user is a supervisor.

  It should be noted that after finishing any one of the function units, the menu screen for selection may be displayed again and another function may be used by the service person.

  When the user-specific authority code table updating unit 129 receives the update information of the user-specific authority code table from the management server 151, the user-specific authority code table 115 is updated based on the update information. The update information may correspond to only the difference before and after the update, or may relate to all information after the update.

  Next, referring to FIG. 5, the management server 151 includes a user-specific authority code / region code table 153, a device table 155, an update request receiving unit 157, an update execution unit 159, a region specifying unit 161, a device specifying unit 163, and An update information transmission unit 165 is included.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 holds user identification information, authority codes, and region codes in association with each other, for each of one or more users.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the device table 155 holds an area code and one or more branch names in association with each other. Here, the branch name is information for uniquely identifying each convenience store, and corresponds to “XX store” in daily life.

  If the explanation of the area code shown in the example of FIG. 6 is supplemented, the range including the area code 3-1, 3-2, 3-3 matches the area code 3. Therefore, the area corresponding to the area code 3 includes an area corresponding to the area code 3-1, an area corresponding to the area code 3-2, and an area corresponding to the area code 3-3. In the device table 155 shown in FIG. 7, the D branch, E branch, and F branch exist in the area corresponding to the area code 3, the D branch exists in the area corresponding to the area code 3-1, and the area code 3 It is shown that the E branch exists in the area corresponding to -2, and the F branch exists in the area corresponding to the area code 3-3, but the relationship between the above areas coincides with this.

  The update request receiving unit 157 receives a request for updating the authority code / region code table 153 for each user from the management PC 191. Here, the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 is updated by adding a user (adding a record), changing a user's authority (changing record data), and changing a region code corresponding to the user ( Change of record data) and deletion of users (deletion of records).

  When the update request receiving unit 157 receives a request for updating the authority code / region code table for each user, the update execution unit 159 updates the authority code / region code table 153 for each user according to the request.

  When the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 is updated, the region specifying unit 161 specifies the region code described in the updated record.

  The device specifying unit 163 specifies a branch belonging to the region specified by the region code specified by the region specifying unit 161 by referring to the device table 155.

  The update information transmission unit 165 includes the update of the authority code / region code table 153 for each user included in the multi-function peripheral 101 for each multi-function peripheral 101 installed in one or more branches identified by the device identification unit 163. Update request to be reflected in the authority code table 115 for each user.

  Next, the operation of the service providing function unit 111 included in the multifunction machine 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  It is determined whether the user has input user identification information to the user identification information input unit 113 (S201), and the management server 151 notifies the user to the authority code table update unit 129 for each user. It is alternately repeated to determine whether or not a request for updating the different authority code table 115 has been transmitted (step S203).

  If the user inputs user identification information to user identification information input unit 113 (YES in step S201), MFP-side authentication unit 117 displays the user identification information in authority code table 115 for each user. It is determined whether it is stored (step S207).

  If it is stored (YES in step S207), the MFP-side user authority specifying unit 119 specifies the authority assigned to the user identification information by referring to the authority code table 115 for each user. (Step S211).

  Next, when the authority is “store staff”, the service selection unit 121 activates the consumables management function unit 123 (step S215).

  In addition, when the authority is “service man”, the service selection unit 121 displays a function selection screen (not shown) on the display unit, and according to the selection on the screen by the service man, The consumable management function unit 123, the image quality adjustment function unit 125, or the maintenance information display function unit 127 is activated (steps S215, S217, or S219).

  Furthermore, when the authority is “supervisor”, the service selection unit 121 activates the maintenance information function unit 127 (step S219).

  When the consumables management function unit 123, the image quality adjustment function unit 125, or the maintenance information function unit 1227 has finished operating, the process returns to the loop of step S201 and step S203.

  In this loop, if the management server 151 sends a request for updating the user-specific authority code table 115 to the user-specific authority code table update unit 129 (YES in step S203), it is included in the request. The user-specific authority code table 115 is updated using the necessary information for updating. The update here includes the addition of a record corresponding to the addition of the user, the deletion of the record corresponding to the deletion of the user, and the change of the record corresponding to the authority change of the user. That is, when the management server 151 requests to update the authority code table 115 for each user based on the difference data, only the portion that needs to be updated is updated with the difference data. On the other hand, when the management server 151 requests to update the authority code table 115 for each user by rewriting it, it deletes all the records stored in the table so far and sends it together with the request. A record is added based on the information of all the records that have been made.

  Next, the operation of irregular update by the management server 151 will be described with reference to FIG. The irregular update operation means that the user-specific authority code table 115 is updated from the management server 151 to the corresponding MFP 101 each time the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 is updated. This is an operation of transmitting an update request for the purpose.

  If the update request receiving unit 157 receives a request for updating the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 from the management PC 191 (YES in step S221), the update execution unit 159 displays the user-specific authority code. / Region code table 153 is updated according to the request (step S223).

  Next, the area specifying unit 161 specifies the area code described in the updated record of the authority code / area code table 153 for each user (step S225).

  Next, the device specifying unit 163 specifies one or more branches belonging to the region specified by the region code specified by the region specifying unit 161 by referring to the device table 155 (step S227).

  Next, the update information transmitting unit 165 updates the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 to the multifunction device 101 in each multifunction device 101 installed in one or more branches identified by the device identifying unit 163. An update request to be reflected in the included user-specific authority code table 115 is transmitted (step S229).

  Thereafter, the update request receiving unit 157 waits until the next request for updating the authority code / region code table 153 for each user is received from the management PC 191 (step S221).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the operation of the periodic update by the management server 151 will be described. The periodical update operation refers to the management server 151 informing the corresponding multi-function peripheral 101 from the user when the predetermined time arrives after the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 is updated. This is an operation for issuing an update request for updating the separate authority code table 115.

  If the update request receiving unit 157 receives a request for updating the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 from the management PC 191 (YES in step S221), the update execution unit 159 displays the user-specific authority code. / Region code table 153 is continuously updated according to the request (step S223) (YES or NO in step S231). When there is an update, update information is temporarily stored.

  If the regular time arrives (YES in step S231) and there is an information update during the period from the previous regular time to the current regular time (YES in step S233), the area is specified. The unit 161 specifies the region code described in each of all the records updated in the period of the authority code / region code table 153 for each user (step S225).

  Next, the device specifying unit 163 refers to the device table 155 for one or more branches belonging to the region specified by the individual region codes included in the one or more region codes specified by the region specifying unit 161. Specify (step S227).

  Next, the update information transmission unit 165 updates the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 in the multifunction device 101 in each multifunction device 101 installed in each of one or more branches identified by the device identification unit 163. An update request to be reflected in the included user-specific authority code table 115 is transmitted (step S229).

  Thereafter, the update request receiving unit 157 waits until the next request for updating the authority code / region code table 153 for each user is received from the management PC 191 (step S221).

  According to the first embodiment, the user-specific authority code table 115 provided in the service providing function unit 111 included in each MFP 101 can use the service providing function unit 111. Only user identification information and authority code are included.

  Therefore, the service function assigned to each user can be limited to the type corresponding to the authority possessed by the user. For example, the service function assigned to the store staff can be limited to only the service function for consumables management. In this case, it is possible to prevent the store staff from using the service function for adjusting the image quality and the service function for displaying the maintenance information.

  In addition, as described above, a user who can use the service providing function unit 111 included in each MFP is designated as a user whose user identification information and authority code are registered in the MFP. It can be limited to. For example, a user who can use the service providing function unit 111 included in the MFP installed in the branch A is registered in the MFP whose user identification information and authority code are installed in the branch A. It can be limited to the users who are. Therefore, a user who can use the service providing function unit 111 included in the MFP installed in the B branch uses the service providing function unit 111 included in the MFP installed in the A branch. Can be prevented.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the user-specific authority code table 115 provided in the service providing function unit 111 included in each multifunction machine 101 can use the service providing function unit 111. In order to include only the user identification information and the authority code of the user, that is, does not include the user identification information and the authority code of the user other than the user who can use the service providing function unit 111. In order to do so, the management server 151 performs the following for the entire plurality of MFPs 101 scattered throughout the country. That is, the management server 151 manages user identification information and authority codes that can use the service providing unit 111 included in each multi-function peripheral 101 together with area codes, and user-specific authority codes / area codes. Control is performed based on the table 153 and the device table 155 that holds the correspondence between the region code and the branch name. That is, the management server 151 collectively manages the user-specific authority code table 115 of each of the plurality of multifunction peripherals 101 scattered throughout the country using the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 and the device table 155. To do. Therefore, management regarding the use of the service providing function is facilitated across the plurality of multifunction peripherals 101 scattered throughout the country.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment. The service providing system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The management server 151 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in configuration in that the service function is clear as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 2 showing the configuration of the MFP in these embodiments. In the providing apparatus, the service selection unit 121 is changed to the service selection unit 121B, and only the authority versus function table 122 accessed from the service selection unit 121B is added.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the authority versus function table 122 is a collection of one or more service functions that can be used for each authority represented by an authority code.

  Although not shown, the authority versus function table 122 can be rewritten by an instruction from the management server 151. Further, rewriting can be performed through the user interface of the multifunction peripheral 101 in addition to or in place of such rewriting.

  Therefore, when there is a change in the function that can be used for each authority, it is not necessary to change the service selection unit 121B, and only the authority versus function table 122 needs to be rewritten.

  Next, the operation of the service providing function unit 111 included in the multifunction machine 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  It is determined whether the user has input user identification information to the user identification information input unit 113 (S201), and the management server 151 notifies the user to the authority code table update unit 129 for each user. It is alternately repeated to determine whether or not a request for updating the different authority code table 115 has been transmitted (step S203).

  If the user inputs user identification information to user identification information input unit 113 (YES in step S201), MFP-side authentication unit 117 displays the user identification information in authority code table 115 for each user. It is determined whether it is registered (step S207). If not registered (NO in step S207), an authentication error is displayed (step S209), and the process returns to step S201.

  If registered (YES in step S207), the MFP-side user authority specifying unit 119 specifies the authority assigned to the user identification information by referring to the authority code table 115 for each user. In step S241, the service selection unit 121B searches all functions corresponding to the specified authority from the authority-to-function table 122, and determines whether the number of functions is one (step S241). S243).

  When the number of functions is plural (NO in step S243), a screen (not shown) for allowing the user to select any one of these functions is displayed (step S245) and used. After accepting the selection from the person (step S247), the process proceeds to step S249. If the number of functions is 1 (YES in step S243), the process directly proceeds to step 249.

  Since only one function is specified at the time of proceeding from step S243 or S247 to step S249, in step S249, the service selection unit 121B activates a function unit corresponding to the specified function (step S215, S217 or S219).

  If the authority vs. function table 122 shown in FIG. 12 is used, for example, if the authority of the user is a store staff, the service selection unit 121B activates the consumables management function unit 123 (step S215). If the authority of the user is a supervisor, the maintenance information display function unit 127 is activated (step S219).

  When the authority of the user is a serviceman, the function is selected by the user in steps S245 and S247. If the consumable management is selected, the service selection unit 121B activates the consumable management function unit 123 (step S215). If the quality adjustment function is selected, the service selection unit 121B activates the image quality adjustment function unit 125 (step S215). S217) If the maintenance information display is selected, the maintenance information display function unit 127 is activated (step S219).

  When the consumables management function unit 123, the image quality adjustment function unit 125, or the maintenance information function unit 1227 has finished operating, the process returns to the loop of step S201 and step S203.

  In this loop, if the management server 151 sends a request for updating the user-specific authority code table 115 to the user-specific authority code table update unit 129 (YES in step S203), it is included in the request. The user-specific authority code table 115 is updated using the necessary information for updating. The update here includes the addition of a record corresponding to the addition of the user, the deletion of the record corresponding to the deletion of the user, and the change of the record corresponding to the authority change of the user. That is, when the management server 151 requests to update the authority code table 115 for each user based on the difference data, only the portion that needs to be updated is updated with the difference data. On the other hand, when the management server 151 requests to update the authority code table 115 for each user by rewriting it, it deletes all the records stored in the table so far and sends it together with the request. A record is added based on the information of all the records that have been made.

The configuration of the management server 151 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and the operation of the management server 151 in the second embodiment is the same as that of FIG. Since the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, overlapping description is omitted. According to the second embodiment, all the effects achieved by the first embodiment are achieved.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the correspondence between the authority and the service function only by rewriting the authority versus function table 122.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, user authentication and user authority are specified on the multifunction machine 101 side.

  On the other hand, in the third embodiment, on the management server 151 side, user authentication and user authority are specified.

  Accordingly, in the first and second embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 11, the MFP-side authentication unit 117 and the MFP-side user authority specifying unit 119 are provided on the MFP 101 side. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a server-side authentication unit 193 and a server-side user authority specifying unit 195 are provided on the management server 151 side.

  The service providing system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine 101 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the multifunction machine 101 includes a service providing function unit 111 and a multifunction machine function unit 131. The service providing function unit 111 corresponds to the service function providing apparatus of the present invention. The multi-function device function unit 131 is the same as the multi-function device function unit 131 according to the first embodiment.

  The service providing function unit 111 includes a user identification information input unit 113, a region code receiving unit 181, a region code table 183, an inquiry unit 185, a service selection unit 121B, an authority versus function table 122, a consumable management function unit 123, An image quality adjustment function unit 125 and a maintenance information display function unit 127 are included.

  The user identification information input unit 113 is the same as the user identification information input unit 113 in the first embodiment.

  The area code receiving unit 181 receives an area code corresponding to the branch where the MFP 101 is installed from the management server 151. Here, there are generally two types of area codes to be received: those that include branch numbers and those that do not include branch numbers.

  The region code table 183 stores the region code corresponding to the MFP 101 received by the region code receiving unit 181. If the area code receiving unit 181 receives both the area code including the branch number and the area code not including the branch number, the area code table 183 stores both (see FIG. 16).

  When the user identification information input unit 113 inputs the user identification information, the inquiry unit 185 uses the service providing function unit 111 included in the MFP 101 by the user identified by the user identification information. The management server 151 is inquired about whether or not the user has authority and, if authorized, the authority corresponding to the user. The inquiry includes not only the user identification information input by the user identification information input unit 113 but also the area code stored in the area code table 183 as attached data. Further, when a region code with a branch number and a region code without a branch number are stored in the region code table 183 as the region code corresponding to the copying machine 101, both are included as attachment data in the inquiry. Therefore, in such a case, the attached data includes user identification information, a region code with a branch number, and a region code without a branch number.

  When the user identified by the user identification information has the authority to use the service providing function unit 111 included in the MFP 101, the inquiry unit 185 receives the authority code corresponding to the authority from the management server 151. As a response to the query.

  Since the service selection unit 121B, the authority vs. function table 122, the consumables management function unit 123, the image quality adjustment function unit 125, and the maintenance information display function unit 127 are the same as those in the first embodiment, redundant description is omitted. To do. The service selection unit 121B and the authority versus function table 122 are the same as those in the second embodiment, but are replaced with the same as those in the service selection unit 121 in the first embodiment. May be.

  Next, referring to FIG. 15, the management server 151 includes a user-specific authority code / region code table 153, a device table 155, an update request receiving unit 157, an update execution unit 159, a region specifying unit 161, a device specifying unit 163, A region code transmission unit 197, a server side authentication unit 193, and a server side user authority specifying unit 195 are included.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 is as shown in FIG. 6, and for each of one or more users, user identification information, authority code, and region Keep the code in association.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the device table 155 is as shown in FIG. 7, and stores an area code and one or more branch names in association with each other. Here, the branch name is information for uniquely identifying each convenience store, and corresponds to “XX store” in daily life.

  The update request receiving unit 157 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and receives a request for updating the authority code / region code table 153 for each user from the management PC 191. Here, the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 is updated by adding a user (adding a record), changing a user's authority (changing record data), and changing a region code corresponding to the user ( Change of record data) and deletion of users (deletion of records).

  The update execution unit 159 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and if the update request receiving unit 157 receives a request for updating the authority code for each user / region code table 153, the authority code for each user / The area code table 153 is updated according to the request.

  The area specifying unit 161 is the same as that in the first embodiment. When the user-specific authority code / area code table 153 is updated, the area specifying unit 161 specifies the area code described in the updated record. .

  The device specifying unit 163 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and refers to the device table 155 for one or more branches belonging to the region specified by the region code specified by the region specifying unit 161. Identify.

  The region code transmitting unit 197 transmits the region code specified by the region specifying unit 161 to the multi-function peripheral 101 installed in each of one or more branches specified by the device specifying unit 163.

  As a result, if data as shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the device table 155, for example, the multi-function peripheral 101 installed at the branch D has “3” and “3-1” as the region codes. Is sent. In addition, “3” and “3-2” are transmitted as area codes to the multifunction peripheral 101 installed in the E branch. Furthermore, “3” and “3-3” are transmitted as the area code to the multi-function peripheral 101 installed in the F branch.

  When the server-side authentication unit 193 receives a query from the query unit 185 of the multi-function peripheral 101, the user identification information attached as attached data to the query is stored in the authority code / region code table 153 for each user. Authentication is performed based on whether or not If not stored, an error code indicating no authority code is returned to the inquiry unit 185 of the multi-function peripheral 101.

  If the authentication in the server side authentication unit 193 is affirmative, the server side user authority specifying unit 195 transmits a set of transmitted user identification information and a transmitted region code without branch number or transmitted. It is determined whether any of the set of the user identification information and the transmitted branch code with branch code is stored in any record of the authority code / region code table 153 for each user. If so, the authority code stored in the record is returned to the inquiry unit 185 of the multi-function peripheral 101. If not stored, an error code indicating no authority is returned to the inquiry unit 185 of the multi-function peripheral 101.

  Next, the operation of the service providing function unit 111 included in the multifunction machine 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  If the user inputs user identification information to the user identification information input unit 113 (YES in step S201), the inquiry unit 185 causes the user identified by the user identification information to enter the MFP 101. The management server 151 is inquired as to whether or not it has the authority to use the included service providing function unit 111, and if so, the authority corresponding to the user (step S231). The inquiry includes not only the user identification information input by the user identification information input unit 113 but also the area code stored in the area code table 183 as attached data. Further, when a region code with a branch number and a region code without a branch number are stored in the region code table 183 as the region code corresponding to the copying machine 101, both are included as attachment data in the inquiry. Therefore, in such a case, the attached data includes user identification information, a region code with a branch number, and a region code without a branch number.

  If the inquiry unit 185 receives a response from the management server 151 (YES in step S233), the inquiry unit 185 proceeds to step S235.

  In step S235, if an authority code is included in the response, the process proceeds to step S241. If an error code is included in the response, an authentication error is displayed in step S237, and the process returns to step S201.

  In step S241, the MFP-side user authority specifying unit 119 refers to the authority code table 115 for each user, so that the authority assigned to the user identification information input in step S201 (that is, in step S235). Specify the authority corresponding to the received authority code.

  Steps S243 and subsequent steps after step S241 are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the management server 151 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The update request receiving unit 157 determines whether or not the request for updating the authority code / region code table 153 for each user has been received from the management PC 191 (step S261), and the server-side authentication unit 193 It is alternately repeated to determine whether or not an inquiry has been received from the inquiry unit 185 of the multi-function peripheral 101 (step S263).

  If the update request receiving unit 157 receives a request for updating the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 from the management PC 191 (YES in step S261), the update execution unit 159 displays the user-specific authority code. / Region code table 153 is updated according to the request (step S265).

  Next, the area specifying unit 161 specifies the area code described in the record updated in step S265 of the user-specific authority code / area code table 153 (step S267).

  Next, the device specifying unit 163 specifies one or more branches belonging to the region specified by the region code specified by the region specifying unit 161 in step S267 by referring to the device table 155 (step S269).

  Next, the area code transmitting unit 197 transmits the area code specified by the area specifying unit 161 in step S267 to the MFP 101 installed in each of the one or more branches specified by the apparatus specifying unit 163 in step S269. (Step S271).

  If the server-side authentication unit 193 receives an inquiry from the inquiry unit 185 of the multi-function peripheral 101 (YES in step S263), the process proceeds to step S275, where the server-side authentication unit 193 receives the transmitted user identification. It is determined whether the combination of the information and the transmitted regional code without branch number is stored in any record of the authority code / region code table 153 for each user. If stored in any record (YES in step S275), the server-side user authority specifying unit 195 returns the authority code stored in the record to the inquiry unit 185 of the multifunction machine 101 (step S277). ).

  If not stored (NO in step S275), the process proceeds to step S279, in which the server-side authentication unit 193 uses the combination of the transmitted user identification information and the transmitted regional code with branch number. It is determined whether it is stored in any record of the authority code / region code table 153 for each person. If stored in any record (YES in step S279), the server-side user authority specifying unit 195 returns the authority code stored in that record to the inquiry unit 185 of the multifunction machine 101 (step S281). ).

If not stored (NO in step S279), the server-side user authority specifying unit 195 returns an error code indicating no authority code to the inquiry unit 185 of the multi-function peripheral 101 (step S283).
From step S271, S277, S281 or S283, the process returns to the loop of step S261 and step S263.

  Here, the operation of the server-side authentication unit 193, the server-side user authority specifying unit 195 provided in the management server 151 and the service function providing unit 111 related thereto will be described using a specific example.

  As shown in the apparatus table 155 of FIG. 7, “3” and “3-1” are assigned as area codes to the multifunction machine 101 installed in the branch D. In addition, “3” and “3-2” are assigned as area codes to the MFP 101 installed in the E branch.

  Further, as shown in the authority code / area code table 153 for each user in FIG. 6, the authority of the user “222222” is “serviceman” and the area code is “3”. Further, the authority of the user “333333” is “store staff”, and the area code is “3-1”. Further, the authority of the user “444444” is “store staff” and the area code is “3-2”.

  When the user “222222” who intends to use the service providing function unit 111 of the multi-function peripheral 101 installed in the branch D tries to receive authentication, the management server 151 receives the user “222222” from the multi-function peripheral 101. "And the region codes" 3 "and" 3-1 "are received (step S263).

  The server-side authentication unit 193 checks whether or not the user “222222” and the area code “3” are stored in the user-specific authority code / area code table 153 in a state where they are associated (step S275). Since it is stored as such (YES in step S275), the server-side user authority specifying unit 195 displays the authority code corresponding to “serviceman” in the authority code / region code table 153 for each user. Get as. Then, “service man” is returned to the service function providing unit 111 (step S277). In the service function providing unit 111, the authority-to-function table 122 holds the authority code “serviceman” in association with consumables management, image quality adjustment, and maintenance management. Accordingly, the user “222222” can select the consumables management function unit 123, the image quality adjustment function unit 125, or the maintenance included in the service providing function unit 111 of the multifunction peripheral 101 installed in the D branch by the selection by the service selection unit 121B. The information display function unit 127 can be used.

  When the user “333333” who intends to use the service providing function unit 111 of the multifunction peripheral 101 installed in the branch D tries to receive authentication, the management server 151 receives the user “333333” from the multifunction peripheral 101. "And the region codes" 3 "and" 3-1 "are received (step S263). The server-side authentication unit 193 checks whether or not the user “333333” and the regional code “3” without branch numbers are stored in a state of being associated with each other in the authority code / region code table 153 for each user ( Step S275). Since it is not stored as such (NO in step S275), the server-side authentication unit 193 then determines that the user “333333” and the branch code with the region code “3-1” are the authority code / region for each user. It is confirmed whether or not the code table 153 is stored in the associated state (step S279). Since it is stored as such (YES in step S 279), the server-side user authority specifying unit 195 acquires “store staff” associated with these in the authority code / area code table 153 for each user. . Then, “store staff” is returned to the service function providing unit 111 (step S281). In the service function providing unit 111, the authority-to-function table 122 holds consumables management in association with the authority code “store staff”. Accordingly, the user “333333” can use the consumable management function unit 123 included in the service providing function unit 111 of the multifunction peripheral 101 installed in the D branch by the selection by the service selection unit 121B.

  When the user “444444” who intends to use the service providing function unit 111 of the multifunction peripheral 101 installed in the branch D tries to receive authentication, the management server 151 receives the user “444444” from the multifunction peripheral 101. "And the region codes" 3 "and" 3-1 "are received (step S263). The server-side authentication unit 193 checks whether or not the user “444444” and the regional code “3” without branch numbers are stored in a state of being associated in the user-specific authority code / region code table 153 ( Step S275). Since it is not stored in that way (NO in step S275), the server-side authentication unit 193 then determines that the user “444444” and the branch code region code “3-1” are the user-specific authority code / region. It is confirmed whether or not the code table 153 is stored in the associated state (step S279). Since it is not stored as such (NO in step S279) and no further search is planned, the server-side user authority specifying unit 195 returns an authentication error to the multi-function peripheral 101 (step S283). Therefore, the user “444444” cannot use the service providing function unit 111 of the multi-function peripheral 101 installed in the branch D. That is, it is possible to prevent the service providing function of the multifunction peripheral 101 installed in the branch D from being illegally used by the user “444444”.

  According to the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the authority code table for each user provided in the service providing function unit 111 included in each multi-function peripheral 101. 101 includes user identification information and an authority code of only a user who can use the service providing function unit 111. Therefore, it is possible to limit the service providing function unit 111 that can be used for each user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user from using the service providing function unit 111 included in another multifunction device 101 (the multifunction device 101 that is not permitted to be used) illegally.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, authentication and authority specification can be performed centrally in the management server 151 instead of the multifunction machine 101. In addition, it is not necessary to provide an authentication unit and an authority specifying unit in each multifunction device 101. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a user-specific authority code table for each multifunction machine 101, and only one user-specific authority code / region code table is provided in the management server, the maintenance of the table is concentrated. Can do. Specifically, addition, change of authority, and deletion of store staff, service personnel, and supervisors can be centrally managed by the management server, so that management can be labor-saving. For example, if the service function providing apparatus and management server according to the present embodiment are applied to a multifunction machine in a convenience store nationwide, all of these multifunction machines are managed by a management server installed only in one place in Japan. It becomes possible to do.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first and third embodiments, three types of authority such as a store staff, a serviceman, and a supervisor are exemplified as the authority. However, the authority type may be 1, 2, 4, or more.

  Further, a plurality of different user identification information may be assigned to the same person by operation. For example, on the assumption that one store staff holds a plurality of stores, a plurality of area codes respectively corresponding to a plurality of stores may be assigned to one store staff. Further, if the same person serves as both a store staff and a service person, the area code corresponding to the store staff and the area code corresponding to the service person may be assigned to the person. Furthermore, if the service person is not in charge of only one area but is in charge of a part of the adjacent area, in addition to the area code corresponding to the main one area, You may assign the area code with the branch number corresponding to a part.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The fifth embodiment relates to the multifunction machine 101 in the first to fourth embodiments. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show portions included in the latter of the service providing unit 111 and the multifunction device function unit 131 included in the multifunction device 101.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the multifunction peripheral 101 includes an image reading device 107 that reads an image of a document, a multifunction device main body (image forming unit main body) 109 that forms an image on a sheet, an image reading device 107, and a composite device. An operation panel unit 103 for operating the machine main body 109 and an overall control unit 104 for controlling the image reading device 107 and the multifunction machine main body 109 based on an operation by the operation panel unit 103 are provided.

  The image reading apparatus 107 includes an automatic document feeder SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 400 that automatically feeds a document, and a reading device main body 410 that reads an image of the document. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 20, the image reading apparatus 107 includes components not shown in FIG. 20 but shown in FIG.

  The MFP main body 109 includes a sheet feeding unit 10 that feeds sheets, a manual feeding unit 20 that can manually feed sheets, and a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10 or the manual feeding unit 20. And an image forming unit 30 for forming an image.

  The sheet feeding unit 10 includes a sheet stacking unit 11 that stacks sheets and a separation feeding unit 12 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 one by one. The sheet stacking unit 11 includes an intermediate plate 14 that rotates about a rotation shaft 13. The intermediate plate 14 rotates to lift the sheet upward when the sheet is fed. The separation feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds a sheet lifted by the intermediate plate 14 and a separation roller pair 16 that separates the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one. .

  The manual feeding unit 20 includes a manual tray 21 on which sheets can be stacked, and a separation feeding unit 22 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the manual tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the MFP main body 109. When manually feeding the sheet, the manual feed tray 21 is fixed at a predetermined angle so that sheets can be stacked. The separation feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 for feeding sheets stacked on the manual feed tray 21, and a separation roller 24 and a separation pad 25 for separating the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one. I have.

  The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y to 31K that form yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images, and photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K, which will be described later. An exposure device 32 for exposing the surface of the toner, a transfer portion (transfer means) 33 for transferring the toner image formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K to the sheet, and a fixing portion 34 for fixing the transferred toner image to the sheet. And. Note that alphabets (Y, M, C, K) attached to the end of the reference numerals indicate the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

  Each of the four process cartridges 31 </ b> Y to 31 </ b> K is configured to be removable from the multifunction machine main body 109 and can be replaced. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 32K have the same configuration except that the color of the image to be formed is different, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms a yellow (Y) image will be described, and the process cartridge 31M will be described. Description of ~ 31K is omitted.

  The process cartridge 31Y includes a photosensitive drum 300Y as an image carrier, a charger 310Y that charges the photosensitive drum 300Y, a developing device 320Y that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 300Y, and a photosensitive drum. A drum cleaner 330Y that removes toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 300Y. The developing device 320Y includes a developing device main body (not shown in detail) that develops the photosensitive drum 300Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) that supplies toner to the developing device main body. The toner cartridge is configured to be detachable from the developing device main body, and can be removed from the developing device main body and replaced when the stored toner runs out.

  The exposure device 32 includes a light source (not shown) that emits laser light, and a plurality of mirrors (not shown) that guide the laser light to the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K. The transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K, and a primary transfer roller that primarily transfers the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K to the intermediate transfer belt 35. 36Y to 36K, a secondary transfer roller 37 that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 to a sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 that removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is stretched around a driving roller 39a and a driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K by primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (nips) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the driving roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet at the nip portion N. The fixing unit 34 includes a heating roller 34a that heats the sheet, and a pressure roller 34b that presses the heating roller 34a.

  The operation panel unit 103 includes a display unit 103 a that displays predetermined information, and an input unit 103 b through which a user inputs instructions to the image reading apparatus 107 and the MFP main body 109. In the present embodiment, the operation panel unit 103 is disposed on the front side of the reading apparatus main body 410. The front side corresponds to the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 19, and the back surface side corresponds to the back side of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the overall control unit 104 includes a CPU 104 a that drives and controls the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the image reading device 107, and various programs for operating the CPU 104 a. And a memory 104b for storing various information used by the CPU 104a. The overall control unit 104 integrates and controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the image reading device 107 based on an operation on the operation panel unit 103 by the user. To form an image.

  The overall control unit 104 may include all or part of the service providing unit 111.

  Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the overall control unit 104) by the multifunction peripheral 101 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 forms an image of a read document fed by the automatic document feeding unit 400 and read by the reading apparatus main body 410 on a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10. An image forming operation will be described as an example.

  When an image formation start signal is transmitted by an input to the input unit 103b of the operation panel unit 103 by the user, the read document placed on the automatic document feeder 400 is automatically fed by the user toward the document reading position. Then, the image is read by the reading device main body 410 at the document reading position.

  When the image of the original is read by the reading device main body 410, the exposure device 32 irradiates the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K with a plurality of laser beams corresponding to the respective images based on the read image information of the original. At this time, the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K are precharged by the chargers 310Y to 310B, respectively, and the respective electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K are irradiated by irradiating the corresponding laser beams. An image is formed. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K are developed by the developing devices 320Y to 320K, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) are developed on the photosensitive drums 300Y to 300K. ) And black (K) toner images are formed. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductive drums 300Y to 300K are superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the toner image (full color toner image) thus superimposed is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. It is conveyed to the nip portion N while being carried on 35.

  In parallel with the image forming operation described above, the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 are fed to the sheet conveyance path 26 by the pickup roller 15 while being separated one by one by the separation feeding unit 12. Then, the skew feeding is corrected by the registration roller pair 27 upstream of the nip portion N in the sheet conveyance direction and is conveyed to the nip portion N at a predetermined conveyance timing. A full color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred to the sheet conveyed to the nip portion N by the secondary transfer roller 37.

  The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 34 to melt and fix the toner image, and is discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 18. The sheet discharged outside the apparatus is stacked on the discharge sheet stacking unit 19.

  When images are formed on both surfaces (first surface and second surface) of the sheet, the discharge roller pair 18 is reversely rotated before the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface is discharged outside the apparatus. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 17 and re-conveyed to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided conveyance path 17. Then, similarly to the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface and discharged outside the apparatus. The sheet discharged outside the apparatus is stacked on the discharge sheet stacking unit 19.

  The service function providing apparatus can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In addition, the service providing method performed by the service function providing apparatus can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, “realized by software” means realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

    The program may be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (for example, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (for example, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

    The present invention can be used for maintenance services of multifunction peripherals. Further, the present invention can be used to provide service functions such that devices that can be used for each user and service functions that can be used are generally different.

101 MFP (MFP)
151 Management server 191 Management PC
111 Service Providing Function Unit 131 MFP Function Unit 113 User Identification Information Input Unit 115 User-Specific Authority Code Table 117 MFP-side Authentication Unit 119 MFP-side User Authority Specifying Unit 121 Service Selection Unit 122 Authority vs. Function Table 123 Consumable Management Function unit 125 Image quality adjustment function unit 127 Maintenance information display function unit 129 User-specific authority code table update unit 185 Query unit 153 User-specific authority code / region code table 155 Device table 157 Update request reception unit 159 Update execution unit 161 Region specification Unit 163 Device identification unit 165 Update information transmission unit 193 Server side authentication unit 195 Server side user authority identification unit

Claims (14)

A service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated in the user-specific authority code / region code table with them in the user-specific authority code / region code table. Transmission means for transmitting to one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the region code,
Each of the plurality of service function providing devices includes a holding unit that holds the received user identification information and the authority code in association with each other, the authentication unit, and the service function providing unit.
In each service function providing device, when user identification information corresponding to any user is input, the authentication unit determines whether the user identification information is held in the holding unit. If the authentication is successful and the authentication by the authenticating means is successful, the service is provided with one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code held in the holding means in association with the input user identification information. A service function providing system characterized in that the function providing means provides. A service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server
Transmission means for transmitting the area code held in the user- specific authority code / area code table to one or more service function providing devices to which the area code is assigned, the authentication means, and authority specifying means With
Each of the plurality of service function providing devices includes:
Holding means for holding the received area code;
The service function providing means;
Inquiry means for transmitting the entered user identification information and the inquiry with the area code held in the holding means to the management server;
With
The authentication means provided in the management server is based on whether or not the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code are associated in the authority code / region code table for each user. To perform the authentication,
If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the authority specifying unit provided in the management server is associated with the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code , for each user. Identify the authority code held in the authority code / region code table,
The service function providing system provided in each of the plurality of service function providing devices provides one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code specified by the authority specifying means. The service function providing system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The area code and the service function providing apparatus are associated with one or more service function providing apparatuses in the same area code, and each of the authority is associated with the same service function providing apparatus. A device table that holds the plurality of area codes assigned thereto,
In the user-specific authority code / region code table, one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the user identification information and the region code associated with the authority code are specified by referring to the device table. Device identification means;
A service function providing system further comprising: The service function providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A service function providing system further comprising display means for displaying a screen corresponding to a service function to be provided. The management server provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated in the user-specific authority code / region code table with them in the user-specific authority code / region code table. A management server comprising transmission means for transmitting to one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the area code. The management server provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server
Transmission means for transmitting the area code held in the user- specific authority code / area code table to one or more service function providing devices to which the area code is assigned, the authentication means, and authority specifying means With
Each of the plurality of service function providing devices includes:
Holding means for holding the received area code;
The service function providing means;
Inquiry means for transmitting the entered user identification information and the inquiry with the area code held in the holding means to the management server;
With
The authentication means provided in the management server is based on whether or not the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code are associated in the authority code / region code table for each user. To perform the authentication,
If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the authority specifying unit provided in the management server is associated with the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code , for each user. Identify the authority code held in the authority code / region code table,
The management server, wherein the service function providing means provided in each of the plurality of service function providing devices provides one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code specified by the authority specifying means. The management server according to claim 5 or 6 ,
The area code and the service function providing apparatus are associated with one or more service function providing apparatuses in the same area code, and each of the authority is associated with the same service function providing apparatus. A device table that holds the plurality of area codes assigned thereto,
In the user-specific authority code / region code table, one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the user identification information and the region code associated with the authority code are specified by referring to the device table. Device identification means;
A management server further comprising: The service function providing apparatus provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing apparatuses connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated in the user-specific authority code / region code table with them in the user-specific authority code / region code table. A transmission means for transmitting to the service function providing device corresponding to the area code;
The service function providing device includes a holding unit that holds the received user identification information and the authority code in association with each other, the authentication unit, and the service function providing unit.
In the service function providing device, when user identification information corresponding to any user is input, the authentication unit determines whether the user identification information is held in the holding unit. If the authentication is successful and the authentication by the authenticating means is successful, the service is provided with one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code held in the holding means in association with the input user identification information. A service function providing apparatus characterized in that the function providing means provides. The service function providing apparatus provided in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing apparatuses connected to the management server,
The service function providing system includes:
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. When,
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the user identification information and the area code corresponding to the service function providing device are the authority for each user. An authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user can use the service function providing device based on whether or not the code / region code table is associated;
If the authentication is successful, one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code associated with the input user identification information and the area code in the authority code / area code table for each user are used. Service function providing means provided in the service function providing apparatus that has entered the person identification information;
With
The management server
A transmission means for transmitting the area code held in the user- specific authority code / area code table to a service function providing apparatus to which the area code is assigned, the authentication means, and an authority specifying means,
The service function providing device includes:
Holding means for holding the received area code;
The service function providing means;
Inquiry means for transmitting the entered user identification information and the inquiry with the area code held in the holding means to the management server;
With
The authentication means provided in the management server is based on whether or not the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code are associated in the authority code / region code table for each user. To perform the authentication,
If the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the authority specifying unit provided in the management server is associated with the user identification information accompanied by the inquiry received by the management server and the region code , for each user. Identify the authority code held in the authority code / region code table,
The service function providing apparatus provided in the service function providing apparatus provides one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code specified by the authority specifying means. MFP, characterized in that it comprises a service function providing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. A server program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of claims 5 to 7 . Service function providing device program to function as the service function providing apparatus according to the computer to claim 8 or 9. A service function providing method performed in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. Steps to prepare,
The management server associates the user identification information and the authority code associated with each other in the user-specific authority code / regional code table in the user-specific authority code / regional code table. A transmission step of transmitting to one or more service function providing devices corresponding to the area code;
Each of the service function providing apparatuses that have received the user identification information and the region code associates the received user identification information and the authority code with each other and retains them in a retaining unit corresponding to the own service function providing apparatus. Means steps;
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing apparatus, the service function providing apparatus receives the input user identification information. Authentication is performed based on whether or not the authentication is successful, and if the authentication is successful, the user service information providing apparatus is associated with the input user identification information. A service function providing method comprising: providing one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code held in the holding means . A service function providing method performed in a service function providing system comprising a management server and a plurality of service function providing devices connected to the management server,
User-specific authority code / area code table that stores, in association with each other, user identification information, an authority code indicating the authority of the user, and an area code indicating a service function providing apparatus that can be used by the user. Steps to prepare,
A transmitting step in which the management server transmits the area code held in the user-specific authority code / area code table to one or more service function providing apparatuses to which the area code is assigned;
Each of the service function providing apparatuses that have received the area code holds the received area code in a holding unit corresponding to the service function providing apparatus;
If user identification information corresponding to any user is input to any service function providing device, the service function providing device is configured to input the user identification information and the own service function providing device. An inquiry step for sending an inquiry with the area code held in the holding means corresponding to the management server;
The management server performs authentication based on whether or not the user identification information accompanying the inquiry received by the management server is associated with the region code in the authority code / region code table for each user. When,
If the management server succeeds in the authentication, the management server stores the user identification information accompanying the inquiry received by the management server and the region code in the user-specific authority code / region code table. Identifying the authority code, and transmitting the identified authority code to the service function providing apparatus that made the inquiry;
If the service function providing device receives the authority code, providing one or more service functions corresponding to the authority code;
A service function providing method characterized by comprising: