JP6711166B2 - Image forming system and its control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system and its control program.

2. Description of the Related Art In an office or the like, an image forming apparatus (especially a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP)) is connected to a plurality of terminals via a network and used for printing files from the terminals.
The convenience of the network in the office is required.
In Patent Document 1, an IC card in which a question ID is stored is read by a digital signage device using contactless communication, a question is displayed based on the question ID, and recommended content based on the content of answering the question is displayed. It is described that display and sound are output.

JP, 2015-230643, A

By the way, it may be difficult to make an inquiry to a busy expert in the same company and obtain the answer. I want to talk directly, but I can't catch many cases when I am absent at meetings. Also, although I make inquiries by email, there are times when I am confused by many other emails and go unnoticed.
It would be convenient if a busy expert could give an opportunity to go directly to the consultation by notifying the person who wants to make an inquiry about the timing of accessing the MFP.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems in the related art, and a user can register another user who wants to make an inquiry, and the other user accesses and uses a specific image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and a control program therefor capable of notifying a registered user of information.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 identifies an image output means, a display means, an operation means, a communication means capable of communication connection with an external computer via a network, and a user. At least one image forming apparatus holding the authentication means,
The inquiry information input is stored in the storage means, and the inquiry information management means for managing the inquiry information is provided in the image forming apparatus or outside thereof.
The inquiry information includes user identification information of the inquiry subject and user identification information of the registrant who is the inquiry subject,
When the user identification information is input to the image forming apparatus for inputting a job, the inquiry information management unit compares the input user identification information with the user identification information of the inquired person under management. When there is matching inquiry information, the information including the machine identification information of the image forming apparatus to which the user identification information is input is stored in the external computer associated with the user identification information of the registrant related to the matching inquiry information. Notify ,
The inquiry information management unit is an image forming system characterized in that the inquiry information can be input and stored before the job input .

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the inquiry management means is held in an external server for the image forming apparatus and communicates information with the image forming apparatus via the communication means. System.

In the invention according to claim 3, the inquiry information management means calculates the estimated stay time of the user who matches the inquiry target person, and notifies the estimated stay time at the same time as or after the notification of the information. An image forming system according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the inquiry information management means calculates the stay prediction time based on a predicted processing time of a job from a user who matches the inquiry target person. System.

In the invention according to claim 5, the inquiry information management means is
After the job in which the user identification information is specified is input to the image forming apparatus from the external computer via the communication unit, the time until the user identification information is authenticated by the authentication unit is defined as the travel time of the user. I remember every moment,
When a job in which the user identification information is specified is input to the image forming apparatus from an external computer via the communication unit, the estimated movement time based on the already stored movement time related to the user identification information, and the job 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the total of the estimated processing time and the estimated processing time is set as the time until the end of the estimated stay time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the inquiry information management unit calculates a predicted stay time of a user who matches the inquiry target person, and notifies the information that the predicted stay time is a predetermined time or more. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is executed under a condition.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the inquiry information management unit sets the required travel time of the registrant to the image forming apparatus, and the predetermined time that is a condition of whether to notify the information. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein is set to the required moving time.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the inquiry information management unit operates the operation unit from a user who matches the inquiry target person even under the condition that the predicted stay time of a predetermined time or more is not fixed. The image forming system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the image forming system is executed on condition that an operation input via (1) continues for a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

In the invention according to claim 9, the inquiry information management unit displays a stay request on the display unit of the image forming apparatus related to the machine identification information according to an input from an external computer that has notified the information, and the operation unit. 9. Acceptance or rejection of the stay request is input from the user who matches the inquiry target person via the, and the input result is notified to the external computer that notified the information. The image forming system according to any one of the above.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the inquiry information management means displays the estimated moving time of the registrant in accordance with the display of the stay request. Is.

The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that, when the inquiry information managing means receives the consent, the inquiry information and the related material are given an access right to a user who matches the inquiry target person. The image forming system according to claim 9 or 10.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the inquiry information management unit allows the inquiry target person and the related material to have access rights to the inquiry target person and the related material, and allows the inquiry target person to browse the contents. 12. The image forming according to claim 11, wherein the registrant is allowed to set by selecting from an authority range in which only the registrant is allowed to print and an authority range in which the inquired person is allowed only to browse. System.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the inquiry information management unit sets the access right to the inquiry content and the related material to a range of authority that can be accessed from any image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the image forming system according to claim 12.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an image holding an image output means, a display means, an operation means, a communication means capable of communication connection with an external computer via a network, and an authentication means for identifying a user A computer in an image forming system that has at least one forming apparatus, stores the input inquiry information in a storage unit, and includes the inquiry information management unit for managing the inquiry information in the image forming apparatus or outside thereof. A control program of an image forming system for causing it to function as inquiry information management means,
The inquiry information includes user identification information of the inquiry subject and user identification information of the registrant who is the inquiry subject,
When the user identification information is input to the image forming apparatus for inputting a job, the inquiry information management unit compares the input user identification information with the user identification information of the inquired person under management. If there is matching inquiry information, the information including the machine identification information of the image forming apparatus to which the user identification information is input is stored in the external computer associated with the user identification information of the registrant related to the matching inquiry information. Notify ,
The inquiry information management unit is a control program for an image forming system, which is capable of inputting and saving the inquiry information before inputting the job .

According to the present invention, it is possible for a user to register another user who wants to make an inquiry, and the information registered by the registered user (register Person) can be notified.

It is a schematic diagram showing an example of composition of an image forming system in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structural example of the image forming system in one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a setting screen of inquiry information in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows one embodiment of the processing flow in the present invention. The terminal in one Embodiment of this invention and the example of a screen displayed on this are shown. 1 illustrates an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and an example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus. The terminal in one Embodiment of this invention and the example of a screen displayed on this are shown. 1 illustrates an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and an example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus. 1 illustrates an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and an example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a flow chart which shows another embodiment of the processing flow in the present invention. The terminal in one Embodiment of this invention and the example of a screen displayed on this are shown.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following is an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention.

For example, an image forming system is configured as shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus C1 is communicatively connected to a plurality of terminals A1, B1, B2,...
Now, suppose user B wants to make an inquiry to user A. The terminal A1 is for the user A and is installed in the user A's own seat, the terminal B1 is for the user B and is installed in the user B's own seat, and the terminal B2 is a portable computer for the user B. And
FIG. 2 shows another example of the system configuration, which has a plurality of image forming apparatuses C1, C2, C3.... The external server D is communicatively connected to a plurality of terminals A1, B1, B2... And a plurality of image forming apparatuses C1, C2, C3.
When the user A accesses the image forming apparatus (C1, C2, C3...), the registered user (registrant) B is notified of the discovery notice of the user (inquiry person) A to the terminal B1 (B2). I want to do it. This gives the user (registrant) B an opportunity to directly consult with the user (subject person) A. In particular, since it is assumed that a plurality of image forming apparatuses are provided, it is desirable to specify and notify the model to be accessed.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatuses (C1, C2, C3,...) Identify an image output unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14 that can be connected to an external computer via a network, and a user. The authentication unit 15, the storage unit 16, the input unit 17, and the CPU 10 for controlling these are held.
The control program of the image forming system is installed in the CPU 10, and the function of the inquiry information management unit 20 is realized. In this case, the inquiry information management unit 20 mainly uses the storage unit 16 as a storage destination of the inquiry information. In the case of the system configuration of FIG. 2, the external server D holds the inquiry information management means 20 and the storage means for storing the inquiry information. In this case, the inquiry information management unit 20 in the external server D communicates with the image forming apparatus (C1, C2, C3...) Through the communication unit 14.

First, the user B inputs and transmits inquiry information having the contents shown in FIG. 4 using the terminal B1 (B2), and inputs the inquiry information to the inquiry information management means 20. The inquiry information management means 20 stores this in the storage means and manages it. As shown in FIG. 4, the inquiry information includes the inquiry content 31, the related material 32, the inquiry target person 33, and the access right setting 34 of the inquiry content and the related material, and the user identification information of the user (inquiry target person) A. , User (registrant) B user identification information is included.
The inquiry information management unit 20 allows the inquiry target 31 to access and print the access right to the inquiry content 31 and the related material 32. The authority range 34a allows the inquiry target A to view and prints only the registrant B. Can be set by the registrant B by selecting from the authority range 34b that permits the inquiry and the authority range 34c that allows the inquired person A only to browse.

[Processing flow 1]
Here, an embodiment of the processing flow will be described.
After registration of the inquiry information, processing is performed according to the flow shown in FIG.
When the user identification information is input to input a job to any one of the image forming apparatuses and the image forming apparatus recognizes the user (YES in step S1), the inquiry information management unit 20 proceeds to step S2. The user recognition in step S1 is performed when the authentication unit 15 reads the user identification information from a medium such as an ID card presented by the user who has accessed the image forming apparatus and authenticates the operation, and the user identification information is specified. This corresponds to the case where the job to be performed is transmitted and input from the outside (terminal A1 or the like).

In step S2, the inquiry information management unit 20 collates the user identification information input in step S1 with the user identification information of the inquiry target person under management. If there is matching inquiry information, that is, if there is inquiry information that targets the user recognized in step S1 (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to next step S3.

The inquiry information management means 20 calculates the estimated staying time of the user A who matches the inquiry target, and when the estimated staying time is confirmed (YES in step S3), the terminal B1 (B2) of the registrant B is notified and stayed. The notification of the estimated time is simultaneously executed (step S5). However, if the user A is logged out at this point, the user A will leave the image forming apparatus and no notification is given (YES in step S4). FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the terminal B1 (B2) by this notification. As shown in FIG. 6, the machine identification information and the estimated stay time are notified. The estimated stay time may be displayed as a countdown.

The estimated stay time is calculated as follows for each type of job.
(A) Receiving a user authentication print job from the outside When a print job having user identification information specified is received from an external terminal A1 or the like and is printed out when the user identification information is authenticated by the authentication means 15. is there.
It is assumed that the image forming apparatus C1 receives the user authentication print job from the terminal A1. In this case, since it takes time for the user A to move to the image forming apparatus C1, the time until the end of the estimated stay time is calculated as the sum of the estimated movement time and the estimated processing time of the print job. The estimated stay time is calculated based on the estimated processing time of the print job.
The inquiry information management unit 20 determines the time until the user identification information is authenticated by the authentication unit 15 after the job in which the user identification information is specified is input to the image forming apparatus from the external computer via the communication unit 14. It is remembered as the traveling time of the same user.
The inquiry information management means 20 sets the estimated movement time based on the already stored movement time of the user A. For example, the average value of the past travel time from the terminal A1 to the image forming apparatus C1 is set as the travel estimated time.
When the end of the expected stay time is confirmed, the inquiry information management means 20 executes the notification according to the example of FIG. At this time, if the user A accesses the image forming apparatus C1 and logs in through the authentication means 15, the traveling time is exhausted, so that the estimated stay time (countdown of remaining time) suddenly occurs as shown in FIG. Is displayed. At this time, if the user A has accessed the image forming apparatus C1 and has not logged in through the authentication means 15, the start of the estimated stay time such as “A visits MFPC1 after 1 minute and plans to stay for 3 minutes”. The display will inform the end of period. After the latter display, the former display is switched to when the user A logs in.

(B) Direct input of job after authentication After the authentication means 15 reads the user identification information from a medium such as an ID card presented by the user who has accessed the image forming apparatus and authenticates the operation, the user is allowed to read the original. This is a case in which, in addition to the copy, scan, and facsimile transmission performed as described above, the box print for calling and printing the stored document data is performed.
It is assumed that the user A is authenticated by the image forming apparatus C1 and directly inputs a job. In this case, since there is no travel time, the inquiry information management means 20 calculates the stay estimated time based on the estimated processing time of the job from the user A.
When the job is a copy, the inquiry information management unit 20 calculates the required printing time after determining the number of originals to be read, determines this as the estimated staying time, and executes the notification in the example of FIG.
When the job is scanning or facsimile transmission, the inquiry information management unit 20 calculates the required transmission time after determining the number of originals to be read, determines this as the estimated stay time, and executes the notification according to the example of FIG.
When the job is a box print, the inquiry information management unit 20 calculates the required printing time from the number of printed sheets, confirms this as the estimated staying time, and executes the notification according to the example of FIG.

In addition to the above processing flow, the inquiry information management means 20 executes the discovery notification on condition that the calculated estimated stay time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. This ensures the time for the user B to move to the image forming apparatus C1. Therefore, the inquiry information management unit 20 sets the required travel time to the image forming apparatus C1 of the registrant B, and sets the predetermined time, which is a condition for executing the discovery notification, as the required travel time. The form may be implemented. The required travel time may be input in advance by the registrant B, or may be set to an average value of past travel times from the terminal B1. Further, it may be calculated and set based on the position information of the terminal B2.
Further, the inquiry information management unit 20 operates the notification of the discovery notification via the operation unit 13 from the user A who matches the inquiry target person even under the condition that the estimated stay time longer than the predetermined time is not fixed. The input may be performed on the condition that the input has continued a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. This is because it is expected that the user will stay for a long time if the user performs more operations than usual.

The process after the notification of discovery will be described.
The inquiry information management means 20 causes the terminal B1 (B2) to display a stay request notification transmission button 61 as shown in FIG. When the stay request notification transmission button 61 is pressed, the inquiry information management unit 20 causes the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus C1 to display a stay request as shown in FIG.
At the same time, the inquiry information management means 20 receives an input of acceptance or rejection of the stay request from the user A who matches the inquiry target through the operation means 13, and discovers the input result as shown in FIG. The terminal B1 (B2) that has notified the notification is notified. FIG. 8 shows a case where the approval 71 is pressed in FIG. When the rejection 72 is pressed in FIG. 7, a message such as "stay request is rejected" is displayed on the terminal B1 (B2).
In addition, in the display of FIG. 7, the inquiry information management means 20 displays the estimated travel time 74 of the registrant B on the terminal B1 (B2) in accordance with the display 73 indicating the request for stay. Thereby, the user A can decide whether or not to accept it in accordance with his/her schedule, and the user B is promoted to secure the opportunity of inquiry. Further, it is preferable that the estimated job end time 75 is also displayed from the above-described estimated processing time of the job. For example, the display is in a countdown format such as "58 seconds until the end of the job". This can further promote the securing of opportunities for inquiries.

When the approval 71 is pressed in FIG. 7, the registrant B moves to the image forming apparatus C1 while seeing the display in FIG. During that time, the operation menus of FIGS. 9 and 10 are displayed on the image forming apparatus C1.
That is, the inquiry information management unit 20 grants the user A the access right to the inquiry content 31 and the related material 32 when the approval 71 is pressed in FIG. 7.
When the authority range 34a is selected on the screen of FIG. 4, a message and a selection menu 91, 92 (93) are displayed on the display means 12 of the image forming apparatus C1 as shown in FIG. 9 or 10.
When the browse button 91 is pressed, the inquiry content 31 and the related material 32 are displayed on the display unit 12 (a process of selecting a display target is provided if necessary).
When the print button 92 is pressed, the image forming apparatus C1 is caused to print the related material 32 (a process of selecting a print target is provided if necessary).
When the completion button 93 is pressed, the user B is authenticated through the authentication means 15 and the inquiry information is erased. This is to allow the user B to erase the main inquiry information when the main inquiry by the user B is realized (completed). This can prevent the message from reaching the terminal B1 (B2) regarding the digested inquiry.

The inquiry information management unit associates the access right of the inquiry content 31 and the related material 32 with the user identification information, and sets the access right within a range of authority that can be accessed from any image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user A can log out from the image forming apparatus C1 notified of the stay request, and then log in to another image forming apparatus to browse the inquiry content 31 and the related material 32 to which the access right is given. ..

[Processing flow 2]
A process flow 2 which is a modification of the process flow 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
In the above-mentioned processing flow 1, the terminal B1 (B2) of the user B is notified only after the estimated stay time of the inquiry target person is confirmed.
The discovery notification in step S5 of the above process flow 1 is divided from the expected stay time notification, and in this process flow 2, if YES in step S2, the discovery notification is executed to the terminal B1 (B2) of the registrant B ( Step S10). As a result, it is possible to promptly notify the registrant B of the location of the inquiry target person A. FIG. 12A shows an example of a display screen of the discovery notification terminal B1 (B2). It should be noted that the discovery notification in the example of FIG. 12A is subject to the authentication of the user A by the authentication means 15. When a user authentication print job is received, an access forecast is used instead of the discovery notification, and the main message is "Mr. A plans to use MFPC1" as a message that replaces FIG. 12A. At the same time, the predicted arrival time of user A (=starting time of predicted stay time) may be displayed. In this case, the display example sentence is “Mr. A plans to use MFPC1 after 1 minute”.
If the estimated stay time is confirmed after the first information (discovery notice or access forecast) (YES in step S3), notification of the estimated stay time is executed to the terminal B1 (B2) of the registrant B (step S20). ). As a result, the display screen changes to FIG. 12(b), and the estimated stay time is displayed as shown in FIG. 12(b). Before the user A is authenticated by the authentication means 15, the estimated arrival time may still be displayed.
Others are carried out in the same manner as the processing flow 1 described above.
As described above, the user B has an opportunity to immediately go to the image forming apparatus C1, meet the inquiry target person A, and have a direct talk at the time when the first information is displayed as shown in FIG. 12A. Cheap. Instead of using the function of the stay request notification 61, it is possible to go to the image forming apparatus C1 immediately. In the case of the mobile terminal B2, the function of the stay request notification 61 can be used while moving to the image forming apparatus C1.

As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, a user can register another user who wants to make an inquiry, and information that the other user (inquiry person) accesses and uses a specific image forming apparatus. , It is possible to notify the registered user (registrant). As a result, the user (registrant) B can be given the opportunity to directly consult with the user (subject person) A.

11 Image Output Means 12 Display Means 13 Operation Means 14 Communication Means 15 Authentication Means 16 Storage Means 17 Input Means 20 Inquiry Information Management Means A User (Inquiry Person)
A1 terminal (for user A)
User B (registrant who is the main inquirer)
B1 terminal (for user B)
B2 terminal (for user B, portable type)
C1, C2, C3 Image forming device D External server

Claims (14)

At least one image forming apparatus having an image output unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a communication unit capable of communication connection with an external computer via a network, and an authentication unit for identifying a user. ,
The inquiry information input is stored in the storage means, and the inquiry information management means for managing the inquiry information is provided in the image forming apparatus or outside thereof.
The inquiry information includes user identification information of the inquiry subject and user identification information of the registrant who is the inquiry subject,
When the user identification information is input to the image forming apparatus for inputting a job, the inquiry information management unit compares the input user identification information with the user identification information of the inquired person under management. When there is matching inquiry information, the information including the machine identification information of the image forming apparatus to which the user identification information is input is stored in the external computer associated with the user identification information of the registrant related to the matching inquiry information. Notify ,
The image forming system, wherein the inquiry information management means is capable of inputting and saving the inquiry information before inputting the job . 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry management unit is held in an external server for the image forming apparatus and communicates information with the image forming apparatus via the communication unit. The inquiry information management means calculates a predicted stay time of a user who matches the inquiry target person, and notifies the predicted stay time at the same time as or after the notification of the information. Item 2. The image forming system according to item 2. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the inquiry information management unit calculates the estimated stay time based on an estimated processing time of a job from a user who matches the inquiry target person. The inquiry information management means,
After the job in which the user identification information is specified is input to the image forming apparatus from the external computer via the communication unit, the time until the user identification information is authenticated by the authentication unit is defined as the travel time of the user. I remember every moment,
When a job in which the user identification information is specified is input to the image forming apparatus from an external computer via the communication unit, the estimated movement time based on the already stored movement time related to the user identification information, and the job The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the total of the estimated processing time of the above is the time until the end of the estimated stay time. The inquiry information management unit calculates a predicted stay time of a user who matches the inquiry target person, and executes the notification of the information on condition that the predicted stay time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The inquiry information management means sets a required travel time of the registrant to the image forming apparatus, and sets the predetermined travel time, which is a condition of whether or not to notify the information, as the required travel time. The image forming system according to claim 6. The inquiry information management means, even under the condition that the expected stay time of a predetermined time or more is not confirmed, the inquiry information management means receives an operation input from the user who matches the inquiry target person through the operation means for a predetermined time. The image forming system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the image forming system is executed on condition that a predetermined number of times continues. The inquiry information management unit displays the stay request on the display unit of the image forming apparatus related to the machine identification information according to the input from the external computer that has notified the information, and accepts the stay request via the operation unit. The image formation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an input of rejection or rejection is received from a user who matches the inquiry target person, and the input result is notified to an external computer that has notified the information. system. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the inquiry information management unit displays the estimated moving time of the registrant in accordance with the display of the stay request. 11. The inquiry information management means, when the consent is received, grants the access right to the inquiry content and the related material to the user who matches the inquiry target person. Image forming system. The inquiry information management unit has an access right to access the inquiry content and related materials, a permission range for allowing the inquiry target person to browse and print, allows the inquiry target person to browse, and allows only the registrant to print. The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the registrant is allowed to set by selecting from an authority range to be performed and an authority range in which the inquiry target person is allowed only to browse. The image according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the inquiry information management unit sets the access right to the inquiry content and the related material to a range of authority that can be accessed from any image forming apparatus. Forming system. At least one image forming apparatus having an image output unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a communication unit capable of communication connection with an external computer via a network, and an authentication unit for identifying a user. In order to make a computer function as the inquiry information management unit in the image forming apparatus that stores the input inquiry information in the storage unit and includes the inquiry information management unit for managing the inquiry information in the image forming apparatus or outside thereof. Is a control program for the image forming system of
The inquiry information includes user identification information of the inquiry subject and user identification information of the registrant who is the inquiry subject,
When the user identification information is input to the image forming apparatus for inputting a job, the inquiry information management unit compares the input user identification information with the user identification information of the inquired person under management. When there is matching inquiry information, the information including the machine identification information of the image forming apparatus to which the user identification information is input is stored in the external computer associated with the user identification information of the registrant related to the matching inquiry information. Notify ,
The control program for an image forming system, wherein the inquiry information management means is capable of inputting and saving the inquiry information before inputting the job .

Images