JP6981315B2 - Image processing equipment, image processing programs and image processing systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing program and an image processing system.

Patent Document 1 has an object of providing an image forming apparatus capable of achieving both occupancy setting in an image forming apparatus capable of pre-registering a usage time zone and operability of a plurality of users, and an image capable of pre-registering a usage time zone. It is a forming device, and even if multiple users make usage reservations in the same time zone, the reservations are accepted, but the precautions that occur when accepting the usage reservations in the same time zone (the job is terminated in the reserved time zone). It is disclosed that the user is notified in advance of the precautions such as not being able to do so, and it is possible to achieve both the occupancy setting of the image forming apparatus and the operability of a plurality of users.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-087201

When using an image processing device such as a multifunction device, reservations are made and used in order to eliminate waiting in line. For example, a time zone is specified as the reservation. However, if a plurality of people make reservations in the same time zone and allow the use in the order of reservation, even if the user arrives at the image processing device early, the user who has made the reservation late will wait for the turn.
An object of the present invention is to enable a plurality of users to use an image processing device that can make a reservation for use in the same time zone in the order in which they arrive at the image processing device.

The gist of the present invention for achieving such an object lies in the inventions of the following paragraphs. The following "claims" are the claims at the time of filing.
The invention of claim 1 is an image processing device in which a user detecting means for detecting a user corresponding to a mobile terminal capable of communicating via short-range wireless communication and a user detected by the user detecting means are used. In the case of a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device and the order management means for the user to use the image processing device. It is an image processing device having an output means for outputting information indicating that the image processing device has become available in response to the availability of the image processing device.

The invention according to claim 2 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order management means manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used according to the date and time detected by the user detecting means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the order management means stores in a queue in the order detected by the user detection means, and manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used according to the queue. The image processing apparatus according to the above.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the order management means manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used at regular time intervals by the queue generated at regular time intervals. be.

The image according to claim 1, wherein the output means further comprises a confirmation means for notifying the user who has become available of the password and confirming the available user by the password received from the user. It is a processing device.

The invention of claim 6 limits the usage time of the first user when there is a second user who has made a reservation at the current fixed time after the first user using the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising limiting means.

The image processing according to claim 6, wherein the limiting means limits the usage time of the first user when the second user is detected by the user detecting means. It is a device.

The invention of claim 8 is a user detection means for detecting a user corresponding to a mobile terminal capable of communicating with a computer as an image processing device via short-range wireless communication, and a user detected by the user detection means. However, when the user makes a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device and the order management means allow the user to use the image processing device. It is an image processing program for functioning as an output means for outputting information indicating that the image processing apparatus has become available in response to the availability of the image processing apparatus.

The invention of claim 9 is an image processing system including an image processing device and a reservation management device, wherein the image processing device is close to a receiving means for receiving reservation information of the image processing device from the reservation management device. A user detection means for detecting a user corresponding to a mobile terminal capable of communicating via wireless communication and a user detected by the user detection means use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time. When the user has made a reservation, the order management means for managing the order in which the image processing device is used and the order management means enable the user to use the image processing device. The reservation management device has an output means for outputting information indicating that it has become possible, and the reservation management device is managed by the management means for managing the reservation information related to the reservation for the user to use the image processing device and the management means. It is an image processing system having a transmission means for transmitting the reserved information to the image processing apparatus.

According to the image processing device of claim 1, in an image processing device in which a plurality of users can make reservations for use in the same time zone, the images can be used in the order of arrival at the image processing device.

According to the image processing apparatus of claim 2, the order in which the image processing apparatus is used can be managed according to the date and time when the user is detected.

According to the image processing device of claim 3, it is possible to manage the order of using the image processing device in the order in which the user is detected.

According to the image processing apparatus of claim 4, the order in which the image processing apparatus is used for each time zone can be managed by the queue generated for each time zone.

According to the image processing device of claim 5, the password can be notified to the user who has become available, and the available user can be confirmed by the password received from the user.

According to the image processing device of claim 6, if there is a second user who has made a reservation in the current time zone after the first user who is using the image processing device, the first user is used. You can limit the time.

According to the image processing device of claim 7, when the second user is detected, the usage time of the first user can be limited.

According to the image processing program of claim 8, in an image processing apparatus in which a plurality of users can make reservations for use in the same time zone, they can be used in the order of arrival at the image processing apparatus.

According to the image processing system of claim 9, in an image processing apparatus in which a plurality of users can make reservations for use in the same time zone, they can be used in the order of arrival at the image processing apparatus.

It is a conceptual module configuration diagram about the configuration example of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example using this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reservation order of a user. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of the time zone reservation management data table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the visit order of a user. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data structure of the neighborhood user information table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of the user queue table waiting for use. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of a password table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of the computer which realizes this embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a conceptual module configuration diagram for a configuration example of the present embodiment.
The module generally refers to parts such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in this embodiment refers not only to the module in the computer program but also to the module in the hardware configuration. Therefore, in this embodiment, a computer program for functioning as those modules (a program for causing the computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing the computer to function as each means, and each function for the computer). It also serves as an explanation of the program), system and method for realizing the above. However, for convenience of explanation, "remember", "remember", and equivalent words are used, but these words are stored in a storage device or stored when the embodiment is a computer program. It means that it is controlled to be stored in the device. Further, the modules may have a one-to-one correspondence with each other, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module may be configured. May be composed of a plurality of programs. Further, the plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers by a computer in a distributed or parallel environment. It should be noted that one module may include another module. In addition, hereinafter, "connection" is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data transfer, instruction, reference relationship between data, login, etc.). "Predetermined" means that it is determined before the target process, not only before the process according to the present embodiment starts, but also after the process according to the present embodiment starts. However, if it is before the target process, it is used with the intention that it is determined according to the situation / state at that time or according to the situation / state up to that point. When there are a plurality of "predetermined values", they may be different values, or two or more values (including, of course, all values) may be the same. Further, the description "if A, do B" is used to mean "determine whether or not it is A, and if it is determined to be A, do B". However, this excludes cases where it is not necessary to determine whether or not it is A. Further, when a thing is listed such as "A, B, C", it is an example list unless otherwise specified, and includes a case where only one of them is selected (for example, only A).
In addition, a system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, etc. by communication means such as a network (including a one-to-one correspondence communication connection), and one computer, hardware, device, etc. It also includes cases where it is realized by such as. "Device" and "system" are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the "system" does not include anything that is nothing more than a social "mechanism" (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, for each process by each module or when multiple processes are performed in the module, the target information is read from the storage device, and after the processes are performed, the process results are written to the storage device. be. Therefore, the description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. The storage device here may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

The system according to this embodiment uses an image processing device 100, and has an image processing device 100 and a mobile terminal 150 as shown in the example of FIG. This system controls the reservation and order of the image processing apparatus 100 using short-range communication.
The user 195 has a mobile terminal 150 and has already made a reservation for using the image processing device 100, and is trying to use the image processing device 100 according to the reservation.
The image processing device 100 includes, for example, a copying machine, a fax, a scanner, a printer, a multifunction device (an image processing device having any two or more functions of a scanner, a printer, a copying machine, a fax, etc.), a projector ( (Including overhead projectors, etc.)), etc. are applicable.
Examples of the mobile terminal 150 include a notebook computer having a communication function, a mobile information communication device (including a mobile phone, a smartphone, a mobile device, a wearable computer, etc.), an IC card, and the like.
A time zone is specified in advance for the image processing device 100 installed in a convenience store, office, or the like, and when the user 195 who is the reservation person enters the vicinity of the image processing device 100, Bluetooth (registered trademark, registered trademark, A short-range wireless communication method such as BLE (including Bluetooth Low Energy)) is used to control the order between reservations.

For example, the user 195 makes a reservation for the image processing device 100 by using the mobile terminal 150. When the mobile terminal 150 is located at a remote location of the image processing device 100, the image processing device 100 and the mobile terminal 150 communicate with each other via the communication line 190. When the mobile terminal 150 exists in the vicinity of the image processing device 100, communication is performed via short-range wireless communication 192.

The image processing device 100 includes a network communication I / F (interface) module 105, a short-range wireless communication I / F module 110, a user interface module 115, a time zone reservation management module 120, a neighborhood user detection module 125, and an order management module 130. It has an availability notification module 135, a user confirmation module 140, and a usage time limit module 145.

The network communication I / F module 105 is connected to the time zone reservation management module 120, and is also connected to the network I / F module 155 of the mobile terminal 150 via the communication line 190. The network communication I / F module 105 communicates with the mobile terminal 150 via the communication line 190. The communication line 190 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, and may be, for example, the Internet as a communication infrastructure, an intranet, or the like. For example, the network communication I / F module 105 receives the "user ID, reserved time zone 157" from the network I / F module 155 of the mobile terminal 150 via the communication line 190.

The short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 is connected to the neighborhood user detection module 125 and the available notification module 135, and the short-range wireless communication I / F module of the mobile terminal 150 via the short-range wireless communication 192. It is connected to 160. The short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 communicates with the mobile terminal 150 via the short-range wireless communication 192. The short-range wireless communication 192 includes, for example, Bluetooth, optical communication, infrared communication, and the like. For example, the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 receives the user ID 162 from the short-range wireless communication I / F module 160 of the mobile terminal 150 via the short-range wireless communication 192, and the short-range wireless communication of the mobile terminal 150. The password 112 and the usage start request 114 are transmitted to the I / F module 160.

The user interface module 115 is connected to the user confirmation module 140 and the user 195. The user interface module 115 accepts the operation of the user 195 and notifies the user 195 of the information. For example, the user interface module 115 controls a liquid crystal display that also serves as a touch panel, accepts operations by the user 195, and presents a message or the like to the user 195. In addition, the user's operation (including line of sight, gesture, voice, etc.) using a mouse, keyboard, camera, microphone, etc. may be accepted, or voice output from a speaker or tactile sensation using a tactile device may be used. A message to the user 195 may be presented. For example, the user interface module 115 receives the password 197 by the operation of the user 195. This password 197 is the password 112 transmitted by the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 to the mobile terminal 150.

The time zone reservation management module 120 is connected to the network communication I / F module 105 and the order management module 130. The time zone reservation management module 120 manages reservation information regarding reservations for the user 195 to use the image processing device 100.
Here, the "reservation information" includes information that uniquely identifies the user 195, information that uniquely identifies the image processing device 100, and a time zone to be used (hereinafter, also referred to as a reservation time zone). When sending to the image processing device 100, it is not necessary to include the information that uniquely identifies the image processing device 100 as the reservation information. That is, the reservation information to be transmitted may include at least information that uniquely identifies the user 195 and a time zone to be used. Further, when sending to the image processing device 100 for each time zone to be used (immediately before the time zone to be used, etc.), the reservation information does not include the information uniquely identifying the image processing device 100 and the time zone to be used. May be good. That is, the reservation information to be transmitted may include at least information that uniquely identifies the user 195.

Specifically, as a process related to the time zone reservation management module 120, the following is performed.
According to the operation of the user 195, the reservation information is notified from the mobile terminal 150 to the time zone reservation management module 120 via the communication line 190. The reservation request information has a "user ID, reservation time zone"("user ID, reservation time zone 157"). The time zone reservation management module 120 determines whether or not a reservation can be added in the designated time zone.
If a reservation is possible, the user ID and the time zone are associated and stored. Specifically, it will be described later using the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4.

Further, the schedule management device 220 may have the function of the time zone reservation management module 120 as shown in the example of FIG. For example, the schedule management device 220 is a server that manages the reservation status of the plurality of image processing devices 100. In this case, the network communication I / F module 105 receives the reservation information of the image processing device 100 from the schedule management device 220. At the time of reservation, the user 195 designates the image processing device 100 to be reserved together with the time zone. The time zone reservation management module 120 in the image processing device 100 manages the reservation status for each image processing device 100 to be reserved. Further, in the schedule management device 220, the reservation status of all the image processing devices 100 may be viewed by the user 195, and the vacant image processing device 100 may be selected and reserved.

The neighborhood user detection module 125 is connected to the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 and the order management module 130. The neighborhood user detection module 125 detects the user 195 corresponding to the mobile terminal 150 that can communicate via the short-range wireless communication 192. As a detection here, for example, when the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 becomes communicable with the mobile terminal 150, the ID (IDentification, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 150) of the mobile terminal 150 is used. The user ID may be extracted from the corresponding table of the user ID (information that uniquely identifies the user in the present embodiment) and the user ID (information that uniquely identifies the user in the present embodiment).

Specifically, as the processing related to the neighborhood user detection module 125, the following is performed.
The short-range wireless communication 192 is used to detect the mobile terminal 150 of the user 195 existing in the vicinity of the image processing device 100. Whether or not the user 195 exists in the vicinity is determined by the strength of the radio wave from the mobile terminal 150. If it can be determined that the user 195 is in the vicinity, the user ID 162 is acquired by communicating with the mobile terminal 150 (communication via the short-range wireless communication 192). When a new neighboring user 195 is detected, the order management module 130 is notified of the user ID 162.

The order management module 130 is connected to the time zone reservation management module 120, the neighborhood user detection module 125, the availability notification module 135, and the user confirmation module 140. The order management module 130 uses the image processing device 100 when the user detected by the neighborhood user detection module 125 is a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device 100 within a certain time including the current time. Manage the order in which they are processed. The "fixed time" means a predetermined time zone. For example, from 13:00 to 14:00 is applicable. Of course, not only every hour, but every two hours, every 30 minutes, etc. may be used. Hereinafter, the time zone for each hour will be described as an example.
The reservation information managed by the time zone reservation management module 120 may be used to determine whether or not the user has made a reservation to use the image processing device 100 within a certain time including the current time.
Further, the order management module 130 performs the present image processing according to the date and time detected by the neighboring user detection module 125 (year, month, day, hour, minute, second, second or less, or a combination thereof). The order in which the device 100 is used may be managed. Here, "according to the detected date and time" is not simply the detected "order" (the order of approaching the image processing device 100), but the order in the reserved time zone. Therefore, even if the mobile terminal 150 of the user A is detected, if the reserved time zone is the next time zone, the reservation person in the detected time zone is given priority.
For example, the order management module 130 may be stored in a queue in the order detected by the neighboring user detection module 125, and the order in which the image processing device 100 is used may be managed according to the queue.
More specifically, the order management module 130 may manage the order in which the image processing apparatus 100 is used for each time zone by the queue generated for each time zone.

Specifically, as the processing related to the order management module 130, the following is performed.
The user ID 162 detected by the neighborhood user detection module 125 determines whether or not the user ID 162 is reserved for the time zone including the current time, and if it is determined that the user ID 162 is reserved, the user 195 is a user waiting to be used by the image processing device 100. Add to the end of the queue.
The order management module 130 also manages the usage status of the image processing device 100, locks the image processing device 100 so that it cannot be used once the user 195 is using it, and the user (of course, the user). 195, including other users 195) to make it unavailable. Next, the user ID at the head of the user queue waiting to be used is urged to use the image processing device 100 through the availability notification module 135. At this time, a password 112 for identifying the user 195 is generated and attached to the available message (use start request 114). When it can be confirmed that the user 195 is in front of the image processing device 100 (when the password 112 and the password 197 match), the image processing device 100 is unlocked and made available. The user confirmation module 140 confirms the user 195.

The available notification module 135 is connected to the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 and the sequence management module 130. The availability notification module 135 outputs information indicating that the user 195 has become available to the image processing device 100 in response to the availability of the image processing device 100 by the order management module 130. As an output destination, it is output to the mobile terminal 150 via the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 and the short-range wireless communication 192, and is output to the user 195 who owns the mobile terminal 150.
Further, the available notification module 135 may generate a password 112 and notify the user 195 who has become able to use the image processing device 100 of the password 112.

Specifically, as the processing related to the available notification module 135, the following is performed.
An available message (use start request 114) is transmitted from the image processing device 100 to the mobile terminal 150, the available message is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 150, and the user 195 can use the image processing device 100. Notify that. At the same time, the password 112 for unlocking the image processing device 100 is also transmitted and displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 150.

The user confirmation module 140 is connected to the user interface module 115 and the order management module 130. The user confirmation module 140 confirms the available user 195 by the password 197 received from the user 195. It is determined whether or not the password 112 transmitted by the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 and the password 197 accepted by the user interface module 115 match. If the passwords match, the image processing device 100 is unlocked (unusable state), and the user 195 is allowed to use the image processing device 100. If the passwords do not match, the user 195 is not allowed to use the image processing device 100 (leaving the lock of the image processing device 100 as it is), even if the reason for that (the password is different, etc.) is included. Good).

Specifically, as the processing related to the order management module 130, the following is performed.
The user 195 who received the availability notification goes in front of the image processing device 100. The image processing device 100 prompts the user 195 to input a password on the UI screen. User 195 inputs the received password (which should be password 112). When the entered password 197 matches the password 112, the image processing device 100 can be operated, and the user 195 can use the image processing device 100.

If there is a second user who has made a reservation in the current time zone after the first user who is using the image processing device 100, the usage time limit module 145 limits the usage time of the first user. do.
Specifically, the usage time limiting module 145 may limit the usage time of the first user when the second user is detected by the neighboring user detection module 125.
Specifically, as the processing related to the usage time limit module 145, the following is performed.
The usage time limit module 145 limits the time for the reservation person to use the image processing device 100, and controls so that the next reservation person can use the image processing device 100 when the time limit is reached. For example, 10 minutes is set as the time limit, and after 10 minutes have passed, the next reservation person is allowed to use it. By limiting the time in this way, it is possible to ensure that all users can use the image processing device 100 within the time.

The mobile terminal 150 has a network I / F module 155, a short-range wireless communication I / F module 160, and an image processing device reservation application 165.
The mobile terminal 150 performs a time zone reservation process from the user 195, and after moving to the vicinity of the image processing device 100, controls the order of the user 195 in cooperation with the image processing device 100. An application for making a reservation for the image processing device 100 (image processing device reservation application 165) is installed in the mobile terminal 150.

The network I / F module 155 is connected to the time zone reservation input module 170 of the image processing device reservation application 165, and is also connected to the network communication I / F module 105 of the image processing device 100 via the communication line 190. ing. The network I / F module 155 communicates with the image processing device 100 via the communication line 190. For example, the network I / F module 155 transmits "user ID, reserved time zone 157" to the network communication I / F module 105 of the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line 190.
The short-range wireless communication I / F module 160 is connected to the user management module 175 of the image processing device reservation application 165 and the available notification module 180, and is close to the image processing device 100 via the short-range wireless communication 192. It is connected to the range wireless communication I / F module 110. The short-range wireless communication I / F module 160 communicates with the image processing device 100 via the short-range wireless communication 192. For example, the short-range wireless communication I / F module 160 transmits the user ID 162 to the short-range wireless communication I / F module 110 of the image processing device 100 via the short-range wireless communication 192, and the short-range of the image processing device 100. Receive the password 112 and the usage start request 114 from the wireless communication I / F module 110.

The image processing device reservation application 165 has a time zone reservation input module 170, a user management module 175, an availability notification module 180, and a user interface module 185.
The time zone reservation input module 170 is connected to the network I / F module 155 and the user interface module 185. The time zone reservation input module 170 receives a desired reservation time zone from the user 195 via the user interface module 185, and the user ID and the reservation time zone registered in the mobile terminal 150 (“user ID, reservation time zone”). The reservation request information having 157 ”) is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line 190.

The user management module 175 is connected to the short-range wireless communication I / F module 160 and the user interface module 185. The user management module 175 manages the user ID of the user 195 of the mobile terminal 150 and transmits the user ID to the image processing device 100 via the short-range wireless communication 192.

The available notification module 180 is connected to the short-range wireless communication I / F module 160 and the user interface module 185. The available notification module 180 receives the available notification of the image processing device 100 via the short-range wireless communication 192 together with the password for unlocking the image processing device 100. A message and a password prompting the user 195 to start using the image processing device 100 are displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 150.

The user interface module 185 is connected to the time zone reservation input module 170, the user management module 175, the availability notification module 180, and the user 195. The user interface module 185 accepts the operation of the user 195 and notifies the user 195 of the information. For example, the user interface module 185 controls a liquid crystal display that also serves as a touch panel, receives an operation of the user 195, and presents a message or the like to the user 195, similarly to the user interface module 115. For example, the user interface module 185 accepts the reservation information by the operation of the user 195, and notifies the user 195 of the usage start request 114 (including the password 112).

The user 195 operates the image processing device 100 and the mobile terminal 150 via the user interface module 115 of the image processing device 100 and the user interface module 185 of the image processing device reservation application 165 in the mobile terminal 150, and receives notifications and the like. .. For example, the user 195 inputs the password 197 into the user interface module 115 of the image processing apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration using the present embodiment.
An image processing device 100 is installed in the store 210, and users 195A, 195C, and 195D are in the store.
The mobile terminal 150A possessed by the user 195A, the mobile terminal 150C possessed by the user 195C, and the mobile terminal 150D possessed by the user 195D are connected to the image processing device 100 so as to be communicable by short-range wireless communication 192, respectively. Has been done.
The schedule management device 220 has a time zone reservation management module 120. The time zone reservation management module 120 of the schedule management device 220 manages reservation information regarding reservations for the user to use the image processing device 100. That is, the time zone reservation management module 120 of the image processing device 100 may be outside the image processing device 100 (schedule management device 220). In this case, the schedule management device 220 transmits the reservation information managed by the time zone reservation management module 120 to the time zone reservation management module 120 of the image processing device 100. That is, the image processing device 100 communicates with the time zone reservation management module 120 of the schedule management device 220, and acquires the reservation information of the image processing device 100.

A case where the present embodiment is not used will be described. In particular, the description in this paragraph is intended to facilitate the understanding of this embodiment and is not intended to be a limited interpretation using this description. Then, it should not be determined that the invention for which a patent is sought is described in the detailed description of the invention (Patent Law, Article 36, Paragraph 6, Item 1) using only this explanatory part. That is natural.
When using an image processing device, it is assumed that someone is already using the image processing device. When users overlap in this way, it is necessary to wait until the preceding user completes the work. However, in places where space is limited, such as convenience stores, there is no waiting space and it may be difficult to wait in line.
Therefore, a technique for reserving the use of an image processing device by designating a time zone has been conventionally known. However, since it is difficult to predict the length of time required for a job (processing by an image processing device, for example, printing processing), the user often sets a longer time at the time of reservation, which is vacant. There is a problem that time is generated.
In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 accepts reservations even when the usage time zones overlap, and prioritizes the jobs submitted in that time zone in the order in which the reservations are received. The technology to be used is disclosed.
However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is allowed to set a plurality of reservations in the same time zone, but the earlier the reservation time is, the higher the priority is set. Therefore, even if the user who made the reservation later arrives near the image processing device early, the priority is lowered and the convenience is impaired.
In this embodiment, a user who has made a reservation by designating a time zone in advance is scheduled to operate the image processing device in the order of arrival in the vicinity of the image processing device. This makes the image processing device highly convenient when a reservation is made. In addition, when multiple users make reservations in the same time zone, the image processing device is scheduled to be used in the order of arrival, and when it becomes available, the mobile terminal notifies the image processing, which is highly convenient. It is possible to control the use of the device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user's reservation order.
The time axis shows the reserved time. That is, an example is shown in which the user 195A or the like makes a reservation for the image processing device 100 using each mobile terminal 150A or the like. For example, it is assumed that the image processing device 100 is reserved in the order of user 195A, user 195F, user 195D, user 195B, user 195E, and user 195C from 15:00 on the day before the image processing device 100 is used. It should be noted that this only indicates the order in which reservations are made, and the reservation time zone (time zone in which the future image processing device 100 is used) is different. The reserved time zone will be described with reference to the example of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the time zone reservation management data table 400. The time zone reservation management data table 400 is created by the time zone reservation management module 120.
The time zone reservation management data table 400 has a time zone column 410 and a reservation user ID column 420. The time zone column 410 stores the reserved time zone. The reservation user ID column 420 stores the user ID of the user who made the reservation.
During the time zone from 9:00 to 10:00, there are users A, B, and C as reserved users, and during the time zone from 10:00 to 11:00, user D and user E are reserved users. There is a user F as a reserved user in the time zone from 11:00 to 12:00. The order in the reservation user ID column 420 is the order in which the reservation was made.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user's visit order.
The time axis indicates the time when the store 210 is visited (the time when the image processing device 100 is approached, more specifically, the time when the user's mobile terminal 150 and the image processing device 100 can communicate with each other). ing. That is, the user 195C, the user 195D, and the user 195A come to the store around 9 o'clock. As shown in the example of FIG. 4, users 195A, user 195B, and user 195C make reservations at 9 o'clock, but user 195B does not come to the store at 9 o'clock, and user 195D is 10 I made a reservation at the time, but I came to the store at 9 o'clock.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the neighborhood user information table 600 and the neighborhood user information table 650. The neighborhood user information table 600 and the neighborhood user information table 650 are created by the neighborhood user detection module 125.
FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the neighborhood user information table 600. The neighborhood user information table 600 has a neighborhood user ID column 610. The neighborhood user ID column 610 stores the user ID of a user in the neighborhood. That is, in the example of FIG. 5, the user 195A, the user 195C, and the user 195D are stored.
The neighborhood user information table 650 may be used instead of the neighborhood user information table 600. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the neighborhood user information table 650. The neighborhood user information table 650 has a neighborhood user ID column 660 and a detection date / time column 670. The neighborhood user ID column 660 stores the user ID of a user in the neighborhood. The detection date / time column 670 stores the date / time when the user (the mobile terminal 150 owned by the user) is detected.
For example, user 195A is detected at "9:25", user 195C is detected at "9:05", and user 195D is detected at "9:10".

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the user queue table 700 waiting to be used. As an example of the queue, the user queue table 700 waiting to be used is created by the order management module 130. Created for each time zone. An example of FIG. 7 is a user queue table 700 waiting to be used at 9 o'clock.
The user queue table 700 waiting to be used has an arrival order column 710 and a user ID column 720. The arrival order column 710 stores the arrival order. The user ID column 720 stores the user ID. Of course, if it has a queuing function, the arrival order column 710 may not be necessary. At 9 o'clock in the reserved time zone, user 195C and user 195A enter, and user 195D is not included. The user queue table 700 waiting to be used is created every time a user (reservation person) in that time zone is detected. Specifically, from "9:05" to "9:25", only the user 195C is available. When the user has finished using the user, the user may be deleted from the user queue table 700 waiting to be used.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the password table 800. The password table 800 is created by the availability notification module 135.
The password table 800 has a user ID field 810 and a password field 820. The user ID column 810 stores the user ID. The password field 820 stores the password for the user.
For example, the password for user 195C is "3333". In using the image processing device 100, the user 195C needs to input the password into the image processing device 100.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment (image processing apparatus 100).
In step S902, reservation information (user ID, reservation time zone) is received from the mobile terminal 150.
In step S904, it is determined by examining the time zone reservation management data table 400 whether or not the reservation is possible in the designated time zone. For example, a limited number of people may be provided in each time zone of the time zone reservation management data table 400. Specifically, if the number of reservations in that time zone is within the limit, it is determined that reservations are possible.
In step S906, it is determined whether or not the reservation is possible, and if possible, the process proceeds to step S908, and if not, the process returns to step S902.

In step S908, the reservation information (user ID, reservation time zone) is stored in the time zone reservation management data table 400.
In step S910, it is checked whether or not the mobile terminal 150 exists in the vicinity by the short-range wireless communication 192.
In step S912, it is determined whether or not there is a mobile terminal 150 in the neighborhood, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S914, and in other cases, the mobile terminal 150 waits until it appears in the neighborhood.

In step S914, it is determined by examining the time zone reservation management data table 400 whether or not the user of the mobile terminal 150 is a reserved user with respect to the current time.
In step S916, it is determined whether or not the user is a reserved user, and if the user is reserved, the process proceeds to step S918, and if not, the process returns to step S912.

In step S918, the user ID of the mobile terminal 150 is added to the end of the user queue table 700 waiting to be used. That is, they are registered in the user queue table 700 waiting to be used in the order in which the mobile terminals 150 are detected.
In step S920, it is determined whether or not the image processing device 100 is vacant (available), and if it is vacant, the process proceeds to step S922. Wait (until the end of use).

In step S922, the image processing device 100 is locked (unusable).
In step S924, the first user ID of the user queue table 700 waiting to be used is fetched. The used users are deleted from the user queue table 700 waiting to be used.
In step S296, a password for the user is generated. For example, a random number (including a pseudo-random number) may be used.
In step S928, the mobile terminal 150 corresponding to the user ID is notified together with the password that the image processing device 100 can be used.

In step S930, it is determined whether or not the password has been input from the user interface module 115 of the image processing device 100, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S932, and in other cases, the process waits until the password is input.
In step S932, it is determined whether or not the password is correct, if it is correct, the process proceeds to step S934, and if not, it waits until the password is correctly input. Here, "the password is correct" means that the password entered in step S930 and the password generated in step S926 match.
In step S934, the image processing device 100 is unlocked. That is, the user who has entered the password (the user who has made a reservation) can use the image processing device 100.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S1002, it is determined by examining the time zone reservation management data table 400 whether or not there is another user who has made a reservation in the current time zone.
In step S1004, it is determined whether or not there is an unused user, if there is, the process proceeds to step S1006, and if not, the process ends (step S1099).

In step S1006, the available time of the currently used user is calculated according to the number of unused users. For example, the number of unused users is multiplied by the expected usage time, and the value is subtracted from the remaining time in the time zone to calculate the available time. Specifically, as the expected usage time, statistical values (average value, mode value, median value, maximum value, minimum value, etc.) of the usage time from the past history may be used.
In step S1008, the remaining available time is presented to the user who is using it.

In step S1010, it is determined whether or not the remaining available time has become 0, and if it becomes 0, the process proceeds to step S1012, and if not, the process returns to step S1008.
In step S1012, the use is forcibly stopped. Prioritize the use of other users.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 10, a warning (remaining usage time, etc.) is presented depending on whether or not there is a remaining user who made a reservation in that time zone, but in the example of FIG. 11, the user who made a reservation in that time zone is used. , The warning is presented depending on whether or not the user is in the vicinity of the image processing device 100. Step 1102 and steps S1108 to S1114 are the same processes as steps 1002 and S1106 to S1012 shown in the example of FIG. 10, respectively.

In step S1102, it is determined by examining the time zone reservation management data table 400 whether or not there is another user who has made a reservation in the current time zone.
In step S1104, it is determined whether or not the user is in the neighborhood by examining the neighborhood user information table 600 or the neighborhood user information table 650. For example, if the number of reservations in the same time zone is visiting the store, a warning will be given.
In step S1106, it is determined whether or not the user is in the vicinity, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S1108, and if not, the process ends (step S1199).

In step S1108, the available time of the currently used user is calculated according to the number of unused users.
In step S1110, the remaining available time is presented.
In step S1112, it is determined whether or not the remaining available time has become 0, and if it becomes 0, the process proceeds to step S1114, and if not, the process returns to step S1110.
In step S1114, the use is forcibly stopped.

A hardware configuration example of the image processing device 100 and the mobile terminal 150 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The configuration shown in FIG. 12 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like, and shows an example of a hardware configuration including a data reading unit 1217 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1218 such as a printer.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1201 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiment, that is, network communication I / F module 105, short-range wireless communication I / F module 110, user interface module 115, and time zone reservation management. Module 120, Neighborhood user detection module 125, Order management module 130, Available notification module 135, User confirmation module 140, Usage time limit module 145, Network I / F module 155, Short-range wireless communication I / F module 160, Image processing A control unit that executes processing according to a computer program that describes the execution sequence of each module such as device reservation application 165, time zone reservation input module 170, user management module 175, availability notification module 180, and user interface module 185. be.

The ROM (Read Only Memory) 1202 stores programs, calculation parameters, and the like used by the CPU 1201. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 1203 stores a program used in the execution of the CPU 1201 and parameters that are appropriately changed in the execution. These are connected to each other by a host bus 1204 composed of a CPU bus or the like.

The host bus 1204 is connected to an external bus 1206 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 1205.

The pointing device 1209 such as the keyboard 1208 and the mouse is a device operated by the operator. The display 1210 has a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and displays various information as text or image information. Further, a touch screen or the like having the functions of both the pointing device 1209 and the display 1210 may be used. In that case, regarding the realization of the keyboard function, a keyboard (also called a so-called software keyboard, screen keyboard, etc.) is drawn by software on the screen (touch screen) without physically connecting like the keyboard 1208. You may try to realize the function of the keyboard.

The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1211 has a built-in hard disk (which may be a flash memory or the like), drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces programs and information executed by the CPU 1201. The hard disk stores a time zone reservation management data table 400, a neighborhood user information table 600, a neighborhood user information table 650, a user queue table 700 waiting to be used, a password table 800, and the like. In addition, various other data, various computer programs, etc. are stored.

The drive 1212 reads out the data or program recorded on the removable recording medium 1213 such as a mounted magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, and transfers the data or program to the interface 1207 and the external bus 1206. , Bridge 1205, and RAM 1203 connected via the host bus 1204. The removable recording medium 1213 can also be used as a data recording area.

The connection port 1214 is a port for connecting the external connection device 1215, and has a connection portion such as USB and IEEE 1394. The connection port 1214 is connected to the CPU 1201 and the like via the interface 1207, the external bus 1206, the bridge 1205, the host bus 1204, and the like. The communication unit 1216 is connected to the communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 1217 is, for example, a scanner, and executes a document reading process. The data output unit 1218 is, for example, a printer, and executes a document data output process.

The hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 and the mobile terminal 150 shown in FIG. 12 shows one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 12, but in the present embodiment. Any configuration may be used as long as the described module can be executed. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and are connected by a communication line. Further, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 12 may be connected to each other by a communication line so as to cooperate with each other. Further, in particular, in addition to a personal computer, it may be incorporated in a mobile information communication device, an information home appliance, a robot, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, a printer, a multifunction device, or the like.

The described program may be stored in a recording medium and provided, or the program may be provided by a communication means. In that case, for example, the program described above may be regarded as an invention of "a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded".
The "computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded" means a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, "DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, etc.", or DVD + RW. Standards such as "DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.", compact discs (CDs), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), etc., Blu-ray discs (CD-RW) Blu-ray® Disc), optomagnetic disc (MO), flexible disc (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM®). )), Flash memory, random access memory (RAM), SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
Then, the whole or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium and stored, distributed, or the like. Further, by communication, for example, a wired network used for a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or wireless communication. It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination thereof, or may be carried on a carrier.
Further, the program may be a part or all of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Further, the recording may be divided into a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any mode as long as it can be restored, such as compression and encryption.

100 ... Image processing device 105 ... Network communication I / F module 110 ... Short-range wireless communication I / F module 112 ... Password 114 ... Usage start request 115 ... 185 ... User interface module 120 ... Time zone reservation management module 125 ... Neighborhood user detection Module 130 ... Order management module 135 ... Available notification module 140 ... User confirmation module 145 ... Usage time limit module 150 ... Mobile terminal 155 ... Network I / F module 157 ... User ID, reservation time zone 160 ... Short-range wireless communication I / F module 162 ... User ID
165 ... Image processing device reservation application 170 ... Time zone reservation input module 175 ... User management module 180 ... Available notification module 190 ... Communication line 192 ... Short-range wireless communication 195 ... User 197 ... Password 210 ... Store 220 ... Schedule management device

Claims (14)

It is an image processing device
User detection means to detect users corresponding to mobile terminals that can communicate via short-range wireless communication,
When the user detected by the user detection means is a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device. ,
In response to the user becomes possible to use the image processing apparatus by the order management unit, have a output means for outputting information indicating that becomes available,
The order management means manages the order in which the image processing device is used according to the date and time detected by the user detection means.
The order management means stores in a queue in the order detected by the user detection means, and manages the order in which the image processing device is used according to the queue.
The order management means manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used at regular intervals by the queue generated at regular intervals.
Image processing device. The output means notifies the available user of the password and
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a confirmation means for confirming an available user by a password received from the user. If there is a second user who has made a reservation for the current fixed time after the first user who is using the image processing device, the claim further having a limiting means for limiting the usage time of the first user. The image processing apparatus according to 1. The limiting means limits the usage time of the first user when the second user is detected by the user detecting means.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. It is an image processing device
User detection means to detect users corresponding to mobile terminals that can communicate via short-range wireless communication,
When the user detected by the user detection means is a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device. ,
An output means for outputting information indicating that the image processing device has become available to the user according to the order management means .
If there is a second user who has made a reservation for the current fixed time after the first user who is using the image processing device, the image processing device has a limiting means for limiting the usage time of the first user. .. The order management means manages the order in which the image processing device is used according to the date and time detected by the user detection means.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5. The order management means stores in a queue in the order detected by the user detection means, and manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used according to the queue.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6. The order management means manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used at regular intervals by the queue generated at regular intervals.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7. The output means notifies the available user of the password and
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a confirmation means for confirming an available user by a password received from the user. The limiting means limits the usage time of the first user when the second user is detected by the user detecting means.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5. A computer that is an image processing device
User detection means to detect users corresponding to mobile terminals that can communicate via short-range wireless communication,
When the user detected by the user detection means is a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device. ,
The order management means causes the user to function as an output means for outputting information indicating that the image processing device has become available in response to the availability of the image processing device .
The order management means manages the order in which the image processing device is used according to the date and time detected by the user detection means.
The order management means stores in a queue in the order detected by the user detection means, and manages the order in which the image processing device is used according to the queue.
The order management means manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used at regular intervals by the queue generated at regular intervals.
Image processing program. An image processing system having an image processing device and a reservation management device.
The image processing device is
A receiving means for receiving reservation information of the image processing device from the reservation management device, and
User detection means to detect users corresponding to mobile terminals that can communicate via short-range wireless communication,
When the user detected by the user detection means is a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device. ,
The order management means has an output means for outputting information indicating that the image processing device has become available to the user in response to the availability of the image processing device .
The order management means manages the order in which the image processing device is used according to the date and time detected by the user detection means.
The order management means stores in a queue in the order detected by the user detection means, and manages the order in which the image processing device is used according to the queue.
The order management means manages the order in which the image processing apparatus is used at regular time intervals by the queue generated at regular time intervals.
The reservation management device is
A management means for managing reservation information regarding a reservation for a user to use the image processing device, and
An image processing system having a transmission means for transmitting the reservation information managed by the management means to the image processing device. A computer that is an image processing device
User detection means to detect users corresponding to mobile terminals that can communicate via short-range wireless communication,
When the user detected by the user detection means is a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device. ,
An output means for outputting information indicating that the image processing device has become available to the user according to the order management means .
If there is a second user who has made a reservation for the current fixed time after the first user who is using the image processing device, the function is to function as a limiting means for limiting the usage time of the first user. Image processing program. An image processing system having an image processing device and a reservation management device.
The image processing device is
A receiving means for receiving reservation information of the image processing device from the reservation management device, and
User detection means to detect users corresponding to mobile terminals that can communicate via short-range wireless communication,
When the user detected by the user detection means is a user who has made a reservation to use the image processing device within a certain time including the current time, the order management means for managing the order of using the image processing device. ,
An output means for outputting information indicating that the image processing device has become available to the user according to the order management means .
If there is a second user who has made a reservation for the current fixed time after the first user who is using the image processing device, the first user has a limiting means for limiting the usage time of the first user.
The reservation management device is
A management means for managing reservation information regarding a reservation for a user to use the image processing device, and
An image processing system having a transmission means for transmitting the reservation information managed by the management means to the image processing device.

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