JP7059797B2 - Image processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image processing system, and more particularly to an image processing system in which a server and an image processing device cooperate to process image data.

A conventional image processing device such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) manages count information according to the content of image processing for billing, etc., and further manages such count information by a server. was there. Such image processing devices include, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-169687 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-074377 (Patent Document 2), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-164720 (Patent Document 3). It is disclosed in.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-169687 JP-A-2010-0747377 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-164720

In recent years, image data generated by an image processing device may be processed on the server side as well. In such a case, it is necessary to link the count information on the image processing device side with the count information on the server side. However, conventionally, the image processing device and the server operate independently of each other, each of them holds the count information, and updates the count information according to the processing in each device. Therefore, when the image processing device and the server process data as one system, unified management of the count information in the image processing device and the server is desired.

In an example of a specific embodiment, the system administrator can confirm the count information of the image processing device by the count information display function by the administrator menu or the like. The administrator can also check the server count information. When each of the image processing device and the server updates the count information to each other, the count information of the image processing device and the count information of the server usually do not match. Therefore, the administrator does not know which count information should be used to specify the usage status of the system, and is likely to be confused.

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for appropriately managing count information in an image processing system in which a server and an image processing device are linked. ..

According to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing system including an image processing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the image processing device is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a first storage means for storing count information related to the first user, a request means for requesting the image processing device to generate image data in association with the first user, and the like. It includes a processing means for processing the image data generated in response to the request, and a first updating means for updating the count information in the first storage means according to the processing by the processing means. The image processing device has a second storage means for storing count information related to the first user, a generation means for generating image data on demand, and a second storage according to the generation of image data by the generation means. A second updating means for updating the count information related to the first user stored in the means is included. The information processing apparatus further includes a synchronization means that communicates with the image processing apparatus in order to synchronize the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image processing system including an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image processing apparatus, and a server capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus. The server includes a first storage means for storing count information related to the first user. The information processing device includes a requesting means for requesting the image processing device to generate image data in association with the first user, a processing means for processing the image data generated in response to the request, and a processing means. A first updating means for updating the count information in the first storage means according to the process, and the like are included. The image processing device has a second storage means for storing count information related to the first user, a generation means for generating image data on demand, and a second storage according to the generation of image data by the generation means. A second updating means for updating the count information related to the first user stored in the means is included. The information processing apparatus further includes a synchronization means that communicates with the image processing apparatus in order to synchronize the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means.

The processing by the processing means may include at least one kind of processing of changing the image size, changing the color of the image, and changing the number of pixels of the image. The first updating means may update the count information in the first storage means in an manner according to the type of processing executed by the processing means.

When the image processing apparatus is executing an image processing operation, the synchronization means may execute communication for synchronization after executing the image processing operation.

When the image processing device is executing an image processing operation, the synchronization means may request the image processing device to set a synchronization request flag, which is a flag for synchronization. The image processing apparatus may further include a setting means for setting the synchronization request flag in the image processing apparatus in response to the request for setting the synchronization request flag. The second update means requests the synchronization means to communicate for synchronization of the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means when the synchronization request flag is set. You may.

When the counting information in the first storage means reaches the upper limit assigned to the first user, the synchronization means requests the image processing apparatus to stop the image processing operation for the first user. You may.

The synchronization means requests the image processing apparatus to restart the image processing operation for the first user when the upper limit of the count information assigned to the first user in the first storage means is updated. May be good.

The synchronization means synchronizes the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means when the image data generated in response to the request is deleted without being processed by the processing means. You may communicate with the image processing device to make it.

According to the present disclosure, when the count information in the information processing apparatus is updated, the synchronization means of the information processing apparatus synchronizes the count information in the information processing apparatus with the count information in the image processing apparatus.

It is a figure which shows the appearance of the information processing apparatus 100 which is an example of an image processing system. It is a figure which shows the hardware composition of the information processing apparatus 100. It is a figure for demonstrating the synchronization of the count information in the MFP part 10 and the count information in a server part 20 in an information processing apparatus 100. It is a figure for demonstrating the synchronization of the count information in the MFP part 10 and the count information in a server part 20 in an information processing apparatus 100. It is a figure which shows an example of the synchronization of the count value. It is a figure which shows the other example of the synchronization of the count value. It is a flowchart of an example of the process executed by the CPU 250 of the server unit 20 when the user logs in to the information processing apparatus 100. It is a flowchart of the subroutine of step S26 of FIG. It is a flowchart of an example of the process executed by the CPU 150 of the MFP unit 10 when the user logs in to the information processing apparatus 100. It is a flowchart of the process executed by the MFP unit 10 in response to the re-login request from the server unit 20 in step S34 (FIG. 7). It is a flowchart of the modification of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the structure of an image processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional structure of the image processing system of FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the image processing system will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, these explanations will not be repeated.

[1. Image processing system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an information processing apparatus 100, which is an example of an image processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 is realized as a device that integrally constitutes a server and an MFP. The configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The information processing device 100 includes an MFP unit 10, a server unit 20, and an operation panel 30. The operation panel 30 is used as a user interface for the MFP unit 10 and the server unit 20. Hereinafter, the configurations of the MFP unit 10 and the server unit 20 will be described.

(MFP unit 10)
The MFP unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 150 for controlling the entire MFP unit 10 and a storage unit 160. The storage unit 160 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile memory. The information stored in the storage unit 160 may include a program executed by the CPU 150 and data used for executing the program. An example of data is count information for each user. The count information includes, for example, a value obtained by counting the usage status of the function of the information processing apparatus 100.

The MFP unit 10 further includes an image processing unit 151, an image forming unit 152, an image reading unit 153, and an internal interface 180. The image processing unit 151 executes processing such as enlargement / reduction of the output image by processing the input image data. The image processing unit 151 is realized by, for example, a processor and a memory for image processing. The image forming unit 152 includes hardware resources for forming an image on the recording paper, such as a toner cartridge, a paper tray for accommodating the recording paper, and a photoconductor, and hardware for transporting the recording paper. Realized by resources. The image reading unit 153 is realized by a hardware resource such as a scanner configured to create image data of a document. Since the functions of the image processing unit 151, the image forming unit 152, and the image reading unit 153 can be those well known in the image forming apparatus, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

The internal interface 180 functions as an interface for communication with the server unit 20, and is realized by, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card.

(Server unit 20)
The server unit 20 includes a CPU 250 for controlling the entire server unit 20, a network communication unit 260, a storage unit 270, and an internal interface 280.

The network communication unit 260 is realized by a hardware resource configured to transmit / receive data to / from an external device such as a user's PC (Personal Computer) via a global network. An example of such hardware resources is a network card. The CPU 250 communicates with an external device via the network communication unit 260.

The storage unit 270 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile memory. The information stored in the storage unit 270 may include a program executed by the CPU 250 and data used for executing the program. An example of data is count information for each user. The count information includes, for example, a value obtained by counting the usage status of the function of the information processing apparatus 100.

The CPU 250 is further configured to control the operation panel 30. The operation panel 30 includes a control circuit 350, a display unit 360 realized by an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or the like, and an operation unit 370 realized by a touch sensor or the like.

The control circuit 350 controls the display operation of the display unit 360 according to the control signal from the CPU 250. The operation unit 370 outputs the input information to the control circuit 350. The control circuit 350 outputs a signal corresponding to the information input from the operation unit 370 to the CPU 250.

[2. Management of count information in the image processing system]
3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining synchronization between the count information in the MFP unit 10 and the count information in the server unit 20 in the information processing device 100. Both FIGS. 3 and 4 show the functional configurations of the MFP unit 10 and the server unit 20. Then, FIG. 3 shows a flow of data regarding a job request from the server unit 20 to the MFP unit 10. FIG. 4 shows an outline of the process in which the count information in the MFP unit 10 is synchronized with the count information in the server unit 20. Hereinafter, after explaining the functional configurations of the MFP unit 10 and the server unit 20, the contents of the processes shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described.

(Functional configuration of MFP unit 10)
The MFP unit 10 includes a login processing unit 11, a scan counter processing unit 12, a scan execution unit 13, a scan data transfer processing unit 14, and an MFP side count value DB (database) 15.

The login processing unit 11 is realized by a CPU 150 that executes a process for logging in from the server unit 20 to the MFP unit 10, and executes, for example, a given program.

The scan counter processing unit 12 manages count information for each user. One example of management is to count down the count value stored as count information according to the usage status of the image processing function in the MFP unit 10. An example of the image processing function is the generation of image data (scan function) by the image reading unit 153. For example, the count value is counted down by "1" by generating image data by scanning a one-page document.

In one example, when the count value of "100" is assigned to the user A, the scan counter processing unit 12 has the image data of the manuscript of one page while the user A is logged in to the information processing device 100. Is generated, the count value of user A is counted down by "1". As a result, the count value of user A changes to "99".

The scan execution unit 13 executes the image processing function in the MFP unit 10. An example of the image processing function is the generation of image data (scan function) by the image reading unit 153. An example of the scan execution unit 13 is an image reading unit 153.

The scan data transfer processing unit 14 transmits the image data generated by the MFP unit 10 to the server unit 20, and is realized by, for example, the internal interface 180.

The MFP side count value DB 15 stores the count value for each user, and is realized by, for example, the storage unit 160.

(Functional configuration of server unit 20)
The server unit 20 includes a login processing unit 21, a determination unit 22, a request processing unit 23, an upper limit counter processing unit 24, a preview processing unit 25, a data processing unit 26, a server-side count value DB 27, and data storage. 28 and include.

The login processing unit 21 is realized by a CPU 250 that requests login to the MFP unit 10 of the server unit 20 and executes, for example, a given program.

The determination unit 22 determines whether or not it is necessary to synchronize the count information on the MFP unit 10 side with the count information on the server unit 20 by processing the image data in the server unit 20, and executes, for example, a given program. It is realized by the CPU 250.

The request processing unit 23 requests the MFP unit 10 to execute the image processing function based on the user's instruction. The request processing unit 23 is realized by, for example, a CPU 250 that executes a given program.

The upper limit counter processing unit 24 is realized by the CPU 250 that updates the count value associated with the authenticated user based on the processing performed on the image data in the server unit 20, for example, and executes a given program. To.

The preview processing unit 25 displays a preview screen of image data acquired from the MFP unit 10 on the display unit 360 of the operation panel 30, and is realized by, for example, a CPU 250 that executes a given program.

The data processing unit 26 executes various processes on the image data acquired from the MFP unit 10. The processing performed may include changing the image size, changing the color of the image, and / or changing the number of pixels in the image. The processing performed may include sending to an external server and / or sending as an attachment to an email. The data processing unit 26 is realized, for example, by the CPU 250 that executes a given program, or by the CPU 250 and the network communication unit 260.

The server-side count value DB 27 stores count information for each user, and is realized by, for example, a storage unit 270.

The data storage 28 stores image data, and is realized by, for example, a storage unit 270.

(Request for a job from the server unit 20 to the MFP unit 10)
In FIG. 3, the alternate long and short dash arrow indicates the signal flow in the job request from the server unit 20 to the MFP unit 10.

When the user inputs the user ID and password in the operation panel 30, the CPU 250 of the server unit 20 authenticates the user. When the user further inputs an instruction to execute an image processing function in the MFP unit 10 (for example, scanning a document) to the operation panel 30, the request processing unit 23 sends an image to the scan execution unit 13 of the MFP unit 10. Requests the execution of a processing function (eg scan).

In response to the above request, the scan execution unit 13 scans the document and generates image data of the document. The scan data transfer processing unit 14 transmits the generated image data to the server unit 20.

The preview processing unit 25 of the server unit 20 displays a preview image of the image data transmitted from the scan data transfer processing unit 14 on the display unit 360. In the server unit 20, the CPU 250 receives a user's instruction regarding the image data generated in the MFP unit 10.

The above instruction may be image processing for image data. The image processing is, for example, changing the image size, changing the color of the image, and / or changing the number of pixels of the image. When instructed to perform image processing, the data processing unit 26 executes the instructed image processing.

The above instruction may be the transmission of image data. When instructed to transmit the image data, the data processing unit 26 transmits the image data to the destination included in the instruction. The image data to be transmitted may be the one after the image processing by the data processing unit 26, or the one not subjected to the image processing by the data processing unit 26 (the one as it is transmitted from the scan data transfer processing unit 14). May be.

The above instruction may be the storage of image data. When instructed to save, the data processing unit 26 stores (saves) the image data in the data storage 28. The image data to be saved may be one after image processing by the data processing unit 26, or may not be image-processed by the data processing unit 26.

The above instruction may be the deletion of image data. When instructed to delete, the data processing unit 26 deletes the image data. The image data to be deleted may be one after image processing by the data processing unit 26, or may not be image-processed by the data processing unit 26.

The upper limit counter processing unit 24 updates the count value in the upper limit counter processing unit 24 according to the content of processing for the image data by the data processing unit 26. In one example, the count value is counted down by "0.5" for each type of data conversion for one page of image data. Types of data conversion include, for example, resizing, changing from color to monochrome, changing from monochrome to color, and changing the number of pixels.

In another example, the count value is counted down for each page of image data transmitted to one destination. More specifically, each time one page of monochrome image data is transmitted to one destination outside the information processing device 100, the count value is counted down by "0.5" and one page of color image is used. When the data is transmitted to the outside of the information processing device 100, the count value is counted down by "1.0". For example, when one page of monochrome image data is transmitted to two destinations, the count value is counted down by "1.0".

The relationship between the content of processing (data conversion, transmission) for image data and the value to be counted down is stored in the storage unit 160 as, for example, an “attribute map”.

When the data processing unit 26 executes image data processing, the determination unit 22 needs to synchronize the count information in the server unit 20 with the count information in the MFP unit 10 for the user logged in to the information processing device 100. It is determined that the above is the case, and the login to the MFP unit 10 is requested through the login processing unit 21.

(Synchronization of the count information in the MFP unit 10 and the count information in the server unit 20)
With reference to FIG. 4, when it is determined that the count information in the server unit 20 and the count information in the MFP unit 10 need to be synchronized, these synchronizations will be described. In FIG. 4, the dashed arrow represents the signal flow relating to the synchronization of the count values from the server unit 20 to the MFP unit 10.

As described in FIG. 3, when the determination unit 22 requests login to the MFP unit 10, the login processing unit 11 logs the server unit 20 into the MFP unit 10 and logs in to the MFP unit 10. After that, the determination unit 22 of the server unit 20 transmits the count value stored in the server-side count value DB 27 for the user logged in to the information processing device 100 to the scan counter processing unit 12 of the MFP unit 10. The scan counter processing unit 12 updates the count value stored in the MFP side count value DB 15 by the count value transmitted from the determination unit 22. As a result, the count value in the server unit 20 and the count value in the MFP unit 10 are synchronized.

[3. Specific example of count value synchronization]
(Specific example 1)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of synchronization of count values. FIG. 5 shows four states (states A1 to A4) of the information processing apparatus 100.

The state A1 represents a state when the user logs in to the information processing device 100. The login processing unit 21 of the server unit 20 transmits the count value stored in the server-side count value DB 27 for the user to the MFP unit 10 in response to the user's login. In the MFP unit 10, the transmitted count value is transmitted to the MFP side count value DB 15 via the login processing unit 11 and the scan counter processing unit 12. As a result, when the user logs in, the count value of the user is synchronized between the server unit 20 and the MFP unit 10. "100" is shown as an example of the user's count value.

The state A2 represents a state in which the MFP unit 10 has updated the count value of the user. When requested by the request processing unit 23 of the server unit 20, the scan execution unit 13 of the MFP unit 10 generates image data by scanning the original. The scan data transfer processing unit 14 of the MFP unit 10 transmits the generated image data to the server unit 20.

In response to the generation of image data, the scan counter processing unit 12 of the MFP unit 10 counts down the count value of the user by "1". As a result, in the MFP side count value DB15 of the MFP unit 10, the count value of the user is changed to "99". On the other hand, in the server unit 20, since the image processing has not been executed yet, the count value of the user in the server-side count value DB 27 remains “100”.

The state A3 represents a state in which the data processing unit 26 of the server unit 20 transmits the image data transmitted from the MFP unit 10 to five destinations by E-mail.

In the example of FIG. 5, monochrome image data is adopted as the image data. As a result, the upper limit counter processing unit 24 of the server unit 20 counts down the count value in the server side count value DB 27 of the user by "2.5" in response to the transmission of the image data. "2.5" is a value derived based on the fact that the transmission of monochrome image data per destination is "0.5" and that the data is transmitted to five destinations. Due to the countdown, the count value of the user in the server-side count value DB27 is changed to "97.5". On the other hand, the count value of the MFP side count value DB 15 of the MFP unit 10 is "99".

The state A4 represents a state in which the count value in the server unit 20 and the count value in the MFP unit 10 are synchronized after the processing in the server unit 20.

As a result of the data processing unit 26 processing the image data (data transmission), the determination unit 22 determines that a state requiring synchronization of the count value has occurred between the server unit 20 and the MFP unit 10, and the MFP unit 22 determines that a state has occurred. Request the login of the server unit 20 from the unit 10. When the server unit 20 logs in to the MFP unit 10, the determination unit 22 transmits the count value of the user in the server-side count value DB 27. The scan counter processing unit 12 of the MFP unit 10 updates the count value (“99”) in the count value DB 15 on the MFP side with the transmitted count value (“97.5”) for the user. As a result, for the above user, the same count value (“97.5”) as the count value stored in the server side count value DB 27 is stored in the MFP side count value DB 15. As a result, the count value in the server unit 20 and the count value in the MFP unit 10 are synchronized with each other for the user.

(Specific example 2)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of count value synchronization. FIG. 6 shows four states (states B1 to B4) of the information processing apparatus 100.

The state B1 is the state A3 of FIG. 5 (the determination unit 22 determines that a state requiring synchronization of the count value has occurred between the server unit 20 and the MFP unit 10, and the server unit 20 logs in to the MFP unit 10. Indicates a state in which the MFP unit 10 is executing a job.

In the state B1, for example, when the user who has instructed the scanning and transmission of the document described with reference to FIG. 5 further instructes the scanning and transmission of another document, the MFP unit 10 is instructed to scan and transmit the other document. Corresponds to the state in which a scan is being executed.

In the state A3, in response to the login request from the determination unit 22 of the server unit 20, the login processing unit 11 of the MFP unit 10 returns that the MFP unit 10 is executing the job. In response to the reply, the determination unit 22 suspends the login request for synchronizing the count values. The determination unit 22 retransmits the suspended login request after the job is completed in the MFP unit 10, as will be described later as the state B4.

The state B2 represents a state in which the image data generated by scanning the other document is transmitted from the MFP unit 10 to the server unit 20. By the scanning operation of another document, the count value of the MFP side count value DB15 of the MFP unit 10 is further counted down by "1" from the value indicated in the state A3. As a result, the count value in the MFP side count value DB 15 is changed from "99" to "98".

The state B3 represents a state in which the server unit 20 transmits the image data transmitted from the MFP unit 10 in the state B2 as an attachment of the E-mail. In the example of FIG. 6, color image data is adopted as the data generated as the image data of "another original". In the information processing apparatus 100, the count value is counted down by "1" for each page by transmitting the color image data. As a result, the count value of the server-side count value DB27 is counted down by "1" from the value indicated in the state A3. That is, the count value of the server-side count value DB27 is changed from "97.5" to "96.5".

The state B4 represents a state in which the count value in the server unit 20 and the count value in the MFP unit 10 are synchronized after the processing in the server unit 20. As described in the state B3, the data processing unit 26 of the server unit 20 processes (transmits data) the image data, so that the determination unit 22 determines the count value between the server unit 20 and the MFP unit 10. It is determined that a state requiring synchronization has occurred, and the MFP unit 10 is requested to log in to the server unit 20. The login request also functions as a retransmission of the login request held in state B1.

When the server unit 20 logs in to the MFP unit 10, the determination unit 22 transmits the count value of the user in the server-side count value DB 27. The scan counter processing unit 12 of the MFP unit 10 updates the count value (“98”) in the count value DB 15 on the MFP side with the transmitted count value (“96.5”) for the user. As a result, for the above user, the same count value (“96.5”) as the count value stored in the server side count value DB 27 is stored in the MFP side count value DB 15.

As described above, as described with reference to FIG. 6, when the server unit 20 requests the MFP unit 10 to log in for synchronization of the count values, if the MFP unit 10 is executing a job. , Requests login again after the job in the MFP unit 10 is completed.

As a result, after the job of the MFP unit 10 is completed, the count value in the server unit 20 and the count value in the MFP unit 10 are synchronized with each other for the above user.

[4. Processing flow on the server side]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a process executed by the CPU 250 of the server unit 20 when the user logs in to the information processing device 100. The process is realized, for example, by the CPU 250 executing a given program. The contents of the process will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

In step S10, the CPU 250 authenticates the user using the user ID and password entered in the operation panel 30.

In step S12, the CPU 250 requests the MFP unit 10 to log in to the server unit 20 (state A1 in FIG. 5).

In step S14, the CPU 250 transmits the count value of the authenticated user to the MFP unit 10. The transmitted count value is stored in the server-side count value DB 27, that is, the count value on the server unit 20 side.

In this example, the server unit 20 receives an instruction for a scan job from the user via the operation panel 30. In response to this, in step S16, the CPU 250 requests the MFP unit 10 to execute the scan job.

In step S18, the CPU 250 receives the scan data (image data generated by the scan job) transmitted from the MFP unit 10.

In step S20, the CPU 250 displays a preview of the received scan data on the display unit 360.

In step S22, the CPU 250 determines whether or not the scan data has been deleted without being transmitted or saved. In the present embodiment, the fact that the scan data is deleted without being transmitted or stored is an example of the fact that the scan data is deleted without being processed by the server unit 20. In the information processing apparatus 100, the user can instruct image processing, transmission, and / or storage of the scan data while viewing, for example, the preview image displayed in step S2. Here, "save" means, for example, storing scan data in the data storage 28.

When the CPU 250 determines that the scan data has been deleted without being transmitted or saved (YES in step S22), the CPU 250 sets the synchronization flag in step S24 and proceeds to control to step S28. In the initial state of the server unit 20, the synchronization flag is reset. On the other hand, when the CPU 250 determines that at least one of transmission and storage has been performed on the scan data, the CPU 250 proceeds to control to step S26.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the subroutine in step S26 of FIG. The contents of step S26 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S260, the CPU 250 determines whether or not a transmission instruction has been given to the scan data. If the CPU 250 determines that the transmission instruction has been given (YES in step S260), the control proceeds to step S264, and if not (NO in step S260), the control proceeds to step S262.

In step S262, the CPU 250 counts down the count value in the server-side count value DB 27 for the authenticated user according to the content of the process performed on the scan data. “Processing” in step S262 means data conversion for scan data.

The relationship between the content of image processing and the value to be counted down is defined, for example, in the attribute map. In one example, the attribute map stipulates that the value "0.5" is counted down for each page of image data for each resizing (for example, A4 → A3) and conversion from color to monochrome. are doing. In this case, when the user changes the size of the scan data for one page from A4 to A3, changes from color data to monochrome data, and then saves the changed scan data in the data storage 28, the user counts. The value is counted down to "1.0".

In step S264, the CPU 250 counts down the count value in the server-side count value DB 27 for the authenticated user according to the content of the processing performed on the scan data. “Processing” in step S264 means transmission of scan data. If data conversion is performed on the scan data before transmission, in step S264, a value corresponding to the data conversion is added to the countdown value.

The value that counts down in response to the conversion and transmission of data is specified, for example, in the attribute map above. Regarding the transmission of data, the value for the transmission of monochrome image data of one page for one destination is "0.5". The value for transmitting one page of color image data for one destination is "1.0". For example, if a user changes the size of one page of color image data from A4 to A3 and then sends it to three destinations, the count value of the user is "3.5" (0.5 + 1.0 ×). 3) It will be counted down.

In step S266, the CPU 250 sets the synchronization flag and returns control to FIG.

Returning to FIG. 7, after executing the scan data processing in step S26 or after controlling in step S24, in step S28, the CPU 250 determines whether or not the synchronization flag is set. If the CPU 250 determines that the synchronization flag is set (YES in step S28), it resets the synchronization flag and proceeds to control to step S30, otherwise (NO in step S28), the process of FIG. To end.

In step S30, the CPU 250 determines whether or not the MFP unit 10 is executing the job. If the MFP unit 10 is executing a job (YES in step S30), the CPU 250 advances control to step S32, and if not (NO in step S30), the CPU 250 advances control to step S34.

In step S32, the CPU 250 waits for the job completion notification from the MFP unit 10. Upon receiving the job completion notification from the MFP unit 10, the CPU 250 advances control to step S34.

In step S34, the CPU 250 requests the MFP unit 10 to re-login to the server unit 20.

In step S36, the CPU 250 transmits the count value stored in the server-side count value DB 27 for the user authenticated in step S10 to the MFP unit 10 in which the server unit 20 has re-logged in.

[5. Processing flow on the MFP section]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of a process executed by the CPU 150 of the MFP unit 10 when the user logs in to the information processing device 100. The process is realized, for example, by the CPU 150 executing a given program. The contents of the process will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S100, the CPU 150 receives the login request described as step S12 (FIG. 7) from the server unit 20.

In step S102, the CPU 150 executes the login process of the user authenticated by the server unit 20. As a result, the MFP unit 10 logs in to the server unit 20 as the user, and executes the job received by the user before logging out as the user's job.

In step S104, the CPU 150 requests the server unit 20 for the count value of the user. In response to this, the CPU 250 of the server unit 20 transmits the count value of the user stored in the server-side count value DB 27 to the MFP unit 10 in step S14. The CPU 150 stores the count value received from the server unit 20 in the MFP side count value DB 15 as the count value of the user.

In step S106, the CPU 150 shifts the state of the MFP unit 10 to a state of waiting for a job request from the server unit 20.

In step S108, the CPU 150 determines whether or not the job request has been received from the server unit 20, and if it is determined that the job request has been received (YES in step S108), the CPU 150 proceeds to control to step S110, otherwise (YES in step S108). NO in step S108), return control to step S106.

In step S110, the CPU 150 executes the requested job (for example, a scan job).

In step S112, the CPU 150 transmits the data generated by executing the job to the server unit 20.

In step S114, the CPU 150 updates the count value in the MFP side count value DB 15 for the user by using the attribute map. The attribute map used in step S114 may include the same contents as the attribute map used in the server unit 20. In the MFP unit 10, the attribute map is stored in, for example, the storage unit 160. In one example, the attribute map stipulates that the count value is counted down by "1.0" each time the scan data of one page of the original is generated.

In step S116, the CPU 150 determines whether or not all the jobs requested by the server unit 20 have been completed in the MFP unit 10. If the CPU 150 determines that all the jobs have been completed (YES in step S116), the control proceeds to step S118, and if not (NO in step S116), the control returns to step S110.

In step S118, the CPU 150 transmits a job completion notification to the server unit 20. In the server unit 20, the job completion notification is received in step S32 (FIG. 7). After that, the CPU 150 ends the process of FIG.

[6. Processing after re-login in the MFP section]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process executed by the MFP unit 10 in response to the re-login request from the server unit 20 in step S34 (FIG. 7). The process of FIG. 10 is realized, for example, by the CPU 150 executing a given program. The contents of the process will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S130, the CPU 150 receives a re-login request from the server unit 20.

In step S132, the CPU 150 executes the login process of the user authenticated by the server unit 20 in the same manner as in step S102.

In step S134, the count value transmitted in step S36 (FIG. 7) is received from the server unit 20.

In step S136, the CPU 150 updates the count value of the user stored in the MFP side count value DB 15 with the count value received in step S134. After that, the CPU 150 ends the process of FIG.

In step S136 of FIG. 10, the count value transmitted from the server unit 20 is stored in the count value DB 15 on the MFP side, so that the count value is synchronized between the server unit 20 and the MFP unit 10. Thereby, while using the existing billing system using the count value in the MFP unit 10, the processing of both the MFP unit 10 and the server unit 20 can be reflected in the count value.

In one example, if the server unit 20 transmits the scan data after the MFP unit 10 generates the scan data, the MFP unit 10 and the server unit 20 share a countdown value for transmitting the scan data. do.

In another example, after the MFP unit 10 generates the scan data, when the scan data is deleted in the server unit 20 without being transmitted or saved, the MFP side count value DB 15 is stored in the server side count value DB 27. By storing the count value, the countdown due to the generation of scan data is eliminated in the MFP unit 10.

In the present disclosure, the count value of each user is managed in the MFP unit 10 and the server unit 20. As an example, the count value defines the remaining amount of count assigned to each user. When the count value of the user A becomes "0" by executing the process for the image data, the server unit 20 instructs the MFP unit 10 to stop the job being executed for the user A. You may. When the count value for the user A becomes "0", the server unit 20 may notify the fact by display on the display unit 360 or the like.

The user A may perform a charge or the like to the server unit 20 in order to increase the count value of the user A. When the count value of the user A exceeds "0" according to the correspondence, the server unit 20 may instruct the MFP unit 10 to restart the job instructed to stop as described above.

[7. When the server section updates the count value while the job in the MFP section is being executed]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a modified example of the process of FIG. 7. In the process of FIG. 11, if the MFP unit 10 is executing a job when the count value is updated, the server unit 20 requests the MFP unit 10 to set the synchronization request flag. The synchronization request flag is a flag for requesting login for synchronization of count values.

More specifically, the process shown in FIG. 11 includes the control of step S33 instead of step S32 of the process shown in FIG.

In step S33, the CPU 250 of the server unit 20 requests the MFP unit 10 to set the synchronization request flag. After that, the CPU 250 ends the process of FIG. 11.

In response to the request in step S33, the CPU 150 of the MFP unit 10 sets the synchronization request flag in the MFP unit 10. In the initial state of the MFP unit 10, the synchronization request flag is reset.

In the example in which the process of FIG. 11 is executed, if the CPU 150 determines in step S116 of the process corresponding to FIG. 9 that all the jobs requested by the server unit 20 have been completed, is the synchronization request flag set? Judge whether or not. If the synchronization request flag is not set, the CPU 150 terminates the process as it is.

If it is determined that the synchronization request flag is set, the CPU 150 resets the synchronization request flag and then starts the process described with reference to FIG. In this case, the CPU 150 sends a re-login request to the server unit 20 instead of receiving the re-login request from the server unit 20 in step S130. In response to this, the server unit 20 logs in to the MFP unit 10 again.

When the server unit 20 logs in to the MFP unit 10 again, the server unit 20 transmits the count value of the user stored in the server-side count value DB 27 to the MFP unit 10.

The CPU 150 stores the count value transmitted from the server unit 20 in the MFP side count value DB 15 (step S136). As a result, the count value of the user is synchronized between the server unit 20 and the MFP unit 10.

[8. Management of count values on a server other than the server that sends image data]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the image processing system. In the example of FIG. 12, the image processing system 1000 includes an information processing device 100 and an external server 200 capable of communicating with the information processing device 100 via a network N.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image processing system of FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, the server-side count value DB 27 provided in the server unit 20 in the example of FIG. 3 is provided in the external server 200. The external server 200 includes a processor for managing the count value in the server-side count value DB 27.

The external server 200 includes a user authentication unit 201 as its function. The user authentication unit 201 is realized, for example, by the processor executing a given program. The login processing unit 21 of the server unit 20 transmits information that identifies the user to the user authentication unit 201. The user authentication unit 201 updates the count value for the user specified by the information transmitted from the login processing unit 21 in the server-side count value DB 27, and also transmits the count value for the user to the MFP unit 10. ..

As shown by the arrow A1 in FIG. 13, at the first login of the user, the request processing unit 23 transmits the count value of the user to the MFP unit 10 and requests the MFP unit 10 to execute the job. The data processing unit 26 executes processing on the image data transmitted from the MFP unit 10. The upper limit counter processing unit 24 specifies a count value according to the executed processing. The determination unit 22 instructs the external server 200 to count down the count value of the server-side count value DB 27 by a specified value.

As shown by the arrow A2 in FIG. 13, when the synchronization flag is set in the server unit 20, the determination unit 22 transmits the count value in the server-side count value DB 27 to the MFP unit 10 to the external server 200. Instruct to do. The scan counter processing unit 12 stores the count value in the server-side count value DB 27 transmitted from the external server 200 in the MFP-side count value DB 15. As a result, the count value in the server-side count value DB27 and the count value in the MFP-side count value DB15 are synchronized.

[9. Disclosure Summary]
This disclosure is summarized as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the image processing system (information processing device 100) includes an image processing device (MFP unit 10) and an information processing device (server unit 20) capable of communicating with the image processing device.

Information processing equipment
A first storage means (data storage 28) for storing count information related to the first user, and
A request means (request processing unit 23) that requests the image processing device to generate image data in association with the first user, and
A processing means (data processing unit 26) for processing image data generated in response to a request, and
It includes a first updating means (upper limit counter processing unit 24) that updates the count information in the first storage means according to the processing by the processing means.

The image processing device is
A second storage means (MFP side count value DB15) for storing count information related to the first user, and
A generation means (scan execution unit 13) that generates image data in response to a request,
A second update means (scan counter processing unit 12) for updating the count information related to the first user stored in the second storage means according to the generation of the image data by the generation means is included.

The information processing apparatus communicates with the image processing apparatus in order to synchronize the count information in the first storage means with the count information in the second storage means when the first update means updates the count information. Further includes a synchronization means (determination unit 22).

As shown in FIG. 13 and the like, in the image processing system, the first storage means may be provided in a device (external server 200) different from the information processing device.

In the present disclosure, the process of synchronizing the count information is configured so that the count value updated based on the process on the server unit 20 side is overwritten by the count value on the MFP unit 10 side. As a result, the update of the count value based on the processing on the MFP unit 10 side is ignored. This means that the count value is updated with the policy that the image processing system is not considered to be used when the processing on the server unit 20 side is not finally performed.

The above processing may be configured so that the update amount of the count value by the processing on the MFP unit 10 side is reflected in the count value after synchronization. For example, when the scan data generated in the MFP unit 10 is transferred to the server unit 20, the count value on the side of the MFP unit 10 updated by scanning is transferred to the server unit 20 and the transferred count value is added. After the count value on the server unit 20 side is overwritten as described above, the count value by the process on the server unit 20 side may be updated.

It should be considered that each embodiment disclosed this time is exemplary in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims. Further, the inventions described in the embodiments and the modifications thereof are intended to be carried out alone or in combination as much as possible.

10 MFP unit, 11 and 21 login processing unit, 12 scan counter processing unit, 13 scan execution unit, 14 scan data transfer processing unit, 20 server unit, 22 judgment unit, 23 request processing unit, 24 upper limit counter processing unit, 25 preview Processing unit, 26 data processing unit, 28 data storage, 30 operation panel, 100 information processing equipment, 150, 250 CPU, 151 image processing unit, 152 image forming unit, 153 image reading unit, 160, 270 storage unit, 180, 280 Internal interface, 200 external server, 260 network communication unit, 350 control circuit, 360 display unit, 370 operation unit, 1000 image processing system.

Claims (8)

An image processing system including an image processing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the image processing device.
The information processing device is
A first storage means for storing count information related to the first user,
A requesting means for requesting the image processing device to generate image data in association with the first user.
A processing means for processing the image data generated in response to the request, and
A first updating means for updating the count information in the first storage means according to the processing by the processing means,
Including
The image processing device is
A second storage means for storing count information related to the first user,
A generation means for generating image data in response to the above request,
A second updating means for updating the count information related to the first user stored in the second storage means according to the generation of the image data by the generating means.
Including
The information processing device is
Further including a synchronization means that communicates with the image processing device in order to synchronize the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means.
The processing by the processing means includes at least one kind of processing of changing the image size, changing the color of the image, and changing the number of pixels of the image.
The first updating means is an image processing system that updates count information in the first storage means in an manner according to the type of processing executed by the processing means. An image processing system including an image processing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the image processing device.
The information processing device is
A first storage means for storing count information related to the first user,
A requesting means for requesting the image processing device to generate image data in association with the first user.
A processing means for processing the image data generated in response to the request, and
A first updating means for updating the count information in the first storage means according to the processing by the processing means,
Including
The image processing device is
A second storage means for storing count information related to the first user,
A generation means for generating image data in response to the above request,
A second updating means for updating the count information related to the first user stored in the second storage means according to the generation of the image data by the generating means.
Including
The information processing device is
Further including a synchronization means that communicates with the image processing device in order to synchronize the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means.
When the image processing apparatus is executing an image processing operation, the synchronization means requests the image processing apparatus to set a synchronization request flag, which is a flag for synchronization.
The image processing device is
In response to the request for setting the synchronization request flag, the image processing apparatus further includes a setting means for setting the synchronization request flag.
The second update means is for synchronizing the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means with the synchronization means when the synchronization request flag is set. An image processing system that requires communication. An image processing system including an image processing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the image processing device.
The information processing device is
A first storage means for storing count information related to the first user,
A requesting means for requesting the image processing device to generate image data in association with the first user.
A processing means for processing the image data generated in response to the request, and
A first updating means for updating the count information in the first storage means according to the processing by the processing means,
Including
The image processing device is
A second storage means for storing count information related to the first user,
A generation means for generating image data in response to the above request,
A second updating means for updating the count information related to the first user stored in the second storage means according to the generation of the image data by the generating means.
Including
The information processing device is
Further including a synchronization means that communicates with the image processing device in order to synchronize the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means.
The synchronization means has the count information in the first storage means and the count information in the second storage means when the image data generated in response to the request is deleted without being processed by the processing means. An image processing system that communicates with the image processing device in order to synchronize with the count information. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image processing device and the information processing device are integrally configured. An image processing system including an image processing device, an information processing device capable of communicating with the image processing device, and a server capable of communicating with the information processing device.
The server
A first storage means for storing count information related to the first user, including
The information processing device is
A requesting means for requesting the image processing device to generate image data in association with the first user.
A processing means for processing the image data generated in response to the request, and
A first updating means for updating the count information in the first storage means according to the processing by the processing means,
Including
The image processing device is
A second storage means for storing count information related to the first user,
A generation means for generating image data in response to the above request,
A second updating means for updating the count information related to the first user stored in the second storage means according to the generation of the image data by the generating means.
Including
The information processing device is
An image processing system further comprising a synchronization means that communicates with the image processing apparatus in order to synchronize the count information in the first storage means with the count information in the second storage means. The synchronization means 1 and 3 to claim 3 to execute the communication for the synchronization after the image processing operation is executed when the image processing apparatus is executing the image processing operation. The image processing system according to any one of 5 . When the count information in the first storage means reaches the upper limit assigned to the first user, the synchronization means performs an image processing operation on the first user with respect to the image processing device. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which requests a stop. The synchronization means restarts the image processing operation for the first user with respect to the image processing apparatus when the upper limit of the count information assigned to the first user in the first storage means is updated. 7. The image processing system according to claim 7 .

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