JP2007257264A - Image forming system and program used by image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system and a program used by an image forming device for improving convenience in use of an image forming device at the movement destination and reducing risk of erroneous access to an image forming device used before the movement. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming system is provided with a connection state detection part 361 detecting whether a client computer 3 is connected to a wireless LAN 18 or not, an usage information storage processing part 364 accessing a server device 11 via the wireless LAN 18 when connection is detected and making a hard disk device 31 store a driver 112 and setting information 113 stored in a hard disk device 111, and a deletion processing part 367 deleting the driver 112 and the setting information 113 stored in the hard disk device 31 when the connection state detection part 361 determines no connection of the client computer 3 to the wireless LAN 18. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a computer are connected via a network, and an image forming apparatus utilization program used in the computer.

  Conventionally, in order to perform printing using a network printer, setting information such as a printer IP (Internet Protocol) address, a printer name registered in a DNS (Domain Name System), a printer model, and font information has been obtained. In the above, the installer is installed from a driver CD (Compact Disc) in which an image forming apparatus control program for using a printer called a so-called printer driver is recorded, or a hard disk device (folder or the like) in which the printer driver is recorded. It can be printed for the first time by starting up and inputting these setting information into the computer. If a printer server for managing such a network printer is provided, the above setting information is obtained from the printer server administrator, or the printer server's ActiveDirectory is retrieved to obtain the setting information, and these are stored in the computer. By inputting the setting information, it is possible to connect to a printer and print (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  Incidentally, in recent years, when a network is constructed in an office or the like, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is frequently used. In a wireless LAN, a network can be constructed by simply installing an access point functioning as a relay station at that location without requiring complicated work such as cable laying. For example, even when a visitor, a visitor, etc. bring a computer to the place temporarily, the computer can be easily connected to the network without physically connecting a cable or the like.

For this reason, a network is easily constructed by wireless LAN in various places such as conference rooms, factories, lobbies, and canteens where a computer network has not been laid so far, and a user's own office etc. In many cases, a portable computer used in Japan is brought in and connected to a network. Computers are becoming smaller and lighter, and the usage of such computers is rapidly expanding.
JP 2000-181664 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-241939

  However, in the use form of the computer as described above, the user has to reset the printer installed there every time the user moves to another place and performs printing. In this case, in order to use the destination printer, the image forming apparatus control program must be installed in the computer, or setting information such as the communication address and model information of the printer must be set in the computer. In other words, the operation was complicated. If you accidentally forget to set the destination printer as the printer to be printed, you will not only fail to print, but you will not be able to There was a risk that the printed material would be output to the printer without permission and seen by strangers.

  For example, an outside visitor or the like connects to a wireless LAN, installs an image forming apparatus control program on his portable terminal, sets setting information, and performs printing on the in-house image forming apparatus connected to the network. After that, if the portable terminal is taken out outdoors and printing processing is performed with the image forming apparatus control program and setting information as they are, printing is performed on the in-house image forming apparatus via the wireless LAN. Further, when the image forming apparatus is a multi-function printer in which a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a scanner, etc. are combined, if the image forming apparatus control program and setting information are left as they are, the portable terminal is used. There has also been a disadvantage that it is possible to access the multi-function peripheral from outside and acquire facsimile reception data and scanner read data.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and improves the convenience when using a destination image forming apparatus, and may cause an erroneous access to the image forming apparatus used before the movement. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and an image forming apparatus utilization program that can be reduced.

  In an image forming system according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus, a server apparatus that manages access to the image forming apparatus, and a client computer for accessing the image forming apparatus are connected to be able to transmit and receive data via a network. In the image forming system, the server device includes server-side storage means for storing image forming device usage information including at least one of an image forming device control program and setting information for using the image forming device. The client computer includes a client-side storage unit that stores the image forming apparatus usage information, a connection state detection unit that detects whether the client computer is connected to the network, and the connection state detection unit. The network of the client computer Use information storage for accessing the server apparatus via the network and storing the image forming apparatus use information stored in the server-side storage means in the client-side storage means when connection to the network is detected The usage information storage processing means for performing processing, and the connection state detection means, when it is detected that the client computer is not connected to the network, the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage means Delete processing means for deleting.

  According to this configuration, when the connection state detection unit in the client computer detects the connection of the client computer to the network, the image formation stored in the server-side storage unit in the server device by the usage information storage processing unit Since at least one of the apparatus use information, that is, the image forming apparatus control program and the setting information for using the image forming apparatus is acquired via the network and stored in the client-side storage unit, image formation at the destination is performed. When the apparatus is used, the image forming apparatus usage information is automatically stored in the client computer so that the image forming apparatus connected to the network can be used, and convenience can be improved. Further, when the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, the deletion processing unit deletes the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit and connects to the network. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the image forming apparatus used before the movement is erroneously accessed.

  The client computer further includes permission setting accepting means for accepting an input of continuous permission setting for setting whether or not to continuously allow access to the image forming apparatus, and the deletion processing means includes the deletion processing means, When the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, and the permission setting reception unit receives a continuous permission setting indicating that the access is not continuously permitted, the client It is preferable that the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the side storage means is deleted.

  According to this configuration, the permission setting accepting unit accepts the input of the continuous permission setting for setting whether to continuously permit the access to the image forming apparatus. When the deletion processing means detects that the client computer is not connected to the network by the connection state detection means, and the permission setting acceptance means accepts a continuous permission setting indicating that the access is not continuously permitted In addition, the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client-side storage unit is deleted, and the image forming apparatus connected to the network cannot be accessed, while the permission setting receiving unit continuously permits access. When the continuous permission setting is accepted, the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client-side storage unit is not deleted, and the image forming apparatus connected to the network can be continuously accessed. User, client computer is connected to the network After that no is detected, it is possible to select whether to permit access to the image forming apparatus connected from the client computer to the network.

  Further, the server-side storage means is allowed to temporarily access the image forming apparatus and a first password for identifying a first user who is permitted to access the image forming apparatus. Storing a second password for identifying a second user, and wherein the client computer accesses the server device using a password receiving means for receiving an input of the password and a password received by the password receiving means. The authentication processing means for acquiring identification type information indicating whether the password identifies the first user or the second user, and the deletion processing means The connection state detection means detects that the client computer is not connected to the network. When the identification type information indicating that the second user is identified is acquired by the authentication processing unit, the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit is deleted. You may do it.

  According to this configuration, the authentication processing unit uses the password received by the password receiving unit to access the server device, so that the password identifies the first user or the second user. Identification type information indicating whether the user is the first user who is continuously permitted to access the image forming apparatus by the password input by the user, or temporarily the image forming apparatus It is possible to determine whether or not the second user is permitted to access to. If the user is the second user, the deletion processing unit stores the client computer in the client-side storage unit when the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network. This reduces the possibility that the image forming apparatus used before the movement is erroneously accessed by a user who is temporarily permitted to access the image forming apparatus. Can do.

  The client computer further includes selection setting accepting means for accepting a setting as to whether or not to continue storing the image forming apparatus usage information in the client-side storage means with respect to the first user. The means detects that the client computer is not connected to the network by the connection state detection means, and obtains identification type information indicating that the authentication processing means identifies the first user, In addition, when the setting for accepting the storage of the image forming apparatus usage information is accepted by the selection setting accepting unit, the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit is preferably deleted. .

  According to this configuration, the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, and the authentication processing unit acquires identification type information indicating that the first user is identified, In addition, when the selection setting accepting unit accepts a setting for not storing the image forming apparatus usage information in the client side storage unit for the first user, the image forming apparatus stored in the client side storage unit Since the usage information is deleted, if the user is the first user who is continuously allowed to access the image forming apparatus, after detecting that the client computer is not connected to the network, Allow access from client computers to image forming devices connected to the network. Whether it is possible to select.

  Further, the server-side storage means is continuously permitted to access the image forming apparatus as the password, and a third user who continuously stores the image forming apparatus usage information in the client-side storage means A third password for identifying the password, and the authentication processing means in the client computer accesses the server device using the password received by the password receiving means, so that the password is the first, The identification type information indicating which of the second and third users is to be identified is acquired, and the deletion processing unit is configured so that the client computer is not connected to the network by the connection state detection unit. Detected and the third user is identified by the authentication processing means If identification type information indicating that the shall is acquired, it is preferable to hold the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client-side storage unit.

  According to this configuration, the authentication processing unit accesses the server device using the password received by the password receiving unit, so that the password identifies any of the first, second, and third users. Since the identification type information indicating whether the user is present or not is acquired, the password input by the user is the first user who is continuously permitted to access the image forming apparatus, or temporarily to the image forming apparatus. Whether the second user is permitted to access the image forming apparatus or the third user who is continuously permitted to access the image forming apparatus and continuously stores the image forming apparatus use information in the client-side storage unit. Can be determined. When the user is the third user, the client-side storage unit is configured even when the deletion processing unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network by the connection state detection unit. Since the image forming apparatus usage information stored in is stored, the image forming apparatus usage information is mistakenly deleted for the third user who continuously stores the image forming apparatus usage information in the client-side storage unit, and is stored in the network. It is suppressed that the connected image forming apparatus cannot be used.

  In addition, the wireless communication system further includes a wireless relay station connected to the network, and the client computer performs data communication with the wireless relay station so that the image forming apparatus, the server apparatus, and the data are transmitted via the network. The connection state detecting means is connected so as to be able to transmit / receive, and determines that it is connected to the network when the signal level of the radio signal transmitted from the radio relay station exceeds a preset threshold, and is set in advance. It is preferable to determine that it is not connected to the network when the set threshold value is not satisfied.

  According to this configuration, the client computer can connect to the network by performing wireless communication with the wireless relay station. Then, when the signal level of the radio signal transmitted from the radio relay station exceeds a preset threshold by the connection state detection means, it is determined that the network is connected, and when the preset signal does not satisfy the preset threshold Since it is determined that it is not connected to the network, it is possible to detect whether or not the client computer is connected to the network based on the signal level of the radio signal.

  The image forming apparatus use program according to the present invention stores image forming apparatus use information including at least one of the image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus control program and setting information for using the image forming apparatus. A client computer connected to the server device so as to be able to transmit and receive data via a network, a client-side storage means for storing the image forming apparatus usage information, and a connection for detecting whether or not the client computer is connected to the network When the connection of the client computer to the network is detected by the state detection unit and the connection state detection unit, the server device is accessed via the network and stored in the server-side storage unit Usage information is stored on the client side. When the connection information detecting means detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, it is stored in the client-side storage means. It functions as a deletion processing means for deleting the image forming apparatus usage information.

  According to this configuration, when the connection state detecting unit in the client computer detects the connection of the client computer to the network, the usage information storage processing unit stores the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the server-side storage unit. In other words, since at least one of the image forming apparatus control program and the setting information for using the image forming apparatus is acquired via the network and stored in the client-side storage unit, the destination image forming apparatus is used. In this case, the image forming apparatus usage information can be automatically stored in the client computer so that the image forming apparatus connected to the network can be used, and the convenience can be improved. Further, when the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, the deletion processing unit deletes the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit and connects to the network. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the image forming apparatus used before the movement is erroneously accessed.

  The image forming system and the image forming apparatus utilization program configured as described above are stored on the server side by the utilization information storage processing unit when the connection state detection unit in the client computer detects the connection of the client computer to the network. At least one of the image forming apparatus control program and the setting information for using the image forming apparatus, that is, for using the image forming apparatus, is acquired via the network and stored in the client side storage means. Therefore, when using the destination image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus usage information can be automatically stored in the client computer so that the image forming apparatus connected to the network can be used. Can be improved. Further, when the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, the deletion processing unit deletes the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit and connects to the network. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the image forming apparatus used before the movement is erroneously accessed.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming system 1 of department A and an image forming system 2 of department B in the same company, for example.

  The image forming system 1 includes a server device 11, a hub 12, a wireless relay station 13, a printer 14, a client computer 15, a printer 16, and a client computer 3. A server device 11, a hub 12, and a wireless relay station 13 are connected by a wired LAN (Local Area Network) 17 (network), and a client computer 15 and a printer 14 are connected to the hub 12. Further, the printer 16 and the client computer 3 are connected to the wireless relay station 13 via a wireless LAN 18 (network).

  The image forming system 2 is configured by connecting a server device 21, a hub 22, a wireless relay station 23, and a printer 24 via a wired LAN 25 (network). Further, a client computer 3 can be connected via a wireless LAN 26 (network). Has been.

  The image forming system 1 and the image forming system 2 are connected to each other via a network 4.

  The server apparatuses 11 and 21 are server apparatuses that manage access from the client computers 3 and 15 to the printers 14 and 16 and are configured using, for example, a personal computer. The hard disk device 111 (server-side storage means) included in the server device 11 uses a driver 112 that is an image forming apparatus control program for using or accessing the printers 14 and 16 and the printers 14 and 16. Information necessary for printing using the printers 14 and 16, such as IP addresses, MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, model information, font types, etc. Some setting information 213 and password information 114 for identifying a user permitted to access the printers 14 and 16 are stored.

  As the password information 114, for example, the printers 14 and 16 of the department A are not always used like the employees working in the department B, but the printers 14 and 16 of the department A are always used during a meeting or a business trip. Therefore, the first password for identifying the irregularly used user (first user) who is continuously allowed to access the printers 14 and 16 and the printer 14 temporarily, for example, like a visitor from outside the company. , 16 is continued like a user using a second password for identifying a temporary use user (second user) who is permitted to access the terminal 16, and a client computer 15 fixedly connected to the wired LAN 17, for example. A user who uses the printers 14 and 16, that is, a user who is continuously allowed access to the printers 14 and 16 and is a client A hard disk device 151 (client-side storage means) of the computer 15 stores a printer driver for the printers 14 and 16 and a third password for identifying an always-used user (third user) that continuously stores setting information. Yes.

  Similarly, in the image forming system 2, the hard disk device 211 included in the server device 21 includes a driver 212 that is an image forming apparatus control program for using the printer 24 and information for using the printer 24, such as a printer. 24, such as IP address, MAC (Media Access Control) address, model information, font type, etc., setting information 213 which is information necessary for printing using the printer 24, and a user who is permitted to access the printer 24 Password information 214 for identifying the password is stored.

  The hubs 12 and 22 are wired LAN relay devices. The server device 11 is connected to the wireless relay station 13, the printer 14, and the client computer 15 via the hub 12, and the server device 21 is connected to the wireless relay station 23 and the printer 24 via the hub 22. Yes. The hub 12 and the hub 22 are connected by a network 4 so that data can be transmitted and received between the image forming system 1 and the image forming system 2.

  As the wireless relay stations 13 and 23, for example, an access point conforming to the IEEE (American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard can be used.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the client computer 3. The client computer 3 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes, for example, a hard disk device 31, a display device 32, a keyboard 33, a wireless communication I / F 34, an antenna 35, and a control unit 36.

  The display device 32 is a display device using, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The keyboard 33 accepts various operation inputs by the user such as passwords and setting instructions.

  The wireless communication I / F 34 converts a signal output from the control unit 36 into a wireless signal used in a wireless LAN, for example, a wireless signal compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and transmits the signal from the antenna 35 to the wireless relay station 13. This is a communication interface circuit that converts a radio signal received by the antenna 35 from the radio relay station 13 into a signal format that can be processed by the control unit 36 and transmits it to the control unit 36. The radio communication I / F 34 detects the signal level of the radio signal transmitted from the radio relay station 13 by using, for example, a so-called RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit, and controls the signal indicating the signal level to the control unit 36. Send to.

  The control unit 36 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, peripheral circuits thereof, and the like. By executing the image forming apparatus utilization program stored in the apparatus 31, the communication processing unit 360, the connection state detection unit 361, the password reception unit 362, the authentication processing unit 363, the usage information storage processing unit 364, and the permission setting reception unit 365. , Function as a selection setting reception unit 366 and a deletion processing unit 367.

  The communication processing unit 360 establishes communication using the wireless communication I / F 34 or performs basic communication processing, and realizes a communication procedure by TCP / IP, for example.

  The connection state detection unit 361 detects whether or not the client computer 3 is connected to the wireless LAN 18. For example, the connection state detection unit 361 compares the signal level of the wireless signal detected by the wireless communication I / F 34 with a preset threshold value. When the signal level exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the wireless LAN 18 is connected, and when the signal level is less than the threshold, it is determined that the wireless LAN 18 is not connected. The connection state detection unit 361 is not limited to detecting whether or not the client computer is connected to the network based on the signal level of the wireless signal. For example, in the client computer 15 directly connected to the wired LAN 17, a communication cable It may be one that detects the presence or absence of electrical connection to the hub 12 or the like, or may be one that detects whether or not the client computer is connected to the network based on whether or not communication is possible. Good.

  The password receiving unit 362 receives a password input by the user using the keyboard 33. The authentication processing unit 363 uses the wireless communication I / F 34 and the antenna 35 to access the server device 11 via the wireless LAN 18, the wireless relay station 13, and the wired LAN 17, and authenticates the password received by the password receiving unit 362. . In this case, the authentication processing unit 363 may request the server device 11 to perform authentication processing and acquire an authentication result from the server device 11. The authentication processing unit 363 may store password information 114 stored in the hard disk device 111. The authentication may be performed by comparing the password received by the password receiving unit 362 with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the authentication processing unit 363 accesses the server device 11 using the password received by the password receiving unit 362, so that the password is an irregularly used user (first user) or a temporary used user (second user). ) And identification type information indicating which one of the constantly used users (third users) is identified.

  When the connection state detection unit 361 detects the connection of the client computer 3 to the wireless LAN 18, the usage information storage processing unit 364 accesses the server device 11 via the wireless LAN 18, the wireless relay station 13, and the wired LAN 17. The driver 112 and the setting information 113 stored in the hard disk device 111 are acquired, and the driver 112 is installed in the hard disk device 31 or various settings are performed based on the setting information 113. The setting information 113 is stored in the hard disk device 31.

  The permission setting reception unit 365 receives, for example, the keyboard 33, an input of a continuous permission setting for setting whether to continuously permit access to the printers 14 and 16. The selection setting reception unit 366 sets a setting as to whether or not to continuously store the driver 112 and the setting information 113 stored in the hard disk device 31 for the irregularly used user (first user), for example. Accepted by the keyboard 33.

  The deletion processing unit 367 detects the result of detecting whether or not the client computer 3 is connected to the wireless LAN 18 by the connection state detection unit 361, the identification type information acquired by the authentication processing unit 363, the permission setting reception unit 365, and the selection setting. The driver 112 and the setting information 113 stored in the hard disk device 31 are deleted according to the setting content received by the receiving unit 366.

  The client computer 15 has a communication interface circuit for wired communication instead of the wireless communication I / F 34 and has almost the same configuration, so that the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 configured as described above will be described. First, the operation when the client computer 3 used in the department B is moved to the department A will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming system 1 when the client computer 3 is moved from the department B to the department A.

  First, in the client computer 3, the signal level of the radio signal transmitted from the radio relay station 13 is detected by the radio communication I / F 34, and a signal indicating the signal level is transmitted to the control unit 36. When the signal level of the wireless signal detected by the wireless communication I / F 34 exceeds a preset threshold by the connection state detection unit 361, it is determined that the client computer 3 is connected to the wireless LAN 18, and the client computer 3 is detected (step S1).

  Next, the communication processing unit 360 acquires the IP address of the client computer 3 determined by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server or the like of the segment to which the wireless relay station 13 is connected, using the wireless communication I / F 34. (Step S2). And the search of the server apparatus 11 is performed by the communication process part 360 (step S3). Specifically, the communication processing unit 360 searches for a specific directory provided in the server device 11, for example, “¥¥ 128.128.128.128 ¥ program ¥ kmdriver ¥ autoinst”. In this case, the IP address of the server apparatus 11 is indicated by 128.128.128.128. As for the IP address of the server device 11, since there is a subnet mask setting limitation (can be masked in order from the lower side) during network management, a computer having an IP address that is closer in order from the lower side of the IP address of the client computer 3 There is a possibility that is closer to the radio relay station 13. Therefore, in the above setting example, ¥¥ 128.128.128. A search is made for the IP address indicated by XXX, and if the IP address is not found within the range, the search is performed by changing the upper IP address. If found, the IP address on the higher side is changed and no search is performed. Through the above process, the IP address of the server device 11 is acquired.

  Next, the password accepting unit 362 displays a message prompting the user to enter a password, for example, on the display device 32, and accepts the password P input by the user using the keyboard 33 (step S4). Then, the authentication processing unit 363 accesses the server device 11 through the wireless communication I / F 34, the antenna 35, the wireless LAN 18, the wireless relay station 13, and the wired LAN 17, and the password P received by the password receiving unit 362. Is transmitted to the server device 11, and the server device 11 is requested to perform an authentication process (step S5).

  Next, the server device 11 compares the password P transmitted from the client computer 3 with the password information 114 stored in the hard disk device 111. If the password P matches one of the first, second, and third passwords stored as the password information 114, the authentication is successful and the password P is changed to the first, second, or third password. If none of them match, the authentication fails, and the authentication result is transmitted from the server apparatus 11 to the client computer 3. Further, when the authentication is successful, the server device 11 further transmits the identification type information indicating the irregularly used user (first user), the password P, when the password P matches the first password from the client computer 3. Identification type information indicating a temporary use user (second user) when the password matches the second password, and identification type information indicating a permanent use user (third user) when the password P matches the third password. Is transmitted (step S7).

  Next, the authentication processing unit 363 receives the authentication result and the identification type information transmitted from the server device 11 via the wired LAN 17, the wireless relay station 13, the wireless LAN 18, the antenna 35, and the wireless communication I / F 34. The identification type information is stored in, for example, the hard disk device 31 by the authentication processing unit 363 (step S8).

  Next, the authentication processing unit 363 confirms the authentication result transmitted from the server device 11 (step S9). If the authentication processing unit 363 indicates an authentication failure (NO in step S9), the process ends and indicates an authentication success. If so (YES in step S9), the usage information storage processing unit 364 sends a request instruction requesting the driver 112 and the setting information 113 to the wireless communication I / F 34, the antenna 35, the wireless LAN 18, and the wireless relay station 13. And to the server device 11 via the wired LAN 17 (step S10).

  Next, in response to a request instruction from the client computer 3, the server 112 stores the driver 112 and setting information 113 stored in the hard disk device 111 via the wired LAN 17, the wireless relay station 13, and the wireless LAN 18. The data is transmitted to the computer 3 and further received by the usage information storage processing unit 364 via the antenna 35 and the wireless communication I / F 34 (step S11).

  Next, the usage information storage processing unit 364 installs the driver 112 in the hard disk device 31 and sets the setting information 113 so that the printers 14 and 16 can be used from the client computer 3. The usage information storage processing unit 364 causes the user to select one of the printers 14 and 16 and stores the driver 112 and the setting information 113 for enabling the selected printer in the hard disk device 31. It is good.

  As described above, since the destination printers 14 and 16 can be automatically used by the processing in steps S1 to S12, the convenience when using the destination image forming apparatus can be improved. .

  Next, an operation of the client computer 3 when the client computer 3 in which the printers 14 and 16 can be used in the image forming system 1 is moved to another place will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the client computer 3 when the client computer 3 is moved to another location.

  First, by moving the client computer 3 away from the radio relay station 13, the signal level of the radio signal from the radio relay station 13 received by the radio communication I / F 34 is lowered, and the connection state detection unit 361 When it is detected that the signal level of the wireless signal detected by the wireless communication I / F 34 is less than a preset threshold value, it is determined that the client computer 3 is not connected to the wireless LAN 18 ( Step S101).

  Next, the deletion processing unit 367 confirms the identification type information stored in the hard disk device 31 by the authentication processing unit 363 (step S102), and if the identification type information indicates an irregularly used user (first user), the selection is made. For example, the setting reception unit 366 displays a message prompting the user to select and input whether or not to continue storing the driver 112 and the setting information 113 in the hard disk device 31 on the display device 32, and the user inputs using the keyboard 33. The selected setting is accepted (step S103).

  When the selection processing received by the selection setting reception unit 366 is confirmed by the deletion processing unit 367 (step S104), and the selection setting is a setting for continuing storage of the driver 112 and the setting information 113 ( In step S104, NO), the process ends with the storage of the driver 112 and the setting information 113 in the hard disk device 31 held.

  As a result, the printers 14 and 16 of the department A are not always used like employees working in the department B. However, since the printers 14 and 16 of the department A are always used at the time of a meeting or a business trip, etc. Even if the user (first user) who is permitted to access the printers 14 and 16 moves the client computer 3 to a place away from the department A, the user returns to the department A in a short time, for example. If the client computer 3 is to remain in the usable state of the printers 14 and 16 due to reasons such as coming to the department A frequently, the selection to continue storing the driver 112 and the setting information 113 By performing the setting, the client computer 3 can be left in the state where the printers 14 and 16 can be used. It is possible to improve the convenience in using the formed device.

  If the deletion processing unit 367 confirms that the selection setting received by the selection setting reception unit 366 is a setting that does not continue storing the driver 112 and the setting information 113 (YES in step S104). After the driver 112 is uninstalled from the hard disk device 31 by the deletion processing unit 367 and the setting information 113 is deleted from the hard disk device 31 (step S105), the process ends.

  Thus, for example, when an irregular user such as an employee working in the department B moves from the department A to another place as when returning from the department A to the department B, the driver 112 and the setting information 113 are stored. By performing the selection setting not to continue storage, the driver 112 and the setting information 113 are deleted from the hard disk device 31 and the printers 14 and 16 cannot be used. It is possible to prevent the printers 14 and 16 in the department A from printing accidentally after moving to another location.

  On the other hand, when the deletion processing unit 367 confirms that the identification type information indicates a temporary use user (second user), the deletion processing unit 367 uninstalls the driver 112 from the hard disk device 31 and sets After the information 113 is deleted from the hard disk device 31 (step S105), the process is terminated.

  As a result, when a temporarily used user (second user) who is temporarily allowed to access the printers 14 and 16 like a visitor from outside the company moves away from the department A and moves away, the driver 112 and the setting information 113 are erased from the hard disk device 31, and the printers 14 and 16 cannot be used. Therefore, a user who has only permitted the use of the printers 14 and 16 temporarily. For example, it is possible to prevent the printers 14 and 16 from accidentally printing after moving outdoors. Even if the printers 14 and 16 are multi-function peripherals, if such a temporary use user moves away from the department A and moves away from the location A, the client computer 3 causes the driver 112, the setting information 113, and Is erased from the hard disk device 31 so that the multifunction device cannot be accessed, so that a temporary use user cannot obtain facsimile reception data, scanner read data, etc. It is possible to reduce a possibility that an image forming apparatus that has been used before is erroneously accessed.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed by the deletion processing unit 367 that the identification type information indicates the always-used user (third user), the processing is terminated while the storage of the driver 112 and the setting information 113 in the hard disk device 31 is retained. .

  As a result, for example, an always-use user (third user) such as an employee of the department A or a user who uses a client computer permanently connected to the wired LAN 25 such as the client computer 15 can communicate with the communication cable of the client computer 15, for example. Even if the connection state detection unit 361 determines that the client computer 15 is not connected to the wired LAN 17 for reasons such as disconnection, the driver 112 and the setting information 113 are deleted from the hard disk device 31, and the printer Since the state where the printers 14 and 16 cannot be used is suppressed, it is suppressed that the client computer 15 cannot use the printers 14 and 16 by mistake.

  In addition, although the example which discriminate | determines an irregular use user, a temporary use user, and a regular use user was shown by the password type, for example, the irregular use which the user input using the keyboard 33 by the permission setting reception part 365 was shown, for example The identification type information of the user, the temporary use user, and the always use user may be received.

  In addition, the selection setting reception unit 366 has been configured to receive an input of selection setting after the connection state detection unit 361 determines in step S101 that the client computer 3 is not connected to the wireless LAN 18, for example, The selection setting reception unit 366 receives the input of the selection setting in advance and stores the selection setting in a storage unit such as the hard disk device 31. In step S104, the selection setting reception unit 366 uses the image forming apparatus based on the selection setting stored in advance. It may be determined whether or not information is deleted from the hard disk device 31.

  Further, either one of the image forming apparatus control program and the setting information is stored in the hard disk device 31 in advance, and the other is stored in the hard disk device 31 from the server device 11 according to the presence or absence of connection to the network. Or may be deleted from the hard disk device 31.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the client computer shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming system when the client computer illustrated in FIG. 1 is moved. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a client computer at the time of moving the client computer shown in FIG. 1 to another place.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Image forming system 3, 15 Client computer 4 Network 11, 21 Server apparatus 12, 22 Hub 13 Wireless relay station 14, 16, 24 Printer 17, 25 Wired LAN
18, 26 Wireless LAN
23 Wireless relay station 31 Hard disk device 32 Display device 33 Keyboard 34 Wireless communication I / F
35 Antenna 36 Control unit 111, 211 Hard disk device 112 Driver 113 Setting information 114 Password information 151 Hard disk device 212 Driver 213 Setting information 214 Password information 360 Communication processing unit 361 Connection state detection unit 362 Password reception unit 363 Authentication processing unit 364 Usage information storage Processing unit 365 Permission setting receiving unit 366 Selection setting receiving unit 367 Deletion processing unit

Claims (7)

In an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus, a server apparatus that manages access to the image forming apparatus, and a client computer for accessing the image forming apparatus are connected to be able to transmit and receive data via a network.
The server apparatus includes a server-side storage unit that stores image forming apparatus use information including at least one of an image forming apparatus control program and setting information for using the image forming apparatus.
The client computer is
Client-side storage means for storing the image forming apparatus usage information;
Connection state detection means for detecting whether or not the client computer is connected to the network;
When the connection state detecting unit detects the connection of the client computer to the network, the server device is accessed via the network, and the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the server-side storage unit is stored. Usage information storage processing means for performing usage information storage processing to be stored in the client side storage means;
An image processing unit that deletes the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client storage unit when the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network. Forming system. The client computer is
A permission setting receiving unit that receives an input of a continuous permission setting for setting whether to continuously permit access to the image forming apparatus;
The deletion processing means includes
When the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, and the permission setting reception unit receives a continuous permission setting indicating that the access is not continuously permitted, The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client-side storage unit is deleted. The server side storage means
A first password for identifying a first user who is continuously permitted to access the image forming apparatus, and a second password for identifying a second user who is temporarily permitted to access the image forming apparatus. 2 remember the password,
The client computer is
Password accepting means for accepting password input;
An identification type indicating whether the password identifies the first user or the second user by accessing the server device using the password accepted by the password accepting unit. And an authentication processing means for acquiring information,
The deletion processing means includes
When it is detected by the connection state detection means that the client computer is not connected to the network, and identification type information indicating that the authentication processing means identifies the second user is acquired The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit is deleted. The client computer is
A selection setting receiving means for receiving a setting as to whether or not to continue storing the image forming apparatus usage information in the client-side storage means for the first user;
The deletion processing means detects that the client computer is not connected to the network by the connection state detection means, and has identification type information indicating that the authentication processing means identifies the first user. The acquired image forming apparatus use information stored in the client side storage means is deleted when the setting is received and the selection setting accepting means accepts that the storage of the image forming apparatus use information is not continued. The image forming system according to claim 3. The server side storage means
As the password, a third password for identifying a third user who is allowed to continuously access the image forming apparatus and that continuously stores the image forming apparatus usage information in the client-side storage unit. Remember more,
Authentication processing means in the client computer includes:
Identification type information indicating which of the first, second, and third users is identified by accessing the server device using the password received by the password receiving means. Acquired,
The deletion processing means includes
When the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, and the authentication processing unit acquires identification type information indicating that the third user is identified, The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit is held. A wireless relay station connected to the network;
The client computer is
By performing wireless communication with the wireless relay station, it is connected to the image forming apparatus and the server apparatus via the network so that data can be transmitted and received,
The connection state detection means includes
When the signal level of the radio signal transmitted from the radio relay station exceeds a preset threshold value, it is determined that the radio signal is connected to the network, and when the signal level is less than the preset threshold value, the radio signal is connected to the network. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is determined not to be. Connected to an image forming apparatus and a server device storing image forming apparatus use information including at least one of an image forming apparatus control program and setting information for using the image forming apparatus via a network so that data can be transmitted and received. Client computer
Client-side storage means for storing the image forming apparatus usage information;
Connection state detection means for detecting whether the client computer is connected to the network;
When the connection state detection unit detects the connection of the client computer to the network, the server device is accessed via the network, and the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the server-side storage unit is Usage information storage processing means for performing usage information storage processing to be stored in the client-side storage means;
When the connection state detection unit detects that the client computer is not connected to the network, an image that functions as a deletion processing unit that deletes the image forming apparatus usage information stored in the client side storage unit Forming device utilization program.

Images