JP4640007B2 - Job history management device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a job history management apparatus that manages a job history.

  In recent years, devices called MFPs or MFPs (multifunction peripherals) have come into widespread use. This apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “MFP” in the present specification) is an image forming apparatus in which functions such as copying, network printing, a scanner, a FAX, and a document server are integrated.

  In the MFP, for example, print output requested by a personal computer (PC) via a network such as a LAN, FAX transmission, or image data obtained by reading a document with a scanner provided in the MFP is transmitted as an image file to the PC. Each process such as copying using the obtained image data is managed as a job.

  Information consisting of a plurality of items such as the type of job processed by the MFP, the file name used, the destination of the generated file (transmission destination or storage destination), the result of the job (normal end or abnormal end), It is stored and managed in the database as a job history. For example, when a user tries to send a fax by using the MFP, the user places a document on the scanner and presses the FAX send button, but if the user leaves the spot without waiting for the end of the transmission, the user has not arrived at the destination. In some cases, it may be inconvenient if the user does not know whether the FAX transmission job has been completed normally. Therefore, the job history is managed, and the job history can be displayed as necessary.

  Now, the job history is not only for checking the result of the job, but by reusing the job parameter setting when the job history is generated, for example, the original image read by the scanner is transmitted. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique for reducing the parameter setting work of a simple process.

JP 2002-232639 A

JP 2003-18335 A

  In recent years, a form in which a plurality of devices such as MFPs are connected and used via a network such as a LAN is increasing. However, for example, when a plurality of MFPs are connected, the job history of a job processed by one MFP cannot be used by another MFP. Although a form in which job history is centrally managed by a server is possible, there is a problem that job histories of other MFPs may not be used as they are, for example, when functions of each MFP are different.

  In addition, a document that is actually distributed is not necessarily created by a one-step job, but may be created through a plurality of jobs. In such a case, when you look at the printed document and want to create a document in the same format, it may be difficult to easily determine which job history should be reused. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a first object thereof is to more efficiently use job histories of other devices when a plurality of devices are connected and used over a network. It is to provide a job history management apparatus that can handle the above. A second object is to provide a job history management apparatus that can easily determine the creation process of a file created through a plurality of jobs.

Jobs in order to solve the above problems, the first job history management apparatus according to the present invention, to store in the job history management unit, the job history for said plurality of devices to manage job history of a plurality of devices A history storage unit, a job history receiving unit that receives a job history transmitted from one of the plurality of devices, and a received job history on another device other than the one device that transmitted the job history. It is characterized by comprising job history correction means for correcting the data so that it can be reused.

  In the above configuration, when the job history of one device is reused by another machine, there is a part that cannot be clearly reused as it is, and the job history correction means can be reused by another machine. The job history can be reused more efficiently.

  As one specific example, the job history correction unit may include a parameter for specifying a file storage area included in the job history to be used in a device other than the device for which the job history is generated. You can change the path specification. The timing of correction is not limited. Further, the file storage area is not limited, and other parameters can be automatically corrected if possible.

The job history management apparatus may further include: a device information holding means for holding information relating to the plurality of devices, from said another device, the job history transmission request receiving means for receiving a transmission request for job history, sending job history A job history transmission unit that transmits a job history when requested, wherein the job history correction unit refers to information on the one device and corrects the job history transmitted by the job history transmission unit. With this configuration, more efficient reuse is possible.

The second job history management apparatus of the present invention is stored in the other device job history storage means for storing a job history for another device different from the own device and from the user in the other device job history storage means. Included in the job history when a request for reusing the job history is received, a correction request receiving means for receiving a correction request for the job history, and a correction request for the job history is received by the correction request receiving means. Job history correction means for correcting the specification of the path to the area for the parameter for specifying the file storage area is provided.

  The above configuration relates to a job history management apparatus provided in a device that receives a job history of another device and reuses it. Although the correction of the job history can be automated to some extent, it is often difficult to reuse the job history as it is, so that the user can set the final condition.

The third job history management apparatus of the present invention is stored in the other device job history storage means for storing the job history for another device different from the own device and from the user in the other device job history storage means. It is characterized by comprising a correction request receiving means for receiving a job history correction request when a job history reuse request is made.
If the correction request accepting unit is configured to display an item that can be corrected among a plurality of items in the job history when a correction request is made, the usability of the user is further improved.
The job history management apparatus, a device information holding means for holding information on the other device, if the content after correction by the correction request is infeasible by the own apparatus, additional information about the other devices to, among the other devices, with the configuration provided with other devices recommended means the content of the modified displays executable devices, if the user does not seem to grasp the function of the device, It is particularly effective. The other device recommendation means can display the device that generated the job history that is the target of the correction request as a device that can execute the corrected content .

  The job history management device selects a device from among the devices output by the other device recommendation unit, and selects a recommended device selection unit that accepts a user selection, and a job to be executed by reusing the job history. If the configuration includes a job input unit that controls to input to the selected device, the usability of the user is further improved. Here, when the job is input to the selected device, the job input unit can control to input the job in a form in which the job is not immediately executed on the device. This configuration is particularly effective when the output of the job is confidential. The job submitting unit can control to submit a job to the selected device in a form in which the job is executed on the selected user when the selected user logs in.

The job history management apparatus, the content after correction by the correction request if it is not executed in the own apparatus in order to execute the content after the modification, a configuration of acquiring module from said other devices You can also. The acquired (downloaded) module may be held in the device, but may be discarded as long as the job is concerned.

  It is preferable to separately manage the job history of a job executed by reusing the job history. The reuse condition is often a frequently used condition, and the job history can be reused more efficiently by making it possible to display a list of jobs executed by reusing the job history. be able to.

The fourth job history management apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, for a file generated via a plurality of jobs, the file and the job history of the plurality of jobs are managed in association with each other. . This job history management apparatus can be applied even when a plurality of devices are not connected. With such a configuration, the creation process of a file created through a plurality of jobs can be easily determined.

  As a file attribute, a file attribute editing unit that holds information related to the job that generated the file may be provided. A method for associating a file with a job history is as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the correspondence relationship is held in the database is also possible.

  If the job history management device is configured to include a file designation accepting unit that accepts designation of a file and a corresponding job history display unit that displays a job history associated with the accepted file, the job history management device searches from the file name. You can easily know the file creation process. The corresponding job history display means displays a list of a plurality of associated job histories, and the job history management device accepts a selection of a user who intends to reuse the job history from the plurality of displayed jobs. With the configuration including the selection receiving unit, it is possible to easily create a file having the same format as the search target file by reusing the job history.

  According to the job history management apparatus according to the present invention, (1) when a plurality of devices are connected and used, the job history of another device is used more efficiently, and (2) created through a plurality of jobs. The effect that it is possible to easily determine the creation process of a created file, and (3) to easily create a file having the same format as the file created through a plurality of jobs. Play.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
(1) Overall Configuration of Job History Management System FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the job history management system HS. The job history management system HS shown in FIG. 1 is configured by connecting three MFPs 1A, 1B, 1C, 2 personal computers (PCs) 31 and 31S, and a FAX terminal 32 via a communication line 4. The number of devices such as MFPs, PCs, FAX terminals, etc. is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, one PC (PC 31S) is used as a job history management server for centrally managing job histories. Hereinafter, the PC 31S is referred to as a job history management server 31S or simply a server 31S.

  Computer names such as “PC001”, “PC002”,... Are assigned to the MFPs 1A to 1C and the PCs 31 as identification information in order to identify them. An IP address may be used as identification information instead of such a computer name. A telephone number such as a so-called fixed telephone or IP telephone is assigned to the FAX terminal 32.

As the communication line 4, a LAN, the Internet, a dedicated line, a public line, or the like can be used. TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), POP3 (Post Office)
Protocol version 3), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), IEEE802.3, which is a standard for wired LAN, IEEE802.11, which is a standard for wireless LAN, G3 (Group3) standard for FAX, or G4 (Group 4) standard or the like is used.

  According to this job history management system HS, the user can reuse the job history of each device (MFP 1A, MFP 1B, MFP 1C) centrally managed by the job history management server 31S as appropriate. In this embodiment, the functions of MFP 1A, MFP 1B, and MFP 1C are slightly different. For example, it is assumed that functions that can be used in MFP 1A cannot be used in MFP 1B. However, in the present embodiment, the job history is appropriately customized (corrected) by the function of the device or the like, thereby enabling efficient reuse in other devices.

(2) Configuration of MFP The configuration of the MFP will be described below. As described above, a plurality of MFPs according to the present embodiment have slightly different functions, but common points will be described. However, the job history management system HS can be used as long as it is a device that generates a job history even with a device having a configuration different from that described below. Hereinafter, the MFP 1A will be described as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the MFP 1A according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration in MFP 1A of the present embodiment. The MFP 1A includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a scanner unit 13, a printer unit 14, a communication interface 16, a document feeder 17, a paper feeder 18, a tray 19 (see FIG. 2), a CPU 20, a RAM 21, a ROM 22, and a data storage unit. 23 or the like.

  The operation unit 11 includes a plurality of keys for inputting numbers, characters, symbols, and the like, a sensor for recognizing the pressed key, and a transmission circuit for transmitting a signal indicating the recognized key to the CPU 20. .

  The display unit 12 includes a screen for displaying a message to the user, a screen for the user to input setting content and processing content, a screen for displaying the result of processing executed by the MFP 1A, a job history list screen, a detailed screen, and the like. indicate. In the present embodiment, a touch panel is used as the display unit 12. Therefore, the display unit 12 has a function of detecting a position on the touch panel touched by the user with a finger and transmitting a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 20.

  The operation unit 11 and the display unit 12 serve as a user interface for the user to operate the MFP 1A. Note that an application program and a driver for outputting a command to the MFP 1A are installed in the PC 31 and the server 31S. Therefore, the user can remotely operate the MFP 1 using the PC 31 or the like.

The scanner unit 13 photoelectrically reads an image on a document and generates digital image data (here, density data representing the density of RGB or black). The image data obtained in this way is used for printing in the printer unit 14. Or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format or PDF (Portable
The file is converted into a file in a format such as a document format and stored in the data storage unit 23 or transmitted to a device such as the PC 31. Alternatively, it is converted into FAX data and transmitted to the FAX terminal 32. The document feeder 17 is provided on the upper part of the main body of the MFP 1 </ b> A, and is used for sequentially conveying one or more originals to the scanner unit 13.

  The printer unit 14 uses the image read by the scanner unit 13, the image data image transmitted from the PC 31 or the like, or the FAX data image transmitted from the FAX terminal 32 on a recording sheet such as paper or film. Print. The paper feeding device 18 is provided in the lower part of the MFP 1A main body, and is used to supply a recording sheet suitable for an image to be printed to the printer unit 14. The recording sheet on which the image is printed by the printer unit 14 is discharged to the tray 19.

  The communication interface 16 includes a reception unit 161, a transmission unit 162, and the like, and is a device for transmitting and receiving data to and from other MFPs, the PC 31, the server 31S, the FAX terminal 32, and the like. As the communication interface 16, a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), or the like can be used. The data storage unit 23 includes a hard disk 23H, a card reader / writer 23R, and the like. The card reader / writer 23R reads data from a memory card 91 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) or smart media, or writes data to the memory card 91. The memory card 91 is mainly used for exchanging data with a device such as the PC 31 without using the communication line 4 or for backing up data.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a folder 5 that is a storage area for storing data as a file 6 is assigned to the hard disk 23H for each user. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the hard disk 23H such as the folder 5. Each folder 5 has a folder name. In the present embodiment, the user name of the user who is the user of the folder is used as the folder name. The user can save the file 6 in the folder 5 by transferring the file from the PC 31 or the like.

  When the user gives an instruction to copy the original set on the document feeder 17, the MFP 1 A converts the image data of the image read from the original into the file 6 and puts it in the folder 5 of the user. Can be saved. Also, when a command is issued to send image data of an original document set on the document feeder 17 to, for example, the PC 31, the read image data is converted into a file 6, and the user's folder 5 is converted. Can be saved. When an instruction to print (network printing) a document is issued from the user's PC 31, the image data of the document transmitted from the PC 31 is stored as a file 6 in the user's folder 5. When FAX data is transmitted from the FAX terminal 32, the FAX data is stored as a file 6 in the folder 5 of the user who is the recipient. When an instruction to send an image of a document set on the document feeder 17 to the FAX terminal 32 is given, the read image data of the image is converted into a file 6 and stored in the folder 5 of the user. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the file 6 stored in the folder 5 includes attribute information 6a and actual image data 6b. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the file 6 according to the present embodiment. The attribute information 6a indicates an attribute for the file 6. The real image data 6b is data of contents (images, texts, charts, etc.) of each page constituting the document related to the file 6.

  Of the attribute information 6 a, “file name” is identification information for identifying the file 6 from other files 6 stored in the same folder 5. Therefore, a plurality of files 6 having the same file name cannot be stored in the same folder 5, but can be stored in different folders 5.

  “Parameter information” is information indicating under what processing conditions (parameter setting) the file 6 was generated. The example of FIG. 5 indicates that the file is obtained by reading a document with the scanner unit 13, the file format is “JPEG”, the size of the read document is “A4”, the reading resolution is “600 dpi”, and full color. Indicates that it has been read. In the present embodiment, this parameter information is referred to integrally with the job history and is subject to job history reuse. However, the detailed values as described above may not be set in the parameter information of the file 6 that has just been transferred from the device such as the PC 31 and the file 6 that has just been copied from the memory card 91.

The hard disk 23H stores a user information database DB1 and a job history database DB2 (see FIG. 4).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the user information database DB1.
The user information database DB1 stores information about users who use the MFP 1A. “User name” is identification information for identifying each user. This user name is used when the user logs in to the MFP 1A. “Password” is information for user authentication when the user logs in.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the job history database DB2.
The job history database DB2 stores information related to jobs that have been normally executed by the MFP 1A and jobs that have ended abnormally. The “user name” stores the user name of the user who submitted the job (that is, commanded to execute the job). However, in the case of FAX reception, the user name of the user who is the recipient is stored. If user authentication is not performed, the user name “PUBLIC” is stored.

  “Job type” indicates the type of job. “File name” indicates the file name of the file 6 related to the data used in the job or the file name (including the folder name) of the file 6 generated by the job. “Destination” stores information about the transmission destination and the storage destination when the generated file is transmitted to another device or stored in the hard disk 23H. The “end date and time” stores the date and time when the job execution is completed. “Result” indicates whether the job execution ended normally or abnormally.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the ROM 22 implements basic functions of the MFP 1A such as image reading (scanning), document copying (copying), FAX data transmission / reception, network printing, and a document server (folder function). Programs and data are stored. Other functions such as the job generation unit 101, the job execution control unit 102, the user authentication unit 103, the file storage processing unit 104, the job history management unit 105, the job history transmission unit 106, and the job history correction unit 107 shown in FIG. A program and data for realizing the above are stored.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP 1A. Some or all of these programs or data may be installed in the data storage unit 23. Programs or data installed in the data storage unit 23 are loaded into the RAM 21 as necessary. Some or all of these functions may be realized using dedicated hardware.

  The RAM 21 temporarily stores data transmitted from each device such as the PC 31 or the FAX terminal 32, data to be transmitted to the PC 31 or the FAX terminal 32, data generated by the scanner unit 13, and the like. As the RAM 21, a nonvolatile rewritable memory may be used.

  The RAM 21 stores an active job database DB3. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the active job database DB3. As shown in the figure, the active job database DB3 stores information related to jobs waiting to be executed. That is, it can be said that the active job database DB3 is information indicating a queue (queue). As a general rule, jobs are executed in order from the job in the upper row.

  “User name” indicates the user name of the user who requested the job. “Job type” indicates the type of the job. “Job status” indicates the current status of the job. The value “˜wait” is stored in the “job status” of a job that can be executed as soon as the turn is reached. A value “held” is stored in the “job status” of the job that temporarily holds the execution of the process. In this case, even if the turn comes to this job, it will be skipped until the hold is released.

The CPU 20 executes a program stored in the ROM 22 or a program loaded in the RAM 21, and controls the entire MFP 1A.
Next, functions and processing contents of each unit of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The job generation unit 101 generates information registered in the active job database DB3 when a job execution is instructed via a user interface (the operation unit 11, the display unit 12, the communication interface 16, etc.).

  The job execution control unit 102 controls each unit of the MFP 1A so that the job is executed according to the queue of the active job database DB3 in FIG. User authentication unit 103 performs user authentication of a user who intends to use MFP 1A. Specifically, the user name and password input via the touch panel of the display unit 12 are compared with the contents of the user information database DB1, and if they match, the user is permitted to log in.

  The file storage processing unit 104 converts the image data obtained by the scanning process in the scanner unit 13, the data transmitted from the PC 31, or the FAX data transmitted from the FAX terminal 32 into a file, and generates the file 6. I do. The file storage processing unit 104 stores the generated file 6 in a predetermined folder 5.

The job history management unit 105 manages the job history. Specifically, the completed job is transferred from the active job database DB3 to the job history database DB2. The job history transmission / reception unit 106 transmits the job history managed in the job history database DB2 to the job history management server 31S. At that time, the parameter information of the file corresponding to the file name stored in the job history is also transmitted.
Further, it requests the job history management server 31S to receive the transmitted job history of another device via the communication interface 16, and stores it in the job history database DB2. However, it is preferable to manage the job history of other devices and the job history of the own device separately.

  The job history correction unit 107 performs processing such as job history correction and function update of the own device when the job history of another device is reused. At that time, the contents of the device information database DB4 are referred to.

  The device information database DB4 stores information related to the function of each device such as the MFPs 1A to 1C. For example, the scanner function includes the size of the original that can be read, the reading resolution, the file format that can be used when the image data obtained by reading the original is converted into a file (TIFF, JPEG, PDF, etc.), and the like. In the case of the print function, information on possible post-processing such as stapling and punching is included in addition to the size, density and number of printable recording sheets. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the device information database DB4. In the example shown in the figure, the scanner function and print function for each device are stored, but it is needless to say that other functions can also be stored.

(3) Processing contents of MFP (job history transmission)
Hereinafter, functions and processing contents from the job generation unit 101 to the job history correction unit 107 will be described. First, a process for transmitting a job history to the server 31S will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing contents when the MFP 1A transmits the job history to the server 31S. A program for realizing the processing of each flowchart is stored in the ROM 22, the hard disk 23H, or the like, and each operation of the flowchart is executed by the CPU 20 controlling each part of the MFP 1 according to the program.

  When the MFP 1A starts its operation, it enters a job input waiting state such as copy, print, FAX transmission, etc. after processing (not shown) such as initialization processing of the memory and the like and display processing of the initial screen. When a job is submitted (S101: YES), the job generation unit 101 generates a job and registers it in the active job database DB3 (S102).

  Jobs registered in the active job database DB3 are sequentially executed by the job execution control unit 102 (S103). Prior to the execution of the job or in parallel with the execution of the job, the file storage processing unit 104 generates a file and stores it in the folder 5. When the execution of the job is completed (S104: YES), the job history management unit 105 performs a migration process from the active job database DB3 to the job history database DB2 (S105). In the present embodiment, the job history transmitting / receiving unit 106 sequentially transmits the job history to the job history management server 31S at the timing when the migration processing to the job history database DB2 is completed (S106). At this time, a part of the parameter information of the file 6 is also transmitted. When a plurality of jobs are executed in parallel, a job history is generated and transmitted to the server 31S each time each job ends.

(4) Configuration of Job History Management Server 31S Here, the job history management server 31S will be described. As described above, the job history management server 31S centrally manages job histories generated and transmitted in the MFPs 1A to 1C. Then, in response to a job history reuse request from each device, some parameters are corrected and the job history is transmitted.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the job history management server 31S. The job history management server 31S can be composed of a PC or the like, and includes an information storage device such as a hard disk drive and storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. The functions of the job history central management unit 314 and the job history correction unit 315 shown in the figure are mainly realized by a program stored in the ROM, RAM, or the like operating on the CPU. In the present embodiment, the job history storage unit 312 and the device information storage unit 313 are provided on the hard disk.

  The transmission / reception unit 311 is a part corresponding to the communication interface 16 and controls transmission / reception of data to / from each device such as the MFPs 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B via the communication line 4. As the transmission / reception unit 311, for example, a NIC can be provided, but the transmission / reception unit 311 is not limited to this, and is similar to the communication interface 16.

  The job history central management unit 314 sequentially stores and stores the job history transmitted from each device such as the MFP 1 </ b> A in the job history storage unit 312. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the job history stored in the job history storage unit 312. In the example of FIG. 5, the job history stored in the job history management server 31S includes “parameter information” and “device” stored as file attribute information 6a on the MFP side in addition to the job history generated by each device. ”Holds the identifier of the transmission source device of the job history.

  The job history correction unit 315 corrects the job history and transmits the job history to each device in response to a job history transmission request from the MFP 1A or the like. In the present embodiment, job history correction on the server 31S side is mainly correction of a path name indicating a file storage area. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the contents of job history correction on the server 31S side. As shown in the figure, by adding the device name to the file name (including the path name) included in the job history sent from each device, it can be easily reused by other devices. It is said. Note that the information stored in the device information storage unit 313 is the same as the contents of the device information database DB4 shown in FIG. 10, and the device information may be referred to during other modifications.

  Next, processing contents of the job history management server 31S in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the job history transmission process of the server 31S. In the server 31S, when a job history transmission request is received from a device such as the MFP 1A (S201: YES), the job history correction unit 315 partially corrects the job history (S202), and requests the corrected job history. It transmits to the device which was (S203). The correction of the path name described above may be performed when the job history is received on the server 31S side, or may be corrected on the device side that has received the job history from the server 31S. This is because if the device name is transmitted from the server 31S, it can be corrected on the device side such as the MFP 1A.

(5) Processing contents of MFP (reuse of job history)
Next, processing contents when the job history transmitted from the job history management server 31S is reused in the MFP 1A or the like of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of the job history reuse process.

  In the job history reuse process, the job history transmitted from the server 31S is received (S301: YES), and the received job history is displayed on the display unit 12 (S302). FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job history displayed on the display unit 12. In the state shown in the figure, one of the job histories is selected by the user (in the example of the figure, the job of job number 003 is selected), and the correction button 121 is pressed (S303: YES), the correctable items are displayed (S304). FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which correctable items are displayed.

  When the correction button 121 is pressed, a correctable item box 122 that displays correctable items is displayed on the display unit 12. In the example of the figure, “destination”, “data”, “BOX”, “file format”, and “reading resolution” are displayed as items, and among these items, “destination”, “file format”, It is shown that “reading resolution” can be corrected. Note that the types of items displayed in the correctable item box 122 differ depending on the job type, and in the example in the figure, the job type is “scan”.

  When the job type is “print”, for example, “density” and “number of copies” can be displayed instead of “reading resolution”. In the example of FIG. 18, the user can correct the job history for “destination” and “file format”, and can smoothly execute the job by reusing the corrected job history. Although the reading resolution is not displayed on the screen of FIG. 17, since this is included in the parameter information, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, a specifiable condition display box 123 for displaying a specifiable condition is displayed on the screen. It may be displayed to prompt the user to specify the resolution. Further, in the case of scan to PC (image data read by the scanner unit 13 is transmitted to a PC as a file) as in the example of the figure, a screen for specifying a file name is displayed even when there is no command from the user. May be.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 16, when correction details are input (S305: YES), a confirmation screen for job processing conditions is displayed (S306). FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing condition confirmation screen. The example in the figure shows an example in which the file name “specification.pdf” is designated on the file name designation screen. When the processing conditions are displayed in the condition display box 124 and the “OK” button 125 is pressed (S307: YES), a job is submitted under the specified processing conditions (S308). In order to redo the condition setting, the “cancel” button 126 may be pressed (S307: NO).

  In the above description, the case has been described in which device information is referred to, contents that can be corrected are displayed, and the user is prompted to make corrections. For example, when there is only one type of reading resolution of the scanner, or parameters that are normally used If there is only one type and is corrected only rarely, the correction may be performed automatically. By making the correction automatically, the user-friendliness can be further improved.

  In addition, when the device cannot execute a function designated by the user, a screen that prompts the user to execute the function on another device can be displayed. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the other device recommendation screen displayed in such a case. In the example shown in the figure, the user can select MFP 1P or MFP 1Q (not shown in FIG. 1 or the like). When the device is selected and the OK button 125 is pressed, the job can be transmitted to the MFP 1Q, and the job can be executed by the MFP 1Q.

  On the MFP 1Q side, a job is received via the communication interface 16 of the MFP 1Q, and a job is generated and registered in the active job database DB3. At this time, the job may be executed immediately, but initially, the job state may be set to “pending” so that the job is not immediately executed. In this case, when the user who has input the job logs in to the MFP 1Q, the “hold” state can be canceled and the job can be executed by the MFP 1Q.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the processing contents in the device (for example, MFP 1A) on which the screen of FIG. 21 is displayed in the above case. In the example shown in the figure, in the correction screen display process in step S404, the functions that cannot be executed by the MFP 1A are displayed as correction targets. (The description of steps S401 to S403 is omitted.)

  If correction contents are input (S405: YES), and the input function can be executed by the own device (S406: YES), a confirmation screen is displayed (S407), and an "OK" button is input (S408). : YES), a job is submitted (S409). That is, a new job is generated and registered in the active job database DB3.

  If the corrected content cannot be executed by the own device (S406: NO), the other device recommendation screen illustrated in FIG. 21 is displayed (S410). When another device is selected (S411: YES), the job is transmitted to the selected device (S412).

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a case where a function of a device is updated by downloading a module for realizing the function from another device when the designated function cannot be executed will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of the job history reuse process in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment (the description is omitted from step S501 to S504), if the modified content cannot be implemented by the own device (S506: YES), a module that realizes the function is downloaded from another device. (S507) After updating the function of the own device, the job is submitted by the own device (S508). At this time, the job history correction unit 107 (see FIG. 8) refers to the device information database DB4 and searches for a device that can execute the function. Then, the module can be downloaded from the searched device.

  However, it can also be downloaded from the device that generated the job before reuse. At this time, since the function of the device is updated, the contents of the device information database DB4 of each device and the device information storage unit 313 of the server 31S may be updated. May be used only when the job is completed, and may be discarded after the job ends.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which job histories reusing job histories are separately stored. Since setting conditions that reuse job histories are considered to be conditions that are relatively frequently used, managing jobs with reused job histories improves user operability. There is an advantage that leads to.

  In this embodiment, for example, the history of jobs executed by reusing the job history is collectively managed in another area of the job history storage unit 312 of the server 31S. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a database that manages the job history of a job executed by reusing the job history.

  In the example in the figure, the job No. of the job executed by reusing the job history is shown. In addition to information such as the file name, the execution device and the job number of the job to be reused are stored. Holding. The contents of this database are further simplified, and the job No. And the job number of the job to be reused. Only the actual job history may be referred to for the actual contents.

  For example, each device such as the MFP 1A may be provided with a button such as “reuse job list” and receive the above information from the server 31S when the button is pressed. After the reception, it can be displayed on the display unit 12 of the own device or the user's selection can be accepted. It is also possible to reuse the job history of the selected job. In addition, although the case where centralized management is performed by the server 31S has been described above, the above information may be held on each device side, or only the own device may be managed by each device. it can.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where a file and a job history are associated and stored will be described. Each of the above embodiments refers to the job history displayed in the list and reuses the selected job history. However, a document that is actually distributed is not necessarily created by a one-step job. In some cases, it is created through a plurality of jobs.

  In this case, if you look at the printed document and want to create a document in the same format, it is difficult to easily determine which job history should be reused. It is difficult to reproduce other than obtaining information from the creator.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described problems are dealt with by associating a file with a job history. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the file 6 according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the job number is held in the parameter information held as file attribute information, and if the file is generated by a plurality of jobs, the plurality of job numbers and parameter information are held. (Job history parameter information (1) and (2)).

  The example in FIG. 6 is obtained by converting JPEG format image data (job history parameter information (1) -job No. 0052) obtained by scanning a document with a scan job into a compact PDF format (job history parameter). Information (2) -job No. 0083) file. In the example shown in the figure, the job number is held to hold the correspondence with the job history database DB2, but the contents of the job history may be held in a file. For file attribute information, the file storage processing unit 104 may hold a job number or the like sequentially as file attribute information.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 12 as a job history list when a search is performed with the file name “pat.pdf”, for example. In the same figure, by selecting one of the job histories and pressing the “correct” button 121, the job history can be corrected and reused as in the above embodiments, and the “detail” button 127 can be selected. By pressing the button, more detailed parameter information can be referred to.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the correspondence relationship between the file and the job history is held, it is easy to determine which job history should be reused even for a file created through a plurality of jobs. The same format can be easily reproduced. The method of the present embodiment can be applied not only to a case where a plurality of devices are connected but also to an MFP alone. In this embodiment, information about the job that generated the file is stored as the attribute information of the file. However, the association means is not limited to this, and the correspondence between the file and the job is stored in another database. You may make it hold | maintain.

(Modification)
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the content of the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described in the embodiment, and for example, the following modifications may be implemented. it can.

  (1) Although the job history of each device is centrally managed by the job history management server 31S in the above embodiment, this function can also be provided in each device such as an MFP. That is, it is possible to centrally manage the received MFP so that another device transmits a job history to the same MFP. Further, if the job history is constantly transmitted / received between the devices, a form in which the history of other devices is held in each device is possible instead of the form of centralized management.

  (2) Although a detailed description has been omitted in the above embodiment, when the job history is reused by another device, the file access authority may be a problem. However, if information about access authority is held as file attribute information, for example, on the screen as shown in FIG. 18 or 19, a display indicating that access is not possible or a screen prompting the user to change the designation is displayed. Is possible.

  (3) Although the case where the scan function and the print function are mainly used has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention can be easily applied to other FAX transmission functions, scan to mail, and other functions.

  The present invention can be applied to a job history management apparatus that manages a job history generated in, for example, an MFP.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the job history management system HS. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an MFP 1A according to the embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in an MFP 1A. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content of the hard disk 23H. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a file 6. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of user information database DB1. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of job history database DB2. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an MFP 1A. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of active job database DB3. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of device information database DB4. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content at the time of transmitting a job history to the server 31S. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the functional structure of the job history management server 31S. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a job history stored in a job history storage unit 312. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the content of the job history correction by the server 31S side. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the job history transmission process of the server 31S. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the job history reuse process. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where a job history is displayed on a display unit 12. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that the correction | amendable item was displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which displays the conditions which can be designated. It is a figure which shows an example of a process condition confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an other device recommendation screen. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing contents when a job that cannot be executed by the own device is transmitted to another device. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of a job history reuse process in the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a database that manages a job history of a job executed by reusing a job history in the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the file 6 in 4th Embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 12 as a job history list when searching by file name in the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1A, 1B, 1C MFP
4 Communication Line 5 Folder 6 File 11 Operation Unit 12 Display Unit 13 Scanner Unit 14 Printer Unit 16 Communication Interface 161 Reception Unit 162 Transmission Unit 17 Document Feeder 18 Paper Feed Device 19 Tray 20 CPU
21 RAM
22 ROM
23 Data storage unit 23H Hard disk drive 23R Card reader / writer 31 Personal computer (PC)
31S job history management server 32 FAX terminal 91 memory card 101 job generation unit 102 job execution control unit 103 user authentication unit 104 file storage processing unit 105 job history management unit 106 job history transmission unit 121 correction button 122 correctable item box 123 can be specified Condition display box 124 Condition display box 125 OK button 126 Cancel button 127 Detail button 311 Transmission / reception unit 312 Job history storage unit 313 Device information storage unit 314 Job history centralized management unit 315 Job history correction unit HS Job history management system DB1 User information database DB2 Job history database DB3 Active job database DB4 Device information database

Claims (15)

In the job history management device that manages the job history of multiple devices,
Job history storage means for storing job histories for the plurality of devices;
Job history receiving means for receiving a job history transmitted from one of the plurality of devices;
Job history correction means for correcting the received job history so that it can be reused by another device other than the one device that transmitted the job history,
The job history correction means includes
In order to the possible use in devices other than the job history is generated, contained in the job history, the parameter that specifies the storage area of the file, and wherein changing the specified path to the area distearate Job history management device. In the job history management device that manages the job history of multiple devices,
Job history storage means for storing job histories for the plurality of devices;
Job history receiving means for receiving a job history transmitted from one of the plurality of devices;
Job history correction means for correcting the received job history so that it can be reused by other devices other than the one device that sent the job history;
Device information holding means for holding information on the plurality of devices;
From the other device, and job history transmission request receiving means for receiving a transmission request for job history,
Job history transmission means for transmitting a job history when a job history transmission request is made,
The job history correction means includes
Above with reference to information on one device, the job history characteristics and be distearate job history management apparatus to modify the job history sent by the transmission means. In the job history management device that manages the job history of multiple devices,
Job history storage means for storing job histories for the plurality of devices;
A job history for receiving a job history transmitted from one of the plurality of devices.
History receiving means;
Job history request means for correcting the received job history so that it can be reused by other devices other than the one device that sent the job history,
Features and be distearate job history management apparatus that separately manages the job job history executed by reusing the job history. Other device job history storage means for storing a job history for another device different from the own device;
A correction request receiving means for receiving a job history correction request when a request for reusing the job history stored in the other machine job history storage means is received from a user ;
Job history correction means for correcting the specification of a path to the area for a parameter for specifying a file storage area included in the job history when the correction request reception means receives a job history correction request. A job history management device comprising: a job history management device; Other device job history storage means for storing a job history for another device different from the own device;
A correction request receiving means for receiving a job history correction request when a request for reusing the job history stored in the other machine job history storage means is received from a user;
A device information holding means for holding information on the other devices,
If content after correction by the correction request is infeasible by the own apparatus, by referring to information on the other device, one of the other devices, displaying the executable device content after modification features and be distearate job history management apparatus that comprises other devices recommended means for. The other device recommendation means is:
6. The job history management apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the device that has generated the job history that is the target of the correction request is displayed as a device that can execute the corrected content . The job history management device
Recommended device selection means for accepting user selection, selecting any device from the devices output by the other device recommendation means;
6. The job history management apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising job input means for controlling to input a job to be executed by reusing the job history to a selected device. The job input means includes
The job history management apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein when a job is submitted to a selected device, control is performed so that the job is submitted in a form in which the job is not immediately executed by the device. The job input means includes
9. The job history management apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein when the selected user logs in to the selected device, control is performed so that the job is submitted in a form in which the job is executed on the device. Other device job history storage means for storing a job history for another device different from the own device;
A correction request receiving means for receiving a job history correction request when a request for reusing the job history stored in the other machine job history storage means is received from a user;
If content after correction by the correction request is infeasible by the own apparatus, wherein in order to execute the corrections after the other device characteristics and be distearate job history management to obtain the module from the apparatus. Other device job history storage means for storing a job history for another device different from the own device;
A correction request receiving means for receiving a job history correction request when a request for reusing the job history stored in the other machine job history storage means is received from a user;
Features and be distearate job history management apparatus that separately manages the job job history executed by reusing the job history. The correction request receiving means
When there is a modification request, the job history management apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that to display the modifiable items among the plurality of items of the job history. In the job history management device that manages the job history,
For a file generated via a plurality of jobs, the file and the job history of the plurality of jobs are managed in association with each other,
The job history management device
Wherein the attribute of the file, features and be distearate job history management apparatus further comprising: a file attribute editing means for holding the information about the job that generated the file. In the job history management device that manages the job history,
For a file generated via a plurality of jobs, the file and the job history of the plurality of jobs are managed in association with each other,
The job history management device
A file specification receiving means for receiving a file specification;
Features and be distearate job history management apparatus that comprises a corresponding job history display means for displaying the job history associated with the received file. The corresponding job history display means includes:
List multiple associated job histories,
The job history management device
The job history management apparatus according to claim 14 , further comprising selection receiving means for receiving a selection of a user who intends to reuse the job history from a plurality of jobs displayed in a list.

Images