JP2002016739A - Information processing system and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system and an information processing method that can relieve an operation burden of a user in the case of customizing an image forming device. SOLUTION: A manager of a multifunction machine 108 uses a web server 102 or a service provider server 104 as part of the Internet 101 to manage personal information as to the multifunction machine 108 by each user and when the user enters a user identification information to the multifunction machine 108, the manager calls the personal information from the server to customize the multifunction machine 108 in matching with the personal information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method using an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus, a copying machine or a printer installed in a copy shop, a convenience store, or the like can be cited, but these apparatuses are not used by a user (during standby).
Generally continues for a predetermined period, an initial value is set.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, it is necessary for the user to perform complicated settings on these apparatuses in order to form an image, and the operation burden on the user is large.

[0004] Further, for example, when it is desired to print on a paper on which a company name or a predetermined pattern is printed on a base, documents cannot be created at the above-mentioned copy shop or the like.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system capable of reducing a user's operation burden in customizing an image forming apparatus. And an information processing method.

[0006]

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a server storing information on image formation of the image forming apparatus for each user, the image forming apparatus and the server A communication network interposed between the
And wherein the image forming apparatus forms an image based on the information called from the server and input via the communication network.

The information is setting information of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus forms an image under a condition corresponding to the setting information.

[0008] The information is image information, and the image forming apparatus forms an image corresponding to the image information on a recording medium.

[0009] The communication network is the Internet.

[0010] The image processing apparatus further includes an information management server that manages information exchanged between the image forming apparatus and the communication network.

[0011] The server is a server managed by a service provider that provides a user with a connection service to the communication network.

[0012] The image forming apparatus further includes an input unit for a user to input user identification information, and a transmission unit for transmitting the user identification information to the server. The information is read based on the user identification information transmitted from the forming apparatus, and transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

[0013] The input means includes information reading means for reading the user identification information from an information storage medium storing the user identification information.

[0014] The image forming apparatus further includes an information reading device for reading the information from an information storage medium storing the information for each user, wherein the image forming device reads the information from the information reading device. Image formation is performed.

The information storage medium stores money substitute data having a function as money, and a manager of the image forming apparatus sends the image forming apparatus to the user in exchange for the money substitute data. The use of is permitted.

The information storage medium is an IC card, and the information reading means is an IC card reader / writer.

In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus according to the present invention is used as a part of the information processing system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

In order to achieve the above object, a method according to the present invention comprises an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a server storing information on image formation of the image forming apparatus for each user, An information processing method using a communication network interposed between the image forming apparatus and the server, wherein the information is called from the server;
Transmitting the information called in the calling step to the image forming apparatus via the communication network, and the image forming apparatus forms an image based on the information transmitted via the communication network. And an image forming step to be performed.

An administrator of the image forming apparatus stores personal information about the image forming apparatus for each user in a server as a part of a communication network, and the user inputs user identification information to the image forming apparatus. In this case, the personal information is called from the server, and the image forming apparatus is customized according to the personal information.

[0020] The customization is performed when the user confirms his intention to pay money to the manager.

In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to the present invention comprises: an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium; and a server storing information on image formation of the image forming apparatus for each user. And a communication network interposed between the image forming apparatus and the server. A computer-readable memory storing a control program for an information processing system, the control program transmitting the information from the server to the communication network. And a code for an image forming step in which the image forming apparatus forms an image based on the information transmitted through the communication network.

[0022]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the relative arrangement of components described in this embodiment, formulas, numerical values, etc., unless otherwise specified,
It is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system as a first embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an Internet network as an example of a communication network. A web server 102 is connected to the Internet 101 and provides Internet users with specific services such as character information and image information.

Reference numeral 103 denotes an electronic money server which performs settlement processing between a financial institution and a consumer client, and records information on settlements made by each user with electronic money or an IC card so far. As shown in FIG. 1, financial institutions such as banks are connected to the Internet 101 via this server.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a service provider that performs a connection process between a personal user terminal and the Internet 101. Each user terminal is connected to the communication network 101 via the service provider 104. Further, the service provider 104 stores various information of an individual user performing a connection process.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a firewall which connects the inside of the LAN network shown below to the Internet 101 as an external communication network.
We perform security management.

In FIG. 1, the web server 102,
The electronic money server 103, a server managed by a service provider (hereinafter, simply referred to as a service provider) 10
4 and the firewall 105 are described only one each, but of course on the Internet 101,
A plurality of servers, providers, firewalls, etc. are connected.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a device management server which manages devices 107 to 110 connected by a LAN network, user management, data management such as billing information, and the like.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a file server for managing user data and the like.
When the multifunction machine 108 is used, information is read from a web server connected to the communication network 101 and the multifunction machine 108 is used as necessary.
And the file server 10 when the printer 109 performs printing.
7, and selects and outputs the mode setting values and image data stored in the memory 7.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a multifunction machine, which mainly has functions such as image input / output. In the multi-function machine 108, reference numeral 801 denotes an operation unit operated by a user; 802, an image scanner for inputting an image according to an instruction from the operation unit 801 or the personal computer 110; Printer for printing data, 8
Reference numeral 04 denotes a scanner 802, a printer 803, and a memory 805 based on instructions from the operation unit 801 and the personal computer 110.
And a device controller for controlling input / output of image data between the personal computer 110 and the hard disk 806. For example, image data captured by the scanner 802 can be stored in the memory 805 or the hard disk 806 as needed, To the printer or printing by the printer 803.

A printer 109 is a personal computer 110.
And character information and image information from the file server 107 can be printed on a recording medium.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a personal computer connected as a terminal device. The personal computer 110 can browse information provided from the web server 102 via the Internet 101 and store the information in a memory inside the personal computer. It can output to the machine 108 and the printer 109.

The configuration below the firewall 105 may be for an individual user connected to the Internet 101 via the service provider 104.

FIG. 2 shows an operation flowchart in this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the user makes an electronic payment using the personal computer 110, and the multifunction machine 108
Indicates the operation when copying is performed.

First, the user accesses the personal computer 110 (S201). At this time, if a password, a user ID, and the like are required to access the personal computer, such information is input as needed from a keyboard (not shown).

When the personal computer 110 becomes accessible,
Next, the service provider 104 is accessed via the communication network 101 (S202), and the service provider 10 is accessed.
User authentication is performed for No. 4 (S203). Here, it is assumed that a password is input as a method for performing user authentication. When the user inputs a password, the device management server 106 checks the address and the password with the service provider 104 specified via the communication network 101 to confirm the user.

Here, if it is confirmed that the user of the personal computer 110 is a user registered with the service provider 104, the device management server 106 accesses the service provider 104 and accesses the electronic money server for electronic settlement. User information such as information necessary for the copy operation 103 and the copy operation is acquired (S204) and stored in the file server 107 (S205).

The file server 107 is the device management server 1
When the setting information is input from 06, the setting usable in the multi-function machine 108 is selected from the input setting information, and the usable setting is output to the device management server again. The device management server 106 refers to the settings received from the file server 107 to make settings for the multi-function machine 108 (S2
07), the preparation for the user to perform copying using the multi-function machine 108 ends.

The user operates the multifunction machine 10
8 (S208), the device management server accesses the electronic money server 103 via the communication network 101 and transmits information for print settlement to the electronic money server 103 (S209).

The multi-function machine 108
For example, when a new setting is made for the user, the user can store the used setting in the service provider 104 as needed so that the setting can be called at the next use (S210).

If it is not confirmed in step 203 that the user is a user registered with the service provider 104, the device management server displays on the personal computer 110 the content that the user could not confirm, and then terminates the operation ( S211).

Next, an example of the initial setting values of the multi-function machine will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a part of the operation unit 801 of the multifunction machine 108. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a liquid crystal display unit which displays each set value set in the multi-function machine 108 and changes the set contents by touching a predetermined portion. Reference numeral 302 denotes a ten-key input unit and a copy key / stop key. The numeric keypad input unit has buttons displaying numbers 1 to 9 and 0, a clear key, and a service mode setting key, respectively, for setting an enlargement / reduction ratio and the number of copies. The clear key is a key for clearing a number input from the numeric keypad, and the service mode key is a key for changing an initial set value or the like.

In the liquid crystal display section 301, reference numeral 303 denotes a portion for displaying the enlargement / reduction ratio. In FIG.
00% (actual magnification) is set. The enlargement / reduction ratio can be set using the above-described numeric keypad, or can be changed by an enlargement / reduction ratio changing unit described later. A paper size class display unit 304 displays the type of recording paper to be printed, and AUTO is selected as an initial value. AUTO means that the paper size of the document is detected by scanning the document placed on the scanner 802 of the multifunction machine 108, and the optimum paper size is selected from the paper sizes installed in the multifunction machine and printed. Mode.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a portion for displaying the number of copies. One is selected as an initial setting value. As with the enlargement / reduction ratio, the number of copies can be set using the numeric keypad. Reference numeral 306 denotes an enlargement / reduction ratio changing unit,
It is composed of three buttons of the same size and reduced size.

In this embodiment, when the enlargement button is pressed, the enlargement / reduction ratio is added by 1%, and the result is reflected on the enlargement / reduction ratio display 303 to change the displayed number. Similarly, when the reduction button is pressed, the enlargement / reduction ratio is decremented by 1%, and the result is similarly reflected on the display 303 and displayed. When the same-size button is pressed, the enlargement / reduction ratio is set to 100%.

A density display unit 307 displays the density set by a density setting unit described later. The set density is displayed by making the liquid crystal black. In FIG. 3, it is set at the center. In this embodiment, it is possible to set 11 levels of shading with the initial value as the center. Reference numeral 308 denotes a density setting unit, which includes three buttons as shown in FIG. When the "Dark" button is pressed,
The setting is changed so that the density is output densely. Similarly,
When the “thin” button is pressed, the setting is changed so that the output is thin. The changed density setting is reflected on the density display section. When an "auto" button is pressed, the original placed on the scanner 802 of the multifunction machine 108 is scanned to calculate the optimal density for the original and set the density.

Reference numeral 309 denotes a sheet selection button. When the paper selection button is pressed, buttons for all paper sizes mounted in the multifunction machine appear. The user can set a predetermined paper size by selecting and pressing a paper size button used by the user. The selected paper size is reflected on the paper size display section 304.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a user mode setting unit, which is composed of five buttons for modes 1, 2, 3, and registration and deletion. In the user mode setting section 310, the user can make desired settings, press the registration button, and then press any one of the modes 1 to 3 to select and store the setting in the multi-function machine. The stored settings can be recalled by pressing the selected mode button again. To delete the registered mode, press the mode button after pressing the delete button to delete the stored settings.

In this embodiment, the buttons of the set mode are displayed with the character portion and the background portion reversed on the liquid crystal operation portion.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation unit 801 after the device management server 106 and the file server 107 make settings for the multi-function machine 108 in accordance with the information input from the service provider 104 in step S207 of FIG. ing. In FIG. 4, the enlargement / reduction ratio 70% and the paper size A4R are set as the setting values frequently used by the user. Further, since other settings that the user has used are stored in the modes 1, 2, and 3, it is possible to immediately change to other settings.

In the above embodiment, the information to be set in the multi-function machine is obtained from the service provider registered by the user, but is obtained from a server belonging to the organization (company, department) to which the user belongs. It is also possible. Further, it is conceivable that a manufacturer that manufactures or manages the multifunction machine opens its own server to the communication network 101 and acquires information such as settings from the communication server.

In the above embodiment, the personal computer 110
Was used to access the communication network 101, but it is also possible to instruct a server directly from the multifunction machine 108. In this case, by using the operation unit 801 to specify the provider in which the setting value is stored, the personal computer 110 does not need to be used.

Further, the personal computer 110 and the operation unit 801
It is also conceivable to select a desired setting from a plurality of setting values by using and set the multi-function.

In the present embodiment, when the user performs printing using a copier or a printer, the user can obtain the previously used setting value by using the communication network. Therefore, the user must set the setting value again. The printing operation can be performed without any operation.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment.

In FIG. 5, reference numerals 101 to 110 have the same structure as in FIG. Reference numeral 501 denotes a league / writer of an IC card used as electronic money, by which user information and payment information written on the IC card can be read by inserting the IC card, and new payment information can be read. And other information can be written to the IC card. The IC card reader / writer 501 is connected to the LAN as shown in FIG. 5, and the information of the IC card inserted into the IC card reader / writer 501 is stored in the device management server 106, the file server 107, the operation unit 801 and the personal computer 110. Can be read or written from.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an operation when the user performs a copy operation using the multi-function machine 108 and makes a payment using an IC card.

When the multi-function machine 108 starts a copy operation, the device management server 106
The IC card inserted in the card reader / writer 501 is accessed to read information written on the IC card (S601). Then, based on the read information, I
It is confirmed whether or not the C card cannot be used due to insufficient balance or the like (S602). When it is confirmed that the IC card is usable, the device management server 106 acquires the user information from the IC card reader / writer 501 (S603), and stores the setting information relating to the copy operation mode in the file server 107. Yes (S60
4).

The file server 107 is the device management server 1
When the setting information is input from 06, the setting usable in the multi-function machine 108 is selected from the input setting information, and the usable setting is output to the device management server again. The device management server refers to the settings received from the file server to make settings for the multi-function machine 108 (S605), and terminates the preparation for the user to copy using the multi-function machine 108.

When the user operates the multifunction machine 10
8 (S606), the device management server 1
In step S607, the settlement information is written to the IC card by the IC card reader / writer 601 (S607). Further, when new settings are made to the multi-function machine 108, the user can store the used settings in the IC card as needed so that the settings can be called up at the next use. This is the device management server 106
Reads the set value from the multi-function machine 108 and writes the contents to the IC card using the IC card reader / writer 501 (S60).
8).

If it is determined in step S602 that the IC card cannot be used, the device management server 10
No. 6 displays on the operation unit 801 a message indicating that the copy operation cannot be performed, and ends the operation (S609).

In this embodiment, the printer setting information is obtained from the IC card. However, only the user identification information is obtained from the IC card and the identification information is used in the first embodiment. The setting information may be called by accessing the server as shown.

In the present embodiment, when the user performs printing using a copier or a printer, the user can obtain the set value previously used by using the IC card or the like. Therefore, the user must set the set value again. The printing operation can be performed without any operation.

(Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, the setting information of the copying machine and the printer to be used is obtained by using a server or an IC card.
A variety of other information can be acquired and used for printing.For example, a service that acquires background data of recording paper to be printed from a server and combines it with document data created by the user to perform printing is provided. Can also be provided.

In the present embodiment, in a system having the same configuration as that of FIG. 1, an operation of adding image information obtained from a server via a communication network to a document read by a scanner 802 and outputting the same is performed. It is. FIG.
9 shows an operation flowchart of the printing system according to the third embodiment.

First, the user accesses the personal computer 110 (S701). At this time, if a password, a user ID, and the like are required to access the personal computer, such information is input as needed from a keyboard (not shown).

When the personal computer 110 becomes accessible,
Next, the service provider 104 is accessed via the communication network 101 (S702), and the service provider 10 is accessed.
Then, the user is authorized for No. 4 (S703).

Here, when it is confirmed that the user of the personal computer 110 is a user registered with the service provider 104, the device management server 106 accesses the service provider 104 and obtains the electronic information specified by the user using the personal computer. Is acquired from the service provider 104 (S704) and stored in the file server 107 (S705).

The file server 107 is the device management server 1
When the electronic information is input from 06, the input electronic information is converted into a format for printing from the multifunction machine and stored in the memory 805 in the multifunction machine (S706).

Thereafter, when the original data is read from the scanner 802 and stored in the memory 805 (S707), the multi-function machine 108 combines the original data stored in the memory 805 with the electronic information created in step S706 to create a printer 803. (S70)
8). When printing is completed, the device management server sets the communication network 10
1 to access the electronic money server 103 and transmit information for print settlement to the electronic money server (S709).

If it is not confirmed in step 703 that the user is a user registered in the service provider 104, the device management server displays on the personal computer 110 the content that the user could not be confirmed, and ends the operation ( S710).

In the above embodiment, the electronic information to be synthesized and printed is obtained from the service provider in which the user is registered, but the organization (company, department) to which the user belongs
It is also possible to obtain the information from a server of such as. Further, it is conceivable to provide various contents and electronic information on a server of a manufacturer that manufactures or manages the multifunction machine.

In the above embodiment, the personal computer 110
Was used to access the communication network 101, but it is also possible to instruct a server directly from the multifunction machine 108. In this case, by using the operation unit 801 to specify the provider in which the setting value is stored, the personal computer 110 does not need to be used.

According to the present embodiment, a document in a predetermined format is obtained by acquiring predetermined data and contents via a communication network, and performing printing by synthesizing the data with print data during copy and print operations. Can be.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention relates to:
The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like), or may be applied to a device including one device (for example, a copier, a facsimile device, and the like). .

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. Or a CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium,
Needless to say, this is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code,
The operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts (shown in FIGS. 2 and / or 6 and / or 7). Will be.

[0080]

As described above, the present invention provides an information processing system and an information processing method capable of reducing a user's operation burden in customizing an image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the multi-function machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 19/00 G06K 19/00 Q F-term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 HJ08 HN15 HQ17 5B021 AA01 BB01 BB05 EE04 NN18 5B035 BB09 BC00 CA29 5B058 KA01 KA06 KA12 KA37 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA29 AB22 AB38 AB42 AC04 AC22 AC34 AE15 AF08 AF12

Claims (16)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a server storing information related to image formation of the image forming apparatus for each user, and an image forming apparatus interposed between the image forming apparatus and the server An information processing system, comprising: a communication network that performs image formation based on the information that is called from the server and input through the communication network. Processing system. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information is setting information of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus forms an image under a condition corresponding to the setting information. Processing system. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information is image information, and the image forming apparatus forms an image corresponding to the image information on a recording medium. . 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said communication network is the Internet. 5. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an information management server that manages information exchanged between said image forming apparatus and said communication network. 6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the server is a server managed by a service provider that provides a connection service for a user to the communication network. 7. The image forming apparatus further comprises: input means for allowing a user to input user identification information; and transmission means for transmitting the user identification information to the server. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information is read based on the user identification information transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. 8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein said input means has information reading means for reading said user identification information from an information storage medium storing said user identification information. 9. An information reading apparatus for reading the information from an information storage medium storing the information for each user, wherein the image forming apparatus responds to the information read from the information reading apparatus. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image forming apparatus performs image formation. 10. The information storage medium stores money substitute data having a function as money, and an administrator of the image forming apparatus sends the image to the user in exchange for the money substitute data. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein use of the forming device is permitted. 11. The information storage medium is an IC card,
11. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein said information reading means is an IC card reader / writer. 12. An image forming apparatus used as a part of the information processing system according to claim 1. 13. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a server storing information on image formation of the image forming apparatus for each user, and an image forming apparatus interposed between the image forming apparatus and the server An information processing method using: a step of calling the information from the server; and a step of transmitting the information called in the calling step to the image forming apparatus via the communication network. An image forming step in which the image forming apparatus forms an image based on the information transmitted via the communication network. 14. An image forming apparatus administrator manages personal information of each image forming apparatus for each user in a server as a part of a communication network, and the user inputs user identification information to the image forming apparatus. An information processing method wherein the personal information is called from the server and the image forming apparatus is customized according to the personal information. 15. The customization is performed by the user,
The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein the method is performed when the intention to pay money to the manager is confirmed. 16. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a server storing information on image formation of the image forming apparatus for each user, and an intervening apparatus between the image forming apparatus and the server A computer-readable memory storing a control program for an information processing system, comprising: a code for a step of acquiring the information from the server via the communication network; and And a code for an image forming step of forming an image based on the information transmitted through the communication network.