JP2007325023A - Information processing apparatus and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent data which have been brought into a state during which the data should not be outputted, from being outputted. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP comprises: an HDD 107 for storing management data 85 defining a relation between first data 81 and second data 82; an instruction accepting unit 50 for accepting an instruction to perform processing upon the first data 81 or the second data 82: a processing executing unit 70 for processing the first data 81 or the second data 82 in accordance with the accepted instruction; a judging unit 60 for judging whether to prohibit output of the first data 81 or not, based on the accepted instruction; and a data attribute managing unit 63 for updating the management data 85 to prohibit the output of the second data 82 related to the first data 81 based on a result of judgement by the judging unit 60. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus and an information processing system having a function of managing output of stored data.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus represented by an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) has been provided with a storage device such as a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) for storing image data. In this MFP, data stored in the HDD may be shared by a plurality of people. In some cases, an MFP is connected to a network, data stored in the HDD is transmitted to another MFP or computer, and an image is formed on the other MFP or computer.

When data is shared by a plurality of people, a technique for limiting the number of image formation times of the data is known (for example, Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2). However, the conventional technique has a problem that the number of times of image formation can be limited only for a plurality of pieces of data. When certain data is related to other data, if the output of one data is restricted, the output of the other data may have to be restricted in conjunction therewith. For example, there is a relationship between a real estate sales contract and sales materials for the real estate. After the sales contract is established and the sales contract is signed, there is no need to image the sales contract again. In addition, since sales materials are unnecessary, it is necessary to limit the image formation of sales materials.
JP 2005-293015 A JP 7-319646 A

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is information that can prevent data that has not been output from being output. It is to provide a processing device.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system capable of preventing data that has not been output from being output.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device includes: storage means for storing management data defining association between first data and second data; Based on an instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for executing a process for data or second data, a process executing means for processing the first data or the second data in accordance with the received instruction, and the received instruction Output means for prohibiting the output of the second data associated with the first data based on the determination result by the determination means and the determination means by the determination means Means.

  According to this aspect, when the output of the first data out of the related first data and the second data is prohibited, the output of the second data is prohibited. For this reason, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of preventing the output of data that should not be output.

  Preferably, the instruction receiving unit includes a change instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to change the first data, and the determining unit is configured to accept an instruction to change the first data by the change instruction receiving unit. It is determined that the output of the first data is prohibited.

  According to this aspect, since the output of the second data related to the first data is prohibited when the first data is changed, the second data associated with the first data before the change is changed. Data can be prevented from being output.

  Preferably, the process execution unit includes a transmission unit that transmits the first data or the second data to another device connected to the network, and the determination unit transmits the first data to the other device. When the instruction is accepted, it is determined that the output of the first data is prohibited.

  According to this aspect, when the first data is transmitted to another device connected to the network, the output of the second data associated with the first data is prohibited. The second data can be prevented from being output in a state where the first data cannot be subsequently used due to the transmission of.

  Preferably, the output prohibiting unit prohibits the transmitting unit from transmitting the second data to another device.

  Preferably, when the output of the second data related to the first data is prohibited by the output prohibiting means, a signal for prohibiting the output of the first data or the second data is sent to another connected to the network The apparatus further includes prohibition signal transmission means for transmitting to the apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the output of the first data and the second data in another device can be prohibited.

  Preferably, the output unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image of the first data or the second data, and the determination unit receives the first data in response to receiving an instruction to form an image of the first data. It is determined that the output of data is prohibited.

  According to this aspect, when the first data is image-formed, the output of the second data associated with the first data is prohibited, so that the first data is subsequently formed by image formation of the first data. It is possible to prevent the second data from being output in a state where the data cannot be used.

  Preferably, the output prohibiting unit prohibits the image forming unit from forming an image of the second data.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is an information processing system including a plurality of upward processing devices connected to a network, and each of the plurality of information processing devices includes a first data and a second data Storage means for storing management data that defines association with data, instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for executing processing for the first data or the second data, and first data according to the received instruction Alternatively, the process execution means for processing the second data, the determination means for determining whether to prohibit the output of the first data based on the received instruction, and the determination result by the determination means, Output prohibiting means for prohibiting the output of the second data associated with the first data.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing system capable of preventing data that has not been output from being output.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of information processing devices is connected to a network with a signal for prohibiting the output of the second data when the output prohibiting unit prohibits the output of the second data related to the first data. And a prohibition signal transmission means for transmitting to another apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices connected to a network, wherein the management defines an association between first data and second data Storage means for storing data, instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for executing processing for the first data or the second data, and processing the first data or the second data according to the received instruction A process execution unit; a determination unit that determines whether or not to prohibit the output of the first data based on the received instruction; and a first associated with the first data based on a determination result by the determination unit. Output prohibiting means for prohibiting the output of the second data.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing system capable of preventing data that has not been output from being output.

  Preferably, the server device further includes at least a storage unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, information processing system 1 includes multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”) 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C connected to network 2 respectively. Since MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C have the same configuration and function, MFP 100 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified.

  An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 includes a scanner for reading an original, an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data, and a facsimile, and includes an image reading function, a copying function, and facsimile transmission / reception. It has a function. In the present embodiment, MFP 100 is described as an example, but instead of MFP 100, for example, a scanner, an image forming apparatus, a facsimile, a computer, or the like may be used.

  The network 2 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 2 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of MFP 100 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 is executed with a central processing unit (CPU) 101 connected to bus 120, and ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 recording a program to be executed by CPU 101. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 105 for loading a program and storing data during program execution, a hard disk drive (HDD) 107 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, and a flash memory 108 are mounted. Card interface (I / F) 109, communication I / F 111 for connecting the MFP 100 to the network 2, scanner 113, image forming unit 115, facsimile (FAX) 117, and an interface serving as a user interface. And a Deployment panel 119.

  The CPU 101 loads the data management program stored in the flash memory 108 attached to the card I / F 109 into the RAM 105 and executes it. Note that the program executed by the CPU 101 is not limited to the data management program stored in the flash memory 108, and a program stored in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable / Programmable Read Only Memory) separately connected to the CPU 101 is loaded into the RAM 105. You may make it perform. If the EEPROM is used, the data management program can be rewritten or additionally written. For this reason, another computer connected to the network 2 may rewrite the data management program stored in the EEPROM of the MFP 100 or may additionally write a new data management program. Further, MFP 100 may download a data management program from another computer connected to network 2 and store the data management program in the EEPROM.

  These programs are not limited to the example of being read from the flash memory 108 and executed, and the program stored in the ROM 103 may be read. It is also possible to store the recorded program in the EEPROM and read and execute the program. Alternatively, the data management program stored in the flash memory may be temporarily stored in the HDD 107 so that the program is loaded from the HDD 107 to the RAM 105 and executed. The program here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 101 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The recording medium for storing the data management program is not limited to the flash memory 108, and is a flexible disk, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC. A medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, or an EEPROM may be used.

  The image forming unit 115 is a laser printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and visualizes image data on a recording medium such as paper. The scanner 113 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), optically reads a document, and outputs electronic data as image data. The FAX 117 transmits and receives image data via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) according to the facsimile standard.

  Operation panel 119 includes an input unit 119A and a display unit 119B. Input unit 119 </ b> A is an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse for receiving an operation input by the user of MFP 100. The display unit 119B is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panel. In the case where a touch panel made of a transparent member is used as the input unit 119A, the instruction of the button displayed on the display unit 119B can be detected by placing the touch panel on the display unit 119B. Thereby, it becomes possible to accept input of various operations.

  Communication I / F 111 is a communication interface for connecting MFP 100 to network 2. MFP 100 can communicate with other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. Although MFP 100 shows an example of being connected to other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C via network 2, they may be directly connected using a serial interface or a parallel interface. Communication I / F 111 uses an interface according to the form in which MFP 100 is connected to other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C.

  Data input to the MFP 100 includes (1) when an original is read by the scanner 113 and image data is input, (2) another computer connected to the network 2 via the communication I / F, or other When receiving image data from the MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, (3) when reading image data stored in the flash memory 108 via the card I / F, and (4) when receiving facsimile data at the FAX 117. .

  The data output from the MFP 100 is (1) when visualized on a recording medium such as paper by the image forming unit 115, (2) another computer connected to the network via the communication I / F 111, or another MFP 100A, When transmitting to 100B, 100C, (3) storing in the flash memory 108, (4) outputting as facsimile data by the FAX 117, (5) displaying on the display unit 119B.

  Next, a specific example of the data management method realized by the information processing system in the present embodiment will be described.

<First specific example>
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first specific example of the data management method. Referring to FIG. 3, MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, and 100 </ b> C are installed in stores 1 to 4, respectively, and are connected to network 2. Sales materials and contracts are stored in the HDD 107 of the MFP 100. The sales material and the contract document are documents corresponding to one property, and are related to each other. The property corresponding to the sales document and the contract is, for example, a real estate or a used car. Each of MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B stores management data that associates sales material (second data) as subordinate data subordinate to a contract (first data) in HDD 107. Each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B stores the same management data. When there is a download request from other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, MFP 100 transmits the sales material or the contract to the MFP that has made the download request among MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C.

  A salesperson in the store 2 operates the MFP 100A to download sales materials from the MFP 100 and to form images of the sales materials. The sales person in charge conducts sales activities by presenting imaged sales materials to the customer. Similarly, the sales representative of the store 3 operates the MFP 100B to obtain sales materials. Here, when the customer of the store 3 indicates the intention to rent or purchase the property, the MFP 100B is operated to download the contract from the MFP 100 and form an image of the contract. The sales person in charge of the store 3 establishes the contract by presenting the image-formed contract to the customer.

  When MFP 100 receives the download request from MFP 100B and transmits the contract (first data), MFP 100 prohibits the transmission of the contract (first data) and image formation. This is to prevent double contracts. In addition, MFP 100 prohibits transmission of sales materials (second data) and image formation associated with a contract (first data) by management data. This is to prevent business activities for properties not sold. For this reason, after that, for example, in the store 4, the sales person in charge of the store 4 cannot perform sales activities using sales materials for the customer. Further, MFP 100 outputs a prohibition signal to MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. This prohibition signal includes identification information (for example, a document name) for identifying the contract (first data). When the MFP 100A, 100B, 100C receives the prohibition signal, the MFP 100A, 100B, 100C prohibits the output of sales material (second data) associated with the contract (first data) by the management data. Thus, MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C that have received the prohibition signal cannot form images of sales materials downloaded from MFP 100. For this reason, after that, sales activities using sales materials cannot be performed.

<Second specific example>
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second specific example of the data management method. Referring to FIG. 4, MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B are installed in the development department, manufacturing department, and sales department in the company, respectively, and are connected to network 2. Further, a server device 200 is installed in the development department, and the server device 200 is also connected to the network. The server device 200 stores a development schedule table, and the MFP 100B of the sales department stores a sales activity schedule table. The production schedule table and the sales activity schedule table are created based on the development schedule. For this reason, when the development schedule table is changed, the manufacturing schedule table and the sales activity schedule table must be corrected to reflect the change. Each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B includes management data that associates a production schedule table (second data) as subordinate data subordinate to a development schedule table (first data), and a sales activity schedule table (second data) as a development schedule table. Management data associated as subordinate data subordinate to (first data) is stored.

  Now, it is assumed that the development schedule table (first data) stored in the server device 200 is changed, and an instruction to form an image of the changed development schedule table is output from the server device 200 to the MFP 100. At this time, server apparatus 200 transmits to MFP 100 a signal indicating that the development schedule table has been changed. When MFP 100 receives a signal indicating that the development schedule table has been changed from server apparatus 200, MFP 100 prohibits output of the development schedule table (first data) before the change. Further, the MFP 100 prohibits the output of the manufacturing schedule table (second data) and the sales activity schedule table (second data) associated with the development schedule table (first data) before the change by the management data. Therefore, a prohibition signal is transmitted to MFP 100A and MFP 100B. This prohibition signal includes a development schedule table before change or identification information (for example, document name) for identifying the development schedule table. When MFP 100A receives the prohibition signal, it prohibits the output of the manufacturing schedule table (second data). In MFP 100B, the output of the sales activity schedule table (second data) is prohibited. As a result, when the development schedule is changed, it is prohibited to output the production schedule table and the sales activity schedule table that are out of date that do not reflect the changed development schedule.

<Third specific example>
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a third specific example of the data management method. Here, it is assumed that hospitals 1 to 3 are allied with each other in order to provide medical services in a specific area and share medical record information. Referring to FIG. 5, MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B are installed in hospital 1, hospital 2, and hospital 3, respectively, and are connected to network 2.

  Now, assume that patient A has been examined at hospital 1. In hospital 1, chart A is created and stored in MFP 100. At this time, the MFP 100 stores the regional medical network withdrawal notice associated with the medical record A of the patient A, and subordinates the medical chart A (second data) subordinate to the regional medical network withdrawal notice (first data). The management data A associated as data is stored.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that patient A is examined at hospital 2. At this time, the hospital 2 acquires the chart A by causing the MFP 100A to download the chart A from the MFP 100. For this reason, the doctor of the hospital 2 can see the chart A of the patient A created in the hospital 1 and can refer to the examination. In hospital 2, chart B is created and stored in MFP 100A. Further, MFP 100A stores management data B in which chart B (second data) is associated as subordinate data subordinate to chart A (first data). Management data B stored in MFP 100A is different from management data A stored in MFP 100.

  Similarly, in hospital 3, MFP 100 </ b> B can obtain chart A and chart B of patient A from MFP 100 and MFP 100 </ b> A, respectively, and can use them as reference for examination. In hospital 3, chart C is created and stored in MFP 100B. Also, the MFP 100B associates the medical record C (second data) with the management data C as subordinate data subordinate to the medical chart A (first data), and the medical record C (second data) with the medical chart B (first data). Management data D associated as subordinate data subordinate to (data) is stored. Management data C and management data D stored in MFP 100B are different from management data A stored in MFP 100 and management data B stored in MFP 100A.

  Here, it is assumed that the patient A cannot receive a diagnosis at the hospitals 1 to 3 of the regional medical network for some reason. In this case, the chart A, chart B, and chart C of the patient A that is disclosed in the regional medical network must be kept private. Here, the case where the patient A performs the procedure in the hospital 1 is demonstrated. If it is notified that patient A can no longer receive medical examinations at hospital 1 of the regional medical network, MFP 100 forms an image of the notification of withdrawal from the local medical network. When the patient A fills out the necessary information in the regional medical network withdrawal notice, the office procedure is completed.

  On the other hand, when the regional medical network withdrawal notice is imaged, the MFP 100 prohibits the output of the chart A (second data) associated with the regional medical network withdrawal notice (first data) by the management data A. . Further, a prohibition signal is transmitted to MFP 100A and MFP 100B. This prohibition signal includes chart A or identification information (for example, document name) for identifying the chart A. Upon receiving the prohibition signal, MFP 100A prohibits the output of chart A downloaded from MFP 100 and outputs the chart B (second data) associated with chart A (first data) by management data B. Ban. Further, a prohibition signal is transmitted to MFP 100 and MFP 100B. This prohibition signal includes chart B or identification information (for example, document name) for identifying the chart B. When MFP 100B receives the prohibition signal from MFP 100, MFP 100B prohibits output of chart A downloaded from MFP 100 and also records chart C (second data) associated with chart C (first data) by management data C. Prohibit output. Further, a prohibition signal is transmitted to MFP 100 and MFP 100A. This prohibition signal includes chart C or identification information (for example, document name) for identifying the chart C. Further, when MFP 100B receives the prohibit signal from MFP 100A, MFP 100B prohibits output of chart B downloaded from MFP 100A. In this example, since the chart C has already been prohibited from being output when the prohibition signal is received from the MFP 100, it is not necessary to prohibit the output of the chart C (second data). When a prohibition signal is received from MFP 100A, output of chart C (second data) associated with chart C (first data) by management data B is prohibited. Further, a prohibition signal is transmitted to MFP 100 and MFP 100A. This prohibition signal includes chart C or identification information (for example, document name) for identifying the chart C.

  As described above, the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B are prohibited from outputting the medical chart A, the medical chart B, and the medical chart C that are no longer required to be disclosed. In addition, the patient A only needs to give notice of withdrawal from the regional medical network only at the hospital 1, and there is no need to give any notice to the other hospitals 2 and 3, which is convenient.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the CPU of the MFP together with data stored in the HDD. Referring to FIG. 6, HDD 107 stores first data 81, second data 82, and management data 85. The management data 85 defines the association between the first data 81 and the second data 82.

  The CPU 101 includes an instruction receiving unit 50 for receiving an instruction, a process execution unit 70 for executing processing based on the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 50, and a first instruction based on the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 50. A determination unit 60 for determining whether to prohibit the output of the data 81 or the second data 82, a data attribute management unit 63 for updating the management data 85 based on a determination result by the determination unit 60, and a determination unit 60 A prohibition signal transmission unit 61 that transmits a prohibition signal to the other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C based on the determination result by, and a prohibition signal reception unit 65 that receives the prohibition signal from any of the other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. .

  The instruction receiving unit 50 receives instructions from the operation panel 119 or the communication I / F 111. When the user of MFP 100 inputs an instruction to operation panel 119, instruction receiving unit 50 receives the instruction input to operation panel 119. In addition, when the communication I / F 111 receives an instruction transmitted by any of the MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, the instruction receiving unit 50 receives the instruction received by the communication I / F 111. The instruction includes an output instruction for outputting the first data 81 or the second data 82, a change instruction for changing the first data 81, and a first instruction for prohibiting the output of the first data 81. 1 data output prohibition instruction. The output instruction for outputting the first data 81 or the second data 82 includes a download instruction for transmitting the first data 81 or the second data 82 to the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, The image forming instruction for causing the image forming unit 115 to form an image of the data 81 or the second data 82 is included.

  The instruction receiving unit 50 includes a download instruction receiving unit 51 for receiving a download instruction, an image formation instruction receiving unit 53 for receiving an image formation instruction, a change instruction receiving unit 55 for receiving a change instruction, and a first An output prohibition instruction receiving unit 57 for receiving an output prohibition instruction for data.

  The download instruction receiving unit 51 receives a download instruction from the communication I / F 111 and outputs it to the process execution unit 70 and the determination unit 60. The download instruction includes data identification information for identifying data to be downloaded, for example, a document name. The image formation instruction reception unit 53 receives an image formation instruction from the operation panel 119 or the communication I / F 111 and outputs the image formation instruction to the process execution unit 70 and the determination unit 60. The image formation instruction includes data identification information for identifying data to be subjected to image formation, for example, a document name. The change instruction receiving unit 55 receives a change instruction from the operation panel 119 or the communication I / F 111 and outputs the received change instruction to the determination unit 60. The change instruction includes data identification information for identifying data to be changed, for example, a document name. The output prohibition instruction receiving unit 57 receives an output prohibition instruction for prohibiting the output of the first data 81 from the operation panel 119, the communication I / F 111, or the prohibition signal receiving unit 65, and determines the received output prohibition instruction. Output to. The output prohibition instruction includes data identification information for identifying data whose output is prohibited, for example, a document name. The data identification information may include device identification information for identifying a device in which the data is stored.

  The process execution unit 70 includes a download unit 71 and an image formation control unit 73. The download unit 71 receives a download instruction from the download instruction receiving unit 51. The download unit 51 reads the data specified by the document name included in the download instruction from the HDD 107 and transmits it to the device that has transmitted the download instruction. The download instruction is an instruction for requesting transmission of the first data 81 or the second data 82 stored in the HDD 107. For example, when the download unit 71 receives a download instruction including the first data 81 transmitted by the MFP 100A, the download unit 71 reads the first data 81 from the HDD 107 and controls the communication I / F 111 to obtain the first data 81. Send to MFP 100A. When the download unit 71 receives a download instruction including the second data 82 transmitted from the MFP 100A, the download unit 71 reads the second data 82 from the HDD 107 and controls the communication I / F 111 to obtain the second data 82. Send to MFP 100A. As a result, the first data 81 or the second data 82 is transmitted to one of the MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, and therefore the first data 81 or the second data 82 of the MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C is received. The MFP can output the received one data or the second data 82 by forming an image.

  The image formation control unit 73 receives an image formation instruction from the image formation instruction reception unit 53. The image formation control unit 73 reads data specified by the document name included in the image formation instruction from the HDD 107 and controls the image formation unit 115 to form an image. For example, when receiving an instruction for image formation of the first data 81 from the operation panel 119, the image formation control unit 73 reads the first data 81 from the HDD 107 and controls the image formation unit 115 to form an image. . When an instruction to form an image of the second data 82 is received from the operation panel 119, the second data 82 is read from the HDD 107 and the image forming unit 115 is controlled to form the second data 82.

  The process execution unit 70 receives a prohibition instruction indicating that the execution of the process is prohibited from the determination unit 60 as described later. When the prohibition instruction is input from the determination unit 60, the download unit 71 does not execute the process according to the download instruction even if the download instruction is input from the download instruction reception unit 51. Specifically, the data specified by the document name included in the download instruction is not transmitted to the apparatus that has transmitted the download instruction. Similarly, when a prohibition instruction is input from the determination unit 60, the image formation control unit 73 executes processing according to the image formation instruction even when an image formation instruction is input from the image formation instruction reception unit 53. do not do. Specifically, the image specified by the document name included in the image formation instruction is not image-formed.

  Here, the management data 85 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of management data. Here, management data when document A, document B, and document C are stored in HDD 107 of MFP 100 and document D is stored in HDD 107 of MFP 100A is shown. Referring to FIG. 7, management data 85 defines data information and subordinate data information for each of a plurality of data. The data information includes a document name, storage device identification information for identifying a device that stores data, and a prohibition flag. The document name is data identification information for identifying data. The storage device information is device identification information for identifying a device that stores data. The document name and the storage device information can be combined to form data identification information for identifying data among a plurality of devices. The prohibit flag indicates whether to prohibit data output, and is set to “1” when data output is prohibited, and is set to “0” when data output is not prohibited.

  The subordinate data information includes information regarding data subordinate to the data defined by the parent data information (subordinate data). The dependent data information includes a document name of the dependent data, storage device identification information for identifying a device that stores the dependent data, and a restriction process. The restriction process is a process in which the subordinate data is restricted, and defines whether the image forming process and the download process are restricted with respect to the process executed on the parent data. The processes executed on the parent data are an image forming process and a download process.

  Management data defines the dependency of two data. Of the two data for which the dependency is defined, the parent data that is defined by the parent data information is the first data, the subordinate data that is defined by the subordinate data information and is subordinate to the first data Second data.

  More specifically, regarding the data of the document name “AAA”, the document name “AAA”, the storage device information “M001”, and the prohibition flag “0” are defined in the parent data information. This indicates that the data of the document name “AAA” is stored in the MFP 100 that is the device identification information of “M001”, and output is not prohibited. In the dependent data information, a document name “none” is defined. This indicates that the subordinate data subordinate to the data of the document name “AAA” is not defined. Looking at the data of the document name “BBB”, the document name “BBB”, the storage device information “M001”, and the prohibition flag “0” are defined in the parent data information. This indicates that the data of the document name “BBB” is stored in the MFP 100 that is the device identification information of “M001”, and output is not prohibited. In the dependent data information, the document name “AAA”, the storage device information “M001”, and “prohibited” are defined for all of the restriction processes. This indicates that the subordinate data subordinate to the data of the document name “BBB” is the document name “AAA”, and the image of the document name “BBB” is any of image formation, download, or change. When the process is executed, execution of either image formation or download is prohibited for the subordinate data of the document name “AAA”.

  Further, regarding the data of the document name “CCC”, the document name “CCC”, the storage device information “M001”, and the prohibition flag “0” are defined in the parent data information. This indicates that the data of the document name “CCC” is stored in the MFP 100 which is the device identification information “M001”, and output is not prohibited. In the dependent data information, a document name “none” is defined. This indicates that the subordinate data subordinate to the data of the document name “CCC” is not defined. Looking at the data of the document name “DDD”, the document name “DDD”, the storage device information “M002”, and the prohibition flag “0” are defined in the parent data information. This indicates that the data of the document name “DDD” is stored in the MFP 100A which is the device identification information of “M002” and output is not prohibited. In the dependent data information, a document name “CCC” and storage device information “M001” are defined. In the dependent data information restriction process, “none” is defined in the image forming process and the download process for the image forming process and the download process executed on the parent data, and the image for the changing process executed on the parent data. “Prohibited” is defined in the formation process and the download process. The subordinate data subordinate to the data of the document name “DDD” stored in the MFP 100A having the device identification information “M002” is the document name “CCC” stored in the MFP 100 having the device identification information “M001”. Even if image formation or download processing is executed for the data with the document name “DDD”, execution of either image formation or download for the subordinate data with the document name “CCC” is prohibited. However, if the change process is executed on the data with the document name “DDD”, neither the image formation nor the download is prohibited with respect to the subordinate data with the document name “CCC”. Indicates.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the management data registration screen. The management data registration screen is a screen that is displayed on the display unit 119 </ b> B of the operation panel 119 when the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 executes the management data registration program and the CPU 101 executes management data registration processing. Referring to FIG. 8, the management data registration screen includes an area for inputting a document name of data targeted by management data, an area for inputting apparatus identification information of the stored apparatus, and data targeted by management data. And an area for inputting parent data information related to parent data to which the management data depends. Since the data targeted by the management data does not correspond to both the first data 81 and the second data 82, either the area for inputting the dependent data information or the area for inputting the parent data information There are cases where information is input in the case where no information is input. FIG. 8 shows a management data registration screen when inputting management data of the document name “AAA” shown in FIG. This management data registration screen is also a screen for inputting data management data of data of the document name “BBB”.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the download instruction is input from the download instruction receiving unit 51, the determination unit 60 sets the data of the data identification information included in the download instruction as processing target data, and management data corresponding to the processing target data 85 is read from the HDD 107. Then, the determination unit 60 determines a prohibition flag of the management data 85 corresponding to the processing target data, and outputs a prohibition instruction to the download unit 71 if the prohibition flag is “1” indicating prohibition of output. If the prohibition flag is not “1” indicating prohibition of output, nothing is output to the download unit 71. An output instruction for permitting output may be output. The determination unit 60 determines whether the processing target data is the first data 81. If the dependent data information is defined in the management data 85 corresponding to the processing target data, it is determined as the first data 81, and if the dependent data information is not defined, it is not determined as the first data 81. When determining that the processing target data is the first data 81, the determination unit 60 causes the prohibition signal transmission unit 61 to transmit a prohibition signal and causes the data attribute management unit 63 to prohibit the output of the processing target data. The prohibition signal includes data identification information for identifying the first data 81. The data attribute management unit 63 prohibits the output of the processing target data. Specifically, the prohibition flag of the management data 85 corresponding to the processing target data is rewritten to “1”. This prohibits the output of the data identification information data (first data 81) included in the download instruction. Further, the determination unit 60 refers to the subordinate data information of the management data 85 and determines whether or not the restriction process is restricted. If the restriction process is restricted, the subordinate data is specified, the prohibition signal transmitting unit 61 transmits a prohibition signal, and the data attribute management unit 63 is prohibited from outputting the subordinate data. The prohibition signal includes data identification information for identifying the second data 82. The data attribute management unit 63 prohibits the output of dependent data. Specifically, the prohibition flag of the management data 85 corresponding to the subordinate data is rewritten to “1”. Thereby, the output of the subordinate data (second data) subordinate to the data of the data identification information (first data) included in the download instruction is prohibited.

  In addition, when an image formation instruction is input from the image formation instruction receiving unit 53, the determination unit 60 sets data identification information data included in the image formation instruction as processing target data, and management data 85 corresponding to the processing target data. Are read from the HDD 107. Then, the determination unit 60 determines a prohibition flag of the management data 85 corresponding to the processing target data, and outputs a prohibition instruction to the image formation control unit 73 if the prohibition flag is “1” indicating prohibition of output. If the prohibition flag is not “1” indicating prohibition of output, nothing is output to the image formation control unit 73. An output instruction for permitting output may be output. The determination unit 60 determines whether the processing target data is the first data 81. When determining that the processing target data is the first data 81, the determination unit 60 causes the prohibition signal transmission unit 61 to transmit a prohibition signal and causes the data attribute management unit 63 to prohibit the output of the processing target data. This prohibits the output of the data identification information data (first data) included in the image formation instruction. Further, the determination unit 60 refers to the subordinate data information of the management data 85 and determines whether or not the restriction process is restricted. If the restriction process is restricted, the subordinate data is specified, the prohibition signal transmitting unit 61 transmits a prohibition signal, and the data attribute management unit 63 is prohibited from outputting the subordinate data. The prohibition signal includes data identification information for identifying the second data 82. As a result, output of subordinate data (second data) subordinate to the data (first data) of the data identification information included in the image formation instruction is prohibited.

  Further, when the change instruction is input from the change instruction receiving unit 55, the determination unit 60 sets the data of the data identification information included in the change instruction as processing target data, and sets management data 85 corresponding to the processing target data from the HDD 107. read out. Then, the determination unit 60 determines whether the processing target data is the first data 81. When determining that the processing target data is the first data 81, the determination unit 60 causes the prohibition signal transmission unit 61 to transmit a prohibition signal and causes the data attribute management unit 63 to prohibit the output of the processing target data. As a result, output of the data (first data) of the data identification information included in the change instruction is prohibited. Further, the determination unit 60 refers to the subordinate data information of the management data 85 and determines whether or not the restriction process is restricted. If the restriction process is restricted, the subordinate data is specified, the prohibition signal transmitting unit 61 transmits a prohibition signal, and the data attribute management unit 63 is prohibited from outputting the subordinate data. The prohibition signal includes data identification information for identifying the second data 82. Thereby, the output of the subordinate data (second data) subordinate to the data of the data identification information (first data) included in the change instruction is prohibited.

  Further, when the output prohibition instruction is input from the output prohibition instruction receiving unit 57, the determination unit 60 sets the data of the data identification information included in the output prohibition instruction as processing target data, and management data 85 corresponding to the processing target data. Are read from the HDD 107. Then, the determination unit 60 determines whether the processing target data is the first data 81. When determining that the processing target data is the first data 81, the determination unit 60 causes the prohibition signal transmission unit 61 to transmit a prohibition signal and causes the data attribute management unit 63 to prohibit the output of the processing target data. Thereby, the output of the data of the data identification information (first data 81) included in the output prohibition instruction is prohibited. Further, the determination unit 60 refers to the subordinate data information of the management data 85 and determines whether or not the restriction process is restricted. If the restriction process is restricted, the subordinate data is specified, the prohibition signal transmitting unit 61 transmits a prohibition signal, and the data attribute management unit 63 is prohibited from outputting the subordinate data. The prohibition signal includes data identification information for identifying the second data 82. Thereby, the output of the subordinate data (second data) subordinate to the data of the data identification information (first data) included in the output prohibition instruction is prohibited.

  When an instruction for transmitting a prohibition signal is input from determination unit 60, prohibition signal transmission unit 61 controls communication I / F 111 to transmit a prohibition signal to other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. As a result, in other MFPs 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, and 100 </ b> C, output of the processing target data determined by the determination unit 60 to be prohibited or its dependent data is prohibited.

  When the communication unit I / F 111 receives a prohibition signal from any of the other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, the prohibition signal receiving unit 65 receives the prohibition signal. Then, the output prohibition instruction including the data identification information included in the received prohibition signal is output to the output prohibition instruction receiving unit 57. Thus, any of MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C that are determined to prohibit output is prohibited from being output by MFP 100.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the first data management process. The first data management process is a process executed by CPU 101 when CPU 101 of MFP 100 executes a data management program stored in ROM 103. Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 101 determines whether an output instruction has been accepted. The output instruction includes a download instruction and an image formation instruction. If an output instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S02, and if so, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S02, it is determined whether data specified by the data identification information included in the output instruction is stored in HDD 107 or not. If such data is stored, the process proceeds to step S03, and if not stored, the process ends. Note that although it is determined here whether data is stored in the HDD 107, it may be determined whether the MFP 100 is stored in another device to be managed. For example, data stored in server device 200 connected to network 2 may be managed in MFP 100.

  In step S03, the management data stored in HDD 107 is searched. Specifically, the management data 85 including the data identification information included in the output instruction is extracted from the management data 85 stored in the HDD 107. In step S04, it is determined whether the data of the data identification information included in the output instruction is the second data 82 based on the management data extracted by the search. If it is the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S05, and if it is not the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S07. If the dependent data information is not defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the second data 82, and if the dependent data information is defined, it is not determined as the second data 82.

  In step S05, it is determined whether or not output of data of the data identification information included in the output instruction is prohibited. Referring to the prohibition flag of management data 85, if the prohibition flag is “0”, it is determined that the output is not prohibited, and the process proceeds to step S06. If the prohibition flag is “1”, the output is prohibited. And skips step S06 and proceeds to step S07. In step S06, the data (second data) of the data identification information included in the output instruction is output. Specifically, if the output instruction is a download instruction, the data identification information data included in the output instruction is transmitted to the MFP that has transmitted the download instruction among MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, and the output instruction is an image formation instruction. If so, the image of the data identification information included in the output instruction is formed.

  In step S07, it is determined whether the data of the data identification information included in the output instruction is the first data 81 or not. If it is the first data 81, the process proceeds to step S08, and if it is not the first data 81, the process ends. If the dependent data information is defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the first data 81. If the dependent data information is not defined, it is not determined as the first data 81.

  In step S08, it is determined whether or not data output of the data identification information included in the output instruction is prohibited. Referring to the prohibition flag of management data 85, if the prohibition flag is “0”, it is determined that the output is not prohibited, and the process proceeds to step S09. If the prohibition flag is “1”, the output is prohibited. The process is terminated. In step S09, data (first data 81) of data identification information included in the output instruction is output, and the process proceeds to step S10. Specifically, if the output instruction is a download instruction, the data identification information data included in the output instruction is transmitted to the MFP that has transmitted the download instruction among MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, and the output instruction is an image formation instruction. If so, the image of the data identification information included in the output instruction is formed.

  The process proceeds from step S09 to step S10 when the data identification information included in the output instruction is the first data 81. In step S10, the management data 85 of the first data 81 is updated to output prohibition. Specifically, the prohibition flag of management data is set to “1”. In the next step S11, the management data 85 of the second data 82 (subordinate data) related to the first data 81 is updated to output prohibition, and the process proceeds to step S12. Specifically, from the management data 85 stored in the HDD 107, the management data 85 including data identification information including the document name and storage device information defined in the subordinate data information of the first data 81 is extracted. Then, the prohibition flag of the management data 85 is set to “1”.

  In step S12, a prohibition signal is transmitted to MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. This prohibition signal includes at least data identification information included in the output instruction. Further, the prohibition signal includes data identification information for identifying the second data 82 whose output is prohibited in step S11 when step S11 is executed. For example, in the case of the specific example 3 shown in FIG. 5, the output of the chart A that is the second data 82 is prohibited. The processing executed in MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C that have received the prohibition signal is the same as that when MFP 100 receives the prohibition signal from any of MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, and the processing is described with reference to FIG. To do.

  In step S15, it is determined whether an output prohibition instruction has been accepted. The output prohibition instruction is received from the operation panel 119, the communication I / F 111, or the prohibition signal receiving unit 65. If an output prohibition instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S16; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S16, the management data 85 including the data identification information included in the output prohibition instruction is extracted. Based on the extracted management data, whether the data identification information data included in the output prohibition instruction is the second data 82 or not. Judge whether or not. If it is the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S17, and if it is not the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S18. If the dependent data information is not defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the second data 82, and if the dependent data information is defined, it is not determined as the second data 82. When it is determined that the data identification information data included in the output prohibition instruction is the second data 82, the management data 85 of the data identification information data included in the output prohibition instruction is updated to output prohibition in step S17. The process proceeds to step S18. Specifically, the prohibition flag of the management data 85 is set to “1”.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not the data of the data identification information included in the output prohibition instruction is the first data 81. If it is the first data 81, the process proceeds to step S10. If it is not the first data 81, the process ends. If the dependent data information is defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the first data 81. If the dependent data information is not defined, it is not determined as the first data 81.

  When the process proceeds from step S18 to step S10, the data specified by the data identification information included in the output prohibition instruction is the first data 81. In step S10, the management data 85 of the first data 81 is updated to output prohibition.

  On the other hand, in step S21, it is determined whether a change instruction has been accepted. Specifically, it is determined whether a change instruction has been received from the operation panel 119 or the communication I / F 111. The case where the change instruction is received from the communication I / F 111 includes, for example, the case where the change instruction for the first data 81 is received from the server device described in the second specific example. If a change instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process ends.

  Here, a specific example in which a change instruction for the first data 81 is received from the server device 200 will be described using the second specific example as an example. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print instruction screen displayed on the server device. Referring to FIG. 10, the print instruction screen includes a document name “AAA-1” obtained by changing the document name “AAA” in an area for specifying data to be printed. Also, the check box corresponding to the change instruction item is set to ON, and the document name “AAA” is set to the pre-change document name item. When a print instruction is input to server apparatus 200 in this state, an instruction to print data of the changed document name “AAA-1” is transmitted to MFP 100 and MFP “AAA” before the change is changed. A change instruction indicating that this has occurred is transmitted to MFP 100. This change instruction includes data identification information for identifying the document “AAA” before the change.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in step S22, the management data of the pre-change data included in the change instruction is searched. Specifically, the management data 85 including the data identification information of the data before the change included in the change instruction is extracted from the management data 85 stored in the HDD 107. In step S23, it is determined whether the data of the data identification information included in the change instruction is the second data 82 based on the management data 85 extracted by the search. If it is the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S24, and if it is not the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S25. If the dependent data information is not defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the second data 82, and if the dependent data information is defined, it is not determined as the second data 82. In step S24, the data before change included in the change instruction is changed to data after change, and the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not the data before the change is the first data 81. If it is the first data 81, the process proceeds to step S26, and if it is not the first data 81, the process ends. If the dependent data information is defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the first data 81. If the dependent data information is not defined, it is not determined as the first data 81.

  In step S26, the data before change included in the change instruction is changed to data after change, and the process proceeds to step S10.

  When the process proceeds from step S26 to step S10, the data specified by the data identification information included in the change instruction is the first data 81. In step S10, the management data 85 of the first data 81 is updated to output prohibition.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second data management process. The second data management process is a process executed by CPU 101 when CPU 101 of MFP 100 executes a data management program stored in ROM 103. Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 101 determines whether a prohibition signal has been received from one of MFPs 100A, 100B, or 100C (step S31). If a prohibition signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the process ends. That is, the second data management process is a process executed on condition that a prohibition signal is received from any of MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. The prohibition signal is a signal transmitted in step S12 by one of the MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C that executes the first data management process shown in FIG. 9, and identifies the first data 81 or the second data 82. Including at least data identification information. In other words, when the output of the first data 81 or the second data 82 is prohibited in any of the MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, the MFP 100 receives the data. For example, when MFP 100A transmits a prohibition signal, it is received by MFPs 100, 100B, and 100C that execute the second data management process, and the processes in and after step S32 are executed. Here, processing executed by MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  In step S32, the management data 85 including the data identification information included in the received prohibition signal is extracted. Based on the extracted management data, the data identification information included in the prohibition signal is the second data. Whether it is 82 or not is determined. If it is the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S33, and if it is not the second data 82, the process proceeds to step S34. If the dependent data information is not defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the second data 82, and if the dependent data information is defined, it is not determined as the second data 82. If the data of the data identification information included in the output prohibition instruction is determined as the second data 82, the management data 85 including the data identification information included in the prohibition signal is updated to output prohibition in step S33, and the process is performed. Proceed to step S34. Specifically, the prohibition flag of the management data 85 is set to “1”.

  In step S34, it is determined whether the data of the data identification information included in the prohibition signal is the first data 81 or not. If it is the first data 81, the process proceeds to step S35, and if it is not the first data 81, the process ends. If the dependent data information is defined in the management data 85, it is determined as the first data 81. If the dependent data information is not defined, it is not determined as the first data 81.

  In step S35, the management data 85 of the first data 81 is updated to output prohibition. Specifically, the prohibition flag of management data is set to “1”. In the next step S36, the management data 85 of the second data 82 (subordinate data) related to the first data 81 is updated to output prohibition, and the process ends. Specifically, from the management data 85 stored in the HDD 107, the management data 85 including data identification information including the document name and storage device information defined in the subordinate data information of the first data 81 is extracted. Then, the prohibition flag of the management data 85 is set to “1”.

  As described in the first specific example or the second specific example, when the common management data 85 is stored in each of the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, the prohibition signal transmitted in step S12 in FIG. It is sufficient to include data identification information for identifying the first data whose output is prohibited in step S10. For example, in MFP 100, the data management process shown in FIG. 9 is executed, and a prohibition signal including data identification information of the first data is transmitted to MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. Then, in each of MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, the data management process shown in FIG. 11 is executed, and the output of the first data specified by the data identification information included in the prohibition signal is prohibited (step S35). The output of the second data subordinate to the data is prohibited (step S36).

  Further, as described in the third specific example, when different management data 85 is stored independently in each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, after step S37 of FIG. A step of transmitting a prohibition signal to MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C is added. This prohibition signal includes data identification information for identifying the second data whose output is prohibited in step S35. Further, it is sufficient that the prohibition signal transmitted in step S12 in FIG. 9 includes data identification information for identifying the second data whose output is prohibited in step S11. For example, in MFP 100, the data management process shown in FIG. 9 is executed, and a prohibition signal including data identification information of chart A (second data) is transmitted to MFPs 100A and 100B. Then, in MFP 100A, the data management process shown in FIG. 11 is executed, and chart A specified by the data identification information included in the prohibition signal is determined as the first data (step S34), and chart A (first chart) Output of data) is prohibited (step S35), and output of chart B (second data) subordinate to chart A (first data) is prohibited (step S36). Then, a prohibition signal including data identification information for identifying chart B (second data) whose output is prohibited is transmitted to MFPs 100 and 100A.

  In MFP 100B, the data management process shown in FIG. 11 is executed, and chart A identified by the data identification information included in the prohibition signal received from MFP 100 is determined as the first data (step S34), and chart A The output of (first data) is prohibited (step S35), and the output of chart C (second data) subordinate to chart A (first data) is prohibited (step S36). Then, a prohibition signal including data identification information for identifying chart C (second data) whose output is prohibited is transmitted to MFPs 100 and 100A. When the chart 100 is downloaded from the MFP 100B in the MFP 100, 100A, the MPF 100, 100A is prohibited from outputting the chart C by executing the data management process shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, when MFP 100B receives the prohibition signal from MFP 100A, the data management process shown in FIG. 11 is executed, and chart B specified by the data identification information included in the prohibition signal is determined as the first data (step S34), the output of the chart B (first data) is prohibited (step S35). In this example, since the chart C has already been prohibited from being output when the prohibition signal is received from the MFP 100, it is not necessary to prohibit the output of the chart C (second data). When receiving a prohibition signal from MFP 100A, output of chart C (second data) associated with chart C (first data) by management data B is prohibited (step S36). Then, a prohibition signal including data identification information for identifying chart C (second data) whose output is prohibited is transmitted to MFPs 100 and 100A. When the chart 100 is downloaded from the MFP 100B in the MFP 100, 100A, the MPF 100, 100A is prohibited from outputting the chart C by executing the data management process shown in FIG.

  In this way, in MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, data output can be prohibited in a chained manner.

  As described above, MFP 100 according to the present embodiment stores management data 85 that defines the association between first data 81 and second data 82 in HDD 107, and instruction receiving unit 50 receives first data When an instruction for executing processing on the data or the second data 82 is received, the process execution unit 70 processes the first or second data 82 according to the received instruction. Further, the determination unit 60 determines whether to prohibit the output of the first data 81 based on the received instruction (step S08). When the determination unit 60 determines that the output of the first data 81 is prohibited, the data attribute management unit 63 controls the management data 85 to prohibit the output of the second data 82 associated with the first data 81. Is set to "1" (step S11). For this reason, when the output of the first data 81 of the related first data 81 and second data 82 is prohibited, the output of the second data 82 can be prohibited.

  When the change instruction receiving unit 55 receives a change instruction for changing the first data 81 (YES in step S15), the determination unit 60 determines that the output of the first data 81 is prohibited. The output of the second data 82 associated with the first data 81 can be prohibited (step 11).

  Further, the determination unit 60 receives the instruction to transmit the first data 81 to any one of the other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C (step S01), or the image formation instruction reception unit 53. Receives an instruction to form an image of the first data 81 (step S01), it is determined that the output of the first data 81 is prohibited (step S07), so that transmission of the first data 81 or image formation is performed. Thereafter, in a state where the first data 81 cannot be used, it is possible to prohibit the output of the second data 82 related to the first data 81 that cannot be used.

  Further, when the management data 85 common to the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C is stored, when the determination unit 60 determines that the output of the second data 82 related to the first data 81 is prohibited (step S11). The prohibition signal transmission unit 61 transmits a prohibition signal for prohibiting the output of the first data 81 to the other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C connected to the network 2 (step S12), and thus stores the common management data 85. It is possible to prohibit the output of the first data 81 or the second data 82 in each of the other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C (data management process in FIG. 11).

  Further, in the case where MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C each independently store different management data 85, when determining unit 60 determines to prohibit the output of second data 82 related to first data 81 ( In step S11), the prohibition signal transmission unit 61 transmits a prohibition signal for prohibiting the output of the second data 81 to the other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C connected to the network 2 (step S12). In other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C that store different management data 85, the output of the first data 81 or the second data 82 can be prohibited (data management process in FIG. 11).

  In the above-described embodiments, MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C have been described. However, the present invention is understood as a data management method and a data management program for causing a computer to execute the processes shown in FIGS. Needless to say, you can.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) It further comprises a changing means for changing the first data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines to prohibit the output of the first data in response to the change of the first data by the change unit.
(2) The output unit includes a transmission unit that transmits the first data or the second data to any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.
The determination unit determines to prohibit the output of the first data in response to receiving an instruction to transmit the first data to any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The information processing apparatus described in 1.
(3) In (2), the output prohibiting unit prohibits the transmitting unit from transmitting the second data to any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.
(4) In (2), when the output prohibiting unit prohibits the output of the second data related to the first data, the output of the first data or the second data is prohibited. The apparatus further includes prohibition signal transmission means for transmitting a signal to the plurality of image forming apparatuses.
(5) The output unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image of the first data or the second data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines that output of the first data is prohibited in response to receiving an instruction to form an image of the first data.
(6) In (5), the output prohibiting unit prohibits the image forming unit from forming an image of the second data.

It is a figure showing the whole information processing system outline in an embodiment of the invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st specific example of a data management method. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd specific example of a data management method. It is a figure for demonstrating the 3rd specific example of a data management method. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a CPU of an MFP together with data stored in an HDD. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of management data. It is a figure which shows an example of a management data registration screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 1st data management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the print instruction | indication screen displayed on a server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 2nd data management process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system, 2 networks, 50 Instruction reception part, 51 Download instruction reception part, 53 Image formation instruction reception part, 55 Change instruction reception part, 57 Output prohibition instruction reception part, 60 Judgment part, 61 Prohibition signal transmission part, 63 Data attribute management unit, 65 inhibition signal reception unit, 70 processing execution unit, 71 download unit, 73 image formation control unit, 81 first data, 82 second data, 85 management data, 100 MFP, 101 CPU, 103 ROM , 105 RAM, 107 HDD, 108 flash memory, 109 card I / F, 111 communication I / F, 113 scanner, 115 image forming unit, 117 FAX, 119 operation panel, 119A input unit, 119B display unit, 120 bus, 200 Server device.

Claims (11)

Storage means for storing management data defining an association between the first data and the second data;
Instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction for executing processing for the first data or the second data;
Processing execution means for processing the first data or the second data according to the received instruction;
Determining means for determining whether to prohibit the output of the first data based on the received instruction;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an output prohibiting unit that prohibits output of the second data associated with the first data based on a determination result by the determining unit. The instruction receiving means includes a change instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to change the first data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that output of the first data is prohibited in response to an instruction to change the first data being received by the change instruction reception unit. . The process execution means includes transmission means for transmitting the first data or the second data to another device connected to a network,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to prohibit the output of the first data in response to receiving an instruction to transmit the first data to the other apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output prohibiting unit prohibits the transmitting unit from transmitting the second data to another device.   When the output prohibiting means prohibits the output of the second data related to the first data, a signal for prohibiting the output of the first data or the second data is connected to the network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising prohibition signal transmission means for transmitting to the other apparatus. The output means includes image forming means for forming an image of the first data or the second data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to prohibit the output of the first data in response to an instruction to form an image of the first data.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output prohibiting unit prohibits the image forming unit from forming an image of the second data. An information processing system including a plurality of upper processing devices connected to a network,
Each of the plurality of information processing devices
Storage means for storing management data defining an association between the first data and the second data;
Instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction for executing processing for the first data or the second data;
Processing execution means for processing the first data or the second data according to the received instruction;
Determining means for determining whether to prohibit the output of the first data based on the received instruction;
An information processing system comprising: an output prohibiting unit that prohibits output of the second data associated with the first data based on a determination result by the determining unit. Each of the plurality of information processing devices
When the output prohibiting means prohibits the output of the second data related to the first data, a signal for prohibiting the output of the second data is sent to the other device connected to the network. 9. The information processing system according to claim 8, further comprising a prohibition signal transmission means for transmitting. An information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices connected to a network,
Storage means for storing management data defining an association between the first data and the second data;
Instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction for executing processing for the first data or the second data;
Processing execution means for processing the first data or the second data according to the received instruction;
Determining means for determining whether to prohibit the output of the first data based on the received instruction;
An information processing system comprising: output prohibiting means for prohibiting output of the second data associated with the first data based on a determination result by the determining means.   The information processing system according to claim 10, further comprising a server device including at least the storage unit.

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