JP2009010658A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which further improves workability of an image processor which a plurality of persons use. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor 1 can be used by a predetermined users who log in the information processor 1, and the information processor 1 is characterized to have a job control means 106 which controls to continuously execute a job during execution by the predetermined users even when the predetermined users log off. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

  In recent years, small portable storage media (removable memory media) have become widespread and are used as storage means for documents and captured images. Examples of such removable memory media include smart media, DVD (Didital Video Disk), CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), Compact Flash (registered trademark), multimedia card ( There are various storage media such as MMC), SD card (Secure Digital), and memory stick. An image processing apparatus having a print function for reading data stored in these storage media and outputting a predetermined number of images is installed in a store or the like and is generally available.

  On the other hand, when a storage medium is detachably attached to the media interface and data is input / output, an open / close type cover is provided on the media interface to prevent the storage medium from dropping or pulling out during the process. There is an example to attach. For example, an image printing apparatus that reads and prints out when a storage medium that stores image data of a photographic image taken by an imaging device such as a digital camera is inserted through the insertion port is provided with an openable / closable cover at the insertion port. There is an example of an image printing apparatus (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  As an image processing apparatus, a digital multifunction peripheral called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) in which a copy function, a facsimile function (FAX function), a print function, and a scanner function are combined is provided.

  In addition, there is an example in which an open / close type cover is attached to the media interface unit in order to prevent the storage medium from dropping or pulling out as described above, but the storage medium can be easily accessed even when accessing by opening the cover. May be removed.

For this reason, in order to prevent the opening / closing cover covering the portable storage medium from being freely opened in certain cases, the portable storage medium may be removed during access, such as when information is being written to or read from the portable storage medium. There is an example of an image processing apparatus and a method of using the image processing apparatus that are prohibited so as not to cause damage to the data and the operation of the OS (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
Japanese Patent No. 2838731 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-300334 JP 2007-110700 A

  Incidentally, in general, it is assumed that an image processing apparatus such as an MFP is shared by a plurality of people in a school, a company, or the like. Considering this point, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3, only a user who has logged in to the image processing apparatus can use the image processing apparatus. That is, while a specific user who has logged in is using the image processing apparatus, other users cannot use it.

  However, for example, when a specific user who has logged into the image processing apparatus starts writing information or reading information from the portable storage medium, other users cannot use the information until the writing of information or the reading of information is completed. For this reason, even if another user wants to use other functions such as copy and scanner of the image processing apparatus, it cannot be used, and the workability of the image processing apparatus is not good. That is, there is a problem that further improvement in workability of an information processing apparatus such as an image processing apparatus used by a plurality of people is desired.

  The present invention has been invented in order to solve this problem in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus that further improves the workability of an information processing apparatus used by a plurality of people. And

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that can be used by a predetermined user who logs in to the information processing apparatus, and executes a job being executed by the predetermined user. It can be configured to have job control means for controlling to continue execution even when a predetermined user logs off.

  In order to achieve the above object, the job control means of the present invention may further include the job control means according to the another user when the predetermined user logs off and another user different from the predetermined user logs in. It can be configured to prohibit the control of the job being executed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the job control means of the present invention further includes the job being executed by the predetermined user when the predetermined user logs off and the predetermined user logs in again. Can be configured to allow control of

  In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a removable memory media reader or a removable media writer, and the job being executed by the predetermined user is the removable memory media reader or the removable media. Information can be written to or read from a portable storage medium attached to the writer.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a media access control unit that controls writing or reading of information with respect to the portable storage medium, and writing or reading of information with respect to the portable storage medium. Access user information holding means for holding user information during execution of the user information, and the media access control means includes the user information held by the access user information holding means and the user logged in to the information processing apparatus. It can be configured to control writing or reading of information with respect to the portable storage medium in accordance with information.

  In order to achieve the above object, the media access control means of the present invention stores the information of the predetermined user by the access user information holding means, and the information processing apparatus has the predetermined user and When another different user logs in, the information can be configured to be prohibited from being written or read by the other user with respect to the portable storage medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus of the present invention displays and notifies that the writing or reading of information to or from the portable storage medium by the other user is prohibited. It can comprise so that it may have.

  In order to achieve the above object, the media access control means of the present invention is configured such that the information on the predetermined user is held by the access user information holding means, and the predetermined user is stored in the information processing apparatus. When the user logs in, the information can be written or read by the predetermined user with respect to the portable storage medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an open / close cover that covers the portable storage medium, and the open / close cover at least during writing of information to or reading of information from the portable storage medium. An opening operation blocking means for blocking the opening of the opening / closing mechanism, and the opening operation blocking means opens the opening / closing cover while the predetermined user is writing or reading information on the portable storage medium. It can be configured to prevent it.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, the opening operation blocking means of the present invention is based on user information held by the access user information holding means and information of a user who is logged in to the information processing apparatus. An operation for preventing the opening / closing cover from being opened can be controlled.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the opening operation prevention means of the present invention holds the information of the predetermined user by the access user information holding means, and the information processing apparatus and the predetermined user It can be configured to prevent the opening / closing cover from being opened when another different user logs in.

  In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is configured to include display control means for displaying and notifying that the opening / closing of the opening / closing cover by another user is prohibited. be able to.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the opening operation prevention means of the present invention holds the information of the predetermined user by the access user information holding means, and the information processing apparatus stores the predetermined user. It can be configured to allow the opening / closing cover to be opened when logged in.

  According to the present invention, the workability of an information processing apparatus used by a plurality of people can be further improved.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment]
(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a digital copying machine will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The present invention can also be applied to a computer device such as a general PC (Personal Computer).

  In FIG. 1, a digital copying machine 1 includes an external storage device 14, a first external media input / output device 15A, a second external media input / output device 15B (hereinafter collectively referred to as an external media input / output device (removable media reader or Removable media writer) 15)), a cover lock mechanism 16, a printing device 17, an image reading device 18, a display device 18, an input device 20, and the like are connected via a bus or the like.

  In addition, the facsimile data is exchanged with other facsimile machines via the FAX line 21, or the Internet 22 is connected to an external device via a communication control unit 23 such as a modem or a router. (Hereinafter referred to as a PC) 24 and a server computer (hereinafter referred to as a server) 25 are connected to exchange information.

  The digital copying machine 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown) for controlling the various devices connected to the digital copying machine 1. A memory unit, a FAX control unit, a LAN control unit, an input / output device control unit, a storage device control unit, an image processing control unit, and an input control unit are provided. In addition, it has a storage device composed of a built-in hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD) connected to the storage device control unit, a print control unit, an image reading control unit, a display control unit, etc. connected to the image processing control unit. is doing.

  The external storage device 14 is a storage device such as an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The external media input / output device 15 includes a multimedia card (registered trademark), smart media (registered trademark), memory stick (registered trademark), SD memory card (registered trademark), CD-ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, USB An input / output device for inputting / outputting information from / to each medium such as a memory (registered trademark).

  In the present embodiment, the first external media input / output device 15A is a media input / output device externally mounted on the digital copying machine 1, for example, and can be shared and used by users. On the other hand, the second external media input / output device 15B is a media input / output in which a portable storage medium connected to the second external media input / output device 15B is covered by an opening / closing cover (controlled by a cover lock mechanism 16 described later) that cannot be freely opened and closed This is an apparatus that can be used exclusively by a user who has logged into the image processing apparatus 1. Note that the second external media input / output device 15B uses the conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-110700.

  Here, the cover lock mechanism 16 writes information on the portable storage medium or stores information so that the opening / closing cover covering the portable storage medium connected to the second external media input / output device 15B cannot be freely opened. This is a locking mechanism that prohibits removal of the portable storage medium during access such as reading, so that data is not damaged and the operation of the OS is not hindered. Note that the cover lock mechanism 16 uses the conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-110700.

  The printing device 17 is an output device configured by a laser printer, an ink jet printer, or the like capable of monochrome, color, and duplex printing. The image reading device 18 is a device that reads a document image as electronic data by optical processing or the like. The display device 19 is an output device including a touch panel, a CRT, a liquid crystal, and the like.

  The input device 20 is a device for input composed of a touch panel and key buttons. Moreover, the apparatus for the input by the audio | voice comprised with a microphone may be sufficient.

  As described above, the digital copying machine 1 of the present embodiment controls the above-described various devices connected to (or included in) the digital copying machine 1.

  Further, the digital copying machine 1 can be used by a specific user who has logged in to the digital copying machine 1, and a job being executed by the specific user (for example, portable storage using the second external media input / output device 15B). Various functions of the digital copying machine 1 such as writing information to or reading information from the medium are controlled so as to be continuously executed even when a specific user logs off. In other words, even when a function of the digital copying machine 1 that can be used by a specific user who has logged into the digital copying machine 1 is being executed, the user can log off.

  Thereby, the workability of the image processing apparatus used by a plurality of people is further improved. The specific configuration will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Function structure)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the arrow which connects between each block shown in FIG. 2 represents the flow of a typical signal, Comprising: The function of each block is not limited.

  In FIG. 2, the digital copying machine 1 includes an input control unit 101, a display control unit 102, a login / logoff detection unit 103, a user information management unit 104, a session management unit 105, a job control unit 106, a job management unit 107, and a media access. A control unit 108, a lock control unit 109, and an access user information management unit 110 are included.

  The input control unit 101 performs control related to various input operations. For example, login information to the digital copying machine 1 is input by inputting a user name, a password, or the like in the input device 20. The display control unit 102 performs control related to various display operations. For example, the screen display content displayed on the display device 19 is controlled.

  The login / logoff detection unit 103 detects login / logoff to the digital copying machine 1. For example, the login / logoff is detected by comparing the input of the user name / password in the input control unit 101 with the registered user information of the digital copying machine 1 managed by the user information management unit 104. That is, it is synonymous with an authentication unit that performs user authentication. The registered user information is user information including a user name / password registered as a user who can use the digital copying machine 1 in advance.

  The session management unit 105 manages various sessions of the digital copying machine 1. Here, the session indicates a personal menu prepared for each user. That is, the personal menu associated with the user whose login / logoff is detected by the login / logoff detection unit 103 is managed. Thus, the logged-in user can exclusively use various functions of the digital copying machine 1. If there is no logged-in user, a common guest menu can be managed. Also, for example, the display control unit 102 is instructed to display the screen of the personal menu of the logged-in user.

  The job control unit 106 controls various jobs executed in the digital copying machine 1. The job here is, for example, a job for writing or reading information on a portable storage medium mounted on the external media input / output device 15, a job for printing output, a job for reading, a job for network communication, or the like. is there. Strictly speaking, various jobs generated based on job execution instructions by the user are managed by the job management unit 107, and the job control unit 106 controls various jobs managed by the job management unit 107. If the job is to write or read information to or from the portable storage medium attached to the external media input / output device 15, an instruction to that effect is given to the media access control unit 108 described later.

  The media access control unit 108 performs various access controls related to writing or reading of information with respect to the portable storage medium attached to the external media input / output device 15. The operation when the external media input / output device 15 is the first external media input / output device 15A and the second external media input / output device 15B will be briefly described below.

  The first external media input / output device 15A is a device that can be shared and used by users as described above. For example, when receiving an instruction to write or read information from or to the portable storage medium from the job control unit 106, the media access control unit 108 writes or reads information in accordance with the instruction.

  On the other hand, the second external media input / output device 15B is a device that can be used exclusively by the logged-in user as described above. For example, when receiving an instruction to write or read information from or to the portable storage medium from the job control unit 106, a user (obtained from the access user information management unit 110 described later) is different from the user who issued the instruction (obtained from the session management unit 105). ), When the writing or reading of information is being executed, exclusive control such as prohibiting writing or reading of information is performed. In this case, processing such as sending an instruction to display that information writing or reading is prohibited to the display control unit 102 is also performed. In this manner, the writing or reading of information with respect to the portable storage medium is controlled in accordance with the user information that is executing the writing or reading of information and the user information that is logged in to the digital copying machine 1.

  The lock control unit 109 performs lock / unlock control of the cover lock mechanism 16 that locks the open / close cover that covers the portable storage medium connected to the second external media input / output device 15B. For example, the cover lock mechanism 16 prevents the opening / closing cover from being opened at least during writing of information to the portable storage medium or reading of information. Thus, it has a function as an opening / closing cover opening operation blocking means.

  For example, when the job control unit 106 receives an instruction to write or read information on the portable storage medium via the media access control unit 108, if the cover lock mechanism is not unlocked, the user who issued the instruction Information is managed by the access user information management unit 110 and the cover lock mechanism 16 is locked to start writing or reading information to or from the portable storage medium. When the writing or reading of information is completed, the lock is released and unlocked. Hereinafter, a user who is executing writing or reading of such information is referred to as an access user.

  Further, when the cover lock mechanism 16 is locked, the following occurs. When user information different from the user who issued the instruction is managed by the access user information management unit 110 (that is, when information is being written or read by another user), information by the user who issued the instruction Writing or reading is prohibited.

  On the other hand, if the same user information as the instructing user is managed by the access user information management unit 110 (that is, writing or reading of information by the same user is being executed), the instructing is performed. Allows users to write or read information. When the writing or reading of information is completed, the lock is released and unlocked.

  In this way, the lock control unit 109 performs control of writing / reading information to / from the second external media input / output device 15B, control of locking / unlocking of the cover lock mechanism 16, and the like.

  With the configuration of the above function, the digital copying machine 1 is a digital copying machine 1 that can be used by a specific user who has logged in to the digital copying machine 1, and a specific user executes a job being executed by the specific user. Controls to continue execution even when logged off. Therefore, the workability of the image processing apparatus used by a plurality of people can be further improved.

(Example of operation)
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, an example of the operation between the units in the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a predetermined user logs in to the digital copying machine 1, a process of displaying a personal menu screen prepared for the predetermined user who has logged in by the digital copying machine 1 will be described using steps S1 to S8.

  In step S1, the input control unit 101 inputs logged-in user information (S1). Here, log-in information to the digital copying machine 1 is input by inputting a user name, a password, and the like by the user in the input device 20. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2, and the input control unit 101 transmits the input login information to the login / logoff detection unit 103 via the display control unit 102 (S2).

  In step S3, the login / logoff detection unit 103 that has received the login information detects the login by comparing the login information with the registered user information of the digital copying machine 1 managed by the user information management unit 104. (S3). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S4, and the login / logoff detection unit 103 transmits the logged-in user information to the session management unit 105 (S4).

  In step S5, the session management unit 105 starts a session associated with the logged-in user information received in step S4 (S5). Specifically, a personal menu prepared in advance for the logged-in user is started. Thus, the logged-in user can exclusively use various functions of the digital copying machine 1.

  In step S6, the session management unit 105 generates a screen display instruction for the logged-in user's personal menu (S6), and transmits the instruction to the display control unit 102 (S7).

  In step S8, the display control unit 102 that has received the screen display instruction displays the session screen for the logged-in user based on the instruction (S8). FIG. 4 is an example of a session screen for the logged-in user.

  On the screen of FIG. 4, the logged-in user uses the scanner function of the digital copying machine 1 by pressing a paper document button, for example, or presses a media document button to externally installed in the digital copying machine 1. Use a media document function such as writing or reading information using the media input / output device 15, or using a stored document function such as handling a document stored in the digital copying machine 1 by pressing the stored document button. Can be.

  Next, an operation when the logged-in user presses the media document button on the screen of FIG. 4, that is, an operation when a predetermined user logged in to the digital copying machine 1 uses the media document function of the digital copying machine 1. Will be described using steps S9 to S15.

  In step S9, the input control unit 101 inputs a media information display instruction (S9). Here, a media information display instruction to the digital copying machine 1 is input when the user presses the media document button on the input device 20. Here, the media information is information indicating whether or not the logged-in user can access the media to the external media input / output device 15, for example.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S10, and the input control unit 101 transmits the input media information display instruction to the display control unit 102 (S10). In step S11, the display control unit 102 that has received the media information display instruction generates a media information acquisition instruction based on the instruction (S11), and sends the generated media information acquisition instruction to the media access control unit 108. It transmits to (S12).

  In step S13, the media access control unit 108 that has received the media information acquisition instruction acquires the media information together with the lock control unit 109 (S13). Here, information indicating whether or not the logged-in user can access the media to the external media input / output device 15 is acquired.

  Specifically, when different user information different from the logged-in user is managed by the access user information management unit 110 (that is, information is being written or read by another user), media access is performed. Is not possible. On the other hand, an information writing or reading job is not being executed, or the same user information as the logged-in user is managed by the access user information management unit 110 (that is, information writing or reading by the same user is performed). Media access is possible.

  In step S14, the media access control unit 108 transmits the media information acquired in step S13 to the display control unit 102 (S14). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S15, and the display control unit 102 that has received the media information displays a screen indicating whether or not the media is accessible based on the instruction (S15). FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen indicating whether or not media access is possible.

  In FIG. 5, the first external media input / output device 15A is displayed with high luminance (color), and the second external media input / output device 15B is displayed with low luminance (gray). This indicates that the first external media input / output device 15A can access the media, and the second external media input / output device 15B cannot access the media. In this way, the user can log in by identifying and displaying the media accessible and the media inaccessible (in this case, the display is identified with high brightness and low brightness but is not limited to such a display method). The user can visually determine whether the media can be accessed.

  If the cover lock mechanism 16 is already locked, the external media input / output device 15 (or a portable storage medium attached to the external media input / output device 15) is displayed with half-intensity except for the same user who applied the lock. File selection can be prohibited. As a result, another user can log in immediately after job execution.

  Next, an operation when the logged-in user writes or reads information to or from the portable storage medium attached to the external media input / output device 15 will be described using steps S16 to S22.

  In step S16, the input control unit 101 inputs a job execution instruction (S16). Here, a job execution instruction for writing or reading information by the user is input through the input device 20. At this time, information to be written or read (for example, a file) is selected by the user, and the selected information to be written or read (for example, a file) is also input.

  In step S17, the input control unit 101 transmits the input job execution instruction to the job control unit 106 via the display control unit 102 and the session management unit 105 (S17).

  In step S18, the job control unit 106 that has received the job execution instruction generates a job (here, a job for writing or reading information on the portable storage medium attached to the external media input / output device 15) (S18). The execution instruction information based on the generated job is transmitted to the media access control unit 108 (S19).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S20, and the media access control unit 108 performs various access controls on the external media input / output device 15 and the cover lock mechanism 16 according to the received execution instruction information (S20). Here, information is written to or read from the portable storage medium attached to the external media input / output device 15, and the lock / unlock of the cover lock mechanism 16 is controlled. A detailed example of processing for step S20 and steps S21 to S24 described later will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S20, the media access control unit 108 or the display control unit according to various states related to access control, such as when a job cannot be executed because the external media input / output device 15 cannot be accessed, for example. Various instructions (job non-execution instruction, display instruction, etc.) are given to 102 (S21, S23). A detailed example will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S22, the job control unit 106 controls the job according to the instruction received in step S21 (S22). When the process proceeds to step S24, the display control unit 102 performs display control according to the instruction received in step S23 (S24). A detailed example will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Through the processes according to steps S16 to S23 described above, the user who has logged in the digital copying machine 1 writes or reads information to or from the portable storage medium attached to the external media input / output device 15.

(Media access control)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of operations related to media access control. The process according to steps S20 to S24 in FIG. 5 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  Here, description will be made assuming that the processing up to step S18 in FIG. 5 has been completed in advance. In other words, the user who has logged into the digital copying machine 1 selects an instruction to write or read information on the portable storage medium attached to the second external media input / output device 15B and information to be written or read. The description will be made assuming that the input is made. In the following description, transmission / reception of instruction information and the like between blocks is appropriately performed as necessary.

  First, the media access control unit 108 receives job execution instruction information from the job control unit 106 (S101). The processing here is the same as step S19 in FIG.

  In step S102, the media access control unit 108 acquires logged-in user information from the session management unit 105 (S102). Here, a process of acquiring user information that is currently logged into the digital copying machine 1 is performed.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S103, and the lock control unit 109 determines whether or not the second external media input / output device 15B or the cover lock mechanism 16 is in a locked state (S103). Here, the fact that the second external media input / output device 15B or the cover lock mechanism 16 is in the locked state means that information is written to the portable storage medium attached to the second external media input / output device 15B as described above. This is synonymous with reading being executed. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether there is a user who is executing writing or reading of information. The determination can be made based on whether there is a user managed by the access user information management unit 110.

  In step S103, when it is in the locked state (S103, YES), that is, when there is a user managed by the access user information management unit 110, the process proceeds to step S104. When it is not in the locked state (S103, NO), that is, when there is no user managed by the access user information management unit 110, the process proceeds to step S109.

  When the process proceeds to step S104, the lock control unit 109 determines whether the logged-in user and the access user are the same (S104). Here, the determination is made based on whether or not the logged-in user acquired in step S102 is the same as the access user managed by the access user information management unit 110.

  If the logged-in user and the accessing user are the same in step S104 (S104, YES), that is, if the user who is executing the job logs off and logs in again, the process proceeds to step S105. If the logged-in user and the access user are not the same (S104, NO), that is, if another user who is different from the user who is executing the job logs in, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S105, the media access control unit 108 determines whether the job being executed has ended (S105). When the job being executed is completed (S105, YES), the process proceeds to step S106. If the job being executed has not ended (S105, NO), the process returns to step S105.

  In step S105, the logged-in user can perform job control such as canceling the job being executed. Although the logged-in user can log off during the execution of the job, the job control unit 106 performs control so that the logged-in user continues to execute even when the logged-in user logs off.

  In step S106, the lock control unit 109 unlocks the second external media input / output device 15B and the cover lock mechanism 16 and deletes the access user managed by the access user information management unit 110. (S106).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S107, and the display control unit 102 displays an unlock dialog indicating that the lock has been released (S107). FIG. 7B is an example of a screen display of the unlock dialog.

  When the process proceeds to step S108, since another user different from the user who is executing the job has logged in, the job control unit 108 deletes the job instructed by another user (S108).

  When the user who is executing the job logs off and another user who is different from the user who is executing the job logs in by the processing according to step S108, the control of the job being executed by another user is prohibited. . This realizes exclusive control in the second external media input / output device 15B. At this time, another user can execute a job (for example, a scanner function, a print function, etc.) other than the job being executed. Therefore, the workability of the information processing apparatus used by a plurality of people can be further improved.

  When the process proceeds to step S109, the lock control unit 109 locks the second external media input / output device 15B and the cover lock mechanism 16, and registers the logged-in user in the access user information management unit 110 (S109). ).

  Note that when selecting information to be written or read, the lock is released and locked only when the job is executed. Thus, when selecting information to be written or read before job execution, the portable storage medium can be freely inserted and removed, and information can be safely read and written during job execution.

  When the information to be written or read is selected and started, the read / write command for the portable storage medium of the job is analyzed to lock the cover lock mechanism 16. In the case of only reading, when the information to be read in the portable storage medium is taken in, the lock is released. When writing is involved, the lock is released when writing is completed.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S110, and the display control unit 102 displays a lock dialog indicating that the lock has been performed (S110). FIG. 7A is an example of a screen display of the lock dialog.

  In step S111, the media access control unit 108 executes the job (S111). Here, the media access control unit 108 starts writing or reading information to or from the portable storage medium attached to the second external media input / output device 15B.

  When the process proceeds to step S112, the media access control unit 108 determines whether the job being executed has ended (S112). When the job being executed is completed (S112, YES), the process proceeds to step S113. If the job being executed has not ended (S112, NO), the process returns to step S112.

  In step S112, the logged-in user can perform job control such as canceling the job being executed. Although the logged-in user can log off during the execution of the job, the job control unit 106 performs control so that the logged-in user continues to execute even when the logged-in user logs off.

  In step S113, the lock control unit 109 unlocks the second external media input / output device 15B and the cover lock mechanism 16, and deletes the access user managed by the access user information management unit 110. (S113).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S114, and the display control unit 102 displays an unlock dialog indicating that the lock has been released (S114). FIG. 7B is an example of a screen display of the unlock dialog.

  Through the processing shown above, the digital copying machine 1 that can be used by a specific user who has logged in to the digital copying machine 1, and continues even when the specific user logs off a job being executed by the specific user And control to execute.

  Thus, for example, even if a specific user who has logged in to the digital copying machine 1 is writing information to or reading information from the portable storage medium, other users can perform other functions of the digital copying machine 1. You can use this if you want to use it. Therefore, the workability of the information processing apparatus used by a plurality of people can be further improved.

  The lock of the cover lock mechanism 16 may be provided with a two-stage switch that is half open and fully open. For example, the half-open state is such that the lock cannot be removed but the portable storage medium cannot be taken out, and the full-open state is such that the lock is released and the portable storage medium can be taken out. Thereby, the mechanical destruction at the time of forced unlocking can be avoided.

  If half-opening is detected while the cover lock mechanism 16 is locked, the process of writing information to or reading information from the portable storage medium is not stopped, but a warning dialog (see FIG. 8A) is displayed and the job is displayed. You can also choose to cancel or continue. When full opening is detected, the job is forcibly canceled, information writing to or information reading from the portable storage medium is immediately interrupted, and a warning dialog (see FIG. 8B) is displayed to display the media card. Can protect from destruction.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the portable storage medium can be incorporated into the machine operation unit, but an external lockable storage device can be handled in the same manner. Since the lock cannot be easily released here, the half-open control can be made unnecessary.

  Furthermore, it can be set not to perform lock control. If there is no lock, you can always use the media slot. This mode is suitable for use by a small number of people who have an understanding of media card operation.

  Furthermore, when performing media lock control, a warning dialog may be opened to prompt the user to close the cover if the cover is already open at the start of the job. If there is no media card, a warning dialog may be displayed unconditionally.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations with other elements listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the digital copying machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the session screen for the logged-in user. It is an example of a display screen of whether or not media access is possible. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which concerns on media access control. It is an example of the display screen concerning media access control. It is another example of the display screen concerning media access control.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Copier 14 External Storage Device 15 External Media Input / Output Device 15A First External Media Input / Output Device 15B Second External Media Input / Output Device 16 Cover Lock Mechanism 17 Printing Device 18 Image Reading Device 19 Display Device 20 Input Device 101 Input control unit 102 Display control unit 103 Login / logoff detection unit 104 User information management unit 105 Session management unit 106 Job control unit 107 Job management unit 108 Media access control unit 109 Lock control unit 110 Access user information management unit

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus that can be used by a predetermined user who has logged into the information processing apparatus,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a job control unit configured to perform control so that a job being executed by the predetermined user is continuously executed even when the predetermined user logs off.   The job control unit further prohibits the control of the job being executed by the different user when the predetermined user logs off and another user different from the predetermined user logs in. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The job control means further permits the control of the job being executed by the predetermined user when the predetermined user logs off and the predetermined user logs in again. 2. The information processing apparatus according to 2. Equipped with removable memory media reader or removable media writer,
The job being executed by the predetermined user is writing or reading of information to or from a portable storage medium mounted on the removable memory media reader or removable media writer. The information processing apparatus according to item. Media access control means for controlling writing or reading of information with respect to the portable storage medium;
Access user information holding means for holding user information during execution of writing or reading information on the portable storage medium;
The media access control unit controls writing or reading of information with respect to the portable storage medium in accordance with user information held by the access user information holding unit and information of a user who is logged in to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.   The media access control means, when the information on the predetermined user is held by the access user information holding means, and when another user different from the predetermined user logs in to the information processing apparatus, the portable storage medium 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein writing or reading of information by the another user is prohibited.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising display control means for displaying and notifying that writing or reading of information to or from the portable storage medium by another user is prohibited.   The media access control means, when the information on the predetermined user is held by the access user information holding means and when the predetermined user logs in to the information processing apparatus, the predetermined user for the portable storage medium The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information writing or reading is permitted. An opening / closing cover that covers the portable storage medium; and an opening operation blocking means that prevents the opening / closing cover from being opened at least during writing of information to or reading of information from the portable storage medium,
9. The opening / closing means for preventing the opening / closing cover from being opened while the predetermined user is writing or reading information to / from the portable storage medium. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims.   The opening operation prevention unit controls an operation of preventing the opening / closing cover from being opened according to user information held by the access user information holding unit and information of a user who is logged in to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.   The opening operation prevention means opens the opening / closing cover when the information on the predetermined user is held by the access user information holding means and another user who is different from the predetermined user logs in to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the information processing apparatus is prevented.   12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising display control means for displaying and notifying that the opening / closing of the opening / closing cover by another user is prohibited.   The opening operation preventing means permits the opening / closing cover to be opened when the information on the predetermined user is held by the access user information holding means and the predetermined user logs in to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.

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