JP2009080775A - Printing history management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an image forming apparatus to store and print an electronic document and to collectively delete electronic documents having a use relation when deleting the stored electronic document even when setting of the stored electronic document is changed and used. <P>SOLUTION: When the image forming apparatus 30 deletes a print job (or setting change print job) stored in a job storage part 230, a related job deletion request function 237 requests a document management device 50 to delete a related job by using the management ID of the print job (setting change print job). In the document management device 50, a relative job collective deletion function 255 specifies an old management ID corresponding to the management ID included in the related job deletion request, and an image forming apparatus 30 which stores the electronic document having the management ID including the value of an ID created on the basis of the old management ID, and collectively deletes the related job from the job storage part 230 of the image forming apparatus 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print history management system.

  A system is known in which devices such as a client terminal, an information management server, and a multifunction peripheral are connected to each other, and information generated by the client terminal, information obtained by scanning with the multifunction peripheral, and the like are stored and managed in the information management server. .

  In this type of system, various information is stored in the document management server, etc., and the contents of the information, expiration dates, etc. are diverse. Therefore, it is desirable to delete unnecessary information to improve information management efficiency. It is.

  As an example of this type of system, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-228620 discloses an electronic device stored in a storage unit for the purpose of quickly searching for and deleting unnecessary information from the storage unit and securing the capacity of the storage unit. The feature amount of the information is extracted in advance, and it is determined whether or not the electronic information stored in the storage unit is a deletion target based on the feature amount instructed by the client or the like, and the deletion target electronic information is deleted from the storage unit Technology is disclosed.

Further, Patent Document 2 below discloses a printing apparatus in which a user of a box can easily know who printed an image in the box and how many people printed it.
JP 2002-132547 A JP 2006-168020 A

  According to the present invention, even when an electronic document is stored and printed by an image forming apparatus and used after changing settings, the electronic document having a usage relationship can be collectively deleted when the stored electronic document is deleted. An object is to provide a history management system.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention of a printing history management system according to claim 1 is directed to a document processing apparatus that gives an instruction to print an electronic document, and the electronic document is stored in a specified information storage unit based on the printing instruction. An image forming apparatus that stores and prints, and a management apparatus that manages an operation history of the electronic document, wherein the document processing apparatus uses the management identification information of the electronic document when printing the electronic document. Printing history registration requesting means for requesting registration of the electronic document, the image forming apparatus, when the print setting of the electronic document stored in the information storage unit is changed, the management identification information of the electronic document before the setting change The setting change history registration requesting means for requesting the registration of the history of the setting change using, and when deleting the electronic document stored in the information storage unit or the changed electronic document, the deleted electronic document Stored document deletion requesting means for requesting deletion of a related stored document using management identification information of the document, and the management device receives the print history registration request from the document processing device and the setting change history registration Based on the request, new management identification information having the management identification information as the old management identification information is generated, and the operation of the electronic document in the image forming apparatus corresponding to the combination of the new management identification information and the old management identification information Management means for managing history, and old management identification information corresponding to the management identification information based on the stored document deletion request from the image forming apparatus, and management identification information generated based on the old management identification information A batch deletion unit that batch-deletes an electronic document having management identification information including a value from the information storage unit of the image forming apparatus;

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the management apparatus receives a request for deleting an electronic document whose registration history is managed by the management unit from the document processing apparatus, and receives the electronic document. Delete means for deleting the old management identification information corresponding to the management identification information of the electronic document deleted by the deletion means, and the management identification information generated based on the old management identification information The electronic document having the management identification information including the value of is deleted at once from the information storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the management unit is configured to print a plurality of copies of the electronic document after the setting change in the setting change history registration request from the image forming apparatus. Is included, the management identification information unique to each number of copies is generated, the change history of each electronic document is managed corresponding to each management identification information, and the image forming apparatus includes the management unit Means for obtaining the management identification information from each of them and assigning the management identification information corresponding to each number of copies of the setting change electronic document re-saved after the change setting.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the management device includes a print restriction information management unit that manages print restriction information corresponding to the management identification information, and the image. Response sending means for judging whether the printing is permitted based on the print restriction information corresponding to the management identification information used in the request based on the printing permission judgment request from the forming apparatus, and sending out the permission judgment result as a response. Then, when printing the electronic document stored in the information storage unit, the image forming apparatus requests the print permission / rejection determination using the management identification information of the electronic document, and the response to the permission determination request Printing permission / inhibition control means for controlling permission / inhibition of printing of the electronic document according to the permission / inhibition determination result sent out as a response from the sending means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the management device is configured to update the electronic document before the update based on the updated electronic document registration request from the document processing device. Based on an information change status query from the image forming apparatus, a new management identification information for the management identification information is generated, and the registration history of the updated electronic document is managed in association with the new management identification information. A distribution unit configured to acquire and distribute the updated electronic document associated with the new management identification information to the image forming apparatus when there is new management identification information corresponding to the management identification information used; The forming apparatus includes a query unit configured to inquire about an information change status regarding whether or not the management identification information of the electronic document has been changed during the setting change printing of the electronic document in the information storage unit; Receiving the updated electronic document distributed from the management apparatus to the inquiry distribution changing circumstances, the electronic document of the setting change print target; and a replacement means for replacing the said updated electronic document.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the print job stored in the confidential box is deleted by the user in the image forming apparatus, the original of the print job held by the apparatus and another image forming apparatus is stored. It is possible to delete a print job using this document and a box-stored print job whose settings have been changed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the print job stored in the confidential box of the image forming apparatus is deleted from the client terminal, the box stored print job whose settings have been changed can be deleted simultaneously.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of jobs stored in a confidential box are printed by the image forming apparatus, a management ID is assigned to each job, and even when distributed, it can be managed in units of jobs.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when printing a job stored in a confidential box by the image forming apparatus, the management server can be inquired to control whether or not printing is possible and editing restrictions. It is possible to regulate printing of multiple copies, single-sided printing of documents that can be printed only on both sides, and the like.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the job stored in the confidential box is changed by the image forming apparatus, even when the original management ID is updated, it can be updated and printed with the latest document contents.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a document operation history management system according to the present invention.

  In this system, a plurality of client terminals 10 (10-1, 10-2,...), An image forming apparatus 30, and a document management apparatus 50 are connected by a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like. It is configured to be connected via a configured network (NW) 90.

  2 to 4, for example, each device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a main memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a peripheral storage unit. As a hard disk, an input interface, a communication interface, and the like.

  In the system configuration of FIG. 1, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 and document management apparatuses 50 may be arranged.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the client terminal 10 in FIG.

  The client terminal 10 is realized by a general-purpose computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). As shown in FIG. 2, the input / operation unit 11 including an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, various kinds of information such as operation guidance and operation state. A display unit 12 for displaying information, a storage unit 13 for storing various information such as operation programs, a control unit 14 for controlling the entire apparatus, and a communication interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 30 and the document management apparatus 50 via the NW 90 The communication interface (I / F) unit 15 is configured to manage.

  The control unit 14 has various operations [generation, storage (registration), display (viewing), editing, editing, etc. on a document file (electronic document data: hereinafter referred to as an electronic document) according to a predetermined operation on the input / operation unit 11 Information registration process for registering information such as an electronic document, document operation authority information, meta information related to the above operation on the document, and the document management apparatus. 50, an information registration / acquisition unit 142 that performs information acquisition processing for acquiring information such as an electronic document and document operation authority information from 50, and a print job of an electronic document to be printed based on a predetermined print instruction operation in the input / operation unit 11 The print job generation unit 143 that generates and sends to the image forming apparatus 30, and the information registration / acquisition unit 142 registers meta information by performing various operations on the document. Management attribute information generation for generating attribute information related to the operation, such as management identification information (management ID) for managing the operation, operator identification information, operation status (IP address of the used terminal, operation date / time, etc.) Unit 144, a user authentication control unit 145 that controls user authentication in cooperation with the user attribute information management function in the document management apparatus 50 when operating the electronic document, and the information registration / acquisition unit 142 operates when the electronic document is operated. A document processing permission control unit 146 that performs document processing permission control whether to execute or prohibit the document processing based on document operation authority information acquired from the document operation authority (policy) management function of the management apparatus 50 is provided. Is done.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 30 in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 30 is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as document reading (scanning), copying (copying), printing (printing), FAX (facsimile communication), and the like, as shown in FIG. A scanning unit (scanner unit) 31 that scans an image of a manuscript (paper document) set thereon and converts it into an electrical image signal (image data), and a scan obtained by scanning a paper document by the scanning unit 31 An image processing unit 32 that performs image processing for generating print data from data and a print job sent from the client terminal 10, a storage unit 33 that stores various information such as scan data and operation programs, and an image processing unit 32 Forming an image corresponding to the print data on a recording medium (recording paper) by executing an electrophotographic process based on the print data generated by 4. Display / operation unit 35 including a large-sized bitmap display having a touch panel function, a control unit 36 that controls the entire apparatus, such as operation control of each part related to each function such as scanning, copying, printing, and FAX, a client A communication interface (I / F) unit 37 that controls a communication interface when communicating with the terminal 10 or the document management apparatus 50 via the NW 90 is provided.

  The control unit 36 includes a print control unit 361, a setting change control unit 362, an information registration / acquisition unit 363, a job deletion control unit 364, a user authentication control unit 365, and a document processing permission / inhibition control unit 366.

  The print control unit 361 receives print data from the image processing unit 32 based on a print job received from the client terminal 10 through the communication I / F unit 37 or scan data obtained by scanning a paper document by the reading unit 31. Print control is performed so that the image forming unit 34 forms (prints) an image based on the print data on a recording sheet and outputs it as a paper document.

  The setting change control unit 362 performs a process of changing the setting of a print job stored in a confidential box 331 provided in the storage unit 331, for example, based on an instruction operation from the display / operation unit 35.

  The confidential box is a storage area for storing scanned data, received facsimile data, etc., and can be used like a post office box by setting it in units of users or departments. .

  When a paper document scan or copy operation is performed, the information registration / acquisition unit 363 generates document attribute information including a document ID for identifying a document derived by the operation, and the document attribute Information processing for registering information together with meta information related to the operation, and operation authority information related to the scan or copy based on the document ID extracted from the scan data at the time of the scan or copy from the document management device 50 Information acquisition processing such as acquiring.

  The job deletion control unit 364 performs processing for deleting a print job stored in the confidential box 331.

  The user authentication control unit 365 obtains a user ID and password for identifying the user from the user when scanning or copying a paper document, and cooperates with the document management apparatus 20 to perform user authentication based on the user ID and password. Control.

  After completion of user authentication by the user authentication control unit 365, the document processing permission / rejection control unit 366 cooperates with the document management apparatus 50, for example, an addition extracted from scan data obtained by scanning a paper document image by the reading unit 31. Based on the data (document ID) and the user ID acquired from the user at the time of user authentication, the operation authority regarding the document processing (scan, copy, FAX transmission, etc.) for the corresponding document is acquired from the document management apparatus 50, and the acquired operation Based on the authority, the document processing permission / inhibition control of whether to execute or prohibit the document processing (scan, copy, FAX transmission, etc.) is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the document management apparatus 50 in FIG.

  The document management apparatus 50 includes a general-purpose computer. As shown in FIG. 4, the document management apparatus 50 includes a communication interface (I / F) unit 51 that controls a communication interface when communicating with the client terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 via the NW 90. A storage unit 52 for storing various information such as operation programs, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a storage device 53 for storing information such as an electronic document requested for registration from the client terminal 10, and control of the entire device. The control part 54 to perform is comprised and comprised.

  The control unit 54 receives various information registration or acquisition requests from the client terminal 10 or the image forming apparatus 30, and performs registration or search execution of the requested information, which will be described later, an information management unit 542 or an information acquisition / distribution processing unit 543. The requested information (electronic document, document operation authority information, meta information at the time of electronic document or paper document operation, etc.) based on the information registration instruction from the processing request receiving unit 541 and the processing request receiving unit 541 52 or the storage device 53, and information requested for acquisition (document operation authority information, user authentication information) based on an information search instruction from the information management unit 542 and the processing request reception unit 541 that manage the registered information. Etc.) from the storage unit 52 or the storage device 53, and the information acquisition / distribution processing unit 543 that performs processing for distributing to the requesting device, the image forming apparatus A user authentication control unit 544 that performs authentication control of the user based on the user ID input by the user when the user uses the user 30, for example, the box storage print job is deleted from the confidential box 331 in a certain image forming apparatus 30. At this time, based on a request from the image forming apparatus 30, each image forming apparatus 30 that stores a print job having a derivative relationship with the print job in the confidential box is specified, and the confidential box of each image forming apparatus 30 is stored. A job deletion control unit 545 that performs control to delete the print job from 331 at once is provided.

  In the system of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the user can generate an electronic document using the client terminal 10 and register it in the document management apparatus 50, and can also generate the electronic document generated (or acquired from the document management apparatus 50). The image forming apparatus 30 can be instructed to print and print out.

  In particular, in this system, the image forming apparatus 30 has a configuration in which, for example, a confidential box 331 (see FIG. 3) assigned to each user is provided in the storage unit 33.

  As a result, the user designates the confidential box 331 of the desired image forming apparatus 30 from the client terminal 10 to instruct box storage printing of the electronic document, and stores the electronic document print job in the confidential box 331. Printing can be performed.

  In addition, the user can execute a print job stored in the confidential box 331 using the image forming apparatus 30, and can change the setting (print setting, etc.) of the print job under the control of the setting change control unit 362. Can execute the print job after the change.

  Assuming such a configuration, in this system, even when a print job is stored in the confidential box 331 and the stored print job is changed and stored, the document management apparatus 50 can execute a print job (in the confidential box 331). New and old management identification information (management ID) so that the derivation relationship (usage relationship) between the original print job) and the print job (changed print job) saved by changing the setting of the original print job can be identified For example, when the original print job or the changed print job is deleted from the confidential box 331, the old ID corresponding to the management ID of the deleted print job and the old ID are used. A print job having a management ID including the generated ID value can be collectively deleted from the confidential box 31 of the corresponding image forming apparatus 30.

  In order to realize this function, each device of the system according to the present invention has a processing function indicated by each reference numeral in the system configuration in FIG.

  For example, in the client terminal 10, when an instruction operation for registering an electronic document generated by the user in the document management apparatus 50 is performed, the information registration / acquisition unit 142 performs management corresponding to the document by the operation attribute information generation unit 144. A registration history that generates an ID (for example, using a document ID that identifies the document) and notifies the document management apparatus 50 of the management ID and requests registration (generation) of an operation history related to the document registration It has a generation request function 210.

  The information registration / acquisition unit 142 also provides the document management apparatus 50 with the management ID of the electronic document when the user saves and prints the generated (or acquired) electronic document in the confidential box 331 of the image forming apparatus 30. A storage print history registration request function 215 for notifying the printing content and requesting registration of the box storage print history is provided.

  In the image forming apparatus 30, the storage unit 34 stores a print job of the electronic document based on a box storage print instruction of the electronic document from the client terminal 10 [confidential box 331 (see FIG. 3). Correspond to].

  The control unit 36 also has a job setting change function 233 [setting change control unit 362 (setting change control unit 362) that changes the setting of the print job stored in the job storage unit 230 in response to a predetermined key operation on the display / operation unit 35. When the print setting of the print job stored in the confidential box 331 is changed by the job setting change function 233, the management ID of the print job before the setting change is sent to the document management apparatus 50. When deleting the setting change history registration request function 235 for notifying the setting change history and notifying the setting change history, and deleting the print job (stored print or setting change print job) stored in the confidential box 331, Related job deletion request function 2 for notifying the document management apparatus 50 of the management ID of the deleted print job and requesting deletion of the related job of the print job And a 7.

  In the document management apparatus 50, the information management unit 542, based on the registration history generation request from the client terminal 10 (registration history generation request function 210), the management ID included in the request and the print content included in the request. A registration history management function 250 for registering and managing as an operation history (document registration history) in a later-described document operation history management table 521 (see FIG. 5) and a client terminal 10 (stored print history registration request) Based on the stored print history registration request from the function 215) and the setting change history registration request from the image forming apparatus 30 (setting change history registration request function 235), the management ID included in the request is set as the old management ID. A new management ID is generated, and stored printing and setting change operations are performed in the image forming apparatus 30 corresponding to the combination of the new and old management IDs. Registration history in the document operation history management table 521, and an operation history management function 253 to manage.

  Further, the control unit 54 generates based on the old ID corresponding to the management ID included in the request and the old ID based on the stored job deletion request from the image forming apparatus 30 (related job deletion request function 237). In response to the ID, the operation history management function 253 searches the operation history of saved printing and setting change managed using the document operation history management table 521, and uses the operation history from the operation history. The old ID corresponding to the management ID included in the stored job deletion request and the ID generated based on the old ID are identified from the corresponding confidential box 331 of the image forming apparatus 30. And a related job batch deletion function 255 for batch deletion of print jobs having a management ID including the value of.

  FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of document operation history information registered in the document operation history management table 521 of the document management apparatus 50.

  In FIG. 5, a document operation history management table 521 includes an operation ID, a management ID (managing an operation history of an operated job), a user ID, an operation date / time, a use terminal (IP address), and an operation content (print content). Document operation history information including each information item such as) is registered.

  In the registration information item, the management ID is a derivation source ID [old ID (for managing a derivation source job) for a job derived by operations such as document registration, box saving printing, and setting change saving of a box saving printing job. Old ID)] and a derivative ID [new ID (New ID)] for managing the derived job.

  As a result, for a derived job resulting from an operation performed without using a derivation source, such as newly registering a document or newly executing box-save printing, the management ID is the ID of the derivation job (new ID). ) Only.

  In the registration information of the document operation history management table 521, the information in the column indicated by the reference numeral (A) indicates that the user with the user ID = 00001 is the client terminal 10 with the IP address = 123.456.789.11. This is document operation history information registered when an electronic document consisting of six pages (sheets) is registered in the document management apparatus 50 at 15:00 on September 10, 2006.

  In this operation, for example, only a new ID having a value of “10001: management ID of registration target electronic document” is registered as the management ID.

  The information in the column indicated by the symbol (B) is that the user with the user ID = 00001 is the client terminal 10 with the IP address = 123.456.789.011, September 10, 2006, 16:50. In addition, the electronic document consisting of the above six pages is registered when the confidential box 331 of an image forming apparatus 30 is designated and stored in a box with the setting of [6 sheets, duplex, 1 copy, box storage printing]. Document operation history information.

  In this operation, for example, an old ID having a value of “10001: management ID of electronic document to be printed” and a new ID having a value of “10001-11”, for example, are registered as management IDs. The

  Also, the information in the column indicated by reference numeral (C) indicates that the user with user ID = 00001 is [6 sheets, both sides] in the confidential box 331 by the image forming apparatus 30 with the IP address = 123.456.789.311. , 1 copy, box saved print] is registered when a print job saved at 16:52 on September 10, 2006 is changed to a print setting of [6 sheets, 1 side, 2 copies]. Document operation history information.

  In this operation, as the management ID, for example, an old ID having a value of “10001-11: Management ID of change setting target print job” and a new ID having a value of “10001-11-1”, for example. Are registered in combination.

  The information in the column indicated by reference numeral (D) is document operation history information registered when printing is started on the image forming apparatus 30 based on the print job after the setting change, and reference numeral (E) The information in the column indicated by is document operation history information registered when printing based on the print job after the setting change in the image forming apparatus 30 is completed.

  In these print start and print end operations, for example, an old ID having a value of “10001-11-1: management ID of post-change setting print job to be printed” and “10001-11-1”, respectively. -1 (corresponding to printing start) "and a new ID having values of" 10001-11-1-2 (corresponding to printing end) "are registered in combination.

  Also, the information in the column indicated by the symbol (F) is that the user with the user ID = 00005 is [6 sheets, both sides] in the confidential box 331 by the image forming apparatus 30 with the IP address = 123.456.789.311. , 1 copy, box-save printing] is registered when a print job saved at 10:00 on September 11, 2006 is changed to a print setting of [6 sheets, duplex, 1 copy]. Document operation history information.

  In this operation, as a management ID, for example, an old ID having a value of “10001-11: Management ID of print job to be changed”, and a new ID having a value of “10001-11-2”, for example. Are registered in combination.

  The information in the column indicated by reference numeral (G) is document operation history information registered when printing is started on the image forming apparatus 30 based on the print job after the setting change. Reference numeral (H) The information in the column indicated by is document operation history information registered when printing based on the print job after the setting change in the image forming apparatus 30 is completed.

  For these print start and print end operations, for example, an old ID having a value of “10001-11-2: management ID of post-change setting print job to be printed” and “10001-11-2”, respectively. -1 (corresponding to printing start) "and a new ID having values of" 10001-11-2-2 (corresponding to printing end) "are registered in combination.

  Also, the information in the column indicated by reference numeral (I) indicates that the user with the user ID = 00001 has [6 sheets, both sides] in the confidential box 331 by the image forming apparatus 30 with the IP address = 123.456.789.311. , 1 copy, box-save printing], which is document operation history information registered when a print job saved at the setting of 10:01 on September 11, 2006 is deleted.

  In this operation, as the management ID, for example, an old ID having a value of “10001: management ID of the original document of the print job to be deleted” and a value of “10001-11: management ID of the print job to be deleted”, for example. Is registered in combination with a new ID having.

  The information in the columns indicated by the symbols (j) and (k) is that the user with the user ID = 00001 is the image forming apparatus 30 with the IP address = 123.456.789.311 and the (I) column. The print job whose operation history is managed in [the print job stored in the confidential box 331 with the setting of (6 sheets, duplex, 1 copy, box storage print)] is September 11, 2006 at 10:01. This is document operation history information that is registered by simultaneously deleting two box-storing print jobs having the old ID (= 10001) value of the deleted print job.

  When deleting these two box-storing print jobs, for example, an old ID having a value of “10001: management ID of the original document of the print job” and “10001-12 (depending on the original document) And a new ID having a value of “10001-13 (management ID of the third box storage print job by the original document)”.

  When deleting a print job whose operation history is managed in the code (I) field, a branch number is added to the new ID (= 10001-11) of the deleted print job according to its derivation. Each print job having values of new IDs (= 10001-11-1) and (= 10001-11-2) [setting change print job whose operation history is managed in the above-mentioned code (C) column and (F) column ] Are deleted at the same time as the box-storing print job whose operation history is managed in the above (J) and (K) fields, these operation histories are not shown in FIG. ing.

  Furthermore, in the document management apparatus 50, when the information management unit 542 receives a registration history generation request for an electronic document from the client terminal 10, registration history information [for example, information in the column (A) in FIG. 5] is displayed. ), The electronic document requested to be registered is stored in, for example, a free area of a database (DB) provided in the storage device 53, and the storage location is assigned a management ID (for example, notified by the document registration request). In addition, a processing function for registering and managing in a registered document management table (TB) 522 provided in the storage unit 52 in association with the document ID for identifying the document requested to be registered is further provided.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an information management form using the storage device 53 and the registered document management table 522 in the document management device 50.

  According to the example of FIG. 6, by receiving a registration / history generation request for the electronic document 1 from the client terminal 10, for example, prior to registration of the document operation history information in the column (A) in FIG. 1 is stored in ftp: // xxxx of the storage device 53, the storage location of the electronic document 1 (= ftp: corresponding to the document ID of the electronic document 1 (= 10001: management ID of the document 1)) // xxxx) information is registered.

  Similarly, a registration history generation request for the electronic documents 2, 3,... Is received from the client terminal 10, and the electronic documents 2, 3,... Are stored in ftp: // xxxx, ftp: // xxxx, When stored in..., Each electronic document corresponds to the document ID (= 10002: management ID of the document), (= 10003: management ID of the document),. 2, 3,... Storage locations ftp: // xxxx, ftp: // xxxxz,... Are registered.

  Further, the information management unit 542 manages the operation authority information for each document using, for example, an operation authority management table (TB) 523 provided in the storage unit 52.

  In order to perform this control, for example, the information management unit 542 receives input of operation authority information of the document from the user following the generation and registration of the document registration operation history described above (see step S1081 in FIG. 9). The input operation authority information is set in the operation authority management table 523.

  FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of information registered in the operation authority management table 523 in the document management apparatus 50.

  According to the operation authority management table 523 of this example, the operation permission / rejection conditions for each security level related to various document operations such as browsing, printing, scanning, copying, etc., corresponding to the document ID of the registered electronic document [for example, The presence of flag “1” indicates permission, and the absence of flag “1” prohibits operation].

  Here, the security levels a, b, and c can be classified by, for example, titles of general employees, general managers, officers, and the like.

  On the other hand, the information management unit 542 uses, for example, a user attribute information management table (not shown) provided in the storage unit 52 to associate which title (security level) the user belongs to. Information is held and managed.

  As a result, when the user uses the client terminal 10 or the image forming apparatus 30, the user ID of the user is captured, and the security level (title) corresponding to the user ID is specified with reference to the user attribute information. Furthermore, the operation permission / inhibition control for the document can be realized by specifying the operation permission / inhibition condition of the security level for the document operation from the operation authority management table 523.

  The operation authority information set in the operation authority management table 523 includes, in addition to the settings described above, information indicating conditions for restricting printing [printing is permitted, printing is permitted only on one side (or both sides), monochrome ( Alternatively, it may be set such that printing is permitted only in color).

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the system of the present invention (see FIG. 1) formed by communication-connecting each device having the above-described functional configuration.

  In FIG. 8, a document 1 is generated by the client terminal 10-1 and registered in the document management apparatus 50 (see reference numeral “1” in the figure), and the document 1 is stored in the image forming apparatus 30-1 as necessary. By instructing box storage printing a plurality of times (see reference numerals “2a-1”, “2a-2”, and “2a-3”), print jobs (Job11), (Job12), and (Job13) are stored in the confidential box 331. Similarly, the confidential box 331 is instructed to store and print the document 1 in the image forming apparatus 30-2 a plurality of times (see reference numerals “2b-1” and “2b-2”). The print jobs (Job 21) and (Job 22) are stored in the print job (Job 21), and then the setting of the print job (Job 11) based on the box storage print instruction is changed in the image forming apparatus 30-1 (see "3a-1" in the same). The print job (Job 11-1) is executed, and the print job (Job 11) is changed (see "3a-2" in the same description) and executed as the print job (Job 11-2). 30-1 deletes the print job (Job11) in the confidential box 331 ("4a"), or the document 1 stored in the storage device 53 of the document management device 50 from the client terminal 10-1. Is an example of an operation mode of deleting (4b).

  According to the system configuration of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 (see FIG. 1), the box storage printing of a document from the client terminal 10-1 to the image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2 in the operation mode shown in FIG. (Or setting change of the print job stored in the confidential box 331 is performed in the image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2), the management ID of the document (same print job). And a saved print history registration request (same setting change history registration request) including the print setting contents (same change setting contents) are sent to the document management apparatus 50. In the document management apparatus 50, the operation history management function 253 A branch ID is added to the management ID (old ID) included in the saved print history registration request (same as setting change history registration request) to generate a new ID corresponding to the box saved printing (same setting change) operation, Document operation history In the management table 521, the Xin, registered a save printing history in association with the old ID (the same, setting change history), to management.

  Thereafter, when the print job (or the print job after the setting change) stored in the confidential box 331 is deleted in the image forming apparatus 30-1, the related job deletion request function 237 sends the related job deletion request function 237 to the document management apparatus 50. Using the management ID of the print job (setting change print job), the related job deletion request is made. In the document management apparatus 50, the related job batch deletion function 255 has an old job ID corresponding to the management ID included in the related job deletion request. The image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2 that store the print job having the ID and the management ID including the ID value generated based on the old ID are specified, and the image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30- The corresponding related jobs are collectively deleted from the second confidential box 331.

  Based on the operation mode illustrated in FIG. 8, the processing operation in the system of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control sequence between the client terminal 10 and the document management apparatus 50 related to document generation and registration processing in the system of the present invention.

  9, the client terminal 10 instructs the application unit 141 to start an application (document processing application) based on a predetermined user operation on the input / operation unit 11 (step S101). When the document generation menu is selected by the user, an editing screen is displayed on the display unit 12, the input of document information is accepted, and a document is generated (step S102).

  When the generation of the document is completed, the operation attribute information generation unit 144 monitors whether the user has performed a document registration operation on the document management apparatus 50 using the input / operation unit 11 (step S103).

  Here, when a document registration operation is performed (YES in step S103), for example, the electronic document data is identified by a method such as allowing a user to input a desired document ID using the registration setting screen displayed on the display unit 12. A document ID is generated (step S104).

  In step S102, for example, a process of acquiring electronic document data from a document management apparatus 50 other than the document management apparatus 50 specified as the registration destination in step S103 is also permitted, and the acquired electronic document data is processed. If the registration operation is performed (YES in step S103), a document ID corresponding to the electronic document data may be acquired (step S104).

  The document ID is generated (or acquired) by the above processing (step S102), and the registration operation is performed (YES in step S103), whereby the document ID is generated (or acquired) (step S104), and the information registration / The acquisition unit 142 registers the electronic document data generated (or acquired) in step S102 (step S105) and the registration history of the document corresponding to the document ID generated (or acquired) in step S104. The registration process (step S106) is performed sequentially.

  In the registration process of electronic document data in step S105, the information registration / acquisition unit 142 is designated as a registration destination an electronic document registration request including the electronic document data and the document ID (generated or acquired in step S104). The document is sent to the document management apparatus 50 (step S1051).

  On the other hand, in the document management apparatus 50, when the electronic document registration request sent from the client terminal 10 is received by the processing request reception unit 541, the information management unit 542 stores, for example, the electronic document included in the registration request. The data is stored in a database (DB) provided in the device 53, and the storage location and the document ID included in the registration request are associated with each other, for example, registered in the registered document management table 522 provided in the storage unit 52 (see FIG. 6) (step S501: electronic document registration process).

  Further, during the document registration history processing in step S106, the information registration / acquisition unit 142 generates a document ID generated by the operation attribute information generation unit 144 when generating the electronic document data, and various metadata (operation An operation history registration request (registration history generation request) including attribute information is sent to the document management apparatus 50 (step S1061).

  In this processing, the operation attribute information generation unit 144 uses the user ID of the user who generated the document, the generation date and time of the document, the IP address of the client terminal 10 that generated the document, and the document as the metadata. Information such as operation contents (in this case, “registration”: including setting contents such as the number of pages, the number of copies, single-sided printing, and double-sided printing) is generated.

  In contrast, when the document management apparatus 50 receives the registration history generation request sent from the client terminal 10 by the processing request reception unit 541, the information management unit 542 handles the document ID and various metadata included in the request. In addition, for example, it is stored as document operation history information (see FIG. 5) in the document operation history management table 521 of the storage unit 52 (step S502: electronic document operation history registration processing).

  As a specific example, when registering the electronic document 1 generated in step S102 from the client terminal 10 shown in FIG. 6, for example, the document ID (==) included in the registration history generation request from the client terminal 10 is displayed. 10001) and the metadata of the document, the document operation history management table 521 has an entry with the document ID (= 10001) as the new ID as shown in the column (A) in FIG. Is newly created, and the user ID, operation date, user terminal (IP address), and operation type information item fields in the entry include user users included as metadata in the registration history generation request. Each information of the ID, the date and time of generation of the document, the IP address of the client terminal, and the operation content (= “registration”, 6 sheets) is stored as operation (registration) history information.

  In addition, when registering the electronic document data and metadata in the above steps S105 and S106, the client terminal 10 also performs an operation authority registration setting process for the registered electronic document data.

  In this case, for example, the operation authority registration setting process monitors whether or not there is an operation authority setting request after completion of the electronic document data and metadata registration processes in steps S105 and S106 (step S107). If there is a request (YES in step S107), an authority setting request including setting content information input by the user is sent to the document management apparatus 50 (step S1081), and the document management apparatus 50 receives the document authority setting request and receives an information management unit. What is necessary is just to perform the process (step S503) which 542 sets this setting content to the operation authority management table 523.

  As a result, in the operation authority registration process for the electronic document 1 and its electronic document 1 (document ID = 1001) after the registration of the above-described electronic document 1, the operation authority management table 523 includes browsing, printing, scanning, copying, and the like. For each item, for example, document operation authority information having the contents shown in FIG. 7 is set.

  In this case, for example, regarding the operation authority related to “printing”, not only permission [= flag “1”] and non-permission [= flag “none”], but also how many sheets are permitted to be printed and what type Printing restriction information such as whether to permit printing (single side / double side) is also set.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control sequence between the client terminal 10, the image forming apparatus 30, and the document management apparatus 50 related to the electronic document printing process in the system of the present invention.

  In the electronic document printing process shown in FIG. 10, for example, the client terminal 10 activates an application in the same manner as in step S101 in FIG. 9 (step S111), and further converts the electronic document data by the same process as in step S102 in FIG. Generate or acquire (step S112).

  When the generation (or acquisition) of the electronic document data ends, the operation attribute information generation unit 144 monitors whether or not the user has performed a print start operation on the electronic document using the input / operation unit 11 (step S113). When a print start operation is performed with the desired image forming apparatus 30 as an output destination (YES in step S113), a document ID for identifying a derived document by printing the electronic document is generated (or acquired). (Step S114).

  Next, the print job generation unit 143 generates a print job for the electronic document data based on the electronic document data generated (or acquired) in step S112 and the print setting specified by the print start operation in step S113. Generate (step S115).

  At this time, when box storage printing is designated for the confidential box 331, in addition to an instruction to draw electronic document data as an image, an instruction to perform the box storage printing, a box number of the confidential box 331, a specific A print job including the print setting contents is generated.

  When the generation of the print job is completed, the information registration / acquisition unit 142 then registers an operation history related to box storage printing of the electronic document in association with the document ID generated (or acquired) in step S114. The process of requesting (Step S116) is performed.

  In this stored printing operation history registration request processing, the information registration / acquisition unit 142 sends a stored printing history registration request including the document ID, print setting contents, and various metadata (operation attribute information) related to the document printing to the document management apparatus 50. (Step S1161).

  When sending the saved printing operation history registration request, the operation attribute information generating unit 144 uses the user ID of the user who printed the document, the date and time when the document was printed, and the output destination of the document as the metadata. Information such as the IP address of the image forming apparatus 30 and the operation content (in this case, “box storage printing”: including specific print setting content).

  In contrast, when the document management apparatus 50 receives the stored print history registration request sent from the client terminal 10 by the processing request reception unit 541, the information management unit 542 causes the document ID (stored print target to be included) included in the request to be received. A branch ID is added to the document ID: basic number) of the document to generate a new ID corresponding to the box storage printing operation (step S511), and the new ID and the old ID (included in the storage printing history registration request). Corresponding to a management ID that is a pair of document IDs), the various metadata received by the stored print history registration request is stored in the document operation history management table 521 as document operation (box stored print) history information (see FIG. 5). (Step S512: Box Save Print History Registration Process)

  As a specific example, for example, when the box storage printing of the electronic document 1 (see FIG. 6) acquired from the storage device 53 of the document management apparatus 50 in step S112 is included in the storage printing history registration request from the client terminal 10. In the document operation history management table 521 based on the document ID (= 10001) to be stored and the metadata related to the box storage printing, as shown in the column (B) in FIG. A new ID (= 10001-11) with a branch number added to the document ID (= 1001) is generated, and the new ID and the old ID (management ID before adding the branch number = document ID of document 1) are combined. An entry having a management ID is newly generated, and in each information item column of the user ID, operation date / time, user terminal (IP address), and operation content in the entry, The user ID of the user included in the existing print history registration request as metadata (00001 in this example), the date and time when the document 1 was stored in the box (September 10, 2006, 16:50), Each information of the IP address (123.456.789.11) of the client terminal 10 that has instructed the document 1 to be stored in a box and the operation content (= “same, box storage printing”, 6 sheets, duplex, 1 copy) Stored as operation (printing) history information of the document.

  When the registration of the box-save print history in step S512 is completed, the information management unit 542 performs processing for notifying the client terminal 10 to that effect (step S513). At that time, the information management unit 542 transmits a registration completion notification including the new ID generated in step S511 to the client terminal 10 (step S5131).

  On the other hand, when the client terminal 10 receives the registration completion notification from the document management apparatus 50, the print job generation unit 143 causes the NW 90 to pass through the communication I / F unit 15 based on the print job generated in step S115. Then, the image forming apparatus 30 is instructed to perform box storage printing (step S117).

  Here, in addition to the above print job, the box storage print instruction includes the new ID included in the registration completion notification received from the client terminal 10 and the box number of the confidential box 331 that is the storage destination.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 30 receives the box storage print instruction from the client terminal 10 through the communication I / F unit 37, the print control unit 361 causes the print job, new ID, After extracting the box number, the print job is printed according to the print setting contents designated in the confidential box 331 having the box number, and is associated with the new management ID in the confidential box 331. Processing for storing as a box storage print job is performed (step S301: box storage print processing).

  In this state, the user can select and execute a print job stored in the confidential box 331, change the print setting of the print job, re-save the print job, and change the print job based on the changed setting. Can also be executed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a control sequence between the image forming apparatus 30 and the document management apparatus 50 related to a printing process based on a box storage print job in the system of the present invention.

  In the image forming apparatus 30, when performing a printing process based on a box storage print job, the user first performs a user authentication operation.

  In order to accept the user authentication operation, the user authentication control unit 365 displays, for example, an operation guidance for prompting the user ID and password to be input on the display / operation unit 35, and the user ID input by the user according to the input operation guidance. Then, user authentication processing is performed based on the password (step S311).

  In this user authentication process, the user authentication control unit 365 sends a user authentication request including the user ID and password (user authentication information) input by the user to the document management apparatus 50.

  On the other hand, when the document management apparatus 50 receives the user authentication request sent from the image forming apparatus 30 by the processing request receiving unit 541, the user authentication processing unit 545 receives the user ID and password included in the user authentication request. A password extracted by searching a user attribute information management table (not shown) using the user ID as a key, the user ID is registered, and a password registered corresponding to the user ID; User authentication processing is performed to determine whether the user authentication is OK or NG depending on whether or not they match (step S521), and the determination result (user authentication result) is sent to the image forming apparatus 30.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 30 receives the user authentication determination result sent from the document management apparatus 50, the user authentication control unit 365 determines whether the determination result is user authentication OK or user authentication NG, and user authentication is performed. In the case of OK, control is performed so as to accept the start operation of various functions by the user.

  Here, when executing the box storage print job, the user operates the display / operation unit 35 to select a desired confidential box 331, and displays the print job list in the confidential box 331 displayed on the panel. Specifies a desired print job and instructs to start printing.

  At that time, as described above, the user performs an operation of instructing to print the box-storing print job as it is or instructing to print after changing the setting.

  In order to accept such user operation, the print control unit 361 monitors whether or not a box selection operation has been performed after completion of the user authentication process (step S312), and if a box selection operation has been performed (YES in step S312), A list of print jobs stored in the selected confidential box 331 is displayed (step S313), and it is monitored whether there is a setting change instruction operation for an arbitrary print job while the list is displayed (step S313). S314).

  If there is a job setting change instruction (YES in step S314), the setting change control unit 362 accepts a setting change setting operation by the user and changes the print setting (step S315). It is checked whether or not there has been a print instruction operation for the print job (print job after the setting change) (step S316).

  On the other hand, if there is no job setting change instruction in step S314 (NO in step S314), it is then checked whether or not there has been a print instruction operation for an arbitrary print job in the display list (step S316).

  In step S316, when a print instruction operation is performed for the print job after the setting change or the non-setting change print job (YES in step S316), the document processing permission control unit 366 performs a document processing authority inquiry process (step S316). S317).

  In this document processing authority inquiry process, the document processing permission / inhibition control unit 366 receives the user ID acquired from the user in the user authentication process in step S311 and the management ID (document ID) of the print job instructed to print in step S316. The document processing authority inquiry request including this is sent to the document management apparatus 50 (step S3171).

  On the other hand, in the document management apparatus 50, when the document processing authority inquiry request sent from the image forming apparatus 30 is received by the processing request reception unit 541, the information acquisition / distribution processing unit 543 performs authority information based on the document processing authority inquiry request. Search distribution processing is performed (step S522).

  In this authority information search / distribution process, the information acquisition / distribution processing unit 543 extracts the user ID and management ID (document ID) included in the received document processing authority inquiry request, and then authority corresponding to the extracted user ID. The level [a, b, c (determined according to job title, etc.)] is acquired from a user attribute management table (not shown), and the acquired authority level and the management ID received together with the user ID ( Using the document ID) as a key, from the operation authority management table 523 (see FIG. 7), the authority information related to “printing” in the authority information associated with the management ID (document ID) is checked, and the authority information is obtained. The image forming apparatus 30 is notified (step S5221).

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 30, the document processing permission / refusal control unit 366 receives the authority information sent from the document management apparatus 50 (step S 318), analyzes the authority information, and takes print restrictions into consideration. Then, it is determined whether or not the print job instructed by the user in step S316 can be executed (step S319).

  If it is determined that the print job cannot be executed (not permitted in step S319), an error message indicating that is displayed on the display / operation unit 35 (step S320), and then the standby state is entered. Return.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S319 that the print job instructed to be printed by the user can be executed (permitted in step S319), the print control unit 361 cooperates with the information registration / acquisition unit 363 and the like. Then, printing based on the print job is executed (step S330).

  Details of the print processing operation (stored print job execution processing operation) in step S330 will be described with reference to a control sequence between the image forming apparatus 30 and the document management apparatus 50 shown in FIG.

  The print process (stored print job execution process) shown in FIG. 12 is performed in step S319 of FIG. 11 by determining that the stored print job instructed to be printed by the user can be executed (permitted in step S319). Be started.

  When the process proceeds to the stored print job execution process (step S330), the print control unit 361 refers to the progress of the processes in steps S313 to S316, and the print instructed in step S316 targets the print job after the setting change. It is checked whether the print job is to be processed or a non-setting change print job (step S331).

  Here, if it is determined that the print is for a non-setting change print job (NO in step S331), the print control unit 361 prints print data in the image processing unit 32 based on the print job as usual. Print control is performed so that the image forming unit 34 forms and outputs an image based on the print data on a recording sheet (step S334).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print is intended for the setting change print job (YES in step S331), the information registration / acquisition unit 363 generates the source of the post-setting change print job instructed for printing in step S316. In association with the management ID managed in correspondence with the print job (print job before the setting change), processing for requesting registration of the operation history related to the setting change printing is performed (step S332).

  In the setting change print history registration request processing, the information registration / acquisition unit 363 manages the document for the setting change print history registration request including the management ID, print setting contents, and various metadata (operation attribute information) regarding the setting change printing. The data is sent to the device 50 (step S3321).

  At this time, the information registration / acquisition unit 363 uses the user ID of the user of the setting change printing, the execution date and time of the setting change printing, the user terminal of the setting change printing (the setting change printing is performed as the metadata). Information such as the IP address of the image forming apparatus 30 and the operation content (in this case, “print change”: including specific print setting content) is generated.

  On the other hand, in the document management apparatus 50, when the processing request reception unit 541 receives the setting change print history registration request sent from the image forming apparatus 30, the information management unit 542 branches to the management ID included in the request. A new ID corresponding to the change setting box storage printing operation is generated by adding a number (step S531), and the new ID and the old ID (management ID included in the setting change printing history registration request) are paired. Corresponding to the ID, various metadata received by the setting change printing history registration request is stored in the document operation history management table 521 as document operation (setting change box storage printing) history information (see FIG. 5) (step S532: Setting change print history registration process).

  As a specific example, for example, for the box storage print job (management ID = 10001-11) of the document 1 stored and printed in the confidential box 331 by the series of processes of FIG. 10, the above steps S314 and S315 (FIG. 11), the setting change is made and the print instruction is issued (step S316: see FIG. 11), the management included in the setting change print history registration request from the image forming apparatus 30 is performed. Based on the ID (= 10001-11) and the metadata related to the setting change printing, the document operation history management table 521 stores the original box for the management ID as shown in the column (C) in FIG. A new ID (= 10001-11-1) is generated by adding a branch number to the print job management ID (= 10001-11). An entry having a management ID formed by combining D (management ID before adding a branch number = management ID of the original box-storing print job) is newly generated, and the user ID, operation date / time, and usage in the entry are generated. In each information item column of the terminal (IP address) and operation content, the user ID of the user (00001 in this example) included as metadata in the change setting print history registration request, the execution date and time of the change setting printing (September 10, 2006, 16:52), the IP address (123.456.789.311) of the image forming apparatus 30 that performed the change setting printing, and the operation content (= ”, 6 sheets, 1 side, 2 copies) are stored as operation history information of the setting change printing.

  When the registration of the setting change print history in step S532 is completed, the information management unit 542 performs processing for notifying the image forming apparatus 30 to that effect (step S533). At that time, the information management unit 542 transmits a registration completion notification including the new ID generated in step S531 to the image forming apparatus 30 (step S5331).

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 30 receives the registration completion notification from the document management apparatus 50, the print control unit 361 extracts the new management ID from the registration completion notification, and then performs step S316 (see FIG. 11). The print job after the setting change instructed for printing is printed in the confidential box 331 according to the print setting contents changed in steps S314 and S315 (see FIG. 11), and the new management ID is set. Correspondingly, the setting change print job is stored in the confidential box 331 (step S333).

  When the storage of the setting change print job is completed, the print control unit 361 causes the image processing unit 32 to generate print data based on the print job after the setting change, and the image forming unit 34 generates an image based on the print data. Is printed on the recording paper and output (step S334), and then the process returns to step S312 in FIG. 11 to resume the operation of monitoring whether or not the box selection operation has been performed.

  As can be seen from the series of processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the system of the present invention, every time the box storage print job stored in the confidential box 331 is changed and executed in the image forming apparatus 30, The document management apparatus 50 generates a management ID composed of a pair of a new ID and an old ID for the print job after the setting change, and uses the document operation history management table 521 to correspond to the management ID, Metadata (setting change printing history) such as a user terminal and changed printing settings) is registered and managed.

  For example, according to the document operation history management table 521 illustrated in FIG. 5, in the image forming apparatus 30-1 illustrated in FIG. 8, the box storage print job (= Job 1) is [“Box storage print”, “6 sheets”. , “Double-sided”, “1 copy”] is changed to [“6 sheets”, “Single-sided”, “2 copies”] and the job is executed, the code (C) The setting change history as shown in the column and the printing execution (start and end) history shown in the (D) and (E) columns are stored and managed.

  Further, after that, in the image forming apparatus 30-1, the box storage print job (= Job1) is changed from the original setting of ["Box storage print", "6 sheets", "both sides", "1 copy"]. When the setting is changed to [“6 sheets”, “duplex”, “1 copy”] and the job is executed, the setting change history as shown in the reference numeral (F) column, and (G) and ( The printing execution (start and end) history shown in the column H) is stored and managed.

  Next, in the management state of the operation history information as described above, when the box storage print job is deleted from the confidential box 331 in the image forming apparatus 30 or when the client terminal 10 accesses the document management apparatus 50 and stores the box. A processing operation when a document subject to print history management is deleted will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a control sequence with the document management apparatus 50 related to the box storage print job deletion process in the image forming apparatus 30-1 in the system of the present invention.

  In the image forming apparatus 30-1, the user operates the display / operation unit 35 to select a desired confidential box 331, and selects a desired print job from the stored job list in the confidential box 331 displayed on the panel. You can delete it by specifying.

  In order to deal with such user operations, the job deletion control unit 364 monitors whether or not a box selection operation has been performed during standby (step S341), and if a box selection operation is performed (YES in step S341), the selection is performed. A list of print jobs stored in the confidential box 331 is displayed (step S342), and whether or not an end operation has been performed while the list is displayed, and whether there is an operation for requesting deletion of an arbitrary print job. It is sequentially checked whether or not (Steps S343 and S344).

  If an end operation is performed during the list display (YES in step S343), the process returns to the standby state, and the processing from step S341 is continued.

  On the other hand, when the operation for deleting an arbitrary box storage print job is performed while the list display is not being performed (NO in step S343) (YES in step S344), the job deletion control unit 364 performs the specified operation. The print job is deleted from the confidential box 331 (step S345).

  Next, the job deletion control unit 364 reads the management ID of the deleted print job, and performs processing for requesting deletion of the related job using the management ID (step S346).

  In this processing, the job deletion control unit 364 sends a related job deletion request including the management ID of the deleted print job to the document management apparatus 50 (step S3461).

  In contrast, when the document management apparatus 50 receives the related job deletion request sent from the image forming apparatus 30-1 by the processing request reception unit 541, the job deletion control unit 545 controls the management ID included in the deletion request. The related job batch deletion process based on the above is executed (step S540).

  In this process, the job deletion control unit 545 first searches the management ID column in the document operation history management table 521 using the management ID included in the received related job deletion request as a key, and creates a new ID that matches the management ID. The old ID corresponding to is specified.

  Next, the box saved print history having the specified old ID and the ID generated based on the old ID (the old ID + the ID having the branch number value) as the old ID, and the change setting print history are used as the document operation history. A search is made from the management table 521, and the image forming apparatus 30 that is a user terminal of the box storage printing and change setting printing is specified from the IP address in the box storage printing history and the change setting printing history.

  In the image forming apparatus 30 specified here, the old ID corresponding to the management ID included in the related job deletion request received from the image forming apparatus 30-1 by the document management apparatus 50 and the old ID from the above processing flow. All related jobs (for print jobs deleted by the image forming apparatus 30-1) having a management ID including the value of the ID (management ID generated based on the old ID) with the branch number added to The image forming apparatuses are held in the respective units, for example, 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 (step S541).

  Next, the job deletion control unit 545 instructs the specified image forming apparatuses 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 to collectively delete related jobs (step S542). At that time, the job deletion control unit 545 gives the old ID corresponding to the management ID included in the received related job deletion request to all the specified image forming apparatuses 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3, and A related job batch delete instruction including the old ID + branch number as a delete key is sent (step S5421).

  On the other hand, in each of the image forming apparatuses 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 that has received the related job batch deletion instruction from the document management apparatus 50, the job deletion control unit 364 includes the related job batch deletion instruction. Associated with the ID including the value of the deleted key (that is, the old ID corresponding to the management ID included in the stored document deletion request from the image forming apparatus 30-1 and the management ID including the old ID + the branch number value) Jobs (box storage print job and setting change print job) are collectively deleted from the corresponding confidential box 331 (step S350).

  According to the in-box stored job deletion process based on the control sequence shown in FIG. 13, for example, in the confidential box 331 of the image forming apparatus 30-1, as shown in FIG. The settings of the box storage print jobs 11, 12, 13 and the print job 11 managed by the management IDs (= 10001-11), (= 10001-12), (= 10001-13) were changed. , Setting change print jobs 11-1 and 11-2 managed by management IDs (= 10001-11-1) and (= 10001-11-2) are stored, and the image forming apparatus 30- In the second confidential box 331, box storage print jobs 21 and 22 managed by management IDs (= 10001-21) and (= 10001-22) are stored, respectively. In the image forming apparatus 30-1, for example, when the print job 11 is deleted from the confidential box 331, a related job deletion request including the management ID (= 10001-11) of the deleted print job 11 is document management. Sent to the device 50.

  When the document management apparatus 50 receives the related job deletion request including the management ID (= 10001-11), the old ID (= 10001) corresponding to the management ID (= 10001-11) in the document operation history management table 521 is received. , And [the image forming apparatus 30-holding the related job from the use terminal (IP address) column in the operation history information (metadata) managed corresponding to the old ID + branch number (= 1001-11) 1 and 30-2, and the related job batch deletion using ID (= 10001) and (= 10001-11) as deletion keys for each of the identified image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2. A delete key (= 10001, 1) included in the batch delete instruction sent from the document management apparatus 50 to each of the image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2. 001-11) all related jobs having IDs (= 10001-12, 10001-13, 10001-11-1, 10001-11-2) [(print jobs 12, 13, 11-1, 11). -2), (print jobs 21, 22)] are collectively deleted from the corresponding confidential box 331.

  FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the client terminal 10, the image forming apparatus 30 (30-1, 30-2,. It is a figure which shows the control sequence of.

  When deleting a registered document in the document management apparatus 50, for example, the user accesses the document management apparatus 50 using the client terminal 10 and displays a list of documents registered in the document management apparatus 50. An operation for designating and deleting a desired document from the list is performed.

  In order to deal with such user operations, in the client terminal 10, the application unit 141 accesses the document management apparatus 50 and displays a list of documents stored in the document management apparatus 50 (step S361), and deletes the document. It is monitored whether or not an instruction operation has been performed (step S362). When a document deletion instruction operation is performed (YES in step S362), the document management apparatus 50 is requested to delete the document (step S363).

  In this processing, the application unit 141 sends a document deletion request to the document management device 50 (step S3631). In the document management device 50, the processing request reception unit 541 receives a document deletion request from the client terminal 10. When accepted, the job deletion control unit 545 refers to the registered document management table 522 (see FIG. 6), and deletes the corresponding document from the storage location corresponding to the document ID (management ID) included in the deletion request (step) S551).

  Next, the job deletion control unit 545 reads the document ID (management ID) of the deleted document, and performs a process of deleting related jobs at once using the management ID (step S560).

  In this process, the job deletion control unit 545 first searches the management ID column in the document operation history management table 521 using the document ID (management ID) of the deleted document as a key, and searches for a new ID that matches the management ID. The old ID corresponding to the ID is specified.

  Next, the box saved print history having the specified old ID and the ID generated based on the old ID (the old ID + the ID having the branch number value) as the old ID, and the change setting print history are used as the document operation history. A search is made from the management table 521, and the image forming apparatus 30 that is a user terminal of the box storage printing and change setting printing is specified from the IP address in the box storage printing history and the change setting printing history.

  The image forming apparatus 30 specified here, from the above processing flow, the old ID corresponding to the document ID (management ID) deleted by the document management apparatus 50, and the ID (old old ID added with a branch number). An image forming apparatus that holds each related job (for a print job deleted by the document management apparatus 50) having a management ID including the value of the management ID generated based on the ID, for example, 30 -1, 30-2 (step S561).

  Next, the job deletion control unit 545 instructs the specified image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2 to collectively delete related jobs (step S562). At that time, the job deletion control unit 545 sends an old ID and an old ID + branch number corresponding to the management ID included in the received related job deletion request to all the specified image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2. Is sent as a delete key for related jobs including the delete key (steps S563-1, 563-2).

  On the other hand, in each of the image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2 that have received the related job batch deletion instruction from the document management apparatus 50, the job deletion control unit 364 has a deletion key included in the related job batch deletion instruction. Related jobs (box storage print jobs and settings) having IDs including values (that is, old IDs corresponding to the management IDs of documents deleted by the document management apparatus 50, and management IDs including values of the old IDs + branch numbers) Change print jobs) are collectively deleted from the corresponding confidential box 331 (steps S360-1 and S360-2).

  According to the in-box stored job deletion process based on the control sequence shown in FIG. 15, for example, in the confidential box 331 of the image forming apparatus 30-1, as shown in FIG. The settings of the box storage print jobs 11, 12, 13 and the print job 11 managed by the management IDs (= 10001-11), (= 10001-12), (= 10001-13) were changed. , Setting change print jobs 11-1 and 11-2 managed by management IDs (= 10001-11-1) and (= 10001-11-2) are stored, and the image forming apparatus 30- In the second confidential box 331, box storage print jobs 21 and 22 managed by management IDs (= 10001-21) and (= 10001-22) are stored, respectively. In the document management apparatus 50, the document 1 [the print jobs in the box 11, 12, 13, and 21, 23 from the storage device 53 is generated in the corresponding confidential box 331 by the box storage printing of the document document 1, respectively. Material: A unique management ID (in this example, the same basic number “10001” + branch number) is assigned every time box 1 printing of document 1 is instructed. ] Is deleted, a related job deletion request including the document ID (management ID = 10001) of the deleted document 1 is sent to the document management apparatus 50.

  When the document management apparatus 50 receives the related job deletion request including the management ID (= 1001), the old ID (= 10001: in this case) corresponding to the management ID (= 1001) in the document operation history management table 521. Since there is no old ID, the new management ID is used as the old management ID), and the usage terminal (IP in the operation history information (metadata) managed corresponding to the old ID + branch number (= 10001-11)) From the (Address) column, the image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2 that hold the related job are specified, and an ID (= 10001) and an ID are assigned to each of the specified image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2. A related job batch deletion instruction with (= 10001-11) as a deletion key is sent and sent from the document management apparatus 50 to each of the image forming apparatuses 30-1 and 30-2. ID (= 10001-11, 10001-12, 10001-13, 10001-11-1, 10001-11-2) including the value of the delete key (= 10001, 10001-11) included in the batch delete instruction. All related jobs [(print jobs 11, 12, 13, 11-1, 11-2), (print jobs 21, 22)] are controlled to be collectively deleted from the corresponding confidential box 331.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented by being appropriately modified within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  For example, in the present invention, in the document management apparatus 50, when the information management 542 includes a setting for printing a plurality of copies of the print job after the setting change in the setting change history registration request from the image forming apparatus 30, A management ID is generated for each number of copies, and a function for managing the setting change history of each print job corresponding to each management ID is provided. In the image forming apparatus 30, each management ID is received from the document management apparatus 50. And a management ID corresponding to each copy of the setting change print job re-saved after the change setting may be assigned.

  According to this configuration, when a plurality of print jobs stored in the confidential box 331 are printed by the image forming apparatus 30, the management ID is assigned to each job, and even when this is distributed, it can be managed in units of jobs.

  In the present invention, the document management apparatus 50 registers and sets print restriction information such as the number of prints and print type corresponding to the management ID in the operation authority management table 523 (see FIG. 7). When printing a print job stored in the confidential box 331, the document management apparatus 50 is requested to determine whether to permit printing using the management ID of the print job. Based on the print permission determination request from the printer, the print permission is determined based on the print restriction information corresponding to the management ID used in the request, and the permission determination result is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 30 as a response. 30 may be configured to control printing permission / inhibition of the print job in accordance with a permission determination result sent from the document management apparatus 50 in response to the permission determination request.

  According to such a configuration, when printing a job stored in the confidential box 331 by the image forming apparatus 30 (case as shown in FIG. 11), it is possible to inquire the document management apparatus 50 and control whether printing is possible or editing restrictions. At the same time, it is possible to restrict printing of a plurality of documents for which only one copy is permitted, single-sided printing of a document that can be printed only on both sides, and the like.

  Further, in the present invention, when the job stored in the confidential box 331 is changed in printing by the image forming apparatus 30, the original document ID can be updated and the latest document content can be printed. good.

  In this configuration, for example, the document management apparatus 50 generates a new management ID for the management ID of the electronic document before the update based on the registration request for the updated electronic document from the client terminal 10, and the new management When there is a new management ID corresponding to the management ID used for the inquiry based on a function for managing the registration history of the updated electronic document in association with the ID and an information change status inquiry to be described later from the image forming apparatus 30 In addition, a function for acquiring an updated electronic document associated with the new management ID and distributing it to the image forming apparatus 30 is provided. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 30 performs the setting change printing for the print job in the confidential box 331, A function for inquiring the document management apparatus 50 about the information change status regarding whether or not the management ID of the print job has been changed, and document management for the inquiry about the information change status Receiving updates electronic document delivered from the location 50, the document content in the print job setting change print target can be realized by providing a function to replace the said updated electronic document.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a multifunction machine is used as the image forming apparatus 30 has been described. However, a printer having a box storage printing function using a confidential box may be used.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that stores and prints a print job in a specified storage unit based on a print instruction from a client terminal, and manages the history of the stored printing and setting change stored printing using new and old management IDs The present invention can be applied to a system having a document management device or the like.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a document operation history management system according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the client terminal in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the document management apparatus in FIG. FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of document operation history information registered in a document operation history management table. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the information management form which used the memory | storage device and the registration document management table. The table figure which shows an example of the operation authority information registered into the operation authority management table. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the operation | use form of the system of this invention. The figure which shows the control sequence between the client terminal and document management apparatus at the time of document registration. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence between a client terminal, an image forming apparatus, and a document management apparatus related to document printing processing. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence between an image forming apparatus and a document management apparatus related to a printing process based on a box storage print job. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a control sequence between the image forming apparatus and the document management apparatus related to the processing in step S330 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence with a document management apparatus related to a box storage print job deletion process in the image forming apparatus. The conceptual diagram which shows the flow of the batch job deletion in a box by the control sequence of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence among a client terminal, an image forming apparatus, and a document management apparatus related to document deletion processing in the document management apparatus. The conceptual diagram which shows the flow of the batch job deletion in a box by the control sequence of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10-1,10-2 ... Client terminal (PC), 210 ... Registration history generation request function, 215 ... Saved print history registration request function, 11 ... Input / operation unit, 12 ... Display unit, 13 ... Storage unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Control part 141 ... Application part 142 ... Information registration / acquisition part 143 ... Print job generation part 144 ... Operation attribute information generation part 145 ... User authentication control part 146 ... Document processing permission control part, 15 ... Communication interface (I / F) unit 30, 30-1, 30-2 ... image forming apparatus, 230 ... job storage unit, 233 ... job setting change function, 235 ... setting change history request function, 237 ... related job deletion request Function 31 ... Reading unit 32 ... Image processing unit 33 ... Storage unit 331 ... Confidential box 34 ... Image forming unit 35 ... Display / operation unit 36 ... Control unit 361 ... Print control 362 ... Setting change control unit, 363 ... Information registration / acquisition unit, 364 ... Job deletion control unit, 365 ... User authentication control unit, 366 ... Document processing permission control unit, 37 ... Communication interface (I / F) unit, 50 ... Document management device 250... Registration history management function 253. Operation history management function 255... Related job batch deletion function 51. Communication interface (I / F) section 52. (TB), 522... Registered document management table (TB), 523. Acquisition distribution processing unit, 544... User authentication control unit, 545... Job deletion control unit, 90... Network (NW)

Claims (5)

A document processing apparatus for instructing to print an electronic document;
An image forming apparatus that stores and prints the electronic document in a designated information storage unit based on the print instruction;
A management device for managing the operation history of the electronic document,
The document processing apparatus includes:
Printing history registration requesting means for requesting printing history registration using the management identification information of the electronic document when printing the electronic document;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A setting change history registration requesting means for requesting registration of the history of the setting change using the management identification information of the electronic document before the setting change when the print setting of the electronic document stored in the information storage unit is changed; ,
A stored document deletion request means for requesting deletion of a related stored document using the management identification information of the deleted electronic document when deleting the electronic document stored in the information storage unit or the changed electronic document; Equipped,
The management device
Based on the print history registration request and the setting change history registration request from the document processing apparatus, new management identification information having the management identification information as old management identification information is generated, and the new management identification information and the old management identification are generated. A management unit that manages an operation history of the electronic document in the image forming apparatus corresponding to a combination of information;
Based on the stored document deletion request from the image forming apparatus, the management identification information includes the old management identification information corresponding to the management identification information and the value of the management identification information generated based on the old management identification information. A print history management system comprising: a batch deletion unit that batch-deletes an electronic document from the information storage unit of the image forming apparatus. The management device
A deletion unit that receives a deletion request of an electronic document whose registration history is managed by the management unit from the document processing apparatus, and deletes the electronic document;
The batch deleting means is
The electronic document having the management identification information including the old management identification information corresponding to the management identification information of the electronic document deleted by the deleting unit and the management identification information generated based on the old management identification information The print history management system according to claim 1, wherein the information is deleted from the information storage unit of the forming apparatus at once. The management means includes
When the setting change history registration request from the image forming apparatus includes a setting for printing a plurality of copies of the electronic document after the setting change, unique management identification information is generated for each copy, and each management Manage the change history of each electronic document corresponding to the identification information,
The image forming apparatus includes:
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for acquiring the management identification information from the management unit and assigning management identification information corresponding to each number of copies of the setting change electronic document re-saved after the change setting. Print history management system. The management device
Printing restriction information management means for managing printing restriction information corresponding to the management identification information;
Response sending means for judging whether or not to permit printing based on print restriction information corresponding to management identification information used in the request based on a print permission / non-permission judgment request from the image forming apparatus and sending out the permission / non-permission judgment result as a response Have
The image forming apparatus includes:
When printing an electronic document stored in the information storage unit, the management identification information of the electronic document is used to request permission / inhibition of the printing, and the response transmission unit sends a response to the permission / inhibition determination request. The print history management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a print permission / rejection control unit that controls permission / rejection of printing of the electronic document according to a result of the permission determination. The management device
Based on the updated electronic document registration request from the document processing apparatus, new management identification information for the management identification information of the electronic document before the update is generated, and the updated electronic document is registered in association with the new management identification information A means of managing history,
Based on the information change status query from the image forming apparatus, if there is new management identification information corresponding to the management identification information used for the query, the updated electronic document associated with the new management identification information is acquired. Distribution means for distributing to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Inquiring means for inquiring an information change status regarding whether or not the management identification information of the electronic document has been changed at the time of setting change printing of the electronic document in the information storage unit;
5. Replacement means for receiving the updated electronic document distributed from the management device in response to the inquiry about the information change status, and replacing the electronic document that is the setting change print target with the updated electronic document. A print history management system according to any of the above.

Images