JP2009151469A - Workflow definition information transmission device, system, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a workflow definition information transmission system which automatically transmits workflow definition information only to an image-forming device, which can be used by a user, and deletes the information concerned therefrom. <P>SOLUTION: Workflow definition information is transmitted to an image-forming device installed in a room where a user can enter according to information on rooms where workflow users can enter, which is acquired from an entrance permission information management means, and information on places where image-forming devices are insatalled, which is acquired from an image-forming device installation place information management means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a workflow in which a server apparatus and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are communicably connected via a network, and workflow definition information stored on the server apparatus can be distributed to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The present invention relates to a definition information delivery apparatus, a workflow definition information delivery system, a workflow definition information delivery method, and a workflow definition information delivery delivery program. In particular, the present invention relates to a workflow definition information delivery apparatus, a workflow definition information delivery system, a workflow definition information delivery method, and a workflow definition information delivery when the server device efficiently delivers workflow definition information to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. It relates to a distribution program.

  Conventionally, there has been a flow definition information distribution system in which a workflow administrator registers workflow definition information in advance, and the registered workflow definition information can be distributed to an image forming apparatus capable of executing the workflow. In these workflow definition information distribution systems, when a workflow administrator specifies an image forming apparatus that distributes workflow definition information, the workflow definition information distribution system generally distributes workflow definition information to the specified image forming apparatus. Met.

  On the other hand, there has been a room permission management system in which a room manager can set a room in which a user can enter, and a user can be restricted by a security card or the like.

  There is also a device management system in which a device administrator registers device information including an image forming apparatus, that is, a device installation location, and can use the registered device information for device management.

Further, the printer information of each printer is acquired, the acquired printer information is analyzed, the printer candidate suitable for the printer selection condition is searched, and a specific printer is specified as the output destination from the searched printers There was a selection device. (For example, see Patent Document 1.)
Further, the positional relationship between the requesting information processing device and the output image forming device is stored, and the output image forming device is determined based on the positional relationship between the information processing device and the image forming device. Some image forming systems transmit image forming information.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-161685

  However, in the workflow definition information distribution system as described above, the image forming apparatus actually used by the user is actually limited such as an image forming apparatus installed in a room in which the user is normally present. In many cases, only the image forming apparatus obtained is used. Therefore, to distribute all registered workflow definition information to all image forming apparatuses, network resources such as network bandwidth used by useless distribution that is not used by the user are wasted. Furthermore, storage resources for storing workflow definition information that are secured in the image forming apparatus are wasted due to useless distribution that is not used by the user. However, it is difficult for the workflow administrator to determine only the image forming apparatuses that the user may actually use and optimally distribute the workflow definition information when the number of workflow definition information becomes enormous. There was a problem of being. Furthermore, there is a problem that it is difficult for the workflow manager to optimally distribute the workflow definition information when the number of image forming apparatuses and the number of users become enormous.

  Further, in the workflow definition information distribution system as described above, in a system such as Patent Document 1, after acquiring printer information of each printer, searching for printer information, and acquiring printer installation information, It is possible to identify the printer. However, in a system such as Patent Document 1, since a printer is specified only from printer installation information and information about the user is not used, a printer that the user may actually use cannot be specified. was there.

  Further, in the workflow definition information distribution system as described above, in a system such as Patent Document 2, an image forming apparatus to be output is determined according to a positional relationship between a request source information processing apparatus and an output destination image forming apparatus. Is realized. However, in a system such as Patent Document 2, an image forming apparatus to output is determined only from the positional relationship between the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus, and information about the user is not used. There was a problem that a certain printer could not be specified.

  Also, in the workflow definition information distribution system as described above, in the system such as Patent Document 3, it is possible to change its own operation setting based only on the position information of the image forming apparatus. However, in a system such as Patent Document 2, an image forming apparatus that outputs only from position information of the image forming apparatus is not determined, and information about the user is not used. Therefore, a printer that the user may actually use is specified. There was a problem that could not be done.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system that can specify an image forming apparatus installed in a place where a user can enter a room by using room entry permission information and installation place information of the image forming apparatus. For the purpose. Another object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system capable of distributing workflow definition information that can be used by a user only to a specified image forming apparatus. It is another object of the present invention to provide a workflow definition information distribution system capable of automatically specifying and distributing an image forming apparatus that a user may actually use workflow definition information. As a result, even when the number of image forming apparatuses and users becomes enormous, the workflow definition information is automatically distributed to the optimum image forming apparatus to which the workflow definition information is to be distributed, without the administrator making a judgment by himself / herself. be able to.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system that calculates the room entry rate of each room using the room entry history information and calculates the usage rate of each device from the use history of the image forming apparatus. And Another object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system that deletes workflow definition information distributed to an image forming apparatus that is installed in a room where a user rarely enters and is rarely used. To do. This provides a workflow definition information distribution system that can automatically delete workflow definition information from image forming apparatuses that are not used by the user, and that can optimize the storage resources of the image forming apparatuses that are wasted. The purpose is to do.

  Further, the object of the present invention is to distribute workflow definition information for specifying a printer including not only the printer installation information but also the user entry permission information as in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1. The purpose is to provide a program. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system that can identify a printer that a user may actually use.

  Further, an object of the present invention is to provide workflow definition information that does not determine an image forming apparatus to be output based on a positional relationship between an information processing apparatus that is a request source and an image forming apparatus that is an output destination, as in the system described in Patent Document 2. An object is to provide a distribution system. An object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system for specifying an image forming apparatus installed in a place where a user can enter a room by using user entry permission information and image forming installation place information. And Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system that can identify a printer that a user may actually use.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system that does not change its own operation settings based only on the position information of the image forming apparatus as in the system disclosed in Patent Document 3. And That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system for specifying an image forming apparatus installed in a place where a user can enter a room by using user entry permission information and installation location information of the image forming apparatus. . Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a workflow definition information distribution system that can identify a printer that a user may actually use.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
The server apparatus and the image forming apparatus are communicably connected via a network.
The server device is a workflow definition information distribution system for distributing workflow definition information to an image forming device,
The server device
Workflow definition information management means for managing workflow definition information distributed to the image forming apparatus;
Entry permission information management means for managing entry permission information of users who use workflow definition information;
Image forming apparatus installation location information management means for managing information on the installation location of the image forming apparatus;
When entry permission information is added, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management means, and an image forming apparatus installed at a location included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management means, distributes the workflow definition information to the acquired image forming apparatus,
When image forming apparatus installation location information is added, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. Workflow definition information distribution means for acquiring a user using the room entry permission information management means and distributing the workflow definition information of the acquired user;
A workflow definition information distribution instruction transmitting means for transmitting the workflow definition information distribution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
When the entry permission information is deleted, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management means, and the image forming apparatus installed in the place included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management means, instructing the acquired image forming apparatus to delete the workflow definition information,
When the image forming apparatus installation location information is deleted, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus location information management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. A workflow definition information deleting means for instructing deletion of the workflow definition information of the acquired user.
A workflow definition information deletion instruction transmission means for transmitting the workflow definition information deletion instruction to the image forming apparatus;
Have
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving the workflow definition information delivery instruction from the server device and writing it into a memory, workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving means;
A workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving means for receiving the workflow definition information deletion instruction from the server device and writing it in a memory;
In accordance with the workflow definition information delivery instruction received by the workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving means, the workflow definition information is registered,
In accordance with the workflow definition information deletion instruction received by the workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving means, the workflow definition information is deleted,
Workflow definition information management means for managing workflow definition information in an executable manner,
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, in the workflow definition information distribution system, the workflow definition information can be automatically identified and distributed to an image forming apparatus that the user may actually use. In addition, even when the number of image forming apparatuses and the number of users becomes enormous, the workflow definition information is automatically distributed to the optimum image forming apparatus to which the workflow definition information should be distributed, without the administrator making a judgment by himself / herself. Can do.

  Further, the workflow definition information can be automatically deleted from the image forming apparatus that is not used by the user, and the storage resources of the image forming apparatus that is wasted can be optimized.

  In addition to specifying a printer based only on printer installation information, the printer that the user may actually use is specified by specifying an image forming apparatus installed in a place where the user can enter the room. be able to. Further, by determining the image forming apparatus that is installed in a place where the user can enter without determining the image forming apparatus to output based on the positional relationship between the requesting information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus that is the output destination, It is possible to identify printers that the user may actually use. In addition, the user may actually use the image forming apparatus by specifying the image forming apparatus installed in a place where the user can enter the room without changing the operation setting based on only the position information of the image forming apparatus. Can be identified.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the workflow definition information distribution system of this embodiment, as will be described in detail below, first, the workflow definition information distribution server confirms whether or not the user entry permission information has been changed. Next, when workflow definition information is distributed to an image forming apparatus that a user may use, the following processing is performed. The workflow definition information distribution server inquires the room entry management server about the change point of the room entry permission information, and acquires the changed room entry permission information. In addition, the device management server is made to acquire device installation location information, and a device installed in a room whose entry permission has been changed is acquired. Further, when the entry permission information is added to the acquired image forming apparatus, the workflow definition information of the user whose entry permission information is changed is distributed. If the change in the entry permission information is deletion, the deletion of the workflow definition information of the user whose entry permission information has been changed is instructed.

  In the workflow definition information distribution system of this embodiment, as will be described in detail below, first, the workflow definition information distribution server confirms whether or not the device installation location information of the image forming apparatus has been changed. Next, when workflow definition information is distributed to an image forming apparatus that a user may use, the following processing is performed. The workflow definition information distribution server inquires of the device management server about the change of the device installation location information, and acquires the changed device installation location information. Further, the room entry management server is searched for room entry permission information, and a user who is permitted to enter the room where the device installation location is changed is acquired. In addition, when the device installation location information is added to the image forming apparatus in which the acquired device installation location information has been changed, the workflow of the user who is permitted to enter the room in which the device installation location information has been changed. Distributes definition information. When the change of the device installation location information is deletion, the user is instructed to delete the workflow definition information of the user who is permitted to enter the room where the device installation location information is changed.

  In the workflow definition information distribution system of the present embodiment, as will be described in detail below, first, the workflow definition information distribution server calculates the room entry rate and the usage rate of the image forming apparatus for each workflow definition information held. To do. Next, when deleting workflow definition information distributed to an image forming apparatus installed in a room with a low user entry rate and having a low device usage rate, the following processing is performed. Do. The workflow definition information distribution server obtains the user entry permission information of the workflow definition information from the entry management server for each workflow definition information held. In addition, the image forming apparatus installed in the room of the acquired entry permission information is acquired from the device management server. Furthermore, the user's room entry history information is acquired from the room entry management server. Furthermore, the device usage history information of the user is acquired from the device management server. Next, the entrance rate for each room is calculated by calling a subroutine from the acquired entry history information, and the usage rate for each device is calculated by calling the subroutine from the acquired device usage history information. Here, it is determined that an image forming apparatus with a low calculated entrance rate and a low usage rate is less likely to be used by the user, and the workflow definition information distributed to the image forming apparatus is Instruct to delete.

  Here, in the subroutine for calculating the entrance rate, the total entry time for which the user has entered any room is calculated, and the total entry time for each room is calculated, and the calculated entry time for each room is calculated. The entrance rate is calculated by dividing by the total entry time.

  Here, in the subroutine for calculating the device usage rate, the device usage rate is calculated by dividing the total number of device usage histories by the number of room entry histories for each image forming device installed in each room. calculate.

  The difference from Patent Document 1 is that the printer selection device of Patent Document 1 acquires printer information of each printer, searches for printer information, acquires printer installation information, and then selects the printer. It is realized to identify. However, the workflow definition information distribution system according to the present invention is different in that the printer that the user may actually use can be specified by specifying the printer including the user entry permission information.

  Further, the difference from Patent Document 2 is that the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 determines the image forming apparatus to output based on the positional relationship between the requesting information processing apparatus and the output image forming apparatus. is doing. However, in the workflow definition information distribution system according to the present invention, it is possible to identify an image forming apparatus installed in a place where the user can enter by using the user entry permission information and the image formation installation place information. Yes. This differs in that an image forming apparatus that the user may actually use can be identified.

  Further, the difference from Patent Document 3 is that the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 3 changes its own operation setting based only on the position information of the image forming apparatus. However, in the workflow definition information distribution system according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus installed in a place where the user can enter the room is specified using the user entry permission information and the image forming installation place information. This is different in that the printer that the user may actually use can be specified.

<Overall configuration diagram of workflow definition information distribution system>
First, the configuration of the workflow definition information distribution system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a workflow definition information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the workflow definition information distribution system includes a workflow definition information distribution server 101, an entrance management server 108, a device management server 115, and an image forming apparatus 122 via a network 128. The workflow definition information distribution server 101 provides a workflow definition information distribution control function. The room entry management server 108 manages user entry permission information and room entry history information. The device management server 115 manages information on the installation location of the image forming apparatus 122 and usage history of the image forming apparatus 122. In response to an instruction to distribute or delete workflow definition information from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the image forming apparatus 122 holds the workflow definition information, and the user executes the workflow defined by the workflow definition information. Here, only one image forming apparatus is displayed in FIG. 1, but in reality, two or more image forming apparatuses are connected via the network 128 in order to use the workflow definition information distribution function. To the workflow definition information distribution server 101.

  The workflow definition information distribution server 101 includes a user information storage unit 102, a workflow definition information storage unit 103, a user information management unit 104, a workflow definition information management unit 105, a request processing unit 106, and a communication unit 107.

  The user information storage unit 102 is provided in an HDD 213 (shown in FIG. 2), which will be described later, and stores information on a user who uses the image forming apparatus 122 that is given permission to enter by the room entry management server 108. Has the function of The room entry permission information is, for example, a user ID, a user name, a change time, and the like. The user information management unit 104 manages user information stored in the user information storage unit 102, and reads out user information for the user ID from the user information storage unit 102 using the user ID received from the request processing unit 105. It has a function.

  The workflow definition information storage unit 103 is provided in a later-described HDD 213 (shown in FIG. 2) and has a function of storing workflow definition information that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 122. The workflow definition information includes, for example, a workflow ID, a workflow name, a user ID, a workflow definition, and a change time. The workflow definition information management unit 105 manages the workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. The workflow definition information management unit 105 has a function of reading the workflow definition information for the user ID from the workflow definition information storage unit 103 using the user ID received from the request processing unit 106. In addition, the workflow definition information management unit 105 has a function of reading all workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103 from the workflow definition information storage unit 103 in response to a request from the request processing unit 106.

  The request processing unit 106 has a function of performing a workflow definition information distribution process associated with a change in entry permission information, a workflow definition information distribution process associated with a change in device installation location, and a workflow definition information deletion process for an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used. .

  The request processing unit 106 performs the following process for the workflow definition information distribution process associated with the change in the room entry permission information. The previous inquiry time is transmitted to the communication unit 107, and the communication unit 107 is requested to inquire about a change in the entry permission information stored in the entry management server 108. When the changed part of the entry permission information stored in the entry management server 108 is received from the communication unit 107, the user ID and the room ID are acquired from the changed entry permission information. The acquired room ID is transmitted to the communication unit 107, and a request is made to request device installation location information corresponding to the room ID stored in the device management server 115. When device installation location information is received from the communication unit 107, a device ID is acquired from the received device installation location information. Further, the workflow definition information management unit 105 is requested to read the workflow definition information corresponding to the acquired user ID stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. Further, it is determined whether or not the change contents of the room entry permission information are additions. If they are additions, the communication unit 107 is requested to distribute the acquired workflow definition information to the image forming apparatus 122 of the acquired device ID. To do. If the change contents of the room entry permission information are not additions, it is determined to be deletion, and the communication unit 107 is requested to delete the acquired workflow definition information from the image forming apparatus 122 of the acquired device ID.

  For the workflow definition information distribution process associated with the device location change, the previous inquiry time is transmitted to the communication unit 107 to request the change of the device location information stored in the device management server 115. . When a change in the device installation location information stored in the device management server 115 is received from the communication unit 107, a device ID and a room ID are acquired from the changed device installation location information. The acquired room ID is transmitted to the communication unit 107, and a request is made to request room entry permission information corresponding to the room ID stored in the room entry management server 108. When room entry permission information is received from the communication unit 107, a user ID is acquired from the received room entry permission information. Further, the workflow definition information management unit 105 is requested to read the workflow definition information corresponding to the acquired user ID stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the change contents of the device installation location information are additions. If they are additions, the communication unit 107 is configured to distribute the acquired workflow definition information to the image forming apparatus 122 of the acquired device ID. Ask. If the change contents of the device location information are not additions, it is determined to be deletion, and the communication unit 107 is requested to delete the acquired workflow definition information from the image forming apparatus 122 of the acquired device ID.

  For the workflow definition information deletion processing of an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used, the workflow definition information management unit 105 is requested to read all workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. One is extracted from the read workflow definition information, and user information is acquired from the workflow definition information. The acquired user ID is transmitted to the communication unit 107, and a request is made to request room entry permission information stored in the room entry management server 108. When the room permission information is received from the communication unit 107, the room ID is acquired from the received room permission information. The acquired room ID is transmitted to the communication unit 107, and a request is made to request reading of device installation location information corresponding to the room ID stored in the device management server 115. When device installation location information is received from the communication unit 107, a device ID is acquired from the received device installation location information. The acquired user ID is transmitted to the communication unit 107, and a request is made to request reading of the room entry history information corresponding to the user ID stored in the room entry management server 108. When the room entry history information is received from the communication unit 107, the room entry rate is calculated from the room entry history information by dividing the total entry time of each room by the total entry time for entering any room. When the entrance rate is calculated, the acquired user ID is transmitted to the communication unit 107, and a request is made to request reading of device usage history information corresponding to the user ID stored in the device management server 115. When the device usage history information is acquired from the communication unit 107, the device usage rate is calculated by dividing the acquired device usage history number by the room entry history number. When the calculated entrance rate is lower than a preset threshold value and the calculated device usage rate is lower than a preset threshold value, the communication unit 107 is informed of the workflow definition information. Ask for deletion instructions.

  The communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the previous inquiry time received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 114 and transmitting the received entry permission information change point to the request processing unit 106. Further, the communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the room ID received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 121 and transmitting the received device installation location information to the request processing unit 106. Further, the communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the workflow definition information distribution request or the workflow definition information deletion request received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 127. Further, the communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the previous inquiry time received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 121 and transmitting the received change of the device location information to the request processing unit 106. The communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the room ID received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 114 and transmitting the received room entry permission information to the request processing unit 106. Further, the communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the workflow definition information distribution request or the workflow definition information deletion request received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 127. The communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the user ID received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 114 and transmitting the received room entry permission information to the request processing unit 106. The communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the room ID received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 121 and transmitting the received device installation location information to the request processing unit 106. The communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the user ID received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 114 and transmitting the received room entry history information to the request processing unit 106. The communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the user ID received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 121 and transmitting the received device usage history information to the request processing unit 106. Further, the communication unit 107 has a function of transmitting the workflow definition information deletion request received from the request processing unit 106 to the communication unit 127.

  The room entry management server 108 includes a room entry permission information storage unit 109, a room entry history information storage unit 110, a room entry permission information management unit 111, a room entry history information management unit 112, a request processing unit 113, and a communication unit 114.

  The room entry permission information storage unit 109 is provided in an HDD 213 (shown in FIG. 2), which will be described later, and room entry permission information indicating a room in which a user is allowed to enter, for example, a user ID, a room ID, a room name, It has a function of storing change time and the like. The room entry permission information management unit 111 manages room entry permission information stored in the room entry permission information storage unit 109. That is, the room entry permission information management unit 111 has a function of reading out room entry permission information changed after the previous inquiry time from the room entry permission information storage unit 109 using the previous inquiry time received from the request processing unit 113. The room entry permission information management unit 111 has a function of reading room entry permission information for the room ID from the room entry permission information storage unit 109 using the room ID received from the request processing unit 113. Further, the room entry permission information management unit 111 has a function of reading room entry permission information for the user ID from the room entry permission information storage unit 109 using the user ID received from the request processing unit 113.

  The room entry history information storage unit 110 is provided in an HDD 213 (shown in FIG. 2), which will be described later. And the like. The room entry history information management unit 112 manages the room entry history information stored in the room entry history information storage unit 110, and uses the user ID received from the request processing unit 113 to convert the room entry history information for the user ID into the room entry history information. It has a function of reading from the storage unit 110.

  The request processing unit 113 has a function of performing processing for a change point request for room entry permission information issued from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114, a room entry permission information request for a room ID, and a room entry permission information request for a user ID. Have In addition, the request processing unit 113 has a function of performing processing for a room entry history information request for the user ID issued from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114.

  In response to the change request of the entry permission information from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the previous inquiry time received from the communication unit 114 is transmitted to the entry permission information management unit 111, and the entry permission changed after the previous inquiry time is transmitted. Request to read information changes. When the room permission information is received from the room permission information management unit 111, the received room permission information is transmitted to the communication unit 114, and the workflow definition information distribution server 101 is requested to transmit the room permission information.

  In response to the room permission information request for the room ID from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room ID received from the communication unit 114 is transmitted to the room permission information management unit 111, and a request is made to read the room permission information for the room ID. To do. When the room permission information is received from the room permission information management unit 111, the received room permission information is transmitted to the communication unit 114, and the workflow definition information distribution server 101 is requested to transmit the room permission information.

  In response to a request for entry permission information for the user ID from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the user ID received from the communication unit 114 is transmitted to the entry permission information management unit 111, and a request is made to read the entry permission information for the user ID. To do. When the room permission information is received from the room permission information management unit 111, the received room permission information is transmitted to the communication unit 114, and the workflow definition information distribution server 101 is requested to transmit the room permission information.

  In response to the entry history information request for the user ID from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the user ID received from the communication unit 114 is transmitted to the entry history information management unit 112, and a request is made to read the entry history information for the user ID. To do. When the room entry history information is received from the room entry history information management unit 112, the received room entry history information is transmitted to the communication unit 114, and the workflow definition information distribution server 101 is requested to transmit the room entry history information.

  The communication unit 114 receives the previous inquiry time from the communication unit 107, transmits the previous inquiry time received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 113, and requests a change in the entry permission information of the processing result. It has a function of receiving from the processing unit 113 and transmitting to the communication unit 107. The communication unit 114 receives the room ID from the communication unit 107, transmits the room ID received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 113, and receives the entry permission information as a processing result from the request processing unit 113. And has a function of transmitting to the communication unit 107. Further, the communication unit 114 receives the user ID from the communication unit 107, transmits the user ID received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 113, and receives the entry permission information as a processing result from the request processing unit 113. And has a function of transmitting to the communication unit 107. The communication unit 114 receives the user ID from the communication unit 107, transmits the user ID received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 113, and receives the entry history information of the processing result from the request processing unit 113. And has a function of transmitting to the communication unit 107.

  The device management server 115 includes a device installation location information storage unit 118, a device usage history information storage unit 117, a device installation location information management unit 118, a device usage history information management unit 119, a request processing unit 120, and a communication unit 121.

  The device installation location information storage unit 116 is provided in an HDD 213 (shown in FIG. 2) described later, and device installation location information indicating a location where the image forming apparatus 122 is installed, for example, a device ID, a room ID, It has a function of storing change time and the like. The device installation location information management unit 118 manages device installation location information stored in the device installation location information storage unit 116. The device installation location information management unit 118 has a function of reading out room entry permission information for the room ID from the room entry permission information storage unit 109 using the room ID received from the request processing unit 120. Further, the device installation location information management unit 116 has a function of reading from the device installation location information storage unit 116 the device installation location information changed after the previous inquiry time, using the previous inquiry time received from the request processing unit 120. Have.

  The device usage history information storage unit 117 is provided in a later-described HDD 213 (shown in FIG. 2) and has a function of storing device usage history information that is a history when the user uses the image forming apparatus 122. The device usage history information includes, for example, a device ID, a user ID, an operation, and an execution time. The device usage history information management unit 119 manages the device usage history information stored in the device usage history information storage unit 117. The device usage history information management unit 119 has a function of reading device usage history information for the user ID from the device usage history information storage unit 117 using the user ID received from the request processing unit 120.

  The request processing unit 120 processes a device installation location information request for a room ID issued from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121, a change request for device installation location information, and a device usage history information request for a user ID. It has a function to perform.

  In response to the device installation location information request for the room ID from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room ID received from the communication unit 121 is transmitted to the device installation location information management unit 118, and the device installation location information for the room ID is read. Ask to get out. When device installation location information is received from the device installation location information management unit 118, the received device installation location information is transmitted to the communication unit 121, and the workflow definition information distribution server 101 is requested to transmit the device installation location information.

  In response to the change request for the device installation location information from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the previous inquiry time received from the communication unit 121 is transmitted to the device installation location information management unit 118. Then, a request is made to read out the change in the device installation location information that has been changed since the previous inquiry time. When device installation location information is received from the device installation location information management unit 118, the received device installation location information is transmitted to the communication unit 121, and the workflow definition information distribution server 101 is requested to transmit the device installation location information.

  In response to the device usage history information request for the user ID from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the user ID received from the communication unit 121 is transmitted to the device usage history information management unit 119, and the device usage history information for the user ID is read. Ask to get out. When device usage history information is received from the device usage history information management unit 119, the received device usage history information is transmitted to the communication unit 121, and the workflow definition information distribution server 101 is requested to transmit the device usage history information.

  The communication unit 121 receives the room ID from the communication unit 107, transmits the room ID received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 120, and receives the device installation location information of the processing result from the request processing unit 120. And transmitting to the communication unit 107. Further, the communication unit 121 receives the previous inquiry time from the communication unit 107, transmits the received previous inquiry time to the request processing unit 120, and requests a change in the device installation location information as a processing result. The function of receiving from the unit 120 and transmitting to the communication unit 107 is provided. In addition, the communication unit 114 receives the user ID from the communication unit 107, transmits the user ID received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 120, and receives device usage history information as a processing result from the request processing unit 120. It has a function of receiving and transmitting to the communication unit 107.

  The image forming apparatus 122 includes a workflow definition information storage unit 123, a workflow definition information management unit 124, a display unit 125, an overall processing unit 126, and a communication unit 127.

  The workflow definition information storage unit 123 is provided in a controller 307 (shown in FIG. 3) described later, and has a function of storing workflow definition information that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 122. The workflow definition information includes, for example, a workflow ID, a workflow name, a user ID, a workflow definition, and a change time. The workflow definition information management unit 124 manages the workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 has a function of confirming whether the workflow definition information received from the overall processing unit 126 is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 has a function of registering the workflow definition information received from the overall processing unit 126 in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 has a function of deleting the workflow definition information received from the overall processing unit 126 from the workflow definition information storage unit 123.

  The display unit 125 has a function of displaying a workflow execution screen or the like on the display panel on the image forming apparatus 122. In this embodiment, the display unit 125 is provided on the image forming apparatus 122, but the display unit 125 is not necessarily required.

  The overall processing unit 126 has a function of processing the workflow definition information distribution request and the workflow definition information deletion request issued from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 127.

  In response to the workflow definition information delivery request from the workflow definition information delivery server 101, the workflow definition information received from the communication unit 121 is transmitted to the workflow definition information management unit 124. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the same workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. If the same workflow definition information is stored, the process is terminated without doing anything, and if the same workflow definition information is not stored, a request is made to store the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. To do.

  In response to the workflow definition information deletion request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the workflow definition information received from the communication unit 121 is transmitted to the workflow definition information management unit 124. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the same workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. If the same workflow definition information is not stored, the processing is terminated without doing anything. If the same workflow definition information is stored, a request is made to delete the workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. To do.

  The communication unit 127 has a function of receiving the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information addition request from the communication unit 107, and transmitting the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information addition request received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 120. Have. The communication unit 127 receives the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information deletion request from the communication unit 107, and transmits the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information deletion request received from the communication unit 107 to the request processing unit 120. It has a function.

<Configuration diagram of workflow definition information distribution server, entrance management server, and device management server>
Next, the configuration of the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entry management server 108, and the device management server 115 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entrance management server 108, and the device management server 115. The configurations of the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entrance management server 108, and the device management server 115 are the same.

  The workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entrance management server 108, and the device management server 115 include the blocks shown in FIG. That is, a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, an external storage medium read / write unit 204, a NET I / F 205, a VRAM 208, a KBC 210, an HDD 213, an IOC 214, and a system bus 200 for connecting these units are provided. The system bus 200 is a transmission path for transmitting data and control information between the units.

  The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that performs various controls and calculations of the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entrance management server 108, and the device management server 115.

  A RAM 202 is a random access memory, and provides an execution program storage area, an execution area of the program, and a data storage area as a main memory of the CPU 201.

  The ROM 203 is a read-only memory that stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 stores a basic program (generally called BIOS) for controlling each unit in the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entry management server 108, and the device management server 115, information necessary for operating the system, and the like. Remember.

  The external storage medium read / write unit 204 is a unit group that performs data input / output of a removable external storage medium such as a floppy (R) disk or CD-ROM.

  The NETI / F 205 is a network interface, and is connected to an external network or connected to the LAN 207 via the modem 206. The NETI / F 205 performs control for transferring data and diagnosis of connection status with other devices including the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entrance management server 108, and the device management server 115 via the network 128. The modem 206 includes a modem and a terminal adapter (TA) for ISDN connection for connecting the external network to the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the entrance management server 108, and the device management server 115 via a telephone line. The LAN 207 is a network system such as Ethernet (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entry management server 108 and the device management server 115 are connected to the network 128 via the modem 206. Alternatively, the workflow definition information distribution server 101, the room entry management server 108, and the device management server 115 are connected to the network 128 via a communication device such as a router or a gateway connected on the LAN 207.

  A VRAM 208 is a video RAM, expands image data to be displayed on the CRT 209, and controls display. Here, a liquid crystal display device or the like can be used instead of the CRT 209.

  The KBC 210 is a controller that controls input signals from the keyboard 211 and the mouse 212. Here, instead of the keyboard 211, a software keyboard or the like on the liquid crystal display device can be used. Further, a touch panel on a liquid crystal display device or the like can be used instead of the mouse 212.

  The HDD 213 is a hard disk drive and is used as a memory for storing application programs, various data, and the like. The application program in the present embodiment is a software program that executes various processing means.

  The IOC 214 is for controlling the printer 215 and the scanner 216, and can be connected to an external input / output device other than the printer 215 and the scanner 216, such as an externally connected HDD or MO drive.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
Next, the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus 122 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 122 includes a print engine 301, a document feeder (DF) 302, a document reading unit 303, a light source 304, a CCD 305, and a laser recording unit 306. The image forming apparatus 122 includes a controller 307, a paper cassette 308, a fixing unit 309, a finisher 310, and a paper discharge tray 311.

  The image forming apparatus 122 is a digital multifunction peripheral. This digital multi-function peripheral has functions of a copy, a printer, and a FAX. The print engine 301 is a print engine for monochrome print recording. A document feeder (DF) 302, a document reading unit 303, a light source 304, a CCD 305, a laser recording unit 306, a paper cassette 308, a fixing unit 309, a finisher 310, and a paper discharge tray 311 are accessories. When a document is placed face up on the document feeder (DF) 302 and the start key is pressed, the document is conveyed to the upper surface of the document reading unit 303. Then, the original is irradiated by the light source 304, the reflected light is read by the CCD 305 and converted into a digital signal, and a desired image processing is performed by the controller 307 to be converted into a laser recording signal. The recording signal is converted into a recording laser by the laser recording unit 306 and irradiated onto the photosensitive member, thereby forming a latent image on the photosensitive member. Then, toner development is performed, the toner is transferred to a transfer sheet fed from the sheet cassette 308, the toner is fixed by the fixing unit 309, and discharged to the finisher 310. The finisher performs various operations according to the function designated by the operator. Specifically, it has various functions such as stapling. There are two paper discharge trays 311, and according to the settings of the image forming apparatus 122, the paper discharge trays can be sorted for each function of the copy / printer / fax. When used as a printer, the print engine 301 can set the following functions by setting the image forming apparatus 122. For example, it has a function to perform various settings such as black and white print / color print, paper size, duplex, staple, and start page number. The controller 307 is a central processing unit that performs various controls and calculations of the image forming apparatus 122. The controller 307 also has a function as a memory for storing application programs, various data, and the like. The application program in the present embodiment is a software program that executes various processing means.

<Figure showing user information, workflow definition information, entry permission information, entry history information, device location information, device usage history information, workflow definition information>
The user information is composed of a user information database 401 as shown in FIG. A row in the database 401 indicates user information.

  Data in each column of the database 401 indicates a user ID 402, a user name 403, a modification time 404, and the like, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the data shown in the database 401 is an example, and more databases may be provided. In the database 401, other additional information (user type, password, user affiliation, user Information such as address and user contact information) may be stored.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each record in the database 401 is stored in a storage device in a database format. However, it goes without saying that these records may be stored in the storage device in a file format.

  The workflow definition information is configured from a workflow definition information database 405 as shown in FIG. A row in the database 405 indicates workflow definition information. Note that the workflow definition information shown in FIG. 4B is workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103 of the workflow definition information distribution server 101.

  Data in each column of the database 405 indicates a workflow ID 406, a workflow name 407, a user ID 408, a workflow definition 409, a modification time 410, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the data shown in the database 405 is an example, and more databases may be provided. Further, the database 405 may store other additional information (information such as workflow definition type, workflow definition information execution deadline, workflow definition user ID). The data of the workflow definition 409 shown in the database 405 is an example, and the workflow definition may be described in a document format such as XML.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each record of the database 405 is stored in the storage device in the database format, but it goes without saying that these records may be stored in the storage device in the file format. .

As shown in FIG. 4C, the room entry permission information includes a room entry permission information database 411. A row in the database 411 indicates entry permission information.
Data in each column of the database 411 indicates a user ID 412, a room ID 413, a room name 414, a change time 415, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the data shown in the database 411 is an example, and more databases may be provided, and other additional information (such as a room entry permission ID, a room entry permission type, and a room available time) may be provided in the database 411. Etc.) may be stored.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each record of the database 411 is stored in the storage device in the database format, but it goes without saying that these records may be stored in the storage device in the file format. .

  As shown in FIG. 4D, the room entry history information is composed of a database 416 of room entry history information. A row in the database 416 indicates room entry history information.

  Data in each column of the database 416 indicates a room ID 417, a user ID 418, a room entry time 419, a room exit time 420, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the data shown in the database 416 is an example, and more databases may be provided, and other additional information (such as a room entry history ID, a room entry history type, a room entry frequency, etc.) may be provided in the database 416. Information) may be stored.

  Further, in the present embodiment, each record of the database 416 is stored in the storage device in a database format. However, it goes without saying that these records may be stored in the storage device in a file format.

  The device installation location information includes a device installation location information database 421 as shown in FIG. A row in the database 421 indicates device installation location information.

  Data in each column of the database 421 indicates a device ID 422, a room ID 423, a change time 424, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the data shown in the database 421 is an example, and more databases may be provided, and other additional information (device installation location ID, device installation location coordinates, etc.) may be provided in the database 421. Information) may be stored.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each record of the database 421 is stored in the storage device in the database format, but it goes without saying that these records may be stored in the storage device in the file format. .

  The device usage history information includes a device usage history information database 425 as shown in FIG. A row in the database 425 indicates device usage history information.

  Data in each column of the database 425 indicates a device ID 426, a user ID 427, an operation 428, an execution time 429, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the data shown in the database 425 is an example, and more databases may be provided. Further, other additional information (information such as device usage history ID, device execution start time, device execution end time, etc.) may be stored in the database 425.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each record of the database 425 is stored in the storage device in the database format, but it goes without saying that these records may be stored in the storage device in the file format. .

  The workflow definition information is configured from a workflow definition information database 430 as shown in FIG. A row in the database 430 indicates workflow definition information. The workflow definition information illustrated in FIG. 4G is workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123 of the image forming apparatus 122.

  Data in each column of the database 430 indicates a workflow ID 431, a workflow name 432, a user ID 433, a workflow definition 434, a modification time 435, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the data shown in the database 430 is an example, and more databases may be provided. Further, the database 430 may store other additional information (information such as the workflow definition type, the execution time limit of the workflow definition information, and the user ID of the workflow definition user). The data of the workflow definition 434 shown in the database 430 is an example, and the workflow definition may be described in a document format such as XML.

  Further, in the present embodiment, each record of the database 430 is stored in the storage device in the database format, but it goes without saying that these records may be stored in the storage device in the file format. .

<Flowchart of workflow definition information distribution server at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of room entry permission information>
Next, the workflow definition information distribution process accompanying the change of the room entry permission information by the workflow definition information distribution server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the workflow definition information distribution process associated with the change of the room entry permission information by the workflow definition information distribution server 101. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the workflow definition information distribution server 101, as shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S501, the request processing unit 106 confirms whether or not the room entry permission information has been changed. The request processing unit 106 transmits the previous inquiry time to the room management server 108 via the communication unit 107 and requests an inquiry about the room entry permission information changed after the previous inquiry time. Then, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S <b> 502, the request processing unit 106 determines whether the changed entry permission information has been received from the entry management server 108 via the communication unit 107. When the request processing unit 106 determines that the changed entry permission information has not been received, step S502 is repeated again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the changed entry permission information has been received, the process proceeds to step S503. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the changed entry permission information, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S503, the request processing unit 106 acquires a user ID and a room ID from the changed entry permission information received in step S502. Then, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, the request processing unit 106 transmits the room ID acquired in step S503 to the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107, and requests device installation location information for the room ID. Then, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S <b> 505, the request processing unit 106 determines whether device installation location information corresponding to the room ID is received from the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information corresponding to the room ID has not been received, the process repeats step S505 again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information corresponding to the room ID has been received, the process proceeds to step S506. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the device installation location information corresponding to the room ID, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the request processing unit 106 acquires a device ID from the device installation location information received in step S505. Then, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the request processing unit 106 transmits the user ID acquired in step S503 to the workflow definition information management unit 105. Then, it requests the reading of the workflow definition information corresponding to the user ID stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. The workflow definition information management unit 105 reads the workflow definition information corresponding to the received user ID from the workflow definition information storage unit 103, and transmits the read workflow definition information to the request processing unit 106. Upon receiving the workflow definition information corresponding to the user ID from the workflow definition information management unit 105, the request processing unit 106 proceeds to step S508.

  In step S508, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the changed entry permission information received in step S502 has been added. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room entry permission information has been added, the process proceeds to step S509. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room entry permission information has not been added, that is, has been deleted, the process proceeds to step S510. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has determined that room entry permission information has been added, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the request processing unit 106 transmits the workflow definition information acquired in step S507 to the image forming apparatus 122 via the communication unit 107, and requests addition of the workflow definition information. Then, the process ends.

  In step S510, the request processing unit 106 transmits the workflow definition information acquired in step S507 to the image forming apparatus 122 via the communication unit 107, and requests deletion of the workflow definition information. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of room entry management server at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying room entry permission information change>
Next, the room entry permission information reading process at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying the change of the room entry permission information by the room entry management server 108 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the room entry permission information reading process at the time of workflow definition information delivery accompanying the change of room entry permission information in the room entry management server 108. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the room entry management server 108, as shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S601, the request processing unit 113 transmits the previous inquiry time transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114 and the changed room entry permission information. It is determined whether or not an inquiry is received. If the request processing unit 113 determines that the inquiry for the changed entry permission information has not been received, the process repeats step S601. If the request processing unit 113 determines that the inquiry for the changed entry permission information has been received, the process proceeds to step S602. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 113 has received an inquiry for changed entry permission information, the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, the request processing unit 113 transmits the previous inquiry time received in step S601 to the room entry permission information management unit 111, and is stored in the room entry permission information storage unit 109 after the previous inquiry time. Request to read the changed entry permission information. The room entry permission information management unit 111 reads the room entry permission information changed after the previous inquiry time received from the request processing unit 113 from the room entry permission information storage unit 109 and transmits the room entry permission information to the request processing unit 113. When the request processing unit 113 receives the changed entry permission information, the process proceeds to step S603.

  In step S603, the request processing unit 113 transmits the changed entry permission information received in step S602 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of device management server at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of room permission information>
Next, device installation location information reading processing at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of room entry permission information by the device management server 115 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of device installation location information reading processing at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of room entry permission information in the device management server 115. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the device management server 115, as shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S701, the request processing unit 120 receives an inquiry about the room ID and the device installation location information transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121. Determine whether or not. If the request processing unit 120 determines that the inquiry about the device installation location information has not been received, the process repeats step S701. If the request processing unit 120 determines that the device location information query has been received, the process proceeds to step S702. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 120 has received an inquiry about device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the request processing unit 120 transmits the room ID received in step S701 to the device installation location information management unit 118, and stores the device corresponding to the room ID stored in the device installation location information storage unit 116. Request to read the installation location information. The device installation location information management unit 118 reads device installation location information corresponding to the room ID received from the request processing unit 120 from the device installation location information storage unit 116 and transmits the device installation location information to the request processing unit 120. When the request processing unit 120 receives the device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S <b> 703, the request processing unit 120 transmits the device installation location information received in step S <b> 702 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of Image Forming Apparatus when Distributing Workflow Definition Information Accompanying Change of Entry Permission Information>
Next, a workflow definition information change process at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying the change of the entry permission information by the image forming apparatus 122 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the workflow definition information change process when the workflow definition information is distributed along with the change of the room entry permission information in the image forming apparatus 122. This procedure is executed by the controller 307.

  In the image forming apparatus 122, as shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S801, the overall processing unit 126 receives the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information change instruction transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 127. Determine whether or not. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information change instruction have not been received, the process repeats step S801. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information change instruction have been received, the process proceeds to step S802. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 has received the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information change instruction, the process proceeds to step S802.

  In step S802, the overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not the workflow definition information change instruction received in step S801 is an addition. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information change instruction is additional, the process proceeds to step S803. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information change instruction is not an addition, it is determined that deletion of the workflow definition information is instructed, and the process advances to step S805. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information change instruction is additional, the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S801 to the workflow definition information management unit 124. Then, a request is made to determine whether or not the transmitted workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 reads the workflow definition information for the workflow ID of the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. If the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID cannot be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 does not store the received workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123 for the overall processing unit 126. Send a message. When the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID can be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 informs the overall processing unit 126 that the received workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. Send. The overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not the workflow definition information confirmation result received from the workflow definition information management unit 124 indicates that the workflow definition information is stored. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process ends. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S804. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S801 to the workflow definition information management unit 124, and requests the workflow definition information storage unit 123 to register the workflow definition information. The workflow definition information management unit 124 registers the received workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123, and transmits to the overall processing unit 126 that the workflow definition information has been registered in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. When the overall processing unit 126 receives information that the workflow definition information has been registered, the process ends.

  In step S805, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S801 to the workflow definition information management unit 124. Then, a request is made to determine whether or not the transmitted workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 reads the workflow definition information for the workflow ID of the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. If the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID cannot be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 does not store the received workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123 for the overall processing unit 126. Send a message. When the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID can be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 informs the overall processing unit 126 that the received workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. Send. The overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not the workflow definition information confirmation result received from the workflow definition information management unit 124 indicates that the workflow definition information is stored. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is not stored, the process ends. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process proceeds to step S806. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process proceeds to step S806.

  In step S806, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S801 to the workflow definition information management unit 124, and requests the workflow definition information storage unit 123 to delete the workflow definition information. The workflow definition information management unit 124 deletes the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123, and transmits to the overall processing unit 126 that the workflow definition information has been deleted from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. When the overall processing unit 126 receives information that the workflow definition information has been deleted, the process ends.

<Flowchart of workflow definition information distribution server at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of device location information>
Next, a workflow definition information distribution process associated with a change in device installation location information by the workflow definition information distribution server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of workflow definition information distribution processing accompanying change of device installation location information by the workflow definition information distribution server 101. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the workflow definition information distribution server 101, as shown in FIG. 9, first, in step S901, the request processing unit 106 confirms whether or not the device installation location information has been changed. For this purpose, the previous inquiry time is transmitted to the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107, and an inquiry about the device installation location information changed after the previous inquiry time is requested. Then, the process proceeds to step S902.

  In step S <b> 902, the request processing unit 106 determines whether the changed device location information has been received from the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the changed device installation location information has not been received, step S902 is repeated again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the changed device location information has been received, the process proceeds to step S903. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the changed device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, the request processing unit 106 acquires a device ID and a room ID from the changed device installation location information received in step S902. Then, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S904, the request processing unit 106 transmits the room ID acquired in step S903 to the room management server 108 via the communication unit 107, and requests room entry permission information for the room ID. Then, the process proceeds to step S905.

  In step S905, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the room entry permission information corresponding to the room ID is received from the room entry management server 108 via the communication unit 107. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the entry permission information corresponding to the room ID has not been received, the process repeats step S905 again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the entry permission information corresponding to the room ID has been received, the process proceeds to step S906. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the room entry permission information corresponding to the room ID, the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, the request processing unit 106 acquires a user ID from the room entry permission information received in step S905. Then, the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S907, the request processing unit 106 transmits the user ID acquired in step S906 to the workflow definition information management unit 105. Then, it requests the reading of the workflow definition information corresponding to the user ID stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. The workflow definition information management unit 105 reads the workflow definition information corresponding to the received user ID from the workflow definition information storage unit 103, and transmits the read workflow definition information to the request processing unit 106. When the request processing unit 106 receives the workflow definition information corresponding to the user ID from the workflow definition information management unit 105, the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the changed device location information received in step S902 has been added. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information has been added, the process proceeds to step S909. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information has not been added, that is, has been moved or deleted, the process proceeds to step S910. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information has been added, the process proceeds to step S909.

  In step S909, the request processing unit 106 transmits the workflow definition information acquired in step S907 to the image forming apparatus 122 via the communication unit 107, and requests addition of the workflow definition information. Then, the process ends.

  In step S910, the request processing unit 106 transmits the workflow definition information acquired in step S907 to the image forming apparatus 122 via the communication unit 107, and requests deletion of the workflow definition information. Then, the process proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the changed device installation location information received in step S902 has been moved. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information has been moved, the process proceeds to step S909. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information has not been moved, that is, has been deleted, the processing ends.

<Flowchart of device management server when workflow definition information is distributed when device location information is changed>
Next, device installation location information reading processing at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of device installation location information by the device management server 115 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of device installation location information reading processing at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of device installation location information in the device management server 115. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the device management server 115, first, in step S1001, has the request processing unit 120 received the previous inquiry time transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121? Judge whether or not. In addition, the request processing unit 120 determines whether or not an inquiry about the changed device installation location information has been received. If the request processing unit 120 determines that the inquiry about the changed device installation location information has not been received, the process repeats step S1001. If the request processing unit 120 determines that an inquiry about the changed device installation location information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1002. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 120 has received the inquiry about the changed device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S1002.

  In step S1002, the request processing unit 120 transmits the previous inquiry time received in step S1001 to the device installation location information management unit 118. Then, it requests the device installation location information storage unit 116 to read the device installation location information changed since the previous inquiry time. The device installation location information management unit 118 reads the device installation location information changed since the previous inquiry time received from the request processing unit 120 from the device installation location information storage unit 116 and transmits the device installation location information to the request processing unit 120. When the request processing unit 120 receives the changed device location information, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, the request processing unit 120 transmits the changed device location information received in step S1002 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of entry management server when workflow definition information is distributed along with device location information change>
Next, the room entry permission information reading process at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying the change of the device installation location information by the room entry management server 108 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of room entry information reading processing at the time of workflow definition information delivery accompanying change of device installation location information in the room entry management server 108. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the room entry management server 108, as shown in FIG. 11, first, in step S1101, the request processing unit 113 transmits the room ID and the room entry permission information transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114. Determine whether an inquiry has been received. If the request processing unit 113 determines that an inquiry for room entry permission information has not been received, the process repeats step S1101. If the request processing unit 113 determines that an inquiry for room entry permission information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1102. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 113 has received an inquiry for room entry permission information, the process proceeds to step S1102.

  In step S1102, the request processing unit 113 transmits the room ID received in step S1101 to the room entry permission information management unit 111, and the room entry permission information corresponding to the room ID stored in the room entry permission information storage unit 109. Ask to read. The room entry permission information management unit 111 reads out room entry permission information corresponding to the room ID received from the request processing unit 113 from the room entry permission information storage unit 109 and transmits it to the request processing unit 113. When the request processing unit 113 receives the room entry permission information, the process proceeds to step S1103.

  In step S1103, the request processing unit 113 transmits the room entry permission information received in step S1102 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of Image Forming Apparatus when Distributing Workflow Definition Information Accompanying Device Location Change>
Next, workflow definition information change processing at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of device installation location information by the image forming apparatus 122 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of workflow definition information change processing at the time of workflow definition information distribution accompanying change of device installation location information in the image forming apparatus 122. This procedure is executed by the controller 307.

  In the image forming apparatus 122, as shown in FIG. 12, first, in step S1201, whether or not the overall processing unit 126 has received the workflow definition information transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 127. Determine whether. Further, the overall processing unit 126 determines whether a workflow definition information change instruction has been received. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information change instruction have not been received, the process repeats step S1201. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information change instruction have been received, the process proceeds to step S1202. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 has received the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information change instruction, the process proceeds to step S1202.

  In step S1202, the overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not the workflow definition information change instruction received in step S1201 is an addition. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information change instruction is additional, the process proceeds to step S1203. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information change instruction is not an addition, it is determined that deletion of the workflow definition information is instructed, and the process advances to step S1205. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information change instruction is additional, the process proceeds to step S1203.

  In step S1203, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S1201 to the workflow definition information management unit 124. Then, a request is made to determine whether or not the transmitted workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 reads the workflow definition information for the workflow ID of the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. If the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID cannot be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 does not store the received workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123 for the overall processing unit 126. Send a message. When the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID can be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 informs the overall processing unit 126 that the received workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. Send. The overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not the workflow definition information confirmation result received from the workflow definition information management unit 124 indicates that the workflow definition information is stored. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process ends. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S1204. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S1204.

  In step S1204, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S1201 to the workflow definition information management unit 124, and requests the workflow definition information storage unit 123 to register the workflow definition information. The workflow definition information management unit 124 registers the received workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123, and transmits to the overall processing unit 126 that the workflow definition information has been registered in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. When the overall processing unit 126 receives information that the workflow definition information has been registered, the process ends.

  In step S1205, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S1201 to the workflow definition information management unit 124. Then, a request is made to determine whether or not the transmitted workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 reads the workflow definition information for the workflow ID of the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. If the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID cannot be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 does not store the received workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123 for the overall processing unit 126. Send a message. When the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID can be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 informs the overall processing unit 126 that the received workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. Send. The overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not the workflow definition information confirmation result received from the workflow definition information management unit 124 indicates that the workflow definition information is stored. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is not stored, the process ends. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process proceeds to step S1206. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process proceeds to step S1206.

  In step S1206, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S1201 to the workflow definition information management unit 124, and requests that the workflow definition information be deleted from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 deletes the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123, and transmits to the overall processing unit 126 that the workflow definition information has been deleted from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. When the overall processing unit 126 receives information that the workflow definition information has been deleted, the process ends.

<Flowchart of workflow definition information distribution server when deleting workflow definition information from a device that is unlikely to be used>
Next, workflow definition information deletion processing from an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used by the workflow definition information distribution server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of workflow definition information deletion processing from an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used by the workflow definition information distribution server 101. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the workflow definition information distribution server 101, as shown in FIG. 13, first, in step S1301, the request processing unit 106 initializes a variable p indicating the number of processed workflow definition information with p: = 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S1302.

  In step S1302, the request processing unit 106 compares the number of workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103 with a variable p representing the number of processed workflow definition information. The request processing unit 106 requests the workflow definition information management unit 105 to read the number of pieces of workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. When the request processing unit 106 requests the workflow definition information management unit 105 to read out the number of workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103, the workflow stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. Read the number of definition information. Then, the number of workflow definition information stored in the read workflow definition information storage unit 103 is transmitted to the request processing unit 106. When the request processing unit 106 receives the number of workflow definition information, the request processing unit 106 compares the received workflow definition information with a variable p indicating the number of processed workflow definition information. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the variable p is larger than the number of workflow definition information, the process ends. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the variable p is not larger than the number of workflow definition information, the process proceeds to step S1303. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the variable p is not larger than the number of workflow definition information items, the process proceeds to step S1303.

  In step S <b> 1303, the request processing unit 106 acquires the user ID of the p-th workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. The request processing unit 106 transmits the value of the variable p to the workflow definition information management unit 105 and requests reading of the p-th workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 103. Upon receiving the variable p, the workflow definition information management unit 105 reads the pth workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 103 and transmits it to the request processing unit 106. When the request processing unit 106 receives the p-th workflow definition information, the request processing unit 106 acquires a user ID from the received workflow definition information. Then, the process proceeds to step S1304.

  In step S1304, the request processing unit 106 transmits the user ID acquired in step S1303 to the room entry management server 108 via the communication unit 107, and requests an inquiry for room entry permission information corresponding to the user ID. Then, the process proceeds to step S1305.

  In step S1305, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the room entry permission information corresponding to the user ID is received from the room entry management server 108 via the communication unit 107. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room entry permission information corresponding to the user ID has not been received, step S1305 is repeated again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room entry permission information corresponding to the user ID has been received, the process proceeds to step S1306. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the room entry permission information corresponding to the user ID, the process proceeds to step S1306.

  In step S1306, the request processing unit 106 transmits the room ID acquired from the room entry permission information acquired in step S1305 to the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107, and the device installation location information for the room ID is transmitted. Request. Then, the process proceeds to step S1307.

  In step S 1307, the request processing unit 106 determines whether device installation location information corresponding to the room ID is received from the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information corresponding to the room ID has not been received, the process repeats step S1307 again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device installation location information corresponding to the room ID has been received, the process proceeds to step S1308. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the device installation location information corresponding to the room ID, the process proceeds to step S1308.

  In step S1308, the request processing unit 106 acquires a device ID from the device location information received in step S1307. Then, the process proceeds to step S1309.

  In step S1309, the request processing unit 106 transmits the user ID acquired in step S1303 to the room entry management server 108 via the communication unit 107, and requests room entry history information for the user ID. Then, the process proceeds to step S1310.

  In step S1310, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the room entry history information corresponding to the user ID is received from the room entry management server 115 via the communication unit 107. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room entry history information corresponding to the user ID has not been received, the process repeats step S1310 again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room entry history information corresponding to the user ID has been received, the process proceeds to step S1311. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the room entry history information corresponding to the user ID, the process proceeds to step S1311.

  Step S1311 is a subroutine in which the request processing unit 106 calculates a room entry rate using the room entry history information received in step S1310. The detailed processing content of step S1311 is shown in the description of FIG. When the entrance rate calculation process is completed, the process proceeds to step S1312.

  In step S1312, the request processing unit 106 transmits the user ID acquired in step S1303 to the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107, and requests device usage history information for the user ID. Then, the process proceeds to step S1313.

  In step S <b> 1313, the request processing unit 106 determines whether device usage history information corresponding to the user ID is received from the device management server 115 via the communication unit 107. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device usage history information corresponding to the user ID has not been received, the process repeats step S1313 again. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device usage history information corresponding to the user ID has been received, the process proceeds to step S1314. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 has received the device usage history information corresponding to the user ID, the process proceeds to step S1314.

  Step S1314 is a subroutine in which the request processing unit 106 calculates a device usage rate by using the device usage history information received in step S1313. Details of the processing in step S1314 will be described with reference to FIG. When the device usage rate calculation process is completed, the process proceeds to step S1315.

  In step S1315, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the room entry rate acquired in step S1311 is smaller than a preset threshold value. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the entrance rate is smaller than a preset threshold, the process proceeds to step S1316. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the entrance rate is not smaller than a preset threshold, the process proceeds to step S1318. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the room entrance rate is smaller than a preset threshold, the process proceeds to step S1316.

  In step S1316, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the device usage rate acquired in step S1314 is smaller than a preset threshold value. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device usage rate is smaller than the preset threshold, the process proceeds to step S1317. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the device usage rate is not smaller than a preset threshold value, the process advances to step S1318. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the device usage rate is smaller than a preset threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1317.

  In step S1317, the request processing unit 106 transmits the p-th workflow definition information acquired in step S1303 to the image forming apparatus 122 via the communication unit 107, and requests deletion of the workflow definition information. Then, the process proceeds to step S1318.

  In step S1318, the request processing unit 106 adds 1 to the value of the variable p representing the number of workflow definition information that has been processed, and increments the variable p. Then, the process proceeds to step S1302.

<Flowchart of subroutine for calculating the room entry rate>
Next, the room entrance rate calculation processing by the workflow definition information distribution server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the room entrance rate calculation process by the workflow definition information distribution server 101. The room entry rate calculation process in the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in FIG. 14 is a subroutine process corresponding to step S1311 in the description of FIG. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the workflow definition information distribution server 101, as shown in FIG. 14, first, in step S1401, the request processing unit 106 initializes a variable r indicating the number of pieces of room entry history information that has been processed with r: = 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S1402.

  In step S <b> 1402, the request processing unit 106 initializes a variable total_time that represents the total number of hours of room entry by the user for all rooms with total_time: = 0. Then, the process proceeds to step S1403.

  In step S1403, the request processing unit 106 initializes a variable in_room_time representing the total number of hours of user entry into the room where the device is installed with in_room_time: = 0. Then, the process proceeds to step S1404.

  In step S1404, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the variable r indicating the number of pieces of room entry history information that has been processed is larger than the number of room entry history cases. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the variable r is larger than the number of room entry histories, the process proceeds to step S1410. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the variable r is not greater than the number of entry histories, the process proceeds to step S1405. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the variable r is not larger than the number of entry histories, the process proceeds to step S1405.

  In step S1405, the request processing unit 106 calculates the entry time of the rth entry history by subtracting the entry time from the exit time of the rth entry history. Then, the process proceeds to step S1406.

  In step S1406, the request processing unit 106 adds the entry time of the r-th entry history calculated in step S1405 to the variable total_time representing the total number of entry hours for all rooms. Then, the process proceeds to step S1407.

  In step S1407, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the room ID of the r-th entry history and the room ID of the device installation location information are equal. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room ID of the r-th entry history is equal to the room ID of the device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S1408. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the room ID of the r-th entry history is not equal to the room ID of the device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S1409. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the room ID of the r-th entry history is equal to the room ID of the device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S1408.

  In step S1408, the request processing unit 106 adds the entry time of the r-th entry history calculated in step S1405 to the variable in_room_time representing the total number of entry times into the room in which the device is installed. . Then, the process proceeds to step S1409.

  In step S1409, the request processing unit 106 increments the variable r by adding 1 to the value of the variable r representing the number of pieces of room entry history information processed. Then, the process proceeds to step S1404.

  In step S1410, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the value of the variable total_time indicating the total number of hours of room entry for all rooms is equal to zero. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the value of the variable total_time indicating the total number of hours of room entry for all rooms is equal to 0, the process proceeds to step S1412. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the value of the variable total_time representing the total number of hours of room entry for all rooms is not equal to 0, the process proceeds to step S1411. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the value of the variable total_time indicating the total number of hours of entry for all rooms is not equal to 0, the process proceeds to step S1411.

  In step S1411, the request processing unit 106 calculates the room entry rate by dividing the variable in_room_time representing the total number of hours of entry into the room in which the device is installed by the variable total_time representing the total number of room entry times for all rooms. To do. Then, the process ends.

  In step S1412, the request processing unit 106 calculates that the room entry rate is zero. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of subroutine for calculating device usage rate>
Next, device usage rate calculation processing by the workflow definition information distribution server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of device usage rate calculation processing by the workflow definition information distribution server 101. The device usage rate calculation process in the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in FIG. 15 is a subroutine process corresponding to step S1314 in the description of FIG. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the workflow definition information distribution server 101, as shown in FIG. 15, first, in step S1501, the request processing unit 106 determines whether or not the number of device usage histories is equal to zero. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the number of device usage histories is not equal to 0, the process proceeds to step S1502. If the request processing unit 106 determines that the number of device usage histories is equal to 0, the process proceeds to step S1503. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 106 determines that the number of device usage histories is not equal to 0, the process proceeds to step S1502.

  In step S1502, the request processing unit 106 calculates the device usage rate by dividing the value of the device usage history number by the value of the number of entry history cases. Then, the process ends.

  In step S1503, the request processing unit 106 calculates that the value of the device usage rate is zero. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of entry management server when deleting workflow definition information from a device that is unlikely to be used>
Next, the room entry permission information and room entry history information reading process when the workflow definition information is deleted from the image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used by the room entry management server 108 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the room entry permission information and room entry history information reading process when the workflow definition information is deleted from the image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used in the room entry management server 108. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the room entry management server 108, as shown in FIG. 16, first, in step S1601, the request processing unit 113 transmits the user ID and the room entry permission information transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114. Determine whether an inquiry has been received. If the request processing unit 113 determines that an inquiry for room entry permission information has not been received, the process repeats step S1601. If the request processing unit 113 determines that an inquiry for room entry permission information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1602. Here, it is assumed that the request processing unit 113 has received an inquiry for room entry permission information, and the process proceeds to step S1602.

  In step S1602, the request processing unit 113 transmits the user ID received in step S1601 to the room entry permission information management unit 111, and the room entry permission information corresponding to the user ID stored in the room entry permission information storage unit 109. Ask to read. The room entry permission information management unit 111 reads out room entry permission information corresponding to the user ID received from the request processing unit 113 from the room entry permission information storage unit 109 and transmits the room entry permission information to the request processing unit 113. When the request processing unit 113 receives the room entry permission information, the process proceeds to step S1603.

  In step S1603, the request processing unit 113 transmits the room entry permission information received in step S1602 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114. Then, the process proceeds to step S1604.

  In step S <b> 1604, the request processing unit 113 determines whether or not an inquiry about the user ID and room entry history information transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114 has been received. If the request processing unit 113 determines that an inquiry about room entry history information has not been received, the process repeats step S1604. If the request processing unit 113 determines that an inquiry about room entry history information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1605. Here, it is assumed that the request processing unit 113 has received an inquiry for room entry history information, and the process proceeds to step S1605.

  In step S 1605, the request processing unit 113 transmits the user ID received in step S 1604 to the room entry history information management unit 112, and the room entry history information corresponding to the user ID stored in the room entry history information storage unit 110. Ask to read. The room entry history information management unit 112 reads the room entry history information corresponding to the user ID received from the request processing unit 113 from the room entry history information storage unit 110 and transmits the room entry history information to the request processing unit 113. When the request processing unit 113 receives the room entry history information, the process proceeds to step S1606.

  In step S1606, the request processing unit 113 transmits the room entry history information received in step S1605 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 114. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of device management server when deleting workflow definition information from devices that are unlikely to be used>
Next, device installation location information and device usage history information reading processing when the workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used by the device management server 115 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for reading device installation location information and device usage history information when the workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used in the device management server 115. This procedure is executed by the CPU 201.

  In the device management server 115, as shown in FIG. 17, first, in step S1701, the request processing unit 120 receives an inquiry about the room ID and device installation location information transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121. Determine whether or not. If the request processing unit 120 determines that the inquiry about the device installation location information has not been received, the process repeats step S1701. If the request processing unit 120 determines that the device location information query has been received, the process advances to step S1702. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 120 has received an inquiry about device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S1702.

  In step S1702, the request processing unit 120 transmits the room ID received in step S1701 to the device installation location information management unit 118. Then, it requests the device installation location information storage unit 116 to read the device installation location information corresponding to the room ID. The device installation location information management unit 118 reads device installation location information corresponding to the room ID received from the request processing unit 120 from the device installation location information storage unit 116 and transmits the device installation location information to the request processing unit 120. When the request processing unit 120 receives the device installation location information, the process proceeds to step S1703.

  In step S 1703, the request processing unit 120 transmits the device installation location information received in step S 1702 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121. Then, the process proceeds to step S1704.

  In step S <b> 1704, the request processing unit 120 determines whether or not the user ID and device usage history information inquiry transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121 has been received. If the request processing unit 120 determines that the inquiry about the device usage history information has not been received, the process repeats step S1704. If the request processing unit 120 determines that an inquiry about device usage history information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1705. Here, assuming that the request processing unit 120 has received an inquiry about device usage history information, the process proceeds to step S1705.

  In step S1705, the request processing unit 120 transmits the user ID received in step S1704 to the device usage history information management unit 119. Then, it requests the device usage history information storage unit 117 to read the device usage history information corresponding to the user ID. The device usage history information management unit 117 reads device usage history information corresponding to the user ID received from the request processing unit 120 from the device usage history information storage unit 117 and transmits the device usage history information to the request processing unit 120. When the request processing unit 120 receives the device usage history information, the process proceeds to step S1706.

  In step S1706, the request processing unit 120 transmits the device usage history information received in step S1705 to the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 121. Then, the process ends.

<Flowchart of image forming apparatus when deleting workflow definition information from a device that is unlikely to be used>
Next, a workflow definition information deletion process when deleting workflow definition information from an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used by the image forming apparatus 122 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of workflow definition information deletion processing when the workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to be used in the image forming apparatus 122. This procedure is executed by the controller 307.

  In the image forming apparatus 122, as shown in FIG. 18, first, in step S1801, whether or not the overall processing unit 126 has received the workflow definition information transmitted from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 via the communication unit 127. Determine whether. Further, the overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not a workflow definition information deletion instruction has been received. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information deletion instruction have not been received, the process repeats step S1801. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information deletion instruction have been received, the process proceeds to step S1802. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 has received the workflow definition information and the workflow definition information deletion instruction, the process proceeds to step S1802.

  In step S1802, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S1801 to the workflow definition information management unit 124. Then, a request is made to determine whether or not the transmitted workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. The workflow definition information management unit 124 reads the workflow definition information for the workflow ID of the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. If the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID cannot be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 does not store the received workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage unit 123 for the overall processing unit 126. Send a message. When the workflow definition information for the received workflow ID can be read, the workflow definition information management unit 124 informs the overall processing unit 126 that the received workflow definition information is stored in the workflow definition information storage unit 123. Send. The overall processing unit 126 determines whether or not the workflow definition information confirmation result received from the workflow definition information management unit 124 indicates that the workflow definition information is stored. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is not stored, the process ends. If the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process advances to step S1803. Here, assuming that the overall processing unit 126 determines that the received workflow definition information confirmation result indicates that the workflow definition information is stored, the process advances to step S1803.

  In step S1803, the overall processing unit 126 transmits the workflow definition information received in step S1801 to the workflow definition information management unit 124, and requests the workflow definition information storage unit 123 to delete the workflow definition information. The workflow definition information management unit 124 deletes the received workflow definition information from the workflow definition information storage unit 123, and transmits to the overall processing unit 126 that the workflow definition information has been deleted from the workflow definition information storage unit 123. When the overall processing unit 126 receives information that the workflow definition information has been deleted, the process ends.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the workflow definition information delivery system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a workflow definition information distribution server 101, an entrance management server 108, and a device management server 115 in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 122 in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows user information, workflow definition information, entrance permission information, entrance history information, device installation location information, device usage history information, and workflow definition information. The workflow definition information distribution server 101 confirms whether or not the user entry permission information has been changed, and shows a procedure for automatically distributing the workflow definition information to an image forming apparatus that the user may use. It is a flowchart. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting room entry permission information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the room entry management server 108. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting device installation location information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the device management server 115. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for registering or deleting workflow definition information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the image forming apparatus 122. The workflow definition information distribution server 101 checks whether the device installation location information of the image forming apparatus has been changed, and automatically distributes the workflow definition information to the image forming apparatus that the user may use. It is a flowchart which shows a procedure. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting device installation location information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the device management server 115. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting room entry permission information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the room entry management server 108. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for registering or deleting workflow definition information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the image forming apparatus 122. The workflow definition information distribution server 101 calculates a user's room entrance rate and the usage rate of the image forming apparatus, and shows a procedure for automatically deleting the workflow definition information from the image forming apparatus that is less likely to be used by the user. is there. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a subroutine process for calculating a user's room entrance rate in the flowchart of FIG. 13 in the workflow definition information distribution server 101. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a subroutine process for calculating a device usage rate in the flowchart of FIG. 13 in the workflow definition information distribution server 101. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting room entry history information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the room entry management server 108. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting device installation location information and device usage history information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the device management server 115. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for deleting workflow definition information in response to a request from the workflow definition information distribution server 101 in the image forming apparatus 122.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Workflow definition information delivery server 102 User information storage part 103 Workflow definition information storage part 104 User information management part 105 Workflow definition information management part

Claims (14)

The server apparatus and the image forming apparatus are communicably connected via a network.
The server device is a workflow definition information distribution system for distributing workflow definition information to an image forming device,
The server device
Workflow definition information management means for managing workflow definition information distributed to the image forming apparatus;
Entry permission information management means for managing entry permission information of users who use workflow definition information;
Image forming apparatus installation location information management means for managing information on the installation location of the image forming apparatus;
When entry permission information is added, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management means, and an image forming apparatus installed at a location included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management means, distributes the workflow definition information to the acquired image forming apparatus,
When image forming apparatus installation location information is added, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. Workflow definition information distribution means for acquiring a user using the room entry permission information management means and distributing the workflow definition information of the acquired user;
A workflow definition information distribution instruction transmitting means for transmitting the workflow definition information distribution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
When the entry permission information is deleted, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management means, and the image forming apparatus installed in the place included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management means, instructing the acquired image forming apparatus to delete the workflow definition information,
When the image forming apparatus installation location information is deleted, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus location information management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. A workflow definition information deleting means for instructing deletion of the workflow definition information of the acquired user.
A workflow definition information deletion instruction transmission means for transmitting the workflow definition information deletion instruction to the image forming apparatus;
Have
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving the workflow definition information delivery instruction from the server device and writing it into a memory, workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving means;
A workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving means for receiving the workflow definition information deletion instruction from the server device and writing it in a memory;
In accordance with the workflow definition information delivery instruction received by the workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving means, the workflow definition information is registered,
In accordance with the workflow definition information deletion instruction received by the workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving means, the workflow definition information is deleted,
Workflow definition information management means for managing workflow definition information in an executable manner,
Having
A workflow definition information distribution system characterized by the above. The workflow definition information distribution system includes:
Entering room history information managing means for managing room entry history information of a user permitted to enter by the room entry permission information managing means;
Image forming apparatus usage history information management means for managing a usage history of the image forming apparatus installed at a location managed by the image forming apparatus installation location information management means by the user;
Have
The workflow definition information deleting means includes
From the entrance history information acquired by the entrance history information management means, the entrance rate for each room that the user is allowed to enter is calculated,
From the image forming apparatus usage history information acquired by the image processing apparatus usage history information management means, the user calculates an image forming apparatus usage rate using the image forming apparatus,
The workflow definition information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus having a low both of the room entrance rate and the image forming apparatus utilization rate. The workflow definition information deleting means includes
After the workflow definition information stored by the workflow definition information management means is delivered by the workflow definition information delivery means, after a certain period of time has passed, the room entry rate and the image forming apparatus utilization rate, The workflow definition information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus in which both are low. Connected to the image forming apparatus via a network,
A workflow definition information distribution system for distributing workflow definition information to an image forming apparatus,
Workflow definition information management means for managing workflow definition information distributed to the image forming apparatus;
Entry permission information management means for managing entry permission information of users who use workflow definition information;
Image forming apparatus installation location information management means for managing information on the installation location of the image forming apparatus;
When entry permission information is added, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management means, and an image forming apparatus installed at a location included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management means, distributes the workflow definition information to the acquired image forming apparatus,
When image forming apparatus installation location information is added, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. Workflow definition information distribution means for acquiring a user using the room entry permission information management means and distributing the workflow definition information of the acquired user;
A workflow definition information distribution instruction transmitting means for transmitting the workflow definition information distribution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
When the entry permission information is deleted, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management means, and the image forming apparatus installed in the place included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management means, instructing the acquired image forming apparatus to delete the workflow definition information,
When the image forming apparatus installation location information is deleted, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus location information management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. A workflow definition information deleting means for instructing deletion of the workflow definition information of the acquired user.
A workflow definition information deletion instruction transmission means for transmitting the workflow definition information deletion instruction to the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: It is connected to the server device via a network so that it can communicate.
An image forming apparatus to which workflow definition information is distributed from the server device,
Receiving the workflow definition information delivery instruction from the server device and writing it into a memory, workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving means;
A workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving means for receiving the workflow definition information deletion instruction from the server device and writing it in a memory;
In accordance with the workflow definition information delivery instruction received by the workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving means, the workflow definition information is registered,
In accordance with the workflow definition information deletion instruction received by the workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving means, the workflow definition information is deleted,
Workflow definition information management means for managing workflow definition information in an executable manner,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus includes:
Entering room history information managing means for managing room entry history information of a user permitted to enter by the room entry permission information managing means;
Image forming apparatus usage history information management means for managing a usage history of the image forming apparatus installed at a location managed by the image forming apparatus installation location information management means by the user;
Have
The workflow definition information deleting means includes
From the entrance history information acquired by the entrance history information management means, the entrance rate for each room that the user is allowed to enter is calculated,
From the image forming apparatus usage history information acquired by the image processing apparatus usage history information management means, the user calculates an image forming apparatus usage rate using the image forming apparatus,
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus having a low both of the room entrance rate and the image forming apparatus utilization rate. The workflow definition information deleting means includes
After the workflow definition information stored by the workflow definition information management means is delivered by the workflow definition information delivery means, after a certain period of time has passed, the room entry rate and the image forming apparatus utilization rate, The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the workflow definition information is deleted from the image forming apparatus in which both are low. The server apparatus and the image forming apparatus are communicably connected via a network.
The server apparatus is a workflow definition information distribution method for distributing workflow definition information to an image forming apparatus,
The server device
A workflow definition information management step for managing workflow definition information distributed to the image forming apparatus;
An entry permission information management process for managing entry permission information of users who use workflow definition information,
An image forming apparatus installation location information management process for managing information on the installation location of the image forming apparatus;
When entry permission information is added, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management step, and the image forming apparatus installed at a location included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management process, distributes the workflow definition information to the acquired image forming apparatus,
When image forming apparatus installation location information is added, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. A user is acquired using the room entry permission information management step, and the workflow definition information distribution step of distributing the acquired workflow definition information of the user,
A workflow definition information distribution instruction transmission step for transmitting the workflow definition information distribution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
When the entry permission information is deleted, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management step, and the image forming apparatus installed in the place included in the acquired entry permission information Obtained using the apparatus installation location information management process, instructing the obtained image forming apparatus to delete the workflow definition information,
When the image forming apparatus installation location information is deleted, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus location information management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. A workflow definition information deleting step for instructing the user to delete the workflow definition information acquired using the room entry permission information management step,
A workflow definition information deletion instruction transmission step for transmitting the workflow definition information deletion instruction to the image forming apparatus;
Have
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving the workflow definition information delivery instruction from the server device and writing it into the memory, a workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving step;
Receiving the workflow definition information deletion instruction from the server device and writing it into a memory; a workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving step;
In accordance with the workflow definition information delivery instruction received by the workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving step, register the workflow definition information,
In accordance with the workflow definition information deletion instruction received in the workflow definition information deletion instruction reception step, the workflow definition information is deleted,
Workflow definition information management process for managing workflow definition information in an executable manner,
A workflow definition information delivery method characterized by comprising: The workflow definition information delivery method includes:
Managing entry history information of a user who has been permitted entry by the entry permission information management step, an entry history information management step,
An image forming apparatus usage history information management step for managing a usage history by the user of the image forming apparatus installed at a location managed by the image forming apparatus installation location information management step;
Have
The workflow definition information deleting step
From the entry history information acquired by the entry history information management step, calculate the entry rate for each room that the user is allowed to enter,
From the image forming apparatus usage history information acquired by the image processing apparatus usage history information management step, the user calculates an image forming apparatus usage rate using the image forming apparatus,
The workflow definition information distribution method according to claim 8, wherein workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus having a low both of the room entry rate and the image forming apparatus utilization rate. The workflow definition information deleting step
After the workflow definition information stored by the workflow definition information management step is distributed by the workflow definition information distribution step, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the room entry rate and the image forming apparatus utilization rate, The workflow definition information delivery method according to claim 8, wherein the workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus in which both are low. Connected to the image forming apparatus via a network,
A workflow definition information distribution program for distributing workflow definition information to an image forming apparatus,
A workflow definition information management module for managing workflow definition information distributed to the image forming apparatus;
An entry permission information management module for managing entry permission information of users who use workflow definition information;
An image forming apparatus installation location information management module for managing information on the installation location of the image forming apparatus;
When entry permission information is added, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management module, and an image forming apparatus installed at a location included in the acquired entry permission information Acquired using the apparatus installation location information management module, distributes the workflow definition information to the acquired image forming apparatus,
When image forming apparatus installation location information is added, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. A workflow definition information distribution module that acquires a user using the room entry permission information management module and distributes the acquired workflow definition information of the user;
A workflow definition information distribution instruction transmission module for transmitting the workflow definition information distribution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
When the entry permission information is deleted, the entry permission information is acquired from the entry permission information management module, and the image forming apparatus installed at the place included in the acquired entry permission information Obtained using the apparatus installation location information management module, instructing the obtained image forming apparatus to delete the workflow definition information,
When the image forming apparatus installation location information is deleted, the image forming apparatus installation location information is acquired from the image forming apparatus location information management information, and entry permission is set for the installation location included in the image forming apparatus installation location information. A workflow definition information deletion module that acquires a user who is using the room entry permission information management module and instructs the acquired user to delete the workflow definition information;
A workflow definition information deletion instruction transmission module for transmitting the workflow definition information deletion instruction to the image forming apparatus;
The program characterized by having. It is connected to the server device via a network so that it can communicate.
A program for distributing workflow definition information from the server device,
A workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving module that receives the workflow definition information delivery instruction from the server device and writes the instruction to the memory;
A workflow definition information deletion instruction receiving module that receives the workflow definition information deletion instruction from the server device and writes the instruction to the memory;
In accordance with the workflow definition information delivery instruction received by the workflow definition information delivery instruction receiving module, the workflow definition information is registered,
In accordance with the workflow definition information deletion instruction received by the workflow definition information deletion instruction reception module, the workflow definition information is deleted,
A workflow definition information management module that manages workflow definition information in an executable manner,
The program characterized by having. The program is
An entry history information management module for managing entry history information of a user permitted to enter by the entry permission information management module;
An image forming apparatus usage history information management module for managing a usage history of the image forming apparatus installed at a location managed by the image forming apparatus installation location information management module;
Have
The workflow definition information deletion module
From the entrance history information acquired by the entrance history information management module, the entrance rate for each room that the user is allowed to enter is calculated,
From the image forming apparatus usage history information acquired by the image processing apparatus usage history information management module, the user calculates an image forming apparatus usage rate using the image forming apparatus,
The program according to claim 11, wherein workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus having a low both of the room entry rate and the image forming apparatus utilization rate. The workflow definition information deletion module
After the workflow definition information stored by the workflow definition information management module is distributed by the workflow definition information distribution module, after a certain period of time has passed, the entrance rate and the image forming apparatus usage rate, 12. The program according to claim 11, wherein workflow definition information is deleted from an image forming apparatus having both low.

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