JP2009193372A - Image log management apparatus, image forming system, image log management method, and image log management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage the contents of processing of image data as an image log even when the image data is processed by using an image processing apparatus which is not included in a system. <P>SOLUTION: A client apparatus 101 sets whether or not a log concerned with printing data is to be acquired when a user prepares/edits the printing data. The setting is executed when the user operates a log extraction property setting means included in the client apparatus 101. The client apparatus 101 is further provided with a log extraction property setting determination means for determining whether or not the value of a log extraction property is set or not, an image log acquisition function determination means for determining whether or not an image forming apparatus 102 or the like which are specified to execute the printing processing of the printing data have an image log acquisition function, and a printing data transmission means for transmitting the printing data to the image forming apparatus 102 or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image log management apparatus, an image forming system, an image log management method, and an image log management program for managing processing contents of print data (image data) as an image log.

  Conventionally, in order to retain confidential information of individuals and companies, when copying paper documents, printing electronic documents, sending / receiving faxes of paper and electronic documents, scanning operations of paper documents, etc. A system that can be stored in a database as a log has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 below).

JP 2007-142943 A JP 2006-184947 A JP 2006-217350 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, when image data is output using an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, a printing machine, a FAX, or a scanner outside the system, data such as a confidential document is processed. Even in that case, the fact is not recorded as an image log. For this reason, replace with an image processing device that can be incorporated into the system, or if this is not possible, use an image processing device outside the system, despite the fear of leakage of confidential documents. There was a problem that had to be.

  In order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, the present invention can manage the contents of processing as an image log even when processing image data using an image processing apparatus outside the system. It is an object to provide an apparatus, an image forming system, an image log management method, and an image log management program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image log management apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is an image log management apparatus that manages the contents of print processing of print data as an image log, and is subjected to print processing. Log collection property setting means for setting the value of the log collection property that determines whether or not to acquire the image log related to the print data, and the log collection property that determines whether the value of the log collection property is set And a setting determination unit, and an image log acquisition function determination unit that determines whether or not an image forming apparatus that intends to execute the print processing of the print data has an image log acquisition function. To do.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image log management apparatus according to the first aspect determines whether or not the value of the log collection property set by the log collection property setting means is a valid value. Log collection property judging means is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image log management apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention further comprises display means for displaying various types of information, and the log collection property setting determination means determines the log collection property. It is characterized by comprising display control means for controlling the display content of the print setting screen to be displayed on the display means in accordance with the value of the log collection property when it is determined that the value is set.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image log management apparatus comprising the image forming apparatus detecting means for detecting usable image forming apparatuses in the first aspect of the present invention. It is characterized by.

  An image log management apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the print processing of the print data does not have an image log acquisition function. And a notification means for notifying an administrator that the print processing of the print data is to be executed when it is designated to execute the print data.

  An image log management apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image log management apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein an editing process is performed by a person who has logged in from the apparatus and the apparatus. A document owner determining means for determining whether or not the document owner is the same person is provided.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image log management apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the owner information setting means sets owner information for a document to be processed. It is characterized by having.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image log management device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and an image log acquisition unit that acquires an image log relating to print data that has been subjected to print processing. And an image log transmitting means for transmitting the acquired image log to the outside, an image log receiving means for receiving an image log sent from the image forming apparatus, and storing the received image log And an image log storage device including the image log storage means.

  An image log management method according to a ninth aspect of the invention is an image log management method for managing the contents of print processing of print data as an image log, and whether to acquire an image log related to print data subjected to print processing. A log collection property setting determination step for determining whether or not a log collection property value for determining whether or not the image collection apparatus has an image log acquisition function. An image log acquisition function determination step for determining whether or not the image log is acquired.

  An image log management method according to a tenth aspect of the invention includes the log collection property determination step of determining whether or not the value of the log collection property is a valid value in the invention according to the ninth aspect. It is characterized by that.

  An image log management method according to an invention of claim 11 is the invention according to claim 9 or 10, wherein it is found that a value of a log collection property is set in the log collection property setting determination step. A display control step for controlling the display contents of the print setting screen according to the value of the log collection property is included.

  An image log management method according to a twelfth aspect of the invention includes the image forming apparatus detecting step of detecting usable image forming apparatuses in the invention according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects. Features.

  An image log management method according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects, wherein the print processing of the print data does not have an image log acquisition function. And a notification step of notifying the administrator that the print processing of the print data is to be executed is specified.

  An image log management method according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image log management method according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, wherein an editing process is performed by a person who has logged in from the device and the device. A document owner determination step for determining whether or not the document owner is the same person is included.

  An image log management method according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is the document owner information setting step of setting owner information for a document to be processed in the invention according to any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects. It is characterized by including.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, an image log management program causes a computer to execute the image log management method according to any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects.

  According to the present invention, even when image data is processed using an image processing apparatus outside the system, the content of the processing can be managed as an image log. In particular, it is possible to reliably collect and accumulate records of processing of electronic documents such as copying and printing, which are important from the viewpoint of security.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image log management apparatus, an image forming system, an image log management method, and an image log management program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Schematic configuration of image forming system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The image forming system 100 includes a client device (image log management device) 101, an image forming device 102, and an image log storage device 103, which are connected by a network. Further, in this image forming system 100, an image can be output by the image forming apparatuses 111 and 112 that are not included in the system connected to the network in response to an instruction from the client apparatus 101 included in the system. It has become.

(Configuration of client device)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a client device configuring the image forming system according to the first embodiment. The client apparatus 101 includes a control unit 201 including a CPU, a storage unit 202 including a hard disk and a memory, an input unit 203 including a keyboard and a mouse, a liquid crystal display, a CRT, and the like. A display unit 204, a communication interface (not shown) for controlling communication with the network, and the like are provided.

  The client apparatus 101 creates and edits print data (image data and bibliographic information related to the image data) to be printed out by the image forming apparatus 102 in the system and the image forming apparatuses 111 and 112 outside the system. In the client apparatus 101, a value of a log collection property that determines whether or not to acquire an image log related to the print data when the user creates or edits the print data is set. This setting is performed at the user's discretion. The setting is executed by the user operating log collection property setting means provided in the client apparatus 101.

  Further, in this client apparatus 101, a log collection property setting determination unit that determines whether or not a value of a log collection property is set, and an image forming apparatus 102 (or image) that is designated to execute print processing of the print data. Image log acquisition function determining means for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 111, 112) has an image log acquisition function, and printing for transmitting the print data to the image forming apparatus 102 (or the image forming apparatus 111, 112). Data transmission means. By these means, it is possible to determine whether or not the document can be printed in the image forming apparatus designated to perform printing. For this reason, it is specified that an image forming apparatus having an image log acquisition function is required to execute a document printing process in which log acquisition is mandatory (a value of the log collection property is set) By executing the printing process only with the image forming apparatus, it is possible to reliably leave an image log of the printed document. On the other hand, if it is specified that the image forming apparatus does not have an image log acquisition function, the print process is stopped because the image log cannot be left.

  Note that the log collection property setting unit, the log collection property setting determination unit, and the image log acquisition function determination unit can realize their functions when the control unit 201 executes a predetermined program. The print data transmission unit can realize its function by the communication interface or the like.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 102 includes a control unit 301 including a CPU, a storage unit 302 including a hard disk and a memory, an input unit 303 for inputting image data, an output unit 304 for outputting a print image, and a network. And a communication interface (not shown) for controlling communication with the device. A copy function, a print function, a scan function, and a FAX transmission / reception function are realized. In particular, the image forming system 100 performs a printing process for a document created and edited by the client apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 102 also includes an image log acquisition unit that acquires an image log (image data, bibliographic information, and the like) related to a document that has undergone printing processing, and an image log that transmits the acquired image log to the image log storage apparatus 103. It is preferable to provide a transmission means. The function of the image log acquisition unit can be realized by the control unit 301 executing a predetermined program. Further, the function of the image log transmission means can be realized by the communication interface or the like.

(Configuration of image log storage device)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image log storage device included in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. The image log storage device 103 includes a control unit 401 including a CPU, a storage unit 402 including a hard disk and a memory, an input unit 403 including a keyboard and a mouse, a liquid crystal display, a CRT, and the like. A display unit 404 and a communication interface (not shown) for controlling communication with the network. The image log storage device 103 includes an image log receiving unit that receives an image log (image data and bibliographic information) sent from the image forming device 102 and an image log storage unit that stores the received image log. . The function of the image log receiving means can be realized by the communication interface or the like. The function of the image log storage unit can be realized by the storage unit 402 or the like.

(Processing of image forming system)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process procedure of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. The processing of the image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, first, an instruction to print the document being edited is given (step S501). Specifically, the print designation for the document being edited is input from the client apparatus 101. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “print setting screen” displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101 at this time. After inputting predetermined items on such a screen, an “OK” button 601 is pressed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is set (step S502). This determination is performed by the log collection property setting determination unit of the client apparatus 101. The log collection property value is set by a log collection property setting unit provided in the client apparatus 101 when a document to be printed is created / edited. If the value of the log collection property is not set in step S502 (step S502: No), the printing process is executed in the designated image forming apparatus as it is (step S504).

  On the other hand, if the value of the log collection property is set in step S502 (step S502: Yes), it is determined whether or not the designated image forming apparatus has an image log acquisition function (step S503). Here, the image log acquisition function determination unit of the client apparatus 101 determines whether the image forming apparatus designated to execute printing has an image log acquisition function. Here, when the image log acquisition function is provided (step S503: Yes), the printing process is executed in the designated image forming apparatus (step S504).

  On the other hand, if the image log acquisition function is not provided in step S503 (step S503: No), the printing process is stopped (step S505). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen indicating “Cancel print processing” displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101 at this time. By displaying this screen, the image forming apparatus designated by the user is notified that the document cannot be printed.

  By executing the processing described above, for documents that require confidentiality, by setting the log collection property value, the print processing is executed only by the image forming apparatus that can acquire the image log, and it is ensured. The contents of processing can be recorded as an image log. In particular, in the image forming system according to the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the image forming apparatus for which the printing process is designated has a function of acquiring an image log in the course of the printing process. If the image acquisition apparatus is provided with the function of acquiring the image, it is not always necessary to perform the printing process with the image forming apparatus incorporated in the system. The outline of the flow of print data in the image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flow of print data in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the print data created and edited by the client apparatus 101 is sent to the image forming apparatus 102. If the image forming apparatus 102 can acquire an image log, the print processing of the print data is executed here. Then, the image log acquired at this time is sent to the image log storage device 103 and stored.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, an image forming system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image forming system of the second embodiment is almost the same as that shown in the first embodiment, but whether or not the log collection property value further set in the client apparatus 101 is a valid value. A significant feature is that a log collection property determination means for determining the above is provided. This log collection property determination means can also realize its function when the control unit 201 executes a predetermined program.

(Processing of image forming system)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process procedure of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. The processing of the image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, first, saving of the document being edited is designated (step S901). Specifically, a save designation for the document being edited is input from the client apparatus 101.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is set (step S902). This determination is performed by the log collection property setting determination unit of the client apparatus 101. Normally, log collection property values are set when a document to be printed is created / edited. This step S902 is a process for detecting omission of log collection property values. Here, when the log collection property value is set (step S902: Yes), all the processes are ended.

  On the other hand, when the log collection property value is not set in step S902 (step S902: No), the log collection property setting screen is displayed (step S903). This log collection property setting screen is displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a “log collection property setting screen” displayed at this time.

  Next, a log collection property value is set (step S904). The setting is performed by the log collection property setting means provided in the client apparatus 101. Specifically, the item “Mandatory image log collection (required)” on the log collection property setting screen shown in FIG. 10 is checked. This completes the process. Note that setting the log collection property value means setting a predetermined value in the “log collection property” storage area (registry or the like) of the document.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the setting value of the log collection property is a valid value (step S905). Here, the log collection property determination unit of the client apparatus 101 determines the validity of the value set in step S904. Here, when the setting value of the log collection property is not a valid value (step S905: No), the processing from step S902 is performed again.

  On the other hand, when the set value of the log collection property is a valid value in step S905 (step S905: Yes), the set value of the log collection property is confirmed (step S906). That is, the predetermined value in the “log collection property” storage area of the document set in step S904 is determined as the log collection property setting value.

  By performing the processing as described above, in the image forming system according to the second embodiment, the log collection property value is set for all the print data so that the image log of the printed data is reliably accumulated. Become.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, an image forming system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image forming system according to the third embodiment is such that the log collection property setting determination unit determines that the log collection property value is set in the client apparatus 101 of the system shown in the second embodiment. Display control means for controlling the display contents of the log collection property area of the print setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 204 is provided. The display control means can also realize its function when the control unit 201 executes a predetermined program.

(Processing of image forming system)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process procedure of the image forming system according to the third embodiment. The processing of the image forming system according to the third embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, first, an instruction to print a document being edited is given (step S1101). Specifically, print designation is performed for the document being edited from the client apparatus 101.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is set (step S1102). This determination is made by determining whether the value of the log collection property is set in the “log collection property” storage area of the document that has been designated for printing in step S1101 by the log collection property setting determination unit of the client apparatus 101. Done.

  If it is determined in step S1102 that the value of the log collection property is set (step S1102: Yes), the log collection property is displayed in the log collection property area of the print setting screen (step S1103). . Specifically, “required” is set in the log collection property area of the print setting screen displayed on the display unit 204 by the display control unit of the client apparatus 101.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1102 that the value of the log collection property has not been set (step S1102: No), the log collection property area of the print setting screen displays that the log collection property is not essential ( Step S1104). Specifically, “un-required” is set in the log collection property area of the print setting screen displayed on the display unit 204 by the display control unit of the client apparatus 101.

  Next, a print setting screen is displayed (step S1105). This print setting screen is displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example of a “print setting screen” displayed at this time. FIG. 12A shows a state where “required” is set in the log collection property area 1201 of the print setting screen, and FIG. 12B shows “non-essential (un-required)” in the log collection property area 1201 of the print setting screen. "required)" is set.

  Next, a print instruction is input on the print setting screen (step S1106). Finally, the target document printing process is executed (step S1107).

  By performing the processing as described above, in the image forming system according to the third embodiment, in the log collection property area of the print setting screen, the display corresponding to the value of the log collection required property of the electronic document that is the origin of the print data is displayed. Can be automatically set and the printing process can be executed.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, an image forming system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment includes an image forming apparatus detecting unit for detecting an image forming apparatus (printing apparatus) usable in the client apparatus 101 in the client apparatus 101 of the system shown in the third embodiment. I have. Then, the display control unit displays information on the detected usable image forming apparatus on the display unit 204. The function of the image forming apparatus detection unit can also be realized by the control unit 201 executing a predetermined program.

(Processing of image forming system)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a process procedure of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment. The processing of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, first, an instruction to print the document being edited is given (step S1301). Specifically, print designation is performed for the document being edited from the client apparatus 101.

  Next, the value of the log collection property is acquired (step S1302). In this case, the log collection property determination means acquires the value of the log collection property in the “log collection property” storage area of the document for which printing is designated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is appropriate (step S1303). This determination is performed on the value of the log collection property acquired by the log collection property determination unit in step S1302.

  If the value of the log collection property is not appropriate in step S1303 (step S1303: No), normal print processing is executed (step S1312). At this time, information on the image forming apparatus that can be used by the client apparatus 101 is displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a “print setting screen” displayed at this time. Thereafter, all processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the log collection property is appropriate in step S1303 (step S1303: Yes), the identifiers of all image forming apparatuses (printing apparatuses) connected to the client apparatus 101 are acquired (step S1304). This process is executed by the image forming apparatus detecting means. Note that the identifier in this process assumes an IP address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, or the like. The acquired identifier is stored in a one-character storage area.

  Next, the total number (Y) of image forming apparatuses (printing apparatuses) connected to the client apparatus 101 is acquired (step S1305). This process is executed by the image forming apparatus detecting means. The total number (Y) acquired is stored in the temporary storage area.

Next, a minimum value (X = 1) is set (step S1306). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not X ≦ Y (step S1307). The processing in steps S1306 and S1307 is executed by the image forming apparatus detection unit.

When X ≦ Y in step S1307 (step S1307: Yes), X
It is determined whether or not the second image forming apparatus has a function of acquiring an image log (step S1308). This processing is executed by the image log acquisition function determination unit.

If the Xth image forming apparatus has a function of acquiring an image log in step S1308 (step S1308: Yes), the Xth image forming apparatus is stored in the temporary storage area as a model capable of acquiring an image log (step S1309). . Specifically, the identifier of the Xth image forming apparatus is stored in the temporary storage area.

In step S1308, when the Xth image forming apparatus does not have the function of acquiring the image log (step S1308: No), and when the process of step S1309 is completed, 1 is added to the value of the minimum value X (X = X + 1). (Step S1310). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 1307. Steps S1307 to S1310 are repeated until X> Y.

  If X ≦ Y is not satisfied in step S1307 (step S1307: No), information on the image forming apparatus capable of acquiring an image log is displayed on the print setting screen (step S1311). Note that the information of the image forming apparatus that can acquire the image log is information (identifier etc.) of the image forming apparatus stored in the temporary storage area in the above processing. This processing is executed by the display control means. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a “print setting screen” displayed at this time.

  By performing the processing as described above, in the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment, information on an image forming apparatus having an image log acquisition function that can be used by a client apparatus including an image forming apparatus outside the system. Can be shown to the user.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, an image forming system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment is such that the client apparatus 101 of the system shown in the fourth embodiment further executes print data printing processing on an image forming apparatus that does not have an image log acquisition function. In the case where it is designated, there is provided a notification means for notifying the administrator that the print processing of the print data is to be performed. This notification means can also realize its function by the control unit 201 executing a predetermined program.

(Processing of image forming system)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process procedure of the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment. The processing of the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, first, an instruction to print the document being edited is given (step S1601). Specifically, print designation is performed for the document being edited from the client apparatus 101.

  Next, the value of the log collection property is acquired (step S1602). In this case, the log collection property determination means acquires the value of the log collection property in the “log collection property” storage area of the document for which printing is designated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is appropriate (step S1603). This determination is performed on the value of the log collection property acquired by the log collection property determination unit in step S1602.

  If the value of the log collection property is not appropriate in step S1603 (step S1603: No), normal print processing is executed (step S1609).

  On the other hand, if the value of the log collection property is appropriate in step S1603 (step S1603: Yes), it is determined whether the image forming apparatus designated by the user has a function of acquiring an image log (step S1604). This processing is executed by the image log acquisition function determination unit.

  If the image forming apparatus designated by the user in step S1604 has a function of acquiring an image log (step S1604: Yes), normal printing processing is executed (step S1609).

  On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus designated by the user in step S1604 does not have a function of acquiring an image log (step S1604: No), a warning screen is displayed (step S1605). This processing is performed by the display control means. “Warning screen” means that printing is not possible with a device that does not have a function to acquire an image log, and whether the printing process is continued by notifying the administrator (user) of the document to be printed. It is a screen that informs the user whether or not to select. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a “warning screen” displayed at this time. This screen is displayed on the display unit 204 of the client device 101.

  Next, the administrator is notified and whether or not to continue the printing process is selected (step S1606). The selection process is based on the input process to the screen shown in FIG. Here, when notifying the administrator and not continuing the printing process (step S1606: No), all the processes are terminated.

  On the other hand, when the administrator is notified in step S1606 and the printing process is continued (step S1606: Yes), the administrator is notified (step S1607). This process is executed by the notification means. Specifically, e-mail transmission / reception software is activated by the notification means, and “e-mail transmission” is performed.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not notification to the administrator has been normally performed (step S1608). When the notification to the administrator is normally performed, a “confirmation screen” is displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101 by the display control means. The user can determine whether or not the notification to the administrator has been normally performed by viewing the confirmation screen. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a “confirmation screen” displayed at this time.

  If the notification to the administrator is normally performed in step S1608 (step S1608: Yes), normal printing processing is performed (step S1609). On the other hand, when the notification to the administrator is not normally performed in step S1608 (step S1608: No), the processing from step S1605 is performed again.

  By performing the processing as described above, in the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment, when printing processing in an image forming apparatus that does not have an image log acquisition function is designated, printing processing in the image forming apparatus is performed. By confirming with the user whether or not to continue printing and notifying the document manager when the printing process is continued, the safety of data management can be improved.

(Embodiment 6)
Next, an image forming system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described. In the configuration of the image forming system of the sixth embodiment, in the client device 101 of the system shown in the fifth embodiment, editing processing is further performed by a person who has logged in from the client device 101 and the client device 101. Document owner determining means for determining whether or not the document owner is the same person is provided. This document owner determination means can also realize its function when the control unit 201 executes a predetermined program.

(Processing of image forming system)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a process procedure of the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment. The processing of the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, first, an instruction to print a document being edited is given (step S1901). Specifically, print designation is performed for the document being edited from the client apparatus 101.

  Next, the value of the log collection property is acquired (step S1902). In this case, the log collection property determination means acquires the value of the log collection property in the “log collection property” storage area of the document for which printing is designated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is appropriate (step S1903). This determination is performed on the value of the log collection property acquired by the log collection property determination unit in step S1902.

  If the value of the log collection property is not appropriate in step S1903 (step S1903: No), a message that printing is not possible is displayed (step S1909), and all the processes are terminated. The screen displayed at this time is the same as the “print processing stop” screen shown in FIG. 7, for example. This display is displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101.

  On the other hand, if the value of the log collection property is appropriate in step S1903 (step S1903: Yes), the login user name is detected (step S1904). Here, it is performed by detecting the name (user name) and user ID of the user currently logged in to the client apparatus 101. This process is performed by the document owner determination means.

  Next, the name of the owner of the document being edited is detected (step S1905). Here, the owner of the document currently being edited by the client apparatus 101 is detected. The target of detection is one of the values stored as the bibliographic information (bibliographic item) of the document being edited, and an identifier for uniquely identifying the owner of the document (for example, the document user name or ID format). If the document is owned by a plurality of people, information on all the owners is attached. In addition, it is assumed that the creator of the document is the owner, especially when there is no bibliographic item of the document owner. This process is performed by the document owner determination means.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the login user and the document owner being edited are the same person (step S1906). Here, the determination is performed by comparing the login user name and the user ID. However, by using the login user name and the user ID as a comparison target, it is only necessary to compare the character strings, and thus the determination is easy. This process is performed by the document owner determination means.

  If it is determined in step S1906 that the logged-in user and the document owner being edited are the same person (step S1906: Yes), print processing is executed (step S1908). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1906 that the logged-in user and the document owner being edited are not the same person (step S1906: No), it is determined whether the image forming apparatus designated by the user has a function of acquiring an image log. (Step S1907). This processing is executed by the image log acquisition function determination unit.

  If the image forming apparatus designated by the user in step S1907 has a function of acquiring an image log (step S1907: Yes), print processing is executed (step S1908).

  On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus designated by the user in step S1907 does not have a function of acquiring an image log (step S1907: No), a message indicating that printing is impossible is displayed (step S1909), and all the processes are terminated. .

  By performing the processing as described above, in the image forming system of the sixth embodiment, when printing processing of a document owned by another person is about to be performed, the image forming apparatus that does not have an image log acquisition function is used. When the printing process is designated, the printing process in the image forming apparatus is stopped to improve the safety of data management.

(Embodiment 7)
Next, an image forming system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image forming system according to the seventh embodiment is the document owner information setting for setting the owner information for the document to be processed by the client apparatus 101 in the client apparatus 101 of the system shown in the sixth embodiment. Means. This document owner information setting means can also realize its function when the control unit 201 executes a predetermined program.

(Processing of image forming system)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a process procedure of the image forming system according to the seventh embodiment. The processing of the image forming system according to the seventh embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 20, first, saving of the document being edited is designated (step S2001). Specifically, a save designation for the document being edited is input from the client apparatus 101.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is set (step S2002). This determination is performed by the log collection property setting determination unit of the client apparatus 101. Normally, the setting of the log collection property value is normally performed at the time of creating / editing the document to be printed, but this step S2002 is a process for detecting an omission of setting of the log collection property value. Here, when the log collection property value is not set (step S2002: No), all the processes are ended.

  On the other hand, when the log collection property value is set in step S2002 (step S2002: Yes), the value of the log collection property is acquired (step S2003). Here, the log collection property determination means acquires the value of the log collection property in the “log collection property” storage area of the document that has been designated for storage.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the log collection property is appropriate (step S2004). This determination is performed on the value of the log collection property acquired by the log collection property determination unit in step S2003.

  If the value of the log collection property is not appropriate in step S2004 (step S2004: No), all the processes are terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the log collection property is appropriate in step S2004 (step S2004: Yes), it is detected whether document owner information is set (step S2005). The detection target is one of the values stored as the bibliographic information (bibliographic item) of the document, and an identifier (for example, the document user name or ID) that can uniquely identify the owner of the document. Format). This process is performed by the document owner determination means.

  If document owner information is set in step S2005 (step S2005: Yes), all the processes are terminated.

  On the other hand, if the document owner information is not set in step S2005 (step S2005: No), the document owner setting screen is displayed (step S2006). FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a “document owner information setting screen” displayed at this time. This “document owner information setting screen” is displayed on the display unit 204 of the client apparatus 101 by the processing of the display control means.

  Next, document owner information is set (step S2007). The document owner information is one of values stored as the bibliographic information (bibliographic item) of the document, and an identifier (for example, a document user name or ID) that can uniquely identify the owner of the document. Format). This processing is executed by the document owner information setting means.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the document owner information is valid (step S2008). Here, it is determined whether or not the information set in step S2007 is valid. This process is performed by the document owner determination means. Here, when the document owner information is invalid (step S2008: No), the processing from step S2005 is performed again.

  On the other hand, if the document owner information is valid in step S2008 (step S2008: Yes), the owner information is stored in the bibliographic information of the document (step S2009).

  By performing the processing as described above, in the image forming system according to the seventh embodiment, by determining the document owner, it becomes possible to manage the image log together with the log collection property value of the document. .

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the copying / printing of an electronic document that is particularly important from the viewpoint of security, it is possible to reliably acquire and store the processing record as an image log. Further, even when image data processing is performed using an image forming apparatus outside the image forming system, the contents of the processing can be managed as an image log.

  The image log management method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Further, this program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the image log management apparatus, the image forming system, the image log management method, and the image log management program according to the present invention are useful for managing image data, and are particularly important in terms of security. It is suitable for copying and printing a document when acquiring and accumulating processing records as an image log.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a client device that configures an image forming system according to a first embodiment; 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming system according to a first embodiment; 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image log storage device that constitutes an image forming system according to a first embodiment; 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a “print setting screen”. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen indicating “print processing cancellation”. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of print data in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a "log collection property setting screen". 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image forming system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a “print setting screen”. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a “print setting screen”. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a “print setting screen”. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a “print setting screen”. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image forming system according to a fifth embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a "warning screen." It is a figure which shows an example of a "confirmation screen." 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image forming system according to a sixth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image forming system according to the seventh embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a "document owner information setting screen."

Explanation of symbols

100 Image Forming System 101 Client Device (Image Log Management Device)
102, 111, 112 Image forming device 103 Image log storage device 201, 301, 401 Control unit 202, 302, 402 Storage unit 203, 303, 403 Input unit 204, 404 Display unit 304 Output unit

Claims (16)

An image log management apparatus that manages the contents of print processing of print data as an image log,
Log collection property setting means for setting a value of a log collection property for determining whether or not to acquire an image log related to print data that has undergone print processing;
Log collection property setting determination means for determining whether or not the value of the log collection property is set;
Image log acquisition function determination means for determining whether or not an image forming apparatus that intends to execute the print processing of the print data has an image log acquisition function;
An image log management apparatus comprising:   2. The image log management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising log collection property determination means for determining whether or not the value of the log collection property set by the log collection property setting means is a valid value. . It has a display means to display various information,
Display control for controlling the display contents of the print setting screen displayed on the display unit according to the log collection property value when it is determined that the log collection property value is set by the log collection property setting determination unit The image log management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means.   The image log management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming apparatus detection unit configured to detect a usable image forming apparatus.   Notification that the administrator is notified that the print processing of the print data is to be executed when the print processing of the print data is designated to be executed by an image forming apparatus that does not have an image log acquisition function The image log management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means.   A document owner determination unit that determines whether a person who has logged in from the apparatus and an owner of a document that is being edited by the apparatus is the same person. Item 6. The image log management apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   7. The image log management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a document owner information setting unit that sets owner information for a document to be processed. The image log management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image log acquisition unit that acquires an image log related to print data for which print processing has been performed; and an image log transmission unit that transmits the acquired image log to the outside;
An image log storage device comprising: an image log receiving unit that receives an image log sent from the image forming device; and an image log storage unit that stores the received image log.
An image forming system comprising: An image log management method for managing the contents of print processing of print data as an image log,
A log collection property setting determination step for determining whether or not a value of a log collection property for determining whether or not to acquire an image log related to print data that has undergone print processing; and
An image log acquisition function determination step for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus that is to execute the print processing of the print data has an image log acquisition function;
An image log management method comprising:   The image log management method according to claim 9, further comprising a log collection property value determination step of determining whether or not the value of the log collection property is a valid value.   The log collection property setting determining step includes a display control step for controlling the display contents of the print setting screen according to the log collection property value when it is determined that the log collection property value is set. The image log management method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein   The image log management method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising an image forming apparatus detection step of detecting usable image forming apparatuses.   Notification that the administrator is notified that the print processing of the print data is to be executed when the print processing of the print data is designated to be executed by an image forming apparatus that does not have an image log acquisition function The image log management method according to claim 9, further comprising a step.   The document owner determination step of determining whether or not a person who has logged in from the apparatus and an owner of a document being edited by the apparatus are the same person. The image log management method according to any one of 9 to 13.   The image log management method according to claim 9, further comprising a document owner information setting step of setting owner information for a document to be processed.   An image log management program that causes a computer to execute the image log management method according to claim 9.

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