JP2011043989A - System and apparatus for processing image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid only a fixed user to burden an instruction of execution of image processing. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming system is equipped with: a function part which carries out image processing to a job; an instruction part which directs the function part to perform image processing to the job; a permission part which permits image processing directed by the function part in the instruction part; an authority storage part which stores user information of a user to whom image processing can be permitted in the permission part; and a replacement part in which user information stored in the authority storage part is replaced with user information of a user different from the user information concerned. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for image processing a job.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that stores an electronic document in an apparatus and executes printing in response to receiving approval from an administrator has been disclosed. According to this technique, the administrator can manage whether or not printing by the image forming apparatus is permitted.

JP 2008-090631 A

  However, in the technique described in the above document, since the administrator who can permit printing is a fixed user, in order to execute printing in the image forming apparatus, the administrator must execute the final printing. It was necessary to instruct. This puts a heavy burden on one administrator.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system that does not burden only a fixed user with an instruction to execute image processing such as printing.

  In order to achieve this object, an image forming system of the present invention includes a function unit that performs image processing on a job, an instruction unit that instructs image processing for the job to the function unit, and an instruction by the instruction unit. A permission unit that permits image processing by the function unit, an authority storage unit that stores user information of a user who can permit image processing in the permission unit, and user information stored in the authority storage unit. A replacement unit that replaces the user information with user information different from the user information.

  By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to replace a user who can be permitted by the permission unit with another user, so that it is possible to avoid burdening only a fixed user with an instruction to execute image processing. I can do it.

  Furthermore, in the image forming system of the present invention, the instruction by the instruction unit may be an instruction from a user having user information different from the user information stored in the authority storage unit.

  If the above configuration is adopted, image processing for a job instructed by another user can be executed with permission by the user stored in the authority storage unit, so that the job can be executed appropriately.

  The image processing system of the present invention further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a user having the user information stored in the authority storage unit is permitted by the permission unit, and the replacement unit includes: If the determination is positive, the user information is not replaced. If the determination is negative, the user information may be replaced with another user information.

By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where image processing by the function unit is not permitted because it can be replaced with another user even if the permission by the permission unit is not permitted by the user. .

  Furthermore, in the image processing system of the present invention, the permission unit is provided in an information processing device, and the determination unit is configured to respond to logout of user information stored in the authority storage unit from the information processing device. The determination unit may make a negative determination.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, a user will be in the state which cannot be permitted by the permission part with which the information processing apparatus was equipped by logging out from information processing apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably determine a state in which the user cannot permit the permission unit by detecting logout.

  The image processing system of the present invention further includes an order storage unit that stores a replacement order of a plurality of user information when the replacement unit replaces user information, and the determination unit is negative in response to the determination result. The replacement unit may replace the user information based on the order stored in the order storage unit.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, since the replacement order of user information is memorize | stored in the order memory | storage part, replacement of user information is easily possible, without designating the user information to replace.

  The image processing system according to the present invention further includes a selection unit that selects a user to be replaced by the replacement unit, and the selection unit selects the user information in response to a negative determination. Also good.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, since the user information to replace can be selected freely, a highly scalable system can be provided.

  Further, according to the image processing system of the present invention, when the user has the user information stored in the authority storage unit, the job is on standby when the user information is replaced with the discard unit that can discard the job. The replacement unit may replace the user information in response to an instruction by the permission unit or a discard unit by the discard unit for a waiting job.

  If the above configuration is adopted, the user information is replaced when the image processing for the job is permitted and discarded, so that the user having the user information before replacement can be appropriately managed.

  Further, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the replacement unit replaces the user information in response to the fact that neither the permission by the permission unit nor the discard by the discarding unit is instructed for a predetermined time with respect to the waiting job. You don't have to.

  If the above configuration is adopted, the execution of the image processing for the waiting job is appropriately managed by the user having the user information before the replacement, so that inappropriate execution of the image processing can be avoided.

  The image processing system of the present invention further includes a replacement user storage unit that stores user information that can be replaced by the replacement unit, and the replacement unit replaces the user information stored in the replacement user storage unit. You may do it.

  By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to limit replaceable users, and thus it is possible to provide a system with high security.

  Furthermore, the image processing system of the present invention may include a stop unit that stops the supply of power to the function unit in response to the absence of user information to be replaced by the replacement unit.

  If the above configuration is adopted, it means that there is no user that can be instructed by the instructing unit that there is no user information to be replaced, so it is possible to stop useless power.

  Furthermore, the image processing system of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures a time allowed by the permission unit by the user having the user information after replacement when the user information is replaced by the replacement unit, and the measurement unit includes: A prohibition unit that prohibits permission by the permission unit by a user having the replaced user information in response to exceeding the allowable time may be provided.

  If the above configuration is adopted, the user who has specific user information in the measurement unit measures the time allowed by the permission unit, thereby temporarily giving permission to the replaced user by the permission unit. It is possible to provide a system with high security.

  Further, in the image forming system of the present invention, in response to the prohibition by the prohibition unit, the replacement unit replaces the user information stored in the authority storage unit with the user information before the replacement again. Also good.

  If the above configuration is adopted, a user who is temporarily authorized by the permission unit to return to the original user after the permitted time elapses can be provided, thus providing a system with higher security. Is possible.

  Furthermore, in the image processing system of the present invention, the functional unit may execute a plurality of image processes, and the authority storage unit may store user information for each image process.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, the user who can be respectively permitted appropriately with respect to several image processing can be set.

  Furthermore, the image processing system of the present invention can execute image processing by a plurality of devices, and the authority storage unit may store user information for each device.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, the user who can be permitted appropriately can be set with respect to a some apparatus, respectively.

  Furthermore, the image processing system of the present invention may include a notification unit that notifies the user information stored in the authority storage unit when instructed by the instruction unit.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, the user who performs the instruction | indication by an instruction | indication part can recognize the user information which can be permitted by the permission part, when giving an instruction | indication.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus connectable to an information processing apparatus including an instruction unit that instructs image processing for a job, the function unit performing image processing for the job, and the instruction unit A permission unit for permitting image processing by the function unit instructed in the above, an authority storage unit for storing user information of a user who can permit image processing by the permission unit, and user information stored in the authority storage unit Is replaced with user information of a user different from the user information.

By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to replace a user who can be permitted by the permission unit with another user, so that it is possible to avoid burdening only a fixed user with an instruction to execute image processing. I can do it.

  According to the present invention, only a fixed user is not burdened with an instruction to execute image processing such as printing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming system. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the printing process. FIG. 3 is an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit when print data is transmitted. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the logoff process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the replacement processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating time measurement processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a table showing user ID replacement order information. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating logoff processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the replacement processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating time measurement processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a table showing user ID replacement availability information. FIG. 12 is a table in which an administrator is provided for each of a plurality of image processing functions. FIG. 13 is a table in which an administrator is provided for each of a plurality of image processing apparatuses.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(1) Electrical Configuration of Image Processing System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image processing system 1.

  The image processing system 1 has a configuration in which an MFP 3 (Multi Function Printer) (image processing apparatus) and a plurality (four shown in FIG. 1) of communication terminals 5 (information processing apparatuses) are connected via a network line L. It has become.

(1-1) MFP
The MFP 3 is a multifunction device having, for example, a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. The CPU 11, ROM 13, RAM 15, NVRAM 17, operation unit 19, display unit 21, printing unit 23, scanner unit 25, facsimile unit 27, communication unit. 29 etc.

  The ROM 13 stores a program for controlling basic operations of the MFP 3 as well as a replacement processing program, which will be described later, and the CPU 11 (permission unit, replacement unit, determination unit, discard unit, stop unit, measurement unit, The prohibition unit) controls the operation of the MFP 3 according to the program read from the ROM 13 while storing the processing result in the RAM 15.

  The CPU 11 also replaces the current administrator's user ID with another user ID (replacement process), monitors the user login status of each communication terminal 5, and a power supply circuit (not shown) that transmits power to each component. It also controls processing such as on / off switching and processing for measuring the time after the administrator user ID is replaced. The above process will be described in detail later.

  The NVRAM 17 (authority storage unit, order storage unit, replacement user storage unit) is a target of image processing such as a user ID (user information) of a current administrator, which will be described later, and print data (job) received via the communication unit 29. Data, user ID replacement order table, etc. are stored.

  The operation unit 19 includes a plurality of buttons and the like, and various input operations such as an image processing execution command can be performed by the user. The image processing includes printing processing, scanner (image reading) processing, facsimile communication processing (PC fax processing), and the like. The display unit 21 includes a liquid crystal display and a lamp, and can display various setting screens and operation states.

  When the printing unit 23 (functional unit) receives a print processing permission command from the communication terminal 5 via the communication unit 29, the printing unit 23 (function unit) executes printing on a sheet based on print data stored in the NVRAM 17 in advance. .

  The scanner unit 25 (functional unit) is placed on a document table (not shown) of the MFP 3 when an instruction to execute scanner processing is received from the operation unit 19 or received from the communication terminal 5 via the communication unit 29. The image of the original is read to generate print data. The print data is stored in the NVRAM 17.

  When the facsimile unit 27 (functional unit) receives a permission command for facsimile communication processing from the communication terminal 5 via the communication unit 29, the facsimile unit 27 (function unit) performs other operations through a telephone line (not shown) based on the FAX data stored in the NVRAM 17 in advance. Facsimile data is exchanged with other facsimile machines.

  The communication unit 29 includes a plurality of communication ports such as a network port (for example, a LAN port) and a local port (for example, a USB port). In FIG. 1, the network port is connected to the network line L, and the MFP 3 can communicate data with each communication terminal 5.

(1-2) Communication Terminal Each communication terminal 5A to 5D includes a CPU 31, a ROM 33, a RAM 35, a hard disk 37 (HDD), an operation unit 39, a display unit 41, a network interface 43, and the like.

  The ROM 13 stores a program such as a BIOS for controlling the basic operation of the communication terminal 5, and the CPU 31 (instruction unit, selection unit) stores the processing result in the RAM 15 according to the program read from the ROM 13. However, the operation of the MFP 3 is controlled.

  Various programs such as application software for creating print data and a printer driver are stored in the hard disk 37, and the CPU 31 creates print data in accordance with the printer driver read from the hard disk 37, and via the communication unit 29. The print data is transmitted to the MFP 3.

  It should be noted that from the communication terminal 5 logged in with a specific user ID, a permission command for permitting printing of print data stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3 by the printer driver and discarding of the print data are processed by the CPU 31. Command can be sent.

The operation unit 39 includes a keyboard and a pointing device, and the display unit 41 (notification unit) includes, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 41 also displays a display when executing a print instruction or the like by the printer driver, and the user ID of the current administrator is displayed and notified to the user at the time of this print instruction. The

  The network interface 43 is connected to the network line L.

(2) Printing Process First, the basic printing process will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 3. FIG. 3 is an operation screen displayed on the display unit 41 when print data is transmitted from the communication terminal 5. For example, after the MFP 3 is activated, the CPU 11 periodically executes the printing process.

  In the printing process, it is determined whether the print data is received from any one of the communication terminals 5 in S101 or the print data is created by the scanner unit 25. If it is determined that the data has been received or created (S101: Y), the print data is stored as a job in the NVRAM 17 in S102, and the print process is terminated.

  Note that when the print data is transmitted from the communication terminal 5 in accordance with an instruction from the user, an operation screen as shown in FIG. On the operation screen, the user ID of the current administrator of the MFP 3 is displayed. For this reason, the user who transmits the print data can recognize the current manager. Since the administrator user ID is stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3, when the communication terminal 5 displays the screen of FIG. 3 on the display unit 41, the current administrator user ID is displayed via the network interface 43. get. The user can designate the paper size, the number of copies, the paper type, and the like by operating the operation unit 39 with reference to this screen.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S101 that print data has not been received or has not been created (S101: N), whether a permission command has been received from the communication terminal 5 logged in with the administrator user ID in S103. Judge whether or not. If it is determined that the permission command has been received (S103: Y), the printing unit 23 prints the job selected by the permission command in S104, and the printing process ends.

  The permission command can be transmitted only from the communication terminal 5 logged in with the administrator user ID. When the permission command is transmitted, the job stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3 at the communication terminal 5 is transmitted. And select a job to issue a permission command from. By this processing, it is possible to transmit a permission command to each job.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S103 that the permission instruction has not been received (S103: N), the printing process is terminated.

  That is, the MFP 3 periodically monitors whether print data has been received, created, or received a permission command, and executes the processes of S102 and S104 when receiving any of the above data or commands.

  As described above, the MFP 3 of the present invention has a configuration in which printing is not executed unless a permission command is received from the communication terminal 5 logged in with a specific user ID (administrator user ID). Therefore, since the MFP 3 is managed by the administrator's user ID, it is possible to avoid unnecessary printing from users having other user IDs.

(3) Logoff Process Next, the logoff process when logging off at the communication terminal 5 logged in with the administrator's user ID will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a logoff process executed by the CPU 31 of the communication terminal 5. For example, the CPU 31 connects the user ID of the administrator of the MFP 3 to the communication terminal 5.
After logging in, the logoff process is executed periodically.

  The login is a process of moving the communication terminal 5 into an operable state using a user ID that is a unique ID of the user in order to specify a user who uses the communication terminal 5. This is a process of exiting the operable state. Generally, it is managed by an OS for controlling the basic operation of the communication terminal 5.

  Whether or not the administrator's user ID has logged into the communication terminal 5 is determined based on the management stored in the NVRAM 17 by the CPU 31 communicating with the MFP 3 when any user ID has logged into the communication terminal 5. The MFP 3 monitors the login status of each of the communication terminals 5A to 5D on the network line L, and the administrator user ID stored in the NVRAM 17 is any one. In response to the login to the communication terminals 5A to 5D, it may be determined by receiving from the MFP 3 that the administrator's user ID has logged into the logged-in communication terminal 5.

  In the logoff process, it is determined in step S201 whether or not logoff is instructed from the communication terminal 5 logged in with the administrator user ID. The logoff instruction is a process instructed by the user operating the operation unit 39 of the communication terminal 5. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, log off is instructed on the OS, but even if this instruction is executed, the log off is not performed immediately, and the log off is performed after the processing from S202 is executed by a program different from the OS. Execute.

  If not instructed (S201: N), the logoff process is terminated without any processing. If instructed (S201: Y), the MFP 3 is accessed via the network interface 43 in S202, and the NVRAM 17 is accessed. It is determined whether or not the job is stored.

  If at least one job is stored (S202: Y), the user operates the operation unit 39 to select one job in the NVRAM 17, and stores it in the NVRAM 17 in S203, S204, and S205. It is determined over a certain period of time whether or not a permission command for permitting printing is instructed for a current job, and whether or not a discard command for discarding the job is instructed.

  When a print instruction is issued for the job (S203: Y), a permission instruction is transmitted to the MFP 3 in S206. When a discard command is instructed for the job (S203: N, S204: Y), the discard command is transmitted to the MFP 3 in S207. If neither instruction is given (S203: N, S204: N), it is determined whether or not a fixed time has elapsed in S205. If not (S205: N), the process proceeds to S203. A loop between the return S203 and S205 is performed for a predetermined time.

  When the process of S206 or S207 is completed, the process returns to S202, and it is further determined whether or not a job is stored in the NVRAM 17. If a predetermined time has elapsed in S205 (S205: Y), a replacement prohibition instruction for prohibiting replacement of the administrator's user ID is transmitted to the MFP 3 in S208.

  On the other hand, when a permission command or a discard command is instructed for all jobs stored in the NVRAM 17 in S202 (S202: N), logoff information for notifying that the communication terminal 5 is logged off in S209. Is transmitted to the MFP 3.

And after the process of S208 and S209 is complete | finished, the said communication terminal 5 is logged off in S210, and the said logoff process is complete | finished.

  As described above, when the job is stored in the NVRAM 17 of the image processing apparatus 3, the process waits until one of the commands in S206 and S207 is transmitted, and the transmission of any instruction is completed for all the jobs. Accordingly, the communication terminal 5 logs off. In addition, when a certain time elapses without any of the commands in S206 and S207 being transmitted, the logoff is performed after the replacement prohibition command is transmitted in S208.

  As a result of the above log-off processing, log-off is not performed until there are no jobs stored in the NVRAM 17, so that a job stored in the NVRAM 17 during the period when the user having the management authority is an administrator is logged off. Thus, the instruction can be executed before it becomes impossible to permit or discard the image processing. Therefore, for a job that can be instructed while a specific user has management authority (a job stored in the NVRAM 17), the manager at that time can appropriately manage the job.

  In addition, for example, when the administrator forgets to transmit any of the above instructions before logging off, the job can be appropriately processed. Further, for example, when the administrator forgets to transmit any command at the time of logoff, a replacement prohibition command is transmitted. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent improper processing of a job that can be instructed while the specific user has management authority.

(4) Replacement Process Next, a replacement process for replacing the administrator user ID stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the replacement process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 3, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the time measurement process of S305 during the replacement process. FIG. 7 is a table showing user ID replacement order information stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3. For example, after the MFP 3 is activated, the CPU 11 periodically performs replacement processing.

  In the replacement process, it is determined whether or not logoff information or a replacement prohibition instruction is received in S301 and S302. The logoff information and the replacement prohibition command are information and a command transmitted from the communication terminal 5 in the logoff process described above. If neither is received (S301: N, S302: N), the replacement process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the logoff information is received (S301: Y), it is determined in S303 whether or not there is a user ID to be replaced from the user ID replacement order table stored in the NVRAM 17. This replacement order table is shown in FIG. 7, and is a table in which the user ID and the priority of the replacement order are defined. The replacement order table is stored in advance in the NVRAM 17, and is set by a user who manages the use of the MFP 3, for example. Note that user B in FIG. 7 indicates a user ID that cannot be replaced as an administrator.

  If there is no replacement destination user ID (S303: N), the processing of S306 described later is executed. If there is a replacement destination user ID (S303: Y), the administrator is assigned to the next user in S304. Replace with ID. That is, the administrator user ID stored in the NVRAM 17 is deleted, and the next-order user ID is stored as the administrator.

Specifically, with reference to FIG. 7, when the administrator's user ID is user A and logoff information is received from the communication terminal 5 logged in by user A, user D is included in the replacement order table. The user ID is set in the following order. Therefore, the user ID “User A” stored as the administrator in the NVRAM 17 is deleted, and the user D as the user ID in the next order is stored as the administrator. The case where there is no replacement user ID is a case where the user ID of the administrator is user C. In this case, since there is no user ID in the next order, it is impossible to replace the administrator user ID.

  When the process of S304 ends, a time measurement process is executed in S305. In the time measurement procedure, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time predetermined in S401 has elapsed. If it has not yet elapsed (S401: N), in S402 and S403, it is determined whether or not logoff information or a replacement prohibition command has been received in the same manner as in S301 and S302. If neither is received (S402: N, S403: N), the processing from S401 to S403 is repeated until a predetermined time elapses. The predetermined time is a predetermined time and is stored in the NVRAM 17.

  On the other hand, when logoff information is received (S402: Y), the process of S303 is executed in the same manner as when the same determination is made in S301. If a replacement prohibition command is received (S402: N, S403: Y), the process of S306 described later is executed.

  Furthermore, when it is determined in S401 that the predetermined time has elapsed (S401: Y), the administrator is replaced again with the user ID replaced immediately before in S404. That is, the administrator user ID stored in the NVRAM 17 is deleted, and the user ID before replacement is stored as the administrator.

  Specifically, with reference to FIG. 7, when the administrator user ID is user C and logoff information is received from the communication terminal 5 logged in by the user C, the user D is included in the replacement order table. Since it is set as the user ID before being replaced by the user C, the user ID of the user C stored as the administrator in the NVRAM 17 is deleted, and the user D is stored as the administrator.

  Note that when the process of S404 ends, the time measurement process ends, and a process of S306 described later is executed.

  The process of S306 is performed when a replacement prohibition instruction is received at S302 (S302: Y), when there is no replacement destination user ID (S303: N), or when a replacement prohibition instruction is received at S403 (S403). : Y), when the administrator is replaced again with the previous user ID in S404, the process is executed in response to the end of any of the cases, and the supply of power is stopped so that the printing unit 23 cannot be used. . Thereafter, the replacement process ends.

  That is, the communication terminal 5 logged in by the user having the administrator user ID is logged off in response to the end of any of the above cases (S302: Y, S303: N, S403: Y, S404). Therefore, the permission command cannot be transmitted to the job stored in the NVRAM 17. Accordingly, since there is no possibility that the printing unit 23 operates, the printing unit 23 is stopped by turning off the power to the printing unit 23 so that the printing unit 23 cannot be used in this case.

  By the above replacement process, the user ID of the administrator who has logged off in the log-off process described above is replaced, so that the possibility that the administrator is absent is reduced. Further, if the administrator does not properly process the job stored in the NVRAM 17 in the logoff process, the administrator's user ID is not replaced, so that the management authority can be handled safely.

In addition, since the administrator replaces in a predetermined order, if the replacement order table is set in an appropriate order, the administrator can be easily replaced without specifying the replacement user ID. It is. Furthermore, since the user ID to be an administrator is set in advance in the replacement order table, the possibility that an inappropriate user ID becomes an administrator is low, and the administrator can safely replace it.

  In addition, since the administrator after replacement is in a state where the management authority is temporarily permitted by the time measurement process, for example, when the user ID before replacement is the highest-order administrator, It is possible to avoid transferring the management authority completely. Furthermore, when the predetermined time elapses, the management authority returns to the user ID before replacement, so that the management authority can be handled more safely.

  Further, when the communication terminal 5 logged in by the administrator is not on the network line L, the supply of power to the printing unit 23 is stopped, so that wasteful power consumption can be avoided.

<Embodiment 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first embodiment is that a replacement availability table is stored instead of the replacement order table stored in the NVRAM 17, and a replacement destination user ID can be specified in the logoff process. Therefore, (1) (1-2) communication terminal and (2) print processing of the electrical configuration of the image processing system in the first embodiment are common. Further, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are assigned and the overlapping description is omitted, and only different points will be described next.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3 stores the replacement availability table, and the replacement destination for replacing the administrator user ID can be selected by the user using the replacement availability table.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the logoff process. About the same process as the logoff process of FIG. 4, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the logoff process according to the second embodiment, the CPU 31 of the communication terminal 5 is instructed with a permission instruction or a discard instruction for all jobs stored in the NVRAM 17 (S202: N). In S501, communication is performed with the MFP 3 via the network line L, and replaceable information is obtained by referring to the replaceability table stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP3.

  This replaceability table is shown in FIG. 11, and is a table stored in association with whether or not the replacement of the user ID and the management authority is permitted. The replacement availability table is stored in the NVRAM 17 in advance, and is set by a user who manages the use of the MFP 3, for example. In FIG. 11, user A, user C, and user D indicate user IDs that are permitted to be replaced as managers, and user B indicates a user ID that cannot be replaced as an administrator.

  Further, the replaceable information is information obtained by referring to the replaceability table, specifically, in the communication terminal 5 logged in on the network line L when referring to the replaceability table, This is information on user IDs whose replacement is permitted in the replacement availability table.

  When the processing of S501 is completed, the replaceable user ID is displayed on the display unit 41 of the communication terminal 5 in S502, and the replacement destination user ID is selected from the displayed user IDs in the user operation unit in S503. The process waits until it is selected by the operation of 39. When the replacement destination user ID is selected (S503: Y), the selected user ID information is transmitted to the MFP 3 via the network interface 43 in S504, and the user is logged off in S210.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the replacement process. Processes that are substantially the same as the replacement process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the replacement process according to the second embodiment, the CPU 11 of the MFP 3 determines whether user ID information or a replacement prohibition instruction has been received in S601 and S302. If neither is received (S601: N, S302: N), the replacement process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the user ID information is received (S601: Y), the administrator is replaced with the user ID of the user ID information received in S601 in S602. That is, the administrator's user ID stored in the NVRAM 17 is deleted, and the user ID transmitted in the logoff process is stored as the administrator. At this time, the user ID of the previous administrator is also stored in the NVRAM 17. The administrator's user ID immediately before this is used in the process of S404 of the time measurement process.

  When the process of S602 is completed, a time measurement process is executed in S603. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the time measurement process. About the same process as the time measurement process of FIG. 6, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the time measurement process according to the second embodiment, it is determined in S701 and S403 whether the user ID information or the replacement prohibition instruction has been received as in the processes of S601 and S302 of FIG. . If neither is received (S701: N, S403: N), the processing of S401, S701, and S403 is repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed.

  On the other hand, when the user ID information is received (S701: Y), the process of S602 is executed as in the case where the same determination is made in S601 of FIG.

  In the process of S404, the administrator is replaced again with the user ID immediately before being replaced in the previous replacement process. The user ID immediately before this time is stored in the NVRAM 17.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the user ID for replacing the management authority can be selected by the operation by the user, the user can freely select the replacement destination user ID. Furthermore, since the user ID to be an administrator is set in the replacement availability table in advance, the possibility that an inappropriate user ID becomes an administrator is low, and the administrator can safely replace it.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and the drawings, and for example, the following various aspects are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In particular, among the constituent elements of each embodiment, constituent elements other than the constituent elements of the top-level invention can be omitted as appropriate because they are additional elements.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the printing process is described as an example of the image process, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention can be applied to image processing such as printing processing, copying processing, FAX transmission processing, and the like, and any image processing device capable of executing the above processing as an image processing device may be used. The present invention may be applied to the above.

  (2) In the case of the MFP 3 capable of executing a plurality of image processes, a table provided by each administrator for each image process is stored in the NVRAM 17 as shown in FIG. A replacement process may be executed.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the replacement order table and the replacement availability table are stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. Each communication terminal 5 may store the information of the communication terminals 5 before and after the replacement order, determine the replacement destination user ID in the next order in the replacement process by referring to the information, The terminal 5 may store information indicating whether or not replacement is possible in its own terminal, and acquire the information from each communication terminal 5 on the network at the time of logoff processing. In these cases, the administrator's user ID itself is stored in the NVRAM 17 of the MFP 3, and when the administrator's user ID is necessary, the administrator's user ID is appropriately accessed and processed. Further, a server may be connected on the network line L, and each table may be stored in the server. In this case, the administrator's user ID may be stored in the server.

  (4) Further, when a plurality of MFPs 3 are connected to the image processing system 1 via the network line L and a server for centrally managing them is also connected, each administrator is assigned to each MFP 3 as shown in FIG. The provided table may be stored in the server, and the replacement process may be executed independently for each MFP 3.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the administrator's user ID is replaced at the timing when the user ID logs off from the communication terminal 5 where the administrator's user ID is logged in. Is not limited to this timing. A replacement instruction may be given at the user's favorite timing from the communication terminal 5 logged in with the administrator's user ID, or the communication terminal 5 logged in with the administrator's user ID is not operated for a certain period of time. A replacement instruction may be given.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the manager is associated based on the user ID of the manager, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the management terminal may be determined from the terminal ID of each communication terminal 5.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the MFP 3 is configured to individually receive the reception of the print data and the reception of the permission command during the printing process, but the present invention is not limited to this. The print data and the permission command may be transmitted simultaneously to print the print data. In other words, this form is a form that can be printed only by an administrator who can transmit a permission command, and is a state in which so-called use restriction is applied to the MFP 3, and even in such a case, the present invention can be applied. .

  (8) In the above embodiment, the case where the number of administrator user IDs is one has been described, but the number of administrator user IDs may be plural.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the default time measured during the time measurement process is a predetermined time, but the present invention is not limited to this. This default time may be set for each user ID, or the administrator before replacement may specify the default time for transferring the management authority to the administrator after replacement at the time of logoff processing. Further, the time measurement process itself may not be required.

  (10) In the above embodiment, printing is executed by receiving a permission instruction for a job from the communication terminal 5 logged in with the administrator's user ID, but the present invention is not limited to this. This permission instruction may be instructed by the user of the MFP 3 operating the operation unit 19.

  (11) In the above-described embodiment, the replacement prohibition command is transmitted when a certain time elapses during the logoff process. It is not necessary to instruct the transmission of the command for the jobs in the list.

(12) In the above embodiment, the administrator is replaced again with the user ID immediately before being replaced in the previous replacement process when the predetermined time has elapsed during the time measurement process. It is not limited to ID. The user ID to be replaced again may be the highest user ID (for example, corresponding to user A in FIG. 7), or the replacement process itself may not be performed.

1 Image processing system 3 MFP
5 Communication terminal 11 CPU
17 NVRAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 Operation part 21 Display part 23 Printing part 25 Scanner part 27 Fax part 29 Communication part 31 CPU
39 Operation section 41 Display section L Network line

Claims (16)

A functional unit that performs image processing on a job;
An instruction unit for instructing the function unit to perform image processing for the job;
A permission unit that permits image processing by the function unit instructed by the instruction unit;
An authority storage unit that stores user information of a user who can permit image processing in the permission unit;
A replacement unit that replaces the user information stored in the authority storage unit with user information of a user different from the user information;
An image processing system comprising:   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the instruction by the instruction unit is an instruction from a user having user information different from the user information stored in the authority storage unit. A determination unit that determines whether the user having the user information stored in the authority storage unit is in a state that can be permitted by the permission unit;
The image according to claim 1, wherein the replacement unit does not replace the user information when the determination unit makes an affirmative determination, and replaces the user information with another user information when the determination is negative. Processing system. The permission unit is provided in an information processing device,
The image processing according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit makes a negative determination in response to logout of user information stored in the authority storage unit from the information processing apparatus. system. An order storage unit that stores a replacement order of a plurality of pieces of user information when the replacement unit replaces user information;
The replacement unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the replacement unit replaces the user information based on an order stored in the order storage unit in response to a negative determination made by the determination unit. Image processing system. A selection unit for selecting a user to be replaced by the replacement unit;
5. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the user information is selected by the selection unit in response to a negative determination made by the determination unit. According to an instruction by a user having user information stored in an authority storage unit, a discard unit that can discard the job;
If the job is waiting when replacing the user information, the replacement unit is in response to an instruction from the permission unit and the discarding unit to discard the waiting job. 7. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user information is replaced.   8. The replacement unit does not replace user information in response to neither a permission by the permission unit nor a discard by the discard unit being instructed for a predetermined time for a waiting job. The image processing system described. A replacement user storage unit that stores user information that can be replaced by the replacement unit;
The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the replacement unit replaces the user information stored in the replacement user storage unit.   10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a stop unit that stops supply of power to the function unit when there is no user information to be replaced by the replacement unit. 11. Image processing system. When replacing the user information in the replacement unit, a measuring unit that measures the time allowed by the permission unit by the user having the user information after replacement, and
In accordance with the measurement unit exceeding the allowable time, a prohibition unit for prohibiting permission by the permission unit in the user having the user information after replacement,
The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The replacement unit according to claim 11, wherein the replacement unit replaces the user information stored in the authority storage unit with the user information before the replacement again in response to the prohibition by the prohibition unit. Image processing system. The functional unit can execute a plurality of image processing,
The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the authority storage unit stores user information for each image process. Image processing can be executed by multiple devices,
The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the authority storage unit stores user information for each device.   The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies user information stored in the authority storage unit when instructed by the instruction unit. An image processing apparatus connectable to an information processing apparatus including an instruction unit that instructs image processing for a job,
A functional unit that performs image processing on the job;
A permission unit that permits image processing by the function unit instructed by the instruction unit;
An authority storage unit that stores user information of a user who can permit image processing in the permission unit;
A replacement unit that replaces the user information stored in the authority storage unit with user information of a user different from the user information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: