JP2011188353A - Image forming apparatus, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing method, which appropriately perform grouping of functions to be added and reduces increase of management by an operator. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has: a job generating unit for generating a job by combining one or more applications; an interface to which the applications are added; a history generating unit for generating history information of a combination of the applications to be used for the same job; and a classifying unit for classifying the applications into groups including applications of high frequency of use for the same job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an information processing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, there are cases where function use is restricted for each user. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-87319 (Patent Document 1) discloses an invention of an image forming apparatus that can flexibly limit the use of resources such as programs.

  By the way, there is a configuration in which a function such as a facsimile can be added to a multifunction peripheral in addition to functions previously held such as a copy and a scanner. In such a multi-function peripheral, applications that implement functions may be managed in groups in order to suitably limit the use of functions added later.

  However, when there are a variety of functions to be added, it becomes difficult to consider grouping of functions added by the administrator of the multifunction machine, which increases labor. In the invention of the image forming apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, use restrictions on functions added later are not considered.

  The present invention has been invented in order to solve these problems in view of the above points, and it is preferable to perform image formation that favorably groups added functions and reduces an increase in management by an operator. It is an object to provide an apparatus and an information processing method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention employs the following configuration. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention generates job generation means for generating a job by combining one or more applications, an interface to which the application is added, and history information of a combination of the applications used in the same job. A history generation unit and a classification unit that classifies the application into a high-frequency application group used in the same job based on the history information can be employed.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that favorably performs grouping of added functions and reduces an increase in management by an operator.

  In addition, in order to solve the said subject, this invention is good also as the said information processing method.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the information processing method of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing method that favorably group added functions and reduce an increase in management by an operator. Become.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions and hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating details of the extended function I / F providing unit 5. FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of history information generated by the I / F use record generation unit 15. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart for determining the validity of the classification of one extended function. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a screen that prompts the user to determine the validity of the extended function classification. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen for checking the validity of the classification of the extended function. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen based on the processing result of the extended function classification analysis unit 16. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a message indicating that the classification of the extended function has been changed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen for setting timings for classifying extended functions. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing for determining the validity of use restrictions and classification for each user. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting usage restrictions for each user. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen including a message displayed for an operation without authority.

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

[Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function and a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 1 that is an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 includes a control unit 20, a display unit 10, a plotter device 7, and a scan device 8.

  The control unit 20 controls each unit of the multifunction machine 1. An extended function application can be added to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 includes a standard application (hereinafter referred to as “standard application”) 2, an extended function 3, an extended function 4, an extended function interface providing unit (hereinafter referred to as “extended function I / F providing unit”) 5, and a function. The logic providing unit 6, the authentication management unit 9, and the setting management unit 19 are included.

  The standard application 2 is an application that realizes a copy function, a transmission function, and the like, for example. The extended function 3 and the extended function 4 are applications that realize functions added in addition to the functions realized by the standard application 2. In the MFP 1, two extended functions are shown, but one or more extended functions can be added.

  The extended function I / F providing unit 5 realizes an interface function of the extended function. The functional logic providing unit 6 provides functional logic for executing a job in response to a request from the standard application 2 and the extended function.

  The authentication management unit 9 authenticates the operator. The setting management unit 19 manages settings in each functional block.

  The display unit 10 displays the state of the multi-function device 1, set information, job status, and the like. The display unit 10 may also be a touch panel that accepts input based on a screen to be displayed.

  The plotter device 7 includes a plotter that forms and outputs an image on a medium, and a driver that controls the plotter. The scan device 8 includes a scanner that optically reads an image on a medium to generate image data, and a device that controls the scanner.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating details of the extended function I / F providing unit 5. The extended function I / F providing unit 5 includes a document operation system interface (hereinafter referred to as “document operation system I / F”) 11, an authentication system interface (hereinafter referred to as “authentication system I / F”) 12, and device settings. System interface (hereinafter referred to as “device setting system I / F”) 13, logic input job generation unit 14, interface use record generation unit (hereinafter referred to as “I / F use record generation unit”) 15, extended function classification An analysis unit 16 and an extended function management unit 17 are included.

  The document operation system I / F 11, the authentication system I / F 12, and the device setting system I / F 13 are interfaces that receive requests for realizing functions from the extended function 3 and the like. The document operation system I / F 11 receives a request for realizing a function related to processing for image data. The authentication system I / F 12 accepts a request for realizing a function related to processing for authenticating an operator. The device setting system I / F 13 accepts a request for realizing a function related to settings for the multifunction device 1 and jobs executed by the multifunction device 1.

  In the following description, any one or more of the document operation system I / F 11, the authentication system I / F 12, and the device setting system I / F 13 is referred to as “each I / F”.

  The logic input job generation unit 14 generates a job from a request input from each I / F and outputs the job to the functional logic providing unit 6.

  The interface usage record generation unit 15 generates and holds request history information from each I / F to the logic input job generation unit 14.

  The extended function classification analysis unit 16 analyzes the history information held by the I / F usage record generation unit 15 and determines the validity of the extended function classification. The extended function management unit 17 classifies and manages extended functions.

  In FIG. 2, a process for generating a job by an extended function and determining the validity of the classification of the extended function will be described. In step S1 of FIG. 2, a request for realizing the function is output from the extended function to each I / F. In step S2 following step S1, a request to generate a job is output from each I / F to the logic input job generation unit 14, and further, from each I / F to the I / F usage record generation unit 15, A request for recording history information of a request to the logic input job generation unit 14 is output. Thereby, the I / F use record generation unit 15 records and holds the history information.

  Progressing to step S3 following step S2, the extended function classification analysis unit 16 determines from the history information recorded in the I / F usage record generation unit 15 whether the classification of the extended function that has output the request is valid. .

  In step S4 following step S3, the logic input job generation unit 14 generates the requested job and outputs it to the functional logic providing unit 6.

  Progressing to step S5 following step S4, the extended function classification analyzing unit 16 displays on the display unit 10 a screen that prompts input regarding the validity of the extended function classification. Following step S5, the process proceeds to step S6. Based on this screen, the operator inputs an instruction to change the classification of the extended function, so that the extended function management unit 17 changes the classification of the extended function.

  Moreover, you may progress to step S7 after step S5. In step S7, the extended function classification analysis unit 16 refers to the setting information managed by the setting management unit 19 based on the analysis result. Progressing to step S8 following step S7, the extended function classification analyzing unit 16 outputs a request for changing the extended function classification to the extended function managing unit 17.

  FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of history information generated by the I / F use record generation unit 15. In the table of FIG. 3, “group” in which each extended function is classified is associated with three extended functions “custom mail”, “extended authentication”, and “extended stamp copy”. In FIG. 3, there are two groups, “1” and “2”. Further, the usage frequency is associated with each device used by the three extended functions.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart for determining the validity of the classification of one extended function. The processing in FIG. 4 is executed by the extended function classification analysis unit 16 with reference to the history information.

  In step S11 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the most frequently requested function among the extended functions is the same group. If they are the same group, the process proceeds to step S13, and if they are not the same group, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not other most frequently requested functions among the extended functions are different groups. If it is a different group, the process proceeds to step S14, and if not, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13 following step S11 or step S12, it is determined that the classification of the group of the extended function whose validity is to be determined is appropriate. On the other hand, in step S14 following step S12, it is determined that the classification of the extended function group to be validated should be changed.

  FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 are diagrams showing screens that prompt the operator to determine the validity of the extended function classification. The screens of FIGS. 5 to 9 are displayed on the display unit 10.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen for classifying three types of extended functions into three types of groups. The extended function of FIG. 5 is the same as the extended function shown in the table of FIG. In the screen of FIG. 5, when the operator selects the button B41, the screen transits to a screen for checking the validity of the classification.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen for the operator to check the validity of the extended function classification. The screen of FIG. 6 is displayed when the button B41 is selected on the screen of FIG. The example of FIG. 6 is displayed after the extended function classification analysis unit 16 executes the process of FIG. 4 for each extended function shown in the table of FIG. In the screen of FIG. 6, when the operator selects the confirmation button B <b> 42, the screen transitions to a screen based on the processing result of the extended function classification analysis unit 16.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen based on the processing result of the extended function classification analysis unit 16. The screen shown in FIG. 7 includes a message indicating that “extended 1” is appropriate for the category of “custom mail” among the extended functions, not “extended 2”.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a message indicating that the classification of the extended function has been changed. The screen of FIG. 7 is displayed after the extended function classification analysis unit 16 requests the extended function management unit 17 to change the classification of “custom mail” to the group “extension 1”.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen for setting timings for classifying extended functions. The screen of FIG. 9 includes a button for setting whether or not the extended function classification analysis unit 16 performs the process of FIG. 4 to determine the classification of the extended function or the validity of the classification. The screen of FIG. 9 further includes a button for setting whether or not to perform the classification of the extended function or the validity of the classification every time the operator logs in.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing for determining the validity of use restrictions and classification for each user for the extended function. The process of FIG. 10 is executed by the extended function classification analysis unit 16. In the process of FIG. 10, the operator (user) has already been authenticated, and the extended function classification analysis unit 16 obtains information related to the current operator from the information for each user. it can.

  In step S21 in FIG. 10, it is confirmed whether or not the current user is restricted in use in the standard application having the same function as the request from the extended function that is the target of the validity of classification. If the use is restricted, the process proceeds to step S22. If the use is not restricted, the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

  In step S22 following step S21, the presence / absence of the extended function to be determined and the other extended functions classified in the same group are confirmed. If there is another extended function, the process proceeds to step S23, and if not, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S23 subsequent to step S22, whether or not there is a history of requests from other extended functions classified in different groups with respect to other extended functions classified in the same group as the extended function to be determined is confirmed. The If there is a history of requests from other extended functions classified into different groups, the process proceeds to step S25, and if not, the process proceeds to step S26.

  On the other hand, in step S24 following step S22, it is confirmed whether or not the extended function to be determined, the equivalent standard application, and the usage restrictions for the current user are the same. For this confirmation, information managed by the authentication management unit 9 and the setting management unit 19 may be referred to. If they are the same, the process proceeds to step S26, and if they are not the same, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S25 following step S23, it is determined that the classification of the extended function to be determined should be changed. In step S26 following step S23 or step S24, it is determined that the classification is valid. In step S27 following step S24, it is determined that the extension function classification is valid, but the usage restriction for the current user is inappropriate.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting usage restrictions for each user. In FIG. 11, buttons for setting usage restrictions of “copy”, “send”, and “extended function” are included for the user “Nakamura”. In FIG. 11, the user “Nakamura” can use the setting indicated by the black square among the functions. In the screen of FIG. 11, “extension 1” is given a black square, and “extension 2” and “extension 3” are given a white square.

  Of the information included in the screen of FIG. 11, “Extended 1”, “Extended 2”, and “Extended 3” are “Custom Mail”, “Extended Authentication”, and “Extended” in FIG. Corresponds to "stamp copy".

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen including a message displayed in response to an operation of the user “Nakamura”. The screen of FIG. 12 is displayed after the user “Nakamura” performs a facsimile operation with “custom mail”. Since the user “Nakamura” has no authority for the facsimile operation, a white square is added to “FAX” corresponding to the facsimile operation in FIG.

  Accordingly, in FIG. 12, a message is displayed that recommends changing authority for the facsimile operation of the user “Nakamura”.

(Realization by computer etc.)
The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may be realized by a personal computer (PC), for example. The information processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention is executed by using, for example, a main memory such as a RAM as a work area according to a program stored in a ROM, a hard disk device, or the like by the CPU.

  Although the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the best mode. Modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is useful for managing functions to be added, and is particularly suitable for a multifunction peripheral.

1 MFP 2 Standard application 3 4 Extended function 5 Extended function I / F providing unit 6 Functional logic providing unit 7 Plotter device 8 Scan device 9 Authentication management unit 10 Display unit 11 Document operation system I / F
12 Authentication I / F
13 Device setting system I / F
14 logic input job generation unit 15 interface use record generation unit 16 extended function classification analysis unit 17 extended function management unit 19 setting management unit 20 control unit B41 button B42 confirmation button

JP 2009-87319 A

Claims (5)

Job generation means for generating a job by combining one or more applications;
An interface to which the application is added;
History generation means for generating history information of a combination of the applications used in the same job;
Classifying means for classifying the applications into groups including frequently used applications in the same job based on the history information;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a group management unit that manages the classified application and the group in association with each other.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the classification unit further determines, for each application, the validity of a group into which the application is classified based on the history information. Having an authentication means for authenticating the operator;
The classification means further makes the use authority for the operator of the added application the same as the use authority for the operator of another application that realizes a function equivalent to the application. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A job generation step for generating a job by combining one or more applications;
An additional step in which the application is added;
A history generation step for generating history information of a combination of the applications used in the same job;
A step of classifying the application into a group including a high-frequency application used in the same job based on the history information;
An information processing method characterized by comprising:

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