JP2015022740A - Information output system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly provide information by using a resource which can be used free of charge in the case of outputting information in emergency.SOLUTION: An information output system includes: emergency mode shifting means for determining whether to shift the present mode to an emergency mode on the basis of the shift conditions of the emergency mode for outputting information in emergency by using one or more information output devices; and output control means for outputting information acquired from the outside by using resources to be consumed in the case of outputting information by using one or more information output devices free of charge when the present mode is shifted to the emergency mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information output system and a program.

  For example, in recent MFPs (Multi Function Printers), it is possible to “exchange information” with a Web site or Web server via a network, and other devices such as MFPs and mobile terminals and peripheral devices (including MFPs). Proposals have been made regarding "cooperation technology" with devices.

  In the event of an emergency or emergency such as an accident, etc. when transportation is paralyzed, or in the event of an earthquake or other disaster, the latest information (driving conditions, alternative route guidance) and peripheral information suitable for each individual (evacuation route, evacuation destination) ) Etc. are required. Due to recent advances in mobile terminals and network technologies, each person possesses a communication device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and can “browse” information via the network using the communication device. However, in an emergency or emergency, each communication device has a risk that the operating time is finite because the battery cannot be charged, and a communication failure due to a communication load due to access concentration. For this reason, in an emergency, there is a considerable demand for “outputting and holding electronic information on paper”.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an MFP that accepts simple input and outputs information related to a route of travel by public transportation. The MFP described in Patent Document 1 can output not only optimum information (path) based on a user's input, but also can add and output nearby information.

  However, in Patent Document 1, each user needs to perform a “work” called an input operation on the MFP. In an emergency or emergency, it is necessary for the MFP to accept and process requests from many users who perform similar actions. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, there is a long waiting time from when the user performs an input operation until obtaining paper on which necessary information is printed. As a result, there may be a situation where people gather near the MFP that outputs information and become crowded.

  Therefore, it is conceivable that the information acquired from the outside by the MFP is optimized to emergency information, and the information is automatically output and provided to the user without an individual user performing an input operation.

  Further, in the automatic output in an emergency, if a shortage of resources such as paper occurs in an emergency, the user cannot obtain necessary information at a necessary timing. Therefore, it is conceivable that resources for emergency are secured in advance, and information is output using the secured resources and provided to the user in an emergency.

  However, in the event of an emergency, when an MFP installed in a store such as a convenience store outputs information and provides the output information to an unspecified number of users and pedestrians, If the system is designed to bear the cost of outputting information, the cost burden of each store is large. For this reason, it may be assumed that a certain store does not permit use of a device such as an MFP in an emergency. This makes it difficult to construct a system that avoids confusion among people by making full use of the capabilities of devices such as MFPs in an emergency.

  Therefore, an object of one aspect is to provide information smoothly using resources that can be used free of charge when outputting information in an emergency.

One idea is that
Emergency mode transition means for determining whether to transition to the emergency mode based on an emergency mode transition condition for outputting information in an emergency using one or more information output devices;
An output control means for outputting information acquired from the outside using free resources when outputting information using the one or two or more information output devices when transitioning to the emergency mode;
An information output system is provided.

  According to one aspect, when outputting information in an emergency, it is possible to provide information smoothly using resources that can be used free of charge.

The figure which showed an example in the shop where a user gathers in MFP vicinity at the time of emergency. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. The figure which showed an example of the information of the emergency alert which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed an example of the information of the transport system which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed an example of the user information which concerns on one Embodiment, and a function restriction | limiting. The figure which showed the emergency mode transfer example which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed the setting item example of the emergency mode transfer condition which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed the example of function release setting at the time of emergency mode transfer which concerns on one Embodiment. The flowchart which showed the emergency mode transfer process example which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed the counter example of the output at the time of emergency mode transfer which concerns on one Embodiment. The application screen example for the consumption resource claim which concerns on one Embodiment. The flowchart which showed the application process example of the claim of the consumption resource which concerns on one Embodiment. The flowchart which showed the validity judgment processing example of the consumption resource claim which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed the example of a display of emergency mode which concerns on one Embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.
<Introduction>
In the event of an emergency such as paralysis of a transportation system due to an accident or a disaster such as an earthquake, or in the event of an emergency (hereinafter referred to as an emergency including an emergency), the latest information such as driving conditions, alternative route guidance, evacuation routes, Of the peripheral information in an emergency such as an evacuation destination, peripheral information suitable for each individual is required.

  In recent years, most users have mobile terminals such as their mobile phones, smartphones, and tablet terminals. Therefore, the user can browse the information he / she wants to know at any time via the network by operating the mobile terminal even when away from home. However, the mobile terminal has a risk that the operation time is limited because the battery cannot be charged, and a communication failure due to a communication load due to access concentration. For this reason, in an emergency, there is a considerable demand for “outputting and holding electronic information on paper”.

  Examples of paper media that output emergency information include printers and MFPs. Many MFPs are installed in offices and are often used for business. For this reason, it is common to register and manage user attribute information (hereinafter simply referred to as user information) in the MFP in advance. For example, user information registered in the MFP is used for ACL control (who can use which function, etc.), authentication for security printing, and the like. On the other hand, in stores such as convenience stores, an unspecified number of users use the MFP. For this reason, it is general that user information is not registered in the MFP, and if there is, it is registration of a function restriction of the MFP.

  In an emergency, it is conceivable that the MFP automatically outputs information such as an evacuation place and provides it to the user. FIG. 1 shows an example in a store where the MFP 100 automatically outputs emergency information in an emergency. An unspecified number of users gather near the MFP 100 in order to obtain the output information. In FIG. 1, for example, a case is assumed in which setting is made to output nearby evacuation information to MFP 100 when an earthquake having a seismic intensity of 5 or more occurs.

  In this way, it is valuable to automatically output emergency information by the MFP 100 and provide the information to many unspecified users. On the other hand, the store side is charged by a company that provides resources whenever it receives supplements of resources such as paper and toner that are consumed when outputting information.

  Therefore, when an MFP 100 installed in a store such as a convenience store uses resources to output information in an emergency and provides the output information to an unspecified number of users and pedestrians, each store outputs information. The cost burden of each store is large if it is a mechanism that bears the cost of the store. For this reason, there is a trade-off between cost and social contribution (providing information for free), and it may be assumed that a certain store does not permit the use of a device such as an MFP in an emergency. This makes it difficult to construct a system that avoids confusion among people by making full use of the capabilities of devices such as MFPs in an emergency.

  Also, there may be no cash on hand in case of an emergency such as an earthquake. This is a case where information cannot be output because there is no cash when outputting information, such as when searching for information from MFP 100 and outputting desired information or when requesting output of desired data from a mobile device. In an emergency, information such as evacuation sites is very important. Therefore, it is desirable that information in an emergency can be easily provided to many people.

  The information output apparatus according to the present embodiment described below provides information smoothly using resources that can be used free of charge when outputting information in an emergency. Hereinafter, an MFP (multifunction peripheral) having a communication function will be described as an example of the information output apparatus. Other examples of the information output apparatus include an image forming apparatus such as a printer having a communication function, a facsimile apparatus, a digital copying machine, and a digital multifunction machine.

[Functional configuration of MFP]
First, the configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the MFP according to the embodiment. The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment includes a system control unit 2, an image memory unit 3, a display control unit 4, a reading device unit 5, an operation control unit 6, an image processing unit 7, a communication control unit 8, a print control unit 9, and an emergency mode. It has a transition unit 10, an emergency mode counter unit 11, and a consumption resource billing unit 12. Each unit is connected by a system bus 1.

  The system bus 1 is a path that connects each part of the system. The system control unit 2 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, expands a program stored in a nonvolatile memory in a work area (RAM or the like), and controls each unit according to the program.

  The image memory unit 3 stores image data, print data, and the like. The display control unit 4 performs various displays on the screen based on the display data input from the system control unit 2. For example, the display control unit 4 controls the display of an application screen for billing consumption resources. The display control unit 4 controls the display of information to be automatically output on paper in the event of an emergency on the thumbnail or display unit. The reading device unit 5 includes a scanner and optically reads information.

  The operation control unit 6 includes a keyboard having various function keys and the like, and transmits a pressed signal of a pressed key to the system control unit 2. The image processing unit 7 performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction and rotation on the input image, and outputs the image processed image to the print control unit 9. The communication control unit 8 communicates with a device such as a management server set outside.

  The print control unit 9 includes a photosensitive drum, toner, a paper discharge unit, a paper feed unit, and the like. In accordance with a print instruction from the system control unit 2, the print paper is conveyed from the paper feed unit and input from the image processing unit 7. The image is exposed to printing paper. The print control unit 9 transfers and fixes the toner onto the photosensitive printing paper, and discharges the printing paper. The print control unit 9 is an example of an output control unit that outputs information acquired from the outside using resources consumed when the information is output using the MFP 100 in an emergency.

  The emergency mode transition unit 10 determines whether to transition to the emergency mode based on information acquired from the outside according to the transition condition to the emergency mode. Further, the emergency mode transition unit 10 manages each response at the time of the emergency mode (for example, the restriction on the function that is normally restricted is released) in addition to the transition determination. The emergency mode transition unit 10 can set conditions for transition to the emergency mode. The emergency mode transition unit 10 is an example of an emergency mode transition unit that determines whether to transition to the emergency mode based on an emergency mode transition condition in which information is output in an emergency using the MFP 100.

  The emergency mode counter unit 11 manages the number of outputs of each function (preset item) in the output in the emergency mode and the amount of resource consumed at that time in accordance with the shift to the emergency mode. The consumed resource amount includes not only paper but also toner. The emergency mode counter unit 11 is an example of a counting unit that calculates the amount of resources consumed when shifting to the emergency mode.

  The consumption resource billing unit 12 bills the manufacturer for consumption resources in the emergency mode. The consumed resource is replenished to the MFP 100 after being applied for and approved. The consumption resource billing unit 12 is an example of a consumption resource billing unit that bills for free provision of a resource consumed when shifting to the emergency mode.

[Information acquired from outside]
Next, information acquired from the outside by the MFP 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows an example of emergency alert information according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of transportation information according to an embodiment. Both the emergency alert information and the transportation information are examples of information that the MFP 100 acquires from the outside.

  The emergency alert information shown in FIG. 3 includes an emergency information type 15a and emergency information content 15b. The emergency alert information can be acquired (for example, received by an application) by a mobile terminal or the like in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake. The information on transportation (paralysis (congestion), accident) in FIG. 4 includes a traffic information type 16a and traffic information content 16b. Transportation information can also be obtained by a mobile terminal or the like as described above. External information such as emergency alert information and transportation information acquired by the mobile terminal is sent to the MFP 100 via the network. MFP 100 may acquire external information directly via a network in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake as long as it can be received by an application or the like.

  Note that even if an attempt is made to acquire the information in an emergency, the information may not be acquired depending on the network environment such as congestion or disconnection. Therefore, the MFP 100 may periodically acquire the external information.

  If it is an office, there is a security room. Therefore, unlike emergency information such as earthquakes, fire information is received externally by receiving information sent from the security room management equipment without using a network. ) To obtain fire information. Regarding fire information, not only the building but also the vicinity including the commuting route from the building to the nearest station may be the target range (area) for acquiring fire information.

  As a method for the MFP 100 to acquire earthquake information or fire information, there is a method in which each MFP 100 receives notification of earthquake information or fire information by receiving a mail transmitted in a batch. The MFP 100 periodically polls a management server that manages a list of emergency information status including fire information and earthquake information, and acquires fire information and earthquake information included in the emergency information status list from the management server. May be. Alternatively, a sensor may be attached to MFP 100 itself, MFP 100 itself may detect an earthquake, a fire, or the like using the sensor, determine the occurrence of an earthquake or a fire based on the detection result, and import the information as earthquake information or fire information.

[User Information]
Next, user information held and managed by the emergency mode transition unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of user information held in the MFP 100 at the time of user registration. The user information in FIG. 5 includes a user ID 17a, a user name 17b, a password 17c, and access control information 17d. The user information includes user attribute information of user ID 17a, user name 17b and password 17c, and access control information 17d.

  In the access control information 17d, information regarding function restrictions of the MFP 100 is set for each user. The access control information 17d can be set by an administrator. For example, the user access control information 17d registered in the MFP 100 with the user ID 17a being “101” and the user name 17b being “Oshino” is “all operable”. Accordingly, there is no function restriction on MFP 100 for this user, and all functions can be freely used. On the other hand, a registered user whose user ID 17a is “200” and whose user name 17b is “swamp” is a guest user. For this reason, the administrator sets “all operation is possible” for the access control information 17d, but sets “monochrome printing is only possible” for printing, and restricts the functions of the MFP 100 that can be used by this user. Yes.

[Emergency mode transition]
Next, emergency mode transition managed by the emergency mode transition unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example of emergency mode transition conditions and an example of operation after transition to the emergency mode.

"Emergency mode transition conditions"
FIG. 6 shows an example of emergency mode transition conditions managed by the emergency mode transition unit 10. Here, the emergency mode transition condition includes a seismic intensity of 6 or more in the case of an earthquake and a fire in a predetermined area in the case of a fire.

  When the above emergency mode transition conditions are satisfied, the emergency mode transition unit 10 determines to transition to the emergency mode. In the case of a fire, if there is a certain level of fire or damage in a nearby major area (for example, the nearest station), the emergency mode may be entered. After shifting to the emergency mode, the MFP 100 automatically outputs information acquired from the outside. As described above, the MFP 100 acquires information from the outside by receiving emergency information from the outside or detecting the emergency information by a sensor attached to the MFP 100. As a method for the MFP 100 to acquire from the outside, for example, information from a fire station or the like may be shared by notification from the fire station or the like in cooperation with a fire station or a police station.

  The emergency mode transition condition shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and various emergency mode transition conditions can be set as shown in FIG. As an example of the setting item of the emergency mode transition condition, when the item 18a is “earthquake”, the current setting 18b is “seismic intensity 6 or more”, and the detailed explanation 18c is “detected seismic intensity 6 or more and received external information In some cases, “transition to emergency mode” is mentioned.

"Operation after transition to emergency mode"
As shown in FIG. 6, when the mode is shifted to the emergency mode, the sheet used for output becomes free when the MFP 100 is used, and the function restriction of the MFP 100 set in the access control information 17d is released. That is, when the mode is shifted to the emergency mode, an unspecified number of users who use the MFP 100 can obtain the emergency information output from the MFP 100 for free and can use the functions of the MFP 100 without restriction. Thereby, emergency information can be smoothly provided to an unspecified number of users.

  If the consumption resources are free as described above, it is assumed that the cost of each store for outputting information is almost eliminated in an emergency, and each store is permitted to use the MFP 100 in an emergency. Thus, a system that makes better use of the capabilities of devices such as MFP 100 in an emergency can be constructed.

  An example of setting items for releasing the function at the time of transition to the emergency mode is shown in FIG. As an example of the function release item at the time of transition to the emergency mode, when the item 19a is “paper output (copy)”, the current setting 19b is “open (free)”, and the detailed explanation 19c is “free use regarding copying” ".

[Operation when entering emergency mode]
Next, an emergency mode transition operation performed by the emergency mode transition unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the emergency mode transition process. Here, a case where an earthquake occurs is assumed as an example of an emergency.

  When this process is started, first, in step S10, the emergency mode transition unit 10 receives emergency information related to an earthquake as information acquired from the outside, or detects emergency information with a sensor of its own device. Next, it progresses to step S12 and the emergency mode transfer part 10 determines whether the transition conditions of emergency mode are set. If it is determined that the emergency mode transition condition is not set, it is determined in step S14 that the transition to the emergency mode is unnecessary, and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the emergency mode transition condition is set, the process proceeds to step S16, and the emergency mode transition unit 10 compares the content of the received emergency information with the transition condition, and determines the emergency information. Determines whether the emergency mode transition condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the emergency information does not satisfy the conditions for shifting to the emergency mode, it is determined in step S18 that shifting to the emergency mode is not necessary, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the emergency information satisfies the emergency mode transition condition, the process proceeds to step S20, and the emergency mode transition unit 10 determines to transition to the emergency mode.

  After shifting to the emergency mode, in step S22, the emergency mode transition unit 10 determines whether there is a setting for function release (limit release). If it is determined that the function release (restriction release) is set, the emergency mode transition unit 10 releases the function according to the setting to release the function restriction of the MFP 100, and the process proceeds to step S26. If it is determined that the function release (restriction release) is not set, the emergency mode transition unit 10 proceeds directly to step S26. In step S <b> 26, the emergency mode transition unit 10 starts using a counter that counts the consumption of resources such as paper when transitioning to the emergency mode, and ends this process. The counter used when shifting to the emergency mode will be described below.

[Counter example]
Next, a counter example managed by the emergency mode counter unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. (A) of FIG. 10 is a counter example which shows the output condition at the time of emergency mode transfer. In the present embodiment, the output status of MFP 100 at the time of transition to the emergency mode is stored in the counter. Specifically, FIG. 10A shows, for each item 20a, a normal counter 20b that counts the number of used sheets in a normal state and an emergency counter 20c that counts the number of used sheets when shifting to an emergency mode. ing. However, only the resources output in the emergency mode by the emergency counter 20c are counted, and the normal counter 20b may not be provided. In the following description, the count value by the normal time counter 20b is also referred to for easy understanding.

  Both the normal counter 20b and the emergency counter 20c count the number of sheets output from the MFP 100 after the transition to the emergency mode for each item 20a (function). As shown in FIG. 10B, if the resource consumed at the time of transition to the emergency mode is paper, the number of sheets for each size is stored based on the value counted by the emergency counter 20c. As shown in FIG. 10C, if the resource consumed at the time of transition to the emergency mode is toner, the toner consumption is stored as “one side × sheets” based on the value counted by the emergency counter 20c. Is done. For paper, a paper type may be added in addition to the size. In addition, regarding the toner, it is possible to calculate the toner consumption amount by determining how much toner amount is consumed on average on one-sided output.

[Emergency mode transition conditions and resource settings]
Next, an example of setting an emergency mode transition condition executed by the consumption resource billing unit 12 will be described. In the information output system according to the present embodiment, after shifting to the emergency mode, it is possible to release the function of the MFP 100 and to provide the manufacturer with free consumption resources based on the value of the emergency counter 20c. At that time, for example, it may not be appropriate for the purpose of providing information in an emergency to loosen the conditions for shifting to the emergency mode, such as shifting by an earthquake of seismic intensity 1. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the appropriateness of setting the applied emergency mode transition condition in consideration of the area and characteristics of the installation location of the MFP 100. For example, the area considered as the location and characteristics of the installation location when judging validity may consider whether the location location is in front of the station and may provide information to many people . Further, for example, it may be considered whether the area has a lot of recent large earthquakes or an area where there are many wooden buildings and a fire is likely to occur.

  In addition, the MFP 100 may make a prior application for consumption resources in the emergency mode to a device on the manufacturer side. With such an application, the MFP 100 may have a means for agreeing with a maker on the providing side regarding conditions for providing free consumption resources.

  For example, if “seismic intensity of 1 or more” is set as a condition for shifting to the emergency mode (here, also a condition for releasing the function of the MFP 100 for free), there is a possibility of deviating from the purpose of providing information in an emergency. For this reason, it is necessary to ask the manufacturer to check whether the conditions are appropriate by applying in advance to the manufacturer on the resource providing side for the billing conditions for consumption resources.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a mechanism is provided in which after the emergency mode transition condition is set, the consumption resource billing unit 12 of the MFP 100 can directly apply for the consumption resource billing condition in advance. Manufacturers that provide free consumption resources, etc., determine the validity of the applied conditions. If the requested condition is approved as a result of the determination, the consumption resource requesting unit 12 manages the consumption resource at the time of transition to the emergency mode to be supplemented free of charge under the condition approved by the manufacturer.

  An example of a mechanism that allows direct application from the MFP 100 includes a method of providing an application screen on the MFP 100, registering in the manufacturer's application URL, or sending an email to the manufacturer. For example, using the consumption resource claim application screen shown in FIG. The application screen is displayed on the thumbnail part 100a of the MFP 100, for example. The applicant can apply for a request for consumption resources by touching the screen of the thumbnail part 100a.

[Operation when applying]
Next, the operation at the time of application for claiming the consumption resource will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a consumption resource claim application process.

  When the application process for claiming the consumption resource is started, in step S30, the consumption resource claiming unit 12 determines whether a condition for shifting to the emergency mode is set. When it is determined that the condition for shifting to the emergency mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S32, where the consumption resource requesting unit 12 determines that the application process for claiming the consumption resource is not executable, and ends this process.

  When it is determined that the condition for shifting to the emergency mode is set, the process proceeds to step S34, where the consumption resource billing unit 12 applies for consumption resource billing, and ends this process. This completes the application for consumption resource billing.

  When the requested emergency mode transition condition is approved by the manufacturer or the like, the transition condition setting screen of the device such as the MFP 100 can be locked. If you want to change the emergency mode transition conditions after releasing the lock, you need to apply again after changing (editing the screen).

  You may judge the appropriateness of the conditions for shifting to the emergency mode with emphasis on urgency, but if the burden on the resource provider such as the manufacturer becomes large, the setting at the time of function release will be approved conditionally. May be. Examples of cases where the burden on the resource provider side, such as a manufacturer, is large include cases where the frequency of transition to the emergency mode is high and provision of resources to the MFP 100 or the like that may provide information to more people in front of the station. It is done.

  For example, if it is a device that is likely to provide information to many people in front of the station and it is set to automatically output predetermined information (evacuation site, route, etc.) in an emergency, it will be monochrome instead of color, It is assumed that the approval is made with a condition such as A4 instead of A3. The consumption resource requesting unit 12 informs the applicant that it is such a conditional approval, causes the applicant to review the setting of the conditional part regarding the transition to the emergency mode, and requests the applicant to apply again.

  If the applicant reviews and re-applies the setting of the conditional part described above, the consumption resource requesting unit 12 manages the approval of the contents approved by the validity judgment for the re-application. Tell the person. In addition, the consumption resource requesting unit 12 locks the setting screen so that it cannot be changed from the setting of the applied transition condition.

[Operation of validity judgment on the manufacturer side at the time of application]
Next, the operation of validity determination executed by the manufacturer's device at the time of application for consumption resources will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the validity determination process for the applied consumption resource.

  When the consumption resource validity determination process is started, in step S40, the manufacturer-side device determines whether the requested consumption resource application content is valid. When it is determined that the application content is not valid, in step S42, the manufacturer side device determines whether the application content is valid under a predetermined condition. If it is determined that the application content is not valid even with predetermined conditions, in step S44, the manufacturer's device notifies the MFP 100 of the non-approval of the application and the reason, and requests a review of the conditional settings. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the application content is valid in the case of a predetermined condition, the manufacturer's device notifies the MFP 100 that the condition is approved in step S46. In addition, in order to comply with the conditions, the manufacturer's equipment requests that the application is re-applied after correcting the corresponding condition of the consumption resource to the approved condition.

  If it is determined in step S40 that the application content is valid, the manufacturer's device notifies MFP 100 that the application content has been approved in step S48. After the approval, the consumption resource billing unit 12 locks the setting screen of the MFP 100 so that the setting of the approved transition condition cannot be changed. This will prevent further applications. As a result, the processing from the request for the consumption resource to the approval of the application content is completed.

[Indication of emergency mode]
Next, presentation of the emergency mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows an example of presentation (display) indicating that it is an emergency mode according to an embodiment. The signage unit 100a of the MFP 100 displays that emergency information can be output free of charge in an emergency. The above display may be performed on the operation unit instead of the signage unit. Further, when the signage unit 100a is not provided, the display on the operation unit alone may not be noticed unless the user approaches the vicinity of the MFP 100. For this reason, it is also conceivable to make the LED of the MFP 100 blink. In addition, in order to notify the users and pedestrians inside and outside the store at stores such as convenience stores, the information may be announced not only by display but also by voice guidance.

  The configuration and operation of the MFP 100 according to the embodiment has been described above. According to this, when the transition condition to the emergency mode set in advance is satisfied and the transition is made to the emergency mode, the consumption resource providing side such as the manufacturer does not charge the provision of consumption resources such as paper and toner. In addition, the user side of information in an emergency can apply for replenishment of consumption resources. If the equipment on the manufacturer side satisfies the replenishment condition, the replenishment procedure can be performed for the reduced consumption resources. Thus, MFP 100 according to an embodiment can provide information smoothly using resources that can be used free of charge when outputting information in an emergency.

(Hardware configuration example)
Finally, a hardware configuration example of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the MFP 100 includes an input device 101, a display device 102, an external I / F 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, a communication I / F. F107, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108, and the like are connected to each other via a bus B.

  Input device 101 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is used to input each operation signal to MFP 100. Display device 102 includes a signage unit (display) and the like, and displays a processing result by MFP 100.

  Communication I / F 107 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to a network. Thus, the MFP 100 can perform data communication with other devices (such as a management server) via the communication I / F 107.

  The HDD 108 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include basic software and application software that control the entire apparatus. The HDD 108 stores information and programs related to setting conditions for resources to be secured and conditions for releasing resources.

  The external I / F 103 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 103a. Thereby, the MFP 100 can read and / or write to the recording medium 103 a via the external I / F 103. The recording medium 103a includes a floppy (trademark or registered trademark) disk, CD (Compact Disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), SD memory card (SD Memory card), USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), and the like. is there.

  The ROM 105 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain internal data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 105 stores programs and data such as network settings. The RAM 104 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data. The CPU 106 is an arithmetic device that realizes control and mounting functions of the entire apparatus by reading programs and data from the storage device (for example, “HDD” and “ROM”) onto the RAM and executing processing.

  With the above hardware configuration, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment can perform various information providing services including output of information in an emergency. For example, the MFP 100 provides the consumption information necessary for the emergency mode to the MFP 100 free of charge with no condition or condition by executing a program indicating the emergency mode transition process on the information stored in the ROM 105 by the CPU 106. be able to. Information relating to the emergency mode transition condition and information relating to the counter values of the normal counter 20b and the emergency counter 20c can be stored in the RAM 104, the HDD 108, a management server connected to the MFP 100 via the network, or the like.

  As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the information output system and the program has been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the configuration of the information output system according to the above embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

  For example, a system configuration in which one or two or more MFPs 100 are connected to each other via a network by the communication I / F 107, or one or more MFPs 100 and other devices such as the management server 150 are connected to the network by the communication I / F 107. A system connected via the network 200 is an aspect of the information output system according to the present embodiment. The information output system according to the present embodiment includes an information output device such as the MFP 100, for example. Note that the number of management servers 150 and information output apparatuses connected via the network 200 may be one or two or more.

  Further, for example, the functions of the emergency mode transition unit, the count unit, and the consumption resource claim unit may be provided in an information output device such as an MFP, or may be provided in the management server 150 connected to the MFP or the like via the network 200. Also good. Further, the information regarding the emergency mode transition condition and the counter values of the normal time counter 20b and the emergency time counter 20c may be held for each information output device such as the MFP 100, and may be updated periodically or as necessary. These pieces of information may be stored in the management server 150 connected to the MFP 100 or the like via the network 200 and updated under the management of the management server 150. These pieces of information may be managed collectively by the management server 150, may be managed by each information output device, or may be collectively processed by any of a plurality of information output devices. It may be managed.

2: System control unit 3: Image memory unit 4: Display control unit 5: Reading device unit 6: Operation control unit 7: Image processing unit 8: Communication control unit 9: Print control unit 10: Emergency mode transition unit 11: Emergency mode Counter unit 12: Consumption resource billing unit 100: MFP

Japanese Patent No. 4924252

Claims (9)

Emergency mode transition means for determining whether to transition to the emergency mode based on an emergency mode transition condition for outputting information in an emergency using one or more information output devices;
An output control means for outputting information acquired from the outside using free resources when outputting information using the one or two or more information output devices when transitioning to the emergency mode;
An information output system comprising: A consumption resource requesting unit for requesting free provision of the resource to be consumed when the emergency mode is entered;
The information output system according to claim 1. It further has a counting means for calculating the amount of resources consumed when shifting to the emergency mode.
The information output system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The emergency mode transition means includes
Set the transition condition to the emergency mode,
The information output system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The consumption resource claim means includes:
Apply in advance for requests for resources to be consumed when transitioning to the emergency mode.
The information output system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The consumption resource claim means includes:
The request for the consumed resource is completed or re-applied according to the result of the approval of the prior application for the request for the resource to be consumed or the prior application for the request for the resource to be consumed with a predetermined condition.
The information output system according to claim 5. The emergency mode transition means includes
When transitioning to the emergency mode, the function restriction set when outputting information using the one or more information output devices is canceled.
The information output system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Further comprising display control means for displaying information to be output in the emergency mode when the emergency mode is entered,
The information output system according to claim 1, wherein the information output system is an information output system. Determine whether to shift to the emergency mode based on the emergency mode transition conditions for outputting information in an emergency using one or more information output devices,
When shifting to the emergency mode, to output information acquired from the outside using free resources when outputting information using the one or more information output device,
A program that causes a computer to execute processing.

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