JP2022077316A - Setting system, setting program, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a setting system, a setting program, and an information processing system that can reduce the possibility that an electronic apparatus displaying an inappropriate operation screen is present.SOLUTION: A setting system 70 setting an operation screen in an image forming apparatus 20 manages a user of the image forming apparatus 20 and the layout of the operation screen in association with each other, and when the layout is requested from the image forming apparatus 20 (S188), transmits, to the image forming apparatus 20, the layout associated with the user who logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 (S189-S190).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

The present invention relates to a setting system, a setting program, and an information processing system for setting an operation screen in an electronic device.

As a conventional electronic device, an image forming apparatus capable of customizing an operation screen is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-124605

However, in conventional electronic devices, when a large number of electronic devices are managed by the administrator, the administrator may overlook the electronic device that displays an operation screen that is not properly customized. As a result, there is a problem that there may be an electronic device that displays an operation screen that is not properly customized.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a setting system, a setting program, and an information processing system that can reduce the possibility that an electronic device displaying an inappropriate operation screen exists.

The setting system of the present invention is a setting system for setting an operation screen in an electronic device, and manages the user of the electronic device in association with the layout of the operation screen, and the electronic device requests the layout. In this case, the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device is transmitted to the electronic device.

With this configuration, the setting system of the present invention transmits the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device to the electronic device when the layout is requested by the electronic device, so that the layout is displayed by the electronic device. The operation screen can be checked on the setting system without the need for the administrator of the electronic device to check each electronic device on the electronic device, and as a result, when a large number of electronic devices are managed by the administrator. Even if there is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an electronic device that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

In the setting system of the present invention, the layout associated with the user includes a user layout associated with the individual user and a group layout associated with the group to which the user belongs. The setting system manages the priority of the user layout and the group layout, and when the electronic device requests the layout, the user who is logged in to the electronic device is notified of the user layout and the user layout. When both of the group layouts are associated, the user layout associated with the user and the layout having the higher priority among the group layouts may be transmitted to the electronic device.

With this configuration, the setting system of the present invention is such that when a layout is requested by an electronic device, when both the user layout and the group layout are associated with the user logged in to the electronic device, this user. Since the layout having the highest priority among the user layout and the group layout associated with is transmitted to the electronic device, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the electronic device displays an inappropriate operation screen.

The setting system of the present invention manages the device layout which is the layout associated with the electronic device, manages the priority of the layout associated with the user and the device layout, and the setting system is a setting system. When the layout is requested by the electronic device, the priority of the device layout associated with the electronic device and the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device is higher. The tall layout may be transmitted to the electronic device.

With this configuration, the setting system of the present invention has a layout having a higher priority among the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device and the device layout when the layout is requested by the electronic device. Is transmitted to the electronic device, so that it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an electronic device that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

The setting system of the present invention receives a reservation to install a program for requesting the layout from the setting system in the electronic device at a specific timing, and when the specific timing is reached, the program is applied to the electronic device. It may be installed on an electronic device.

With this configuration, the setting system of the present invention installs a program for requesting a layout from the setting system on the electronic device at a reserved timing, and therefore, the status of installation of this program on the electronic device is managed by the electronic device. The burden of management by the person can be reduced.

The setting system of the present invention is limited to the electronic device in which the program is not installed or a version older than the program to be reserved is installed at the specific timing. The program subject to the reservation may be installed.

Due to this configuration, the configuration system of the present invention is reserved only for electronic devices that do not have a program for requesting layout from the configuration system or have an older version of the program installed. Since the target program is installed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that downtime due to unnecessary installation will occur in the electronic device.

The setting program of the present invention is a setting program for setting an operation screen in an electronic device, and the user of the electronic device and the layout of the operation screen are associated with each other and managed by a computer, and the electronic device is used to manage the operation screen. When a layout is requested by the computer, the electronic device is made to transmit the layout associated with the user who is logged in to the electronic device to the computer.

With this configuration, the computer executing the setting program of the present invention transmits the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device to the electronic device when the layout is requested by the electronic device. The operation screen displayed by the device can be checked on the setting system without the need for the administrator of the electronic device to check each electronic device on the electronic device, and as a result, a large number of electronic devices are managed by the administrator. Even if this is the case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an electronic device that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

The information processing system of the present invention includes an electronic device and a setting system for setting an operation screen in the electronic device, and the setting system manages the user of the electronic device in association with the layout of the operation screen. Then, the electronic device requests the layout from the setting system, and the setting system is associated with the user who is logged in to the electronic device when the layout is requested from the electronic device. The layout is transmitted to the electronic device, and the electronic device displays the operation screen according to the layout received from the setting system.

With this configuration, in the information processing system of the present invention, when a layout is requested from the electronic device to the setting system, the setting system transmits the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device to the electronic device. Therefore, the operation screen displayed by the electronic device can be checked on the setting system without the need for the administrator of the electronic device to check each electronic device on the electronic device, and as a result, a large number of electronic devices can be checked by the administrator. Even when the system is managed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an electronic device that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

In the information processing system of the present invention, the layout associated with the user includes a user layout associated with the individual user and a group layout associated with the group to which the user belongs. When the layout is requested by the electronic device, the user associated with the electronic device is associated with both the user layout and the group layout. The user layout and the group layout are transmitted to the electronic device, and when the plurality of the layouts are transmitted from the setting system, the electronic device is one from the plurality of the layouts transmitted from the setting system. The layout may be selected by the user, and the operation screen corresponding to the layout selected by the user may be displayed.

With this configuration, in the information processing system of the present invention, when a layout is requested from an electronic device to a setting system, both a user layout and a group layout are associated with a user logged in to the electronic device. , The setting system sends the user layout and group layout associated with this user to the electronic device, and the electronic device lets the user select one layout from the multiple layouts sent from the setting system to the electronic device. Since the electronic device displays the operation screen according to the layout selected by the user, it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an electronic device that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

In the information processing system of the present invention, the setting system manages a device layout which is the layout associated with the electronic device, and the setting system receives the electronic device when the electronic device requests the layout. The device layout associated with the device and the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device are transmitted to the electronic device, and the electronic device has a plurality of said devices from the setting system. When the layout is transmitted, the user is made to select one layout from the plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system, and the operation screen corresponding to the layout selected by the user is displayed. It may be displayed.

With this configuration, the information processing system of the present invention associates the device layout associated with this electronic device with the user logged in to this electronic device when the electronic device requests a layout from the setting system. The setting system sends the layout to the electronic device, and the electronic device selects one layout from the multiple layouts sent from the setting system to the electronic device, and the layout is selected by the user. Since the electronic device displays the corresponding operation screen, it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an electronic device that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

The setting system, setting program, and information processing system of the present invention can reduce the possibility that there is an electronic device that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

It is a block diagram of the information processing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the case of being configured by an MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the display part by the client application shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the user terminal shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the setting system shown in FIG. 1 in the case of being configured by one computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the device information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the group list shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user list shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout management information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout display condition information shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system shown in FIG. 5 when the information of a new image forming apparatus is added to the device information. It is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system shown in FIG. 5 when displaying a device list. It is a figure which shows an example of the device list displayed on the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system shown in FIG. 5 when the client application program is installed in the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system shown in FIG. 5 when setting layout display condition information. It is a figure which shows an example of the display condition setting screen displayed on the display part of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system shown in FIG. 5 when the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is saved. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen edit screen displayed on the display part of the user terminal shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when a user logs in to an image forming apparatus by using a combination of a user name and a password. It is a flowchart of a part of the layout specifying process shown in FIG. It is the continuation flowchart of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is the continuation flowchart of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when the image forming apparatus uses the document processing flow execution system by using the ticket transmitted from the user information holding system. It is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when a user logs in to an image forming apparatus using a PIN code. It is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when the image forming apparatus uses the document processing flow execution system by using the ticket transmitted from the authentication authorization system.

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

First, the configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 20 as an electronic device. In addition to the image forming apparatus 20, the information processing system 10 may include at least one image forming apparatus having the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus in the information processing system 10 is composed of, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), a printer-dedicated machine, or the like.

The information processing system 10 includes a user terminal 30 used by the user. In addition to the user terminal 30, the information processing system 10 may include at least one user terminal having the same configuration as the user terminal 30. The user terminal in the information processing system 10 is composed of, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

The information processing system 10 includes a document processing flow execution system 40 that executes a document processing flow as a workflow of document processing. The document processing flow execution system 40 may be configured by one computer or may be configured by a plurality of computers. The document processing flow executed by the document processing flow execution system 40 includes an input stage in which a document is input, a document processing stage in which various processes are executed for the document input in the input stage, and processing in the document processing stage. It consists of an output stage that outputs the result of. As a method of inputting a document at the input stage, for example, a method of inputting an image read from a manuscript by a scanner of an image forming apparatus as a document, a method of inputting a document placed in a specific folder, or a method of receiving a document is received. There are various methods, such as entering a document attached to an e-mail. The processing for a document in the document processing stage includes, for example, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing for generating text from an image as a document, Zone OCR processing for generating text from a part of an image as a document, and as a document. There are various processes such as a process of performing specific image processing such as tilt correction, dot removal, and noise removal on an image, and a process of converting the format of an image as a document. As a method of outputting the processing result in the output stage, there are various methods such as a method of outputting to a specific folder and a method of sending to a specific destination by e-mail. The document processing flow execution system 40 can store a plurality of document processing flows.

The information information system 10 can include an authentication / authorization system 50 that executes authentication and authorization of users of the information information system 10. The authentication / authorization system 50 may be configured by one computer or may be configured by a plurality of computers. The authentication / authorization system 50 manages restrictions on the use of various functions of the image forming apparatus for each user, and various types of the image forming apparatus relating to the authenticated user, that is, the user who has logged in to the image forming apparatus. Authorization information indicating restrictions on the use of the function can be provided to the image forming apparatus or the document processing flow execution system 40. The authentication / authorization system 50 can, for example, spool the print data transmitted from the user terminal or output the spooled print data to any image forming apparatus. The authentication / authorization system 50 can also manage the use of the image forming apparatus by the user of the information processing system 10. The authentication / authorization system 50 can register the ID of an IC (Integrated Circuit) card for each user.

The information processing system 10 can include a user information holding system 60 that holds information about the users of the information processing system 10. The user information holding system 60 may be configured by one computer or may be configured by a plurality of computers. The user information retention system 60 can also retain information used in a system that is neither the document processing flow execution system 40 nor the authentication / authorization system 50.

The information processing system 10 can include a setting system 70 for setting an operation screen in the image forming apparatus. The setting system 70 may be configured by one computer or may be configured by a plurality of computers.

The image forming apparatus in the information processing system 10, the user terminal in the information processing system 10, the document processing flow execution system 40, the authentication / authorization system 50, the user information holding system 60, and the setting system 70 are LANs ( It is possible to connect in a communicable manner via a network 11 such as Local Area Network).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 20 when configured by the MFP.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 20 includes an operation unit 21 which is an input device such as a button into which various operations are input, and a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Disk) which displays various information. Display unit 22, a printer 23 that is a printing device that prints an image on a recording medium such as paper, a scanner 24 that is a reading device that reads an image from a document, an external facsimile machine (not shown), and a public telephone line. Communicates directly with an external device via a network such as LAN or the Internet, or directly by wire or wirelessly without a network, with the fax communication unit 25, which is a fax device that performs fax communication via a communication line such as The communication unit 26, which is a communication device, the storage unit 27, which is a non-volatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various information, and the control unit 28 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 20. It is a computer equipped with.

The storage unit 27 is a client application program as an application program for providing the functions of the image forming apparatus 20, the document processing flow execution system 40 (see FIG. 1), and the authentication / authorization system 50 (see FIG. 1) to the user. 27a can be stored. The client application program 27a may be installed in the image forming apparatus 20 at the manufacturing stage of the image forming apparatus 20, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 20 from an external storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. It may be installed, or it may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 20 from the network.

The storage unit 27 can store an application program 27b different from the client application program 27a. The storage unit 27 can store at least one application program different from the client application program 27a in addition to the application program 27b.

Only one application program installed in the image forming apparatus 20 can be installed in the image forming apparatus 20, and when the image forming apparatus 20 is started, the first application program is installed. There is an extended authentication application program that is started and displays the authentication screen on the display unit 22, and an extended application program that is an application program other than the extended authentication application program. The client application program 27a is an extended authentication application program.

The storage unit 27 can store login method information 27c indicating a login method on the authentication screen of the image forming apparatus 20. The login method information 27c includes a method of logging in using a combination of a user name and a password, a method of logging in using a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code, and a method of logging in using an IC card ID. One of the methods combined with the method is shown.

The control unit 28 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data, and a volatile storage device used as a work area of the CPU of the control unit 28. It is equipped with a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU of the control unit 28 executes the program stored in the storage unit 27 or the ROM of the control unit 28.

The control unit 28 realizes the client application 28a by executing the client application program 27a. The client application 28a prints various images on a recording medium by the printer 23, such as "scan" which is reading an image from a document by a scanner 24 and an image based on print data received via a communication unit 26. "Output", "Copy" to print the image read from the manuscript by the scanner 24 on the recording medium by the printer 23, "Fax transmission" to send the image read from the manuscript by the scanner 24 by fax communication by the fax communication unit 25, and the scanner 24. The use of various functions of the image forming apparatus 20 such as "scan transmission" in which the image read from the original is transmitted by the communication unit 26 can be restricted according to the authorization information acquired from the authentication authorization system 50.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen 80 displayed on the display unit 22 (see FIG. 2) by the client application 28a (see FIG. 2).

The operation screen 80 shown in FIG. 3 is associated with the functions of the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1), the document processing flow execution system 40 (see FIG. 1), the authentication / authorization system 50 (see FIG. 1), and the like. Buttons are arranged. The client application 28a can use the function associated with the button by tapping the button arranged on the operation screen 80. Each of the buttons arranged on the operation screen 80 is composed of an icon image 80a, a background 80b of the icon image 80a, and a character string 80c arranged below the icon image 80a.

The button arranged on the operation screen 80 is, for example, a "workflow A" as a "workflow" button for executing a document processing flow A, which is a specific document processing flow stored in the document processing flow execution system 40. Button 81a, a “workflow B” button 81b as a “workflow” button for executing a document processing flow B which is a specific document processing flow stored in the document processing flow execution system 40, and a document processing flow execution. A "workflow C" button 81c as a "workflow" button for executing a document processing flow C, which is a specific document processing flow stored in the system 40, and a specific document processing flow execution system 40 stored in the document processing flow execution system 40. There is a "workflow D" button 81d as a "workflow" button for executing the document processing flow D, which is a document processing flow. The “workflow A” button 81a, the “workflow B” button 81b, the “workflow C” button 81c, and the “workflow D” button 81d are buttons to which the functions of the document processing flow execution system 40 are associated.

The buttons arranged on the operation screen 80 are, for example, for the printer 23 to perform printing based on all the print data of the user logged in to the image forming apparatus 20 spooled in the authentication / authorization system 50. The printer 23 prints based on the "print all" button 82a and the print data selected by the user each time from the print data of the user logged in to the image forming apparatus 20 spooled in the authentication / authorization system 50. There is a "My Job" button 82b for execution and an "IC card registration" button 82c for registering the ID of the IC card of the user logged in to the image forming apparatus 20 in the authentication / authorization system 50. The "print all" button 82a, the "my job" button 82b, and the "IC card registration" button 82c are buttons to which the functions of the authentication / authorization system 50 are associated.

The buttons arranged on the operation screen 80 include, for example, a "copy" button 83a for executing copying with settings corresponding to the values specified by the user each time, and according to the values specified by the user each time. The "Send" button 83b for executing scan transmission with the settings set, the "Fax" button 83c for executing fax transmission with the settings according to the settings specified by the user each time, and the scanner 24 scan the original. From the "user box" button 83d for saving the image stored in a specific area on the storage unit 27 or printing the image stored in this area by the printer 23, and from an external electronic device such as a PC. The "Job Box" button 83e for saving the received data in a specific area on the storage unit 27 or performing printing based on the data stored in this area, and scanning from the original by the scanner 24. "USB" for saving the image to a USB memory connected to the image forming apparatus 20 or performing printing based on the data stored in the USB memory connected to the image forming apparatus 20. There is a button 83f and an "application" button 83g for executing a specific application program other than the client application program 27a installed in the image forming apparatus 20. The "copy" button 83a, the "send" button 83b, the "fax" button 83c, the "user box" button 83d, the "job box" button 83e, the "USB" button 83f and the "application" button 83g are the image forming apparatus 20. A button with an associated function.

The buttons associated with the functions of the image forming apparatus 20 include a "copy" button 83a, a "send" button 83b, a "fax" button 83c, a "user box" button 83d, a "job box" button 83e, and a "USB". In addition to the "button 83f" and "application" button 83g, for example, a "scan" button for executing a scan with a setting corresponding to a value specified by the user each time, and a setting according to a preset value. A "quick copy" button for instant copying, a "quick scan" button for instant scanning with preset values, and a pre-specified value. There is a "quick fax" button for instant fax transmission in the settings.

The buttons arranged on the operation screen 80 include, for example, a “folder” button 84a for moving to an operation screen one level below the operation screen 80. The operation screen that is transferred by tapping the "folder" button 84a has a button associated with at least one function of the image forming apparatus 20, the document processing flow execution system 40, and the authentication / authorization system 50, similarly to the operation screen 80. It may be arranged.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the user terminal 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal 30 has an operation unit 31 which is an operation device such as a keyboard and a mouse into which various operations are input, and a display device such as an LCD which displays various information. For example, the unit 32 stores various information with the communication unit 33, which is a communication device that directly communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN or the Internet, or directly by wire or wirelessly without a network. It includes a storage unit 34 which is a non-volatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory and an HDD, and a control unit 35 which controls the entire user terminal 30.

The control unit 35 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM for storing programs and various data, and a RAM as a volatile storage device used as a work area of the CPU of the control unit 35. The CPU of the control unit 35 executes the program stored in the storage unit 34 or the ROM of the control unit 35.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the setting system 70 in the case of being configured by one computer.

As shown in FIG. 5, the setting system 70 includes an operation unit 71, which is an operation device such as a keyboard and a mouse into which various operations are input, and a display unit which is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. 72, a communication unit 73 which is a communication device that directly communicates with an external device via a network such as LAN or the Internet, or directly by wire or wirelessly without a network, and a semiconductor for storing various information, for example. It includes a storage unit 74 which is a non-volatile storage device such as a memory and an HDD, and a control unit 75 which controls the entire setting system 70.

The storage unit 74 stores a setting program 74a for setting a client application program of the image forming apparatus. The setting program 74a may be installed in the setting system 70 at the manufacturing stage of the setting system 70, or may be installed in the setting system 70 from an external storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versaille Disk), or a USB memory. It may be additionally installed on the 70, or it may be additionally installed on the setting system 70 from the network.

The storage unit 74 can store the device information 74b, which is the information of the image forming apparatus managed by the setting tool 75a described later.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of device information 74b.

The device information 74b shown in FIG. 6 is a product name, a host name, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a serial ID which is identification information of the image forming apparatus, and identification information of the image forming apparatus for each image forming apparatus. It contains a certain MAC (Media Access Protocol) address.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 74 can store the client application program 74c to be installed in the image forming apparatus.

The storage unit 74 can store the group list 74d, which is a list of groups of general users of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the group list 74d.

The group list 74d shown in FIG. 7 shows a group of general users of the image forming apparatus managed by the setting tool 75a described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 74 can store the user list 74e, which is a list of general users of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the user list 74e.

The user list 74e shown in FIG. 8 shows the general user of the image forming apparatus managed by the setting tool 75a described later and the group to which the general user belongs in association with each other. In FIG. 8, “−” indicates that the group to which the member belongs does not exist. That is, according to FIG. 8, "User a" does not belong to any group.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 74 can store the layout 74f of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus. The storage unit 74 can store at least one layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus other than the layout 74f.

The storage unit 74 can store layout management information 74g that manages the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of layout management information 74g.

The layout management information 74g shown in FIG. 9 associates the identification information of the image forming apparatus, the group, and the general user with the types of the image forming apparatus, the group, and the general user, and the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus. Is shown. In FIG. 9, the values "Device", "Group", and "User" in the "Type" column indicate an image forming apparatus, a group, and a general user, respectively. For example, the group specified by the identification information "Group a" is associated with "layout d". In FIG. 9, "Device a", "Device b", "Device c" and the like are described as the identification information of the image forming apparatus. However, the identification information of the image forming apparatus is actually, for example, at least one of the serial ID and the MAC address of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 9, “−” indicates that the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is not associated. That is, according to FIG. 9, the general user specified by the identification information "User a" is not associated with any layout, at least as an individual.

In the following, the layout associated with the image forming apparatus, the layout associated with the group, and the layout associated with the individual general user are referred to as a device layout, a group layout, and a user layout, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 74 can store the layout display condition information 74h indicating the layout display conditions in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of layout display condition information 74h.

As shown in FIG. 10, the layout display condition information 74h includes a "display method" indicating a method of displaying a layout on an image forming apparatus, and a "display is permitted" indicating a group layout and a user layout that are permitted to be displayed. Includes "layout" and "display priority", which indicates the display priority of device layouts, group layouts, and user layouts.

The "display method" includes "device layout only", which is a method of displaying only the device layout on the image forming apparatus, and a method of displaying the device layout, group layout, and user layout selected by the user. One of a certain "user selection" and "priority order", which is a method of preferentially displaying the device layout, group layout, and user layout having the higher priority indicated by "display priority", is set. It is possible.

In FIG. 10, the device layout, group layout, and user layout shown in the “display priority” column have higher priority as they are higher. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the user layout has the highest priority and the device layout has the lowest priority.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 75 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data, and a RAM as a volatile storage device used as a work area of the CPU of the control unit 75. It is equipped with. The CPU of the control unit 75 executes a program stored in the ROM of the storage unit 74 or the control unit 75.

The control unit 75 realizes the setting tool 75a by executing the setting program 74a. The setting tool 75a can install a client application program on the image forming apparatus.

Next, the operation of the information processing system 10 will be described.

First, the operation of the setting system 70 when adding the information of the new image forming apparatus to the device information 74b will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system 70 when the information of the new image forming apparatus is added to the device information 74b.

The administrator of the image forming apparatus logs in to the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 via the user terminal, and then gives an instruction to add new information of the image forming apparatus to the device information 74b (hereinafter referred to as "information addition instruction". ) Can be input to the setting tool 75a via the user terminal. The administrator of the image forming apparatus gives an information addition instruction to at least one of the IP address and the host name of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "information addition desired apparatus") that wants to add information to the device information 74b. Include in. When the setting tool 75a receives the information addition instruction, the setting tool 75a executes the operation shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the setting tool 75a acquires the product name, host name, IP address, serial ID, and MAC address of the information addition desired device from the information addition desired device (S101). Here, the setting tool 75a accesses the information addition desired device by using at least one of the IP address and the host name of the information addition desired device included in the information addition instruction.

After the processing of S101, the setting tool 75a saves the information acquired in S101 in the device information 74b (S102), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the setting system 70 when displaying a list of image forming devices managed by the setting tool 75a (hereinafter referred to as “device list”) will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system 70 when displaying the device list.

After logging in to the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 via the user terminal, the administrator of the image forming apparatus sets an instruction to display the device list (hereinafter referred to as "list display instruction") via the user terminal. It can be input to the tool 75a. Upon receiving the list display instruction, the setting tool 75a executes the operation shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the setting tool 75a manages all the image forming devices in which the setting tool 75a itself manages the version of the client application program (hereinafter referred to as “installed version”) installed in the image forming device. Obtained from (S121). Here, the setting tool 75a accesses the image forming apparatus by using at least one of the IP address and the host name of the image forming apparatus included in the device information 74b.

After the processing of S121, the setting tool 75a transmits a device list including the information acquired in S121 to the user terminal of the transmission source of the list display instruction (S122), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

When the device list is transmitted from the setting tool 75a by S122, the user terminal displays the device list transmitted from the setting tool 75a on the display unit of the user terminal.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a device list displayed on the user terminal.

As shown in FIG. 13, the device list includes a product name, a host name, an IP address, a serial ID, a MAC address, and an installation version for each image forming apparatus. In the device list shown in FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus in which the value in the installation version column is "None" is an image forming apparatus in which the client application program is not installed.

Next, the operation of the setting system 70 when the client application program is installed in the image forming apparatus will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system 70 when the client application program is installed in the image forming apparatus.

The administrator of the image forming apparatus may log in to the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 via the user terminal and then upload the client application program to be installed in the image forming apparatus to the setting tool 75a via the user terminal. can. When the client application program is uploaded, the setting tool 75a executes the operation shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, the setting tool 75a stores the uploaded client application program in the storage unit 74 as the client application program 74c (S141).

Next, the setting tool 75a determines whether or not the installation reservation instruction has been accepted until it is determined that the instruction for reservation for installation of the client application program to the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "installation reservation instruction") has been accepted (hereinafter referred to as "installation reservation instruction"). S142). Here, the administrator of the image forming apparatus can input the installation reservation instruction to the setting tool 75a via the user terminal. The manager of the image forming apparatus is, for example, immediately, a specific date and time specified by the administrator of the image forming apparatus, a specific time of each day specified by the administrator of the image forming apparatus, and the administrator of the image forming apparatus. Either a specified weekly specific day or a specific day of each month specified by the image forming apparatus administrator can be specified in the installation reservation instruction as the timing for installing the client application program on the image forming apparatus. ..

When the setting tool 75a determines in S142 that the installation reservation instruction has been accepted, the setting tool 75a reserves the installation of the client application program on the image forming apparatus at the timing included in the installation reservation instruction (S143).

After the processing of S143, the setting tool 75a determines whether or not the timing reserved in S143 has been reached until it is determined that the timing reserved in S143 has been reached (S144).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S144 that the timing reserved in S143 has come, the installation version of the client application program of the image forming apparatus is acquired from all the image forming apparatus managed by the setting tool 75a itself (S145). .. Here, the setting tool 75a accesses the image forming apparatus by using at least one of the IP address and the host name of the image forming apparatus included in the device information 74b.

Next, the setting tool 75a uses the image forming apparatus in which the client application program is not installed and the image forming apparatus in which the client application program of a version older than the client application program 74c to be installed is installed, which is stored in S141. It is specified based on the information acquired in S145 (S146).

Next, the setting tool 75a distributes the client application program 74c to be installed stored in S141 to all the image forming devices specified in S146 (S147), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

The control unit of the image forming apparatus to which the client application program is distributed from the setting tool 75a immediately installs the client application program distributed from the setting tool 75a to the image forming apparatus itself.

Next, the operation of the setting system 70 when the layout display condition information 74h is set will be described.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system 70 when the layout display condition information 74h is set.

After logging in to the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 via the user terminal, the administrator of the image forming apparatus gives a user an instruction to start setting the layout display condition information 74h (hereinafter referred to as "setting start instruction"). It can be input to the setting tool 75a via the terminal. When the setting tool 75a receives the setting start instruction, the setting tool 75a executes the operation shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, the setting tool 75a displays the display condition setting screen 90 (see FIG. 16) for setting the layout display condition information 74h on the user terminal of the transmission source of the setting start instruction (S151). .. Therefore, the control unit of the user terminal that is the transmission source of the setting start instruction displays the display condition setting screen 90 on the display unit of the user terminal itself, and displays the display condition setting screen 90 on the display condition setting screen 90 via the operation unit of the user terminal itself. The operation is transmitted to the setting system 70.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display condition setting screen 90 displayed on the display unit of the user terminal.

As shown in FIG. 16, the display condition setting screen 90 sets the area 91 for setting the "display method" in the layout display condition information 74h and the "layout permitting display" in the layout display condition information 74h. Area 92 for setting layout display condition information 74h, area 93 for setting "display priority", cancel button 94a for canceling setting of layout display condition information 74h, and layout display condition information 74h. It has a save button 94b for saving the settings.

The area 91 includes a radio button 91a for setting "device layout only" as the "display method", a radio button 91b for setting "user selection" as the "display method", and "priority" as the "display method". It includes a radio button 91c for setting the "order". Only one of the radio buttons 91a to 91c can be selected.

The area 92 includes a check box 92a for setting to allow the display of the group layout and a check box 92b for setting to allow the display of the user layout.

Region 93 shows the priority of the device layout, the group layout, and the user layout. The device layout, group layout, and user layout shown in the area 93 have higher priority as the upper ones. The administrator of the image forming apparatus can change the priority of the device layout, the group layout, and the user layout shown in the area 93 via the operation unit of the user terminal.

As shown in FIG. 15, the setting tool 75a determines whether or not the cancel button 94a is pressed after the processing of S151 (S152).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S152 that the cancel button 94a has not been pressed, it determines whether or not the save button 94b has been pressed (S153).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S153 that the save button 94b is not pressed, the setting tool 75a executes the process of S152.

When the setting tool 75a determines in S153 that the save button 94b has been pressed, the setting tool 75a saves the layout display conditions set on the display condition setting screen 90 in the layout display condition information 74h (S154).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S152 that the cancel button 94a has been pressed or executes the process of S154, the display of the display condition setting screen 90 on the user terminal is terminated (S155), and the operation shown in FIG. 15 is performed. finish.

Next, the operation of the setting system 70 when saving the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus will be described.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the operation of the setting system 70 when the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is saved.

The administrator of the image forming apparatus logs in to the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 via the user terminal, and then gives an instruction to start editing the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "editing start instruction"). Can be input to the setting tool 75a via the user terminal. When the setting tool 75a receives the editing start instruction, the setting tool 75a executes the operation shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, the setting tool 75a displays the operation screen editing screen 100 (see FIG. 18) for editing the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus on the user terminal of the sender of the editing start instruction. (S161). Therefore, the control unit of the user terminal that is the sender of the editing start instruction displays the operation screen editing screen 100 on the display unit of the user terminal itself, and the operation screen editing screen 100 via the operation unit of the user terminal itself. The operation is transmitted to the setting system 70.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen editing screen 100 displayed on the display unit of the user terminal.

As shown in FIG. 18, the operation screen editing screen 100 includes an operation screen area 101 showing an image of the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus. In the operation screen area 101, a total of 18 rectangular areas having 3 rows vertically and 6 columns horizontally are formed. A button is formed by one or more rectangular areas. That is, a maximum of 18 buttons can be arranged on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus.

The operation screen editing screen 100 is an operation screen area for buttons associated with the functions of the document processing flow execution system 40, such as a "workflow A" button, a "workflow B" button, a "workflow C" button, and a "workflow D" button. A "Document processing flow execution system" button 102a for adding to 101, and a button associated with the functions of the authentication / authorization system 50, such as a "print all" button, a "my job" button, and an "IC card registration" button, are displayed. An "authentication authorization system" button 102b for adding to the operation screen area 101, for example, a "copy" button, a "send" button, a "fax" button, a "user box" button, a "job box" button, and a "USB" button. , An "image forming apparatus" button 102c for adding a button associated with an image forming apparatus function such as an "application" button to the operation screen area 101, and an "folder" button for adding the "folder" button to the operation screen area 101. It has an "other" button 102d.

The operation screen edit screen 100 has a "open property" button 103a for setting the properties of the button selected in the operation screen area 101 and a "button" for deleting the button selected in the operation screen area 101. It has a "Delete" button 103b. Button properties include button placement, size, color, name, and icon image in the operation screen area 101. The color of the button in the operation screen area 101 is the color of the background of the icon image of the button in the operation screen area 101. The name of the button in the operation screen area 101 is a character string arranged below the icon image in the button in the operation screen area 101.

The operation screen editing screen 100 includes a cancel button 104a for canceling editing of the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus, and a save button 104b for saving the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 17, the setting tool 75a determines whether or not the cancel button 104a is pressed after the processing of S161 (S162).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S162 that the cancel button 104a has not been pressed, it determines whether or not the save button 104b has been pressed (S163).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S163 that the save button 104b is not pressed, the setting tool 75a executes the process of S162.

When the setting tool 75a determines in S163 that the save button 104b has been pressed, the setting tool 75a saves the layout of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus set in the operation screen edit screen 100 in the storage unit 74 (S164).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S162 that the cancel button 104a has been pressed or executes the process of S164, the display of the operation screen editing screen 100 on the user terminal is terminated (S165), and the operation shown in FIG. 17 is performed. finish.

In the above, an example in which the manager of the image forming apparatus creates a layout is described. However, a general user of the image forming apparatus can also create a layout in the same manner.

Next, the operation of the setting system 70 when setting the device layout will be described.

After logging in to the setting tool 75a via the user terminal, the administrator of the image forming apparatus is instructed to set any layout stored in the storage unit 74 as the device layout of any of the image forming apparatus ( Hereinafter, "device layout setting instruction") can be input to the setting system 70 via the user terminal. The setting tool 75a permits the administrator to specify only the layouts stored in the storage unit 74, for example, the layout created by the administrator of the image forming apparatus in the device layout setting instruction.

When the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 receives the device layout setting instruction, the setting tool 75a changes the layout management information 74g according to the received device layout setting instruction.

Next, the operation of the setting system 70 when setting the group layout will be described.

After logging in to the setting tool 75a via the user terminal, the administrator of the image forming apparatus gives an instruction to set any layout stored in the storage unit 74 as a group layout of any group (hereinafter, "" "Group layout setting instruction") can be input to the setting system 70 via the user terminal. The setting tool 75a permits the administrator to specify only the layouts stored in the storage unit 74, for example, the layout created by the administrator of the image forming apparatus in the group layout setting instruction.

When the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 receives the group layout setting instruction, the setting tool 75a changes the layout management information 74g according to the received group layout setting instruction.

In the above, an example in which the administrator of the image forming apparatus sets the group layout is described. However, a general user of the image forming apparatus can also set the group layout in the same manner for the group layout of the group to which he / she belongs.

Next, the operation of the setting system 70 when setting the user layout will be described.

After logging in to the setting tool 75a via the user terminal, the administrator of the image forming apparatus is instructed to set any layout stored in the storage unit 74 as the user layout of any general user ( Hereinafter, "user layout setting instruction") can be input to the setting system 70 via the user terminal. The setting tool 75a permits the administrator to specify only the layouts stored in the storage unit 74, for example, the layout created by the administrator of the image forming apparatus in the user layout setting instruction.

When the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 receives the user layout setting instruction, the setting tool 75a changes the layout management information 74g according to the received user layout setting instruction.

In the above, an example in which the administrator of the image forming apparatus sets the user layout is described. However, a general user of the image forming apparatus can also set the user layout for his / her own user layout in the same manner.

Next, the operation of the information processing system 10 when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 by using the combination of the user name and the password will be described.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system 10 when a user logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 by using a combination of a user name and a password.

The operation shown in FIG. 19 is an operation when a method of logging in using a combination of a user name and a password is shown in the login method information 27c in the image forming apparatus 20.

As shown in FIG. 19, the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 displays an authentication screen for the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 20 on the display unit 22 when the user is not logged in to the image forming apparatus 20. Display (S181). Here, since the method of logging in using the combination of the user name and the password of the client application 28a is shown in the login method information 27c, the combination of the user name and the password is shown as the login method on the authentication screen displayed in S181. Adopt the method of logging in using.

When the client application 28a is instructed to log in on the authentication screen displayed in S181, the client application 28a requests the user information holding system 60 to log in (S182). This request includes a combination of a user name and a password entered by the user via the operation unit 21 on the authentication screen displayed in S181.

Upon receiving the request in S182, the user information holding system 60 determines whether or not to allow the user to log in (S183). Here, in the user information holding system 60, the combination of the user name and the password included in the request in S182 is included in the combination of the user name and the password held by the user information holding system 60 itself. If so, that is, if the user's authentication is successful, it is determined to allow the user to log in. On the other hand, in the user information holding system 60, the combination of the user name and the password included in the request in S182 is included in the combination of the user name and the password held by the user information holding system 60 itself. If not, that is, if the user's authentication fails, decide not to allow the user's login.

When the user information holding system 60 determines in S183 that the user's login is not permitted, the user information holding system 60 notifies the image forming apparatus 20 that the user's login is not permitted (S184). Therefore, the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 displays the login failure on the display unit 22 (S185), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the user information holding system 60 determines in S183 to allow the user to log in, the user information holding system 60 issues a ticket indicating that the user information holding system 60 has allowed the user to log in (S186), and S186. The ticket issued in 1 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 (S187).

Upon receiving the ticket transmitted from the user information holding system 60 in S187, the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 requests the setting system 70 to lay out the operation screen (S188). The client application 28a includes the identification information of the user permitted to log in by the user information holding system 60 and the identification information of the image forming apparatus 20 itself, that is, at least one of the serial ID and the MAC address in the request in S188. In the following, the layout request from the client application of the image forming apparatus to the setting system is referred to as "layout request".

Upon receiving the layout request in S188, the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 executes a layout specifying process for specifying the layout of the operation screen based on the layout management information 74g (S189).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a part of the layout specifying process shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart following the flowchart shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a flowchart following the flowchart shown in FIG. 21.

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 determines the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h (S201).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S201 that the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h is "device layout only", the setting tool 75a is associated with the identification information of the image forming apparatus included in the layout request in the layout management information 74g. The existing device layout (hereinafter referred to as “target device layout”) is specified (S202), and the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 is terminated.

When the setting tool 75a determines in S201 that the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h is "user selection", the setting tool 75a specifies the target device layout (S203).

Next, the setting tool 75a determines whether or not to permit the display of the group layout based on the "layout permitting the display" of the layout display condition information 74h (S204).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S204 that the display of the group layout is permitted, there is a group (hereinafter referred to as "target group") associated with the user identification information included in the layout request in the user list 74e. It is determined whether or not to do so (S205).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S205 that the target group exists, it determines whether or not the target group has a group layout (hereinafter referred to as "target group layout") associated with the layout information 74g. (S206).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S206 that the target group layout exists, the target group layout is additionally specified (S207).

The setting tool 75a determines in S204 that the display of the group layout is not permitted, in S205 that the target group does not exist, in S206 that the target group layout does not exist, or in S207. When finished, it is determined whether or not to permit the display of the user layout based on the "layout permitting the display" of the layout display condition information 74h (S208).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S208 that the display of the user layout is permitted, the user layout associated with the user identification information included in the layout request in the layout information 74g (hereinafter referred to as "target user layout"). Is determined (S209).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S209 that the target user layout exists, the setting tool 75a additionally specifies the target user layout (S210).

The setting tool 75a determines in S208 that the display of the user layout is not permitted, determines in S209 that the target user layout does not exist, or when the process of S210 is completed, the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 is completed. To finish.

When the setting tool 75a determines in S201 that the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h is the "priority order", is the first priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h the group layout? It is determined whether or not (S211).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S211 that the first priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is the group layout, it determines whether or not to allow the display of the group layout in the layout display condition information 74h "display priority". Judgment is made based on "Layout for which display is permitted" (S212).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S212 that the display of the group layout is permitted, it determines whether or not the target group exists (S213).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S213 that the target group exists, it determines whether or not the target group layout exists (S214).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S214 that the target group layout exists, the target group layout is specified (S215), and the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 ends.

When the setting tool 75a determines in S212 that the display of the group layout is not permitted, in S213 that the target group does not exist, or in S214 that the target group layout does not exist, the layout display condition information 74h In the "display priority" of the above, it is determined whether or not the second priority is the user layout (S216).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S216 that the second priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is the user layout, it determines whether or not to permit the display of the user layout in the layout display condition information 74h "display priority". Judgment is made based on "Layout for which display is permitted" (S217).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S217 that the display of the user layout is permitted, it determines whether or not the target user layout exists (S218).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S218 that the target user layout exists, it identifies the target user layout (S219), and ends the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22.

The setting tool 75a determines in S216 that the second priority is not the user layout in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h, or determines in S217 that the display of the user layout is not permitted, or the target user. If it is determined in S218 that the layout does not exist, the target device layout is specified (S202), and the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 ends.

When the setting tool 75a determines in S211 that the first priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is not the group layout, the first priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is the user. It is determined whether or not the layout is used (S220).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S220 that the first priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is the user layout, it determines whether or not to permit the display of the user layout in the layout display condition information 74h "display priority". Judgment is made based on "Layout for which display is permitted" (S221).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S221 that the display of the user layout is permitted, it determines whether or not the target user layout exists (S222).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S222 that the target user layout exists, it identifies the target user layout (S219), and ends the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22.

When the setting tool 75a determines in S221 that the display of the user layout is not permitted, or determines in S222 that the target user layout does not exist, the second priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is a group. It is determined whether or not the layout is used (S223).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S223 that the second priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is the group layout, it determines whether or not to allow the display of the group layout in the layout display condition information 74h "display priority". Judgment is made based on "Layout for which display is permitted" (S224).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S224 that the display of the group layout is permitted, it determines whether or not the target group exists (S225).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S225 that the target group exists, it determines whether or not the target group layout exists (S226).

When the setting tool 75a determines in S226 that the target group layout exists, it identifies the target group layout (S215), and ends the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22.

The setting tool 75a determines in S220 that the first priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is not the user layout, or the second priority in the "display priority" of the layout display condition information 74h is. It is determined in S223 that it is not a group layout, in S224 that the display of the group layout is not permitted, in S225 that the target group does not exist, or in S226 that the target group layout does not exist. , The target device layout is specified (S202), and the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 is terminated.

For example, the user list 74e and the layout information 74g are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h is "user selection", and the "display" of the layout display condition information 74h. When "Layout that allows" is set to allow the display of both the group layout and the user layout, and "User a" requests login with "Device a", the setting tool 75a has the target group. If not, it is determined in S205, and it is determined in S209 that the target user layout does not exist. Therefore, only the layout a, which is the device layout, is specified (S203).

Further, the user list 74e and the layout information 74g are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h is "user selection", and the "display" of the layout display condition information 74h. When "Allow layout" is set to allow both group layout and user layout display, and "User b" requests login with "Device b", the setting tool 75a is a layout that is a device layout. b, the layout d which is a group layout, and the layout g which is a user layout are specified (S203, S207 and S210).

Further, the user list 74e and the layout information 74g are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h is the "priority order", and the "display" of the layout display condition information 74h. "Layout that allows" is a setting that allows display of both group layout and user layout, and "display priority" of layout display condition information 74h is "user layout", "group layout", and "user layout" in descending order of priority. When "Device layout" is indicated and "User a" requests login with "Device a", the setting tool 75a determines in S222 that the target user layout does not exist, and if the target group does not exist. Since the determination is made in S225, only the layout a, which is the device layout, is specified (S202).

Further, the user list 74e and the layout information 74g are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, the "display method" of the layout display condition information 74h is the "priority order", and the "display" of the layout display condition information 74h. "Layout that allows" is a setting that allows display of both group layout and user layout, and "display priority" of layout display condition information 74h is "user layout", "group layout", and "user layout" in descending order of priority. When "Device layout" is indicated and "User b" requests login with "Device b", the setting tool 75a determines in S222 that the target user layout exists, so only the layout g which is the user layout g. Is specified (S219).

As shown in FIG. 19, the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 transmits the layout specified in S189 to the image forming apparatus 20 after the processing of S189 (S190).

When the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the layout transmitted from the setting system 70 in S190, the client application 28a operates according to this layout when there is only one layout transmitted from the setting system 70 in S190. The screen is displayed on the display unit 22 (S191), and the operation shown in FIG. 19 is terminated.

On the other hand, the client application 28a is for allowing the user to select one layout from the plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system 70 in S190 when there are a plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system 70 in S190. The layout selection screen is displayed on the display unit 22 (S192).

Then, the client application 28a displays the operation screen corresponding to the layout selected on the layout selection screen on the display unit 22 (S193), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the information processing system 10 when the image forming apparatus 20 uses the document processing flow execution system 40 by using the ticket transmitted from the user information holding system 60 will be described.

FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system 10 when the image forming apparatus 20 uses the document processing flow execution system 40 by using the ticket transmitted from the user information holding system 60.

The user of the image forming apparatus 20 forms an image of using the function of the document processing flow execution system 40 by, for example, pressing the "workflow" button on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 22 via the operation unit 21. The device 20 can be instructed.

When the image forming apparatus 20 is instructed to use the function of the document processing flow execution system 40, the image forming apparatus 20 requests the document processing flow execution system 40 to use the function of the document processing flow execution system 40 as shown in FIG. 23 (as shown in FIG. 23). S241). The image forming apparatus 20 includes the ticket transmitted from the user information holding system 60 in S187 (see FIG. 19) in the request in S241.

Upon receiving the request in S241, the document processing flow execution system 40 inquires the user information holding system 60 about the validity of the ticket included in the request in S241 (S242).

Upon receiving the inquiry in S242, the user information holding system 60 determines the validity of the ticket whose validity is inquired in S242 (S243).

When the user information holding system 60 determines in S243 that the ticket for which the validity is inquired in S242 is not valid, the user information holding system 60 responds to the document processing flow execution system 40 that the ticket is not valid (S244). Therefore, the document processing flow execution system 40 notifies the image forming apparatus 20 that the use of the function requested in S241 is not permitted (S245).

On the other hand, when the user information holding system 60 determines in S243 that the ticket for which the validity is inquired in S242 is valid, it responds to the document processing flow execution system 40 that the ticket is valid (S246). Therefore, the document processing flow execution system 40 executes the function requested in S241 (S247), and notifies the image forming apparatus 20 of the result of the execution in S247 (S248).

In the above, the case where the image forming apparatus 20 uses the document processing flow execution system 40 by using the ticket transmitted from the user information holding system 60 has been described, but the image forming apparatus 20 is the user information holding system. The same applies to the case where the authentication / authorization system 50 is used by using the ticket transmitted from 60.

Next, the operation of the information processing system 10 when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 using the PIN code will be described.

FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system 10 when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 using the PIN code.

The operation shown in FIG. 24 is an operation when the method of logging in using the PIN code is shown in the login method information 27c in the image forming apparatus 20.

As shown in FIG. 24, the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 displays an authentication screen for the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 20 on the display unit 22 when the user is not logged in to the image forming apparatus 20. Display (S261). Here, since the method of logging in using the PIN code is shown in the login method information 27c, the client application 28a adopts the method of logging in using the PIN code as the login method on the authentication screen displayed in S261. do.

When the client application 28a is instructed to log in on the authentication screen displayed in S261, the client application 28a requests the authentication / authorization system 50 to log in to the user (S262). This request includes a PIN code input by the user via the operation unit 21 on the authentication screen displayed in S261.

Upon receiving the request in S262, the authentication / authorization system 50 determines whether or not to allow the user to log in (S263). Here, in the authentication / authorization system 50, when the PIN code included in the request in S262 is included in the PIN code held by the authentication / authorization system 50 itself, that is, the user's authentication is successful. If so, decide to allow the user to log in. On the other hand, in the authentication / authorization system 50, when the PIN code held by the authentication / authorization system 50 itself does not include the PIN code included in the request in S262, that is, the user's authentication fails. If so, decide not to allow the user to log in.

When the authentication / authorization system 50 determines in S263 that the user's login is not permitted, the authentication / authorization system 50 notifies the image forming apparatus 20 that the user's login is not permitted (S264). Therefore, the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 displays the login failure on the display unit 22 (S265), and ends the operation shown in FIG. 24.

On the other hand, when the authentication / authorization system 50 determines in S263 that the user's login is permitted, the authentication / authorization system 50 issues a ticket indicating that the user's login is permitted (S266), and the ticket issued in S266. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 (S267).

Upon receiving the ticket transmitted from the authentication / authorization system 50 in S267, the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 requests the setting system 70 to lay out the operation screen (S268). The client application 28a includes the identification information of the user permitted to log in by the authentication / authorization system 50 and the identification information of the image forming apparatus 20 itself, that is, at least one of the serial ID and the MAC address in the layout request in S268.

Upon receiving the layout request in S268, the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 executes a layout specifying process for specifying the layout of the operation screen based on the layout management information 74g (S269).

The layout specifying process in S269 is the same as the layout specifying process shown in FIGS. 20 to 22.

After the processing of S269, the setting tool 75a of the setting system 70 transmits the layout specified in S269 to the image forming apparatus 20 (S270).

When the client application 28a of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the layout transmitted from the setting system 70 in S270, the client application 28a operates according to this layout when there is only one layout transmitted from the setting system 70 in S270. The screen is displayed on the display unit 22 (S271), and the operation shown in FIG. 24 is terminated.

On the other hand, the client application 28a is for allowing the user to select one layout from the plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system 70 in S270 when there are a plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system 70 in S270. The layout selection screen is displayed on the display unit 22 (S272).

Then, the client application 28a displays the operation screen corresponding to the layout selected on the layout selection screen on the display unit 22 (S273), and ends the operation shown in FIG. 24.

In FIG. 24, the case where the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 using the PIN code has been described, but the same applies to the case where the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 using the ID of the IC card. However, when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 20 using the ID of the IC card, the ID of the IC card read by the IC card reader (not shown) connected to the image forming apparatus 20 is the PIN code. Used in place of.

Next, the operation of the information processing system 10 when the image forming apparatus 20 uses the document processing flow execution system 40 by using the ticket transmitted from the authentication / authorization system 50 will be described.

FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the information processing system 10 when the image forming apparatus 20 uses the document processing flow execution system 40 by using the ticket transmitted from the authentication / authorization system 50.

The user of the image forming apparatus 20 forms an image of using the function of the document processing flow execution system 40 by, for example, pressing the "workflow" button on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 22 via the operation unit 21. The device 20 can be instructed.

When the image forming apparatus 20 is instructed to use the function of the document processing flow execution system 40, the image forming apparatus 20 requests the document processing flow execution system 40 to use the function of the document processing flow execution system 40 as shown in FIG. 25 (as shown in FIG. 25). S281). The image forming apparatus 20 includes the ticket transmitted from the authentication / authorization system 50 in S267 (see FIG. 24) in the request in S281.

Upon receiving the request in S281, the document processing flow execution system 40 inquires the authentication / authorization system 50 about the validity of the ticket included in the request in S281 (S282).

Upon receiving the inquiry in S282, the authentication / authorization system 50 determines the validity of the ticket whose validity is inquired in S282 (S283).

When the authentication / authorization system 50 determines in S283 that the ticket for which the validity is inquired in S282 is not valid, the authentication / authorization system 50 responds to the document processing flow execution system 40 that the ticket is not valid (S284). Therefore, the document processing flow execution system 40 notifies the image forming apparatus 20 that the use of the function requested in S281 is not permitted (S285).

On the other hand, when the authentication / authorization system 50 determines in S283 that the ticket for which the validity is inquired in S282 is valid, the authentication / authorization system 50 responds to the document processing flow execution system 40 that the ticket is valid (S286). Therefore, the document processing flow execution system 40 executes the function requested in S281 (S287), and notifies the image forming apparatus 20 of the result of the execution in S287 (S288).

In the above, the case where the image forming apparatus 20 uses the document processing flow execution system 40 by using the ticket transmitted from the authentication authorization system 50 has been described, but the image forming apparatus 20 is transmitted from the authentication authorization system 50. The same applies to the case where the authentication / authorization system 50 is used by using the obtained ticket.

As described above, the setting system 70 uses the layout associated with the user logged in to the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus when the layout is requested by the image forming apparatus (S188 or S268). Since transmission (S189 to S190 or S269 to S270), the operation screen displayed by the image forming apparatus is transmitted on the setting system 70 without the need for the administrator of the image forming apparatus to confirm each image forming apparatus on the image forming apparatus. It can be confirmed, and as a result, even when a large number of image forming devices are managed by the administrator, it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an image forming device that displays an inappropriate operation screen. ..

The setting system 70 uses this when both the user layout and the group layout are associated with the user logged in to the image forming apparatus when the layout is requested by the image forming apparatus (S188 or S268). The image forming apparatus that displays an inappropriate operation screen because the layout having the higher priority among the user layout and the group layout associated with the person is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (S211 to S226 and "S190 or S270"). The possibility of existence can be reduced.

When the layout is requested by the image forming apparatus (S188 or S268), the setting system 70 has a higher priority among the layout associated with the user logged in to the image forming apparatus and the device layout. Since the layout is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (“S202 and S211 to S226” and “S190 or S270”), it is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an image forming apparatus that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

In the information processing system 10, when a layout is requested from the image forming apparatus to the setting system 70 (S188 or S268), both the user layout and the group layout are associated with the user logged in to the image forming apparatus. When, the setting system 70 transmits the user layout and group layout associated with this user to the image forming apparatus (S204 to S210 and “S190 or S270”), and the setting system 70 transmits the user layout and the group layout to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus allows the user to select one layout from the plurality of layouts (S192 or S272), and the image forming apparatus displays an operation screen according to the layout selected by the user (S193 or S273). It is possible to reduce the possibility that there is an image forming apparatus that displays an inappropriate operation screen.

When the image forming apparatus requests a layout from the setting system 70 (S188 or S268), the information processing system 10 has a device layout associated with the image forming apparatus and a use logged in to the image forming apparatus. The layouts associated with the person are transmitted by the setting system 70 to the image forming apparatus (S203 to S210 and "S190 or S270"), and one layout from the plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system 70 to the image forming apparatus. Is selected by the image forming apparatus (S192 or S272), and the image forming apparatus displays the operation screen according to the layout selected by the user (S193 or S273), so that an inappropriate operation screen is displayed. The possibility that an image forming apparatus exists can be reduced.

Since the setting system 70 installs the client application program requesting the layout from the setting system 70 in the image forming apparatus at the reserved timing (YES and S147 in S144), the installation status of the client application program in the image forming apparatus. It is possible to reduce the burden of being managed by the administrator of the image forming apparatus.

The setting system 70 installs the client application program to be reserved only on the image forming apparatus in which the client application program is not installed or a version of the client application program older than the client application program to be reserved is installed. (S145 to S147), it is possible to reduce the possibility that downtime due to unnecessary installation occurs in the image forming apparatus.

The electronic device of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in the present embodiment, but an electronic device other than the image forming apparatus such as a PC may be used.

10 Information processing system 20 Image forming device (electronic device)
27a Client application program (program for requesting layout from the setting system)
70 Setting system 74a Setting program 74c Client application program (program for requesting layout from setting system)
74d layout 80 operation screen

Claims (9)

It is a setting system that sets the operation screen of an electronic device.
The user of the electronic device and the layout of the operation screen are associated and managed.
A setting system comprising transmitting the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device to the electronic device when the layout is requested by the electronic device. The layout associated with the user
The user layout associated with the individual user and
Including the group layout associated with the group to which the user belongs,
The setting system manages the priority of the user layout and the group layout, and manages the priority.
When the electronic device requests the layout, the setting system informs the user who is logged in to the electronic device when both the user layout and the group layout are associated with the user. The setting system according to claim 1, wherein the layout having a higher priority among the associated user layout and the group layout is transmitted to the electronic device. Manage the device layout, which is the layout associated with the electronic device,
Manage the priority of the layout associated with the user and the device layout,
The setting system includes the device layout associated with the electronic device and the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device when the electronic device requests the layout. The setting system according to claim 1, wherein the layout having the highest priority among the above is transmitted to the electronic device. When a reservation is made to install a program for requesting the layout from the setting system in the electronic device at a specific timing, the program is installed in the electronic device at the specific timing. The setting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting system is characterized. When the specific timing is reached, the program subject to the reservation is installed only in the electronic device in which the program is not installed or a version of the program older than the program subject to the reservation is installed. The setting system according to claim 4, wherein the setting system is to be installed. A setting program for setting the operation screen of an electronic device.
Let the computer manage the user of the electronic device in association with the layout of the operation screen.
A setting characterized in that when the layout is requested from the electronic device to the computer, the electronic device is made to transmit the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device to the computer. program. With electronic devices
It is equipped with a setting system for setting the operation screen of the electronic device.
The setting system manages the user of the electronic device in association with the layout of the operation screen.
The electronic device requests the layout from the setting system.
When the electronic device requests the layout, the setting system transmits the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device to the electronic device.
The electronic device is an information processing system characterized by displaying the operation screen according to the layout received from the setting system. The layout associated with the user
The user layout associated with the individual user and
Including the group layout associated with the group to which the user belongs,
When the electronic device requests the layout, the setting system informs the user who is logged in to the electronic device when both the user layout and the group layout are associated with the user. The associated user layout and group layout are transmitted to the electronic device and
When a plurality of the layouts are transmitted from the setting system, the electronic device causes the user to select one of the layouts from the plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system, and the user selects one of the layouts. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the operation screen corresponding to the selected layout is displayed. The setting system manages the device layout, which is the layout associated with the electronic device.
The setting system includes the device layout associated with the electronic device and the layout associated with the user logged in to the electronic device when the electronic device requests the layout. To the electronic device
When a plurality of the layouts are transmitted from the setting system, the electronic device causes the user to select one of the layouts from the plurality of layouts transmitted from the setting system, and the user selects one of the layouts. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the operation screen corresponding to the selected layout is displayed.

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