JP4730241B2 - Image processing system, image processing apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, and a program in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected via a network, and more particularly to an improvement in technology for improving convenience of a user who uses the image processing apparatus.

Connect multiple image processing devices such as copiers, printers, and scanners, and personal computers (PCs) owned by each user via a network such as a LAN, and each user prints a document from the printer using their own PC. 2. Description of the Related Art Image processing systems that can execute an image processing job such as a print job to be output and a scan-to-email job that sends an image read by a scanner to a PC by mail are widely used.
JP 2003-241876 A

  In an environment where a large number of image processing devices are arranged for each department or floor in a company or the like, each user usually uses a device close to his / her seat, for example, the device a on a daily basis. The user should be familiar with what functions can be performed on the device a that is used on a daily basis. However, with regard to a device that has been installed on another floor in the company and has hardly been used in the past, for example, device b, even if it can be used, what function can be used when trying to use the device b? I can't immediately understand whether or not

Therefore, when the user uses the apparatus b, the user performs an input operation for selecting the function without knowing that the apparatus cannot execute an image processing function such as double-sided copying that the user often uses. In the middle of the operation, there may be a case where the device b knows that it cannot be executed. In this case, an input operation for selection or the like is wasted for the user.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an image processing system and image that can improve convenience by minimizing unnecessary operations for a user even when using a device that is not a device that is used on a daily basis. An object is to provide a processing device and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing system according to the present invention is an image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing at least one image processing function are connected to each other via a network. An identification unit that identifies a user who is going to use one image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices, and at least one image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices of the user identified by the identification unit A first determination unit that determines an image processing function that is frequently used; and a second determination that determines whether the one image processing apparatus can execute the image processing function determined by the first determination unit. means, when the image processing function by the second determination unit is determined to not executable, and notifying means for notifying a relevant unexecutable to the user, the An image processing apparatus as home over THE would normally use, comprises a third determining means for determining whether coincident with the one of the image processing apparatus, the matching is determined by the third determination means Then, when the determination by the first determination unit and the second determination unit and the notification by the notification unit are not performed, and the third determination unit determines that they do not match, the first determination unit The determination by the second determination unit and the notification by the notification unit are performed .

The present invention is also an image processing apparatus in an image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing at least one image processing function are connected to each other via a network, and intends to use the own apparatus. Identification means for identifying a user; first determination means for determining an image processing function frequently used in at least one image processing apparatus of the plurality of image processing apparatuses of the user identified by the identification means; A second determination unit that determines whether or not the image processing function determined by the first determination unit is executable; and if the image processing function is determined to be unexecutable by the second determination unit, the execution is performed and notifying means for notifying the user that is impossible, the image processing apparatus as a home where the user would normally use determines whether or not matches with the own device Comprising a third determination unit, when it coincides with the third determination means determines, without notification determination and the notification unit according to the first determination unit and the second judging means, said first If it is determined by the determination means of 3 that they do not match, the determination by the first determination means and the second determination means and the notification by the notification means are performed .

Furthermore, the present invention is a program executable image processing apparatus at least one image processing function is more, the image processing apparatus in the image processing system are connected to each other via a network to execute, the own device Identification processing for identifying a user who is going to use, and first determination for determining an image processing function frequently used in at least one image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices of the user identified by the identification processing It is determined that the image processing function cannot be executed by the second determination process that determines whether or not the image processing function determined by the first determination process can be executed, and the second determination process. When the notification process for notifying a relevant unexecutable to the user, the image processing apparatus as a home where the user would normally use, consistent with its own device For determining whether the process was executed by a computer that includes a third determination process of determining, said if it is determined that matches the third determination process, the second determination process and the first determination process If the determination by the first determination process and the second determination process are determined not to match and the notification by the notification process is not performed, the determination by the first determination process and the second determination process and the notification by the notification process are performed. It is characterized by performing .

As a result, the user can know at an earlier stage that the image processing function that he / she frequently uses cannot be executed by the image processing apparatus he / she intends to use, and cannot execute the function as in the past. An operation such as an input can be performed without knowing the fact that the user cannot know that the operation cannot be performed in the middle of the operation, and the operation during that time can be prevented from being wasted, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, an image processing apparatus as a home that is normally used by a user has a high probability of being able to execute an image processing function that is frequently used by the user. Therefore, even if the above determination and notification are not performed, the convenience is reduced. It is difficult, and the processing can be simplified because the processing such as determination is not performed.

In addition, a history storage unit that stores a history of each image processing function used in the past for each user is provided, and the first determination unit includes a predetermined period of image processing functions used by the user in the past from the history. The image processing function whose number of uses is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is extracted, and the extracted image processing function is determined as the frequently used image processing function.
In this way, an image processing function that is frequently used can be determined based on the function actually used by the user, and the determination accuracy can be improved.

Further, the notifying means notifies the user that there is an image processing function as a substitute for the inexecutable image processing function in addition to the inexecutability.
In this way, the user can execute an image processing job using an alternative function.
In addition, after the notification by the notification unit, a selection receiving unit that receives a selection from the user as to whether or not to use the one image processing device is provided, and the one image processing device logs in The image processing function can be executed only when it is permitted. When the user selects to use, the login is permitted, and when the user selects not to use, the login is not permitted. Features.

Thus, if the user logs in when the use is selected, the user can be limited and the security can be improved.
Further, the image processing apparatus as a home that is normally used by the user includes a third determination unit that determines whether or not the image processing apparatus matches the one image processing apparatus, and the third determination unit matches the image processing apparatus. When the determination is made, the determination by the first determination unit and the second determination unit and the notification by the notification unit are not performed.

Also, with a server connected to said network, said identification means, said first determination means, said second determination means and said notifying means is characterized in that it is arranged in the server.

In this way, the configuration of the image processing apparatus can be simplified.
Further, the at least one image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus as a home which is normally used by all of the plurality of image processing apparatuses or the user.
In this way, it is possible to determine frequently used functions in all the image processing apparatuses connected to the network or the image processing apparatus as the user's home.
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a history storage unit that stores a history for each user of the image processing function used in the past, and the first determination unit is used by the user in the past from the history. Of the image processing functions, an image processing function having a use count of a predetermined value or more within a predetermined period may be extracted, and the extracted image processing function may be determined as the frequently used image processing function.
In addition to the fact that the execution is impossible, the notification unit may notify the user that there is an image processing function that is a substitute for the image processing function that cannot be executed.
In addition, after the notification by the notification means is made, the image processing function can be executed only when login is permitted, with selection accepting means for accepting selection from the user as to whether or not to use the own device. If the user selects to use, login may be permitted, and if not used, login may not be permitted.
Further, home image processing apparatus determination means for determining whether or not the image processing apparatus is the home based on user management information managed by the own apparatus may be provided.
In the program according to the present invention, the first determination process includes the image processing function used by the user in the past from the history of each user of the image processing function used in the past, which is stored in the history storage unit. It is also possible to extract an image processing function whose number of uses is greater than or equal to a predetermined value within a predetermined period, and determine the extracted image processing function as the image processing function having a high use frequency.
Further, the notification process may notify the user that there is an image processing function as an alternative to the non-executable image processing function in addition to the non-executability.
Furthermore, after the notification by the notification process is performed, a selection acceptance process for accepting selection from the user as to whether or not to use the own apparatus is executed, and an image processing function can be executed only when login is permitted. If the user selects to use, login may be permitted, and if not used, login may not be permitted.
Furthermore, home image processing device determination processing may be executed to determine whether the image processing device is the home based on user management information managed by the device itself.

Embodiments of an image processing system and an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(1) Overall Configuration of Image Processing System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image processing system 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing system 1 includes a plurality of copying machines 10a and 10b, terminal devices 11a to 11d owned by each user, a server 20, and the like via a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Connected to each other, and various types of data can be exchanged with each other.

A copier 10a as an image processing apparatus is a multi-function digital copier (Multiple Function Peripheral) including a scanner unit 101, a printer unit 102, a post-processing unit 103, and the like. Hereinafter, the copying machine is referred to as “MFP”.
The MFP 10a receives a scan job for reading an image of a set original and obtaining image data, a copy job for printing an original image on a sheet based on the image data, and an instruction to execute printing from an external terminal such as the terminal device 11 A function (image processing function) for executing various jobs such as a print job to be printed. Like the MFP 10a, the MFP 10b includes a scanner unit 101 and a printer unit 102, but does not include a post-processing unit.

  The terminal device 11a is composed of a personal computer (PC), and has installed application software (hereinafter referred to as “application”) for creating a document, and the user creates a file such as a document by the application. be able to. When the terminal device 11a receives a print instruction from the user via the application, the terminal device 11a instructs the MFP 10a or the like to print a file to execute a print job. This configuration is the same for the other terminal devices 11b and the like.

  Here, the terminal devices 11a to 11c are desktop PCs, and the terminal device 11d is a notebook PC. The terminal devices 11a and 11d are devices used by the user A, the terminal device 11b is a device used by the user B, and the terminal device 11c is a device used by the user C. The MFP 10a, the terminal devices 11a to 11c, and the server 20 are installed on the fifth floor, and the MFP 10b is installed on the third floor. The users A to C often use the MFP 10a on the fifth floor, and hardly use the MFP 10b on the third floor. For users A to C, the fifth floor is an everyday environment, and the third floor is an unusual environment. Hereinafter, an MFP in a daily environment for a user may be referred to as a home MFP.

Note that the terminal device 11d is shown connected to the network 2 on the third floor, but this is because the user A connected the terminal device 11d to the network 2 when trying to use the MFP 10b on the third floor. An example of the state is shown.
Further, as will be described later, the MFP 10a has a specification capable of executing functions such as duplex printing and stapling. On the other hand, the MFP 10b cannot execute double-sided printing and stapling, but has a specification that can execute 2in1 and sorting functions.

Here, the double-sided printing function is a function for printing an image on the front and back surfaces of the paper, and the stapling function is a function for stapling and bundling printed matter for each number of copies.
The 2-in-1 function is a function that prints a document image that is reduced so that two pages of the document image are arranged side by side on one sheet. The sort function is the same page alignment as the document. This is a function for sorting and outputting a set of printed matter when outputting a set number of copies.

It is assumed that the user A frequently uses the duplex printing function and the stapling function in the MFP 10a as the home MFP.
The server 20 performs processing for authenticating a user who uses the MFP 10a and the like, processing for determining a function that is frequently used when each user uses the MFP, and the like.
Here, an outline of processing contents executed in the image processing system 1 will be described.

(1) User A moves to the third floor in an extraordinary environment, enters his / her user ID and password from the terminal device 11d to use the MFP 10b, and attempts to log in to the MFP 10b.
(2) The MFP 10b requests the server 20 to authenticate the user A requested to log in.
(3) The server 20 authenticates the user A and sends the authentication result to the MFP 10b.

(4) When determining that the MFP 10b has been authenticated based on the authentication result from the server 20, the MFP 10b requests the server 20 to determine a function frequently used by the user A.
(5) The server 20 determines a function frequently used for the user A based on the job history of the user A in the MFP 10a and the like, and sends the determination result to the MFP 10b.
(6) The MFP 10b determines whether or not the function indicated by the determination result from the server 20 can be executed by the own apparatus.

(7) When the MFP 10b determines that the function can be executed, the MFP 10b permits login and executes the job instructed by the user A. On the other hand, if it is determined that execution is not possible, a warning message indicating that is displayed and the user A is notified. User A can choose to use or not use MFP 10b after knowing that the function cannot be used.
(8) If use by the user A is selected, the MFP 10b permits login and executes a job instructed by the user A. On the other hand, if it is selected not to use, login is not permitted and job execution is prohibited.

(2) Configuration of MFP 10a FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 10a.
As shown in the figure, the MFP 10a includes a scanner unit 101, a printer unit 102, a post-processing unit 103, an operation panel 104, and a control unit 105 as main components.
The scanner unit 101 is a known image reading apparatus that reads an image of a set original and obtains image data. The printer unit 102 is an image forming apparatus having a function of printing an image on one or both sides of a sheet by a known electrophotographic method, for example. The post-processing unit 103 is a post-processing device having a stapling function and a sorting function.

  The operation panel 104 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit with a touch panel laminated on the surface in addition to a copy start button and a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, and a screen based on an instruction from the panel control unit 118 of the control unit 105, for example, A selection input reception screen for various functions such as single-sided copying and double-sided copying, a warning screen for the user, and the like are displayed, and input from the user such as a numeric keypad and touch input are received, and the received input information is sent to the panel control unit 118. .

The control unit 105 roughly includes an overall control unit 110, a job execution control module 120, and a hard disk (HD) 130.
The overall control unit 110 includes a communication interface (I / F) unit 111, an engine control unit 112, a scanner control unit 113, an image processing unit 114, an HD control unit 115, a machine state detection unit 116, a job management unit 117, and a panel control unit. 118, each unit can exchange data via a bus (not shown). The overall control unit 110 comprehensively controls the operation of the MFP 10a.

The communication I / F unit 111 is an interface for connecting to the network 2 such as a LAN card or a LAN board.
The engine control unit 112 controls the operations of the printer unit 102 and the post-processing unit 103 in an integrated manner. The scanner control unit 113 controls the operation of the scanner unit 101.
The image processing unit 114 performs predetermined correction processing, such as shading correction, scaling correction, and MTF correction, on the image data obtained by scanning a scan job or data for printing transmitted from the terminal device 11a or the like. Apply. Further, the processed data is stored in a predetermined storage area (not shown) in the hard disk 130 as necessary.

The HD control unit 115 stores various data in the hard disk 130 and controls to read out necessary data.
The machine state detection unit 116 runs out of paper, jammed paper, out of toner in the printer unit 102, out of toner, a failure of a mechanism part related to double-sided printing of the printer unit 102, disconnection of an exposure lamp arranged in the scanner unit 101, and post-processing. The occurrence of various troubles such as a failure of the unit 103 is detected by a detection sensor or the like. Then, the contents of the detected trouble are stored in the machine state information table 132 of the hard disk 130 as machine state information. Further, when it is detected that the trouble that has occurred, such as removal of a jammed sheet, is removed, the machine status information is rewritten (updated) to information indicating that the trouble has been eliminated.

For each job to be executed, the job management unit 117 manages information such as the user ID of the user who requested the job, the execution date and time, the type of job, the name of the execution function, and the like. Are stored in the job history table 134.
Panel control unit 118 performs control of screen display of operation panel 104 and control of receiving input information using a key or the like of operation panel 104.

The job execution control module 120 includes an authentication processing unit 121, a display determination processing unit 122, and a job execution unit 123.
The authentication processing unit 121 sends the user ID and password of the user who intends to use the device to the server 20 and requests authentication of the user.
The display determination processing unit 122 executes display determination processing for determining whether or not it is necessary to display a message indicating that a function frequently used by the user cannot be executed.

The job execution unit 123 performs a process for displaying or not displaying the message based on the determination result of the display determination process, and performs a job execution process for executing a job based on an instruction of the user when login is permitted. Details of user authentication, display determination processing, and job execution processing will be described later.
The hard disk 130 is provided with a machine specific information table 131, a machine state information table 132, a user information table 133, a job history table 134, and an alternative function information table 135.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the machine specific information table 131.
As shown in the figure, in the machine unique information table 131, machine unique information in which the image processing function name is associated with the presence / absence of the function is written. It can be seen from the machine-specific information that the MFP 10a has the ability to execute each function such as 2in1, double-sided printing, full color, stapling, and sorting as an image processing function (each function can be executed). Here, the full color function is a function for printing a document image in full color. This machine unique information is unique information of the MFP 10a, and is stored in the machine unique information table 131 when the MFP 10a is manufactured.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the machine state information table 132.
As shown in the figure, machine state information in which the item name and content of the trouble are associated is written in the machine state information table 132. The current state of the MFP 10a can be determined from the machine state information. In the figure, an example in which there is no trouble is shown. However, for example, when the mechanism portion related to double-sided printing of the printer unit 102 is broken, the mechanism portion related to double-sided printing is broken in the printer unit failure column. Information indicating that this is in progress is written.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the user information table 133.
As shown in the figure, in the user information table 133, information in which a user name, a user ID, and a password are associated is written as user information of each user who uses the MFP 10a on a daily basis. The user information is registered from the operation panel 104 or the like by the administrator of the MFP 10 a and stored in the user information table 133. From the user information, it can be seen that the users A, B, C,... Are included in the users who use the MFP 10a on a daily basis.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the job history table 134.
As shown in the figure, job history information in which a user ID, a date, a job type, and an execution function name are associated is written in the job history table 134. From the job history information, it can be seen that, for example, as the latest job, a user A having a user ID “1111” has executed a copy job combining double-sided printing, full color, and stapling functions. Each time a job is executed in the own apparatus (MFP 10a), a job history for the job is sequentially added.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the alternative function information table 135.
As shown in the figure, in the alternative function information table 135, alternative function information in which the original function name is associated with the alternative function name is written. This alternative function information is used to introduce the user to the existence of an alternative function when the user does not have the ability to execute the function desired by the user or when the function cannot be executed due to trouble or the like. .

The figure shows an example in which the alternative function “2 in 1” is associated with the original function “double-sided printing” and the alternative function “sort” is associated with the original function “staple”. The substitute function information is unique information of the MFP 10a, is stored in the substitute function information table 135 when the MFP 10a is manufactured, and is read out during job execution processing described later.
Although the configuration of the MFP 10a has been described above, the configuration of the MFP 10b is basically the same as that of the MFP 10a. The difference from the MFP 10a is that the MFP 10b is not provided with a post-processing unit, and the function that can be executed, that is, the duplex printing and stapling functions in this case cannot be executed.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the machine unique information table 131b of the MFP 10b has contents indicating that the duplex printing and stapling functions cannot be executed, compared to the machine unique information table 131 of the MFP 10a. Of course, it goes without saying that the contents of user information, machine status information, job history information, and the like of the MFP 10b are also different from those of the MFP 10a. Hereinafter, each part of the MFP 10b will be described using the same reference numerals as those of the MFP 10a when it is not necessary to distinguish from the MFP 10a. When there is no need to distinguish between MFPs themselves, they may be collectively referred to as MFPs.

(3) Configuration of Server 20 FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 20.
As shown in the figure, the server 20 includes a communication interface (I / F) unit 310, a control unit 320, and a hard disk (HD) 330 as main components.
The communication I / F unit 310 is an interface for connecting to the network 2 such as a LAN card or a LAN board.

The hard disk 330 is provided with an in-system user information table 331, an in-system machine specific information table 332, and an in-system job history table 333.
The control unit 320 includes a user information acquisition unit 321, a machine specific information acquisition unit 322, a job history information acquisition unit 323, an authentication processing unit 324, and a high usage frequency function determination unit 325.
The user information acquisition unit 321 acquires the user information stored in the user information table 133 of the MFP from each MFP connected on the network 2 via the network 2, and the system user of the hard disk 330 It is stored (written) in the information table 331.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the in-system user information table 331.
As shown in the figure, in-system user information table 331 is written with in-system user information in which a device name, a user ID, and a password are associated with each other. This in-system user information corresponds to user information registered in all MFPs.
The user information acquisition unit 321 makes a user information transmission request to each MFP at a predetermined timing, for example, once a day, when the power is turned on. When there is a transmission request, each MFP reads the registered user information and sends it to the server 20.

Returning to FIG. 9, the machine unique information acquisition unit 322 acquires machine unique information from each MFP connected on the network 2 and writes it in the in-system machine unique information table 332 of the hard disk 330.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the in-system machine specific information table 332.
As shown in the drawing, in-system machine unique information table 332 is written with in-system machine unique information in which device names, function names, and presence / absence of functions are associated with each other. This in-system machine unique information corresponds to machine unique information registered in all MFPs.

The machine specific information acquisition unit 322 makes a request for transmission of machine specific information to each MFP at a predetermined timing, for example, every week. When there is a transmission request, each MFP reads out the registered machine specific information and sends it to the server 20.
The job history information acquisition unit 323 acquires job history information from each MFP connected on the network 2 and writes it in the in-system job history table 333 of the hard disk 330.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the in-system job history table 333.
As shown in the figure, in-system job history table 333 is written with in-system job history information in which device names, user IDs, dates, etc. are associated. This information corresponds to job history information registered in all MFPs.
The job history information acquisition method can be the same as the user information acquisition method described above, but the acquisition timing is preferably a short time such as 30 minutes or every hour.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the authentication processing unit 324 performs user authentication based on an authentication request from the MFP. Here, if the user ID and password of the user to be authenticated sent from the MFP together with the request for user authentication match one of the user ID and password pairs written in the in-system user information table 331, If the authentication is positive, and there is no match, the authentication is denied. The authentication result is transmitted to the requesting MFP.

The high use frequency function determination unit 325 receives a determination request from the MFP for a function with a high use frequency of the user specified by the user ID, and performs the determination.
Here, referring to the date / time field and the user ID field of the in-system job history table 333, from all the jobs executed in all the MFPs in the system 1 in the past predetermined period, for example, one month, from the MFP A job in which the same ID as the sent user ID is written is specified. Then, referring to the function column of the in-system job history table 333, the number of times each function has been executed for all the specified jobs is counted by function name, and the count number (execution count) is a predetermined value. The above function is determined as a frequently used function (highly used frequency function).

When there is a function that is frequently used, information indicating the function name is transmitted as a determination result to the requesting MFP, and when there is no function, the fact is transmitted as a determination result.
(4) Process Performed by MFP FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the process performed by the MFP. Here, an example of processing executed by the MFP 10b when the user A tries to use the MFP 10b will be specifically described.

The MFP 10b accepts input of a user ID and password for user authentication from the user A via the operation panel 104 or the terminal device 11d (step S11).
Then, the server 20 is requested to authenticate the user A who intends to use the device (step S12). In the server 20, the authentication is performed mainly by the authentication processing unit 324.
When the authentication result from the server 20 is received (step S13) and it is determined that the authentication has not been performed ("NO" in step S14), the process is terminated. At that time, the user A is notified by a message or the like that the user has not been authenticated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it has been authenticated (“YES” in step S14). Display determination processing (step S15) and job execution processing (step S16) are performed, and the processing ends.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of a display determination process subroutine.
As shown in the figure, it is first determined whether or not the own apparatus (MFP 10b) is the home MFP of user A (whether or not it matches the home MFP) (step S20). This determination is performed by a method of determining that the user apparatus is the home MFP of the user if the input user ID is written in the user information table 133 of the user apparatus, and is not the home MFP if not written. Is called. In the present embodiment, since the home MFP of user A is MFP 10a and not MFP 10b, it is determined that it is not the home MFP.

If it is determined that the own apparatus is not the home MFP (“NO” in step S20), the server 20 is requested to determine a function frequently used by the user A (step S21). This determination is mainly performed by the high usage frequency function determination unit 325 of the server 20.
When a determination result is received from the server 20 (step S22), and it is determined from the determination result that a frequently used function exists (“YES” in step S23), it is determined whether or not the function can be executed by the own device. (Step S24). This determination is made by referring to the machine unique information table 131 and the machine state information table 132 of the own apparatus (MFP 10b). For example, if the frequently used function is double-sided printing, it is determined that execution is not possible in the case of the MFP 10b. In addition, although the frequently used function is 2 in 1 and has a function to be executed by the own apparatus, when the printer unit is out of order, it is determined that the function cannot be executed.

If it is determined that the function cannot be executed or cannot be executed due to a trouble ("NO" in step S25), a warning message 221 indicating that a frequently used function cannot be executed (see FIG. 16). ) Is determined to be necessary (step S26), and the process returns to the main routine.
On the other hand, if it is determined that execution is possible (“YES” in step S25), it is determined that display of the warning message 221 is unnecessary (step S27), and the process returns to the main routine.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the apparatus is the home MFP, the process proceeds to step S27. This is because when the user apparatus is a home MFP, the user has a high probability of understanding the usage method well, and it is considered unnecessary to execute processing such as determination of a frequently used function. Note that it is possible to adopt a configuration in which it is not determined whether or not the MFP is the home MFP in step S20. In this case, the processing from S21 onward is executed.

  If it is determined in step S23 that there is no frequently used function, the process proceeds to step S27. This is because if there is no frequently used function, a warning that the function cannot be executed cannot be issued. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not to execute a frequently used function in step S24 only based on the presence or absence of the ability to execute the function. In this way, for example, when the MFP 10b has the ability to execute the function but cannot be executed due to the occurrence of a trouble, the user can release the trouble after logging in to It can be used in the MFP 10b.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for job execution processing.
As shown in the figure, when the display necessity determination result indicates that the display is necessary (“YES” in step S41), a warning is displayed on the screen of the operation panel 104 or the terminal device 11d to notify the user who has requested the job. A message, an alternative function introduction message, and a use intention confirmation message are displayed (step S42).

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen 22 for warning messages and the like.
The message 221 shown in the figure is a warning message, the message 222 is an alternative function introduction message, and the message 223 is a use intention confirmation message.
Here, the function names displayed in the warning message 221, “double-sided printing” and “staple” in the example in the figure are determined as functions frequently used by the user A, and are determined not to be executed by the own apparatus (MFP 10 b). It is a function.

The alternative function names displayed in the alternative function introduction message 222, “2in1” and “sort” in the example of the figure, are the functions written in the alternative function information table 135 as alternative functions to the original function (for duplex printing). 2in1 etc.).
The panel control unit 118 of the MFP stores image information for displaying the display screen 22 in advance, and rewrites the function name that cannot be executed and the alternative function name to the corresponding function name when the screen is displayed. The display screen 22 is displayed using the rewritten image information.

The user A can confirm that the function frequently used by the user A cannot be used in the MFP 10b by looking at the warning message 221 and can be replaced by looking at the substitute function introduction message 222. Then, by looking at the use intention confirmation message 223, it is possible to select whether to use the MFP 10b by pressing the button 224 or 225.
Returning to FIG. 15, the use selection input by the user A is received from the display screen 22 (step S43).

If it is determined that use has been selected (“YES” in step S44), login is permitted (step S45), a job such as copying is accepted (step S46), and the accepted job is executed (step S46). S47), the process returns to the main routine.
On the other hand, if it is determined that not to use is selected (“NO” in step S44), the process directly returns to the main routine.

If the display necessity determination result is not necessary in step S41 (“NO” in step S41), the process proceeds to step S45, and after logging in, the job is accepted and the accepted job is executed (steps S45 to S47). ).
(5) Processing executed by server 20 FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing contents executed by the server 20. Here, an example of processing when the server 20 is requested to authenticate the user A from the MFP 10b when the display determination processing (FIG. 14) by the MFP 10b is executed will be specifically described.

As shown in the figure, when an authentication request for the user A is received from the MFP 10b (step S51), it is determined whether or not the user A can be authenticated (step S52), and the determination result is transmitted to the requesting MFP 10b (step S53).
When a determination request for a function frequently used by user A is received from the MFP 10b (step S54), the determination is performed (step S55), the determination result is transmitted to the requesting MFP 10b (step S56), and the process is performed. finish.

  As described above, in the image processing system 1, when a user tries to use an MFP, if the MFP determines that a function that is frequently used by the user cannot be executed, a warning message to that effect is displayed. Notify the user. Therefore, the user can know that the frequently used function cannot be executed by the MFP at an earlier stage before an operation such as input, and the user cannot execute the function as in the past. An operation such as an input is performed without knowing, and it is finally understood that the operation cannot be executed in the middle of the operation, and it is difficult for the operation and the like so far to be wasted, which improves convenience for the user.

  The present invention is not limited to the image processing system and the image processing apparatus, and may be a method such as determination and display in the display determination process and the job execution process. Furthermore, the method may be a program executed by a computer. The program according to the present invention includes, for example, a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape and a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, and a flash memory recording medium. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium, wired and wireless various networks including the Internet in the form of programs, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via broadcasting, telecommunication lines, satellite communications, or the like.

  Further, the program according to the present invention does not have to include all modules for causing the computer to execute the processing described above. For example, a separate information process such as a communication program or a program included in an operating system (OS) is performed. You may make it make a computer perform each process of this invention using the various general purpose programs which can be installed in an apparatus. Accordingly, it is not always necessary to record all the modules on the recording medium of the present invention, and it is not always necessary to transmit all the modules. Furthermore, a program for executing the above-described processing may be installed in any device such as an image processing device or a server in the system, or distributed and installed in each device to be executed.

(6) Modifications As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modifications are conceivable.
(6-1) In the above embodiment, the server 20 performs processing such as user authentication and determination of frequently used functions. However, if the image processing system 1 is configured to execute the above processing, The MFP 10a or the like may be executed instead of the server 20, or may be configured such that the server 20 takes charge of a certain process and the MFP 10 takes charge of another process. Further, although user authentication is performed, it is sufficient that a user who intends to use the MFP can be identified by a user ID or the like, and is not limited to authentication. Further, the input is not limited to the user ID or the like by the user, and for example, the address of the terminal device may be associated with the user, and the user may be identified from the address of the accessed terminal device.

  (6-2) In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the most frequently used function of the identified user is determined for all MFPs connected to the network 2, but the target device for the determination is Not limited. It is also possible to target at least one, for example, one or a plurality of MFPs other than the MFP that the user intends to use, or target only the user's home MFP.

In addition, although the frequently used function is determined from the job history, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to register a function that is frequently used for each user and determine the registered function as a function that is frequently used.
(6-3) In the above embodiment, the user is notified by displaying the warning message 221 or the like on the screen. However, the notification means to the user is not limited to the display of a message or the like, and for example, sound may be used. .

  (6-4) The image processing apparatus is not limited to a copying machine, and can be applied to, for example, a FAX, a printer, a scanner, or the like. In the above embodiment, the configuration example in which the two MFPs 10a and 10b are connected to the network 2 has been described. However, the number of image processing apparatuses is not limited to two, and may be three or more. good. Of course, any system may be used as long as a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected via a network, and it goes without saying that the installation environment of the image processing apparatus is not limited to the above.

  Further, the above embodiment and the above modification examples may be combined.

  The image processing system and the image processing apparatus according to the present invention are useful as a technique for improving convenience by minimizing unnecessary operations such as input for the user.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an MFP 10a included in the image processing system 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a machine specific information table 131 provided in the MFP 10a. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a machine state information table 132 provided in the MFP 10a. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a user information table 133 provided in the MFP 10a. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a job history table 134 provided in the MFP 10a. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of an alternative function information table 135 provided in the MFP 10a. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a machine specific information table 131b provided in an MFP 10b included in the image processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server 20 included in the image processing system 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of an in-system user information table 331 provided in the server 20. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of an in-system machine specific information table 332 provided in the server 20. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of an in-system job history table 333 provided in the server 20. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing contents executed by the MFP. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of a display determination process subroutine executed by the MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of job execution processing executed by the MFP. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screens 22, such as a warning message. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content which the server 20 performs.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image processing system 10a, 10b MFP
11a to 11d Terminal device 20 Server 104 Operation panel 105, 320 Control unit 110 Overall control unit 121, 324 Authentication processing unit 122 Display determination processing unit 123 Job execution unit 131 Machine specific information table 133 User information table 134 Job history table 135 Alternative function Information table 325 High usage frequency function determination unit 331 In-system user information table 333 In-system job history table

Claims (17)

An image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing at least one image processing function are connected to each other via a network,
An identification means for identifying a user who intends to use one of the plurality of image processing devices;
First determining means for determining an image processing function frequently used in at least one image processing apparatus of the plurality of image processing apparatuses of the user identified by the identifying means;
Second determination means for determining whether the one image processing apparatus can execute the image processing function determined by the first determination means;
A notification means for notifying the user that the image processing function is not executable when the second determination means determines that the image processing function is not executable;
A third determination unit configured to determine whether an image processing apparatus as a home normally used by the user matches the one image processing apparatus ;
If it is determined by the third determination means that the two match, the determination by the first determination means and the second determination means and the notification by the notification means are not performed.
An image processing system, wherein when the third determination unit determines that they do not match, the determination by the first determination unit and the second determination unit and the notification by the notification unit are performed . A history storage means for storing a history for each user of the image processing function used in the past,
The first determination means includes
Among the image processing functions used by the user in the past from the history, an image processing function whose number of uses is equal to or greater than a predetermined value within a predetermined period is extracted, and the extracted image processing function is determined as the image processing function having a high use frequency. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The notification means includes
3. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system notifies the user that there is an image processing function as a substitute for the non-executable image processing function in addition to the non-executable image processing function. A selection receiving means for receiving a selection from the user as to whether or not to use the one image processing apparatus after the notification by the notification means;
The one image processing apparatus includes:
The configuration is such that the image processing function can be executed only when login is permitted,
4. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein login is permitted when use is selected by the user, and login is not permitted when use is not selected. 5. . A server connected to the network;
The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the identification unit, the first determination unit, the second determination unit, and the notification unit are arranged in the server. . 6. The at least one image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus as a home that is normally used by all of the plurality of image processing apparatuses or the user, according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The image processing system described. 2. A home image processing apparatus determining unit that determines whether or not the image processing apparatus is the home based on user management information of the own apparatus managed by the one image processing apparatus. 7. The image processing system according to any one of items 1 to 6. A plurality of image processing devices capable of executing at least one image processing function are image processing devices in an image processing system connected to each other via a network,
An identification means for identifying a user who intends to use the device;
First determining means for determining an image processing function frequently used in at least one image processing apparatus of the plurality of image processing apparatuses of the user identified by the identifying means;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the image processing function determined by the first determination means can be executed;
A notification means for notifying the user that the image processing function is not executable when the second determination means determines that the image processing function is not executable;
A third determination unit that determines whether or not the image processing apparatus as a home normally used by the user matches the own apparatus ;
If it is determined by the third determination means that the two match, the determination by the first determination means and the second determination means and the notification by the notification means are not performed.
An image processing apparatus , wherein when it is determined that the third determination unit does not match, determination by the first determination unit and the second determination unit and notification by the notification unit are performed .   A history storage means for storing a history for each user of the image processing function used in the past,
  The first determination means includes
  Among the image processing functions used by the user in the past from the history, an image processing function whose number of uses is equal to or greater than a predetermined value within a predetermined period is extracted, and the extracted image processing function is determined as the image processing function having a high use frequency. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8.   The notification means includes
  10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus notifies the user that there is an image processing function as a substitute for the non-executable image processing function in addition to the non-executable image processing function.   After the notification by the notification means, the selection receiving means for receiving selection from the user whether or not to use the own device,
  The configuration is such that the image processing function can be executed only when login is permitted,
  11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein login is permitted when use is selected by the user, and login is not permitted when use is not selected. . 12. A home image processing apparatus determining unit that determines whether or not the image processing apparatus is a home based on user management information managed by the self apparatus. An image processing apparatus according to 1. At least one image processing function capable of executing image processing apparatus are multiple, a program for an image processing apparatus in the image processing system are connected to each other via a network is executed,
An identification process for identifying a user who intends to use the device;
A first determination process for determining an image processing function frequently used in at least one image processing apparatus of the plurality of image processing apparatuses of the user identified by the identification process;
A second determination process for determining whether or not the image processing function determined by the first determination process can be executed;
A notification process for notifying the user that the image processing function is not executable when it is determined that the image processing function is not executable by the second determination process;
Causing the computer to execute a process including a third determination process for determining whether or not the image processing apparatus as a home normally used by the user matches the own apparatus ;
If it is determined by the third determination process that they match, the determination by the first determination process and the second determination process and the notification by the notification process are not performed.
When it is determined by the third determination process that they do not coincide with each other, the determination by the first determination process and the second determination process and the notification by the notification process are performed .   The first determination process includes:
  An image processing function in which the number of times of use is a predetermined value or more within a predetermined period among the image processing functions used in the past by the user based on the history for each user of the image processing functions used in the past stored in the history storage means The program according to claim 13, wherein the extracted image processing function is determined as the frequently used image processing function.   The notification process includes
  The program according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the user is notified that there is an image processing function that is an alternative to the non-executable image processing function in addition to the non-executable image processing.   Further, after the notification by the notification process is performed, a selection reception process for receiving selection from the user as to whether or not to use the own apparatus is executed,
  The configuration is such that the image processing function can be executed only when login is permitted,
  The program according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein when the use is selected by the user, login is permitted, and when the use is not selected, login is not permitted.   The home image processing apparatus determination process for determining whether or not the image processing apparatus is the home based on user management information managed by the own apparatus is further executed. The program according to item 1.

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