JP5012427B2 - Service providing apparatus, management apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a service providing apparatus, a management apparatus, and a program.

  A service providing apparatus equipped with a plurality of functions for providing a plurality of services for a document, such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile machine, is connected to a plurality of electronic devices via a communication medium and is incorporated in a part of the system. May be shared by multiple clients.

  In this case, each client transmits an execution request for a desired service to a service providing apparatus shared by communication via a communication medium, and the service providing apparatus executes processing according to the received execution request. A so-called remote operation is performed. In a service providing apparatus that accepts a remote operation from a client terminal (remote) connected via a communication medium, when a plurality of persons perform setting work at the same time, a serious inconsistency occurs in settings in the service providing apparatus. It is desirable to prevent troubles.

Conventionally, for example, in Patent Document 1, when an operation request via a communication unit is permitted, a password received via a network is specified in the communication apparatus in order to prevent a malfunction in the operation of the apparatus. When it is authenticated that it is a password, it issues an ID with a time limit that determines the expiration date to the sender of the password, and within the expiration date of the ID, when the ID with the time limit is accepted, the external device It has been proposed to execute a process according to an operation request received together with a time-limited ID by permitting an operation request related to the configuration mode from.
JP 2004-287564 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a service providing apparatus, a management apparatus, and a program capable of providing an exclusive period for allowing a specific user to monopolize a specific service for a document.

The invention of claim 1 provides service providing means for controlling one or a plurality of types of document processing means for performing predetermined processing on a document to provide a plurality of types of services preset for the document; An acquisition request for acquiring an exclusive request for exclusive execution of the specific service, an exclusive release declaration for canceling the exclusive of the specific service, and an instruction to execute the service; and When the exclusive request is acquired, the provision of the service using the document processing unit in common with the specific service and the specific service is restricted until the exclusive cancellation declaration is acquired by the acquiring unit. and control means, when the exclusive request is acquired by the acquisition unit, the receiving the particular service even during restriction of the particular service by the control means A transmission means for generating authentication information for transmission to the issuer of the exclusive request, and the restriction target to which the authentication information is not attached by the acquisition means during the restriction of the provision of the specific service by the control means and starts a timer when the execution instruction of the service has been acquired as a service to the authentication information and a time counting means for resetting the counting value if the execution instruction of the attached the service has been acquired In the providing apparatus, the control unit includes the authentication information in an instruction to execute the service that is the target of the restriction obtained by the obtaining unit while the provision of the specific service based on the exclusive request is restricted. When attached, the execution instruction is accepted and the exclusive release declaration is made when the time measured by the time measuring means exceeds a preset value. Remove the restriction of the provision of the services, regardless of the presence or absence.

The invention according to claim 2 is a service providing means for controlling one or more of a plurality of types of document processing means for performing a predetermined process on the document to provide a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document; An acquisition request for acquiring an exclusive request for exclusive execution of the specific service, an exclusive release declaration for canceling the exclusive of the specific service, and an instruction to execute the service; and When the exclusive request is acquired , the provision of the service using the document processing unit in common with the specific service and the specific service is restricted until the exclusive cancellation declaration is acquired by the acquiring unit. and control means, while limiting the provision of pre-hexa-bis by the control unit, before to be the non-instruction from the issuing of the exclusive request limit by the acquisition unit A service providing apparatus comprising: a timing unit that starts timing when a service execution instruction is acquired, and that resets a time value when the service execution instruction is acquired from the issuer of the exclusive request a is, the control means, the exclusive restriction in providing prior hexa-bis based on the request, issues the execution instruction of the service to be obtained the restriction by the acquisition means of the exclusive requestor when instructions der Ru from, together with accepting the execution instruction, when the counting value by the counting means is equal to or larger than a preset value, the provision of said service or without the exclusive undeclared limit Is released .

The invention according to claim 3, further comprising, said control means storing means for storing the exclusive request acquired by the pre-Symbol acquiring means limited in providing prior hexa-bis by said control means, provided in said service when releasing the restriction is executed with priority limit of the service provision based on the monopoly request stored in the storage means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the service is monopolized and executed exclusively as information for managing the provision of the service by the service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document. Acquisition means for acquiring exclusive request declaration information for canceling monopoly of the service and execution instruction information for the service, and the acquisition means when the acquisition request information is acquired by the acquisition means Until the exclusive release declaration information is acquired by the control means for limiting the provision of the service included in the exclusive request information and the service having a process common to the service, and the acquisition means When an exclusive request is acquired, the authorization for receiving the specific service is restricted even when the specific service is restricted by the control means. The transmission unit that generates information and transmits the information to the issuer of the exclusive request, and the restriction unit to which the authentication information is not attached by the acquisition unit during the limitation of the provision of the specific service by the control unit A timing device that starts timing when a service execution instruction is acquired, and resets a time value when the service execution instruction with the authentication information attached is acquired. Te, the control means, wherein during the limitation of providing a particular service based on the monopoly request, the that have authentication information is appended to the execution instruction for the acquired services subject to the restriction by the acquisition unit when, with accept the execution instruction, when the counting value by the counting means becomes a predetermined value or more, regardless of whether or not the exclusive undeclared To remove the restriction of providing the serial services.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the service is monopolized and executed exclusively as information for managing the provision of the service by a service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services preset for the document. Acquisition means for acquiring exclusive request declaration information for canceling monopoly of the service and execution instruction information for the service, and the acquisition means when the acquisition request information is acquired by the acquisition means Until the exclusive release declaration information is acquired by the control means for controlling to limit the provision of the service included in the exclusive request information and a service having a process common to the service, and the control means by the control means The service subject to the restriction that is not an instruction from the issuer of the exclusive request by the obtaining means during the restriction of service provision. With instruction execution starts counting when it is acquired, there the management apparatus and a timer means for resetting the counting value if the execution instruction of the service from the exclusive request issuer is acquired The control means, while the provision of the service based on the monopoly request is being restricted, is an instruction from the issuer of the monopoly request issuing an instruction to execute the service that is subject to the restriction obtained by the obtaining means. In some cases, the execution instruction is accepted, and when the time value measured by the time measuring unit is equal to or greater than a preset value, the restriction on the provision of the service is canceled regardless of the presence or absence of the exclusive cancellation declaration.

In the invention of claim 6, the computer is exclusively used as information for managing the provision of the service by the service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services preset for the document. Exclusive request information for requesting execution, exclusive release declaration information for releasing exclusive use of the service, acquisition means for acquiring execution instruction information for the service, and when the exclusive request information is acquired by the acquisition means, Control for controlling the service providing means so as to restrict the provision of the service included in the exclusive request information and the service having the same processing as the service until the exclusive cancellation declaration information is obtained by the obtaining means. And when the exclusive request is acquired by the acquisition unit, the control unit is restricting the specific service. The authentication information transmitting means, during said limited providing a specific service by said control means, by the acquisition means also generating and transmitting authentication information for receiving the specific service to the issuer of the exclusive request Time measurement is started when an instruction to execute the service subject to restriction is acquired, and the time value is reset when an instruction to execute the service to which the authentication information is attached is acquired. And a program for causing the control unit to function as the target of the restriction acquired by the acquisition unit during the restriction of the provision of the specific service based on the exclusive request. When the authentication information is attached to the execution instruction, the execution instruction is accepted and the time value measured by the time measuring means is preset. When became more, it releases the restriction of providing the service with or without the exclusive undeclared.

In the invention of claim 7 , the computer is exclusively used as information for managing the provision of the service by the service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services preset for the document. Exclusive request information for requesting execution, exclusive release declaration information for releasing exclusive use of the service, acquisition means for acquiring execution instruction information for the service, and when the exclusive request information is acquired by the acquisition means, Control for controlling the service providing means so as to restrict the provision of the service included in the exclusive request information and the service having the same processing as the service until the exclusive cancellation declaration information is obtained by the obtaining means. and means, in the provision of restriction of the service by the control means, fingers from issuing the exclusive request by the acquisition unit The timing is started when the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction is not acquired, and resets the time value when the execution instruction of the service from the issuer of the exclusive request is acquired The control unit is configured to execute an instruction to execute the service that is the target of the restriction acquired by the acquisition unit while the provision of the service based on the exclusive request is limited. In the case of an instruction from the issuer of the monopoly request, the execution instruction is accepted, and when the time measured by the time measuring unit is equal to or greater than a preset value, the monopoly release declaration is made regardless of the presence or absence of the monopoly release declaration. Remove restrictions on service provision .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an exclusive period in which a specific user monopolizes a specific service for a document.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to identify an instruction from a monopolized user.

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the monopoly period from becoming longer.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to identify an instruction from the exclusive request issuer.

According to the invention described in claim 2 , it is possible to prevent the monopoly period from being prolonged.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the reservation for the exclusive request can be accepted.

According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to provide an exclusive period in which a specific user monopolizes a specific service for a document.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an exclusive period in which a specific user monopolizes a specific service for a document.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine capable of providing a plurality of services will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a service providing system 12 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the service providing system 12 includes a multifunction machine 10 and a plurality of client terminals 14, and each is connected to a network 16. In the figure, in order to avoid the confusion of the explanation, a configuration in which one multifunction device 12 and two client terminals 14 are connected is shown, but in reality, any device can be connected to a plurality of devices. Is possible.

  In addition, as the client terminal 14, various computers including a display device, an input device, and the like that can communicate with an external device, such as a personal computer, can be applied.

  In the figure, a configuration is shown in which each device is connected via the network 16; however, any communication medium is applicable, not limited to a network, as long as each device can exchange data by communication.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the MFP 10 includes a communication control unit 20, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 24, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26, an input unit 28, a scanner 30, an image. The signal conversion processing unit 32, page memory 34, compression / decompression processing unit 36, hard disk drive (HDD) 38, image processing unit 40, recording data generation unit 42, and image formation control unit 44 are configured.

  The CPU 22 uses the RAM 26 as a work area and controls the entire multifunction machine 10 by executing a program stored in the ROM 24. The CPU 22 executes various programs to operate the respective parts in combination, and prints image data received from an external device or the like via the communication control unit 20, scans a document, copies a document, transmits / receives a facsimile, and the like. A service (hereinafter referred to as processing) is configured to be executable.

  The input unit 28 is configured to include a display panel, an input button, and the like, and in accordance with a user operation input, select a process to be executed by the multifunction machine 10 and select and execute parameters and the like when executing each process. Input timing instructions.

  The page memory 34 is used to temporarily store image information for one page of the document, and the HDD 38 is used to store various types of information.

  The communication control unit 20 receives, for example, print data or transmits image data acquired by scanning to another device through communication with an external device such as the client terminal 14 via the network 16.

  The scanner 30 includes a reading mechanism (not shown) that reads a document image, and drives the reading mechanism to acquire image information indicating the document image. For example, a document set on a document reading glass (platen glass) with the document surface facing down is irradiated with light through the platen glass, and the reflected light from the document surface is converted into a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). Is used to obtain image information indicating an image formed on the document surface.

  The image signal conversion processing unit 32 performs image color space conversion, resolution conversion, and the like. The compression / decompression processing unit 36 compresses the image information in a predetermined compression format, while the compressed image information. Is subjected to expansion processing.

  The image processing unit 40 performs various types of image processing on print data stored in the page memory 34 and the HDD 38 and image information acquired via the scanner 30.

  The recording data generation unit 42 generates recording data for image formation based on image information when forming an image on recording paper. The image formation controller 44 controls an image forming unit (not shown) based on the recording data generated by the recording data generator 42 to form an image on recording paper.

  Further, the scan file generation unit 46 generates a scan file in a predetermined file format (for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) or the like) indicating a document image based on the image information read by the scanner 30.

  The CPU 22 performs a copy process, a print process, a facsimile transmission / reception process, a scan process, and the like in accordance with an instruction by a user input operation via an operation panel or the like and an instruction from the client terminal 14 received by communication via the network 16. Execution and change of settings such as conditions for executing each process.

  Further, in the CPU 22, the determination of exclusive permission is executed in response to an exclusive request for requesting that a specific user temporarily use each process of the multifunction machine 10.

  In the first embodiment, the exclusive request includes information indicating the type of processing to be executed exclusively, and the exclusive setting is performed for each processing. In addition, when the exclusive setting is performed for one process in the multifunction machine 10, if there is a part that is used in another process, the exclusive setting is also performed for the other process. In other words, for example, the processing for monopolizing according to the processing that is the subject of the monopoly request is set in advance as shown in Table 1 below.

  In addition, the CPU 22 performs an exclusive operation for invalidating an input operation via an operation panel or the like by a user other than the user who has permitted the monopoly and an instruction reception by the client terminal 14 from a user other than the user who has permitted the monopoly, The exclusive setting cancellation based on is executed.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  When there is an instruction by a user input operation via an operation panel or the like and an instruction from the client terminal 14 received by communication via the network 16, the multifunction machine 10 performs a control program corresponding to the instruction by the CPU 22. Each part is controlled based on this and various processes are performed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the exclusive state management processing routine executed by the CPU 22 of the multifunction device 10 every predetermined period. Hereinafter, the exclusive state management process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, instructions for executing various processes and changing settings related to the various processes will be described as job requests.

  First, in step 100, it is determined whether or not there is a process during exclusive setting. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 102 to execute an exclusive setting cancellation determination process (see FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 100, the process proceeds to step 104 without performing the process in step 102 at this point. In step 104, it is determined whether an exclusive request has been received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106. In step 106, as a process when an exclusive request is received, an exclusive request reception process (see FIG. 4) described later is executed, and then the exclusive state management process is terminated.

  If the determination in step 104 is negative, the process proceeds to step 108 to determine whether a job request has been received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110 to determine whether a job request has been received. The acceptance process (see FIG. 5) is executed, and then the exclusive state management process is terminated.

  If the determination in step 108 is negative, the exclusive state management process ends without performing the process of step 110 at this point.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow of an exclusive request reception process (see step 106 in FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management process. Hereinafter, the exclusive request receiving process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 120, a process to be exclusively set is specified in accordance with the process requested for exclusive use, and in the next step 122, it is determined whether or not the specified process is in the exclusive setting state. If the determination is negative, it is determined that the exclusive request is accepted, and the process proceeds to step 123 to generate an exclusive ID (certification).

  The exclusive ID includes, for example, a character string in which numbers and alphabets are combined for a predetermined number of characters, information indicating a barcode, and the like. Further, the user who has received the exclusive ID attaches the exclusive ID to the job request transmitted from the client terminal 14 and the exclusive release declaration to be described later. Furthermore, when it is desired to perform an operation via the operation panel or the like, the operation via the operation panel is validated by inputting and operating the exclusive ID.

  In the next step 124, exclusive setting is performed for the process specified in step 120, and then the process proceeds to step 126, where the exclusive ID generated in step 123 and the user who sent the exclusive request are An exclusive permission notice indicating that the exclusive setting is permitted is transmitted, and thereafter, the exclusive request receiving process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 122 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 128, where an exclusive request rejection notice indicating that the exclusive request is not permitted is transmitted to the user who has transmitted the exclusive request, and then this exclusive request acceptance is received. The process ends.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of a job request acceptance processing (see step 110 in FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management processing. Hereinafter, the job request receiving process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 130, the requested process is specified, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step 132 to determine whether or not the specified process is in the exclusive setting. If a negative determination is made in step 132, the process proceeds to step 138.

  If the determination in step 132 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 134 to further determine whether or not the job request is from a monopolized user. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 138. .

  In step 138, a job request is accepted to execute the requested job, and then the job request acceptance process is terminated. Note that after the job request reception process and the exclusive state management process are finished, execution of the process corresponding to the job request is started.

  If the determination in step 134 is negative, the process proceeds to step 140, where a job rejection notification is executed by transmitting information indicating that the job cannot be accepted because the exclusive setting is in progress. The request acceptance process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the exclusive setting cancellation determination process (see step 102 in FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management process. Hereinafter, the exclusive setting cancellation determination process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 150, it is determined whether or not a monopoly cancellation declaration has been received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 156, where the user who issued the monopoly cancellation declaration is monopolizing. The exclusive setting is released, and then the exclusive setting release determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 150 is negative, it is determined that the exclusive setting is not canceled at this point, and the exclusive setting cancellation determination process is terminated without executing the process of step 156.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the mode of canceling the exclusive setting based on the exclusive cancellation declaration has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the presence / absence of a job request by a user who is permitted to use the monopoly and the job request by another user are described. A mode for automatically canceling the presence / absence monopoly setting will be described.

  The configuration of the electrical system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Of the exclusive state management process routine executed by the CPU 22, the exclusive request acceptance process executed in step 106 is executed in step 110. The contents of the job request reception process to be executed and the exclusive state release determination process executed in step 102 are different from those in the first embodiment.

  Therefore, here, in the configuration of the electrical system of the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the illustration and description thereof are omitted. .

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process flow of an exclusive request reception process (see step 106 of FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management process. Hereinafter, the exclusive request receiving process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 220, a process to be exclusively set is specified in accordance with the process requested to be exclusive, and in the next step 222, it is determined whether or not the specified process is in exclusive setting. If the determination is negative, it is determined that the monopoly request is accepted, and the process proceeds to step 223 to generate an exclusive ID (certification).

  The exclusive ID includes, for example, a character string in which numbers and alphabets are combined for a predetermined number of characters, information indicating a barcode, and the like. Further, the user who has received the exclusive ID attaches the exclusive ID to the job request transmitted from the client terminal 14 and the exclusive release declaration to be described later. Furthermore, when it is desired to perform an operation via the operation panel or the like, the operation via the operation panel is validated by inputting and operating the exclusive ID.

  In the next step 224, the exclusive setting is performed for the process specified in step 220, and then the process proceeds to step 226, where the exclusive ID generated in step 223 and the user who sent the exclusive request are transmitted. An exclusive permission notice indicating that the exclusive setting is permitted is transmitted, and thereafter, the exclusive request receiving process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 222 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 228 to determine whether or not the cancellation period is being measured. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 230 and the cancellation period is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step 232. If the determination in step 228 is affirmative, it is determined that the counting of the cancellation period is to be continued, and the process proceeds to step 232 without performing the process in step 230.

  In step 232, based on the time-measured value of the release period and a predetermined period set in advance, a period until the time-measured value of the release period becomes a time-measured value corresponding to the predetermined period is derived as a period until the exclusive setting is released. Then, the process proceeds to step 234. In step 234, information indicating that the exclusive request is not permitted and the period derived in step 232 is transmitted to the user who has transmitted the exclusive request as an exclusive request rejection notice, and then this exclusive request acceptance process is terminated. To do.

  In the client terminal 14 that has received the exclusive request rejection notification, for example, a message such as “Another user is exclusively using it. More than 5 minutes until it is released” is displayed on the display means. .

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the job request reception process (see step 110 in FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management process. Hereinafter, the job request receiving process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 250, the requested process is specified, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step 252 to determine whether or not the specified process is in exclusive setting. If a negative determination is made in step 252, the process proceeds to step 258.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step 252, the process proceeds to step 254, where it is further determined whether or not the job request is from a monopolized user, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 256. The process proceeds to step 258 after resetting the time value of the release period.

  In step 258, a job request is accepted to execute the requested job, and then the job request acceptance process is terminated. Note that after the job request reception process and the exclusive state management process are finished, execution of the process corresponding to the job request is started.

  If the determination in step 254 is negative, the process proceeds to step 260 to determine whether the cancellation period is being measured. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 262 to cancel. The timing of the period is started, and then the process proceeds to step 264. If the determination in step 260 is affirmative, it is determined that the counting of the cancellation period is to be continued, and the process proceeds to step 264 without performing the process in step 262.

  In step 264, based on the time-measured value of the release period and a predetermined period set in advance, a period until the time-measured value of the release period becomes a time-measured value corresponding to the predetermined period is derived as a period until the exclusive setting is released. Then, the process proceeds to step 266. In step 266, information indicating that the job request is not accepted and the period derived in step 264 is transmitted as a job request rejection notice to the user who has transmitted the exclusive request, and then the job request acceptance process is performed. finish. On the client terminal 14 that has received the job request rejection notification, for example, a message such as “Another user is exclusively using it. More than five minutes until it is released” is displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the exclusive setting release determination process (see step 102 in FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management process. Hereinafter, the exclusive setting cancellation determination process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 270, it is determined whether or not an exclusive cancellation declaration has been received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 276.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 270, it is determined that the exclusive setting is not canceled at this point, the process proceeds to step 272, the time value of the cancellation period is acquired, and then the process proceeds to step 274. In step 274, it is determined whether the release period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 276.

  If the determination in step 274 is negative, the exclusive setting cancellation determination process is terminated.

  In step 276, the exclusive setting for the process monopolized by the user who sent the exclusive cancellation declaration is canceled, and then the process proceeds to step 278 to reset the time value of the cancellation period, and then perform the exclusive setting cancellation determination process. finish.

(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the form in which the exclusive setting is automatically canceled based on the exclusive request and job request by the user has been described. However, in the third embodiment, another user is newly added during the exclusive setting. When a monopoly request transmitted from is received, the monopoly request is accepted as a reservation, and when the monopoly setting is canceled, the monopoly setting for the reserved user is automatically performed.

  The configuration of the electrical system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Of the exclusive state management process routine executed by the CPU 22, the exclusive request acceptance process executed in step 106 and the step 102 are executed. The contents of the exclusive state release determination process executed in step 1 are different from those in the first embodiment.

  Therefore, here, in the configuration of the electrical system of the third embodiment, the same parts as those in the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the illustration and description thereof are omitted. .

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the exclusive request reception process (see step 106 in FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management process. Hereinafter, the exclusive request receiving process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 320, a process to be set as a monopoly setting is specified in accordance with the process requested for monopoly, and in the next step 322, it is determined whether or not the specified process is in the monopoly setting. If the determination is negative, it is determined that the monopoly request is accepted, the process proceeds to step 323, and an exclusive ID (certification) is generated.

  The exclusive ID includes, for example, a character string in which numbers and alphabets are combined for a predetermined number of characters, information indicating a barcode, and the like. Further, the user who has received the exclusive ID attaches the exclusive ID to the job request transmitted from the client terminal 14 and the exclusive release declaration to be described later. Furthermore, when it is desired to perform an operation via the operation panel or the like, the operation via the operation panel is validated by inputting and operating the exclusive ID.

  In the next step 324, the exclusive setting is made for the process specified in step 320, and then the process proceeds to step 326, where the exclusive ID generated in step 323 and the user who sent the exclusive request are sent. An exclusive permission notice indicating that the exclusive setting is permitted is transmitted, and thereafter, the exclusive request receiving process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 322 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 327, where the received exclusive request is registered in the exclusive reservation list, and then the process proceeds to step 328. The exclusive reservation list is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 26 and is stored in the order of reception. The information stored in the exclusive reservation list may be the exclusive request itself, or the information included in the exclusive request may be converted into a form that can be easily used by a program executed by the CPU 22.

  In step 328, it is determined whether or not the cancellation period is being measured. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 330 to start counting the cancellation period, and then proceeds to step 332. If the determination in step 328 is affirmative, it is determined that the counting of the cancellation period is to be continued, and the process proceeds to step 332 without performing the process in step 330.

  In step 332, based on the time value of the release period and a predetermined period, a period until the time value of the release period becomes a time value corresponding to the predetermined period is derived as a period until the exclusive setting is released. Then, the process proceeds to step 334. In step 334, information indicating that the exclusive request has been reserved and the period derived in step 332 is transmitted to the user who has transmitted the exclusive request as an exclusive request reservation notification, and then the exclusive request reception process is performed. finish.

  The client terminal 14 that has received the exclusive request rejection notification displays a message on the display means such as “Exclusive reservation has been accepted. It is more than 5 minutes until the exclusive mode is entered.” .

  Note that the flow of processing of the job request receiving process (see step 110 in FIG. 3) routine according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the job request receiving process according to the second embodiment. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the exclusive setting release determination process (see step 102 in FIG. 3) routine executed in the exclusive state management process. Hereinafter, the exclusive setting cancellation determination process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 370, it is determined whether or not an exclusive cancellation declaration has been received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 376.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 370, the process proceeds to step 372, the time value of the release period is acquired, and then the process proceeds to step 374. In step 374, it is determined whether the release period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 376. If the determination in step 374 is negative, the exclusive setting cancellation determination process is terminated.

  In step 376, the exclusive setting for the process that the user who sent the exclusive cancellation declaration is exclusive is canceled, and then the process proceeds to step 378 to reset the time value of the cancellation period, and then the process proceeds to step 380. In step 380, it is determined whether or not an exclusive reservation is registered. If the determination is negative, the exclusive setting cancellation determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the exclusive request is registered in the exclusive reservation list, the determination in step 380 is affirmative, and the process proceeds to step 382 to generate the exclusive ID in order to set the exclusive setting for the exclusive reserved user. .

  Note that, in the determination in step 380, it may be determined whether or not there is a reservation for an exclusive request for a process for which the process for which the monopoly is canceled and the process for which the monopoly is not set is a process for which the monopoly is set.

  In the next step 384, the exclusive setting corresponding to the exclusive request registered in the exclusive reservation list is performed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step 386. In step 386, to the user who sent the exclusive request, the information indicating the exclusive setting of the exclusive request registered for reservation and the exclusive ID generated in step 382 is transmitted as an exclusive setting start notification, Thereafter, the exclusive request acceptance process ends.

  Note that the configuration of the MFP 10 described in the above embodiment and the flow of various processes described in each embodiment are merely examples, and it is needless to say that the configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the multifunction peripheral 10 capable of executing a plurality of processes has been described as an example of a service providing unit. However, it is only necessary that two or more processes can be executed.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a mode has been described in which a function executed as an acquisition unit and a control unit is provided in the multifunction peripheral 10 by executing a program executed by the CPU 22 of the multifunction peripheral 10. The control means may be provided outside. In this case, a management server or the like may be further connected to the network 16 so that the management server has functions as an acquisition unit and a control unit.

  In the second embodiment and the third embodiment described above, the mode in which the exclusive setting is automatically canceled when the cancellation period reaches a predetermined period set in advance has been described. It may be configured to be included in the exclusive request and settable by the user.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, a mode has been described in which all execution instructions for processing using other parts of other users are rejected during the exclusive setting. However, how much other users are restricted during the exclusive setting. Information specifying this may be included in the monopoly request, and the degree of monopoly can be set by the user. For example, the degree of monopoly includes (1) rejecting all jobs from other users, (2) rejecting jobs via the input unit 28, (3) rejecting print jobs, (4) client terminals 14 or the like, and the like.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the exclusive ID is generated and notified to the user to be monopolized when the exclusive setting is performed, and the job is received based on whether or not the exclusive ID is attached during the exclusive setting. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the user who issued the monopoly request can monopolize the monopoly. For example, the exclusive request issued from the client terminal or the like is configured to be received via the communication control unit 20, and during the exclusive setting, based on the information and user ID that can identify the issuer included in the communication data, A job acquired through communication with the issuer may be executed.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the service provision system which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of an exclusive state management processing routine executed every predetermined period by the CPU of the multifunction machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the exclusive request reception process routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the job request reception process routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the exclusive setting cancellation | release determination processing routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the exclusive request reception process routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the job request reception process routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the exclusive setting cancellation | release determination processing routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the exclusive request reception process routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the exclusive setting cancellation | release determination processing routine performed in the exclusive state management process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 MFP 12 Service Providing System 14 Client Terminal 20 Communication Control Unit (Acquisition Means)
22 CPU (service providing means, acquisition means, control means, timing means)
24 RAM (storage means)
26 ROM
28 Input unit (acquisition means)
30 Scanner (document processing means)
32 Image signal conversion processing unit (document processing means)
34 page memory 36 compression / decompression processing unit (document processing means)
38 HDD
40 Image processing unit (document processing means)
42 Recorded data generator (document processing means)
44 Image formation control unit (document processing means)
46 Scan file generator (document processing means)

Claims (7)

Service providing means for controlling one or more of a plurality of types of document processing means for performing predetermined processing on the document, and providing a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document;
An acquisition request for acquiring a monopoly request that requests exclusive execution of the specific service, an exclusive release declaration for canceling the monopoly of the specific service, and an instruction to execute the service;
When the exclusive request is acquired by the acquiring means, the specific service and a service using the document processing means common to the specific service until the exclusive cancellation declaration is acquired by the acquiring means Control means to limit the provision;
Transmission means for generating authentication information for receiving the specific service even when the specific service is restricted by the control means and transmitting it to the issuer of the exclusive request when the acquisition means acquires the exclusive request When,
While the restriction of the provision of the specific service by the control means is started, the time is started when an instruction to execute the service subject to the restriction to which the authentication information is not attached is obtained by the obtaining means, and the authentication A clocking means for resetting the clocked value when an instruction to execute the service to which the information is attached is acquired;
A service providing apparatus comprising :
The control means, when the provision of the specific service based on the exclusive request is restricted, when the authentication information is attached to the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction acquired by the acquisition means A service providing apparatus that accepts the execution instruction and cancels the restriction on the provision of the service regardless of the presence or absence of the exclusive cancellation declaration when the time value measured by the time measuring unit is equal to or greater than a preset value. Service providing means for controlling one or more of a plurality of types of document processing means for performing predetermined processing on the document, and providing a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document;
An acquisition request for acquiring a monopoly request that requests exclusive execution of the specific service, an exclusive release declaration for canceling the monopoly of the specific service, and an instruction to execute the service;
When the exclusive request is acquired by the acquiring means, the specific service and a service using the document processing means common to the specific service until the exclusive cancellation declaration is acquired by the acquiring means Control means to limit the provision;
During the restriction of the provision of the service by the control means, the acquisition means starts timing when the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction which is not an instruction from the issuer of the exclusive request is acquired, Clocking means for resetting the clocked value when an instruction to execute the service from the issuer of the exclusive request is acquired;
A service providing apparatus comprising :
When the provision of the service based on the monopoly request is restricted, the control means is an instruction from the issuer of the monopoly request that the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction obtained by the obtaining means is provided. In addition, the service providing apparatus that accepts the execution instruction and cancels the restriction on the provision of the service regardless of the presence or absence of the exclusive cancellation declaration when the time measured by the time measuring unit exceeds a preset value. A storage means for storing the exclusive request acquired by the acquisition means during the restriction of the provision of the service by the control means;
3. The service according to claim 1, wherein, when the restriction on the provision of the service is released, the control unit preferentially executes the restriction on the provision of the service based on the exclusive request stored in the storage unit. Providing device. Exclusive request information for requesting exclusive execution of the service exclusively as information for managing the provision of the service by a service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document; Obtaining means for obtaining exclusive release declaration information for releasing exclusive use of the service and execution instruction information of the service;
When the acquisition unit acquires the exclusive request information, the service included in the exclusive request information and the service having the same process as the service until the exclusive cancellation declaration information is acquired by the acquisition unit Control means for controlling to limit the provision of
Transmission means for generating authentication information for receiving the specific service even when the specific service is restricted by the control means and transmitting it to the issuer of the exclusive request when the acquisition means acquires the exclusive request When,
While the restriction of the provision of the specific service by the control means is started, the time is started when an instruction to execute the service subject to the restriction to which the authentication information is not attached is obtained by the obtaining means, and the authentication A clocking means for resetting the clocked value when an instruction to execute the service to which the information is attached is acquired;
A management device comprising :
The control means, when the provision of the specific service based on the exclusive request is restricted, when the authentication information is attached to the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction acquired by the acquisition means A management apparatus that accepts the execution instruction and cancels the restriction on the provision of the service regardless of the presence or absence of the exclusive release declaration when the time measured by the time measuring unit is equal to or greater than a preset value. Exclusive request information for requesting exclusive execution of the service exclusively as information for managing the provision of the service by a service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document; Obtaining means for obtaining exclusive release declaration information for releasing exclusive use of the service and execution instruction information of the service;
When the acquisition unit acquires the exclusive request information, the service included in the exclusive request information and the service having the same process as the service until the exclusive cancellation declaration information is acquired by the acquisition unit Control means for controlling to limit the provision of
During the restriction of the provision of the service by the control means, the acquisition means starts timing when the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction which is not an instruction from the issuer of the exclusive request is acquired, Clocking means for resetting the clocked value when an instruction to execute the service from the issuer of the exclusive request is acquired;
A management device comprising :
When the provision of the service based on the monopoly request is restricted, the control means is an instruction from the issuer of the monopoly request that the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction obtained by the obtaining means is provided. In addition, the management apparatus accepts the execution instruction and releases the restriction on the provision of the service regardless of the presence or absence of the exclusive release declaration when the time measured by the time measuring unit is equal to or greater than a preset value. Computer
Exclusive request information for requesting exclusive execution of the service exclusively as information for managing the provision of the service by a service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document; Obtaining means for obtaining exclusive release declaration information for releasing exclusive use of the service and execution instruction information of the service;
When the acquisition unit acquires the exclusive request information, the service included in the exclusive request information and the service having the same process as the service until the exclusive cancellation declaration information is acquired by the acquisition unit Control means for controlling the service providing means so as to limit the provision of
Transmission means for generating authentication information for receiving the specific service even when the specific service is restricted by the control means and transmitting it to the issuer of the exclusive request when the acquisition means acquires the exclusive request When,
While the restriction of the provision of the specific service by the control means is started, the time is started when an instruction to execute the service subject to the restriction to which the authentication information is not attached is obtained by the obtaining means, and the authentication A clocking means for resetting the clocked value when an instruction to execute the service to which the information is attached is acquired;
A program for functioning as,
The control means, when the provision of the specific service based on the exclusive request is restricted, when the authentication information is attached to the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction acquired by the acquisition means And accepting the execution instruction, and releasing the restriction on the provision of the service regardless of the presence or absence of the exclusive cancellation declaration when the time measured by the time measuring means is equal to or greater than a preset value. program. Computer
Exclusive request information for requesting exclusive execution of the service exclusively as information for managing the provision of the service by a service providing means for providing a plurality of types of services set in advance for the document; Obtaining means for obtaining exclusive release declaration information for releasing exclusive use of the service and execution instruction information of the service;
When the acquisition unit acquires the exclusive request information, the service included in the exclusive request information and the service having the same process as the service until the exclusive cancellation declaration information is acquired by the acquisition unit Control means for controlling the service providing means so as to limit the provision of
During the restriction of the provision of the service by the control means, the acquisition means starts timing when the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction which is not an instruction from the issuer of the exclusive request is acquired, Clocking means for resetting the clocked value when an instruction to execute the service from the issuer of the exclusive request is acquired;
A program for functioning as,
When the provision of the service based on the monopoly request is restricted, the control means is an instruction from the issuer of the monopoly request that the execution instruction of the service subject to the restriction obtained by the obtaining means is provided. In addition, the execution instruction is accepted, and the restriction on the provision of the service is canceled regardless of the presence or absence of the exclusive cancellation declaration when the time measured by the time measuring unit is equal to or greater than a preset value. Program to do.

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