JP5146969B2 - Information processing system, image forming processing apparatus, processing method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system that performs management of the information processing apparatus according to the usage of the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus and its processing method, and a program.

  An image forming apparatus has functions such as printing and scan data transmission, and is often used in cooperation with an information processing apparatus used by a user.

  For example, there is a mechanism in which a print job generated by the information processing apparatus is received by the image forming apparatus and output to paper, or a document read by the image forming apparatus is converted into image data and transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

  As one form of print data reception, there is a method disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this method, the user can output the print job transmitted to the multifunction peripheral at an arbitrary timing.

  As one form of scan image transmission, there is a method disclosed in Patent Document 2. According to this method, the user can convert a document read by the multifunction peripheral into image data and transmit it to his / her PC.

JP 2007-249959 A JP 2002-77177 A

  In recent years, environmental friendliness and power saving have been demanded, and power reduction has been achieved for devices such as information processing devices (PCs) installed in offices, including the image forming devices (for example, multifunction devices) as described above. Is required. When using a multifunction device in the form as described above, the multifunction device and the PC of each user are generally available.

  However, even if the user uses the multifunction device and the PC, only one is actually operated, and the PC is not used while using the multifunction device. Therefore, power is wasted here.

  In order to solve this problem, when using a multifunction machine, the user can manually put the PC to sleep and then leave. However, every time you leave the desk, you must manually put the PC to sleep, and after you finish using the multifunction device, you need to return the PC to sleep when you return to your seat. It was inconvenient.

  In addition, due to the time and effort, there are many users who do not put the PC to sleep despite the rule that the user puts the PC to sleep, and as a result, the effect of reducing power consumption does not occur.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to identify an information processing apparatus from which the logged- in user has left by logging in to the image forming apparatus, and to change the mode of the information processing apparatus from which the user has been away, thereby using the information processing apparatus. It is to provide a mechanism to suppress.

In addition, by causing return the mode of appropriate information processing apparatus according to the processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus is to provide a mechanism for preventing the processing error in the image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve an object of the present invention, the present invention provides an information processing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can log in by user authentication. User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information related to login, and the information processing unit to log in to the image forming apparatus, thereby identifying the information processing apparatus used by the logged-in user and away from the logged-in user. The user identification information acquisition according to management information including at least device identification information for identifying a device, identification information of a user who uses the information processing device, and user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition means Information processing apparatus specifying means for specifying an information processing apparatus corresponding to the user identification information acquired by the means, and the information processing apparatus specifying means A mode for transmitting a mode transition request to the information processing apparatus specified in step S1 so that the operation mode of the information processing apparatus is changed from a mode in which the information processing apparatus can be used to a mode in which the user is suppressed. A transition request transmission unit, wherein the information processing apparatus receives the mode transition request reception unit that receives the mode transition request from the image forming apparatus, and the information processing unit according to the mode transition request received by the mode transition request reception unit. And a transition means for transitioning the apparatus to a mode for suppressing user use.

Further, the image forming apparatus collects, from the information processing apparatus, management information that associates user identification information of a user who uses the information processing apparatus with device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus specifying means specifies an information processing apparatus used by a user who logs in to the image forming apparatus according to the management information collected by the collecting means.

The information processing system further includes a management device that manages the management information, and the image forming device further includes management information output means that outputs the management information collected by the collection means to the management device, The management apparatus further includes management information receiving means for receiving management information from the image forming apparatus.

Whether the image forming apparatus is receiving print data by the print data receiving means from the print data receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus specified by the information processing apparatus specifying means. A reception determination unit for determining whether or not the mode transition request transmission unit determines the information processing device specified by the information processing device specifying unit when the reception determination unit determines that print data is not being received. A mode transition request is transmitted to the apparatus.

In addition, when the reception determining unit determines that the print data is being received , the mode transition request transmitting unit transmits the information to the information processing device specified by the information processing device specifying unit according to the completion of reception of the print data. A mode change request is transmitted to the terminal.

In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a function determination unit that determines whether a function instructed by a user is a function that should return the information processing apparatus from a mode that suppresses user use to a mode that can be used by the user; When it is determined by the function determination means that the function should be returned from the mode that suppresses the use of the user to the mode that the user can use, the information processing apparatus specified by the information processing apparatus specifying means And a mode return request transmitting means for transmitting a mode return request for returning to a mode that can be used by the user from the mode that suppresses use, and the information processing apparatus receives the mode return request from the image forming apparatus A mode return request receiving means for performing a mode usable by the user in accordance with the mode return request received by the mode return request receiving means. Further characterized in that it comprises a ascribed returning means.

Further, the function to be returned to the mode usable by the user is a transmission function for transmitting a file, and the mode return request transmitting means is configured such that the information processing apparatus to which the file is transmitted In the case of an information processing apparatus corresponding to user identification information, a mode return request is transmitted to the information processing apparatus before transmitting the file.

In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a logout event acquiring unit that acquires a logout event for logging out from the image forming apparatus, and information specified by the information processing apparatus specifying unit according to the logout event acquired by the logout event acquiring unit. A power control request transmitting means for transmitting a power control request for turning off the power of the processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus receives a power control request from the image forming apparatus; The apparatus further comprises power instruction means for instructing to turn off the information processing apparatus in accordance with the power control request received by the control request receiving means.
The mode for suppressing the use of the user is a power saving mode.
Further, the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus are the same casing.

According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus to which the logged- in user is separated by logging in to the image forming apparatus is specified, and the use of the information processing apparatus is suppressed by shifting the mode of the information processing apparatus from which the user is separated. be able to.

In addition, by causing return the mode of appropriate information processing apparatus according to the processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent processing errors in the image forming apparatus.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the information processing system 1 which concerns on this invention Block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the client PC 101 and the asset management server 102 Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 The block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the information processing system 1 Process outline diagram in print processing of information processing system 1 Process outline diagram in scan transmission process of information processing system 1 The flowchart which shows an example of the multifunctional device control process of the information processing system 1 The flowchart which shows an example of the login process of the information processing system 1 The flowchart which shows an example of the logout process of the information processing system 1 The flowchart which shows an example of the printing process of the information processing system 1 The flowchart which shows an example of the scan transmission process of the information processing system 1 The flowchart which shows an example of the print job input process of the information processing system 1 Flow chart showing an example of asset information collection processing of the information processing system 1 An image diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction peripheral 100 An image diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction peripheral 100 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction device setting 900 The figure which shows an example of the user information 920 The figure which shows an example of the print job 930 The figure which shows an example of the apparatus information 940

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an information processing system 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, one or a plurality of multifunction peripherals 100 installed on each floor and one or a plurality of client PCs 101 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 110. Further, the asset management server 102 is connected to the LAN 110 by a WAN (Wide Area Network). Note that the asset management server 102 may be directly connected to the LAN 110 without using the WAN. In either configuration, the asset management server 102 is communicably connected to the multifunction device 100 and the client PC 101.

  The multifunction device 100 is an image forming apparatus having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copy, and a facsimile. Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 refers to the user information 920 (user authentication) by holding the IC card over a card reader or inputting a user name password. Further, the apparatus can log in according to the result and execute the function.

  The client PC 101 is a device that is communicably connected to the LAN 110. The client PC 101 is a PC for setting the multifunction peripheral 100, and has a function capable of communicating with the multifunction peripheral 100 via a network (HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol) (for example, Internet Explorer (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation). It is a mounted PC. It is also a PC for submitting a print job from the user. The user generates a print job from an application via a printer driver, and the printer driver uses an LPR (Line Printer Daemon) or other print protocol to print the print job. Can be transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100. Further, it is also a PC for receiving data scanned by the multifunction device 100.

  Next, the MFP 100, the client PC 101, and the asset management server 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client PC 101 and the asset management server 102, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the client PC 101 and the asset management server 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2001, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2002, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2003, an input controller 2005, A video controller 2006, a memory controller 2007, and a communication I / F controller 2008 are connected.

  The CPU 2001 controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 2004 in an integrated manner.

  The ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 holds a basic input / output system (BIOS) and an operating system (OS) that are control programs of the CPU 2001, various programs executed by each server or each PC, and the like.

  A RAM 2002 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 to the RAM 2002 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 2005 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard (KB) 2009 or a mouse (not shown).

  The video controller 2006 controls display on a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 2010. The display is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  The memory controller 2007 is a hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 2011 such as a Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive) connected to the card slot via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller 2008 connects and communicates with an external device via a network such as the LAN 110, and executes communication control processing on the network. The communication I / F controller 2008 can perform communication using, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and the like.

  The CPU 2001 can display on the CRT 2010 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 2002, for example. Further, the CPU 2001 enables a user instruction using a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 2010 or the like.

Various programs operating on the hardware of the client PC 101 and the asset management server 102 are recorded in the external memory 2011, loaded into the RAM 2002 as necessary, and executed by the CPU 2001. Definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are stored in the external memory 2011.
Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-function device 100 is configured to have hardware configurations of a controller unit 3020, an operation unit 3030, a card reader 3040, a printer 3050, and a scanner 3060.

  The controller unit 3020 includes a CPU 3001, a RAM 3002, a ROM 3003, a hard disk drive (HDD) 3004, a network interface (Network I / F) 3005, a modem (MODEM) 3006, and an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F). F) 3007, image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 3008, external interface (external I / F) 3009, system bus 3010, raster image processor (RIP) 3011, printer interface (printer I / F) ) 3012, a scanner interface (scanner I / F) 3013, an image processing unit 3014, and an image bus 3015.

  The controller unit 3020 is connected to a scanner 3060 that functions as an image input device and a printer 3050 that functions as an image output device, while the network 110 and, for example, a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). By connecting to a public network (WAN), image data and device information are input and output.

  The CPU 3001 is a processor that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 3010 and the image bus 3015.

  A RAM 3002 is a work memory for the CPU 3001 to operate, and also has functions of a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data. For example, the card ID read by the card reader 3040 is stored.

  The ROM 3003 stores a system boot program and various control programs. The HDD 3004 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. The ROM 3003 or the HDD 3004 stores the MFP setting 900 shown in FIG. The HDD 3004 is a medium for permanently storing information, and the form is not limited to the HDD. For example, a medium such as SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used.

  A network I / F 3005 is connected to the LAN 110 and performs data input / output. The MODEM 3006 is connected to a public line network and inputs / outputs data such as transmission / reception by FAX.

  An operation unit I / F 3007 is an interface in the operation unit 3030 that is a user interface (UI), and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 3030 to the operation unit 3030. The operation unit I / F 3007 plays a role of transmitting information (for example, user information) input from the operation unit 3030 by the user of this system to the CPU 3001. Note that the operation unit 3030 includes a display unit having a touch panel corresponding to a keyboard, and performs various instructions by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button on the keyboard displayed on the display unit. Can do.

  The IMAGE BUS I / F 3008 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 3010 and an image bus 3015 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The external I / F 3009 is an interface that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, the external I / F 3009 is connected to a card reader 3040 for reading information on an IC card that is necessary for IC card authentication. The CPU 3001 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 3040 via the external I / F 3009, and can acquire information read from the IC card.

  The above devices 3001 to 3009 are arranged on the system bus 3010 and can communicate with each other.

  For example, the RIP 3011 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

  A printer I / F 3012 connects the printer 3050 and the controller unit 3020, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner I / F 3013 connects the scanner 3060 and the controller unit 3020, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 3014 performs correction processing, processing processing, and editing processing on input image data, and performs printer correction processing, resolution conversion processing, and the like on print output image data. In addition to these processes, the image processing unit 3014 performs rotation processing of image data, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) for multi-value image data, and JBIG (Joint Bi for binary image data). -Compression / decompression processing such as level Image experts Group), MR (Modified READ), MMR (Modified Modified READ), and MH (Modified Huffman) is performed.

  The devices shown in the above 3008, 3011-3014 are arranged on the image bus 3015 and can communicate with each other. The image bus 3015 is constituted by, for example, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or IEEE1394.

  Specifically, the operation unit 3030 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD display unit to display the operation screen of the present system and the displayed operation screen. When a key (button) is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 3001 via the operation unit I / F 3007. The operation unit 3030 includes keyboard functions such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, for example, there are two colors of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) of green and red, and whether or not the start key can be used is indicated by light emission of each color. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when stopping an operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 3030 is operated when, for example, the user ID of the user (user) is input. The reset key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when initializing settings by the operation unit 3030.

  A card reader 3040 reads user identification information stored in an IC card corresponding to an authentication card (for example, FeliCa (registered trademark) of Sony (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 3001. is there. The user identification information read by the card reader 3040 is notified to the CPU 3001 via the external I / F 3009.

  The printer 3050 converts, for example, raster image data as an image on paper. The conversion method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum and a photosensitive belt, and an ink jet method in which an image is directly printed on paper by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array. It doesn't matter. Activation of the printing operation of the printer 3050 is started by an instruction from the CPU 3001. The printer 3050 includes a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and a paper cassette corresponding to each paper feed stage is provided.

  The scanner 3060 illuminates an image on paper as a document, and scans the document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor, thereby converting the image of the document into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the user of the MFP 100 issues a reading start instruction from the operation unit 3030, the CPU 3001 gives an instruction to the scanner 3060, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one. Read the original image.

  With the configuration as described above, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 3060 to the LAN 110 and print out the print data received from the LAN 110 with the printer 3050. Further, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 3060 by FAX from the MODEM 3006 to the public line network, and print out the image data received by FAX from the public line network by the printer 3050.

Next, functions of the information processing system 1 and data to be used will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 14 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction device 100, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction device setting 900, FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job 930 , and FIG. 18 is an example of user information 920. 19 and 19 are diagrams illustrating an example of the device information 940.

  The function of each device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a function for executing processing of the client PC 101 will be described.

  The client PC 101 includes a printer driver unit 300, an N / W communication unit 301, an application unit 302, a power management unit 303, and the like.

  The printer driver unit 300 converts the image data generated by the application unit 302 into page description language (PDL) data that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral 100. Further, bibliographic information 931 is added to the PDL data to create a print job 930.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the print job 930 includes bibliographic information 931 and a PDL 932. The bibliographic information 931 includes a job name, a user name that executed the job, job color information, and the like. The PDL 932 is data obtained by converting image data into a page description language that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The N / W communication unit 301 connects and communicates with an external device via a network such as the LAN 110, and controls communication according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP. As a result, the client PC 101 can communicate with the multifunction peripheral 100 that is also connected to the LAN 110.

  The application unit 302 provides a user with a GUI (Graphic User Interface), and generates image data suitable for the user's purpose.

  The power management unit 303 shifts the client PC 101 to the power saving mode or returns from the power saving mode. It also has a function of shutting down the client PC 101.

  Next, a function for executing the processing of the asset management server 102 will be described.

  The asset management server 102 includes a device information management unit 400, a device information control unit 401, an N / W communication unit 402, device information 940, and the like.

  The device information management unit 400 provides a function for managing the device information 940. Specifically, the device information 940 is written to, read from, deleted from, or updated to the external memory 2011 of the asset management server 102.

  The device information control unit 401 registers the device information 940 transmitted from the multifunction device 100, searches the device information 940 in response to a request from the multifunction device 100, and returns the corresponding information.

  The N / W communication unit 402 has a function equivalent to that of the N / W communication unit 301 included in the client PC 101.

  The device information 940 is information stored in the external memory 2011 of the asset management server 102. In the present embodiment, the MFP 100 collects the device information 940 from each client PC 101. However, the MFP 100 may manually register the information of the client PC 101 in the asset management server 102.

As shown in FIG. 19, the device information 940 (management information) includes a MAC (Media Access Control) address 941, an IP address 942, a user name 943 (user identification information), and the like.

  A MAC (Media Access Control) address is used to uniquely identify a network device. The MAC address has a value determined for each vendor or product, and the type of information processing apparatus can be estimated based on this information. Although an IP address may be handled as a device ID, the IP address is dynamically changed in a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) environment, and thus a device-fixed value such as a MAC address is used as the device ID.

  The IP address 942 is a network address assigned to a communication device, and is a value necessary for specifying an information processing apparatus and communicating with the specified information processing apparatus. That means

  A user name 943 is a user of the client PC 101. That is, the device information 940 (management information) is information for associating the user with the information processing apparatus.

  Next, functions for executing the processing of the multifunction machine 100 will be described.

  The multifunction machine 100 includes a login event control unit 200, a function determination unit 201, an authentication control unit 202, an N / W communication unit 203, a screen control unit 204, a device information collection unit 205, an asset management server linkage unit 206, and a PC power management linkage. 207, a print job receiving unit 208, a print control unit 209, a scan transmission control unit 210, a multifunction device setting 900, user information 920, a print job 930, and the like.

  The login event control unit 200 provides a function of detecting user login and logout to the multifunction peripheral 100. Login events include login using an IC card, login using a user name and password, login using biometric information such as finger veins and fingerprints, and the like. Logout events include auto logout when a user presses a logout button or when a certain time has passed. Thereby, control according to a user's login / logout becomes possible.

  The function determination unit 201 provides a function of determining a function executed by the user on the multifunction device 100. For example, when the scan button 1310 is pressed on the scan transmission screen 1300, it is determined that the scan transmission has been executed. Further, it is determined that printing is executed when the print button 1401 is pressed on the print screen 1400. Thereby, control according to a user's operation is attained.

  The authentication control unit 202 has a function for determining whether or not a user can log in. For example, when the user holds the IC card over the card reader 3040 on the card authentication screen 1000, the user information 920 with the matching card ID is retrieved from the user information 920. For example, when the user inputs the user name / password / domain on the keyboard authentication screen 1100 and presses the login button 1101, the user is searched with the user information 920 and the password is verified. Note that the authentication control may be implemented in a separate casing such as an authentication server, instead of being implemented in the multifunction device 100.

  The N / W communication unit 203 has a function equivalent to that of the N / W communication unit 301 included in the client PC 101.

  The screen control unit 204 is for displaying a screen for the user to operate the multifunction device 100 on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction device 100. For example, a card authentication screen 1000, a keyboard authentication screen 1100, an error dialog 1200, a scan transmission screen 1300, a print screen 1400, and a screen such as a shutdown confirmation dialog 1500 shown in FIG. 15 are displayed.

  The card authentication screen 1000 is a screen for a user to authenticate using an IC card. In order to allow a user who has forgotten the IC card to authenticate, a transition button 1001 to a keyboard authentication screen is provided.

  The keyboard authentication screen 1100 is a screen for the user to input / select a user name, password, and login destination, and to authenticate to the multifunction device 100 by pressing a login button 1101.

  The error dialog 1200 is a dialog for notifying the user that an error has occurred during the processing in the multi-function device 100. An error message indicating the details of the error is displayed, and the user can return to the original screen by pressing an OK button 1201. For example, when IC card information is not found, a message such as “User information not found” is displayed.

  The scan transmission screen 1300 is a screen for the user to scan a document. A resolution list 1301, a file format selection list 1302, a transmission destination field 1303, a search button 1304, a scan button 1310, and the like are included. In addition, it may be configured to perform reading settings such as density, color, single-sided duplex, document size, and mixed size loading.

  A resolution list 1301 is a list for selecting a resolution at the time of scanning. A file format selection list 1302 is a list for selecting a file format into which a scanned image is to be converted. The transmission destination field 1303 is a field for instructing where to store a file that has been scanned and converted into an arbitrary format. Users can also edit the values themselves. Further, the search button 1304 can be used to search for a device in the network, and by selecting the searched device, the device can be set in the transmission destination field 1303.

  The scan button 1310 is a button for the user to instruct the multifunction device 100 to start scanning.

  A print screen 1400 is a screen for the user to print a print job. When the option of reserved printing is enabled on the client PC 101 and a print job is input to the multifunction peripheral 100, the print job is temporarily stored in the multifunction peripheral 100 without being output immediately. This print screen 1400 is used to output the stored print job. The print screen 1400 displays a list of print jobs submitted by the user. When a print job is selected from the list by the user and the print button 1401 is pressed, the multi-function device 100 outputs the corresponding print job.

  The shutdown confirmation dialog 1500 is a dialog for determining whether or not the user shuts down his / her PC. This dialog is displayed when the user logs out from the multifunction device 100. By using this dialog, the user can shut down the PC without returning to his / her seat when he / she wants to go out immediately after using the multifunction device 100.

A “No” button 1501 is a button for preventing the user from shutting down his / her PC when the MFP 100 logs out. Even if this button is not pressed, the shutdown confirmation dialog 1500 is automatically closed when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  A “Yes” button 1502 is a button for the user to shut down his / her PC when the MFP 100 logs out.

  The device information collection unit 205 provides a function for periodically collecting device information 940 from the client PC 101 in the network that is communicably connected to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The asset management server cooperation unit 206 transmits the device information 940 collected by the device information collection unit 205 to the asset management server 102 or acquires the device information 940 from the asset management server 102.

  The PC power management cooperation unit 207 cooperates with the power management unit 303 of the client PC 101 to shift the client PC 101 to the power saving mode or return from the power saving mode. Also, the client PC 101 is shut down.

  The print job receiving unit 208 provides a function of receiving a print job 930 from the client PC 101. A function of accepting a print job 930 with a print control protocol such as LPR or RAW and analyzing the bibliographic information 931 is also provided. Also, the print acceptance status of the user information 920 is updated when the bibliographic information 931 analysis ends and when the PDL 932 is received.

Note that print job reception may be performed in a separate housing such as a print server instead of being performed in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The print control unit 209 is for controlling the printer 3050 of the multifunction peripheral 100. The PDL 932 of the print job 930 is converted into a bitmap image, and printing is performed on a medium such as paper using a known printing technique.

  The scan transmission control unit 210 provides a function of controlling the scanner 3060 of the multifunction peripheral 100 to digitize an image on paper as a document, converting it to an arbitrary image format, and transmitting it to an arbitrary folder on an arbitrary server To do. The file format includes, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group), TIFF (Taged Image File Format), PDF (Portable Document Format M), XPS (XML Paper SpecMlOX).

Specifically, the file transmission is performed using a protocol such as SMB (Server Message Block), WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), or the like.

  The MFP setting 900 is information for determining the operation of the MFP 100 and is information stored in the HDD 3004 of the MFP 100. Usually, the information is preset by an administrator. The multifunction device setting 900 includes the asset management server 102, the asset management server port 902, and the like.

  The asset management server 102 and the asset management server port 902 are information for determining the asset management server 102 to communicate with.

  The user information 920 is information stored in the HDD 3004 of the multifunction peripheral 100, and is information necessary for performing authentication processing when the multifunction peripheral 100 receives an authentication request from a user.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the user information 920 includes a card ID 921, a user name 922, a password 923, a print acceptance status 924, and the like. The card ID 921 is ID information of the IC card held by the user. Further, it is used when a user logs in to the multi-function device 100 using an IC card.

  The user name 922 is a user name when using the multifunction device 100. This is information for indicating on the operation log, operation screen, etc. of the MFP 100 and identifying the user.

  The password 923 is information for collating users. This is used when a user who has forgotten the IC card logs in to the multifunction machine 100 using the user name 922 and the password 923.

  The print acceptance status 924 is information for identifying whether the MFP 100 is in the middle of accepting a print job from the client PC 101 or not. In the former case, a value of <being accepted> is set, and in the latter case, a value of <No acceptance> is set.

  The print job 930 is information stored in the HDD 3004 of the multifunction peripheral 100, and stores the print job 930 received from the client PC 101.

  Next, an outline of processing of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a process outline diagram in the printing process of the information processing system 1.

  FIG. 5 shows an overview of outputting the print job 930 input from the client PC 101 from the multifunction peripheral 100 and an overview of managing the power supply of the client PC 101 in conjunction with the output.

  First, the client PC 101 receives a reservation printing instruction from a user who is at his / her desk (1-1). The client PC 101 generates a print job 930 (1-2), and inputs the print job 930 to the multifunction peripheral 100 (1-3).

  The multi-function device 100 accepts a user login (2-1) and shifts the client PC 101 of the logged-in user to a power saving mode (2-2).

  The multi-function device 100 receives a print instruction from the user (3-1), and outputs the instructed print job 930 (3-2).

  The multifunction device 100 accepts logout from the user (4-1), and instructs the client PC 101 to shut down (4-2).

  As shown in the above use case, the user does not use the client PC 101 during the period from login (2-1) to logout (4-1) to logout (4-1). As illustrated in FIG. 5, the information processing system 1 that suppresses wasteful power consumption can be realized by shifting the power of the client PC 101 at the login timing of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  Also, by accepting a shutdown instruction from the user at the time of logout (4-1), the user can go out as it is after outputting the printed matter, thereby realizing a system that can reduce the user's trouble.

  Next, an outline of processing of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a process outline diagram in the scan transmission process of the information processing system 1.

  FIG. 6 shows an overview of transmitting an image scanned by the multi-function device 100 to the client PC 101 and an overview of managing the power supply of the client PC 101 in conjunction therewith.

  First, the MFP 100 accepts a login from the user (1-1), and shifts the client PC 101 of the logged-in user to power saving (1-2).

  The MFP 100 receives a scan transmission instruction from the user (2-1), scans the document (2-2), restores the user's client PC 101 to save power (2-3), and scans the image file as a user. To the client PC 101 (2-4).

  The multi-function device 100 accepts logout from the user (3-1).

  The client PC 101 allows the user to use the image file received from the multifunction peripheral 100 (4-1).

  In this way, by shifting the power of the client PC 101 at the timing of login to the multifunction peripheral 100, the information processing system 1 that suppresses unnecessary power consumption can be realized.

  Further, by restoring the power saving of the client PC 101 when transmitting a file after scanning, the user can immediately operate the scanned image file when returning to his / her desk. Therefore, a system that achieves both power saving and user convenience can be realized.

  Next, detailed processing of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral control process of the information processing system 1, FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a login process of the information processing system 1, and FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a logout process of the information processing system 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process of the information processing system 1, FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a scan transmission process of the information processing system 1, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of asset information collection processing of the information processing system 1.

  First, the MFP control process of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the multifunction peripheral 100 performs power management of the client PC 101 in accordance with processing such as login, printing, scan transmission, and logout. This process is a flowchart including the processes of FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11, and describes an outline from when the user logs in to the multifunction peripheral 100, executes some process, and logs out. Details of each process will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the multifunction peripheral 100 waits for a login from the user (step S100). When receiving the login event (step S101), the multifunction peripheral 100 performs the login process shown in FIG. 8 (step S102). Examples of login events include when the IC card is held over the card reader 3040 on the card authentication screen 1000, or when the user name, password, and login destination are determined on the keyboard authentication screen 1100 and the login button 1101 is pressed. There is. In addition, the case where biometric authentication such as finger vein authentication is performed is also applicable.

  Although the details of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described later, depending on the login conditions, the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts the power of the client PC 101 (step S103).

  The multi-function device 100 determines the processing function (step S104) (function determination). This process is a process for determining what function is executed by the user and whether the executed function is a function that cannot be executed unless the client PC 101 is returned from the power saving mode. Specifically, when the scan button 1310 is pressed on the scan transmission screen 1300, it is determined that the scan transmission function has been executed. Further, when the print button 1401 is pressed on the print screen 1400, it is determined that the print function has been executed.

  If the result of determination in step S104 is that the executed process is printing, the multi-function device 100 performs the printing process shown in FIG. 10 (step S105).

  As a result of the determination in step S104, if the executed process is scan transmission, the multi-function device 100 performs the scan transmission process shown in FIG. 11 (step S106). Although details will be described later, depending on the scan transmission conditions, the multifunction peripheral 100 restores the client PC 101 from power saving (step S107).

  The multi-function device 100 determines whether a logout event has been detected (step S108). If the multifunction peripheral 100 does not detect a logout event, it performs the processing function determination shown in step S104 again. Examples of detecting a logout event include a case where a logout key is pressed, or a case where auto logout is performed after a certain period of time. That is, step S108 is processing for acquiring a logout event (acquisition of logout event).

  When receiving the logout event, the multi-function device 100 performs logout processing shown in FIG. 9 (step S109). Although details will be described later, depending on the logout condition, the MFP 100 shuts down the client PC (step S110).

  Next, a login process of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the multifunction peripheral 100 accepts a login from the user and shifts the user's client PC 101 to power saving. This process is a subroutine called from the MFP control process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the multi-function device 100 detects the IC card held over the card reader 3040 and reads the card ID (step S200).

  The multi-function device 100 searches for information that matches the card ID 921 read from the user information 920 (step S201), and determines whether the corresponding user information 920 has been found (step S202). That is, step S201 is a process of acquiring user information 920 (user identification information acquisition). In the present embodiment, the user information 920 is acquired from the HDD 3004 of the multifunction peripheral 100, but the user information 920 may be acquired from an authentication server (not shown).

  If the corresponding user information 920 is not found as a result of the determination in step S202, the multi-function device 100 displays an error dialog 1200 on the operation unit 3030 and notifies the user of an authentication error (step S203).

  If the corresponding user information 920 is found as a result of the determination in step S202, the multi-function device 100 transmits a device information request to the asset management server 102 (step S204). Note that the asset management server 102 communicating here is determined based on the information of the asset management server 102 and the asset management server port 902 included in the preset multifunction device setting 900.

  The asset management server 102 receives a device information request from the multifunction device 100 (step S205), retrieves device information (step S206), and returns the retrieval result to the multifunction device 100 (step S207). The device information request includes the user name 922 of the user information 920 searched in step S201, and the asset management server 102 searches for device information 940 having a user name that matches the user name 922.

  The multi-function device 100 receives the device information 940 from the asset management server 102 (step S208). That is, the client PC 101 (information processing apparatus) corresponding to the user information 920 (user identification information) is specified by the processing in steps S204 to S208 (information processing apparatus specification).

  Login processing to the multifunction device 100 is performed (step S209). Specifically, the login processing sets the searched user information 920 as login user information of the multifunction peripheral 100 or switches the screen of the operation unit 3030 to the scan transmission screen 1300 or the print screen 1400 so that the user can This is processing for making the multifunction device 100 available.

  The multi-function device 100 checks the print acceptance status 924 included in the user information 920 and determines whether the print acceptance status 924 is <accepting> (step S210) (reception determination).

  If the result of determination in step S210 is that the print acceptance status 924 is <accepting>, the multi-function device 100 repeats the determination in step S210 and waits until <not accepted>. Note that if the client PC 101 is shifted to power saving while a print job is being input from the user's client PC 101, the print job transmission may be interrupted. Therefore, it is determined here whether or not a print job is being transmitted, and power saving is not performed during the print job transmission.

  As a result of the determination in step S210, if the print acceptance status 924 is not <accepting>, the multifunction peripheral 100 issues a power saving transition instruction (power saving transition request) to the client PC 101 of the login user (step S211). In step S211, that is, when it is determined that a print job (print data) is not being received, a power saving shift instruction is issued, and according to the completion of reception of the print job (print data), a power saving shift instruction (power saving shift request) I do.

  The power saving transition instruction (power saving transition request) in step S211 is a command that is installed in the client PC 101 and issues a command to a power management application that can communicate with the multifunction peripheral 100. In accordance with this command, the power management application Using the operating system (OS) API of the client PC 101, the CPU 2001 inputs a command for shifting to the power saving mode to the OS (power saving shift input).

  The communication destination client PC 101 here determines based on the IP address 942 included in the device information 940 acquired in step S208, and issues a power saving shift instruction according to this IP address (power saving shift request transmission). .

  The client PC 101 receives a power saving transition instruction from the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S212) (receives a power saving transition request), and shifts to power saving (step S213) (power saving transition input). With this series of processing, when the user is operating the multifunction peripheral 100 away from the client PC 101, the client PC 101 can be automatically shifted to power saving. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the client PC 101 when the user is away.

  Next, logout processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, the multi-function device 100 accepts a logout event and shuts down the client PC 101 according to the conditions. This process is a subroutine called from the MFP control process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the multi-function device 100 displays a shutdown confirmation dialog 1500 on the operation unit 3030 (step S300), and determines whether or not the button has been pressed (step S301).

  If no button is pressed as a result of the determination in step S301, the multi-function device 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S302).

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed as a result of the determination in step S302, the multi-function device 100 determines whether the button has been pressed again.

  If the predetermined time has passed as a result of the determination in step S302, the multifunction peripheral 100 performs logout processing (step S304). Specifically, the login user information is deleted, and an authentication screen such as a card authentication screen 1000 or a keyboard authentication screen 1100 is displayed on the operation unit 3030.

  If any button is pressed in the shutdown confirmation dialog 1500 as a result of the determination in step S301, the multifunction peripheral 100 determines which button has been pressed (step S303).

  If the result of determination in step S303 is that the button pressed in the shutdown confirmation dialog 1500 is a shutdown “no” button 1501, the multifunction peripheral 100 performs the logout process described above (step S304).

  Through this series of processes (steps S300 to S304), the multifunction peripheral 100 can identify the user in the same way as a general logout, whether the user has instructed not to shut down or when no instruction has been given and a predetermined time has elapsed. You can log out.

  If the result of determination in step S303 is that the button pressed in the shutdown confirmation dialog 1500 is a shutdown “perform” button 1502, the multifunction peripheral 100 performs the logout process described above (step S305). Since this process is the same as that in step S304, description thereof is omitted.

  The multifunction device 100 issues a shutdown instruction to the client PC 101 (step S306). The shutdown instruction is processing for transmitting a power control request for powering off the client PC to the power management application of the client PC 101 (power control request transmission).

  Note that the communication destination client PC 101 here decides based on the IP address 942 included in the device information 940 acquired in step S208, and transmits a power control request to the client PC 101, as in the login process. . The client PC 101 is the client PC 101 that has instructed the power saving transition in step S211.

  The client PC 101 receives a shutdown instruction (power control request) from the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S307) (power control request reception). Then, a shutdown process is performed (step S308). The shutdown process is a process in which the power management application uses the API to instruct the OS to turn off the power (power instruction).

  Specifically, all applications running on the client PC 101 are terminated and the power is turned off.

  With this series of processing (steps S305 to S308), the user can shut down his / her PC when logging out of the multifunction device 100.

  For example, it is used when you want to go to a meeting immediately after printing meeting materials, or when you want to go out immediately after printing customer meeting materials. Conventionally, after issuing a print instruction on the user's PC, the user had to go to the multifunction peripheral 100 to log in and print, and then returned to his / her desk again and shut down the PC. When the meeting time was approaching, it went to the meeting without turning on the power without shutting down, and wasted power. In addition, when the user visit time is approaching, the user may be late by returning to his seat or operating the PC to shut down.

  In addition, there is a method in which after printing on the multifunction peripheral 100 with a PC, the PC is shut down and then left to perform printing with the multifunction peripheral 100. In this case, if the printed matter does not have a desired appearance (printing in monochrome). If the material to be printed is printed in color, or the material to be printed on both sides is printed on one side), the PC must be restarted and reprinted. It will take.

With the method presented here, it is possible to reduce power consumption and time by shutting down the PC on the spot without returning to the user's seat after printing with a multifunction machine and checking the printed matter.

  Next, the printing process of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the multi-function device 100 receives a print instruction from the user and outputs a designated printed matter. This process is a subroutine called from the MFP control process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the multi-function device 100 acquires the print job selected on the print screen 1400 (step S400). The print job list displayed on this screen is a list of print jobs submitted from the client PC 101 in a print job submission process (FIG. 12), which will be described later, and the user information 920 of the user who has logged into the multifunction peripheral. The print job 930 whose name matches the user name included in the bibliographic information 931 of the print job 930 is displayed.

  The multi-function device 100 determines whether or not all the selected print jobs 930 have been executed (step S401), and if there is an unexecuted print job 930, it performs printing sequentially (step S402). Specifically, the MFP 100 analyzes the PDL 932 in the print job 930, creates intermediate data of the drawing object, creates a bitmap image based on the intermediate data, and uses a known printing technique. To print on media such as paper.

  Next, the scan transmission process of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the MFP 100 is a subroutine called from the MFP control process shown in FIG. 7.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the multi-function device 100 reads a document set on a document table by a user (step S500), and uses the read image data as a file format set in a file format selection list 1302 on the scan transmission screen 1300. (Step S501), it is determined whether or not the destination information input in the destination field 1303 is the login user's PC (step S502). Specifically, the IP address 942 included in the device information 940 acquired in step S208 is compared with the transmission destination information input in the transmission destination field 1303 to determine whether the PC is the logged-in user. In the transmission destination field 1303, a directory name is input using a delimiter following the IP address of the machine (192.168.0.1 \ share). In this case, if the head IP address is equal to the IP address 942 included in the device information 940, the transmission destination can be determined to be the PC of the login user. Alternatively, in the transmission destination field 1303, a directory name may be input using a delimiter after the machine name (ACM0949940 \ share). In this case, the IP address (192.168.0.1) is resolved from the machine name (ACM094940) using a protocol such as NetBIOS or DNS (Domain Name System), and the IP address included in the device information 940 If it is equal to the address 942, it can be determined that the destination is the PC of the logged-in user.

  If the result of the determination in step S502 is that the transmission destination is the PC of the logged-in user, the multi-function device 100 issues a power saving return instruction (power saving return request) to the client PC 101 (step S503). Note that the communication destination client PC 101 here decides on the basis of the IP address 942 included in the device information 940 acquired in step S208 in the same manner as in the login process, and from the power saving mode according to this IP address. A command (power saving return request) for changing to the normal mode (a mode in which the user can use the client PC 101) is transmitted (power saving return request transmission).

  The client PC 101 receives a power saving return instruction from the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S504) (reception of power saving return request) and returns to power saving (step S505) (return input). As for the power saving return, similar to the transition to the power saving mode, the power management application inputs a return to the OS using the API.

  When the power saving return is completed, the client PC 101 notifies the MFP of the power saving completion (step S506).

  The multi-function device 100 accepts completion of power saving return from the client PC 101 (step S507).

  If it is determined in step S502 that the destination is not the login user's PC, or if power saving return completion is received from the login user's PC in step S507, the MFP 100 converts the image file converted in step S501. Is transmitted to the client PC 101 (step S508). Specifically, the file is transmitted to the directory of the PC indicated by the transmission destination input in the transmission destination field 1303.

  The client PC 101 receives a file from the multifunction machine (step S509).

  The reason for branching whether or not to issue a power saving return instruction in the determination result in step S502 is that the user's file transmission application is taken into consideration.

  For example, when a user transmits a scanned image to his / her PC, it is often the case that the user returns to his / her seat after the transmission to work. When the user logs in to the multifunction machine, the user's client PC 101 is shifted to the power saving mode (step S211). Therefore, if the user does not return to the power saving mode, the user must perform the power saving return operation when the user returns to his / her seat. It takes a lot of work. Therefore, by automatically performing power saving recovery at the timing when the transmission processing close to the timing at which the user returns to his / her seat, the power consumption of the client PC 101 during the period from login to scan transmission to scan transmission is suppressed, and the user's Convenience can be improved.

  In addition, when an image scanned by the user is transmitted, the image may be transmitted to a shared server such as a file server instead of the user's own PC. Since the shared server is always used by various users, it does not cooperate with the multifunction peripheral 100 for power management. Therefore, when the transmission destination is not the login user's PC, the power saving return instruction is not performed.

  Here, the PC is restored to the power saving state before the file transmission (step S503), but the power saving restoration may not be performed at this timing. For example, referring to the process outline diagram of FIG. 6, the PC may return to power saving at the timing after 3-1.

  Various modes such as a display OFF mode, a sleep mode, a standby mode, and a hibernation mode are prepared as power saving modes of the PC. The power consumption and the activated application differ depending on each mode. For example, in the standby mode or the like, the state of the memory is once written in the HDD, all applications other than power management are stopped, and the state close to the time of shutdown is realized, thereby realizing the power consumption being suppressed to the limit. On the other hand, in the display OFF mode or the like, all applications are activated and power consumption cannot be suppressed so much, but convenience is improved.

  In the case where the power saving mode of the client PC 101 indicates the standby mode, the file reception application is stopped, so that the file transmission from the multifunction device 100 cannot be accepted. In the present embodiment, in consideration of such a situation, power saving recovery is performed before file transmission.

  On the other hand, if the power saving mode of the client PC 101 is the display OFF mode, there is no need to perform the power saving return before the file transmission, and as described above, the timing after 3-1 in the processing outline diagram of FIG. The power may be restored for the PC.

  Next, referring to FIG. 12, a print job input of the information processing system 1 will be described.

  In FIG. 12, the multifunction peripheral 100 receives a print job from the client PC 101 and stores it in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the client PC 101 generates image data using an application, converts the image data into PDL 932 using a printer driver, and adds print settings and user information to the PDL 932 as bibliographic information 931. A print job 930 is generated (step S600).

  The client PC 101 inputs a print job 930 to the multifunction peripheral 100 using a printer driver using a print protocol such as LPR or RAW (step S601).

  The multi-function device 100 starts accepting the print job 930 from the client PC 101 (step S602) (reception of print data), and receives and analyzes the bibliographic information 931 (step S603).

  The multi-function device 100 updates the print acceptance status of the user information 920 to <accepting> (step S604). Specifically, the bibliographic information 931 analyzed in step S603 includes a user name, the user information 920 that matches the user name is searched, and the print acceptance status 924 of the found user information 920 is updated. As a result, it is possible to know whether or not the user's job is being accepted when the user logs in to the multifunction peripheral 100 in step S210.

  The multi-function device 100 receives the PDL 932 of the print job 930 (step S605), and when the reception ends, changes the print acceptance status 924 to <no acceptance> (step S606).

  The print job 930 is composed of bibliographic information 931 and PDL 932. Generally, the bibliographic information 931 is composed of user information and print setting information, and is information of several Kbytes. On the other hand, the PDL 932 is data in which image data is described in a format that can be read by the multifunction peripheral 100, and is often data of several tens of Mbytes. Accordingly, the bibliographic information 931 is accepted immediately, but since the PDL 932 takes time to accept, the print job 930 reception time is substantially equal to the time to accept the PDL 932. Therefore, by updating the print acceptance status 924 when the bibliographic information 931 is accepted, it is possible to detect when the print job 930 is being accepted.

  Next, asset information collection processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the multifunction peripheral 100 collects information of the client PC 101 existing in the LAN 110 and transmits it to the asset management server 102. This process is a process periodically performed while the multifunction peripheral 100 is activated.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the multi-function device 100 generates a device information list (step S700). The device information list is a list including one or a plurality of device information 940 (management information). This list is managed on the RAM 3002 of the MFP 100, and is information that the MFP 100 temporarily stores.

  The multi-function device 100 sequentially sends packets to all IP addresses in the LAN 110 and collects device information 940. The multi-function device 100 determines whether all IP addresses have been searched (step S701).

  If the result of determination in step S701 is that all IP addresses in the network have not been searched, the multi-function device 100 acquires the next IP address (step S702) and tries to access that IP address (step S703). Since there are almost no cases where all IP addresses are used and there are mostly free IP addresses, if the acquired IP address cannot be accessed, the next IP address is accessed.

  If access is possible as a result of the determination in step S703, the multi-function device 100 transmits a device information 940 acquisition request of the terminal to the client PC 101 (step S704).

  The client PC 101 receives a device information acquisition request from the multifunction device 100 (step S705), collects device information 940 (step S706), and returns a device information acquisition result to the multifunction device 100 (step S707).

The client PC 101 collects, as device information 940, a MAC address 941, an IP address 942, and a user name 943 managed on the client PC 101.

  The multi-function device 100 accepts the device information acquisition result from the client PC 101 (step S708), and updates the device information list (step S709). Note that the processing in step S708 is processing for collecting device information acquisition results (management information).

  If it is determined in step S701 that all IP addresses in the network address have been accessed, the multifunction peripheral 100 transmits a device information list (management information) to the asset management server 102 (step S710) (management information). output). The asset management server 102 to be accessed here is determined based on the asset management server 102 and the asset management server port 902 of the MFP setting 900.

  The asset management server 102 receives the device information list from the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S711) (management information reception), and updates the device information 940 (step S712). As a result, the asset management server 102 can manage the IP address 942 and the user name 943 of the client PC 101 arranged on the LAN 110. Therefore, the multifunction peripheral 100 can allocate the client PC 101 of the login user by cooperating with the asset management server 102.

  When the update of the device information 940 is completed, the asset management server 102 transmits an update completion notification to the multi-function device 100 (step S713).

  The multi-function device 100 receives an update completion notification from the asset management server 102 (step S714), and deletes the device information list (step S715).

  In the present embodiment, the asset management server 102 is configured separately from the multifunction device 100, and the device information list (management information) is transmitted from the multifunction device 100 to the asset management server 102. It is also possible to output the device information list (management information) to the HDD 3004 of the multi-function device 100 and manage it by the multi-function device 100 with the same body 102.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the client PC 101 (information processing apparatus) used by the user who has logged into the multifunction peripheral 100 (image forming apparatus) is specified, and the client PC 101 is set to the power saving mode. It is possible to reduce power.

  In addition, processing errors in the image forming apparatus can be prevented by appropriately shifting the client PC 101 to the power saving mode / returning from the power saving mode according to the processing executed by the multifunction peripheral 100.

In other words, when the user logs in to the multifunction device, the multifunction device shifts the user's client PC to the power saving mode (for example, the sleep state), thereby suppressing the power consumption of the client PC while the user is not using it. Can do.

  Further, when the user performs an operation such as scan transmission with the multifunction device, the multifunction device returns the user's client PC from the power saving mode (for example, the sleep state), so that the user can enter the power saving mode or the power saving mode. The power of the client PC can be saved without being conscious of the return from normal (return to normal mode).

  Furthermore, according to the functions and processing contents that the user has operated on the multifunction device, the multifunction device determines whether or not the client PC returns from the power saving mode, thereby improving user convenience and realizing power saving. can do.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 13, and the storage medium according to the present invention is a program that allows the computer to execute the processing methods of FIGS. Is remembered. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIGS.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 MFP 101 Client PC
102 Asset management server 110 LAN
2001 CPU
2002 RAM
2010 CRT
2011 External memory 3001 CPU
3002 RAM
3004 HDD
3030 Operation unit 3040 Card reader

Claims (15)

An information processing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can log in by user authentication,
The image forming apparatus includes:
User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information for login in the image forming apparatus ;
By logging into the image forming apparatus, using the logged-in user, in order to identify the information processing apparatus the user leaves that logged, and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus corresponding to the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit is identified according to management information including at least identification information of a user who uses the user identification information and the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit Information processing device specifying means for
The information processing apparatus identified by the information processing device specifying unit, the operation mode of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus so that the user to suppress mode used by the user from the available modes, mode A mode transition request transmitting means for transmitting a transition request;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A mode transition request receiving means for receiving the mode transition request from the image forming apparatus;
An information processing system comprising: a transition unit that shifts the information processing apparatus to a mode that suppresses user use according to the mode transition request received by the mode transition request receiving unit. The image forming apparatus includes:
The information processing apparatus further includes a collection unit that collects management information associated with user identification information of a user who uses the information processing apparatus and device identification information for specifying the information processing apparatus ,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus specifying unit specifies an information processing apparatus used by a user who logs in to the image forming apparatus, according to management information collected by the collecting unit. The information processing system further includes a management device that manages the management information,
The image forming apparatus includes:
The management information collected in the previous SL collection means further comprises a management information output means for outputting to the management device,
The management device
The information processing system according to claim 2 , further comprising management information receiving means for receiving management information from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
Print data receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus;
Receiving determination means for determining whether the print data receiving means is receiving print data from the information processing apparatus specified by the information processing apparatus specifying means;
The mode transition request transmitting means transmits a mode transition request to the information processing apparatus specified by the information processing apparatus specifying means when the reception determining means determines that print data is not being received. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The mode transition request transmitting unit, when the reception determining unit determines that the print data is being received, in response to the completion of reception of the print data, for the information processing device specified by the information processing device specifying unit The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein a mode transition request is transmitted. The image forming apparatus includes:
A function determination unit that determines whether the function instructed by the user is a function that should restore the information processing apparatus from a mode that suppresses the use of the user to a mode that the user can use;
When it is determined by the function determining means that the function should be returned from the mode that suppresses the use of the user to the mode that can be used by the user, the information processing apparatus specified by the information processing apparatus specifying means A mode return request transmitting means for transmitting a mode return request for returning to a mode usable by the user from a mode that suppresses the use of
The information processing apparatus includes:
A mode return request receiving means for receiving a mode return request from the image forming apparatus;
According to the mode return request received by the mode return request receiving unit, an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 users and further comprising a return means for returning the mode available . The function to be returned to the mode available to the user is a transmission function for transmitting a file,
The mode return request transmission means sends a mode to the information processing apparatus before transmitting the file when the information processing apparatus to which the file is transmitted is an information processing apparatus corresponding to the user identification information. The information processing system according to claim 6 , wherein a return request is transmitted. The image forming apparatus includes:
Logout event acquisition means for acquiring a logout event for logging out from the image forming apparatus;
A power control request transmitting means for transmitting a power control request for turning off the power of the information processing apparatus specified by the information processing apparatus specifying means according to the logout event acquired by the logout event acquiring means;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Power control request receiving means for receiving a power control request from the image forming apparatus;
According to the power control request received by the power control request receiving means, to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a power instruction unit that instructs to turn off of the information processing apparatus The information processing system described.   The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the mode for suppressing the use of the user is a power saving mode. The information processing system according to claim 3 , wherein the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus are the same casing. An image forming apparatus capable of logging in by user authentication capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus,
User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information for login in the image forming apparatus ;
By logging into the image forming apparatus, using the logged-in user, in order to identify the information processing apparatus the user leaves that logged, and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus corresponding to the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit is identified according to management information including at least identification information of a user who uses the user identification information and the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit Information processing device specifying means for
The information processing apparatus identified by the information processing device specifying unit, the operation mode of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus so that the user to suppress mode used by the user from the available modes, mode An image forming apparatus comprising: a mode transition request transmission unit that transmits a transition request. A processing method of an information processing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can log in by user authentication,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A user identification information acquisition step for acquiring user identification information for login in the image forming apparatus ;
By logging into the image forming apparatus, using the logged-in user, in order to identify the information processing apparatus the user leaves that logged, and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus An information processing device corresponding to the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step is identified according to management information including at least the identification information of the user using the user identification information and the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step An information processing device specifying step,
The information processing apparatus identified by the information processing device specifying step, the operation mode of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus so that the user to suppress mode used by the user from the available modes, mode A mode transition request sending step for sending a transition request;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A mode transition request receiving step for receiving the mode transition request from the image forming apparatus;
And a transition step of transitioning the information processing apparatus to a mode for suppressing user use according to the mode transition request received in the mode transition request receiving step. An image forming apparatus processing method capable of logging in by user authentication capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A user identification information acquisition step for acquiring user identification information for login in the image forming apparatus ;
By logging into the image forming apparatus, using the logged-in user, in order to identify the information processing apparatus the user leaves that logged, and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus An information processing device corresponding to the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step is identified according to management information including at least the identification information of the user using the user identification information and the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step An information processing device specifying step,
The information processing apparatus identified by the information processing device specifying step, the operation mode of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus so that the user to suppress mode used by the user from the available modes, mode A mode transition request transmission step of transmitting a transition request is executed. A program that can be executed by an information processing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can log in by user authentication,
The image forming apparatus;
User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information for login in the image forming apparatus ;
By logging into the image forming apparatus, using the logged-in user, in order to identify the information processing apparatus the user leaves that logged, and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus corresponding to the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit is identified according to management information including at least identification information of a user who uses the user identification information and the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit Information processing device specifying means for
The information processing apparatus identified by the information processing device specifying unit, the operation mode of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus so that the user to suppress mode used by the user from the available modes, mode Function as a mode transition request transmission means for transmitting a transition request,
The information processing apparatus;
A mode transition request receiving means for receiving the mode transition request from the image forming apparatus;
According to a mode transition request received by the mode transition request receiving means, the program causes the information processing apparatus to function as a transition means for shifting to a mode that suppresses the use of the user. A program that can be executed by an image forming apparatus that can log in by user authentication that can communicate with an information processing apparatus,
The image forming apparatus;
User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information for login in the image forming apparatus ;
By logging into the image forming apparatus, using the logged-in user, in order to identify the information processing apparatus the user leaves that logged, and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus corresponding to the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit is identified according to management information including at least identification information of a user who uses the user identification information and the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition unit Information processing device specifying means for
The information processing apparatus identified by the information processing device specifying unit, the operation mode of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus so that the user to suppress mode used by the user from the available modes, mode A program that functions as a mode transition request transmission unit that transmits a transition request.

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