JP5899991B2 - Image forming apparatus, job instruction apparatus, job processing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a job instruction apparatus, a job processing system , and a program , and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that processes a job, a job instruction apparatus that instructs a job to the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a job instruction apparatus. The present invention relates to a job processing system and a program including the same.

  In a system in which a job is instructed from an external device to an image forming apparatus such as a multi function peripheral (MFP), the function to be used can be set by accessing the image forming apparatus. At this time, if a plurality of users access the image forming apparatus, settings related to the function may be changed separately by the plurality of users, and the job may be processed with unintended settings. Although it is possible to control to allow only one user to log in to this problem and prohibit access from other users, in this method, until the job processing of the logged-in user ends. Other users cannot perform job processing, which is inconvenient.

  From such a background, various proposals have been made regarding control when a plurality of users access. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on an input print job. Even when a predetermined user is logged in to the image forming apparatus, an input unit capable of inputting user information from a user different from the predetermined user, and the user information is input by the input unit A configuration is disclosed that includes pre-processing means for performing pre-processing without image formation among predetermined processing related to a user while the predetermined user logs in the image forming apparatus.

  Patent Document 2 below includes a display unit that displays various information, an operation panel including operation keys that can be operated by the user, and user information input in response to an authentication request from the user in advance. User authentication means for performing authentication processing by collating with registered information, and when the user authentication in the user authentication means is successful, the user is set in a login state and a display screen relating to a function operable by the user is displayed. Control means to be displayed on the means, and when the first user is in the login state, when the second user different from the first user makes an authentication request, the first user is operating. A configuration is disclosed in which the login of the second user is permitted or not permitted depending on the level of security of the function.

JP 2007-105937 A JP 2010-002951 A

  In recent years, with the widespread use of mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals, various applications have been provided, and for printing, applications having the role of an operation unit of an image forming apparatus are also provided. When a job is instructed to the image forming apparatus by remote control using this application, it is required that a plurality of users can simultaneously access and instruct a job from a plurality of portable terminals. When the setting related to the function of the image forming apparatus is performed, as described above, the problem that the job is processed with an unintended setting appears remarkably.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent job processing with unintended settings even when a plurality of users access simultaneously. And a job instruction apparatus, a job processing system , and a program .

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a job processing unit that controls processing of a job that uses a function in an image forming apparatus that has a plurality of functions and that is capable of operating settings related to the function from the outside. When the job processing unit recognizes a setting change operation related to one or more functions by the first user accessing from the outside, the one or more functions instructed by the second user accessing from the outside The screen for prohibiting the start of a job that uses any of the functions included in the screen and operating the setting related to the function has a hierarchical structure, and the job processing unit is configured by the first user, A screen transition to a lower level where settings related to one or more functions can be changed is recognized as an operation for changing the settings .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a job instruction apparatus that instructs a job processing that uses one or more functions to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions and capable of operating settings related to the functions from the outside. A job instruction unit that controls an instruction, and the job instruction unit includes one or more functions performed by another user who accesses the image forming apparatus from another apparatus based on information notified from the image forming apparatus. When a setting change operation related to the function is recognized, a job for using any of the functions included in the one or more functions is prohibited, and a screen for operating the setting related to the function has a hierarchical structure. And the job instruction unit performs a screen transition to a lower level where the setting related to the one or more functions can be changed by the other user based on information notified from the image forming apparatus. Once identified, is to prohibit the own device, the screen transition to below the hierarchy.

The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, a first apparatus capable of operating settings related to the functions, and a second apparatus that instructs processing of a job that uses one or more functions. In the job processing system connected to the network, when the first apparatus performs a setting change operation related to one or more functions, the first apparatus notifies the image forming apparatus of operation information, and the image forming apparatus When a setting change operation related to the one or more functions is recognized based on the operation information, a job that uses any one of the functions included in the one or more functions is started on the second device. And the second device prohibits an instruction of a job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions based on the notified information and relates to the function. Operate the setting to The screen has a hierarchical structure, and the image forming apparatus uses, as the change operation of the setting, the screen transition to the lower layer where the setting related to the one or more functions can be changed in the first apparatus. Recognize .

  According to the image forming apparatus, the job instruction apparatus, and the job processing system of the present invention, job processing with unintended settings can be prevented even when a plurality of users access simultaneously.

  The reason is that the image forming apparatus (job instruction apparatus) is included in the one or more functions designated by the second user when the first user recognizes a setting change operation related to the one or more functions. This is because control is performed to prohibit the start (instruction) of a job that uses any of the functions and to permit the start (instruction) of a job that uses a function that is not included in one or more functions.

  In addition, when a screen for setting a function has a hierarchical structure, a screen transition to a lower level where a setting related to one or more functions can be changed by the first user is a change operation for the setting. And prohibiting the start (instruction) of a job that uses one of the functions included in one or more functions, prohibiting a second user from moving down the screen, or starting a job This is because control is performed to notify that (instruction) is prohibited or that screen transition to the lower level is prohibited.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a job processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller and a user terminal of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on the user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the user terminal (user terminal which performs the setting change of a function) which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the user terminal (user terminal which directs a job) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the user terminal (user terminal which directs a job) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on the user terminal (user terminal which performs the setting change of a function) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on the user terminal (user terminal which instruct | indicates a job) concerning one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on the user terminal (user terminal which instruct | indicates a job) concerning one Example of this invention.

  As shown in the background art, an application for operating an image forming apparatus is provided for portable terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals in recent years. It is in the situation to access. In this case, if a plurality of users can freely change the function setting of the image forming apparatus, there arises a problem that the job is processed with an unintended setting.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in a system including a user terminal such as a mobile terminal or a computer device on a network, and an image forming apparatus capable of performing a function setting operation and a job instruction by the user terminal, When the first user recognizes a setting change operation related to one or more functions, the second user instructs to prohibit the start of a job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions. Control is made to permit the start of a job that uses a function not included in one or more functions.

  Also, the setting screen hierarchy is divided for each function such as copy / scan / fax / data storage / common function, and a screen transition to a lower level where a user can change settings related to one or more functions. If it is done, it may be recognized as a change operation of the setting and control to prohibit / permit the start of the job, screen transition by other users below the above hierarchy, or the setting may be changed That the start of a job that affects the setting is prohibited, and the transition to a screen for changing the setting is prohibited.

  In this way, job processing with an unintended setting is performed by controlling the start of a job based on whether or not the job uses a function whose setting has been changed while limiting the users who change the setting of the function. It is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus from being occupied by the user who changes the function setting.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, an image forming apparatus, a job instruction apparatus, and a job processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a job processing system according to the present exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a controller and a user terminal of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on a terminal. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user terminal (user terminal for changing settings) of the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user terminal (user terminal that instructs a job) of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on the user terminal (user terminal for changing settings) of the present embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the user of the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on a terminal (user terminal which directs a job).

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the job processing system according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 such as an MFP that processes a job that uses functions such as copying, faxing, scanning, and data storage. And a user terminal 30 (in this embodiment, user terminals 30a to 30d) as job instruction devices for instructing processing, which are networked by a wireless LAN such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or Wi-Fi. 40. The functions of the image forming apparatus 10 and job instructions can be set by an application installed in advance in the user terminal 30 and serving as the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 10. Hereinafter, the specific configuration of each apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

[Image forming apparatus]
FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The controller includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13a, a nonvolatile RAM 13b, a motor driver 14, an IR (Image Reader) / ADF (Auto Document Feeder) motor 15, a display. Operation unit 16, CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) 17, USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 18, NIC (Network Interface Card) 19, image processing chip 20, image processing RAM 21, print engine 22, TEL response module 23, modem 24, a public line interface module 25, and the like.

  A control unit is configured by the CPU 11 and memories such as the ROM 12, the RAM 13a, and the nonvolatile RAM 13b. After copying the control program stored in the ROM 12 to the RAM 13a, the CPU 11 performs overall control for each function such as a copy function, a fax function, a scan function, and a data storage function in accordance with the control program on the RAM 13a. The ROM 12 stores the control program and the like. The RAM 13a is used as a temporary storage location for screen data and various calculated values displayed on the display / operation unit 16 in addition to the control program. Further, when it is necessary to store these data even when the image forming apparatus 10 is powered off, the data is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 13b.

  Further, the control unit determines which function is set by the user terminal 30 based on the operation information notified from the user terminal 30 (which hierarchy setting screen is operated), and changes the setting. The start of a job that uses a function that is affected by the setting is prohibited, the start of a job that uses a function that is not affected by a change in setting is permitted, and information related to job start control is sent to other user terminals 30 It functions as a job processing unit that provides notification.

  The IR / ADF motor 15 is a motor that drives a reading device and an automatic document feeder. The motor driver 14 drives and controls the IR / ADF motor 15.

  The display / operation unit 16 includes a pressure-sensitive touch panel in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a lattice pattern on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, a hard key, and the like.

  The CCD 17 is installed in a reading device or an automatic document feeder of the image forming apparatus 10, scans the document, detects reflected light of the document, photoelectrically converts the reflected light, and further converts the analog to digital to generate image data. To do. The USB interface 18 is an interface for connecting to a USB compatible device. The NIC 19 is an expansion card for connecting to the user terminal 30 or the like via a LAN, and receives operation information and job data transmitted from the user terminal 30, and information related to operation information and job start control. Is transmitted to other user terminals 30.

  The image processing chip 20 performs image processing such as scaling, image rotation, density adjustment, edge enhancement, smoothing, and binarization. The image processing RAM 21 temporarily stores image data output by the image processing chip 20 in the course of image processing, various calculated values, and the like. The print engine 22 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data stored in the image processing RAM 21.

  The telephone response module 23 performs a response when an incoming call is received. The modem 24 modulates a digital signal into an analog signal on a telephone line and converts it to the reverse to demodulate it. The public line interface module 25 is an interface for connecting to the public line network.

[User terminal]
FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the user terminals 30a to 30d according to the present embodiment. The user terminals 30a to 30d are portable terminals such as computer devices, smartphones, and tablet terminals, and include a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a display / operation unit 34, a NIC 35, and the like.

  A control unit is configured by the CPU 31 and a memory such as the ROM 32 or the RAM 33. After copying the control program stored in the ROM 32 to the RAM 33, the CPU 31 performs overall control according to the control program on the RAM 33. The ROM 32 stores the control program and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a temporary storage location for screen data and various calculated values displayed on the display / operation unit 34 in addition to the control program.

  In addition, the control unit acquires information about the functions provided in the image forming apparatus 10 by using an application installed in advance, and displays a setting screen for performing various function setting operations (preferably displayed in a hierarchical structure). It functions as a setting control unit that transmits operation information indicating which function is set (which layer screen is displayed) to the image forming apparatus 10. Also, the operation information of other user terminals 30 and information for controlling the start of the job are received from the image forming apparatus 10, and the instruction of the job that uses the function affected by the change of the setting is prohibited, or the setting is changed. That the instruction of the job that uses the function that is not affected by the setting is permitted, the setting of the function may be changed, the start of the job that uses the function that is affected by the change of setting is prohibited, It also functions as a job instructing unit that displays that the screen transition to the lower level where the setting has been changed is prohibited.

  The display / operation unit 34 includes a pressure-sensitive touch panel in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid on an LCD or an organic EL display, a hard key, and the like.

  The NIC 35 is an expansion card for connecting to the image forming apparatus 10 or the like via a LAN, and receives a notification from the image forming apparatus 10 or transmits operation information on a setting screen to the image forming apparatus 10. To do.

  3 is an example of a function setting screen displayed on the display / operation unit 34 of the user terminal 30 by an application installed in advance. FIG. 3A shows a function selection screen (HOME screen), FIG. (B) is a copy function detail setting screen displayed when the copy function is selected on the function selection screen.

  The user terminal 30 may display a setting screen having the same configuration as the setting screen displayed on the display / operation unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10, or the display / operation unit 34 of the user terminal 30. A setting screen that has been changed to a size and arrangement suitable for the display may be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the application installed in advance in the user terminal 30 acquires information related to the function of the image forming apparatus 10 and creates and displays a function setting screen reflecting the information. The forming apparatus 10 may function as a web server that provides a web service, and the user terminal 30 may access the image forming apparatus 10 using a web browser and display a function setting screen of the image forming apparatus 10.

  Hereinafter, an operation of the job processing system according to the present exemplary embodiment (an operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and the user terminal 30 when a certain user changes a function setting of the image forming apparatus 10 using the user terminal 30) will be described.

  First, the operation of the user terminal (here, the user terminal 30a) that changes the setting of the function of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that an application for remotely operating the image forming apparatus 10 is activated on the user terminal 30a. In addition, settings related to a plurality of functions are called non-volatile settings, and control when the non-volatile settings are changed will be described.

  The control unit of the user terminal 30a determines whether or not a login operation to the image forming apparatus 10 has been performed by the user (S101). If the login operation has been performed, login information such as a user ID and a password is stored in the image forming apparatus 10. And the authentication result performed by the image forming apparatus 10 based on the login information is received from the image forming apparatus 10 (S102).

  Next, the control unit determines whether or not the login to the image forming apparatus 10 has been successful based on the authentication result (S103). If the login has failed, the control unit returns to S101 and waits for the login operation. If the login is successful, the control unit (setting control unit) displays a function setting screen on the display / operation unit 34 and waits for setting operation on the setting screen (S104).

  When the setting operation is performed on the setting screen, the control unit (setting control unit) determines whether the non-volatile setting has been changed to a level below the screen that can be changed (the hierarchical structure of the setting screen will be described later) (S105). When entering the lower layer of the non-volatile setting change screen, the image forming apparatus 10 is notified of information specifying the non-volatile setting change screen being displayed (S106). When an operation for changing the non-volatile setting is performed on the screen (Yes in S107), operation information (non-volatile setting change information) on the setting screen is notified to the image forming apparatus 10 (S108). Thereafter, the control unit (setting control unit) determines whether or not the non-volatile setting change screen has been exited (S109), and if not exiting from the non-volatile setting change screen, returns to S107 and repeats the same processing, from the non-volatile setting change screen. If it is omitted, the operation information on the setting screen (information indicating that it has left the non-volatile setting change screen) is notified to the image forming apparatus 10 (S110).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S105 that the current mode is not below the non-volatile setting change screen, the control unit (setting control unit) notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of operation information on the setting screen (S110).

  Thereafter, the control unit determines whether the logged-in user has logged out (S112). If the logged-in user has not logged out, the control unit returns to S104 and repeats the same processing, and if logged out, notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of logout information. (S113), a series of processing ends.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a series of operations, which are separated for the sake of drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit of the image forming apparatus 10 performs login authentication based on login information (S102 in FIG. 4 and S302 in FIG. 6A described later) transmitted from the user terminal 30. This is performed (S201), and the login authentication result is notified to the operation source user terminal 30 (S202). As an authentication method, a method of confirming whether login information input by the user through the display / operation unit 16 and login information stored in the image forming apparatus 10 is the same is used, but an IC card is used. Authentication methods can be used. It is also possible to install an authentication server in the network 40 and perform user authentication with the authentication server.

  Next, the control unit receives the operation information notified from the user terminal 30 in S106, S108, S110, S111, S113 in FIG. 4 and S321 in FIG. 6B (to be described later), and functions according to the operation information. Settings are made (S203).

  Next, based on the operation information, the control unit (job processing unit) determines whether there is a user who is below the hierarchy of the non-volatile setting change screen (the user terminal displaying the setting screen below the non-volatile setting change screen) 30) (S204), and if there is a user who is in the hierarchy of the non-volatile setting change screen (there is a user terminal 30a), as shown in FIG. 5B, the non-volatile setting change screen It is determined whether or not the operation below the hierarchy is a reading area setting (S205).

  Since the setting of the reading area affects the functions of copy, fax, scan, and data storage (box), the control unit (job processing unit) can set copy, fax, scan, For data storage (box), job start is prohibited (S206), and if it is not a reading area setting, it is determined whether the operation below the non-volatile setting change screen is a transmission function setting (S207).

  Since the setting of the transmission function affects each function of fax, scan, and data storage (box), the control unit (job processing unit) can perform fax, scan, and data storage (box) if the transmission function is set. ) Is prohibited (S208), and if the transmission function is not set, it is determined whether the operation below the non-volatile setting change screen is a paper feed tray setting (S209).

  Since the setting of the paper feed tray affects each function of copy and data storage (box), the control unit (job processing unit) can perform copy and data storage (box) if the setting is a paper feed tray. The job start is prohibited (S210), and if the paper feed tray is not set, the job start of the target function is prohibited (S211), and the information specifying the function for which the job start is prohibited in S206, S208, S210, and S211 Is notified to other user terminals 30 (here, user terminals 30b to 30d) (S212). In S206, S208, S210, and S211, job start is prohibited. However, job editing may or may not be prohibited.

  Next, the control unit (job processing unit) determines whether the non-volatile setting has been changed (S213). If the non-volatile setting has been changed, the change information of the non-volatile setting is sent to another user terminal 30 (here, the user). The terminal 30b-30d) is notified (S214). Next, based on the operation information, the control unit (job processing unit) determines whether the user terminal 30 (here, the user terminal 30a) has left the non-volatile setting change screen (S215), and has not left the screen. In this case, the process returns to S213 and the same processing is repeated, and when the screen is exited, the other user terminal 30 (in this case, the user terminals 30b to 30d) indicates that there is no user under the non-volatile setting changeable screen hierarchy. (S216).

  Returning to FIG. 5A, the control unit (job processing unit) determines whether there is a job start instruction (S217). If there is no job start instruction, the control unit returns to S203 and repeats the same processing. If there is a job start instruction, the job is not prohibited from starting, and the job is started (S218).

  Next, operations of other user terminals 30 (here, user terminals 30b to 30d) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are diagrams showing a series of operations, which are separated for the convenience of drawing.

  The control units of the user terminals 30b to 30d determine whether or not a login operation has been performed on the image forming apparatus 10 by the user (S301). If the login operation has been performed, the control unit of the user terminal 30b to 30d The login information is notified, and the authentication result that the image forming apparatus 10 performs based on the login information is received from the image forming apparatus 10 (S302).

  Next, the control unit determines whether login to the image forming apparatus 10 is successful based on the authentication result (S303). If the login is unsuccessful, the process returns to S301 to wait for the login operation. Information related to the non-volatile setting (S214 and S216 in FIG. 5B) is received from the image forming apparatus 10 (S304).

  Next, the control unit (job instruction unit) determines whether the non-volatile setting has been changed based on the received information (S305). If the non-volatile setting has been changed, a screen indicating that the non-volatile setting has been changed is displayed. Displayed above (a display example will be described later), and notifies the user who operates the user terminal 30 (here, the user terminals 30b to 30d) (S306). Then, the control unit (job instruction unit) determines whether the setting operation has been performed on the setting screen (S307). If the setting operation has not been performed, the process returns to S304 to repeat the same processing.

  On the other hand, when the setting operation is performed, the control unit (job instruction unit) determines whether the job start of the copy job is prohibited (S308). The prohibition message is displayed on the screen to notify the user (S309). Next, the control unit (job instruction unit) determines whether the job start of the fax job is prohibited (S310). If the job is prohibited, the control unit (job instruction unit) indicates that the job start of the fax job is prohibited. To display to the user (S311). Moving to FIG. 6B, the control unit (job instruction unit) determines whether the job start of the scan job is prohibited (S312). If it is prohibited, the job start of the scan job is prohibited. Is displayed on the screen to notify the user (S313). Next, the control unit (job instructing unit) determines whether the job start of the data storage (Box) job is prohibited (S314). If it is prohibited, the job start of the data storage (Box) job is started. The prohibition message is displayed on the screen to notify the user (S315).

  Next, the control unit (job instruction unit) monitors the job start operation (S316). If the job start is operated, the control unit (job instruction unit) determines whether the job start of the target job is prohibited (S317). If the job start is prohibited, the target job is not started, and the process returns to S316 to monitor the job start operation.

  Next, the control unit (job instruction unit) determines whether it is below the utility screen hierarchy (to be described later) (whether the user is operating the setting screen below the utility screen hierarchy) (S318), and is below the utility screen hierarchy Determines whether there is a function for which job start is prohibited (S 319), and if there is a function for which job start is prohibited, displays on the screen that the non-volatile setting related to the target function cannot be changed and displays it to the user. Notification is made (S320).

  Thereafter, the control unit (job instruction unit) notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of operation information (S321), and determines whether the user has logged out (S322). If the user has not logged out, the process returns to S304 and the same processing is repeated. If the user has logged out, logout information is notified to the image forming apparatus 10 (S323), and the series of processing ends.

  Next, in the above flow, the user terminal 30a and the user when the user terminal 30a logs in to the image forming apparatus 10 (S101 to S103) and enters the setting screen of the hierarchy where the non-volatile setting can be changed (S104 to S105). Screen display of the terminals 30b to 30d will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a screen displayed on the user terminal 30a, and FIG. 7A is a HOME screen which is the highest screen after login. The HOME screen is provided with keys for selecting each function (such as copy / fax / scan / box) of the image forming apparatus 10 and utility keys for transitioning to a utility screen for setting each function. When the utility key is pressed on the HOME screen, the utility screen shown in FIG. 7B is displayed. This utility screen is provided with keys for selecting various setting items (system management settings / administrator settings / network settings / user settings / destination settings / consumables settings, etc.). When the key is pressed, a system management setting screen shown in FIG. 7C is displayed.

  In this system management setting screen, non-volatile settings related to a plurality of functions selected from copy, fax, scan, and data storage (box) are aggregated into common function settings, and other functions can be set for each function. It has become. When the copy management setting key is pressed on this system management setting screen, the copy management setting screen shown in FIG. 7D is displayed. When the common function setting key is pressed, the common function shown in FIG. The setting screen is displayed. In such a hierarchical screen configuration, the level below the non-volatile setting change screen in S105 in FIG. 4 indicates screens below the common function setting screen in FIG.

  In the common function setting screen, read area adjustment related to reading that affects all functions of copy, fax, scan, and data storage (box), and transmission that affects the function of fax, scan, and data storage (box). The transmission function setting and the paper feed tray setting relating to the paper feed tray that affects the copy and data storage (box) functions can be selected. By pressing any key, the one shown in FIG. The reading area adjustment screen, the transmission function setting screen in FIG. 7G, or the paper feed tray setting screen in FIG. 7H is displayed.

  At that time, the control unit (setting control unit) of the user terminal 30a displays the common function setting screen of FIG. 7E, the reading area adjustment screen of FIG. 7F, the transmission function setting screen of FIG. When the paper feed tray setting screen of 7 (h) is displayed, the image forming apparatus 10 is notified that the non-volatile setting change possible screen has been entered (see S106 in FIG. 4). If there is, the change information is notified to the image forming apparatus 10 (see S108 in FIG. 4).

  Upon receiving a notification from the user terminal 30a, the control unit (job processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 10 prohibits the job start of which function depending on which nonvolatile setting change screen hierarchy the user terminal 30a is displaying. (S204 in FIG. 5A, S205 to S211 in FIG. 5B), and notify the other user terminals 30b to 30d to that effect (S212 in FIG. 5B). If the setting is changed, a notification to that effect is sent (S214 in FIG. 5B).

  Upon receiving a notification from the image forming apparatus 10 (S304 in FIG. 6A), the control units (job instruction units) of the user terminals 30b to 30d display a message to that effect when the non-volatile setting is changed (FIG. 6). 6 (a) S308 to S311, FIG. 6 (b) S312 to S315). A display example at that time is shown in FIG. When job start is prohibited for a plurality of functions, the HOME screen in FIG. 8A displays that job start is prohibited for all functions, and is displayed at the bottom of the setting screen for specific functions (in this case, FIG. 8B). ) Copy setting screen), the start button cannot be pressed by graying out the start button or displaying an X mark or the like to prohibit the job start of the specific function.

  Note that the prohibition information for functions other than copying may be displayed on the screen of FIG. 8A and 8B show that job start is prohibited, but as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, information indicating which non-volatile setting has been changed ( Here, information indicating that the reading area adjustment has been changed may be displayed.

  Further, FIG. 8 shows a case where job start is prohibited on the individual function setting screen. However, if a plurality of users can change the setting at the same time, an unintended setting depending on the setting changed by other users is possible. There is a risk of job processing.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the user terminal 30a is under the non-volatile setting change screen, control is performed so that the other user terminals 30b to 30d cannot enter the same non-volatile setting screen. A display example in that case is shown in FIG. When the user terminal 30a is in the lower level of the common function setting screen in FIG. 7E, the control units (job instruction units) of the user terminals 30b to 30d are displayed on the utility screen in the upper level of the common function setting screen. When entering, as shown in FIG. 9A, it is displayed that the common function setting screen is being used by another user. In addition, when the system management setting key is pressed on the utility screen to enter the system management setting screen, as shown in FIG. 9B, the nonvolatile setting change screen (common function setting screen) cannot be entered. indicate. In addition, the key that makes a transition to the non-volatile setting change screen (common function setting screen) is grayed out, or an X mark is displayed, so that the transition to the non-volatile setting change screen (common function setting screen) is disabled.

  In the above flow and screen display examples, the case where the nonvolatile setting related to a plurality of functions is changed has been described, but the same applies to the case where the setting related to only one function is changed. In the above flow and screen display example, if another user instructs a job immediately before changing the setting, the job may be processed with an unintended setting. At other times (that is, before changing the settings), other users were prohibited from starting jobs, or other users were prohibited from changing to screens where settings could be changed, but the settings were actually changed The configuration may be such that the start of another user's job is prohibited later, or the transition to a screen that can be changed by another user is prohibited.

  As described above, when a user changes or may change the function setting of the image forming apparatus 10 by using the remote operation function, the function changed by another user is used. By controlling so that the job cannot be started, it is possible to prevent the job from being processed with unintended settings. In addition, when a user changes the function setting of the image forming apparatus 10 using a remote operation function, the job is set with an unintended setting by controlling so that the same setting cannot be changed by another user. Can be prevented from being processed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration and control of each device can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the job start cannot be performed on the user terminals 30b to 30d, but the job start can be instructed on the user terminals 30b to 30d, and the job is not accepted on the image forming apparatus 10 side. Or notify you of an error.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 10 is remotely operated has been described. However, the apparatus to be operated is not limited to the image forming apparatus 10 and has a plurality of functions, and the setting of the function is changed from the outside. The present invention can be similarly applied to any possible job processing apparatus.

  The present invention is applicable to a job processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus that processes a job, a job instruction apparatus that instructs a job to the job processing apparatus, and a job processing system that includes the job processing apparatus and the job instruction apparatus.

10 Image forming apparatus 11 CPU
12 ROM
13a RAM
13b Nonvolatile RAM
14 Motor Driver 15 IR / ADF Motor 16 Display / Operation Unit 17 CCD
18 USB interface 19 NIC interface 20 Image processing chip 21 Image processing RAM
22 Print Engine 23 TEL Response Module 24 Modem 25 Public Line Interface Module 30a-30d User Terminal 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 Display / Operation Unit 35 NIC Interface 40 Network

Claims (19)

In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions and capable of operating settings related to the functions from the outside,
A job processing unit that controls processing of a job that uses the function;
The job processing unit is included in the one or more functions that the second user accessing from the outside instructs when the setting changing operation related to the one or more functions by the first user accessing from the outside is recognized. prohibits the start of a job to use any of the functions,
The screen for operating the settings related to the function has a hierarchical structure,
The job processing unit, by the first user, the screen transition of the one or more to the changeable hierarchy under the relevant settings to function, recognized as change operation of the set,
An image forming apparatus.   In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions and capable of operating settings related to the functions from the outside,
  A job processing unit that controls processing of a job that uses the function;
  The job processing unit is included in the one or more functions that the second user accessing from the outside instructs when the setting changing operation related to the one or more functions by the first user accessing from the outside is recognized. Prohibits the start of jobs that use any of the functions
  The first user can change a setting related to one or more functions on a screen for operating a setting related to the function.
  The job processing unit recognizes a transition to a screen on which settings related to the one or more functions can be changed by the first user as a change operation of the settings.
  An image forming apparatus. The job processing unit prohibits the start of a job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions, and permits the job editing operation;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The job processing unit permits the start of a job using a function not included in the one or more functions specified by the second user ;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. When the job processing unit recognizes a setting change operation related to the one or more functions by the first user, the setting related to the one or more functions may be changed to the second user. Screen transition to a lower level where the start of a job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions is prohibited, or the settings related to the one or more functions can be changed Informing you that it will be prohibited,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus . In a job instruction device that has a plurality of functions and instructs an image forming apparatus capable of operating settings related to the functions from the outside to process a job that uses one or more functions.
A job instruction unit for controlling the instruction of the job;
When the job instruction unit recognizes a setting change operation related to one or more functions by another user accessing the image forming apparatus from another apparatus based on information notified from the image forming apparatus, Prohibiting the instruction of a job that uses any one of the one or more functions;
The screen for operating the settings related to the function has a hierarchical structure,
When the job instruction unit recognizes a screen transition to a lower level where the setting related to the one or more functions can be changed by the other user based on information notified from the image forming apparatus, Prohibits screen transitions down the hierarchy,
A job instruction device. In a job instruction device that has a plurality of functions and instructs an image forming apparatus capable of operating settings related to the functions from the outside to process a job that uses one or more functions.
A job instruction unit for controlling the instruction of the job;
When the job instruction unit recognizes a setting change operation related to one or more functions by another user accessing the image forming apparatus from another apparatus based on information notified from the image forming apparatus, Prohibiting the instruction of a job that uses any one of the one or more functions;
The other user can change a setting related to one or more functions on a screen for operating a setting related to the function.
The job instruction unit, when recognizing a transition to a screen capable of changing the setting related to the one or more functions by the other user, prohibits the screen transition in the own device .
A job instruction device. The job instruction unit permits an instruction of a job using a function not included in the one or more functions;
The job instruction apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein When the job instruction unit recognizes a setting change operation related to the one or more functions by the other user, the setting related to the one or more functions may be changed by the user operating the own device. Down to the level where it is possible to change the settings related to the one or more functions, or to prohibit the start of a job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions Notify that screen transition is prohibited,
The job instruction device according to claim 6, wherein the job instruction device is a job instruction device . An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, a first apparatus that can operate settings related to the functions, and a second apparatus that instructs processing of a job that uses one or more functions are connected via a network. In the job processing system
When the first apparatus performs a setting change operation related to one or more functions, the first apparatus notifies the image forming apparatus of operation information;
When the image forming apparatus recognizes a setting change operation related to the one or more functions based on the operation information, the image forming apparatus uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions in the second apparatus. Information prohibiting job start,
The second device prohibits an instruction for a job using any of the functions included in the one or more functions based on the notified information,
The screen for operating the settings related to the function has a hierarchical structure,
The image forming apparatus recognizes, as a change operation of the setting, a screen transition to a lower level in which the setting related to the one or more functions in the first apparatus can be changed.
A job processing system characterized by that . The image forming apparatus notifies the second apparatus that a screen transition has been made to a level under which the setting related to the one or more functions can be changed in the first apparatus.
The second device, based on the notification, prohibits screen transition to the lower level in the own device.
The job processing system according to claim 10 . An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, a first apparatus that can operate settings related to the functions, and a second apparatus that instructs processing of a job that uses one or more functions are connected via a network. In the job processing system
When the first apparatus performs a setting change operation related to one or more functions, the first apparatus notifies the image forming apparatus of operation information;
When the image forming apparatus recognizes a setting change operation related to the one or more functions based on the operation information, the image forming apparatus uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions in the second apparatus. Information prohibiting job start,
The second device prohibits an instruction for a job using any of the functions included in the one or more functions based on the notified information,
The user can change the setting related to one or more functions on the screen for operating the settings related to the function,
The image forming apparatus recognizes a transition to a screen on which settings related to the one or more functions can be changed in the first apparatus as a change operation of the settings.
A job processing system characterized by that . The image forming apparatus prohibits the start of a job that uses any one of the functions included in the one or more functions and permits the job editing operation;
The job processing system according to claim 10, wherein:   The image forming apparatus permits the start of a job using a function not included in the one or more functions;
  14. The job processing system according to claim 10, wherein the job processing system is any one of claims 10 to 13.   If the image forming apparatus recognizes a setting change operation related to the one or more functions based on the operation information, the setting related to the one or more functions may be changed, or The start of a job that uses any one of the functions included in the one or more functions is prohibited, or the screen transition to a lower level where settings related to the one or more functions can be changed is prohibited. To the second device,
  The second device displays the notified information on a screen;
  15. The job processing system according to claim 10, wherein the job processing system is any one of claims 10 to 14.   A program that includes a plurality of functions and that is executed by an image forming apparatus that can operate settings related to the functions from the outside.
  In the image forming apparatus,
  When the first user who accesses from the outside recognizes the change operation as a result of the screen transition to a lower level where settings related to one or more functions can be changed, the second user who accesses from the outside Prohibits the start of a job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions to be instructed;
  The screen for operating the settings related to the function has a hierarchical structure,
  Recognizing a screen transition by the first user to a level below which the setting related to the one or more functions can be changed as an operation for changing the setting;
  A program of an image forming apparatus that executes the above.   A program that includes a plurality of functions and that causes an image forming apparatus that can be operated from the outside to perform settings related to the functions,
  In the image forming apparatus,
  When a change operation is recognized by a screen transition to a screen that can change settings related to one or more functions by the first user accessing from the outside, the second user accessing from the outside instructs Prohibiting the start of a job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions,
  The first user can change a setting related to one or more functions on a screen for operating a setting related to the function.
  Recognizing a transition to a screen by which the setting related to the one or more functions can be changed by the first user as an operation for changing the setting;
  A program of an image forming apparatus that executes the above.   A program having a plurality of functions and capable of operating settings related to the functions from the outside, and causing a job instruction apparatus to instruct an image forming apparatus to process a job using one or more functions. ,
  In the job instruction device,
  Based on information notified from the image forming apparatus, a screen transition to a lower level in which settings relating to one or more functions can be changed by another user who accesses the image forming apparatus from another apparatus is performed. If the change operation is recognized, the instruction of the job using any of the functions included in the one or more functions is prohibited on the own device.
  The screen for operating the settings related to the function has a hierarchical structure,
  Based on information notified from the image forming apparatus, when recognizing a screen transition to a level below which the setting related to the one or more functions can be changed by the other user, the level down in the own apparatus Prohibit screen transition of
  A program for a job instruction device that executes A program for causing a job instruction apparatus to instruct an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions and setting settings related to the functions from the outside to instruct processing of a job using one or more functions,
In the job instruction device,
Based on the information notified from the image forming apparatus, a screen transition to a screen on which settings related to one or more functions can be changed by another user who accesses the image forming apparatus from another apparatus is performed. If the change operation is recognized, prohibit the instruction of the job that uses any of the functions included in the one or more functions.
The other user can change a setting related to one or more functions on a screen for operating a setting related to the function.
If the other user recognizes the transition to a screen that can change the setting related to the one or more functions, the screen transition in the own device is prohibited .
A program for a job instruction device that executes

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