JP6127612B2 - Information processing apparatus, job management program, and job management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a job management program, and a job management system.

  Conventionally, a location-free printing system having a client PC (Personal Computer), an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Printer) or an LP (Laser Printer), and an information processing apparatus such as a print server is known. In such a location-free printing system, when a print job is transmitted from a client PC and printing is performed by the image forming apparatus, the print job is temporarily stored in the information processing apparatus without directly transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus. Then, the user performs user authentication by operating the image forming apparatus to be printed, and issues a pull print instruction. As a result, the image forming apparatus operated by the user acquires the corresponding print job stored in the information processing apparatus and executes print processing.

  In recent years, users are increasingly performing business at various places. For example, since there is an opportunity to perform work at home, a satellite office, or the like, there is an increasing number of cases where a place where a print job is output and a place where printing is actually performed are separated. In such a case, even if a print job output instruction is issued, printing is not performed immediately, but is performed later. In an information processing apparatus that accumulates print jobs, it is preferable to secure a larger memory capacity for accumulating print jobs in consideration of the possibility that the time during which a print job stays will increase.

  However, securing more memory capacity may increase costs. For this reason, recently, a technique that allows a user or administrator to delete a print job as appropriate, or a print job that has been retained for a certain period of time or has been automatically deleted or retained There is a technique for notifying the user of this.

  However, the above-described conventional technology has a problem that the memory capacity for storing the print job may be compressed and the print job may be deleted at a timing not intended by the user. Specifically, a technique for deleting a print job as appropriate is a heavy burden on the user and the administrator, and if left unattended, presses down on the memory capacity for storing the print job. In addition, the technology that automatically deletes a print job when it stays for a certain period of time or more is set uniformly, so when the user notices, the print job may already have been deleted. . In addition, the technology for notifying the user that a print job is stagnating does not actually print unless the user who has received the notification wants to perform printing immediately, so the print job is accumulated. There is no change in pressing the memory capacity. Such a problem is not limited to a print job, but a usage mode in which data to be used by a client is accumulated in a server, and data accumulated by a user at a desired timing is acquired from the server and used. Occurs in.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in a device that accumulates usage target data such as a print job, the usage target data such as a print job is stored at a timing unintended by the user while suppressing compression of the storage area. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus, a job management program, and a job management system capable of suppressing deletion.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a device that generates a job, a device management device that stores device information of the device for each installation area of the device, and a network. A storage unit for storing a job for which a storage period can be set, and whether the storage period set for the job stored in the job storage unit has elapsed A progress determination unit that determines whether the storage period has elapsed, a deletion unit that deletes the job that has passed the storage period from the job storage unit , and device information of the device from the device And a reception unit that receives the job including the storage period specified by the user, and transmits the device information included in the job received by the reception unit to the device management apparatus A predetermined storage period that is not the storage period specified by the user when it is determined by the communication unit and the device management apparatus that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed in the installation area And a setting unit for setting the storage period specified by the user when the apparatus that generated the accepted job is determined to be an apparatus installed outside the installation area, and a storage period is set. A storage unit that stores the job in the job storage unit, and the progress determination unit determines whether or not the storage period set for the job and the predetermined storage period have passed, The deletion unit deletes the job that has passed the storage period or the predetermined storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period or the predetermined storage period has elapsed. .

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the deletion of a job at a timing not intended by the user while suppressing the compression of the storage area for accumulating the job.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the job information storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the job information storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the storage period registration process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a print job deletion process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the designation availability information storage unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the storage period information storage unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a storage period registration process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the designation availability information storage unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the storage period information storage unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a storage period registration process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print job deletion processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a service providing system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the organization management information storage unit. FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the organization management information storage unit. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the user management information storage unit. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the device management information storage unit. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the data conversion condition holding unit. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the data management information holding unit. FIG. 24 is a processing sequence diagram illustrating a processing example when a print job is input. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing when a print job is input. FIG. 26 is a processing sequence diagram illustrating a processing example when printing data is output. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing when outputting print data.

  Embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a job management program, and a job management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the content is not contradicted.

(Embodiment 1)
[System Configuration According to Embodiment 1]
The configuration of the job management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the job management system 1 includes a client device 10, an authentication device 20, an image forming device 30, and an information processing device 100. Each of these devices is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The client device 10 can also be applied in an environment connected by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or the like. Further, the number of each device is not limited to the illustrated one.

  In the configuration described above, the client device 10 is a PC or a mobile terminal that generates a print job in response to a user operation and transmits the generated print job to the information processing apparatus 100. Such a print job includes print data to be printed (use target data to be used in a use device), user information used for user authentication, a print job storage period, and the like. In other words, the user uses the client device 10 to specify a print job storage period that takes into account the time for printing on the image forming apparatus 30. The print job storage period can be specified on a print instruction screen or the like. However, it is not essential to specify the print job storage period.

  The authentication device 20 performs user authentication of a user who uses the job management system 1. Such user authentication is performed when a print job is submitted or when print processing is executed. The image forming apparatus 30 (a utilization device that executes processing using the utilization target data) acquires a list of print jobs of the corresponding user from the information processing apparatus 100 according to a user operation. Then, the image forming apparatus 30 acquires the print data of the print job designated from the list from the information processing apparatus 100, and executes the printing process.

  When the information processing apparatus 100 receives a print job from the client apparatus 10, the information processing apparatus 100 performs user authentication using the authentication apparatus 20 based on user information included in the print job. When the user authentication is normally completed, the information processing apparatus 100 stores the print job in a print job storage unit that stores the print job.

  When the information processing apparatus 100 receives a print job list acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 30, the information processing apparatus 100 performs user authentication using the authentication apparatus 20 based on the user information included in the acquisition request. When the user authentication is normally completed, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires a list of print jobs corresponding to the authenticated user from the print job storage unit, and transmits the list to the image forming apparatus 30. Thereafter, when a print job is designated from the image forming apparatus 30, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits print data of the designated print job to the image forming apparatus 30. The print job is deleted from the print job storage unit when print processing is executed by the image forming apparatus 30. Details of processing by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described later.

[Apparatus Configuration According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 110 and a control unit 120. Among these, the storage unit 110 stores data used in various processes by the control unit 120 and various processing results by the control unit 120, and includes a print job storage unit 111 and a job information storage unit 112. The storage unit 110 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

  The print job storage unit 111 stores a print job for which a storage period can be set. The storage period set for the print job may be specified by the user or may be set by the information processing apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, since the storage period is provided for the print job, it is possible to suppress the compression of the memory capacity of the print job storage unit 111.

  The job information storage unit 112 stores various types of information related to print jobs. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the job information storage unit 112 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, the job information storage unit 112 includes a “user ID” indicating information related to a user who has instructed generation of a print job, a “job input time” indicating a print job input time, and a storage period of the user. A “storage period designation flag” indicating information indicating whether or not the print job is specified and a “storage period” indicating a print job storage period are stored in association with a “job ID” indicating information for identifying a print job. . The job ID corresponds to the print job identification information stored in the print job storage unit 111.

  For example, the job information storage unit 112 includes a job ID “1”, a user ID “UserA”, a job submission time “2013/01/01 9:30”, a storage period designation flag “OFF”, The storage period “-(blank)” is stored in association with each other. Similarly, the job information storage unit 112 includes a job ID “4”, a user ID “UserC”, a job submission time “2013/01/02 15:00”, a storage period designation flag “ON”, and a storage period. “5 days” is stored in association with each other.

  The storage period “-(blank)” does not mean that the storage period is semi-permanently, but means that the storage period is not specified by the user. As will be described later, the information processing apparatus 100 sets a storage period for a print job corresponding to job information whose storage period is “-(blank)”.

  The information stored in the job information storage unit 112 may be as follows. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the job information storage unit 112 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the job information storage unit 112 associates a “user ID”, a “job input time”, and a “storage deadline” that represents a time limit for storing a print job with a “job ID”. Remember. In FIG. 3B, a case where the storage period of a print job whose storage period is not designated by the user is “1.5 days” is taken as an example.

  For example, the job information storage unit 112 has a job ID “1”, a user ID “UserA”, a job input time “2013/01/01 9:30”, and a storage time limit “2013/01/02 21”. : 30 ”in association with each other. Similarly, the job information storage unit 112 has a job ID “4”, a user ID “UserC”, a job submission time “2013/01/02 15:00”, and a storage time limit “2013/01/07 15:00”. Are stored in association with each other.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3B, it can be seen that the storage deadlines for job IDs “1” and “2” whose storage periods are not specified by the user are 1.5 days after the job input time. It can also be seen that for job IDs “3” and “4” for which the storage period is designated by the user, the storage period is 3 days and 5 days after the job input time. After 3 days and 5 days later, as shown in FIG. 3A, the storage period is designated by the user.

  The control unit 120 has an internal memory for storing a control program, a program defining various processing procedures, and required data. The control unit 120 includes a reception unit 121, a setting unit 122, an upper limit determination unit 123, a resetting unit 124, a storage unit 125, a progress determination unit 126, and a deletion unit 127. The control unit 120 is, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). . In addition, about each said part, all or these may be software (program) and the above hardware circuits.

  The accepting unit 121 accepts a print job that can set a storage period. More specifically, the receiving unit 121 receives a print job generated by the client device 10. The accepted print job includes print data, user information, a storage period, and the like. As described above, the storage period is information included in the print job when specified by the user. Then, the accepting unit 121 outputs the accepted print job to the setting unit 122.

  The setting unit 122 sets a predetermined storage period for a print job for which no storage period is set. More specifically, the setting unit 122 sets a predetermined storage period that is set in advance when a user-specified storage period is not set in the print job output by the reception unit 121. The predetermined storage period is not more than the upper limit of the storage period. For example, the upper limit of the storage period is 5 days, and the predetermined storage period is 1.5 days. The upper limit of the storage period and the predetermined storage period can be set by an administrator or the like in consideration of the number of users, operation status, and the like. In this way, by providing a storage period for all print jobs, it is possible to suppress compression of the memory capacity of the print job storage unit 111 that stores print jobs. Then, the setting unit 122 outputs a print job having a storage period designated by the user and a print job having a predetermined storage period set to the upper limit determination unit 123.

  The upper limit determination unit 123 determines whether or not the storage period specified by the user exceeds the upper limit of the storage period. More specifically, the upper limit determination unit 123 determines whether the user-specified storage period set in the print job output by the setting unit 122 exceeds the storage period upper limit “5 days”. . Then, the upper limit determination unit 123 outputs to the resetting unit 124 a print job whose storage period specified by the user exceeds the upper limit of the storage period. Further, the upper limit determination unit 123 outputs to the storage unit 125 a print job whose storage period specified by the user does not exceed the upper limit of the storage period and a print job for which the storage period specified by the user is not set. .

  The resetting unit 124 resets the storage period of the print job to the upper limit value. More specifically, the resetting unit 124 sets the storage period to the upper limit of the storage period for a print job that is determined by the upper limit determination unit 123 that the storage period specified by the user exceeds the upper limit of the storage period. Reset to the value “5 days”. That is, the print job corresponding to the job ID “4” shown in FIG. 3A may have a storage period specified by the user of 6 days or more. By 124, the storage period is reset to 5 days. Then, the resetting unit 124 outputs the print job with the storage period reset to the storage unit 125.

  The storage unit 125 stores the print job in the print job storage unit 111. More specifically, the storage unit 125 stores the print job output by the upper limit determination unit 123 and the print job output by the resetting unit 124 in the print job storage unit 111. As described above, the print job output by the upper limit determination unit 123 includes a print job in which the storage period that does not exceed the upper limit of the storage period is specified by the user, and is not specified by the user. A print job with a set period. Also, the print job output by the resetting unit 124 is a print job that has been designated by the user and whose storage period has been reset to the upper limit by the resetting unit 124.

  The storage unit 125 stores job information related to the print job stored in the print job storage unit 111 in the job information storage unit 112. That is, the storage unit 125 stores the user ID based on the user information included in the print job, and stores the time when the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 111 as the job input time. In addition, if the storage period specified by the user is set for the print job, the storage unit 125 sets a storage period specification flag and stores the storage period. When the storage period is the storage deadline, a value obtained by adding the storage period to the job input time may be used as the storage deadline.

  The progress determination unit 126 determines whether or not the storage period set for the print job has elapsed. More specifically, the progress determination unit 126 is set for each print job based on the job information stored in the job information storage unit 112 corresponding to the print job stored in the print job storage unit 111. It is determined whether the storage period has elapsed. Then, the progress determination unit 126 outputs the job ID of the print job that has passed the storage period to the deletion unit 127.

  The deletion unit 127 deletes a print job that has passed the storage period. More specifically, the deletion unit 127 deletes the print job determined by the progress determination unit 126 as having passed the storage period from the print job storage unit 111 and deletes it from the job information storage unit 112. In the example described above, since the upper limit of the storage period is 5 days, all print jobs are deleted until 5 days have passed since they were submitted. Generally, a print job stored in the print job storage unit 111 is deleted when a print process is executed.

[Storage Period Registration Process Flow According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of the storage period registration process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the storage period registration process according to the first embodiment. The storage period registration process mainly refers to a process performed by the reception unit 121, the setting unit 122, the upper limit determination unit 123, the resetting unit 124, and the storage unit 125.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the print job is received by the reception unit 121 (step S101: Yes), the setting unit 122 determines whether or not a user-specified storage period is set for the print job ( Step S102). In addition, when the reception unit 121 has not received a print job (step S101: No), the reception unit 121 enters a state of waiting for reception of a print job. At this time, when the setting unit 122 determines that the user-specified storage period is set for the print job (step S102: Yes), the upper limit determination unit 123 determines that the user-specified storage period is the upper limit of the storage period. It is determined whether or not it exceeds (step S103).

  When the upper limit determination unit 123 determines that the upper limit of the storage period has been exceeded (step S103: Yes), the resetting unit 124 resets the storage period to the upper limit value of the storage period (step S104). The storage unit 125 stores the print job whose storage period is reset to the upper limit in the print job storage unit 111, and stores job information related to the print job in the job information storage unit 112 (step S105).

  When the upper limit determination unit 123 determines that the upper limit of the storage period has not been exceeded (step S103: No), the storage unit 125 stores job information regarding the print job in the job information storage period specified by the user. The print job is stored in the unit 112 (step S106), and the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 111 (step S105).

  When the setting unit 122 determines that the user-specified storage period is not set for the print job (step S102: No), the setting unit 122 sets a predetermined storage period for the print job, and sets the predetermined storage period. Is stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S107), and the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 111 (step S105).

[Print Job Deletion Processing Flow According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of print job deletion processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a print job deletion process according to the first embodiment. Note that the print job deletion processing mainly refers to processing by the progress determination unit 126 and the deletion unit 127.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the progress determination unit 126 acquires the first job information stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S201). Then, the progress determination unit 126 confirms whether or not the storage period has been confirmed for all job information (step S202). At this time, when the storage period has not been confirmed for all job information (step S202: No), the progress determination unit 126 determines whether the storage period has passed for the acquired job information (step S202). S203). On the other hand, when the progress determination unit 126 confirms the storage period for all job information (step S202: Yes), the process ends.

  When the progress determination unit 126 determines that the storage period has passed (step S203: Yes), the deletion unit 127 deletes the corresponding job information from the job information storage unit 112 and the job information. Is deleted from the print job storage unit 111 (step S204). Then, the progress determination unit 126 acquires the next job information stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S205). If the progress determination unit 126 determines that the storage period has not elapsed (step S203: No), the job information storage unit 112 stores the next job information or print job without deleting the corresponding job information or print job. Job information is acquired (step S205).

[Effects of Embodiment 1]
The information processing apparatus 100 deletes a print job when the storage period has passed for a print job in which the storage period can be set. As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 can suppress the deletion of the print job at a timing not intended by the user without securing a large memory capacity for storing the print job.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 100 sets a predetermined storage period for a print job for which the storage period is not specified by the user, and deletes the print job when the storage period specified by the user and the set storage period have elapsed. To do. As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 can further suppress the compression of the memory capacity for storing print jobs by setting a suitable storage period for all print jobs.

  Further, when the storage period specified by the user for the print job exceeds the upper limit of the storage period, the information processing apparatus 100 resets the storage period of the print job below the upper limit of the storage period. As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 can further suppress the compression of the memory capacity for storing the print job.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the case where the storage period can be specified by the user and a predetermined storage period is set for a print job for which the storage period is not specified by the user has been described. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the storage period is set according to the installation area in which the client apparatus that has submitted the print job is installed.

[System Configuration According to Embodiment 2]
The configuration of the job management system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the job management system 1a includes a client device 10, an authentication device 20, an image forming device 30, a client management device 40, and an information processing device 200. The job management system 1a according to the second embodiment is different from the job management system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration, function, and processing of the client management device 40 and the information processing device 200.

  The client management device 40 manages information related to the client device 10. Specifically, the client management apparatus 40 holds information such as an IP address and a device ID for each installation area in which the client apparatus 10 is installed for a plurality of client apparatuses 10. When the client management apparatus 40 receives an inquiry about information about the client apparatus 10 from the information processing apparatus 200, the client management apparatus 40 responds based on information such as an IP address, a device ID, and an installation area. Details of processing by the information processing apparatus 200 will be described later.

[Apparatus configuration according to Embodiment 2]
Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same components may be omitted. Specifically, functions, configurations, and processes other than the designation availability information storage unit 213, the storage period information storage unit 214, the reception unit 221, the setting unit 222, and the storage unit 225 described below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the information processing apparatus 200 includes a storage unit 210 and a control unit 220. Among these, the storage unit 210 includes a print job storage unit 111, a job information storage unit 112, a designation availability information storage unit 213, and a storage period information storage unit 214.

  The designation availability information storage unit 213 stores information indicating whether the user can designate the storage period of the print job according to the installation area where the client apparatus 10 that generated the print job by the user operation is installed. . FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the designation availability information storage unit 213 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the designation availability information storage unit 213 stores information regarding job submission terminal conditions and designation availability in association with each other. The job submission terminal condition indicates whether the client apparatus 10 that has generated and submitted the print job is installed in the same installation area or in a different installation area in the management for each installation area by the client management apparatus 40. Information. The availability of designation is information indicating whether the user can designate the storage period of the print job with respect to the job input terminal condition.

  For example, the designation availability information storage unit 213 stores the job submission terminal condition “in area” and the designation availability “impossible” in association with each other. Also, the designation availability information storage unit 213 stores the job submission terminal condition “out of area” and the designation availability “permitted” in association with each other. In the present embodiment, it is determined by the installation area of the client device 10 that generates and submits a print job that it exists in a place where the user is expected to perform printing immediately. Further, whether or not they are in the same installation area is determined using an IP address as one aspect. In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the user performs printing immediately within the same installation area, and the user cannot set the storage period. On the other hand, since it is difficult for the user to print immediately in different installation areas, the user can specify the storage period. However, the information stored in the designation availability information storage unit 213 can be changed by an administrator or the like.

  The storage period information storage unit 214 stores information on a storage period set for a print job in accordance with the installation area of the client device 10 that has generated the print job by a user operation. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the storage period information storage unit 214 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the storage period information storage unit 214 stores information on job submission terminal conditions and storage periods in association with each other. The job submission terminal condition indicates whether the client apparatus 10 that has generated and submitted the print job is installed in the same installation area or in a different installation area in the management for each installation area by the client management apparatus 40. Information. The storage period is information representing a storage period set for the print job with respect to the job input terminal condition.

  For example, the storage period information storage unit 214 stores the job submission terminal condition “in area” and the storage period “12 hours” in association with each other. Further, the storage period information storage unit 214 stores the job input terminal condition “out of area” and the storage period “2 days” in association with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the user performs printing immediately within the same installation area, and is installed in the same installation area rather than the storage period when installed in different installation areas. If the storage period is shorter. The value of the storage period shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the setting can be changed by an administrator or the like.

  The control unit 220 includes a reception unit 221, a setting unit 222, an upper limit determination unit 123, a resetting unit 124, a storage unit 225, a progress determination unit 126, and a deletion unit 127.

  The accepting unit 221 accepts a print job including device information of the device that generated the print job. More specifically, the receiving unit 221 receives a print job generated by the client device 10. The accepted print job includes print data, user information, information about the client device 10, and the like. The information regarding the client device 10 is, for example, an IP address. As in the first embodiment, the print job may include a storage period specified by the user. Then, the accepting unit 221 outputs the accepted print job to the setting unit 222.

  The setting unit 222 sets a storage period for the print job. More specifically, the setting unit 222 determines whether the storage period is designated by the user for the print job output by the reception unit 221. Whether or not the user is designated may be determined based on whether or not a storage period designated by the user exists in the print job. At this time, when the storage period is designated by the user, the setting unit 222 determines whether the storage period can be designated by the user.

  Specifically, the setting unit 222 transmits the IP address of the client apparatus 10 included in the print job to the client management apparatus 40 that manages the IP address of the client apparatus for each installation area, and the same installation area It is requested to determine whether or not the client device 10 is installed in the network. When the setting unit 222 receives the determination result from the client management device 40, the setting unit 222 refers to the designation availability information storage unit 213 and sets the user designation to “impossible” if the installation area is the same, and if the installation area is different. The user designation is “OK”. Then, the setting unit 222 refers to the storage period information storage unit 214 for the print job whose user designation is “impossible”, and sets a storage period “12 hours” shorter than that of the client device 10 installed in a different installation area. Set. For a print job with the user designation “permitted”, the storage period designated by the user is adopted. Thereafter, the setting unit 222 performs a print job having a storage period specified by the user and a print job having a storage period shorter than that of the client device 10 installed in a different installation area instead of the storage period specified by the user. And output to the upper limit determination unit 123.

  Further, the setting unit 222 sets a storage period for a print job whose storage period is not designated by the user. Specifically, the setting unit 222 transmits the IP address of the client device 10 included in the print job to the client management device 40, and determines whether or not the client device 10 is installed in the same installation area. Request. Then, the setting unit 222 receives a determination result from the client management device 40. Subsequently, the setting unit 222 refers to the storage period information storage unit 214 and sets the storage period of the print job generated by the client device 10 installed in the same installation area to “12 hours”. The setting unit 222 refers to the storage period information storage unit 214 and sets the storage period of the print job generated by the client device 10 installed in a different installation area to “2 days”. Thereafter, the setting unit 222 outputs the print job in which the storage period is set to the upper limit determination unit 123.

  Processing by the upper limit determination unit 123 and the resetting unit 124 is the same as that in the first embodiment. That is, the upper limit determination unit 123 determines whether or not the upper limit of the storage period is exceeded for a print job having a storage period specified by the user, and the print job exceeding the upper limit is determined to the resetting unit 124. Output. The resetting unit 124 resets the storage period for a print job that has exceeded the upper limit of the storage period. However, although the storage period specified by the user is not adopted, the user-specified storage period is not adopted and the print job for which the storage period is set by the setting unit 222 is not subject to upper limit determination.

  The storage unit 225 stores the print job in the print job storage unit 111. More specifically, the storage unit 225 stores the print job output by the upper limit determination unit 123 and the print job output by the resetting unit 124 in the print job storage unit 111. As described above, the print job output by the upper limit determination unit 123 or the resetting unit 124 has a storage period specified by the user or another storage period is set without adopting the storage period specified by the user. Some of them have a storage period because there is no storage period originally specified by the user. The storage unit 225 stores job information related to the print job stored in the print job storage unit 111 in the job information storage unit 112.

[Storage Period Registration Process Flow According to Embodiment 2]
Next, the flow of the storage period registration process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a storage period registration process according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the print job is received by the reception unit 221 (step S301: Yes), the setting unit 222 determines whether or not a user-specified storage period is set for the print job ( Step S302). In addition, when the print job is not received (Step S301: No), the reception unit 221 enters a print job reception wait state. At this time, when the setting unit 222 determines that the storage period specified by the user is set for the print job (step S302: Yes), the setting unit 222 determines whether the user can specify the storage period (step S302). S303). As to whether or not the user can designate the storage period, the client management device 40 is inquired about the installation area of the client device 10 that generated the print job, and the designation availability information storage unit 213 is referred to in the same installation area. It depends on whether it is a different installation area or not.

  When the setting unit 222 determines that the user can specify the storage period (step S303: Yes), the upper limit determination unit 123 determines whether the storage period specified by the user exceeds the upper limit of the storage period. Is determined (step S304). When the upper limit determination unit 123 determines that the upper limit of the storage period is exceeded (step S304: Yes), the resetting unit 124 resets the storage period to the upper limit value of the storage period (step S305). The storage unit 225 stores the print job whose storage period is reset to the upper limit in the print job storage unit 111 and stores job information related to the print job in the job information storage unit 112 (step S306).

  When the upper limit determination unit 123 determines that the upper limit of the storage period has not been exceeded (step S304: No), the storage unit 225 stores job information regarding the print job in the job information storage period specified by the user. The print job is stored in the unit 112 (step S307), and the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 111 (step S306).

  When the setting unit 222 determines that the storage period cannot be specified by the user (step S303: No), the print job at this time is a print job generated by the client device 10 in the same installation area. (Step S308: Yes), a storage period shorter than that of the client device 10 installed in a different installation area is set for the print job (Step S309). The storage unit 225 stores, in the print job storage unit 111, a print job in which a storage period shorter than that of the client device 10 installed in a different installation area is set, instead of the storage period specified by the user. Job information relating to the job is stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S306).

  If the setting unit 222 determines that the user-specified storage period is not set for the print job (step S302: No), the setting unit 222 determines whether the print job is generated by the client device 10 in the same installation area. Is determined (step S308). Whether the print job is generated by the client apparatus 10 in the same installation area is determined by inquiring the installation area of the client apparatus 10 that generated the print job to the client management apparatus 40.

  At this time, if it is determined that the print job is a print job generated by the client device 10 in the same installation area (step S308: Yes), the setting unit 222 refers to the storage period information storage unit 214 and performs a different installation. A shorter storage period is set for the print job than when it is installed in the area (step S309). Then, the storage unit 225 stores a print job having a shorter storage period than when installed in a different installation area in the print job storage unit 111, and stores job information regarding the print job in the job information storage unit 112. Store (step S306).

  On the other hand, when the setting unit 222 determines that the print job is generated by the client device 10 having a different installation area (step S308: No), the setting unit 222 refers to the storage period information storage unit 214 and sets the same installation area. A longer storage period is set for the print job than when it is installed in the print job (step S310). The storage unit 225 stores a print job in which a storage period longer than that in a case where the storage unit is installed in the same installation area is stored in the print job storage unit 111, and job information related to the print job is stored in the job information storage unit 112. (Step S306).

[Effects of Embodiment 2]
The information processing apparatus 200 is installed in a different area when a print job is generated by the client apparatus 10 installed in the same area according to the installation area in which the client apparatus 10 that generated the print job is installed. A storage period shorter than the storage period of the print job generated by the client device 10 is set. As a result, the information processing apparatus 200 can set a suitable storage period for the print job without causing the user to specify the storage period.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, the case where the storage period can be specified by the user and a predetermined storage period is set for a print job for which the storage period is not specified by the user has been described. In the third embodiment, a case where the storage period is set according to the location of the user who generated the print job will be described.

[System Configuration According to Embodiment 3]
The configuration of the job management system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the job management system 1b includes a client device 10, an authentication device 20, an image forming device 30, an entrance / exit management device 50, and an information processing device 300. The job management system 1b according to the third embodiment is different from the job management system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration, function, and processing of the entry / exit management device 50 and the information processing device 300.

  The entrance / exit management device 50 manages the entrance and exit of the user for each room. Specifically, the entrance / exit management device 50 holds information on the time when the user enters the room and the time when the user leaves the room for a plurality of rooms. When the information management device 50 receives an inquiry about information regarding the user's entry / exit from the information processing device 300, the entry / exit management device 50 includes information on the time of entry / exit of the user who has entered the room and the user who has left the room. And respond to. Details of processing by the information processing apparatus 300 will be described later.

[Apparatus configuration according to Embodiment 3]
Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, detailed description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment may be omitted. Specifically, functions, configurations, and processes other than the designation availability information storage unit 313, the storage period information storage unit 314, the reception unit 321, the setting unit 322, the storage unit 325, and the deletion unit 327 described below are the same as those in the first embodiment. It is the same.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 300 includes a storage unit 310 and a control unit 320. Among these, the storage unit 310 includes a print job storage unit 111, a job information storage unit 112, a designation availability information storage unit 313, and a storage period information storage unit 314.

  The designation availability information storage unit 313 stores information indicating whether the user can designate the storage period of the print job according to the room where the user who generated the print job exists. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the designation availability information storage unit 313 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the designation availability information storage unit 313 stores job submission user conditions and designation availability information in association with each other. The job input user condition is information indicating whether the user who has generated the print job exists in the same room or a different room in the user room management by the room management device 50 for each room. is there. Designation availability is information indicating whether or not the user can designate the storage period of the print job with respect to the job submission user condition.

  For example, the designation availability information storage unit 313 stores the job submission user condition “room” and the designation availability “impossible” in association with each other. Also, the designation availability information storage unit 313 stores the job submission user condition “outside the room” and the designation availability “permitted” in association with each other. In the present embodiment, it is determined that the user is present at a place where printing is expected to be performed immediately based on the information on the user's entering and leaving the room. In the example shown in FIG. 13, if the user is in the same room, it is assumed that the user prints immediately, and the user cannot set the storage period. On the other hand, since it is difficult for the user to print immediately in different rooms, the user can specify the storage period. However, the information stored in the designation availability information storage unit 313 can be changed by an administrator or the like.

  The storage period information storage unit 314 stores information on a storage period set for the print job according to the room where the user who generated the print job exists. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the storage period information storage unit 314 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the storage period information storage unit 314 stores information on job submission user conditions and storage periods in association with each other. The job input user condition is information indicating whether the user who has generated the print job exists in the same room or a different room in the user room management by the room management device 50 for each room. is there. The storage period is information representing a storage period set for the print job with respect to the job input user condition.

  For example, the storage period information storage unit 314 stores the job submission user condition “room” and the storage period “12 hours” in association with each other. Further, the storage period information storage unit 314 stores the job submission user condition “outside the room” and the storage period “2 days” in association with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 14, when the user is in the same room, it is assumed that the user performs printing immediately, and the case where the user exists in the same room is longer than the storage period when the user exists in a different room. The storage period is shorter. Note that the value of the storage period shown in FIG. 14 is an example, and the setting can be changed by an administrator or the like.

  The control unit 320 includes a reception unit 321, a setting unit 322, an upper limit determination unit 123, a resetting unit 124, a storage unit 325, a progress determination unit 126, and a deletion unit 327.

  The accepting unit 321 accepts a print job including user information of the user who generated the print job. More specifically, the receiving unit 321 receives a print job generated by the client device 10. The accepted print job includes print data, user information, and the like. The user information according to the present embodiment is used not only for user authentication but also for confirming a room where the user exists. As in the first embodiment, the print job may include a storage period specified by the user. Then, the reception unit 321 outputs the received print job to the setting unit 322.

  The setting unit 322 sets a storage period for the print job. More specifically, the setting unit 322 determines whether a storage period is designated by the user for the print job output by the reception unit 321. Whether or not the user is designated may be determined based on whether or not a storage period designated by the user exists in the print job. At this time, when the storage period is designated by the user, the setting unit 322 determines whether the storage period can be designated by the user.

  Specifically, the setting unit 322 transmits the user information included in the print job to the entrance / exit management device 50 that manages the entrance / exit of the user for each room, and whether the user exists in the same room. Ask for a decision. Then, when the setting unit 322 receives the determination result from the entrance / exit management device 50, the setting unit 322 refers to the designation availability information storage unit 313 and sets the user designation to “impossible” if a user exists in the same room, If there is a user in a different room, the user designation is “OK”. Then, the setting unit 322 sets a storage period “12 hours” shorter than the case where the user exists in a different room with reference to the storage period information storage unit 314 for a print job whose user designation is “impossible”. . For a print job with the user designation “permitted”, the storage period designated by the user is adopted. After that, the setting unit 322 sets the upper limit for a print job having a storage period specified by the user and a print job having a storage period shorter than the case where the user exists in a different room instead of the storage period specified by the user. Output to the determination unit 123.

  Further, the setting unit 322 sets a storage period for a print job whose storage period is not designated by the user. Specifically, the setting unit 322 transmits user information included in the print job to the entrance / exit management device 50, and requests to determine whether a user exists in the same room. Then, the setting unit 322 receives the determination result from the entry / exit management device 50. Subsequently, the setting unit 322 refers to the storage period information storage unit 314 and sets the storage period of the print job when the user exists in the same room as “12 hours”. Further, the setting unit 322 refers to the storage period information storage unit 314 and sets the storage period when the user exists in a different room to “2 days”. Thereafter, the setting unit 322 outputs the print job in which the storage period is set to the upper limit determination unit 123.

  Processing by the upper limit determination unit 123 and the resetting unit 124 is the same as that in the first embodiment. That is, the upper limit determination unit 123 determines whether or not the upper limit of the storage period is exceeded for a print job having a storage period specified by the user, and the print job exceeding the upper limit is determined to the resetting unit 124. Output. The resetting unit 124 resets the storage period for a print job that has exceeded the upper limit of the storage period. However, although the storage period specified by the user is not adopted, the user-specified storage period is not adopted and the print job for which the storage period is set by the setting unit 322 is not subject to upper limit determination.

  The storage unit 325 stores the print job in the print job storage unit 111. More specifically, the storage unit 325 stores the print job output by the upper limit determination unit 123 and the print job output by the resetting unit 124 in the print job storage unit 111. As described above, the print job output by the upper limit determination unit 123 or the resetting unit 124 has a storage period specified by the user, or has a storage period set without adopting the storage period specified by the user. In addition, there is a storage period that is originally set because there is no storage period specified by the user. The storage unit 325 stores job information related to the print job stored in the print job storage unit 111 in the job information storage unit 112.

  The deletion unit 327 deletes the print job based on the user entry / exit information. More specifically, the deletion unit 327 deletes the print job determined by the progress determination unit 126 as having passed the storage period from the print job storage unit 111 and deletes it from the job information storage unit 112. In addition, the deletion unit 327 is a print job that has been determined by the progress determination unit 126 that the storage period has not elapsed, and for a print job for which a short storage period has been set, the entry / exit management device 50 allows the user to leave the current room. When it is determined that the print job has been deleted, the print job is deleted from the print job storage unit 111 and deleted from the job information storage unit 112. A print job set with a short storage period refers to a print job generated by a user when the user exists in the same room. In other words, if a user who has generated a print job in the same room has already left the room, the user will not print immediately even if the print job has not passed the storage period. Treat as a thing.

[Storage Period Registration Process Flow According to Embodiment 3]
Next, the flow of the storage period registration process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a storage period registration process according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when a print job is received by the receiving unit 321 (step S401: Yes), the setting unit 322 determines whether or not a user-specified storage period is set for the print job ( Step S402). In addition, when the reception unit 321 has not received a print job (step S401: No), the reception unit 321 enters a print job reception waiting state. At this time, when the setting unit 322 determines that the user-specified storage period is set for the print job (step S402: Yes), the setting unit 322 determines whether the storage period can be specified by the user (step S402). S403). As to whether or not the storage period can be specified by the user, the entry / exit management device 50 is inquired as to whether or not the user who generated the print job exists in the room, and the specification availability information storage unit 313 is referred to. Thus, it is determined depending on whether it is in the same room or in a different room.

  When it is determined by the setting unit 322 that the user can specify the storage period (step S403: Yes), the upper limit determination unit 123 determines whether the storage period specified by the user exceeds the upper limit of the storage period. Is determined (step S404). When the upper limit determination unit 123 determines that the upper limit of the storage period has been exceeded (step S404: Yes), the resetting unit 124 resets the storage period to the upper limit value of the storage period (step S405). The storage unit 325 stores the print job whose storage period is reset to the upper limit in the print job storage unit 111, and stores job information related to the print job in the job information storage unit 112 (step S406).

  If the upper limit determination unit 123 determines that the upper limit of the storage period has not been exceeded (step S404: No), the storage unit 325 stores job information regarding the print job in the job information storage period specified by the user. The print job is stored in the unit 112 (step S407), and the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 111 (step S406).

  If the setting unit 322 determines that the storage period cannot be specified by the user (step S403: No), the print job at this time is a print job generated by a user in the same room. (Step S408: Yes), a shorter storage period is set for the print job than when the user exists in a different living room (Step S409). The storage unit 325 stores, in the print job storage unit 111, a print job in which a storage period shorter than the case where the user exists in a different room is not the storage period specified by the user, and the print job The job information is stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S406).

  If the setting unit 322 determines that the user-specified storage period is not set for the print job (step S402: No), the setting unit 322 determines whether there is a user in the same room (step S408). . Whether or not there is a user in the same room is determined by inquiring to the entrance / exit management device 50 whether or not the user who generated the print job has entered the room.

  At this time, when it is determined that the user exists in the same room (step S408: Yes), the setting unit 322 refers to the storage period information storage unit 314 and is shorter than the case where the user exists in a different room. A storage period is set for the print job (step S409). The storage unit 325 stores in the print job storage unit 111 a print job having a shorter storage period than when the user is in a different room, and stores job information related to the print job in the job information storage unit 112. Store (step S406).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the user exists in a different room (step S408: No), the setting unit 322 refers to the storage period information storage unit 314 and stores a storage period longer than that of the user in the same room. Is set in the print job (step S410). The storage unit 325 stores in the print job storage unit 111 a print job in which a storage period longer than that in the case where a user exists in the same room, and also stores job information regarding the print job in the job information storage unit 112. (Step S406).

[Print Job Deletion Process Flow According to Third Embodiment]
Next, the flow of print job deletion processing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print job deletion processing according to the third embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the progress determination unit 126 acquires the first job information stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S501). Then, the progress determination unit 126 confirms whether or not the storage period has been confirmed for all job information (step S502). At this time, if the storage period has not been confirmed for all job information (step S502: No), the progress determination unit 126 determines whether or not the storage period has passed for the acquired job information (step S502). S503). On the other hand, when the progress determination unit 126 confirms the storage period for all job information (step S502: Yes), the process ends.

  When the progress determination unit 126 determines that the storage period has passed (step S503: Yes), the deletion unit 327 deletes the corresponding job information from the job information storage unit 112, and the job information Is deleted from the print job storage unit 111 (step S504). Then, the progress determination unit 126 acquires the next job information stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S505).

  In addition, when the progress determination unit 126 determines that the storage period has not elapsed (step S503: No), the deletion unit 327 has entered the room when the print job was submitted and has now exited. It is determined whether or not (step S506). For such determination, the entrance / exit management device 50 may be used. If the deletion unit 327 determines that the user has entered the room when the print job is submitted, but has now exited (step S506: Yes), the corresponding print job information is stored in the job information storage unit. In addition to deleting from the print job 112, the print job corresponding to the job information is deleted from the print job storage unit 111 (step S504). On the other hand, when it is determined by the deletion unit 327 that at least one of the conditions that the user has entered the room at the time of submitting the print job and that the user has currently left is not satisfied (step S506: No), the progress determination The unit 126 acquires the next job information stored in the job information storage unit 112 (step S505).

[Effects of Embodiment 3]
The information processing apparatus 300 allows the print job to have a shorter storage period than the case where the user exists in a different room when the user exists in the same room depending on the room where the user who generated the print job exists. Set. As a result, the information processing apparatus 300 can set a suitable storage period for the print job without allowing the user to specify the storage period.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 300 deletes a print job that has not passed the storage period if the user has entered the room when the print job is submitted and the user is currently leaving the room. To do. As a result, the information processing apparatus 300 can further suppress the compression of the memory capacity for storing the print job.

(Embodiment 4)
The embodiments of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention have been described so far, but the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments. Therefore, different embodiments of (1) configuration and (2) program will be described.

(1) Configuration Information including processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data, parameters, and the like shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed in arbitrary units according to various burdens or usage conditions. Or they can be integrated.

  For example, the above-described service of the job management system may be realized by configuring with a plurality of information processing apparatuses instead of a single information processing apparatus. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, in the job management system 1c, a service providing system 1000, a company 2000a, a company 2000b, and a mobile terminal 3000 are connected to a network such as the Internet. Among these, the service providing system 1000 includes an access control device 1100, a job management service providing device 1200a, and another service providing device 1200b. The service providing system 1000 employs cloud computing and provides various services in addition to the job management service.

  The access control device 1100 is an information processing device such as a PC or a server device that manages provision of various services. The job management service providing apparatus 1200a is an information processing apparatus that provides a service related to print job management. The other service providing apparatus 1200b is an information processing apparatus that provides services such as a portal service and a scan service that are different from services related to print job management. Here, the portal service refers to a service that provides a portal site for providing a service according to a company or a user. One or more devices included in the service providing system 1000 are arranged.

  The company 2000a includes a client device 2100a, a portable terminal 2200a, an image forming device 2300a, and a projector 2400a. The client device 2100a is an information processing device such as a PC used by a user. The mobile terminal 2200a is a terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal used by the user. The image forming apparatus 2300a is an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, a copier, a scanner, a printer, or an LP. The projector 2400a is a projection device that projects image data input from each device in the company 2000a onto a projection surface such as a screen. When connecting to the network from each device of the company 2000a, it goes through a firewall. One or more devices included in the company 2000a are arranged. Also, some of the devices included in the company 2000a may be on a network outside the company.

  The company 2000b includes a client device 2100b, a portable terminal 2200b, an image forming device 2300b, and a projector 2400b. Since each of these devices plays the same role as each device included in the company 2000a, detailed description is omitted. The company 2000a and the company 2000b are the same company “company A”, but have different countries such as “country B” and “country C”. The job management system described in the above embodiment employs a location-free printing system, which can be realized even when the country of the same company is different.

  The mobile terminal 3000 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal used by a user. The user can use the job management system 1c from outside the company.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a service providing system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the application program provided by the service providing system 1000 may be simply referred to as “application”.

  A service providing system 1000 shown in FIG. 18 is for realizing provision of various services such as a job management service including the storage period registration process and the print job deletion process described in the above embodiment. The service application 1210 includes a job management service application 1211, a service application 1212, a service application 1213, and the like. These service applications can use each function within a range disclosed by a platform API (Application Programming Interface). The job management service application 1211 includes a functional unit having the same function as that described in the above embodiment.

  For example, the job management service application 1211 includes a reception unit 1211a, a setting unit 1211b, an upper limit determination unit 1211c, a resetting unit 1211d, a storage unit 1211e, a progress determination unit 1211f, a deletion unit 1211g, a storage period condition holding unit 1211h, and a data conversion condition. A holding unit 1211i and a data management information holding unit 1211j are included. The storage period condition holding unit 1211h includes the designation availability information storage unit 213 (or designation availability information storage unit 313), the retention period information storage unit 214 (or the storage period information storage unit 314), and the job described in the above embodiment. This corresponds to the information storage unit 112 or the like. In cloud computing, each of the above functions is realized by one or more information processing apparatuses. Since each process is the same as the process described in the above embodiment, detailed description of the same process is omitted.

  The platform 1220 includes functions common to a plurality of service applications, basic functions used from the plurality of service applications, and the like. The device communication unit 1221 controls communication with the device. Here, the devices refer to devices such as the client device 2100a (2100b), the portable terminal 2200a (2200b), the image forming device 2300a (2300b), the projector 2400a (2400b), and other devices. The authentication processing unit 1222 performs authentication processing when the user uses the service. The data processing unit 1223 controls and executes various data processing based on various requests in the service.

  The management data 1230 includes an organization management information storage unit 1231, a user management information storage unit 1232, a device management information storage unit 1233, and a data storage 1234. Among these, the organization management information storage unit 1231 stores information on companies, organizations, countries where the service providing system 1000 provides, and the like. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating examples of information stored in the organization management information storage unit 1231. As illustrated in FIG. 19A, the organization management information storage unit 1231 stores information on organization codes, company names, and countries (location information) in association with each other. The organization code is information for specifying a group such as a company or an organization. The organization code is information that can identify a set of one or more users and devices. The company name is information representing the name of the company that uses the service. The country (location information) is information indicating the country where the company corresponding to the organization code is located.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, the organization management information storage unit 1231 stores information on organization groups and a plurality of organization codes in association with each other. The organization group is identification information assigned to each company. The organization code is identification information set according to the location of each location when the country (location) of the location is different even in one company. In the example of FIGS. 19A and 19B, since the company A is located in the countries B and C, different organization codes are set for the information in the countries B and C.

  The user management information storage unit 1232 stores information related to users who use services provided by the service providing system 1000. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the user management information storage unit 1232. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the user management information storage unit 1232 stores information on an organization code, a user name, and a password in association with each other. As described above, the organization code is information for specifying a group such as a company or an organization. The user name and password are information for specifying a user who uses the service. In addition, since the user name may be information for specifying the user, identification information such as a user ID may be employed. Note that the password is not essential as long as the user can be specified by the user ID or the like. Furthermore, information that identifies an electronic medium such as an IC card, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or an electronic book terminal possessed by each user (eg, a device serial ID, a mobile phone number, terminal profile information, etc.) is adopted. May be. That is, the user may be specified by combining a plurality of pieces of information for identifying these electronic media.

  The device management information storage unit 1233 stores information related to authentication of devices installed in each organization (each company). FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the device management information storage unit 1233. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the device management information storage unit 1233 stores information on an organization code and device authentication information in association with each other. As described above, the organization code is information for specifying a group such as a company or an organization. The device authentication information is information for authenticating each device, and is information such as an ID indicating that a predetermined application is installed in the device, or a device number. In addition to the above, the data storage 1234 stores various data.

  The data conversion condition holding unit 1211i holds information on the country (location information) where the data is located and the data format of the print data in association with each other. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the data conversion condition holding unit 1211i. As shown in FIG. 22, the data conversion condition holding unit 1211i holds information on a country (location information) and a data format in association with each other. That is, even in one company, the country (location) where the company is located may be different, and the data format of the print data may be different at different locations. It is held in the condition holding unit 1211i.

  The data management information holding unit 1211j holds information related to the output print data. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the data management information holding unit 1211j. As shown in FIG. 23, the data management information holding unit 1211j holds information on an output data ID, an organization code, a user name, and a data format in association with each other. The output data ID is information for identifying the output print data. As described above, the organization code is information for specifying a group such as a company or an organization. The user name is information that identifies the user who has output the print data. The data format is information representing the data format of the output print data.

  FIG. 24 is a processing sequence diagram illustrating a processing example when a print job is input. FIG. 24 shows an example in which a print job is input by a device included in company A (country B). As shown in FIG. 24, the client apparatus 2100a accepts login information such as a user name and a password by a user operation (step S601). Then, the client device 2100a sends a login request by transmitting the organization code, user name, and password to the authentication processing unit 1222 (step S602). The authentication processing unit 1222 makes an authentication determination with reference to the user management information storage unit 1232 based on the organization code, the user name, and the password transmitted by the client device 2100a (step S603), and the client device 2100a A login response is made (step S604).

  When outputting the print data, the client apparatus 2100a accepts setting items such as country designation information indicating information related to country designation and a storage period (step S605). Then, the client apparatus 2100a makes a print job submission request including information such as country designation information and storage period to the job management service application 1211 (step S606).

  When receiving the data input request, the job management service application 1211 determines the data format for outputting the print data from the country designation information (step S607), records the print job (step S608), and the data management information holding unit 1211j. Information is recorded in (Step S609). Then, the job management service application 1211 makes a data processing request to the data processing unit 1223 (step S610).

  The data processing unit 1223 performs processing such as data acquisition, data processing, and data recording on the print data (steps S611 to S613), and transmits a data path to the job management service application 1211 (step S614). Thereby, the job management service application 1211 records information in the data management information holding unit 1211j (step S615). Details of the process will be described later.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing when a print job is input. As shown in FIG. 25, when the service providing system 1000 determines that the country designation information does not exist in the input print job (step S701: No), the service providing system 1000 determines the data format corresponding to the organization code at the time of login. (Step S702). On the other hand, when the service providing system 1000 determines that the country designation information exists in the input print job (step S701: Yes), the service providing system 1000 determines the data format corresponding to the designated country designation information (step S703).

  Also, when the service providing system 1000 determines that the storage period is specified for the input print job (step S704: Yes), the country (location) associated with the organization code at the time of login and the country specification information It is determined whether the country (location) is different (step S705). At this time, when the country associated with the organization code at the time of login and the country of the country designation information are the same (step S705: No), the service providing system 1000 sets the designated storage period as the storage period of the print job. Setting is made (step S706). On the other hand, when the storage period is not designated (step S704: No), the service providing system 1000 determines that the country associated with the organization code at the time of login is different from the country of the country designation information (step S705: Yes). The storage period set on the system side is set as the storage period of the print job (step S707).

  FIG. 26 is a processing sequence diagram illustrating a processing example when printing data is output. In FIG. 26, a case where print data is output by a device included in company A (country B) is taken as an example. As shown in FIG. 26, the image forming apparatus 2300a accepts login information such as a user name and a password by a user operation (step S801). Then, the image forming apparatus 2300a makes a login request by transmitting the organization code, user name, password, and device authentication information to the authentication processing unit 1222 (step S802). Based on the organization code, user name, password, and device authentication information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 2300a, the authentication processing unit 1222 is based on the organization management information storage unit 1231, the user management information storage unit 1232, and the device management information storage unit 1233. Etc., authentication judgment is made (step S803). Then, when the authentication is confirmed, the authentication processing unit 1222 makes a print data list acquisition request to the job management service application 1211 (step S804).

  The job management service application 1211 creates a list of print data corresponding to the corresponding print job (step S806), and transmits the created print data list to the image forming apparatus 2300a (step S807). In the image forming apparatus 2300a, output data to be output is selected by a user operation based on the received data list (step S808). Then, the image forming apparatus 2300a makes an acquisition request for the selected output data to the job management service application 1211 (step S809). In response to the acquisition request, the job management service application 1211 acquires target output data (print data) (step S810), and transmits the output data to the image forming apparatus 2300a (step S811). As a result, the image forming apparatus 2300a outputs the acquired print data (step S812).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing when outputting print data. As illustrated in FIG. 27, when the user authentication and device authentication are normally confirmed by the authentication processing unit 1222 (step S901: Yes, step S902: Yes), the service providing system 1000 and the organization code corresponding to the user Then, it is determined whether or not the organization code corresponding to the device matches (step S903).

  At this time, if the service providing system 1000 determines that the organization code corresponding to the user matches the organization code corresponding to the device (step S903: Yes), the service providing system 1000 creates a list of output data associated with the logged-in user. Then, the generated output data list is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2300a (step S904). On the other hand, if the service providing system 1000 determines that the organization code corresponding to the user and the organization code corresponding to the device do not match (step S903: No), it is determined whether or not they are the same organization group (company). Is determined (step S905).

  When the service providing system 1000 determines that they are the same organization group (step S905: Yes), the service providing system 1000 creates a list of output data corresponding to the login user and output data in a data format corresponding to the device, A list of the created output data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2300a (step S906). Here, when the service providing system 1000 determines that the group is not the same organization group (step S905: No), the print data cannot be output in a different organization group, so an error notification is sent to the image forming apparatus 2300a ( Step S907). Further, even when the user authentication or the device authentication cannot be normally confirmed (step S901: No, step S902: No), the service providing system 1000 sends an error notification to the image forming apparatus 2300a (step S907).

  As described above, even when cloud computing is adopted, a job management system can be realized. Even when the location (country) is different, the print data can be normally output in consideration of the data format of the print data.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the application of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the storage period of the print job has been described, but the target data need not be limited to the print job, and various data may be the target. Specifically, the image projection system stores image data in an information processing apparatus, accesses the information processing apparatus from a desired projector to acquire image data (JPEG, etc.), and projects the acquired image data. If so, it can be applied to set a storage period for image data.

  In other words, an information storage system composed of one or more information processing apparatuses that provide a function of receiving and storing use target data for use in a use device via a network, and printing using the use target data Equipment that uses image forming apparatuses, projectors, and other data processing execution apparatuses that execute processes such as projection, sharing, editing, and processing are connected via a network, and data that is stored by the information storage system is used. The present invention can be applied to a stored data utilization system such as that used by the Company.

  In addition, various types of data can be applied to control the storage period, and more than one type of usage (for example, not only a print job used for printing) but also multiple types of usage. The present invention can also be applied to usage forms in which various data relating to applications are stored, and the stored data is transmitted and provided to various devices. Therefore, the job in the present invention includes the meaning of data input from a client having some purpose of use (use of use).

(2) Program The job management program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 is, as one form, a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, The program is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The job management program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The job management program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the job management program may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The job management program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 includes the above-described units (receiving unit 121, setting unit 122, upper limit determination unit 123, resetting unit 124, storage unit 125, progress determination unit 126, and deletion unit 127). As the actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads and executes an image generation program from a storage medium, whereby the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and a reception unit 121 and a setting unit 122 The upper limit determination unit 123, the resetting unit 124, the storage unit 125, the progress determination unit 126, and the deletion unit 127 are generated on the main storage device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing apparatus 110 Storage unit 111 Print job storage unit 112 Job information storage unit 120 Control unit 121 Reception unit 122 Setting unit 123 Upper limit determination unit 124 Reset unit 125 Storage unit 126 Progress determination unit 127 Deletion unit

JP 2001-306286 A JP 2006-268542 A

Claims (9)

An information processing device connected via a network to a device that generates a job, and a device management device that stores device information of the device for each installation area of the device,
A job storage unit for storing a job whose storage period can be set;
A progress determination unit that determines whether or not the storage period set for the job stored in the job storage unit has passed;
A deletion unit that deletes the job that has passed the storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period has elapsed ;
A receiving unit that receives the job including the device information of the device and the storage period specified by the user from the device;
A transmission unit that transmits the device information included in the job received by the reception unit to the device management apparatus;
When it is determined by the device management apparatus that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed in the installation area, a predetermined storage period that is not the storage period specified by the user is set, A setting unit configured to set the storage period specified by the user when it is determined that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed outside the installation area;
A storage unit that stores the job with a storage period set in the job storage unit,
The progress determination unit determines whether or not the storage period set for the job and the predetermined storage period have elapsed,
The deletion unit deletes the job that has passed the storage period or the predetermined storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period or the predetermined storage period has elapsed.
The information processing apparatus according to claim and this. The setting unit determines that the device that has generated the accepted job is a device installed in the installation area by the device management apparatus for the job for which the storage period is not set. The predetermined storage period is set, and if it is determined that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed outside the installation area, the storage is longer than the predetermined storage period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a storage period that is equal to or less than an upper limit value of the period is set. An information processing device connected via a network to a device that generates a job, and an entrance / exit management device that manages user entry and exit for each room,
A job storage unit for storing a job for which a storage period can be set;
A progress determination unit that determines whether or not the storage period set for the job stored in the job storage unit has passed;
A deletion unit that deletes the job that has passed the storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period has elapsed;
A receiving unit for receiving the job including user information of a user who has generated a job using the device and a storage period specified by the user from the device;
A transmission unit that transmits the user information included in the job received by the reception unit to the entrance / exit management device;
When it is determined by the entrance / exit management device that the user who generated the accepted job is present in the room, a predetermined storage period that is not the storage period specified by the user is set, and the received A setting unit for setting the storage period specified by the user when it is determined that the user who generated the job does not exist in the room;
A storage unit that stores the job with a storage period set in the job storage unit,
The progress determination unit determines whether or not the storage period set for the job and the predetermined storage period have elapsed,
The deletion unit deletes the job that has passed the storage period or the predetermined storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period or the predetermined storage period has elapsed.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The setting unit, for the job for which the storage period is not set, when it is determined by the entrance / exit management device that the user who generated the accepted job is present in the room, A storage period that is longer than the predetermined storage period and less than or equal to the upper limit value of the storage period when it is determined that the user who has generated the accepted job is set in the room without setting a predetermined storage period The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a period is set. When the entry / exit management device determines that the user does not exist in the room, the deletion unit deletes the job set with the predetermined storage period even if the storage period has not elapsed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is deleted from the storage unit. To a computer connected to a device that stores jobs for which the retention period can be set,
A progress determination step for determining whether or not the storage period set for the job stored in the apparatus has passed;
A deletion step of deleting the job that has passed the storage period from the apparatus when it is determined that the storage period has elapsed;
Accepting the job including the device information of the device and the user-specified storage period from the device that generates the job;
A transmitting step of transmitting the device information included in the job received by the receiving step to a device management apparatus that stores the device information for each installation area of the device;
When it is determined by the device management apparatus that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed in the installation area, a predetermined storage period that is not the storage period specified by the user is set, A setting step for setting the storage period specified by the user when it is determined that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed outside the installation area;
Storing the job with a storage period set in the device, and
The progress determining step determines whether or not the storage period set for the job and the predetermined storage period have elapsed,
The deletion step deletes the job that has passed the storage period or the predetermined storage period from the apparatus when it is determined that the storage period or the predetermined storage period has elapsed.
Job management program. To a computer connected to a device that stores jobs for which the retention period can be set,
A progress determination step for determining whether or not the storage period set for the job stored in the apparatus has passed;
A deletion step of deleting the job that has passed the storage period from the apparatus when it is determined that the storage period has elapsed;
An accepting step of accepting the job including the user information of the user who created the job using the device and the user-specified storage period from the device that generates the job;
Transmitting the user information included in the job accepted by the accepting step to an entrance / exit management device that manages user entry and exit for each room;
When it is determined by the entrance / exit management device that the user who generated the accepted job is present in the room, a predetermined storage period that is not the storage period specified by the user is set, and the received A setting step for setting the storage period specified by the user when it is determined that the user who generated the job does not exist in the room;
Storing the job with a storage period set in the device, and
The progress determining step determines whether or not the storage period set for the job and the predetermined storage period have elapsed,
The deletion step deletes the job that has passed the storage period or the predetermined storage period from the apparatus when it is determined that the storage period or the predetermined storage period has elapsed.
Job management program. A job management system having at least one information processing apparatus,
A job storage unit for storing a job whose storage period can be set;
A progress determination unit that determines whether or not the storage period set for the job stored in the job storage unit has passed;
A deletion unit that deletes the job that has passed the storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period has elapsed;
A receiving unit that receives the job information including the device information of the device and a user-specified storage period from a device that generates the job;
A transmission unit that transmits the device information included in the job received by the reception unit to a device management apparatus that stores the device information for each installation area of the device;
When it is determined by the device management apparatus that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed in the installation area, a predetermined storage period that is not the storage period specified by the user is set, A setting unit configured to set the storage period specified by the user when it is determined that the device that generated the accepted job is a device installed outside the installation area;
A storage unit that stores the job with a storage period set in the job storage unit,
The progress determination unit determines whether or not the storage period set for the job and the predetermined storage period have elapsed,
The deletion unit deletes the job that has passed the storage period or the predetermined storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period or the predetermined storage period has elapsed.
Job management system which is characterized a call. A job management system having at least one information processing apparatus,
A job storage unit for storing a job whose storage period can be set;
A progress determination unit that determines whether or not the storage period set for the job stored in the job storage unit has passed;
A deletion unit that deletes the job that has passed the storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period has elapsed;
A receiving unit that receives the job including the user information of the user who has generated the job using the device and the storage period specified by the user from the device that generates the job;
A transmission unit that transmits the user information included in the job received by the reception unit to an entrance / exit management device that manages user entry and exit for each room;
When it is determined by the entrance / exit management device that the user who generated the accepted job is present in the room, a predetermined storage period that is not the storage period specified by the user is set, and the received A setting unit for setting the storage period specified by the user when it is determined that the user who generated the job does not exist in the room;
A storage unit that stores the job with a storage period set in the job storage unit,
The progress determination unit determines whether or not the storage period set for the job and the predetermined storage period have elapsed,
The deletion unit deletes the job that has passed the storage period or the predetermined storage period from the job storage unit when it is determined that the storage period or the predetermined storage period has elapsed.
A job management system characterized by that.

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