JP6610219B2 - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program, and in particular, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus arranged in each of two or more departments, and an image forming apparatus arranged in each department, and The present invention relates to a program executed by a computer of such an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) not only forms an image but also stores user destination information and transmits the formed image to a destination specified by the destination information. there were. Some conventional image forming systems using such an image forming apparatus include a server and two or more image forming apparatuses disposed in each of two or more departments. The server distributes destination information of a user in a department in which each image forming apparatus is arranged to each image forming apparatus.

  The user generates an image file by using the image forming apparatus of the department to which the user belongs, and uses the generated image file by using the user destination information stored in the image forming apparatus. Transfer to a specific storage location.

  Further, in the image forming system, the image forming apparatus uses the destination information stored in the image forming apparatus to distribute the received image file to users who belong to a department in which the image forming apparatus is installed. be able to.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2014-203085 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming system including an authentication server (master device) and a plurality of image forming apparatuses (slave devices). In the image forming system, the master unit transmits authentication information to each slave unit and stores authentication information of each slave unit. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-261636 (Patent Document 2) describes one facsimile machine (parent machine) installed in a head office and two or more facsimile machines (child machines) installed in each of two or more branches. A facsimile communication system is disclosed. In the facsimile transmission system, the abbreviated number registered in the master unit is automatically registered in each slave unit.

JP 2014-203985 A JP 2000-261636 A

  The image forming system may further include an image forming apparatus that functions as a relay apparatus and is disposed between the server and the image forming apparatuses in each department. The server collectively transmits destination information of users in two or more departments to the relay device. The relay device distributes the destination information of two or more departments transmitted from the server for each department, and then transmits the destination information to the image forming apparatus of each department.

  When such an image forming system is constructed so that the relay device holds destination information of users of two or more departments, the relay device requires a storage capacity comparable to that of the server. This can increase the cost of the image forming system. On the other hand, when the image forming system is constructed so that the relay device does not hold the destination information of the users of each department, the terminal image forming device needs to inquire the destination information of the transferee to the server. In such a case, the image forming system has a disadvantage that traffic to the server increases.

  The present disclosure has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to suppress the storage capacity required by the relay device while suppressing an increase in traffic to the server in the image forming system.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first image forming apparatus installed in the first group, a second image forming apparatus installed in the second group, and the server, the server and the first An image forming system is provided that includes an image forming apparatus and a relay apparatus for relaying information between the image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus. The server includes, for each of one or more users, a first storage unit for storing affiliation information that is information representing a group to which each user belongs and destination information that represents a destination of each user. When the relay apparatus receives affiliation information and destination information for one or more users from the server, the relay apparatus transmits the destination information of users belonging to the first group to the first image forming apparatus, A transmission processing unit configured to transmit destination information of users belonging to the group to the second image forming apparatus, and a second storage unit for storing the affiliation information. The server is configured to notify the relay device that the first user belonging to the first group has now belonged to the second group. In response to the server notifying the relay device that the first user belonging to the first group now belongs to the second group, the transmission processing unit sends the second image. The address information of the first user is transmitted to the forming apparatus, and the change information for notifying that the first user no longer belongs to the first group is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus. ing. The first image forming apparatus includes an information processing unit configured to transmit information for inquiring a group to which the first user belongs to the relay apparatus in response to receiving the change information. In response to receiving the information transmitted from the information processing unit for inquiring about the group to which the first user belongs, the transmission processing unit is assigned to the first image forming apparatus as a group to which the first user belongs after the change. Information representing the second group and information specifying the second image forming apparatus are notified. The information processing unit is configured to transmit information for inquiring about destination information of the first user to the second image forming apparatus in response to being notified of information specifying the second image forming apparatus. Has been. The second image forming apparatus transmits the first user destination information to the first image forming apparatus in response to receiving the inquiry information about the first user destination information transmitted by the information processing unit. Is configured to do.

Preferably, the information processing unit uses the first image forming apparatus at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency for the first user during the most recent predetermined period when the first user no longer belongs to the first group. If not used, information for inquiring about the group to which the first user belongs is not transmitted, and the first user uses the first image forming apparatus at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency in the most recent predetermined period. If you are using sends information to query a group to which the first user belongs, and is configured to.

Preferably, the information processing unit has the first user's use history of the first image forming apparatus in the most recent predetermined period when the first user no longer belongs to the first group. Information for inquiring about a group to which one user belongs, and information for inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs if there is no use history of the first image forming apparatus of the first user in the most recent predetermined period. Is configured to not send .

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, configured to receive destination information representing each destination of one or more users belonging to the first group from an image forming unit that executes an image forming operation and a relay device Communication unit, a storage unit for storing destination information received by the communication unit, and a first user belonging to the first group transmitted by the relay device belongs to the first group. An image forming apparatus comprising: an information processing unit configured to transmit information for inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs to a relay device in response to receiving change information notifying that there is no more Is provided. The relay apparatus transmits destination information of users belonging to the second group to other image forming apparatuses installed in the second group, and the first user belonging to the first group receives the second information. When the user belongs to the group, the destination information of the first user is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus, and the change information is transmitted to the communication unit. When the information for inquiring about the group to which the user belongs is received, information for specifying another image forming apparatus is transmitted to the communication unit. When the communication unit receives information identifying another image forming apparatus in response to transmission of information for inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs, the information processing unit Information for inquiring the destination information of the first user is transmitted.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus is provided. The program receives, to the computer, destination information that is transmitted by the relay device and represents destination information representing each destination of one or more users belonging to the first group, and stores the destination information in a storage unit accessible by the computer. Relaying in response to receiving the change information notifying that the first user belonging to the first group no longer belongs to the first group transmitted by the relay device and the step of storing Transmitting information inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs to the apparatus . The relay apparatus transmits destination information of users belonging to the second group to other image forming apparatuses installed in the second group, and the first user belonging to the first group receives the second information. The first user's destination information is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus, the change information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus When information for inquiring about a group to which one user belongs is received, information for specifying another image forming apparatus is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The program receives information identifying another image forming apparatus installed in the second group to which the first user belongs in response to the transmission of information inquiring the group to which the first user belongs to the computer. If, with respect to the other image forming apparatus to execute the steps of transmitting information inquiring the destination information of the first user.

  According to the present disclosure, the first image forming apparatus installed in the first department inquires of the relay apparatus about destination information of the first user who no longer belongs to the first department. The relay apparatus transmits information specifying the second image forming apparatus installed in the second department to which the first user newly belongs to the first image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus acquires destination information of the first user by making an inquiry to the second image forming apparatus.

  There is no need for the relay device to store the destination information of the first user. As a result, an increase in storage capacity required by the relay apparatus can be avoided.

  The first image forming apparatus only needs to communicate with the relay apparatus and the second image forming apparatus in order to acquire new destination information of the first user, and does not need to communicate with the server. Thereby, an increase in traffic to the server can be avoided.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of an image forming system. FIG. 4 is a diagram for schematically explaining the flow of processing when personnel changes in the image forming system. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a personnel management server. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the personnel data handled in an image forming system. It is a figure which shows an example of destination information and affiliation information. It is a figure which shows an example of the destination information memorize | stored in the memory | storage device of MFP of the 11th development section. It is a figure which shows an example of the destination information and affiliation information after being changed with personnel changes. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the personnel data after a change accompanying the personnel change demonstrated using FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the destination information memorize | stored in the memory | storage device of MFP of an 11th development section by changing affiliation information with the personnel change demonstrated using FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen of the display of the operation panel of MFP of an 11th development section. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen of the display of the operation panel of MFP of an 11th development section. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen of the display of the operation panel of MFP of an 11th development section. 6 is a flowchart of processing executed in an MFP as an example of a relay device. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed when an MFP installed in each section receives destination information from a relay device. It is a flowchart of the process performed in the relay apparatus which received the inquiry of step S302 of FIG. It is a flowchart of an example of the process which determines the necessity of an inquiry according to the use frequency of a transfer person. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an image forming system.

  Embodiments of an image forming system will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[1. Configuration of image forming system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of an image forming system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a personnel management server 100 and six MFPs 200A, 200B, 200C, 200X, 200Y, and 200Z. The image forming system 1 is applied to an organization having a hierarchical structure. This embodiment employs a company organization as an example of the organization. MFPs 200 </ b> A, 200 </ b> B, 200 </ b> C, 200 </ b> X, 200 </ b> Y, and 200 </ b> Z are collectively referred to as MFP 200 in the description of properties common to these. The number of MFPs 200 constituting the image forming system 1 is not limited to the six shown in FIG. The structure of the tissue to which the image forming system 1 is applied is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  A tissue to which the image forming system 1 is applied will be described. The organization includes “Development Headquarters”. The “development headquarters” includes “first development department” and “second development department”. The “first development department” includes “11th development section”, “12th development section”, and “13th development section”.

  In the image forming system 1, the personnel management server 100 controls the entire image forming system 1.

The MFP 200A is shared by users who belong to the “development headquarters”.
The MFP 200B is shared by users who belong to the “first development department”.

The MFP 200C is shared by users who belong to the “second development department”.
The MFP 200X is placed in a room where a desk of a user belonging to the “11th development section” of the “first development department” is installed.

  The MFP 200Y is arranged in a room where a desk of a user belonging to the “12th development section” of the “first development department” is installed.

  The MFP 200Z is arranged in a room where a desk of a user belonging to the “13th development section” of the “first development department” is installed.

  The personnel management server 100 is connected to the MFP 200A. MFP 200A is connected to MFP 200B and MFP 200C. MFP 200B is connected to MFPs 200X, 200Y, and 200Z.

  In the image forming system 1, the personnel management server 100 distributes “destination information” of each user to the MFP 200 installed in the “section” to which each user belongs. The destination information includes destination data of each user. The destination data is information serving as a destination for transmitting information to the user. An example of the destination data is a mail address. Another example is a facsimile number (hereinafter referred to as “FAX number”).

  The personnel management server 100 further stores “affiliation information”. The affiliation information is information for specifying the affiliation of each user in the organization. The example of “affiliation information” shown in FIG. 1 indicates that the user belongs to the eleventh development section (of the first development department) identified by the user ID “Mr. A” and is identified by the user ID “Mr. B”. Indicates belonging to the 12th development section (of the 1st development department).

  The MFP 200 that is not installed in the “section”, that is, the MFPs 200A, 200B, and 200C in FIG. 1, functions as a relay device in the distribution of destination information from the personnel management server 100 to the MFP 200 that is installed in the “section”.

  More specifically, the personnel management server 100 transmits destination information and affiliation information to the MFP 200A.

  The MFP 200 </ b> A identifies the user ID of the user belonging to the second development department by referring to the “affiliation information” transmitted from the personnel management server 100, and the user belonging to the second development department from the “destination information”. The destination data associated with the user ID is extracted. After that, the MFP 200A transmits the affiliation information and the extracted destination data to the MFP 200C (of the second development unit). Further, MFP 200A transmits the affiliation information and the remaining destination data to MFP 200B.

  The MFP 200B transmits the destination data of the user belonging to the “11th development section” among the destination data received from the MFP 200A to the MFP 200X (of the 11th development section) as the destination information of the 11th development section. The MFP 200B transmits the destination data of the user belonging to the “12th development section” to the MFP 200Y (of the 12th development section) as the destination information of the 12th development section. The MFP 200B transmits the destination data of the user belonging to the “13th development section” to the MFP 200Z (of the 13th development section) as the destination information of the 13th development section.

  The storage device of MFP 200B (storage device 205 in FIG. 5 to be described later) stores information (table or the like) that associates each of the eleventh development section, the twelfth development section, and the thirteenth development section with each of MFPs 200X, 200Y, and 200Z. I remember it. For example, the MFP 200B distributes the destination data of each section to each MFP 200 based on the information. The information may be stored in a storage device outside the MFP 200B (such as the personnel management server 100), and the MFP 200B may distribute the destination data with reference to the information stored in the storage device.

  As a result, the MFP 200X acquires destination data of users belonging to the eleventh development section where the MFP 200X is installed. The MFP 200Y acquires destination data of a user belonging to the twelfth development section where the MFP 200Y is installed. The MFP 200Z acquires destination data of users belonging to the thirteenth development section where the MFP 200Z is installed. In each of MFPs 200X, 200Y, and 200Z, the acquired destination data (for example, an e-mail address and / or a FAX number) is used as an abbreviated destination that is used by, for example, a scan function / FAX function that is a function of the MFP.

[2. Specific examples of issues in personnel changes in the image forming system]
In the image forming system 1, for example, the destination information is periodically transmitted from the personnel management server 100 to the MFPs (MFPs 200X, 200Y, 200Z) of each section. In the image forming system 1, the destination information notified to the MFP of each section is also changed with personnel changes. For example, when Mr. A is transferred from the 11th development section to the 12th development section, the destination data of Mr. A is not notified to the MFP (MFP 200X) of the 11th development section, and the 12th development section The MFP (MFP 200Y) is notified of the destination information to which Mr. A's destination data has been added.

  On the other hand, immediately after the transfer, it is assumed that Mr. A who has been transferred to the 12th Development Section due to business transfer etc. will still transmit information from the MFP in the 11th Development Section using the scan function or FAX function. Is done. However, the destination information of the MFP in the eleventh development section is overwritten with the destination information (personnel information) from which A's destination data has been deleted. For this reason, in the MFP of the eleventh development section, Mr. A's destination is deleted from the destinations for which the scan function and / or the FAX function are abbreviated. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to transmit information to Mr. A through the MFP in the eleventh development section.

  In order to cope with the above problem, it is also conceivable to hold old information before update for a certain period. However, the problem of information that changes for each “section” such as a FAX number cannot be solved by retaining old information before update.

  As another solution, it is conceivable to inquire the HR management server 100 that centrally manages the destination information about the destination data of the user that has been changed before and after the update. However, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the inquiry is routed through the eleventh development section (MFP 200X), the first development unit (MFP 200B), and the development headquarters (MFP 200A). When the personnel management server 100 processes inquiries from MFPs installed in all “sections”, communication traffic in the personnel management server 100 increases. Also in this respect, the above-mentioned other solutions are not realistic.

  As another solution, it is conceivable that the relay MFP (MFP 200B, etc.) holds all the destination information notified to the MFPs (MFPs 200X, 200Y, 200Z, etc.) of each “section”. In this solution, each “section” MFP (MFP 200X, 200Y, 200Z, etc.) does not need to inquire the personnel management server 100 about the destination information of the transferred user. However, the relay MFP (MFP 200B or the like) needs to include a storage device having a capacity capable of storing destination information of all users. Therefore, the cost for realizing the image forming system 1 may increase.

[3. Processing when personnel changes]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for schematically explaining the flow of processing when personnel changes in the image forming system 1. In this example, a process when Mr. A of the 11th development section is transferred to the 12th development section will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 200X is installed in the eleventh development section and stores destination information of users who belong to the eleventh development section. Because Mr. A has moved from the 11th development section to the 12th development section, the destination information transmitted to the MFP 200X does not include Mr. A's destination data. The MFP 200X inquires of the MFP 200B about the storage destination of Mr. A's destination data. Upon obtaining an answer that the storage destination is the MFP 200Y, the MFP 200X requests the address data of Mr. A from the MFP 200Y. This will be described in more detail below.

  When the change from Mr. A's 11th development section to the 12th development section is registered, the personnel management server 100 notifies the MFP 200B of the change through the MFP 200A. When the change from Mr. A's 11th development section to the 12th development section is registered in the personnel management server 100, the personnel management server 100 updates the belonging information and transmits the updated belonging information to the MFP 200B. The change of Mr. A may be notified.

In response to the notification from the personnel management server 100, as shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 200 </ b> B includes the MFP 200 </ b> X in the section before the change of Mr. A (the eleventh development section) and the section after the change of Mr. A ( to MFP200 Y of the 12 development Department), carry out the notification. More specifically, the MFP 200B notifies the MFP 200X that Mr. A has been deleted from the eleventh development section. The MFP 200B may perform the notification by transmitting the updated destination information. Further, the MFP 200B notifies the MFP 200Y that Mr. A has been added to the twelfth development section and the address information of Mr. A.

  Thereafter, the MFP 200B stores information for linking the user ID and the distribution destination of the destination information in the MFP 200B. The stored information may be affiliation information transmitted from the personnel management server 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, upon receiving a notification from MFP 200B, MFP 200X detects that Mr. A's destination data has been deleted from the destination information distributed to MFP 200X. For example, the MFP 200X detects that the address data of Mr. A has been deleted from the destination information by comparing the updated destination information with the destination information received before that.

  When it is detected that the address data of Mr. A is deleted, the MFP 200X inquires of the MFP 200B about the “section” to which Mr. A newly belongs. In response to this, the MFP 200B notifies the MFP 200X of the section before the change of Mr. A (the 12th development section) by referring to the latest affiliation information, for example.

  When notified of the section to which Mr. A belongs after the change from the MFP 200B, the MFP 200X requests Mr. A's destination information from the MFP (MFP 200Y) of the section. The MFP 200B may notify the address of the MFP (MFP 200Y) of the section together with the section before the change of Mr. A (the 12th development section) to the MFP 200X. The MFP 200X may request Mr. A's destination information from the MFP 200Y using the notified address.

  In response to a request from the MFP 200X, the MFP 200Y transmits Mr. A's destination information to the MFP 200X.

  The MFP 200X adds Mr. A's destination data received from the MFP 200Y to the destination information of the eleventh development section.

[4. Hardware configuration of personnel management server 100]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the personnel management server 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the personnel management server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a storage device 103, a display 104, and an input device 105 as main components. And a NIC (Network Interface Controller) 106. The CPU 101, the RAM 102, the storage device 103, the display 104, the input device 105, and the communication device 106 are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The CPU 101 is an example of an arithmetic device that executes processing for controlling the overall operation of the personnel management server 100.

The RAM 102 functions as a work area when the CPU 101 executes processing.
The storage device 103 stores various data. An example of data stored in the storage device 103 is an OS (operating system) executed by the CPU 101 and / or a browser application program. Another example is data used to execute these programs.

The storage device 103 is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, an FD (Flexible Disk), or a hard disk. , SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM ( ( Registered Trademark) (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or the like. A program downloaded via a network may be installed in the storage device 103.

  A program according to the present disclosure may be a program module that is provided as a part of an OS of a computer and that calls necessary modules at a predetermined timing and executes processing in a predetermined arrangement. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present disclosure may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. A program incorporated in such another program may also be included in the program according to the present disclosure.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The display 104 displays an image indicating the processing result of the program executed by the CPU 101. In the personnel management server 100, the display 104 can be omitted.

  The input device 105 is realized by a keyboard and / or operation buttons, for example. When receiving the input of information, the input device 105 sends the information to the CPU 101.

  The NIC 106 is a communication interface used when the personnel management server 100 exchanges information with the MFP 200.

[5. MFP hardware configuration]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 200 includes, as main components, a CPU 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM 203, an NV (Non-Volatile) -RAM 204, a storage device 205, a NIC 206, An operation panel 207, a scanner unit 208, a printer unit 209, and a FAX unit 210 are provided. Each element in the MFP 200 is connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The CPU 201 is an example of a processor that executes processing for comprehensively controlling the operation of the MFP 200. In the following description, in each of MFPs 200A, 200B, 200C, 200X, 200Y, and 200Z, the process executed by CPU 201 of each MFP 200 may be described as the process executed by MFP 200 itself.

The ROM 202 stores various data including a program executed by the CPU 201.
The RAM 203 and the NV-RAM 204 function as work areas when the CPU 201 executes a program. The RAM 203 and / or the NV-RAM 204 may temporarily store image data read by the scanner unit 208 or the like.

  The storage device 205 stores various types of data such as destination information or documents registered in the MFP 200. Document data may be input to the MFP 200 via a network, or may be generated by reading an image with the scanner unit 208.

  The NIC 206 is a communication interface used when the MFP 200 exchanges information with other devices.

  The operation panel 207 accepts input of various types of information, such as setting values for copy image quality or paper, and information for registering or selecting a scan transmission destination (destination registration). On the surface of the operation panel 207, for example, a liquid crystal display unit on which a touch panel is stacked is provided. Operation panel 207 displays, for example, setting contents in MFP 200.

  A scanner unit 208 scans a set original and generates image data of the original. A known method can be employed as a method for generating image data in the scanner unit 208.

  The printer unit 209 converts image data read by the scanner unit 208 or print data transmitted from an external information processing apparatus into data for printing by using, for example, an electrophotographic method, and based on the converted data An apparatus for printing an image such as a document. A known technique can be adopted as an image forming mode such as an electrophotographic system.

  The FAX unit 210 executes processing for facsimile communication. Since the known facsimile communication technology can be adopted for the processing for facsimile communication, detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the MFP 200, the operation of the MFP 200 as described in this specification is realized by the CPU 201 executing an appropriate program. The program executed by the CPU 201 may be stored in the storage device 205 instead of being stored in the ROM 202 as described above, or may be stored in a storage medium that is removable from the MFP 200. The storage medium for storing the program is, for example, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB memory, memory card, FD, hard disk, SSD, magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO, MD, IC card (excluding memory card), optical A medium for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, such as a card, mask ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM (registered trademark) .

[6. Personnel data in image forming system]
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of personnel data handled in the image forming system. As shown in FIG. 5, personnel data handled in the image forming system is managed under an organization having a hierarchical structure. A part of the hierarchical structure is shown as company information, development headquarter information, first development department information, and eleventh development section information in FIG. Among these, the company information indicates the highest structure, the next higher structure is indicated by the development headquarters information, and the second highest structure is indicated by the first development department information. The eleventh development section information indicates the lowest structure.

  More specifically, the company information represents the highest classification of the organization. In the top level classification, the organization includes development headquarters, sales headquarters, and production headquarters. In addition to the main body of the development headquarters, the development headquarters includes a head of the headquarters and two deputy heads. The components of the main body of the development headquarters will be described later as development headquarter information.

  The sales headquarters includes a head of the headquarters and two deputy heads in addition to the main body of the sales headquarters. Since the components of the main body of the sales headquarters can be the same as the components of the main body of the development headquarters, description of the specific contents is omitted in FIG. The production headquarters also includes those who make up the main body and those who have titles such as headquarters as well as the development headquarters. In FIG. 5, the detailed description of the production headquarters is omitted.

  The development headquarters information indicates the configuration of the main body of the development headquarters in the company information. As shown as the development headquarters information, the development headquarters includes a first development department, a second development department, and a third development department. Each of these three development departments includes a main body and a department head.

  1st development department information shows the composition of the main part of the 1st development department in development headquarters information. As shown as the first development department information, the first development department includes an eleventh development section, a twelfth development section, and a thirteenth development section. Each of the eleventh development section and the twelfth development section includes a person constituting each main body and three section managers. The thirteenth development section includes a person who constitutes the main body and two section managers.

  The eleventh development section information indicates the configuration of the main body of the eleventh development section of the first development department information. The eleventh development section information includes the user ID and destination information of each person who constitutes the eleventh development section. More specifically, the eleventh development section information includes user IDs and destination information of 12 persons belonging to the eleventh development section from “Mr. Sato” to “Mr. Yamada”. For example, Sato's user ID is “Sato **”. Mr. Sato's address information includes Mr. Sato's email address (satou_***@***.com) and fax number (***-***-0111).

[7. Specific example of destination information]
The personnel management server 100 stores destination data of each person belonging to the organization and affiliation information indicating where each person in the organization belongs. A combination of destination data of a plurality of persons in the organization is called destination information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination information and affiliation information. The configuration of the destination information will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 6, the destination information associates the user ID of each person belonging to the organization with the destination data. For example, the destination information includes Sato's user ID (Sato **), Sato's destination information (e-mail address (satou_***@***.com) and fax number (***-***- 0111)) to each other. The address information includes further Yamada's user ID (Yamada **), Yamada's address information (email address (yamada_***@***.com) and fax number (***-***- 1112)) to each other.

[8. Specific examples of affiliation information]
With reference to FIG. 6, the structure of affiliation information will be described.

  As shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the affiliation information associates the user ID of each person belonging to the organization with the department (group) to which the user belongs. For example, the affiliation information associates Mr. Sato's ID (Sato **) with the department to which Mr. Sato belongs (the 11th development section of the first development department of the development headquarters). The destination information further associates Mr. Yamada's user ID (Yamada **) with the department to which Mr. Yamada belongs (the 11th development section of the first development department of the development headquarters).

[9. Example of destination information stored in MFP of 11th development section]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination information stored in the storage device (storage device 205 in FIG. 5) of the MFP 200X of the eleventh development section. The storage device of the MFP 200X stores destination data of users belonging to the eleventh development section as destination information of the eleventh development section.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, in the image forming system 1, the personnel management server 100 transmits destination information and affiliation information as shown in FIG. 6 to the MFP 200B through the MFP 200A. The CPU (CPU 201 in the figure) of the MFP 200B extracts the user ID of the user belonging to the eleventh development section by referring to the affiliation information, and stores the destination data corresponding to the extracted user ID in the eleventh development section. Send to MFP 200X. In response to this, when receiving the destination data, the CPU of the MFP 200X of the eleventh development section (CPU 201 of FIG. 5) stores the destination data in the storage device of the MFP 200X (storage device 205 of FIG. 5).

[10. Change of affiliation information]
Data that is changed in the personnel management server 100 when there is a personnel change in the organization will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination information and affiliation information after being changed due to personnel changes.

  The affiliation information shown in the lower part of FIG. 8 indicates that Mr. Yamada who belonged to the 11th development section in the affiliation information of FIG. 6 belongs to the 12th development section instead of the 11th development section. In the destination information shown at the top of FIG. 8, due to personnel changes, the fax number of Mr. Yamada's destination data is changed from “***-***-1112” shown in FIG. ***-2111 ”.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of personnel data after change accompanying the personnel change described with reference to FIG. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the eleventh development section information includes Mr. Yamada's data, whereas in the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the eleventh development section information does not include Mr. Yamada's data. .

[11. Example of information stored in MFP of 11th development section after change of affiliation information]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination information stored in the storage device of the MFP 200X of the eleventh development section when the affiliation information is changed in accordance with the personnel change described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows information 280 and information 290. Information 280 indicates destination information transmitted to MFP 200X after a personnel change. The information 290 is destination information stored in the MFP 200X after a personnel change, and indicates destination information supplemented with the transferee's destination data. A person who has been transferred from one department to another due to a personnel change is also referred to as a “transferee” of the department before the change.

  As Mr. Yamada has moved from the 11th development section to the 12th development section, the affiliation information is changed as shown in FIG. As a result, the MFP 200B does not transmit Mr. Yamada's destination data to the MFP 200X installed in the eleventh development section. Therefore, the information transmitted to the MFP 200X does not include Mr. Yamada's destination data as shown as information 280.

  Upon receiving the destination information of the eleventh development section from the MFP 200B, the MFP 200X updates the destination data for the user IDs in which the destination data is included among the user IDs that have previously stored the destination data. To do. On the other hand, the MFP 200X deletes the destination data for the user ID that does not include the destination data corresponding to the received destination information. The destination information transmitted to the MFP 200X after the personnel change does not include Yamada's destination data. Thereby, in the information 280, the address data of Mr. Yamada is indicated as “-”. This indicates that the address data of Mr. Yamada has been deleted.

  The MFP 200X specifies a user who no longer belongs to the eleventh development section due to personnel changes. The identification of the user is realized, for example, by identifying the user ID from which the corresponding destination data has been deleted.

  When there is a user who no longer belongs to the eleventh development section due to personnel changes, the MFP 200X inquires of the MFP 200B which department the user belongs to after the change. The inquiry includes, for example, the user ID of the user. The inquiry about Mr. Yamada includes, for example, Mr. Yamada's user ID (Yamada **).

  When the MFP 200B receives an inquiry about the department to which the user belongs after the change, the MFP 200B identifies the department to which the user belongs after the change by referring to the latest belonging information, and replies to the MFP 200X. The department to which the employee belongs after the change is specified by, for example, the user ID of the changed user. The answer may be accompanied by information for specifying the MFP 200 installed in the department to which the user belongs after moving.

  Upon receiving an answer from the MFP 200B, the MFP 200X requests the destination data of the changed user from the MFP 200 installed in the department to which the MFP 200B belongs after the change. For example, for Mr. Yamada, the MFP 200X receives an answer from the MFP 200B that the department to which Mr. Yamada belongs after the transfer is the 12th development section. In response to this answer, the MFP 200X requests Mr. Yamada's destination data from the MFP 200Y installed in the 12th development section.

  In response to the request, the destination data of the transferred person is transmitted to the MFP 200X. In response, the MFP 200X configures the destination information by adding the destination data of the transferee to the destination data of the user belonging to the eleventh development section. In MFP 200X, it is preferable that the destination data of the transferee is stored separately from the destination data of the user belonging to the eleventh development section. Information 290 in FIG. 10 indicates that information 291 indicating the destination data of the user belonging to the eleventh development section and information 292 indicating the destination data of the transferee are stored separately from each other. The distinction is realized, for example, by holding information under different tags.

[12. Specific Example of Provision of Destination Information in MFP of 11th Development Section]
FIGS. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing specific examples of display screens on the operation panel (operation panel 207 in FIG. 4) of the MFP 200X in the eleventh development section. FIG. 11 shows a display screen before the change of Mr. Yamada. 12 and 13 show the display screens after Mr. Yamada's change.

  In MFP 200X, the user can specify each of one or more pieces of destination data of the destination information stored in MFP 200X by a button operation. More specifically, MFP 200X displays screen 250 in FIG. 11 on the display of the operation panel. The screen 250 includes a company tag 251, a development headquarter tag 252, a first development department tag 253, an eleventh development section tag 254, and a transferee tag 255. The screen 250 is displayed when the eleventh development section tag 254 is selected.

  The screen 250 in FIG. 11 includes twelve software buttons corresponding to each of twelve users (Sato, Suzuki, Takahashi,..., Yoshida, Yamada) belonging to the eleventh development section before moving. The MFP 200X uses the destination data corresponding to the operated button among the 12 software buttons for the processing being executed.

  In one example, the MFP 200X displays a screen 250 during fax transmission processing. When the software button corresponding to “Sato **” in the screen 250 is operated, the MFP 200X is associated with destination data (user ID “Sato **”) corresponding to “Sato **” as a fax transmission destination. Fax number) as the fax destination.

  In another example, the MFP 200 displays a screen 250 during the address book editing process. When the software button corresponding to “Sato **” in the screen 250 is operated, the MFP 200X displays a screen for editing the destination data associated with the user ID “Sato **” on the operation panel.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the screen displayed after a personnel change will be described. When the eleventh development section tag 254 is operated, the MFP 200X displays the screen 260 in FIG. Screen 260 includes 11 software buttons. Each of the eleven software buttons corresponds to each user ID of eleven users belonging to the eleventh development section shown as information 291 in the information 290 of FIG. When any of the software buttons displayed on the screen 260 is operated, the MFP 200X specifies a user ID corresponding to the operated software button, and performs processing for executing destination data corresponding to the specified user ID. To use.

  When the MFP 200X is operated with the transferee tag 255, the MFP 200X displays a screen 270 of FIG. Screen 270 includes one software button. The one software button corresponds to the user ID of the transferee indicated as information 292 in the information 290 of FIG. When any of the software buttons displayed on the screen 270 is operated, the MFP 200X specifies the user ID corresponding to the software button, and uses the destination data corresponding to the specified user for the processing being executed. .

[13. Distribution of destination information]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of processing executed in MFP 200B, which is an example of a relay device. The process of FIG. 14 is an example of a process for allocating destination information to the MFP 200 installed in each section.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the MFP 200 </ b> B determines whether the destination information transmitted from the personnel management server 100 has been received in step S <b> 100. If it is determined that the destination information has not been received (NO in step S100), MFP 200B stops control in step S100. The control in step S100 is executed, for example, every certain time (for example, 1 minute). If it is determined that the destination information has been received (YES in step S100), MFP 200B advances the control to step S101.

  In step S101, the MFP 200B distributes the received destination information to the MFP 200 of each section. More specifically, in the destination information, the destination data is classified for each corresponding section (11th development section, 12th development section, 13th development section, etc.). Thereafter, the MFP 200B transmits a set of destination data classified for each section to MFPs (MFPs 200X, 200Y, 200Z, etc.) installed in the corresponding section. Thereby, a set of destination data associated with the eleventh development section is transmitted to the eleventh development section. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the MFP 200X stores information for linking the user ID corresponding to the transmitted destination data and the destination MFP (distribution destination). This information is, for example, destination information. Thereafter, the process ends.

[14. Query destination information]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of processing executed when an MFP (for example, MFP 200X) installed in each section receives destination information from the relay device. The process of FIG. 15 is an example of a process for acquiring the transferee's destination data.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the MFP 200 </ b> X determines whether or not destination information has been received from the relay apparatus in step S <b> 300. The MFP 200X stops the control in step S300 until it determines that the destination information has been received (NO in step S300). For example, the MFP 200X repeats the control in FIG. 15 at regular time intervals (for example, 1 second). When determining that the destination information has been received (YES in step S300), the MFP 200X advances the control to step S301.

  In step S301, the MFP 200X searches for a user ID whose destination data has changed between the destination information (new destination information) received this time and the destination (old destination information) received last time. When MFP 200X detects such a user ID (YES in step S301), control proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if MFP 200X cannot detect such a user ID (NO in step S301), control proceeds to step S307.

  In step S302, the MFP 200X inquires the relay apparatus (MFP 200B) about the storage destination of the transferee's destination data. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the MFP 200X determines whether a reply to the inquiry in step S302 has been received from the relay apparatus. The MFP 200X stops control in step S303 until it determines that it has received an answer (NO in step S303). If MFP 200X determines that it has received an answer (YES in step S303), it advances control to step S304. An example of the storage destination of the transferee's destination data is the MFP 200 installed in the section to which the transferee belongs.

  In step S304, the MFP 200X requests the transferee's destination data from the storage destination of the transferee's destination data. The request includes, for example, the user ID of the transferee and is realized by transmitting a request message. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S305.

  In step S <b> 305, the MFP 200 </ b> X determines whether or not the transferee's destination data has been acquired. The MFP 200X stops the control in step S305 until determining that the destination data of the transferee has been acquired (NO in step S305). If it is determined that the destination data of the transferee has been acquired (YES in step S305), the MFP 200X advances the control to step S306.

  In step S306, the MFP 200X adds the transferee's destination data to the destination information of the section in which the MFP 200X is installed (the destination information acquired in step S300). The destination information of the section in which the MFP 200X is installed is exemplified as information 291 in FIG. The transferee's destination data is exemplified as information 292 in FIG. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the MFP 200X saves the old destination information after overwriting it with the new destination information. The old destination information is exemplified in FIG. 7 in the present embodiment. The new destination information is illustrated as information 290 in FIG. Thereafter, the process of FIG. 15 ends.

[15. Responding to address information inquiries]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing executed in the relay apparatus (for example, MFP 200B) that has received the inquiry in step S302 of FIG. The process in FIG. 16 is an example of a process for notifying the MFP installed in the section to which the transferred person belongs to the MFP installed in the section to which the transferred person belongs.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in step S200, the MFP 200B determines whether or not an inquiry about the storage destination of the transferee's destination data has been received. MFP 200B stops control at step S200 until it determines that an inquiry has been received (NO at step S200). For example, the MFP 200B executes the process of FIG. 16 every predetermined time (for example, 1 second). If it is determined that an inquiry has been received (YES in step S200), MFP 200B advances the control to step S201.

  In step S201, the MFP 200B specifies the distribution destination (MFP) of the destination data of the user who has been inquired from the affiliation information. The inquiry may include a user ID. In this case, the MFP 200B specifies the MFP associated with the user ID included in the inquiry in the affiliation information. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the MFP 200B transmits the storage destination (MFP) specified in step S201 to the inquiry transmission source (MFP) as a response to the inquiry in step S200. Thereafter, the process of FIG. 16 ends.

  In the organization as shown in FIG. 1, when the MFP 200X inquires about the storage destination of the destination data for the MFP 200X about Mr. Yamada who has been transferred from the 11th development section to the 12th development section, the MFP 200B returns the storage destination as an answer. The fact that it is MFP 200Y is transmitted. The MFP 200B may transmit the answer together with the address (IP address, etc.) of the MFP 200Y.

[16. Modified example of determination of necessity of inquiry of destination information]
In the present embodiment, the MFP installed in each section inquires of the relay device about the destination data storage destination on the condition that the destination information is received from the relay device. This inquiry does not require any operation from the user.

  In the first modification for determining whether or not an inquiry is necessary, the MFP installed in each section displays the user ID whose destination data has been changed in the new / old destination information on the operation panel, and the operation from the user. The relay apparatus may be inquired after waiting. When the user inputs an instruction designating not to make an inquiry, the MFP does not need to make an inquiry about the storage destination of the transferee's destination data.

  In the second modification of determining whether or not an inquiry is necessary, the use history of the transferred person is employed. More specifically, on the condition that the transferee has used the MFP more than a certain frequency for a certain period (for example, one month) before the transfer, the MFP sends the transferee's destination data to the relay device. Queries the storage location of.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an example of a process for determining whether or not an inquiry is necessary according to the use frequency of a transferee. The process of FIG. 17 is executed by the MFP 200X, for example. The process in FIG. 17 is executed instead of step S301 in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the MFP 200 </ b> X determines whether or not a user ID having a difference between the new destination information and the old destination information is detected in step S <b> 3010. If it is determined that such a user ID is detected (YES in step S3010), MFP 200X advances the control to step S3011. On the other hand, if MFP 200X determines that such a user ID has not been detected (NO in step S3010), control proceeds to step S307 (see FIG. 15).

  In step S3011, the MFP 200X determines whether there is a usage history of the user ID detected in step S3010 during the most recent predetermined period (for example, for one month). For example, the MFP 200X records the user ID of the user who has logged into the MFP 200X as a log in the storage device 205. In step S3011, for example, if there is a user ID detected in step S3010 in the log for the most recent month, the MFP 200X determines that there is a log-in user ID usage history. If there is no user ID in the log for the most recent predetermined period, the MFP 200X determines that there is no usage history for the user ID.

  If the MFP 200X determines that there is a usage history of the user ID (YES in step S3011), the control proceeds to step S302 (see FIG. 15). As a result, the MFP 200X makes an inquiry to the relay device. If the MFP 200X determines that there is no usage history of the user ID (NO in step S3011), the control proceeds to step S307 (see FIG. 15). As a result, no inquiry is made to the relay device.

  In the process of FIG. 17, if the transferee has logged in to the MFP even once in the most recent predetermined period, it is considered that the transferee has used the MFP at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency. The usage frequency can be set as appropriate. On the condition that the transferee has used the MFP more than a certain number of times in the most recent predetermined period, an inquiry about the storage destination of the transferee's destination data may be executed.

  The usage history may be used for specifying items other than the usage frequency. More specifically, the MFP of the eleventh development section asks the relay device whether or not the transferee uses the storage device for the transferee's destination data depending on whether the transferee uses the MFP in a specific manner. May be determined. An example of a specific aspect is fax transmission using the transferee's fax number. When the transferor calls the transferor's fax number from the address book and sends a fax within a certain period of time immediately after the transfer, the MFP sends the transferer's destination data to the relay device. You may ask for the storage location. Even if the transferee logs in to the MFP within the predetermined period, if the MFP does not use the MFP in the specific mode, the MFP inquires the relay device about the storage location of the transferee's destination data. It does not have to be.

[17. Summary of processing in image forming system]
FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of the image forming system 1.

  In the image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 18, the personnel management server 100 (server) is assigned to the MFP 200B (relay device) by Mr. Yamada (Mr. Yamada (No. 1) belonging to the eleventh development section (first group)). 1 user)) is now in the 12th development section (second group). The CPU (transmission processing unit) of the MFP 200B is such that the personnel management server 100 (server) is assigned to the MFP 200B (relay device) by Mr. Yamada (first user) who belonged to the eleventh development section (first group). In response to notifying that the twelfth development section (second group) has come to belong, at least the following two processes are executed.

  (1) The address information of Mr. Yamada (first user) is transmitted to the MFP 200Y (second image forming apparatus).

  (2) The change information notifying that Mr. Yamada (first user) no longer belongs to the eleventh development section (first group) is transmitted to the MFP 200X (first image forming apparatus).

  The change information may be the new destination information itself or information indicating a difference between the new destination information and the old destination information.

  The MFP 200X (first image forming apparatus) is configured to transmit information inquiring about a group to which Mr. Yamada (first user) belongs to the MFP 200B (relay apparatus) in response to receiving the change information. The CPU (information processing unit) of the MFP 200X is included.

  The CPU (transmission processing unit) of the MFP 200B receives the information for inquiring about the group to which Mr. Yamada (first user) belongs transmitted from the CPU (information processing unit) of the MFP 200X. Information that represents the 12th development section (second group) as a group to which the image forming apparatus belongs after the change of Mr. Yamada (first user) and the 12th development section (second group) Information specifying the existing MFP 200Y (second image forming apparatus).

  The CPU (information processing unit) of the MFP 200X receives Mr. Yamada (first image forming apparatus) from the MFP 200Y (second image forming apparatus) in response to the notification of the information specifying the MFP 200Y (second image forming apparatus). Send information to inquire about the destination information of the user.

  The MFP 200Y (second image forming apparatus) receives the inquiry information about the destination information of Mr. Yamada (first user) transmitted by the CPU (information processing unit) of the MFP 200X. The address information of Mr. Yamada (first user) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

  Each embodiment disclosed this time must be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. In addition, the invention described in the embodiment and each modification is intended to be carried out independently or in combination as much as possible.

1 Image forming system, 100 personnel management server, 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200X, 200Y, 200Z MFP, 250, 260, 270 screen.

Claims (5)

A first image forming apparatus installed in a first group;
A second image forming apparatus installed in a second group;
Server,
A relay device for relaying information between the server and the first image forming device and the second image forming device;
The server
A first storage unit for storing affiliation information, which is information representing a group to which each user belongs, and destination information representing a destination of each user, for each of one or more users;
The relay device is
When the affiliation information and the destination information for one or more users are received from the server, the destination information of users belonging to the first group is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus, A transmission processing unit configured to transmit the destination information of users belonging to the second group to the second image forming apparatus;
A second storage unit for storing the affiliation information,
The server
The relay device is configured to notify that the first user belonging to the first group belongs to the second group,
In response to the server notifying the relay device that the first user belonging to the first group has now belonged to the second group. ,
Transmitting the destination information of the first user to the second image forming apparatus;
The first image forming apparatus is configured to transmit change information notifying that the first user no longer belongs to the first group,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
An information processing unit configured to transmit information inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs to the relay device in response to receiving the change information;
The transmission processing unit
In response to receiving the information for inquiring about the group to which the first user belongs, transmitted by the information processing unit, the first image forming apparatus is assigned with the group as the group to which the first user belongs after the change. Configured to notify information representing a second group and information identifying the second image forming apparatus;
The information processing unit
In response to the notification of the information specifying the second image forming apparatus, the second image forming apparatus is configured to transmit information for inquiring about the destination information of the first user. And
The second image forming apparatus includes:
The destination information of the first user is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus in response to receiving the inquiry information about the destination information of the first user transmitted by the information processing unit. An image forming system configured as described above. The information processing unit is configured based on a usage history of the first image forming apparatus of the first user.
The first user does not use the first image forming apparatus at a frequency more than a predetermined frequency in the most recent predetermined period when the first user no longer belongs to the first group. In this case, the information about the group to which the first user belongs is not transmitted.
When the first user uses the first image forming apparatus at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency in the most recent predetermined period, information for inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs is displayed. transmitting, are configured to, the image forming system according to claim 1. The information processing unit
If there is a usage history of the first image forming apparatus of the first user in the most recent predetermined period when the first user no longer belongs to the first group, the first user Send information to inquire about the group to which
When there is no usage history of the first image forming apparatus of the first user in the most recent predetermined period, information for inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs is not transmitted. The image forming system according to claim 1. An image forming unit that executes an image forming operation;
A communication unit configured to receive destination information representing each destination of one or more users belonging to the first group from the relay device;
A storage unit for storing destination information received by the communication unit;
In response to receiving change information transmitted by the relay device that notifies that the first user belonging to the first group no longer belongs to the first group, the relay device And an information processing unit configured to transmit information inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs,
The relay apparatus transmits destination information of a user belonging to the second group to another image forming apparatus installed in the second group, and the first apparatus belonging to the first group When the user comes to belong to the second group, the destination information of the first user is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus, and the change information is transmitted to the communication unit. Further, when receiving information from the information processing unit that inquires about the group to which the first user belongs, the information specifying the other image forming apparatus is transmitted to the communication unit. ,
The information processing unit, when the communication unit receives information specifying the other image forming apparatus in response to transmission of information for inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs, the other image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus configured to transmit information inquiring about destination information of the first user. A program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus,
The program is stored in the computer.
Receiving destination information representing each destination of one or more users belonging to the first group transmitted by the relay device;
Storing the destination information in a storage unit accessible by the computer;
In response to receiving change information transmitted by the relay device that notifies that the first user belonging to the first group no longer belongs to the first group, the relay device Sending information inquiring about a group to which the first user belongs, and
The relay apparatus transmits destination information of a user belonging to the second group to another image forming apparatus installed in the second group, and the first apparatus belonging to the first group When the user belongs to the second group, the destination information of the first user is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus, and the change information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Further, when receiving information from the image forming apparatus that inquires about a group to which the first user belongs, information for specifying the other image forming apparatus is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. And
The program is stored in the computer.
When receiving information specifying another image forming apparatus installed in the second group to which the first user belongs in response to transmission of information for inquiring about the group to which the first user belongs, A program for causing another image forming apparatus to execute a step of transmitting information for inquiring destination information of the first user.

Images