JP7368073B2 - Information management device, image forming device, information management method, and information management program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information management device, and more specifically to an information management device that manages conference information.

In recent years, information management devices that manage conference information have become widespread. These information management devices manage conference information as well as conference materials for user convenience. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conference management server for "saving the effort of distributing conference materials to conference participants" (see [Problems] in [Summary]). Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an information device for "simplifying the viewing of documents stored in association with a schedule managed by a server" (see [Problems] in [Summary]).

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses an information processing device that "automatically downloads materials that are the subject of a meeting (meeting subject materials) and past related meeting materials linked to this" ([Summary] (see “Means”). Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a distributed material management system that "can manage the return and collection of distributed materials" (see [Problem] in [Summary]).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-36300 JP2014-232342A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-174767 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-224674

However, with the information management device as described in the above-mentioned prior art document, when meeting materials are obtained, it is difficult to know what kind of meeting the materials will be used for. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that allows users to learn from distributed conference materials about the conference in which the conference materials will be used.

The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in one aspect, the purpose is to provide a technology that allows one to learn from distributed conference materials about the conference in which the conference materials are used. be.

According to one aspect, the information management device includes a storage unit for storing data of conference materials used in the conference, an identification number of the conference materials, and conference information regarding the holding of the conference in association with each other, and an output section for outputting meeting materials, an input section for receiving input of the outputted meeting materials, and an input section for acquiring meeting information corresponding to the meeting materials read by the input section based on the identification number from the storage section. The apparatus includes an acquisition section and a notification section for notifying a user of the conference information acquired by the acquisition section.

Preferably, the meeting information includes the date and time or location of the meeting.
Preferably, the information management device further includes an adding section for adding an assigned identification number to conference materials, and an extraction section for extracting the identification number from the conference materials to which the identification number has been added. The acquisition unit acquires conference information based on the extracted identification number.

Preferably, the output unit includes a printing device for printing conference materials using the data. The adding unit adds an identification number to the conference materials printed by performing tint block printing.

Preferably, the input unit includes a scanner for reading conference materials. The extraction unit extracts an identification number printed with a background pattern on the conference material from data of the conference material read by the scanner.

Preferably, the output section includes a transmission interface for transmitting data. The appending section appends an identification number to the properties of the conference materials transmitted as data.

Preferably, the input unit includes a receiving interface for receiving data of conference materials. The extraction unit extracts the identification number from the properties of the conference materials received as data.

Preferably, the information management device has a serial number unique to the information management device. The appending section further appends the serial number to the conference materials.

Preferably, the storage unit stores information on a conference organizer and participants as the conference information. When the conference materials stored in the storage section are updated by the organizer, the notification section notifies participants of the conference corresponding to the conference materials of updated information on the conference materials.

Preferably, the user of the information management device is asked whether or not to participate in the conference based on the fact that the user is not stored in the storage unit as the organizer or participant of the conference corresponding to the read conference materials. It further includes an attendance selection section that prompts selection.

Preferably, based on a user's selection to participate in a conference, the notification unit notifies the user of conference information and conference materials, and notifies the conference organizer of the addition of a participant.

Preferably, the information management device instructs the user of the information management device not to participate in the conference based on the fact that the user is stored in the storage unit as a participant in the conference corresponding to the read conference materials. The device further includes an operation unit for making settings.

Preferably, the operation unit further allows the user to set whether or not to be notified of updated information on conference materials corresponding to the conference, based on the user's setting not to participate in the conference.

Preferably, an image forming apparatus equipped with the above-described information management apparatus is provided.
According to another aspect, an information management method for storing and managing information in a storage unit is provided. The information management method includes the steps of: storing data of conference materials used in the conference, an identification number of the conference materials, and conference information regarding the holding of the conference in association with each other; outputting the conference materials based on the data; a step of receiving input of outputted meeting materials; a step of obtaining meeting information corresponding to the meeting materials read in the step of receiving input from the storage unit based on the identification number; and a step of obtaining meeting information obtained by the obtaining step. and a step of notifying the user.

According to still another aspect, a program is provided that causes a control device to execute an information management method for storing and managing information in a storage unit. The program includes a step of storing, in the control device, data of conference materials used in the conference, an identification number of the conference materials, and conference information regarding the holding of the conference in association with each other, and a step of outputting the conference materials based on the data. , a step of receiving input of outputted meeting materials, a step of obtaining from the storage unit meeting information corresponding to the meeting materials read in the step of receiving input based on the identification number, and a meeting obtained in the obtaining step. and informing the user of the information.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an internal structure of an information management device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the information management device. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the information management device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a storage device. 5 is a flowchart showing conference registration processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an update of the conference list shown in FIG. 5 in the conference registration process. It is a flowchart showing material registration processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an update of the material list shown in FIG. 5 in the material registration process. It is a flowchart showing material update processing. 10 is a diagram showing an update of the material list shown in FIG. 9 in the material update process. FIG. It is a flowchart showing fly-in participation processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an update of the participant list shown in FIG. 5 in the fly-in participation process. It is a flowchart showing type change processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an update of the participant list shown in FIG. 5 in the type change process. It is a functional block diagram of an information management device in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of inputting conference materials in the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will not be repeated. Note that each embodiment and each modification described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

<First embodiment>
[1. Configuration of information management device 100]
The information management device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the information management device 100.

The information management device 100 in this embodiment is configured as a so-called image forming device, and may be a color printer, a monochrome printer, or a fax machine, or may be a multifunction device (i.e., an MFP) that includes a monochrome printer, a color printer, and a fax machine. It may also be a Multi-Functional Peripheral).

The information management device 100 includes paper storage units 60A to 60D, a paper feed roller 61 as a paper feed unit, a paper transport roller 62, a paper sensor 63, a timing roller 87, a timing sensor 88, and a switching claw. 89, a reversing roller 70, a control device 101 for controlling the information management device 100, and an image forming section 110 for printing a toner image on paper.

The storage units 60A to 60D are cassettes in which paper is set. Hereinafter, one of the storage units 60A to 60D will also be referred to as the storage unit 60. The storage unit 60 is configured to be detachable from the information management device 100. The user can set the paper S in the storage section 60 by removing the storage section 60 from the information management device 100. The sizes of the sheets S stored in the storage sections 60A to 60D may be different or may be the same.

The paper feed roller 61 is connected to a motor (not shown) via a paper feed clutch (not shown). The motor is controlled by a control device 101. The control device 101 drives the motor based on receiving a print instruction from the user. The motor rotates the paper feed roller 61 via the paper feed clutch. As a result, the sheets S are sent out one by one from the storage section 60 to the conveyance path 41.

The conveyance roller 62 conveys the paper S sent out from the storage section 60 along the conveyance path 41 . The conveyance roller 62 is connected to a motor (not shown). The control device 101 rotates the transport roller 62 by driving the motor, and transports the paper S along the transport path 41. The paper S is conveyed to the image forming section 110.

The image forming unit 110 forms a toner image according to the image pattern to be printed, and prints the toner image on the paper S. The timing roller 87 adjusts the conveyance of the paper S in accordance with the position of the toner image conveyed within the image forming section 110 based on the detection result of the paper by the timing sensor 88 . As a result, the toner image formed by the image forming section 110 is printed at an appropriate position on the paper S.

Thereafter, if the information management device 100 has received an instruction for single-sided printing, the control device 101 drives the switching claw 89 and discharges the paper S onto the tray 48 . On the other hand, when the information management device 100 has received an instruction for double-sided printing, the control device 101 drives the switching claw 89 to transport the paper S to the reversing roller 70. Thereafter, the paper S is sent to the transport roller 62 and passes through the image forming section 110 again. The toner image is printed on the back side of the paper S, and the paper S is discharged onto the tray 48.

[2. Hardware configuration of information management device 100]
An example of the hardware configuration of the information management device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the information management device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information management device 100 includes a control device 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a communication interface 104, an operation panel 107, and a scanner 108. , and a storage device 120.

Control device 101 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes, for example, at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

Control device 101 controls the operation of information management device 100 by executing various programs such as control program 122 according to this embodiment. The control device 101 reads the control program 122 from the storage device 120 to the RAM 103 based on receiving the command to execute the control program 122 . The RAM 103 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data necessary for executing the control program 122.

An antenna (not shown) or the like is connected to the communication interface 104. The information management device 100 exchanges data with an external communication device via the antenna. External communication devices include, for example, mobile communication terminals such as smartphones, servers, and the like. The information management device 100 may be configured to be able to download the control program 122 from a server via an antenna.

The operation panel 107 includes a display and a touch panel. The display and the touch panel are stacked on top of each other, and the operation panel 107 receives, for example, a print operation, a scan operation, etc. on the information management device 100.

Scanner 108 is realized by known hardware resources configured to acquire image data of a document.

The storage device 120 is, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk or an external storage device. Storage device 120 stores control program 122 according to this embodiment. The storage location of the control program 122 is not limited to the storage device 120, and may be a storage area of the control device 101 (for example, cache), ROM 102, RAM 103, external equipment (for example, a server), or the like.

The control program 122 may be provided not as a standalone program but as a part of an arbitrary program as a module. In this case, the control processing according to this embodiment is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even if the program does not include some of the modules, it does not depart from the spirit of the control program 122 according to this embodiment. Further, some or all of the functions provided by the control program 122 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the information management device 100 may be configured as a so-called cloud service in which at least one server executes a part of the processing of the control program 122.

[3. Functions of information management device 100]
The functions realized by the information management device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of use of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the conference organizer A registers conference information and conference materials in the information management device 100 (corresponding to FIG. 3(1)). When the conference materials and conference information are registered, the information management device 100 notifies prospective participant B of the conference information and conference materials (corresponding to FIG. 3(2)).

The prospective participant B provides the conference materials to the prospective participant C (corresponding to FIG. 3 (3)). For example, prospective participant B distributes printed materials of the conference to participant C, who wishes to participate. Participant applicant C reads the provided meeting materials using the scan function of the information management device 100 (corresponding to FIG. 3 (4)). In another situation, prospective participant B may transmit data of meeting materials to participant C. In this case, participant C can input the received data into information management device 100.

When the meeting materials are read, the information management device 100 notifies the meeting information corresponding to the meeting materials to the person C who wishes to participate in the meeting, and prompts the person C who wants to participate in the meeting to select whether to attend or not (see FIG. 3). 5)). Participant candidate C is registered in advance as a user of the information management device 100 as a candidate to participate in the conference. When participant C selects to participate in the conference as one of the pre-registered users, the information management device 100 registers participant C as an in-person participant (see (6) in FIG. 3). (corresponding to FIG. 3 (7)).

[4. Functional block configuration of information management device 100]
A functional configuration for realizing the above functions will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the information management device 100.

The storage device 120 included in the information management device 100 stores data on conference materials for each conference and conference information regarding the holding of the conference in association with each other using an identification number. More specifically, the storage device 120 stores, as conference information, information related to the conference, such as the schedule, location, and expected participants. Specific aspects of the association of identification numbers will be described later.

The control device 101 includes an addition section 111 , an output section 112 , an extraction section 113 , an input section 114 , an acquisition section 115 , a notification section 116 , and an attendance selection section 117 . The output unit 112 outputs the conference material D by printing it with the image forming unit 110 serving as a printing device. The adding unit 111 adds an identification number of the conference material to the output conference material based on the information stored in the storage device 120 . More specifically, the adding unit 111 adds the identification number to the conference materials to be printed by, for example, using the image forming unit 110 to print the identification number in a background pattern. In another aspect, the addition unit 111 adds the identification number to the property section of the conference material data.

The input unit 114 uses the scanner 108 to read conference materials D printed by the image forming unit 110. The extraction unit 113 extracts the identification number a1 printed with a background pattern on the conference material based on the scan data of the conference material D read by the input unit 114.

Based on the identification number a1 extracted by the extraction unit 113, the acquisition unit 115 acquires conference information A1 corresponding to the identification number from the storage device 120. The notification unit 116 displays the conference information A1 acquired by the acquisition unit 115 on the operation panel 107 to notify the operating user of the conference information A1. The attendance selection unit 117 prompts the operating user who does not plan to participate in the conference C1 whose conference information A1 is displayed on the operation panel 107 to select whether or not to participate in the conference C1.

[5. Data structure of storage device 120]
The data structure of the storage device 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the storage device 120.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 120 includes at least a conference list 500, a participant list 510, a material list 520, and a user list 530. These lists may be implemented as a relational database within storage device 120, for example.

The conference list 500 is a list showing information on holding a conference, and includes a conference ID (Identification) 501, a date and time 502, and a location 503.

The conference ID is an identification number uniquely assigned to each conference, and constitutes the primary key of the conference list 500. Date and time 502 and location 503 represent the date and time and location where the conference will be held.

The participant list 510 is a list showing information about the participants of the conference, and includes a conference ID 501, a user ID 531, and a type 513. In the participant list 510, the conference ID 501 and user ID 531 constitute a primary key.

The type 513 means the type of participation in the conference for each user. For example, five types 513 are prepared: 0: Sponsor, 1: Participation, 2: Participant, 3: Absent, and 4: Nonparticipant.

“Organizer” means the organizer of the conference. “Participating” means the expected participants at the time when the organizer registers the conference in the information management device 100. A "fly in" refers to a user who was not registered as a participant at the time the organizer registered the conference in the information management device 100, but who decided to participate at his/her own request.

“Absent” refers to a user who is absent from the meeting but receives notifications when meeting materials are updated. “Non-participating” refers to users who no longer need to participate in the meeting and who no longer need to be notified when meeting materials are updated.

The material list 520 is a list that holds information about conference materials, and includes a material ID 521, a revision 522, a material name 523, a conference ID 501, and a link destination address 525 address.

The material ID 521 is an identification number uniquely assigned to each material. The revision 522 means the version number for each update of each material. In the material list 520, the material ID 521 and the revision 522 constitute a primary key.

The material name 523 means the name of each material. The conference ID 501 indicates the conference in which each material is used, and functions as a so-called foreign key that refers to the primary key of the conference list 500. The link destination address 525 means the link destination address of the storage destination of each material.

The user list 530 is a list showing user information, and includes a user ID 531, a user name 532, and an email address 533.

The user ID 531 is an identification number uniquely assigned to each user. In the user list 530, the user ID 531 constitutes a primary key. The user name 532 means the user's name. The email address 533 means an email address for each user.

[6. Processing procedure]
(meeting registration)
The processing procedure of the conference registration function will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the conference registration process. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an update of the conference list 500 shown in FIG. 5 in the conference registration process.

In step S610, the control device 101 determines whether the operating user has performed a conference registration operation based on the operating user's operation. When the control device 101 determines that a conference registration operation has been performed (YES in step S610), the control device 101 switches control to step S620. If not (NO in step S610), the control device 101 performs the process of step S610 again.

In step S620, the control device 101 registers the conference to be registered in the conference list 500. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the control device 101 adds a record with the conference ID “AAA3” to the conference list 500. After that, the control device 101 switches control to step S630.

In step S630, the control device 101 determines whether the operating user has performed a participant registration operation based on the operating user's operation. When the control device 101 determines that a participant registration operation has been performed (YES in step S630), the control device 101 switches control to step S640. If not (NO in step S630), the control device 101 performs the process of step S630 again.

In step S640, the control device 101 registers information on users scheduled to participate in the participant list 510. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the control device 101 adds a record of the conference ID "AAA3" and the user ID "0002" to the participant list 510, and a record of the conference ID "AAA3" and the user ID "0003". and add. After that, the control device 101 ends the process.

(Material registration)
The processing procedure of the material registration function will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the material registration process. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing updating of the material list 520 shown in FIG. 5 in the material registration process.

In step S710, the control device 101 determines whether a material registration operation has been performed based on the operation of the operating user. When the control device 101 determines that the material registration operation has been performed (YES in step S710), the control device 101 switches control to step S720. If not (NO in step S710), the control device 101 performs the process of step S710 again.

In step S720, the control device 101 registers information on conference materials to be used in the material list 520. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the control device 101 adds a record with the material ID “aaa3” and the revision “1” to the material list 520. The control device 101 switches control to step S730.

In step S730, the control device 101 determines whether a material input operation has been performed based on the operation of the operating user. The material input operation includes, for example, reading conference materials using the scanner 108 included in the information management device 100. When the control device 101 determines that the material input operation has been performed (YES in step S730), the control device 101 switches control to step S740. If not (NO in step S730), the control device 101 performs the process of step S730 again.

In step S740, the control device 101, as the addition unit 111, adds an identification number to the data of the read meeting materials, and then stores the data to which the identification number has been added into the storage device 120. More specifically, the control device 101 adds the identification number (material ID "aaa3", revision "1") assigned in the previous step S720 to the property section of the data of the read conference material. The control device 101 switches control to step S750.

In step S750, the control device 101 updates the link destination address 525 of the material list 520. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the control device 101 adds the storage address of the conference material data read in step S730 as the link destination address 525 of the material list 520. After that, the control device 101 ends the process.

(Material updated)
The processing procedure of the material update function will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the material update process. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an update of the material list 520 shown in FIG. 9 in the material update process.

In step S810, the control device 101 determines whether an operation to update the material has been performed based on the operation of the operating user. When the control device 101 determines that an operation to update the material has been performed (YES in step S810), the control device 101 switches control to step S820. If not (NO in step S810), the control device 101 performs the process of step S810 again.

In step S820, the control device 101 adds information about conference materials to be updated to the material list 520. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the control device 101 adds a record with the material ID “aaa3” and the revision “2” to the material list 520. The control device 101 switches control to step S830.

In step S830, the control device 101 determines whether a material input operation has been performed based on the operation of the operating user. The material input operation includes, for example, reading conference materials using the scanner 108 included in the information management device 100. When the control device 101 determines that the material input operation has been performed (YES in step S830), the control device 101 switches control to step S840. If not (NO in step S830), the control device 101 performs the process of step S830 again.

In step S840, the control device 101, as the addition unit 111, adds an identification number to the read conference material data and then stores the data in the storage device 120. More specifically, the control device 101 adds the identification number (material ID "aaa3", revision "2") assigned in the previous step S820 to the property section of the data of the read conference material. The control device 101 switches control to step S850.

In step S850, the control device 101 updates the link destination address 525 of the material list 520. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the control device 101 adds the storage address of the conference material data read in step S830 as the link destination address 525 of the material list 520. The control device 101 switches control to step S860.

In step S860, the control device 101, as the notification unit 116, notifies the conference participants corresponding to the updated conference materials that the conference materials have been updated and the updated link destination address 525. After that, the control device 101 ends the process.

(flying participation)
The processing procedure of the fly-in participation function will be explained with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the fly-in participation process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an update of the participant list 510 shown in FIG. 5 in the fly-in participation process.

In step S910, the control device 101 determines whether an input operation for conference materials has been performed based on the operation by the operating user. When the control device 101 determines that the conference material input operation has been performed (YES in step S910), the control device 101 switches control to step S920. If not (NO in step S910), the control device 101 performs step S910 again.

In step S920, the control device 101 extracts the identification number (material ID and revision) from the conference material input by the operating user, and determines whether the corresponding conference material exists in the material list 520 based on the material list 520. Determine whether When the control device 101 determines that the corresponding conference material exists in the material list 520 (YES in step S920), the control device 101 switches control to step S930. If not (NO in step S920), the control device 101 switches control to step S925, displays an error message on the operation panel 107, and ends the process.

In step S930, the control device 101 searches the conference list 500 for conference information based on the conference ID 501 in the record acquired from the material list 520. The control device 101 switches control to step S940.

In step S940, the control device 101, as the notification unit 116, notifies the operation panel 107 of the acquired conference information. The control device 101 switches control to step S950.

In step S950, the control device 101 determines whether the operating user is a conference participant based on the operating user's user ID. More specifically, the control device 101 determines whether the ID of the operating user is stored in the participant list 510 as the conference participant by searching the participant list 510 based on the acquired conference information. . When the control device 101 determines that the operating user is a conference participant (YES in step S950), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step S950), the control device 101 switches control to step S960.

In step S960, the control device 101, as the attendance selection unit 117, displays a confirmation message on the operation panel 107, prompting the operating user to select whether or not to participate in the meeting. The control device 101 switches control to step S970.

In step S970, the control device 101 determines whether the operating user wishes to participate in the conference based on the operating user's operation. If the control device 101 determines that the operating user wishes to participate in the conference (YES in step S970), the control device 101 switches control to step S980. If not (NO in step S970), the control device 101 ends the process.

In step S980, the control device 101 adds the operating user to the participant list 510. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the control device 101 adds a record with the user ID "0005" and the type "2: Fly-in" to the participant list 510. The control device 101 switches control to step S990.

In step S990, the control device 101 transmits the conference information of the conference and the storage address of the latest conference materials to the email address 533 of the added in-person participant. Further, the control device 101 notifies the host of the conference that an in-person participant has been added. After that, the control device 101 ends the process.

(Type change)
The processing procedure of the type change function will be explained with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the type change process. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an update of the participant list 510 shown in FIG. 5 in the type change process.

In step S1010, the control device 101 determines whether the operating user has performed a type change operation based on the operating user's operation. When the control device 101 determines that a type change operation has been performed (YES in step S1010), the control device 101 switches control to step S1015. If not (NO in step S1010), the control device 101 performs the process of step S1010 again.

In step S1015, the control device 101 determines whether a user ID has been specified based on the operation of the operating user. If the control device 101 determines that a user ID has been specified (YES in step S1015), the control device 101 switches control to step S1020. If not (NO in step S1015), the control device 101 performs the process of step S1015 again.

In step S1020, the control device 101 searches the participant list 510 for the user ID specified by the operating user. The control device 101 switches control to step S1030.

In step S1030, the control device 101 determines whether a user ID matching the specified user ID exists in the participant list 510 based on the search result in step S1020. When the control device 101 determines that a matching user ID exists in the participant list 510 (YES in step S1030), the control device 101 switches control to step S1040. If not (NO in step S1030), the control device 101 switches control to step S1035, displays an error message on the operation panel 107, and ends the process.

In step S1040, the control device 101 updates the type 513 of the participant list 510. More specifically, the control device 101 changes the type 513 in the record of the participant list 510 that is hit by the search based on the operation of the operating user. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 15(A), the control device 101 updates the type 513 from "1: Participation" to "3: Absent." Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 15(B), the control device 101 updates the type 513 from "1: Participation" to "4: Non-participation."

When the specified user updates the type 513 from "1: Participation" to "3: Absent", the specified user receives a meeting material update notification in the subsequent material update process. On the other hand, if the specified user updates the type 513 from "1: Participation" to "4: Non-participation," the specified user will not receive update notifications of meeting materials in subsequent material update processing. The control device 101 switches control to step S1050.

In step S1050, the control device 101 notifies the organizer that the type has been updated. After that, the control device 101 ends the process.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the storage device 120 stores the data of conference materials used in the conference, the identification number of the conference materials, and conference information regarding the holding of the conference in association with each other. Then, the control device 101 acquires conference information corresponding to the conference materials read by the input unit from the storage unit, and displays the conference information on the operation panel 107 to notify the user of the conference information. By doing so, meeting materials and meeting information can be managed centrally, improving user convenience.

<Second embodiment>
[overview]
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the output and input of conference materials with identification numbers added is data communication. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those included in the information management device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals as those of the information management device 100. Therefore, those explanations will not be repeated.

The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of the information management device 200 in the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method for inputting conference materials in the second embodiment. The information management device 200 differs from the information in the first embodiment in that, as shown in FIG. This is different from the management device 100.

As shown in FIG. 16, the output unit 212 in the second embodiment outputs conference material D' by data transmission. More specifically, the output unit 212 outputs data by transmitting data using the communication interface 104, which can be implemented as a data interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In another aspect, the output unit 112 outputs the conference material D' as, for example, a PDF (Portable Document File) file, a document file, or the like. The adding unit 211 adds an identification number to the properties of the conference material data to be output.

The input unit 214 uses the communication interface 104 to receive data of the conference material D' output as document data. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the operating user drags and drops document data of meeting materials onto a "meeting inquiry" icon displayed on the PC terminal as a printer driver. In this way, the input unit 214 reads the document data. The extraction unit 213 extracts the identification number from the properties of the received conference material data. Based on the identification number a1 extracted by the extraction unit 213, the acquisition unit 115 acquires conference information A1 corresponding to the identification number from the storage device 120.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the information management device 200 includes the input section 214 and the output section 212 that transmit or receive data of conference materials. By doing this, even if the meeting materials are data, the meeting information corresponding to the meeting materials read by the input section is acquired from the storage section and displayed on the operation panel 107, so that the user can see the conference information corresponding to the meeting materials read by the input section. Information can be notified.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the scope of application of the technical idea disclosed in this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the information management device may have a serial number unique to the information management device, and the addition unit may further add the serial number to the conference materials. By doing so, it becomes possible to identify from which information management device the meeting materials outputted from the output unit are outputted, and it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the above embodiment.

As explained above, conventionally, when holding a conference, the organizer creates and distributes conference materials to be used in the conference, but the conference materials may be transferred to people other than those scheduled to attend the conference. Furthermore, there are many cases in which the transferred members wish to participate and jump into the meeting.

However, members to whom meeting materials are forwarded may not know what kind of meeting it is. In addition, even if you know the meeting information about the transferred meeting materials, when updates or additions are made before the meeting is held, there are many cases where the transfer is not transferred, and even if you participate in the meeting, the materials are outdated. , problems such as shortages occur. In such a case, the organizer has a problem in that the event time is reduced in order to distribute materials to the in-person participants. Furthermore, if the number of copies exceeds the expected number of in-person participants, a problem arises in that consumables are wasted. On the other hand, as a walk-in participant, there is a problem in that he or she has to spend time unable to concentrate on the meeting in order to secure meeting materials.

In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the organizer registers conference holding information, conference materials, and user IDs of participants in the information management device 100 (conference registration). The information management device 100 generates a conference ID 501 and a material ID 521 at the time of conference registration. Further, the information management device 100 generates a participant list 510 and a material list 520 using the conference ID 501 as a key.

The information management device 100 extracts the material ID and revision as an identification number from the conference material data input from the scanner 108 or the communication interface 104, searches the material list 520 for the conference ID 501, and creates a participant list for the corresponding conference ID. 510 is checked to see if the user ID 531 of the operating user is registered. If the information management device 100 is not registered in the participant list 510, the information management device 100 allows the user to select whether or not he or she wishes to participate, and if the participant wishes to participate, the information management device 100 additionally registers the participant in the participant list 510. Then, the information management device 100 notifies the in-person participants of the conference holding information and the link address to the conference materials. As a result, the operating user, as a fly-in participant, can obtain the latest link information of conference materials in the same way as the organizer and participants.

By doing this, by obtaining some of the materials of the conference you want to participate in and inputting them into the information management device 100, conference information is provided and it becomes possible to register as a participant in the conference. It becomes possible to secure sufficient materials to be used at the meeting. As a result, even users who are not recognized by the organizer as meeting participants can easily secure the latest and all materials before the meeting starts by simply obtaining some meeting information. .

Further, as a conference organizer, there is an advantage that there is no need to perform an operation to add participants, and it is easy to grasp the number of participants. Further, as planned participants, it is only necessary to transfer some meeting materials to users who are not recognized by the organizer as planned participants.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included.

41 transport path, 48 tray, 60 storage unit, 61 paper feed roller, 62 transport roller, 63 paper sensor, 70 reversing roller, 87 timing roller, 88 timing sensor, 89 switching claw, 100,200 information management device, 101 control device , 102 ROM, 103 RAM, 104 communication interface, 107 operation panel, 108 scanner, 110 image forming section, 111, 211 addition section, 112, 212 output section, 113, 213 extraction section, 114, 214 input section, 115 acquisition section , 116 notification section, 117 attendance selection section, 120 storage device, 122 control program, 500 conference list, 501 conference ID, 502 date and time, 503 location, 510 participant list, 513 type, 520 document list, 521 document ID, 522 revision , 523 Material name, 525 Link destination address, 530 User list, 531 User ID, 532 User name, 533 Email address.

Claims (11)

An information management device,
a storage unit for storing meeting materials used in the meeting, identification numbers of the meeting materials, and meeting information regarding the holding of the meeting in association with each other;
an output unit for outputting the meeting materials;
an input section that accepts input of meeting materials;
Determining whether the input conference material exists in the storage unit based on the identification number of the conference material accepted by the input unit and the identification number of the conference material stored in the storage unit. a determination unit to
When the input conference materials exist in the storage section, the conference information corresponding to the input conference materials is stored in the storage section based on the identification number of the conference materials accepted by the input section. an acquisition unit for acquiring from the department;
a notification unit for notifying a user of the acquired conference information when the input conference materials exist in the storage unit;
The storage unit stores information on the organizer and participants of the conference as the conference information,
When the conference materials stored in the storage section are updated based on a user's operation of updating materials on the information management device, the notification section notifies participants of the conference corresponding to the conference materials of the conference. Notify you of updated information on materials,
The information management device includes:
an addition unit for adding an identification number to the output conference materials;
further comprising an extraction unit for extracting the identification number from the meeting materials to which the identification number is added,
The acquisition unit acquires the conference information based on the extracted identification number,
The output section includes a printing device,
The adding unit adds the identification number to the conference materials to be printed by performing background pattern printing,
The input unit includes a scanner for reading conference materials to which an identification number has been added by the background pattern printing,
The extraction unit extracts an identification number printed with a ground pattern on the conference materials from the conference materials read by the scanner,
The information management device determines that the user who performed the input operation of meeting materials into the information management device is not stored in the storage unit as the organizer and participant of the conference corresponding to the read conference materials. The information management device further includes an attendance selection unit that prompts the user to select whether or not to participate in the conference based on the information. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the conference information includes the date and time or location of the conference. The output unit includes a transmission interface for transmitting conference materials stored in the storage unit,
The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit adds the identification number to a property of the transmitted conference material. The input unit includes a reception interface for receiving conference materials,
The information management device according to claim 3, wherein the extraction unit extracts the identification number from properties of the received conference materials. The information management device has a serial number unique to the information management device,
The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit further adds the serial number to the conference materials. Based on the user's selection to participate in the conference, the notification unit notifies the user of the conference information and the conference materials, and notifies the organizer of the conference of the addition of the participant. The information management device according to item 1. Based on the fact that the user identification information input by the user of the information management device is included in the participant list stored in the storage unit as a participant of the conference corresponding to the read conference material, The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that accepts a change in the type of participation in the conference included in the participant list. 7. The operation unit further causes the user to set whether or not to be notified of update information of conference materials corresponding to the conference, based on the user's setting of non-participation in the conference. The information management device described in . An image forming apparatus equipped with the information management apparatus according to claim 1. An information management method using a computer, the method comprising:
a step in which the processor of the computer associates and stores conference materials used in the conference, an identification number of the conference materials, and conference information regarding holding the conference in a storage unit ;
the processor outputting the meeting materials;
the processor receiving input of meeting materials;
The processor determines whether the input conference materials exist in the storage section based on the identification number of the received conference materials and the identification number of the conference materials stored in the storage section. a step of determining;
When the input conference materials exist in the storage unit, the processor stores the conference information corresponding to the input conference materials based on the identification number of the accepted conference materials. a step of retrieving from the storage unit;
the processor notifying the user of the acquired conference information if the input conference materials exist in the storage unit;
The conference information includes information on the organizer and participants of the conference,
In the step of notifying, when the conference materials are updated based on the user's operation to update the materials on the computer, the notification step notifies participants of the conference corresponding to the conference materials of updated information of the conference materials. including steps,
The information management method includes:
the processor adding an identification number to the output conference materials;
The processor further includes a step of extracting the identification number from conference materials to which the identification number is added,
The obtaining step includes obtaining the meeting information based on the extracted identification number,
The step of outputting includes the step of printing,
The adding step includes adding the identification number to the conference materials to be printed by performing background pattern printing,
The step of accepting the input includes the step of reading conference materials to which an identification number has been added by the background pattern printing using a scanner,
The extracting step includes a step of extracting an identification number printed on the conference material from the conference material read by the scanner,
The information management method is based on the fact that the user who performed the input operation of meeting materials on the computer is not stored in the storage unit as the organizer and participant of the meeting corresponding to the loaded meeting materials. , an information management method further comprising the step of prompting the user to select whether or not to participate in the conference. A program that causes a control device to execute an information management method for storing and managing information in a storage unit,
The program causes the control device to
storing in a storage unit a meeting material used in the meeting, an identification number of the meeting material, and meeting information regarding the holding of the meeting in association with each other;
outputting the meeting materials;
accepting input of the meeting materials;
determining whether or not the input conference materials exist in the storage unit based on the identification number of the accepted conference materials and the identification number of the conference materials stored in the storage unit; ,
If the input conference materials exist in the storage section, the conference information corresponding to the input conference materials is acquired from the storage section based on the identification number of the accepted conference materials. the step of
performing the step of notifying a user of the acquired conference information when the input conference materials exist in the storage unit;
The conference information includes information on the organizer and participants of the conference,
In the step of notifying, when the conference materials are updated based on a user's operation of updating the materials on the control device, the participants of the conference corresponding to the conference materials are notified of updated information of the conference materials. including the step of
The program causes the control device to
adding an identification number to the output conference materials;
further performing the step of extracting the identification number from the meeting materials to which the identification number has been added;
The obtaining step includes obtaining the meeting information based on the extracted identification number,
The step of outputting includes the step of printing,
The adding step includes adding the identification number to the conference materials to be printed by performing background pattern printing,
The step of accepting the input includes the step of reading conference materials to which an identification number has been added by the background pattern printing using a scanner,
The extracting step includes a step of extracting an identification number printed on the conference material from the conference material read by the scanner,
The program causes the control device to
Based on the fact that the user who performed the input operation of conference materials on the control device is not stored in the storage unit as the organizer and participant of the conference corresponding to the loaded conference materials, the user A program for executing an information management method that further executes a step that prompts the user to choose whether or not to participate in a meeting.

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