JP2012146291A - Reservation device for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism that inputs desired operation termination time of a copier in consideration of whether or not a user is accustomed to the operation of the copier to notify the user of the optimal operation start time.SOLUTION: Upon receiving desired operation termination time of a copier from a client terminal, a reservation device for an image forming apparatus calculates operation start time in accordance with operation time results managed for every user, and notifies the client terminal of the calculated operation start time.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus reservation apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus reservation apparatus, and a program.

  A conventional copier reservation system generally has a mechanism for making a reservation only at time intervals. In other words, it is a system that reserves the start time and end time. In this case, it is conceivable that the work is not completed by the end time of the reservation due to the reservation person becoming accustomed or unfamiliar with the operation of the copying machine. Conversely, if the reservation person performs work efficiently, it may be completed earlier than the expected end time.

JP 2008-186271 A

  In the printer selection method disclosed in Patent Document 1, it was used as a judgment material when selecting the paper size, printing speed, color, and presence / absence of the finisher, but the degree of skill (unfamiliarity) with which the user directly operates the copying machine. The average operation time of each user due to the degree of complexity and operation was not considered.

  The present invention considers the distance to the copying machine and the familiarity and unfamiliarity with the operation of the copying machine for each user, so that the user inputs the desired operation completion time of the copying machine so that the user can meet the operation completion time desired by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism capable of presenting an operation start time in consideration of the distance to the copying machine and the familiarity and unfamiliarity with the operation of the copying machine by notifying the user of the operation starting time.

  The present invention is a management server that is communicably connected to a client terminal, wherein user information and user operations related to the image forming apparatus are classified by operation, and a user corresponding to the user information has operated in the past. User operation attribute storage means for storing operation attribute information including operation actual time as time in association with each other, and operation reservation of the image forming apparatus including user information and desired operation end time of the image forming apparatus from the client terminal An operation reservation extraction unit that receives an instruction, retrieves user information that matches the received user information from the user operation attribute storage unit, and extracts operation attribute information associated with the retrieved user information Means, operation result time integration means for integrating the operation result time included in the extracted operation attribute information, and the reception An operation start time calculation unit that calculates an operation start time of the image forming apparatus according to a desired operation end time and the accumulated operation result time, and notifies the client terminal that has received the operation reservation instruction of the calculated operation start time. And an operation start time notification means.

  The management server is further communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, and receives identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the operation reservation instruction from the client terminal, and at the calculated operation start time. When the operation start time determining means for determining whether or not the operation start time has been reached, an image from the user is displayed on the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received identification information of the image forming apparatus. An operation lock instruction transmitting unit that transmits an operation lock instruction to prohibit an operation instruction that does not include a login request to the forming apparatus is further provided.

  Further, the user information received from the operation reservation instruction and the operation lock information storage means for storing the identification information of the image forming apparatus to which the lock instruction transmission means has transmitted the lock instruction, and the user information and The login request reception unit that receives a login request including identification information of the image forming apparatus, the user information that matches the user information received by the login request reception unit, is searched from the operation lock information storage unit, and the searched user An operation lock release determination unit that determines whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus associated with the information matches the identification information of the image formation apparatus received by the login information reception unit, and the operation lock release determination unit If it is determined that they match, the image format corresponding to the identification information received by the login information receiving means In order to unlock the operation of the device, and further comprising a lock release instruction transmitting means for transmitting a lock release instruction to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the identification information which the login information receiving unit receives.

  In addition, in order to accept the operation reservation instruction that can be specified in units of operation, an attribute selection screen display instructing unit that instructs the client terminal to display an attribute selection screen is further provided.

  The client terminal, the management server, and the image forming apparatus form an image forming apparatus reservation system that reserves an operation for the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus receives the operation lock transmitted from the management server. An operation lock notification screen display means for displaying an operation lock notification screen on the display unit of the image forming apparatus to notify that an operation instruction not including the login request is prohibited according to the instruction. To do.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus may include the image forming apparatus when the lock release instruction is not transmitted from the management server after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation lock instruction is transmitted from the management server. An operation lock releasing means for releasing the operation lock is further provided.

  The image forming apparatus measures the time from the start of the user's operation to the completion of the operation for the image forming apparatus for each user operation attribute, and calculates the operation result time for each user operation attribute. And operation attribute information transmitting means for transmitting operation attribute information including user information and operation result time calculated by the operation result time calculating means to notify the management server of completion of operation of the image forming apparatus. The management server further comprises user operation attribute registration means for registering the user information, operation attribute information, and operation result time transmitted by the operation attribute information transmission means in association with the user operation attribute storage means. It is a feature.

  According to the present invention, considering the distance to the copying machine and the familiarity and unfamiliarity with the operation of the copying machine for each user, the user inputs the desired operation completion time of the copying machine so that the user can meet the operation completion time desired by the user. By notifying the user of the appropriate operation start time, it is possible to provide a mechanism capable of presenting the operation start time in consideration of the distance to the copying machine and the familiarity and unfamiliarity with the operation of the copying machine.

It is a figure which shows the system block diagram of this invention. It is a figure which shows the time chart of the person who is late until completion of the multifunctional device operation of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the time chart of a person who is quick to completion of multifunctional device operation of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display screen which the client terminal of this invention displays. It is a flowchart figure which shows the sequence at the time of the reservation of this invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sequence in the case of a person who is quick to use the copying machine according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sequence in the case of a person who is late until the use of the copying machine of the present invention is completed. It is a figure which shows the content of the data table of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware block diagram of the management server (information processing apparatus) and client terminal of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the display screen which the multifunctional device of this invention displays. It is a figure which shows the display screen which the multifunctional device of this invention displays. It is a figure which shows the content of the data table of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display screen which the client terminal of this invention displays.

  Referring to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a multifunction machine reservation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the reservation system, and various configurations can be considered depending on the application and purpose.

  The management server (information processing apparatus) 100 is a server that manages the multifunction peripheral reservation management system, and provides a service to a client PC (client terminal) 105 or the like using the function of the Web server. The management server 100 communicates with a copier agent or the like residing on the copier (image forming apparatus) 102 using a network communication function to realize the reservation function of the present invention. The number of client terminals is not limited to one, and a plurality of client terminals may exist. Similarly, the number of copying machines is not limited to one, and a plurality of copying machines may exist. The management server (information processing apparatus) 100 is communicably connected to the MFP 102 and the client terminal 105.

  Statistical information (not shown) is a statistical information database held by the management server 100. This database stores operation information for each user and performance information for each copying machine. When a user reserves a copying machine, the management server 100 accesses this statistical information and analyzes the past usage tendency of the reservation person to select a copying machine suitable for the reservation person.

The copier 102 has a copier agent that controls the copier itself and communicates with the management server 100. The role of the copier agent is to acquire user key operation information and control the copier 102 in cooperation with the management server 100.
Therefore, the client terminal 105, the management server 100, and the image forming apparatus 102 form an image forming apparatus reservation system that reserves an operation of the image forming apparatus 102.

The client terminal 105 is a PC having a WEB browser. The user can access the management server 100 via the WEB browser and use the reservation system.
FIG. 2 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a time chart of a person who is late until the multifunction device operation is completed. The time chart 200 is a summary of the tendency of people who have a slow time to completion of processing, although the time to completion differs depending on the personality of the reservation person and the skill level of operation of the copying machine.

One reason for the slow completion of processing is that the time 201 from the reservation start time to login is later than the average value. In other words, there are examples of people who make a reservation but do not use the copier easily, or who are apt to be chased by work and cannot easily move to the next job. In addition, the time 202 from login to printing start may be slower than the average value. That is, there may be a case where the operation skill level of the copying machine is low and the operation is troublesome. According to the above two examples, the time 204 from the end of printing to logout and the time 205 from the logout to reservation end time are expected to have the same tendency.
Since the time 203 from the start of printing to the end of printing is the performance of the copying machine, it is considered that there is little time difference between people.
That is, the total time from 201 to 204 is longer than the average time calculated by the multifunction machine reservation system.
FIG. 3 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a time chart for a person who is quick to complete the multifunction device operation. The time chart 300 is a summary of the trends of people who have different time to completion depending on the personality of the reservation person and the skill level of operation of the copying machine, but the time to completion of processing is early.

One reason for the early completion of processing is that the time 301 from the reservation start time to login is earlier than the average value. For example, it is possible to consider an example in which a copier is used immediately after a reservation time with a meticulous character. Another example is that the time 302 from login to printing start is earlier than the average value. In other words, it is conceivable that the operation skill level of the copying machine is high. According to the above two examples, the time 304 from the end of printing to logout and the time 305 from logout to reservation end time are expected to have the same tendency.
Since the time 303 from the start of printing to the end of printing is the performance of the copying machine, it is considered that there is little time difference between people.
That is, the total time from 301 to 304 is shorter than the average time calculated by the multifunction machine reservation system.
FIG. 4 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transition of a screen displayed on the client terminal 105 when the multifunction machine reservation system of the present invention is accessed from the WEB browser of the client terminal 105.

  Reference numeral 400 in FIG. 4 denotes a login screen. By pressing a login button in a state where a normal login ID (user ID) and password registered in advance are entered in each input form, user authentication to the multifunction peripheral reservation system is enabled. In step 502, the client terminal 105 displays.

  Reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4 denotes a reservation screen. When an arbitrary job selection button 402 is pressed while the number of prints and the end date / time are input, a transition to the attribute selection screen 403 is made possible. In step 505, the client terminal 105 displays.

  Reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4 denotes an attribute setting screen. The copying machine job selected by the job selection button 402 has an operation attribute button 408 for selecting an attribute, and the setting transition button is pressed while the button is pressed, and a transition to the copying machine selection screen is made. Make things possible. In step 508, the client terminal 105 displays.

  Reference numeral 404 in FIG. 4 denotes a copier selection screen. A list of copiers that can be reserved at the same time is displayed together with images, the selected image is selected (pressed), and a copier to be used is selected by pressing a reservation button, and a transition to the reservation screen 405 is made possible. In step 511, the client terminal 105 displays.

  405 in FIG. 4 is a reservation completion screen. It is a screen having a message prompting the user that the multifunction machine reservation system has accepted a reservation. In step 514, the client terminal 105 displays.

Reference numeral 406 in FIG. 4 denotes a logout screen. It is a screen having a message prompting the user to log out from the multifunction machine reservation system. In step 518, the client terminal 105 displays.
FIG. 5 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a multifunction machine reservation process in the reservation system of the present invention.

In step 500, the reservation person operates the client terminal 105 in FIG. 1, accesses the management server 100 in FIG. 1, and transmits a login screen request to the management server 100 in FIG.
In step 501, the management server 100 of FIG. 1 that has received the login screen request transmits a login screen response to the client terminal 105 of FIG.
In step 502, the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1 that has received the login screen response displays the login screen (400) of FIG.

  In step 503, the reservation person operates the login screen (400) of FIG. 4 displayed on the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1, inputs the user ID and password, presses the login button, and requests the reservation screen. It transmits to the management server 100.

In step 504, the management server 100 in FIG. 1 that has received the reservation screen request stores the received user ID and password in the RAM 908 in FIG. 9, and transmits a reservation screen response to the client terminal 105 in FIG.
In step 505, the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1 that has received the reservation screen response displays the reservation screen (401) of FIG.

  In step 506, the reservation person operates the reservation screen (401) of FIG. 4 displayed on the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1, and inputs the number of prints and the end date and time. After the input, the user presses the job selection button (402) shown in FIG. 4 to send an attribute selection screen request to the management server 100 shown in FIG.

In step 507, the management server 100 in FIG. 1 that has received the attribute selection screen request stores the received number of prints, end date and time, and job type to be reserved for execution in the RAM 908 in FIG. Send selection screen response. That is, in order to accept an operation reservation instruction that can be specified in operation units, an instruction to display an attribute selection screen is given to the client terminal 105 (attribute selection screen display instruction means).
In step 508, the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1 that has received the attribute selection screen response displays the attribute selection screen (403) of FIG.

  In step 509, the reservation person operates the attribute selection screen (403) of FIG. 4 displayed on the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1, and presses the button of the print attribute to be set from the print attribute button (408) of FIG. After pressing the print attribute button (408) in FIG. 4, the setting completion button is pressed, and a copier selection screen request (operation reservation instruction) is transmitted to the management server 100 in FIG.

  Here, the print attributes are further classified into operation attributes for each print setting selected by the user on the attribute selection screen, and are managed as operation attribute information in the user operation result detailed table (802).

  That is, the client terminal 105 transmits an operation reservation instruction for the image forming apparatus including user information (user ID) and a desired operation end time of the image forming apparatus to the management server 100.

  In step 510, the management server 100 of FIG. 1 that has received the copier selection screen request (operation reservation instruction) does not use the received print attribute as a setting at the time of printing, but the operator prints on the copier. 9 is stored in the RAM 908 of FIG. 9 as an attribute for performing an attribute setting operation (hereinafter referred to as an operation attribute to distinguish it from a print attribute).

  That is, the management server 100 receives an operation reservation instruction for the image forming apparatus including user information (user ID) and a desired operation end time of the image forming apparatus from the client terminal 105 (operation reservation receiving unit).

  A record in which the user ID at the time of login authentication, the device identification ID of the copier on the network, the user ID in the reservation table (800) in FIG. 8 and the device identification ID match is extracted, and the reservation number of the extracted record is referred to. . Next, a record in which the extracted reservation number matches the reservation number in the user operation record table (801) in FIG. 8 is extracted, and the record number in the extracted record is referred to. Further, a record in which the extracted actual number and the operation attribute (including the login / logout / print start button pressing) held in the RAM 908 and the actual number in the user operation result detail table (802) in FIG. Extract and refer to the average operation time of the extracted records for each operation attribute.

  If there is no corresponding operation attribute at this time, the operation attribute, the device identification ID of the target copier, and the operation attribute of the reservation target reference operation time table (803) in FIG. 8 match the device identification ID. The record is extracted, the reference operation time of the extracted record is referred to, and this time is regarded as the average value of the operation time. After obtaining the average value of the operation time for all the operation attributes, the average value of the time for each extracted operation is added up. This total value is regarded as the expected time when a series of operations are performed during reservation execution.

Here, the management server 100 in FIG. 1 holding the start date and time and end date and time calculated from the expected time in the RAM 908 transmits a copier selection screen response to the client terminal 105 in FIG.
In step 511, the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1 that has received the copier selection screen response displays the copier selection screen (404) of FIG.

In step 512, the reservation person operates the copying machine selection screen (404) of FIG. 4 displayed on the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1, and presses the image of the copying machine to be reserved from the copying machine list (409) of FIG. To do. After pressing, the reservation button is pressed, and a reservation completion screen request (identification information of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the operation reservation instruction) is transmitted to the management server 100 in FIG.
In step 513, the management server 100 in FIG. 1 that has received the reservation completion screen request stores the received device identification ID in the RAM 908 in FIG.

That is, the management server 100 receives the identification information (device identification ID) of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the operation reservation instruction from the client terminal 105 (identification information receiving unit).
At this time, the record of the reservation information held in the RAM 908 is added to the reservation table (800) of FIG.

  The reservation completion screen response is transmitted to the client terminal 105 in FIG. After the transmission, the user ID, the number of printed sheets, the operation attributes, the start date / time, and the end date / time held in the RAM 908 in FIG. 9 are notified as reservation information to the copier 102 in FIG. 1 corresponding to the device ID held in the RAM 908 in FIG. Send.

  Further, the management server 100 searches the user information (user ID) that matches the user information (user ID) received in step 510 from the result No. in the user operation result details table (802), and searches the user information ( Operation attribute information (operation attribute) associated with (user ID) is extracted (operation attribute extraction means).

Furthermore, the management server 100 integrates all operation result times (operation times) uniquely associated with all the operation attribute information extracted here (operation result time integration means).
As a further function, the operation result time is integrated (operation result time integration means). The specific integration means is as follows.

  The operation attribute and operation time that match the reservation information (user ID, operation attribute) received in step 510 are extracted from the user operation result detailed table. The average time of the operation time (actual result until now) extracted for each operation attribute is calculated. The product of the calculated average time and the coefficient calculated from the cumulative number of operations for which the user has set the attribute so far is calculated. The operation performance time for each operation attribute calculated by the above means is integrated.

  As for the above-mentioned coefficient, if the number of operations performed so far is 1 to 9 times, it is 1 if it is 10 times or more and 19 times or less, 0.95 if it is 20 times or more and 29 times or less, 0.90 if it is 29 times or less, 30 times or more Then, it is updated by the cumulative number of operations such as 0.85.

  By calculating the product of this coefficient and the average time of operation times (actual results up to the present) extracted for each operation attribute from the user operation result detail table, the operation result time considering the number of operations can be derived.

Further, the management server 100 calculates the operation start time of the image forming apparatus using the desired operation end time received in step 510 and the operation result time accumulated here (operation start time calculation means). In other words, a time earlier than the desired operation end time by the accumulated operation result time is calculated as the operation start time.
The management server 100 notifies the calculated operation start time to the client terminal 105 that has received the operation reservation instruction in step 510 (operation start time notification means).
In step 514, the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1 that has received the reservation completion screen displays the reservation completion screen (405) of FIG.
The reservation completion screen (405) displayed by the client terminal 105 includes information on the calculated operation start time.

  In step 515, the copier 102 that has received the reservation information notification stores the received user ID, number of printed sheets, operation attributes, start date and time, and end date and time in the RAM 914 in FIG.

In step 516, the reservation person operates the reservation completion screen (405) of FIG. 4 displayed on the client terminal 105 of FIG. 1, presses the logout button, and the client terminal 105 issues a logout screen request to the management server of FIG. To 100.
In step 517, the management server 100 in FIG. 1 that has received the logout screen request transmits a logout screen response to the client terminal in FIG.
In step 518, the client terminal 105 that has received the logout screen response displays the logout screen (406) of FIG.
FIG. 6 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a multifunction machine operation process (normal case) in the reservation system of the present invention.

  In step 600, the management server 100 refers to the reservation start date and time in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8, and when the current time of the management server 100 reaches the reservation start date and time in the reservation table (800) of FIG. The management server 100 transmits a lock request and a reservation number in the reservation table (800) in FIG. 8 to the copier corresponding to the reservation start date and device identification ID in the reservation table (800) in FIG.

  In addition, records of record No., operation start date / time, user ID, job, and device identification ID related to the reservation No. in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8 are added to the user operation record table (801) of FIG. To do.

Further, the management server 100 extracts the reservation number, the mail reminding date / time and the operation reminding date / time in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8, and the extracted reservation number, the mail reminding date / time and the operation reminding date / time are stored in the RAM 908 of FIG. Hold.
Furthermore, the management server 100 determines whether or not the operation start time calculated in step 513 has been reached (operation start time determination means).

  Further, when the operation start time determination unit determines that the operation start time calculated in step 513 has been reached, the management server 100 sends an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received identification information of the image forming apparatus from the user. An operation lock instruction is transmitted to prohibit an operation instruction not including a login request to the image forming apparatus (operation lock instruction transmission unit).

  In step 601, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 that has received the lock request and the reservation number in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8 performs a login operation so that no one other than the reservation person can use the copier. The operation of the copying machine of the user not included is locked and the operation is prohibited. Further, the reservation number is held in the RAM 914 in FIG.

  The multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 transmits to the management server 100 that the operation unit of the copier has been locked. The management server 100 that has received the lock determines that the lock request is successful.

  As a further function, the user's copying machine operation that does not include a login operation is locked. At this time, the multifunction peripheral (copying machine agent) 102 does not include a login request in accordance with the operation lock instruction transmitted from the management server. In order to notify that the operation instruction is prohibited, the operation lock notification screen (408) of FIG. 12 is displayed on the operation unit (display unit) (operation lock notification screen display means).

  In step 602, when the reservation person operates the reserved copying machine, login authentication is performed by the copying machine. The multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 determines whether the user at the time of login authentication is a currently reserved user or not, with respect to the management server 100, the user ID at the time of login authentication and the identification information of the image forming apparatus ( (Device ID) and a login request including the reservation number held in the RAM 914 in FIG.

  The MFP 102 measures the time from the start of the user operation to the operation completion for the image forming apparatus for each user operation attribute, and calculates the operation result time for each user operation attribute (operation result time calculation means). The operation performance time for each operation attribute of the user calculated here is the time from the operation start time until the login request is transmitted.

  In order to notify the management server that the operation of the image forming apparatus has been completed, the multifunction peripheral 102 transmits user information and operation attribute information including the operation result time calculated by the operation result time calculation unit to the management server 100 (operation attribute information transmission). means). Here, the operation attribute information for classifying the operation attributes to be transmitted to the management server 100 is (login).

  In step 603, the management server 100 receives a login request including user information (user ID) and image forming apparatus identification information (device identification ID) from the image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral) 102 (login request receiving means).

  The management server 100 that has received the user ID at the time of login authentication and the reservation number held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 refers to the user ID related to the reservation number in the reservation table (800) in FIG. When the user ID at the time of login authentication matches the user ID in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8, the management server 100 transmits to the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 that the user ID matches. .

  That is, the management server 100 searches the reservation table (800) for user information (user ID) that is matched by the login request receiving means and matches the user information (user ID), and the searched user information (user ID). It is determined whether or not the identification information (device identification ID) of the associated image forming apparatus matches the identification information of the image forming apparatus received by the login request receiving unit (operation lock release determining unit).

  Furthermore, if the management server 100 determines that the operation lock release determination unit matches, the management server 100 logs in to unlock the operation of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the identification information (device identification ID) received by the login information reception unit. An unlocking instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the identification information received by the information receiving unit (unlocking instruction transmitting unit).

  In step 604, upon receiving that the user IDs match, the multifunction peripheral (copying machine agent) 102 unlocks the copying machine and can operate all functions of the copying machine with respect to the reservation person (logged-in user). Put it in a state. When the login is successful, the reservation number held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 is transmitted from the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 to the management server 100.

  As a further function, the operation unit unlock process is performed in response to the login authentication of the reservation person, but when the reservation person does not perform the login authentication even after the operation prompt date and time, the operation part lock release process is performed as follows. Do. When the reservation person completes the reservation in step 514, the management server 100 calculates the time for which the multifunction device should be operated from the reservation end date and time input by the reservation person and the time calculated by the operation result time integration means described above. The management server 100 registers the calculated time as the automatic lock release date and time of the reservation table (804) in FIG.

  If the reservation person does not perform login authentication with the multi-function device by this automatic lock release date and time when a predetermined time has passed after the operation lock instruction is transmitted from the management server 100, that is, the lock release instruction is not transmitted from the management server. In this case, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 performs an operation unit lock release process (operation lock release means).

  In step 605, the management server 100 that has received the login authentication time, the reservation number, and the operation attribute (login) receives the reservation number and the reservation received from the copier agent in the user operation result table (801) of FIG. A record with a matching No. is extracted, and an actual record record related to the actual record No. of the extracted record is added to the user operation record table (802) in FIG.

  That is, the management server 100 registers the user information (user ID), the operation attribute information (login), and the operation result time transmitted by the operation attribute information transmission unit in step 602 in association with the user operation result details table (802). (User operation attribute registration means).

  The records to be added to the user operation result table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record number extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the result item number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. Operation attribute (value to be added in this case is login) and operation time (in this case, the value to be added is login received from the copier agent from the time of operation start date and time in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. Time until the time of authentication).

  In step 606, when the reservation person operates the operation unit of the copying machine, the multifunction peripheral (copying machine agent) 102 displays the print setting start time and the print setting completion time for each operation attribute (print attribute) in the RAM 914 in FIG. And the time from the setting start time to the setting completion time for each operation attribute (print attribute) is calculated based on the print setting start time and the print setting completion time held in the RAM 914 in FIG. The time calculated here is the time for each print attribute required for each print setting by the user.

  As a further function, the print setting start time and the print setting completion time for each operation attribute (print attribute) are held as follows. The multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 stores the current time when the attribute button on the attribute selection screen in FIG. 14 is pressed as the print setting start time in the RAM 914 in FIG.

  When the print setting start time is stored in the RAM 914, the operation attribute is also stored in the RAM 914. The multifunction device (copier agent) 102 stores the current time when the setting completion button on the attribute detail selection screen (410) in FIG. 14 is pressed as the print setting completion time in the RAM 914 in FIG.

  When all the attributes set by the reservation person at the time of reservation are set and the print start button is pressed, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 displays the print setting start time, print setting completion time, and operation attributes stored in the RAM 914. Based on this, the time from the setting start time to the setting completion time for each operation attribute (printing attribute) is calculated.

  When the setting for each operation attribute is completed, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 stores the reservation number and the operation attribute (print attribute) held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 and the operation time for each calculated operation attribute (print attribute). Is transmitted to the management server 100.

  As a further function, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 adds the time from the setting start time to the setting completion time for each calculated operation attribute (printing attribute) to the user operation result detail table (802) in FIG. Send to.

  In step 607, the management server 100 that has received the reservation number, the operation attribute (print attribute), and the calculated operation time for each operation attribute, the reservation number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. Machine agent) 102, the record with the same reservation number is extracted, and the result detail record related to the record number of the extracted record is added to the user operation result detail table (802) of FIG. 8 as the operation attribute.

  In step 608, the records to be added to the user operation result detailed table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record No. of the record extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the user operation result table (801) in FIG. The actual item number, the operation attribute, and the operation time (the value added in this case is the time from the setting start time to the setting completion time for each operation attribute).

  As a further function, the operation time, operation attribute, actual number, and actual item number that the user has spent for each operation attribute are registered in the user operation result item table. Update to

  When registering an operation attribute in the user operation result detail table, an attribute ID corresponding to the operation attribute is acquired from the operation attribute table, and the acquired attribute ID is registered in the attribute ID of the user operation result detail table. When the attribute ID is registered, a record in which the attribute ID matches the attribute ID in the user operation count table is updated.

The record items to be updated are the user ID, the cumulative number of operations, and the coefficient. The user ID is the user ID of the reservation table associated with the record No. in the user operation record detail table. The cumulative number of operations is the number of times that the user has set operation attributes so far. When registering the cumulative number of operations, 1 is added to the registered number.
The coefficient is updated by the numerical value of the cumulative number of operations, and the value decreases as the number of operations increases.

In step 609, when the reservation person presses the print start button on the operation unit of the copier, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 holds the time when the print start button is pressed in the RAM 914 in FIG. The printing set immediately before the print start button is pressed based on the print attribute setting completion time set immediately before the print start button held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 is pressed and the time when the print start button is pressed. The operation time from the attribute setting completion time to the time when the print start button is pressed is calculated.
When the print start button is pressed, the copier agent transmits the reservation number held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 to the management server 100.

  Further, the MFP 102 measures the time from the start of the user operation to the operation completion for the image forming apparatus for each operation attribute of the user, and calculates the operation result time for each user operation attribute (operation result time calculation unit). ). The actual operation time for each operation attribute of the user calculated here is the time from the transmission of the login request to the start of printing (pressing the print start button).

  Furthermore, in order to notify the management server of the completion of the operation of the image forming apparatus, the multi-function peripheral 102 transmits the operation attribute information including the user information and the operation result time calculated by the operation result time calculation unit to the management server 100 (operation attribute). Information transmission means). Here, the operation attribute information for classifying the operation attributes to be transmitted to the management server 100 is (print start).

  In step 610, the management server 100 that has received the reservation number, the operation attribute (pressing the print start button) and the calculated operation time receives the reservation number and the multifunction device (copier agent) in the user operation result table (801) of FIG. ) A record with the same reservation number received from 102 is extracted, and an actual detail record related to the actual record No. of the extracted record is added to the user operation actual result detail table (802) in FIG.

  That is, the management server 100 associates the user information (user ID), the operation attribute information (print start), and the operation result time transmitted by the operation attribute information transmitting unit in step 609 with the user operation result details table (802). Register (user operation attribute registration means).

  The records to be added to the user operation result table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record number extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the result item number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. And operation attributes (value to be added in this case is the print start button pressed) and operation time (value to be added in this case are printed from the operation attribute setting completion time set immediately before the print start button was pressed) Time until the time when the start button is pressed).

  In step 611, when copying is completed in the copying machine, the multifunction peripheral (copying machine agent) 102 holds the time at the end of copying (printing end) in the RAM 914 in FIG. The copier agent transmits to the management server 100 that the copying has been completed.

  That is, the multifunction peripheral 102 measures the time from the start of the user operation to the operation completion for the image forming apparatus for each user operation attribute, and calculates the operation actual time for each user operation attribute (operation actual time calculation means). ). The operation performance time for each user operation attribute calculated here is the time from the start of printing (pressing the print start button) to the end of printing.

That is, the multifunction peripheral 102 transmits the operation attribute information including the user information and the operation result time calculated by the operation result time calculation unit to the management server 100 in order to notify the management server of the completion of the operation of the image forming apparatus (operation attribute). Information transmission means). Here, the operation attribute information for classifying the operation attributes to be transmitted to the management server 100 is (printing end).
The management server 100 that has received the end of copying determines that the copying has ended.

  In step 612, the reservation person operates the operation unit of the copying machine and logs out. The copier agent calculates the time from the end of copying to the time of logout based on the time at the end of copying and the time at the time of logout held in the RAM 914 in FIG.

  The multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 transmits the calculated time from the end of copying to the time of logout, the reservation number and the operation attribute (logout) held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 to the management server 100.

  That is, the multifunction peripheral 102 measures the time from the start of the user operation to the operation completion for the image forming apparatus for each user operation attribute, and calculates the operation actual time for each user operation attribute (operation actual time calculation means). ). The operation performance time for each user operation attribute calculated here is the time from the end of printing to logout.

  That is, the multifunction peripheral 102 transmits the operation attribute information including the user information and the operation result time calculated by the operation result time calculation unit to the management server 100 in order to notify the management server of the completion of the operation of the image forming apparatus (operation attribute). Information transmission means). Here, the operation attribute information for classifying the operation attributes transmitted to the management server 100 is (logout).

  In step 613, the management server 100, which has received the time from the end of copying to the time of logout, the reservation number, and the operation attribute, sets the reservation number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. A record with the same reservation number received from 102 is extracted, and an actual record record related to the actual record No. of the extracted record is added to the user operation record table (802) in FIG.

  That is, the management server 100 associates the user information (user ID), the operation attribute information (printing end), and the operation result time transmitted by the operation attribute information transmission unit in step 609 with the user operation result details table (802). Register (user operation attribute registration means).

  That is, the management server 100 registers the user information (user ID), the operation attribute information (logout), and the operation result time transmitted by the operation attribute information transmission unit in step 612 in association with the user operation result details table (802). (User operation attribute registration means).

The records to be added to the user operation result table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record number extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the result item number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. And the operation attribute (the value to be added in this case is logout) and the operation time (in this case, the value to be added is the time from the copy end time received from the MFP (copier agent) 102 to the time at the logout time. Time).
FIG. 7 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a multifunction machine operation process (in the case of a person who operates the multifunction machine slowly) in the reservation system of the present invention.

  In step 700, the management server 100 refers to the reservation start date and time in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8, and when the current time of the management server 100 reaches the reservation start date and time in the reservation table (800) of FIG. The management server 100 transmits a lock request and the reservation number in the reservation table (800) in FIG. 8 to the copying machine 102 corresponding to the reservation start date and device identification ID in the reservation table (800) in FIG. . In addition, records of record No., operation start date / time, user ID, job, and device identification ID related to the reservation No. in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8 are added to the user operation record table (801) of FIG. To do. Further, the management server 100 extracts the reservation number, the mail reminding date / time and the operation reminding date / time in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8, and the extracted reservation number, the mail reminding date / time and the operation reminding date / time are stored in the RAM 908 of FIG. Hold.

  In step 701, the multifunction peripheral (copying machine agent) 102 that has received the lock request and the reservation number in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8 prevents the copy machine from being used by anyone other than the reservation person. Lock the operation unit. Further, the reservation number is held in the RAM 914 in FIG.

  The multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 transmits to the management server 100 that the operation unit of the copier has been locked. The management server 100 that has received the lock determines that the lock request is successful.

  In step 702, when the current time of the management server 100 coincides with the mail prompt date and time held in the RAM 908 in FIG. 9, the management server 100 stores the reservation number stored in the RAM 908 in FIG. In step 801), the record having the same reservation number is extracted, and the actual number of the extracted record is referred to. The management server 100 extracts a record in which the referred actual number and the actual number in the user operation result detail table (802) in FIG. If the number of extracted records is zero, the management server 100 determines that the reservation person has not performed login authentication, and transmits a reminder mail to the mail server.

  In step 703, when the reservation person operates the reserved copying machine, login authentication is performed by the copying machine. In order to determine whether the user at the time of login authentication is a currently reserved user, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 holds the user ID at the time of login authentication and the RAM 914 in FIG. The reservation number that is being sent is sent.

  In step 704, the management server 100 that has received the user ID at the time of login authentication and the reservation number held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 refers to the user ID related to the reservation number in the reservation table (800) in FIG. To do. When the user ID at the time of login authentication matches the user ID in the reservation table (800) of FIG. 8, the management server 100 transmits to the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 that the user ID matches. .

  In step 705, upon receiving that the user IDs match, the multifunction peripheral (copying machine agent) 102 unlocks the copying machine and makes the copying machine operable by the reservation person. When the login is successful, the time when the reservation person performs login authentication from the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 to the management server 100, the reservation number held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10, and the operation attribute (login). Send.

  In step 706, the management server 100 that has received the login authentication time, the reservation number, and the operation attribute (login) receives the reservation number and the reservation received from the copier agent in the user operation result table (801) of FIG. A record with a matching No. is extracted, and an actual record record related to the actual record No. of the extracted record is added to the user operation record table (802) in FIG. The records to be added to the user operation result table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record number extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the result item number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. And the operation attribute (the value to be added in this case is login) and the operation time (the value to be added in this case is determined from the time of the operation start date / time in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. ) Time until login authentication received from 102).

  In step 707, when the reservation person operates the operation unit of the copier, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 stores the setting start time and setting completion time for each operation attribute in the RAM 914 in FIG. Based on the setting start time held in the RAM 914 and the setting completion time held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10, the time from the setting start time to the setting completion time for each printing attribute is calculated.

  When the setting for each printing attribute is completed, the copier agent transmits to the management server 100 the reservation number and the operation attribute (value for each printing attribute) held in the RAM 914 in FIG. To do.

  In step 708, the management server 100 that has received the reservation number, operation attribute, and operation time for each calculated operation attribute, the reservation number in the user operation result table (801) of FIG. The record with the same reservation number received from the record is extracted, and the record detail record related to the record number of the extracted record is added to the user operation record detail table (802) in FIG.

  In step 709, the records to be added to the user operation result detail table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record No. of the record extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8. Actual item number and operation attribute (value added in this case is the value for each operation attribute) and operation time (value added in this case is the time from the setting start time to the setting completion time for each operation attribute) It is.

In step 710, when the current time of the management server 100 coincides with the operation prompt date and time stored in the RAM 908 in FIG. 9, the management server 100 stores the reservation number stored in the RAM 908 in FIG. In step 801), the record having the same reservation number is extracted, and the actual number of the extracted record is referred to. The management server 100 extracts a record in which the referenced record No. matches the record No. in the user operation record detail table (802) in FIG. 8, and determines whether or not a print start button press is added to the operation attribute. When there is no print start button pressed in the operation attribute of the user operation record detail table (802) in FIG. 8, the management server 100 transmits a print prompt notification to the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102.
In step 711, the MFP (copier agent) 102 that has received the print prompt notification displays the print prompt screen (407) of FIG. 11 on the operation unit.

  In step 712, when the reservation person presses the print start button on the operation unit of the copier, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 holds the time when the print start button is pressed in the RAM 914 in FIG. The printing set immediately before the print start button is pressed based on the print attribute setting completion time set immediately before the print start button held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 is pressed and the time when the print start button is pressed. The operation time from the attribute setting completion time to the time when the print start button is pressed is calculated.

  In step 713, when the print start button is pressed, the multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 displays the reservation number, operation attribute (print start button pressed), and calculated operation time stored in the RAM 914 in FIG. Send to. In sequence 712, the management server 100 that has received the reservation number, the operation attribute (print start button pressed), and the calculated operation time receives the reservation number in the user operation result table (801) of FIG. ) A record with the same reservation number received from 102 is extracted, and an actual detail record related to the actual record No. of the extracted record is added to the user operation actual result detail table (802) in FIG. The records to be added to the user operation result table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record number extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the result item number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. And operation attributes (value to be added in this case is the print start button pressed) and operation time (value to be added in this case are printed from the operation attribute setting completion time set immediately before the print start button was pressed) Time until the time when the start button is pressed).

In step 714, when copying is completed at the copying machine, the multifunction peripheral (copying machine agent) 102 holds the time at the end of copying in the RAM 914 in FIG. The multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 transmits to the management server 100 that the copying has been completed. The management server 100 that has received the end of copying determines that the copying has ended.
In step 716, the reservation person operates the operation unit of the copying machine to log out.

  The multi-function peripheral (copier agent) 102 calculates the time from the end of copying to the time of logout based on the time at the end of copying and the time at logout held in the RAM 914 in FIG. The multifunction peripheral (copier agent) 102 transmits the calculated time from the end of copying to the time of logout, the reservation number and the operation attribute (logout) held in the RAM 914 in FIG. 10 to the management server 100.

  In step 715, the management server 100 that has received the time from the end of copying to the time of logout, the reservation number, and the operation attribute (logout), the reservation number in the user operation result table (801) of FIG. Machine agent) 102, a record with a matching reservation number is extracted, and an actual detail record related to the actual record No. of the extracted record is added to the user operation actual result detail table (802) in FIG.

The records to be added to the user operation result table (802) in FIG. 8 are the record number extracted from the user operation result table (801) in FIG. 8 and the result item number in the user operation result table (801) in FIG. And the operation attribute (the value to be added in this case is logout) and the operation time (in this case, the value to be added is the time from the copy end time received from the MFP (copier agent) 102 to the time at the logout time. Time).
FIG. 8 will be described.

  FIG. 8 shows a statistical information database that the management server 100 has. The statistical information database includes a reservation table 800, a user operation result table 801, a user operation result detail table 802, and a reference operation time table 803.

Reference numeral 800 in FIG. 8 denotes a reservation table, which is a table for managing reservation information of copying machines in the system. The reservation table 800 includes a reservation number, reservation start date / time, reservation end date / time, device identification ID, user ID, job, number of reservations_A4, number of staples, estimated print time (sec), email prompt date / time, and operation prompt date / time. Is done.
The reservation number is a code for uniquely specifying a reservation record, and a serial number is assigned each time a record of this table is created.
The reservation start date and time (operation start time) is the reservation start date and time (time when the management server 100 starts operating the multifunction device) calculated in S513 at the time of reservation processing.
The reservation end date / time is the reservation end date / time calculated at the time of reservation.

The device identification ID (identification information) is a code for uniquely identifying a copier existing on the network. FIG. 8 shows a copier to be reserved. It is also stored (managed) as a copying machine to which a lock instruction is transmitted.
The user ID (user information) is a code that uniquely identifies the login user. FIG. 8 shows a reservation person.
The job is an attribute indicating the function of the copier, such as copy, FAX, SEND. FIG. 8 shows reserved functions.

The reserved number_A4 is the reserved number input at the time of reservation. This item assumes other items for each sheet (for example, A3, postcard, etc.), but is omitted in FIG.
The number of staples is the number of staples input at the time of reservation.
The predicted print time (sec) is a print time calculated at the time of reservation.
The e-mail reminding date and time is the date and time when an e-mail is sent when a reservation is not logged into the copier at the time of reservation execution, and is automatically calculated at the time of reservation.
The operation prompt date and time is a date and time when a mail is transmitted when the reservation person does not start the operation of the copying machine at the time of reservation execution, and is automatically calculated at the time of reservation.

  The management server 100 stores the user information (user ID) that has received the operation reservation instruction in association with the identification information (device identification ID) of the image forming apparatus to which the lock instruction transmission unit has transmitted the lock instruction (operation lock information storage). means).

801 in FIG. 8 is a user operation result table, which is a table for managing user operation history (actual) information in the system, and includes the result No., operation start date / time, operation end date / time, and reservation number. Composed.
The actual number is a code that uniquely identifies the actual record, and a serial number is assigned each time a record of this table is created.
The operation start date and time is the date and time when the operation of the copying machine is started.
The operation end date and time is the date and time when the operation of the copying machine is ended.

  The reservation number is a code associated with the reservation record of the reservation table, and the reservation number of the reservation record is set when the record of this table is created.

  802 in FIG. 8 is a user operation result detail table, which is a table for managing detailed information of the user's operation history (actual) in the system, and includes an actual number, actual item number, operation attribute, Consists of operation time (msec).

  User information (user ID), operation attributes, and operation time for managing the user who operated the MFP are supported through the actual number and reservation number (reservation table, user operation result table, user operation result detail table). It is attached.

The actual number is a code for uniquely identifying the actual detail record, and is a code for associating with the actual number in the user operation result table. At the timing of creating a record of this table, the actual number of the actual record is set.
The actual item number is a code that uniquely identifies the actual item record, and a serial number is assigned as a branch number of the actual number every time a record of this table is created.

The operation attribute (operation attribute information) is an attribute indicating operations such as login, logout, setting of each printing attribute of the copying machine, pressing of a print start button, and the like, and here indicates an operation of the copying machine performed by the user. It is.
The operation time (actual operation time) (unit: msec) indicates the time spent on the operation of the copying machine.

  That is, the management server 100 divides user information (user ID) and user operations related to the image forming apparatus for each operation, and is an operation that is a time when a user corresponding to the user information (user ID) has operated in the past. The operation attribute information including the actual time is stored in association with each other (user operation attribute storage means).

Reference numeral 803 in FIG. 8 denotes a reference operation time table, which is a table for managing a reference operation time in the system, and includes a device identification ID, an operation attribute, and a reference operation time (msec).
The device identification ID is a code that uniquely identifies the reference operation time record, and is a code that uniquely identifies the copier existing on the network.
The operation attribute is an attribute indicating operation of the copying machine such as login and logout.
The reference operation time (msec) indicates a reference value of time spent for operation of the copying machine.

The management server 100 stores the login / logout information of the user transmitted from the copier agent 102, the operation information of the copier operated by the user, the user operation result table 801, the user operation result details table 802, and the reference operation time table 803. And is used as source information for determining the tendency of each user.
The management server 100 manages reservation information separately from the above, and the reservation information is stored in the reservation table 800.
FIG. 9 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus (management server) 100, the client terminal 105, and the client terminal 106.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 907 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus H404. In addition, the ROM 402 or the external memory 909 is provided with a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 907, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various necessary programs to be described later are stored.

  Reference numeral 908 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 907. The CPU 907 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 402 or the external memory 909 into the RAM 908 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 405 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 910 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 406 controls display on the display unit 911. Note that the display unit 911 may be not only a CRT but also other display devices such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed. Further, the display unit may include a touch panel function in which the user specifies a target position in the display screen with a finger, a pen, or the like.

  Reference numeral 407 denotes a memory controller, which is connected via an adapter to a hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. The access to an external memory 909 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 912 connects and communicates with an external device via the network (communication line) 300, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 907 enables display on the CRT by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 908, for example. Further, the CPU 907 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT.

Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 909 of the information processing apparatus (management server) 100, and are executed by the CPU 907 by being loaded into the RAM 908 as necessary. . Further, a data file and a data table used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 909 or the storage means of the information processing apparatus 100, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.
FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 102 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit that is connected to a scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer unit 918 that functions as an image output device, while a LAN (for example, the LAN 300 shown in FIG. 1). ) Or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN), image data and device information are input / output.
The inside of the controller unit 316 will be described.
Reference numeral 913 denotes a CPU which controls the entire system.

Reference numeral 914 denotes a RAM, which is a system work memory for operating the CPU 913, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.
A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs.

  A hard disk drive (HDD) 915 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. The program of the present invention is stored. The database of the present invention is stored.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 916. The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit key information (for example, pressing of a start button) input from the operation unit 916 to the CPU 913.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 917 is connected to the network (LAN) 300 and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  An external interface (external I / F) 318 is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, RS-232C, and the like. A card reader 319 for reading (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 913 can control reading of information from the IC card of the portable terminal by the card reader 319 via the external I / F unit 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card of the portable terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.
The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.
A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

  A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 918 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) H313 connects the scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data. Further, the pixel level image data (for example, BITMAP data) converted into an electrical signal by the scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 is converted into a compressed file in a format such as JPEG or GIF, or into a file such as a PDF format. Perform the conversion.

  The printer unit 918 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 913. Note that the printer unit 918 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting the image data as pixel level image data (for example, BITMAP data) into an electrical signal. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 916, the CPU 913 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. Perform the action.

  The operation unit 916 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 916 displays a system operation screen, and when a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F. This is transmitted to the CPU 913 via 307. The operation unit 916 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  The display unit has a different display performance depending on the multifunction device. The multifunction device can be operated via a touch panel. The multifunction device is simply equipped with a liquid crystal display and displays a character string (displays the print status and printed document name). Thus, the present invention is constituted.

Here, the start key of the operation unit 916 is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 916 serves to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 916 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.
The card reader 319 reads information stored in the IC card under the control of the CPU 913.

  With the configuration as described above, the MFP 102 converts the pixel level image data (for example, BITMAP data) read from the scanner unit (image reading unit) 314 into a desired file format and transmits it to the LAN 300. The print data received from the LAN 300 can be printed out by the printer unit 918.

  Also, pixel level image data (for example, BITMAP data) read from the scanner unit 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer unit 918. .

Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the HDD 915 and executed by the CPU 913 by being loaded into the RAM 914 as necessary. Furthermore, a definition file, various information tables, and the like used when executing the program are also stored in the HDD 915, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.
FIG. 11 will be described.
FIG. 11 shows a print prompt screen 407 displayed on the copier UI panel 916 by the copier agent 102 as an interrupt.
FIG. 12 will be described.
FIG. 12 shows an operation lock notification screen 408 that the copier agent 102 displays on the copier UI panel 916 as an interrupt.
FIG. 13 will be described.

FIG. 13 shows a statistical information database that the management server 100 has. The statistical information database includes a reservation table 804, a user operation result table 801, a user operation result detail table 802, a reference operation time table 803, a user operation frequency table 805, and an operation attribute table 806.
FIG. 14 will be described.
FIG. 14 is an attribute detail selection screen for further determining the details when print settings such as duplex are specified on the attribute selection screen 403 in FIG.

Further, the program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Are stored in the external memory 909 (HDD) of the information processing apparatus (management server) 100 and the external memory (HDD) 915 of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 102.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.
In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 Information processing device (management server)
102 Image forming apparatus (multifunction machine)
105 Client terminal 907 CPU (information processing apparatus)
908 RAM (information processing device)
909 External memory (information processing device)
913 CPU (image forming apparatus)
914 RAM (image forming apparatus)
915 External memory (image forming apparatus)

Claims (9)

A management server that is communicably connected to a client terminal,
A user that associates and stores user information and operation attribute information including operation performance time, which is a time in which the user corresponding to the user information has operated in the past, that classifies user operations related to the image forming apparatus for each operation. Operation attribute storage means;
An operation reservation receiving means for receiving an operation reservation instruction of the image forming apparatus including user information and a desired operation end time of the image forming apparatus from the client terminal;
An operation attribute extraction unit that searches the user operation attribute storage unit for user information that matches the received user information, and extracts operation attribute information associated with the searched user information;
Operation result time integration means for integrating operation result times included in the extracted operation attribute information;
An operation start time calculating means for calculating an operation start time of the image forming apparatus according to the accepted operation end desired time and the accumulated operation result time;
Operation start time notifying means for notifying the calculated operation start time to the client terminal that has received the operation reservation instruction;
A management server comprising: The management server is further communicably connected to the image forming apparatus,
Identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of an image forming apparatus corresponding to the operation reservation instruction from the client terminal;
Operation start time determining means for determining whether the calculated operation start time has been reached;
When it is determined that the operation start time determination unit has reached, an operation instruction that does not include a login request from the user to the image forming apparatus is prohibited to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received identification information of the image forming apparatus. An operation lock instruction transmitting means for transmitting an operation lock instruction;
The management server according to claim 1, further comprising: An operation lock information storage unit that stores the user information that has received the operation reservation instruction and the identification information of the image forming apparatus to which the lock instruction transmission unit has transmitted the lock instruction;
Login request receiving means for receiving a login request including user information and identification information of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus;
User information that matches the user information received by the login request receiving means is retrieved from the operation lock information storage means, and the identification information of the image forming apparatus associated with the retrieved user information is the login information acceptance. An operation unlock determination unit that determines whether the unit matches the identification information of the image forming apparatus received by the unit;
Corresponding to the identification information received by the login information receiving means to unlock the operation of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the identification information received by the login information receiving means when it is determined that the operation lock release determining means matches An unlock instruction transmitting means for transmitting an unlock instruction to the image forming apparatus,
The management server according to claim 2, further comprising:   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising attribute selection screen display instruction means for instructing the client terminal to display an attribute selection screen so as to accept the operation reservation instruction that can be specified in operation units. Management server described in the section. The client terminal, the management server, and the image forming apparatus form an image forming apparatus reservation system that reserves an operation of the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An operation lock notification for displaying an operation lock notification screen on the display unit of the image forming apparatus to notify that an operation instruction not including the login request is prohibited in accordance with the operation lock instruction transmitted from the management server. The image forming apparatus reservation system according to claim 2, further comprising a screen display unit. The image forming apparatus includes:
Operation lock release for releasing the operation lock of the image forming apparatus when the lock release instruction is not transmitted from the management server after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation lock instruction is transmitted from the management server The image forming apparatus reservation system according to claim 3, further comprising means. The image forming apparatus includes:
An operation result time calculating means for measuring the time from the start of the user's operation to the operation completion for the image forming apparatus for each operation attribute of the user and calculating the operation result time for each operation attribute of the user;
Operation attribute information transmitting means for transmitting user attribute and operation attribute information including the operation result time calculated by the operation result time calculation means to notify the management server of completion of operation of the image forming apparatus;
Further comprising
The management server
User operation attribute registration means for registering the user information, operation attribute information and operation result time transmitted by the operation attribute information transmission means in association with the user operation attribute storage means;
The image forming apparatus reservation system according to claim 1, further comprising: An operation including operation result time that is a time when a user corresponding to the user information, which is connected to the client terminal so as to be communicable with each other, and the user operation related to the image forming apparatus is classified for each operation. A management server control method comprising user operation attribute storage means for storing attribute information in association with each other,
An operation reservation accepting step for accepting an operation reservation instruction of the image forming apparatus including user information and a desired operation end time of the image forming apparatus from the client terminal;
Operation attribute extraction means of the management server searches the user operation attribute storage means for user information that matches the received user information, and extracts operation attribute information associated with the searched user information An extraction process;
An operation result time integration step in which the operation result time integration means of the management server integrates the operation result time included in the extracted operation attribute information;
An operation start time calculating step in which an operation start time calculating unit of the management server calculates an operation start time of the image forming apparatus according to the accepted operation end desired time and the accumulated operation result time;
An operation start time notifying step in which the operation start time notifying unit of the management server notifies the calculated operation start time to the client terminal that has received the operation reservation instruction;
The control method characterized by including. There is a program that can be read and executed by a management server that is communicably connected to a client terminal,
The management server associates user information with operation attribute information including operation performance time, which is a time when a user corresponding to the user information has operated in the past, and classifies user operations related to the image forming apparatus for each operation. User operation attribute storage means for storing
An operation reservation receiving means for receiving an operation reservation instruction of the image forming apparatus including user information and a desired operation end time of the image forming apparatus from the client terminal;
An operation attribute extraction unit that searches the user operation attribute storage unit for user information that matches the received user information, and extracts operation attribute information associated with the searched user information;
Operation result time integration means for integrating operation result times included in the extracted operation attribute information;
An operation start time calculating means for calculating an operation start time of the image forming apparatus according to the accepted operation end desired time and the accumulated operation result time;
Operation start time notifying means for notifying the calculated operation start time to the client terminal that has received the operation reservation instruction;
A program characterized by functioning as

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