JP6015128B2 - Information processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of information processing apparatuses and programs.

  Conventionally, accumulation printing is known. In accumulation printing, a print job (print data) submitted by a user from a client PC is transmitted to a print server, and the print server temporarily accumulates the print job in its own storage area. Next, when the user moves in front of the MFP (image forming apparatus), logs in using the operation panel, etc., and operates a print instruction, the MFP performs a print job stored in the print server. Get and print.

  There is also known a technique in which a print job input from a client PC and stored in a print server is shared among members of a user in a group. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system in which a job printed from a client PC can be simultaneously saved for a plurality of users belonging to a specified group, so that the same job can be printed in the group. Is described.

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the same job is printed in the group by simultaneously storing the job for a plurality of users belonging to the designated group. For this reason, if you do not want a specific user to share part of the job (for example, printing a specific page in the print data is prohibited) even though it is a user in the group, a job with different contents for each user There is a problem that it takes time and effort to save the job for each user again.

  In the present invention, in view of the above points, when sharing a job among users in the group, information for controlling the range of shared use of the job according to each authority to which each user in the group belongs An object is to provide a processing device and a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that shares and uses a job among users in a group, and the user, the group to which the user belongs, and the job of the user Job acquisition for acquiring a job including a storage unit that stores the authority level in association with each other, a group to which a user who can use the job belongs, and authority for each authority level of the user belonging to the group And a user belonging to the group and the authority level of the user based on the group included in the acquired job and the authority according to the authority for each authority level included in the job. The job editing means for editing the acquired job for each authority level, and the job edited for each authority level are acquired. And in correspondence with the user's permission level in the group contained in the job, and a job storage means for storing for each user.

  In order to solve the above problems, a program according to the present invention provides a user, a group to which the user belongs, and an authority level for the user's job in an information processing apparatus that shares and uses a job among users in the group. And a storage unit that stores the information in association with each other, a job acquisition unit that acquires a job including a group to which a user who can use the job belongs, and authority for each authority level of the user belonging to the group Based on the group included in the acquired job, the user belonging to the group and the authority level of the user are acquired from the storage unit, and the authority is determined according to the authority for each authority level included in the job. Job editing means for editing the acquired job for each level and the job edited for each authority level are acquired. In correspondence with the user's permission level in the group contained in the job, to function as a job storage means for storing for each user.

  In addition, what applied the arbitrary combination of the component of this invention, expression, or a component to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, when sharing a job among users in the group, an information processing apparatus that controls a range of shared use of the job according to each authority to which each user in the group belongs, and A program can be provided.

It is a network block diagram concerning this embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram which shows one Embodiment of client PC1 and the print server 2 which concern on this embodiment. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an MFP 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of print server 2 concerning this embodiment. An example of the user information which concerns on this embodiment is shown. 2 shows an example of print job management information according to the present embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining the accumulation printing processing concerning this embodiment. 2 shows an example of print settings according to the present embodiment. 2 shows an example of a print job according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of creating a level-specific print job according to the embodiment. An example of acquired user information concerning this embodiment is shown. An example of print data creation (editing) according to the present embodiment is shown. An example of storing print data classified by level according to the present embodiment is shown. 2 shows an example (after storage) of print job management information according to the present embodiment. An example of use place information concerning this modification is shown. An example of storage of level-specific print data according to the present modification is shown. 10 shows an example (after storage) of print job management information according to the present modification. It is a network block diagram concerning this modification. An example of the usage-destination information which concerns on this modification is shown. An example of storage of level-specific print data according to the present modification is shown. 10 shows an example (after storage) of print job management information according to the present modification.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in each embodiment. Hereinafter, an example in which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an MFP (image forming apparatus) will be described.

[System configuration]
(network)
First, before describing specific contents of the present invention, an overall configuration for carrying out the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the network configuration according to this embodiment, a client PC 1, a print server 2, and an MFP (image forming apparatus) 3 are connected via a network 4.

  The client PC 1 is a so-called user PC. For example, the user prints out print data created on the client PC 1 on the MFP 3. However, in this embodiment, since the printing method employs accumulated printing, the client PC 1 first transmits print data to be printed to the print server 2.

  Here, accumulated printing is a printing method as follows. A print job (print data) input by the user from the client PC 1 is transmitted to the print server 2. The print server 2 temporarily stores the print job in its own storage area. Next, when the user moves to the front of the MFP 3, logs in using the operation panel or the like and operates a print instruction, the MFP 3 acquires a print job stored in the print server 2, Execute and print the same print job.

  The print server 2 receives the print job from the client PC 1 and temporarily stores the received print job in its own storage area. In response to a request from the MFP 3, a print job is transmitted to the MFP 1.

  The MFP 3 is an image forming apparatus (Multifunction Peripheral) in which a plurality of functions such as a copy, a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile are housed in one casing. The MFP 1 requests the print server 2 to transmit a print job in response to a print instruction input through the operation panel or the like. Then, the MFP 3 acquires the print job stored in the print server 2 and prints it.

  The network 4 is a communication network that enables the client PC 1, the print server 2, and the MFP 3 to communicate with each other. It includes a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network), and also includes wired or wireless.

(hardware)
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the client PC 1 and the print server 2 according to the present embodiment. The client PC 1 and the print server 2 are mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, a storage medium reading device 15, and an input device. 16, a display device 17, and a communication device 18.

  The CPU 11 is composed of a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and is a circuit that controls the entire apparatus. The ROM 12 is a memory that stores a predetermined control program (software component) executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 13 executes various control operations by the CPU 11 executing a predetermined control program (software component) stored in the ROM 12. This is a memory used as a work area (work area) when performing.

  The auxiliary storage device 14 is a device for storing various information including a general-purpose OS (Operating System) and programs, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which is a nonvolatile storage device, is used. Information from the outside can be acquired by setting a portable medium such as a USB memory, a CD, or a DVD in the storage medium reader 15.

  The input device 16 is a device for a user to perform various input operations. The input device 16 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel switch provided so as to be superimposed on the display screen of the display device 17, and the like. The display device 17 is a device that displays various data on a display screen. For example, it is composed of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and the like.

  The communication device 18 is a device that communicates with other devices via the network 4. Supports communication according to various network forms including wired and wireless networks.

  In the case of the print server 2, for example, the input device 16 and the display device 17 need only be set during the server setting operation, and these devices are removed from the server body of the print server 2 during normal operation. Also good.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the MFP 3 according to the present embodiment. The MFP 3 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, an image memory 34, an I / F (interface) unit 35, an operation panel control unit 36, and an operation panel 37 as main components.

  The CPU 31 is a control unit that reads a program stored in a memory and executes print control.

  The RAM 32 is a volatile memory used as a work area where the program temporarily stores various information when the CPU 31 executes the program. For example, it is a place for storing various setting data of the MFP 3.

  The ROM 33 is a nonvolatile memory that stores various programs executed by the CPU 21.

  The image memory 34 is a storage area for temporarily storing images read by the own device and image data received from other devices.

  The I / F unit 35 is a communication unit for the MFP 3 to communicate with other apparatuses such as the print server 2.

  The operation panel control unit 36 is a function of the CPU 31 that processes information input from the operation panel 37, and is also a setting unit that sets a print command, print settings, and the like input to the operation panel 37 in the MFP 3.

  The operation panel 37 is a display unit and an input unit for displaying a message or the like as an external display function, or for inputting information or the like by a user.

(function)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the print server 2 according to this embodiment. The print server 2 includes a communication unit 201, a print job editing unit 202, a print job storage unit 203, a print job acquisition response unit 204, a user information holding unit 205, and a print job holding unit 206.

  The communication unit 201 is realized by the communication device 18 and performs communication with the client PC 1 and the MFP 3. Specifically, for example, the communication unit 201 receives a print job (print data) from the client PC 1. Also, it receives a print job acquisition request from the MFP 3 and responds with the print job.

  The print job editing unit 202 edits (processes) the print job received from the client PC 1 in accordance with the authority level of the user in the group that shares and uses the print job.

  The print job storage unit 203 stores the print job edited for each authority level by the print job editing unit 202 for each user in the print job holding unit 206 in association with the user authority level.

  When the print job acquisition response unit 204 receives a print job acquisition request from the MFP 3, the print job acquisition response unit 204 acquires a print job corresponding to the user who has requested the acquisition from the print job holding unit 206 and responds to the print job.

  The user information holding unit 205 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 14 and holds user information. Specific examples of the user information will be described later, and include, for example, a group name to which the user belongs, a user name, an authority level, and the like.

  The print job holding unit 206 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 14 and holds a print job and print job management information for managing the print job for each user. More specifically, each user has a folder for each user, and the print jobs for each user can be sorted into each folder to hold the print jobs.

  Note that these functions described above are actually realized by a program executed by the CPU 11.

(Example of user information)
FIG. 5 shows an example of user information according to the present embodiment. The user information is held in the user information holding unit 205 and includes tables (a) and (b) as shown in the figure. In (a), the group names of all users and the user names of users belonging to the groups are registered. In (b), all user names and levels (authority levels) given to each user are registered.

  For example, four users of “user name”: User1, User2, User3, and User4 belong to “Group name”: GroupA. Of these, “user name”: User 1 is given a level of “level”: 1. When a user shares and uses a print job, the use range of the print job (for example, a page viewable range) is limited according to this level (authority level).

(Example of print job management information)
FIG. 6 shows an example of print job management information according to the present embodiment. The print job management information is held in the print job holding unit 206 and can be realized by a table as shown in the figure. Specifically, a print job ID, a user name held, and a print job storage location are stored.

  For example, “1.prn”, which is a print job identified by “ID”: 1, is a print job received from the client PC of “user name”: User1 and held by User1, and “storage location”: C \ data \ User1 \ 1. It can be seen that it is stored in prn. Further, when the “storage location” is blank, it indicates that the print server 2 does not store the print job that the user has.

[Information processing]
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the accumulated printing process according to the present embodiment. In summary, a print job (print data) submitted by the user from the client PC 1 is transmitted to the print server 2. The print server 2 temporarily stores the print job in its own storage area. When the user moves in front of the MFP 3 and logs in using the operation panel or the like and operates a print instruction, the MFP 3 acquires and prints the print job stored in the print server 2. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  S1: First, the user operates the client PC 1 to perform print operation of print data via a preinstalled printer driver or the like. In the printing operation, for example, the following print settings are performed in addition to setting of print data to be printed and setting of printing conditions (paper size, color specification, etc.).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of print settings according to the present embodiment. In the printing operation, the user inputs “group name” and “edit contents” from the screen shown in the figure.

  In “Group Name”, a group name for which a user wants to share a print job is input for a print job that the user intends to transmit to the print server 2. For example, when “Group Name”: Group A is entered, this print job can be shared (for example, viewed, printed, etc.) among users belonging to Group A.

  “Edited contents” inputs how to edit a print job (print data) for each user level among users belonging to Group A. For example, when “Group Name”: Group A is entered, this print job can be shared (for example, viewed, printed, etc.) among users belonging to Group A, but each user in the group can use this print job (print data). Specify how much of each page can be used here.

  Specifically, when the print data included in the print job consists of a plurality of pages, for example, the second page is deleted for level 2 users, and the second, third, and fifth pages are deleted for level 3 users. , The contents of the print data are entered such that only the first, sixth, and seventh pages are left for the user of level 4 (the other pages are deleted).

  S2: When print data, printing conditions, the above-described print settings, etc. are input, the client PC 1 generates a print job in a printer language format that can be interpreted by the printer, and prints the print job to the print server 2. Send the job (print job data). The print job includes input print data, print conditions, and the contents of the print settings described above.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a print job according to the present embodiment. The print job is composed of header information and print data. Among these, the header information describes “user name” (print job sender), print conditions, and the contents of the print settings described above. The print data describes the print data content of each page.

  S3: Upon receiving a print job from the client PC 1, the print server 2 first creates a print job (print data) for each level. Hereinafter, S3 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for creating a print job by level according to the present embodiment.

  S3-1: The print job editing unit 202 of the print server 2 acquires (takes out) print data and print settings from the print job received via the communication unit 201.

  S3-2: The print job editing unit 202 acquires “group name” from the acquired print settings. Here, for example, “Group A” can be acquired from FIGS.

  S3-3: The print job editing unit 202 acquires user information of the group specified by the acquired “group name”. For example, the following “Group A” user information can be acquired from FIG. 5, for example.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of acquired user information according to the present embodiment. Since the “group name” is “Group A”, the user names and levels of users belonging to the group can be acquired as user information.

  S3-4: The print job editing unit 202 acquires all levels included in the acquired user information. Here, for example, from FIG. 11, “levels”: 1, 2, and 3 can be acquired as all levels included in the user information.

  S3-5: The print job editing unit 202 creates (edits) print data for each level according to “edit contents” of the print setting. This will be specifically described below.

  First, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, “Edited content” is a level 4 user who deletes the second page for level 2 users, and deletes the second, third and fifth pages for level 3 users. Is to leave only the first, sixth and seventh pages (the other pages are deleted) (no specification for level 1 users). In addition, all levels included in the user information acquire “level”: 1, 2, and 3.

  Therefore, here, the print job editing unit 202 creates (edits) print data for “level”: 2, 3, and 4 for the print data in accordance with “edit contents”. In “editing contents”, when editing contents for “level”: 4 are set, “group” has “level”: 4 even if the user of “level”: 4 is absent. It is recommended to create (edit) print data for use. In this case, when a user of “level”: 4 is newly registered in “Group A” at a later date, the user can quickly use the created (edited) print data.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of print data creation (editing) according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that the print data consists of 7 pages. Specifically, as shown in the drawing, print data obtained by deleting the second page from the original print data is created as print data for “level”: 2. Also, as the print data for “level”: 3, print data is created by deleting the second, third, and fifth pages from the original print data. Also, as the print data for “level”: 4, print data is created by leaving only the first, sixth, and seventh pages with respect to the original print data. Note that there is no editing of print data for “level”: 1.

  S4: Return to FIG. 7 again. Next, the print job storage unit 203 of the print server 2 stores the created print job (print data) for each level in the print job storage unit 206 for each user.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of storing print data classified by level according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the print data for “level”: 1 is stored in the print job holding unit 206 with the file name associated with User 1 of “level”: 1. Further, the print data for “level”: 2 is associated with User 2 of “level”: 2 and stored with a file name. Further, the print data for “level”: 3 is associated with the user 3 and user 4 of “level”: 3, and saved with a file name. Note that the print data for “level”: 3 needs to be saved for two users, so the created print data is duplicated and saved in the print job holding unit 206. In addition, for the print data for “level”: 4, there is no user of “level”: 4, and therefore, a file name is assigned to the print job holding unit 206 without being associated with the user. I will do it.

  FIG. 14 shows an example (after storage) of print job management information according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, corresponding print jobs are stored in storage locations (for example, user folders) for each user. Among these, for example, the print job for “level”: 3 is stored in association with the print job (3.prn) including the print data from which the second, third, and fifth pages are deleted. Accordingly, User 3 and User 4 will use the print job stored in the user's own storage location, that is, the print job (3.prn) from which the second, third, and fifth pages are deleted. On the other hand, for example, User 1 can use a print job stored in the user's own storage location, that is, an original print job (1.prn).

  As described above, the range in which the original print job (print data) can be used differs depending on the user. The extent to which the original print data (how many pages) can be used depends on the print settings. This is because it is determined by “edit contents” and “level” given to each user.

  As described above, the print job submitted from the client PC 1 by the user is transmitted to the print server 2, and the print server 2 is the process until the print job is stored in its own storage area.

  S5: Return to FIG. 7 again. The user moves in front of the MFP 3 and logs in using the operation panel of the MFP 3. The user can log in by inputting a user ID, password, etc. directly from the operation panel or by holding the IC card.

  S6: The MFP 3 performs user login authentication. As an authentication method, login authentication can be performed by a method such as matching with authentication information in the MFP 3 or authentication by an external authentication server.

  S 7: The MFP 3 transmits login information to the print server 2. Specifically, a user name (for example, user ID) is transmitted as login information. Note that after login, a print job acquisition request including a user ID may be transmitted instead of login information.

  S8: Upon receiving login information via the communication unit 201, the print job acquisition response unit 204 of the print server 2 acquires a print job (print data) for the user. The print job can be acquired by referring to print job management information (for example, FIG. 14).

For example, if the user name of the login information is User1, "Save location": C: \ data \ User1 \ 1.prn
To obtain the print job “1.prn”. For example, when the user name of the login information is User2, the print job “2.prn” is acquired in accordance with “save location”: C: \ data \ User2 \ 2.prn. For example, when the user name of the login information is User3, the print job “3.prn” is acquired according to “save location”: C: \ data \ User3 \ 3.prn.

  S9: The print job acquisition response unit 204 transmits the acquired print job to the MFP 3 via the communication unit 201.

  S10: The MFP 3 prints the received print job. Since the print job (print data) to be received differs depending on the user, the print result also differs depending on the user. For example, when the logged-in user is User1, an original print job is printed. When the logged-in user is User2, a print job in which the second page is deleted is printed with respect to the original print job. When the logged-in user is User3, a print job that leaves only the first, sixth, and seventh pages is printed with respect to the original print job.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a user shares a print job, the use range of the print job (for example, a viewable range of pages) is limited according to this level (authority level). . For this reason, if you do not want a specific user to share a part of the job (for example, printing is prohibited for a specific page in the print data) even though it is a user in the group, By setting “editing contents” for each user level, it becomes possible to control the range of shared use of jobs according to the respective authority to which each user in the group belongs.

[Modification 1]
Next, Modification 1 will be described. In the above embodiment, for example, in the case of Mr. A who has level 1 authority, when printing a print job (print data) stored in the print server 2 from the MFP 3, a print job corresponding to the authority level of level 1 is printed. (Print data) could be printed.

  On the other hand, in this variation, for example, Mr. A who normally has level 1 authority can print level 1 authority level print data when printing data at the head office where he / she normally works. However, for example, when the same print data is printed at the branch office A, which is a business trip destination, the authority level is restricted based on the place of use, for example, the authority level becomes level 2. That is, it is only possible to print the print data of the authority level of level 2.

  As described above, even for the same user and the same print job (print data), the authority level related to the shared use of the print job is controlled according to the location where the MFP 3 prints the same print job. For example, even in the case of print data that is normally handled at the head office, there is print data that should be handled with care at the branch, but in this variation, pages that should be kept confidential are not printed at the branch. It is possible to prevent leakage of confidential documents.

  This will be described in detail below. In the present modification, the user information holding unit 205 has usage location information.

(Example of usage location information)
FIG. 15 shows an example of usage location information according to this modification. The usage location information is held in the user information holding unit 205 together with the user information, and as shown in the figure, the usage location, the determination condition for specifying the usage location, and the level given to the usage location are registered. Has been.

  For example, “judgment condition”: 192.168.1.0/24 and “level”: 1 are registered in “use place”: head office. “Determination condition”: 192.168.1.0/24 specifies the use location of the print data (that is, the installation location of the MFP 3). When the MFP 3 is in the subnet of this network, the “use location”: the head office Determined.

(Information processing)
Again referring to FIG. In this modification, the above-described S4 and S8 will be described as S4 ′ and S8 ′. The other steps (S) are the same as those described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  First, S4 ′ will be described.

  S4 ′: The print job storage unit 203 of the print server 2 stores the created print job (print data) for each level in the print job storage unit 206 for each user.

  Here, the print job storage unit 203 refers to the usage location information stored in the user information storage unit 205 when storing the print job. For example, in the usage location information shown in FIG. 14, branch A and branch B are registered in addition to the head office, and the levels are 2 and 3, respectively. On the other hand, User1, User2, User3, and User4 belong to “Group A”.

  Among these, the original level of User1 is 1 (for example, FIG. 5). Therefore, the print job (print data) that needs to be stored in User 1 is three print data of “level”: 1, “level”: 2, and “level”: 3. The reason is that when User1 is located in the head office, the print data for “level”: 1 can be used, but when User1 is located in branch A, the print data for “level”: 2 is used. This is because, when User 1 is located in the branch B, the print data for “level”: 3 must be used. Therefore, in this case, the three print data for “level”: 1, for “level”: 2 and for “level”: 3 are linked to User 1 and stored in the print job holding unit 206 with a file name. The

  Next, the original level of User2 is 2 (for example, FIG. 5). Accordingly, the print job (print data) that needs to be stored in User 2 is two print data of “level”: 2 and “level”: 3. This is because, when User2 is located at the head office, print data for “level”: 2 can be used, but when User2 is located at branch A, the same “level”: print for 2 is used. This is because the print data for “Level”: 3 must be used when User 2 is located at branch B. Accordingly, in this case, the two print data “level”: 2 and “level”: 3 are linked to User 2 and are stored in the print job holding unit 206 with a file name.

  The original level of User3 (and User4) is 3 (for example, FIG. 5). Accordingly, the print job (print data) that needs to be stored in User 3 may be a single print data for “level”: 3. This is because when User 3 (and User 4) is located in the head office, print data for “Level”: 3 can be used, but when User 3 (and User 4) is located in branch A and branch B, This is because the original level of User 3 (and User 4) is 3, so that the same print data for “level”: 3 as the head office can be used. Accordingly, in this case, one piece of print data for “level”: 3 is associated with User 3 (and User 4), and is stored in the print job holding unit 206 with a file name.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of storing print data classified by level according to this modification. As shown in the figure, the print data for “level”: 1 is stored in the print job holding unit 206 with the file name associated with User1. In addition, the print data for “level”: 2 is associated with User1 and User2 and saved with a file name. Further, the print data for “level”: 3 is associated with User1, User2, User3, and User4 and saved with a file name. Note that the print data for “level”: 2 and “level”: 3 needs to be saved for a plurality of users, so the created print data is duplicated as many times as necessary and saved in the print job holding unit 206. To do.

  FIG. 17 shows an example (after storage) of print job management information according to this modification. As shown in the figure, corresponding print jobs are stored in storage locations (for example, user folders) for each user. For example, three print jobs of “level”: 1, “level”: 2 and “level”: 3 are stored in the user folder (C: \ data \ User1) of User1. Further, two print jobs of “level”: 2 and “level”: 3 are stored in the user folder (C: \ data \ User2) of User2. Further, one print job for “level”: 3 is stored in the user folder (C: \ data \ User3) of User3.

  As described above, the print job submitted from the client PC 1 by the user is transmitted to the print server 2, and the print server 2 is the process until the print job is stored in its own storage area.

  Next, S8 ′ will be described.

  S8 ′: Upon receiving login information via the communication unit 201, the print job acquisition response unit 204 of the print server 2 acquires a print job (print data) for the user. The print job can be acquired by referring to print job management information (for example, FIG. 17).

  Here, the print job acquisition response unit 204 first acquires the transmission source address of the received packet when the login information is received. The transmission source address is the IP address of the MFP 3. Subsequently, the print job acquisition response unit 204 refers to the usage location information held in the user information holding unit 205, and determines the location network of the MFP 3, that is, the usage location of the MFP 3, from the IP address of the MFP 3 as a “determination condition”. Judgment by comparison.

  For example, if the IP address of the MFP 3 is 192.168.1.1, it can be determined that the “use location” is “head office” and “level”: 1. If the IP address of the MFP 3 is 192.168.2.1, it can be determined that the “use place” is “Branch Office A” “Level”: 2. If the IP address of the MFP 3 is 192.168.3.1, it can be determined that the “use place” is “Branch B” and “Level”: 3.

  Then, the “level” associated with “use place” is compared with the “level” (eg, FIG. 5) associated with the user name of the login information, and the smaller level is adopted. For example, when the “use place” is “branch office A”, the associated “level” is 2. On the other hand, when the user name of the login information is User1, the associated “level” is 1. Therefore, in this case, when the user name of the login information is User1, the print job “2.prn” is acquired according to “storage location”: C: \ data \ User1 \ 2.prn.

  Specifically, this situation means that User 1 uses the MFP 3 of the branch office A and is about to print a print job (print data). However, at branch A, when printing print data, the authority level that defines the print range is limited to level 2. That is, since the MFP 3 prints the received print job “2.prn”, the user User 1 cannot print the original print job at the branch A, and the print job in which the second page is deleted from the original print job. Is printed.

  As described above, even for the same user and the same print job (print data), the authority level related to the shared use of the print job can be controlled according to the place where the same print job is printed from the MFP 3. it can. As a result, for example, even if the print data is normally handled at the head office, if there is print data that should be handled with care at the branch office, pages that should be classified in the print data are not printed. Document leakage can be prevented.

  In addition to this modification, control is performed so that the level is uniformly (eg, 3) regardless of the level based on the user information, or 1 is subtracted from the level based on the user information. Various controls are possible.

[Modification 2]
Next, Modification 2 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the print job (print data) stored in the print server 2 is transmitted to the MFP 3 in response to the print job acquisition request from the MFP 3, and the MFP 3 prints the print job. It was done.

(network)
FIG. 18 is a network configuration diagram according to this modification. As shown in the drawing, in the network configuration according to this modification, a portable terminal 5 is connected via a network 4 in addition to a client PC 1, a print server 2, and an MFP (image forming apparatus) 3.

  In this modification, print data included in a print job can be displayed and browsed using a portable terminal 5 such as a notebook PC or a tablet terminal. That is, the print server 2 transmits a print job to the portable terminal 5 in response to a print job acquisition request from the portable terminal 5, and displays and browses print data included in the print job by the portable terminal 5. To do.

  In this way, in a meeting or the like where a user in the group is a member, as a meeting material, a print job (print data) is printed by the MFP 3, and the user can bring it with the user without printing on a paper medium. Since the print data included in the print job can be displayed and browsed using the type terminal 5, the convenience of the user can be improved and the paper can be saved.

  At this time, as described above, in the portable terminal 5, the print server 2 may transmit a print job acquisition request together with the user ID corresponding to the login information. Then, the print server 2 transmits a print job corresponding to the level of the user to the portable terminal 5 in response to the print job acquisition request from the portable terminal 5. For this reason, the previous user cannot display and browse the same print data, but can display and browse the print data according to the authority level of the user as described above.

  Furthermore, in this modification, in the configuration using the portable terminal 5 described above, the print server 2 sends a print job (print data) acquisition request source, that is, a print job to be responded according to the acquisition request source device. Control and transmit to the portable terminal 5. As a result, even for the same user and the same print job, the authority level related to the shared use of the print job can be controlled according to the print job acquisition request source device (MFP 3 or portable terminal 5). it can.

  More specifically, for example, in the case of Mr. B who normally has level 3 authority, when a print job (print data) is printed from the MFP 3, a print job with level 3 authority level can be executed and printed. However, when a print job (print data) is executed from the portable terminal 5 and displayed and browsed, the authority level is controlled based on the usage destination. For example, the print data is executed and displayed at the authority level of level 2. , You can browse.

  Thereby, for example, if it is on the portable terminal 5, the higher authority level print data can be temporarily displayed and browsed. Therefore, depending on the user, even a confidential document that is restricted from being freely printed and used can be controlled such that it can be browsed only on the spot such as a meeting.

  Hereinafter, in this modification, the user information holding unit 205 has usage destination information.

(Example of usage information)
FIG. 19 shows an example of usage destination information according to this modification. The usage destination information is held in the user information holding unit 205 together with the user information, and as shown in the figure, the usage destination (device name) and the level given to the usage destination are registered. For example, “level”: 3 is registered in “use destination”: MFP.

(Information processing)
Again referring to FIG. In this modification, the above-described S4 and S8 will be described as S4 ′ and S8 ′. The other steps (S) are the same as those described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  First, S4 ′ will be described.

  S4 ′: The print job storage unit 203 of the print server 2 stores the created print job (print data) for each level in the print job storage unit 206 for each user.

  Here, the print job storage unit 203 refers to the usage destination information stored in the user information storage unit 205 when storing the print job. For example, in the case of usage destination information in FIG. 19, MFPs and portable terminals are registered, and the levels are 3 and 2, respectively. On the other hand, User1, User2, User3, and User4 belong to “Group A”.

  Among these, the original level of User1 is 1 (for example, FIG. 5). Accordingly, the print job (print data) that needs to be stored in User 1 is one print data for “level”: 1. This is because, when User 1 prints from either MFP 3 or portable terminal 5, print data for “level”: 1 can be used based on the original level of User 1. Accordingly, in this case, one piece of print data for “level”: 1 is associated with User 1 and is stored in the print job holding unit 206 with a file name.

  Next, the original level of User2 is 2 (for example, FIG. 5). Therefore, the print job (print data) that needs to be stored in User 2 is one print data for “level”: 2. This is because, when User 2 prints from either MFP 3 or portable terminal 5, print data for “level”: 2 can be used based on the original level of User 2. Therefore, in this case, one piece of print data for “level”: 2 is associated with User 2, is given a file name, and is stored in the print job holding unit 206.

  The original level of User3 (and User4) is 3 (for example, FIG. 5). Accordingly, the print job (print data) that needs to be stored in User 3 is two print data of “level”: 2 and “level”: 3. This is because when User 3 (and User 4) prints from the MFP 3, “Level”: print data for 3 is used, but when User 3 (and User 4) browses from the portable terminal 5, “Level”. This is because the print data for 2 can be used. Accordingly, in this case, two print data “level”: 2 and “level”: 3 are linked to User 3 (and User 4), and are stored in the print job holding unit 206 with a file name.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of storing print data classified by level according to this modification. As shown in the figure, the print data for “level”: 1 is stored in the print job holding unit 206 with the file name associated with User1. Further, the print data for “level”: 2 is stored with a file name associated with User1, User3, and User4. Further, the print data for “level”: 3 is stored in association with User3 and User4 with a file name. Note that the print data for “level”: 2 and “level”: 3 needs to be saved for a plurality of users, so the created print data is duplicated as many times as necessary and saved in the print job holding unit 206. To do.

  FIG. 21 shows an example (after storage) of print job management information according to this modification. As shown in the figure, corresponding print jobs are stored in storage locations (for example, user folders) for each user. For example, one print job for “level”: 1 is stored in the user folder (C: \ data \ User1) of User1. Further, one print job for “level”: 2 is stored in the user folder (C: \ data \ User2) of User2. Also, two print jobs for “level”: 2 and “level”: 3 are stored in the User3 user folder (C: \ data \ User3).

  Next, S8 ′ will be described.

  S8 ′: Upon receiving a print job (print data) acquisition request via the communication unit 201, the print job acquisition response unit 204 of the print server 2 acquires a print job (print data) for the user. The print job can be acquired by referring to print job management information (for example, FIG. 21).

  Here, when receiving a print job (print data) acquisition request, the print job acquisition response unit 204 first acquires a user name and a device name included in the acquisition request. Subsequently, the print job acquisition response unit 204 refers to the usage destination information held in the user information holding unit 205, and determines the level of the usage destination device of the print job from the device name.

  For example, if the use destination device is MFP 3, it can be determined that “level” is 3. Further, if the device of the use destination is the portable terminal 5, it can be determined that “level”: 2.

  Then, the “level” associated with the “use destination” is compared with the “level” (for example, FIG. 5) associated with the user name of the login information, and the larger level is adopted. For example, when the “use destination” is “MFP”, the associated “level” is 3. On the other hand, when the user name of the login information is User3, the associated “level” is 3. Therefore, in this case, when the user name of the login information is User3, the print job “2.prn” is acquired according to “save destination”: C: \ data \ User3 \ 2.prn.

  As described above, for example, even if a print job (print data) is skipped until it is printed on a paper medium, if it is on the portable terminal 5, the upper authority level print data is temporarily displayed and viewed. it can. For this reason, depending on the user, it is possible to perform control such that even confidential documents that are restricted from being freely used for printing can be viewed on the spot such as a meeting.

  In addition to this modification, control is performed so that the level is uniform (eg, 3) regardless of the level based on the user information, or 1 is added to the level based on the user information, depending on the usage destination. Various controls are possible.

[Summary]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when sharing a job among users in the group, an information processing apparatus that controls the range of shared use of the job according to each authority to which each user in the group belongs Can be provided. Note that the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

  For example, although the print server 2 and the MFP 3 have been described as separate apparatuses, the print server 2 and the MFP 3 may be the same apparatus, that is, the MFP 3 including the functions of the print server 2 may be used. In this case, when the client PC 1 transmits a print job to the MFP 3, the print job is temporarily stored in the MFP 3.

1 Client PC
2 Print server 3 MFP
4 Network 5 Portable terminal 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Auxiliary storage device 15 Storage medium reader 16 Input device 17 Display device 18 Communication device 31 CPU
32 RAM
33 ROM
34 Image memory 35 I / F unit 36 Operation panel control unit 37 Operation panel 201 Communication unit 202 Print job editing unit 203 Print job storage unit 204 Print job acquisition response unit 205 User information holding unit 206 Print job holding unit

JP2011-243094A

Claims (6)

A privilege level of the use of the job, the user who uses the job, there in person the the user is set in the permission level and user information which associates, using place is the place where the job is utilized Te, respectively of the plurality of the usage location that is different the privilege level is set to each other, and storage means for storing usage location information that associates with the privilege level,
The user specifying information indicating the user who can utilize the job, a usage right for the job, a job acquiring means for acquiring the job including the authority information indicating the access authority corresponding to each of the plurality of privilege levels ,
Based on the user specifying information included in the job acquired by the job acquiring unit, from the storage means, wherein the privilege level set to the user available to those the job in the user information, the according usage right corresponding to each of the plurality of privilege levels which the authorization information contained in the job indicates, for each of the plurality of authorization levels, a job editing means for editing the job,
Based on the authority level set for a user who can use the job acquired by the job editing means, and the authority level set for each of the plurality of usage locations included in the usage location information, Determining the authority level to be applied when the user uses the job at each of the plurality of usage locations, and when the plurality of authority levels are determined, Job storage means for storing the job by associating the job corresponding to the authority level among the jobs edited by the job editing means for each of the plurality of authority levels and the user ,
Upon receiving the acquisition request of the job, and the authority level set to the using place specified from a transmission source of the acquisition request in the utilization location information, set to the user corresponding to the acquisition request in the user information And determining the authority level to be applied to the use of the job based on the authority level, and when the plurality of jobs corresponding to the user are stored by the job storage unit, the plurality of jobs Job acquisition response means for acquiring and responding to a job corresponding to the determined authority level from among the above ,
An information processing apparatus comprising: The job acquisition response means receives the acquisition request of the job, the authority level set for the user corresponding to those said mounting obtain request at the user information in the use location information from those said mounting give requesting source when a higher privilege level than the privilege level set in the use location specified, the authority level set to the using place, be determined as a privilege level to be applied to the use of the job,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The authority level related to the use of the job, the user information that associates the user who uses the job with the authority level set for the user, and the usage destination where the job is used, which are different from each other Storage means for storing usage destination information in which each of the plurality of usage destinations set with the authority level is associated with the authority level;
Job acquisition means for acquiring the job including user designation information indicating a user who can use the job, and authority information indicating the authority to use for the job and corresponding to each of a plurality of authority levels; ,
Based on the user designation information included in the job acquired by the job acquisition unit, the authority level set for the user who can use the job in the user information is acquired from the storage unit, and the job Job editing means for editing the job for each of the plurality of authority levels according to the use authority corresponding to each of the plurality of authority levels indicated by the authority information included in
Based on the authority level set for a user who can use the job acquired by the job editing means, and the authority level set for each of the plurality of usage destinations included in the usage destination information, The authority level to be applied when the user uses the job at the plurality of usage destinations is determined, and when the plurality of authority levels are determined, each of the plurality of authority levels and the job editing are determined. Job storage means for storing the job by associating the job corresponding to the authority level among the jobs edited for each of the plurality of authority levels by the means and the user;
Upon receiving the acquisition request of the job, and the authority level set to said utilization specified from a transmission source of the acquisition request in said utilization information, the user corresponding to those said mounting obtain request at the user information The authority level applied to the use of the job is determined based on the set authority level, and when the plurality of jobs corresponding to the user are stored by the job storage unit, Job acquisition response means for acquiring and responding to a job corresponding to the determined authority level from among the jobs;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The job acquisition response means receives the acquisition request of the job, the authority level set for the user corresponding to those said mounting obtain request at the user information in said utilization information from the person said mounting give requesting source When the authority level is lower than the authority level set for the specified use destination, the authority level set for the use destination is determined as an authority level applied to the use of the job ;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 . A privilege level of the use of the job, the user who uses the job, there in person the the user is set in the permission level and user information which associates, using place is the place where the job is utilized Te, respectively of the plurality of the usage location that is different the privilege level is set to each other, and storage means for storing usage location information that associates with the privilege level,
The user specifying information indicating the user who can utilize the job, a usage right for the job, a job acquiring means for acquiring the job including the authority information indicating the access authority corresponding to each of the plurality of privilege levels ,
Based on the user specifying information included in the job acquired by the job acquiring unit, from the storage means, wherein the privilege level set to the user available to those the job in the user information, the according usage right corresponding to each of the plurality of privilege levels which the authorization information contained in the job indicates, for each of the plurality of authorization levels, a job editing means for editing the job,
Based on the authority level set for a user who can use the job acquired by the job editing means, and the authority level set for each of the plurality of usage locations included in the usage location information, Determining the authority level to be applied when the user uses the job at each of the plurality of usage locations, and when the plurality of authority levels are determined, Job storage means for storing the job by associating the job corresponding to the authority level among the jobs edited by the job editing means for each of the plurality of authority levels and the user ,
Upon receiving the acquisition request of the job, and the authority level set to the using place specified from a transmission source of the acquisition request in the utilization location information, set to the user corresponding to the acquisition request in the user information And determining the authority level to be applied to the use of the job based on the authority level, and when the plurality of jobs corresponding to the user are stored by the job storage unit, the plurality of jobs Job acquisition response means for acquiring and responding to a job corresponding to the determined authority level from among the above ,
Program for causing the information processing apparatus to function. The authority level related to the use of the job, the user information that associates the user who uses the job with the authority level set for the user, and the usage destination where the job is used, which are different from each other Storage means for storing usage destination information in which each of the plurality of usage destinations set with the authority level is associated with the authority level;
Job acquisition means for acquiring the job including user designation information indicating a user who can use the job, and authority information indicating the authority to use for the job and corresponding to each of a plurality of authority levels; ,
Based on the user designation information included in the job acquired by the job acquisition unit, the authority level set for the user who can use the job in the user information is acquired from the storage unit, and the job Job editing means for editing the job for each of the plurality of authority levels according to the use authority corresponding to each of the plurality of authority levels indicated by the authority information included in
Based on the authority level set for a user who can use the job acquired by the job editing means, and the authority level set for each of the plurality of usage destinations included in the usage destination information, The authority level to be applied when the user uses the job at the plurality of usage destinations is determined, and when the plurality of authority levels are determined, each of the plurality of authority levels and the job editing are determined. Job storage means for storing the job by associating the job corresponding to the authority level among the jobs edited for each of the plurality of authority levels by the means and the user;
Upon receiving the acquisition request of the job, and the authority level set to said utilization specified from a transmission source of the acquisition request in said utilization information, the user corresponding to those said mounting obtain request at the user information The authority level applied to the use of the job is determined based on the set authority level, and when the plurality of jobs corresponding to the user are stored by the job storage unit, Job acquisition response means for acquiring and responding to a job corresponding to the determined authority level from among the jobs;
Program for causing the information processing apparatus to function.

Images