JP6485695B2 - Job processing device management server program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a job processing apparatus that executes a job based on an operation of a proxy worker who receives a request from a client, a management server to which the job processing apparatus is connected through a network, and a program thereof.

  When the person himself / herself is busy, there are cases where he / she wants the proxy worker to perform various operations for causing the printer or multifunction machine to execute a job or to obtain an output.

  As a function corresponding to such a request, when a client submits a print job from a PC (personal computer) or the like, a proxy worker who is permitted to output the print job is specified, There is a so-called proxy print in which a print job is executed when logging into the multifunction peripheral (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when a client requests a proxy worker to copy a manuscript placed in a different place from where he is, a proxy copy system that manages the client to copy the correct manuscript intended by the client It has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In this system, an image of a document read by a scanner is transmitted to a requester to request confirmation of whether or not the document is appropriate.

  Further, when a user permitted to output logs in to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral, the user checks whether or not a job set as a permitted user is registered. There is an image forming apparatus that notifies that effect (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2013-228788 A JP 2013-165212 A JP 2013-084179 A

  When requesting work related to job execution to a proxy worker, even if the client is in a hurry to execute the job, the proxy worker immediately requests the requested job against the client's will. There is a case where the processing is not performed, or the execution of the job requested by the proxy worker is forgotten. In addition, the proxy worker may preferentially execute a job other than the requested job, and the job requested by the client may be postponed.

  In the case of proxy printing, since the job submission work has been completed by the client, it is possible to perform control such that the corresponding job is automatically started when the proxy operator logs in to the printer or multifunction peripheral. However, if the proxy operator needs to perform all or part of the job submission operation or the operation of scanning the document occurs, the job is automatically started just by logging in the proxy operator It is not possible. For this reason, as described above, there is a case where the execution of the job requested by the client is delayed.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and provides a job processing apparatus, a management server, and a program thereof that can restrict a proxy worker to process a requested job promptly. It is aimed.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] an authentication unit;
An operation unit that accepts a job input operation from a login user authenticated by the authentication unit;
A job execution unit that executes the submitted job;
A receiving unit that receives a proxy work request including a proxy worker and job identification information that causes the proxy worker to perform a job input operation from the client terminal;
A storage unit for storing the proxy work request received by the reception unit;
When the logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the storage unit, at least until the execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is completed A control unit that prohibits execution of jobs other than the job indicated by the specific information;
A job processing apparatus comprising:

In the above invention and the inventions described in [ 7 ] and [ 13 ] below, the substitute worker executes a job other than the requested job until the job requested in the substitute work request is input and the execution is completed. Can not be made. As a result, it is possible to restrict the requested job to be processed promptly by the proxy worker, and the job requested by the client can be prevented from being postponed.

[2] When the logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the storage unit, the presence of a job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is displayed on the display unit. The job processing device according to [1], wherein the job processing device is displayed.

In the above invention and the inventions described in [ 8 ] and [ 14 ] below, when a proxy worker logs in, a job requested by the proxy worker is displayed. The existence of the requested job can be prevented from being forgotten.

[3] The job processing apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the job indicated by the specific information is a job including a process of reading a document with a scanner.

In the above invention and the inventions described in [ 9 ] and [ 15 ] below, a job including a process of reading a document requires an operation to set a document. Therefore, by prohibiting the execution of jobs other than the requested job, The agency worker can be motivated to perform the work promptly.

[ 4 ] The specific information includes the number of documents,
When the number of documents read by the scanner at the time of execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request does not match the number of documents indicated by the specific information, the control unit When the requester of the transmission source is notified that the number of originals does not match, and when a response for permitting execution is received from the requester in response to the notification, the execution of the job indicated by the specific information is continued and executed. [3] The job processing apparatus according to [3], wherein when the response that permits the request is not received, the execution of the job indicated by the specific information is stopped.

In the above invention and the inventions described in [ 10 ] and [ 16 ] below, the number of originals set by the client in the proxy work request may be incorrect. Therefore, the number of originals set by the client and the number of originals read are different. If they do not match, the client is asked for confirmation, and if the client approves, the job is continuously executed.

[ 5 ] The specific information includes an allowable range of the number of documents.
The control unit considers the match if the number of documents read by the scanner during execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is within the allowable range [4] ] . The job processing device according to claim.

In the above invention and the inventions described in [ 11 ] and [ 17 ] below, since the client may not know the exact number of documents, the number of documents set in the proxy work request can be widened. To.

[ 6 ] Any one of [1] to [ 5 ], wherein the prohibition is canceled when a notice of job execution completion confirmation is received from a requester who has transmitted the proxy work request. The job processing device described.

In the above invention and the inventions described in the following [ 12 ] and [ 18 ], for example, when the result of the job requested by the proxy worker is delivered to the client, and the client confirms this, the job execution confirmation When a notification of completion is transmitted from the client's terminal to the job processing apparatus, and the job processing apparatus receives the notification, the restriction on the substitute worker (execution prohibition of jobs other than the requested job) is released.

[ 7 ] A plurality of job processing apparatuses including an authentication unit, an operation unit that receives a job input operation only from a user authenticated by the authentication unit, and a job execution unit that executes the input job are connected via a network. Management server,
A proxy work request receiving unit that receives a proxy work request including a proxy worker and information specifying a job that causes the proxy worker to perform a job input operation from a client terminal;
A proxy work request storage unit that stores the proxy work request received by the proxy work request reception unit;
A notification receiving unit for receiving a notification of an authenticated login user from the job processing device;
If the notified logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit, at least the execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request Until the notification is completed, the notification is transmitted so as to prohibit the submission of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information by the proxy worker or the execution of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information input by the proxy worker. An instruction unit for instructing the original job processing device;
The management server characterized by having.

[ 8 ] The instruction unit is included in the proxy work request when the notified login user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit. [ 7 ] The management server according to [ 7 ], wherein the job processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the notification is instructed to display on the display unit the existence of the job indicated by the specific information.

[ 9 ] The management server according to [ 7 ] or [ 8 ], wherein the job indicated by the specific information is a job including a process of reading a document with a scanner.

[ 10 ] The specific information includes the number of documents.
If the number of originals read by the job processing device and the number of originals indicated by the specific information do not match when the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is executed, When the request sender is notified that the number of originals does not match, and when a response is received from the requester to permit execution, the job indicated by the specific information is continued. The management server according to [ 9 ], wherein if the response that permits execution is not received, the job processing apparatus that is the notification source of the login user is instructed to stop execution of the job indicated by the specific information. .

[ 11 ] The specific information includes an allowable range of the number of documents.
If the number of documents read by the job processing apparatus when executing the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is within an allowable range of the number of documents indicated by the specific information, the management server according be regarded as matching you wherein [10] the.

[ 12 ] According to any one of [ 7 ] to [ 11 ], the prohibition is canceled when a notification of execution completion confirmation of the job relating to the proxy work request is received from the client Management server.

[ 13 ] A plurality of job processing apparatuses including an authentication unit, an operation unit that receives a job input operation only from a user authenticated by the authentication unit, and a job execution unit that executes the input job are connected via a network. A program for controlling the operation of the management server,
The management server
A proxy work request receiving unit that receives a proxy work request including a proxy worker and specific information of a job that causes the proxy worker to perform a job input operation from a client terminal;
A proxy work request storage unit that stores the proxy work request received by the proxy work request reception unit;
A notification receiving unit for receiving a notification of an authenticated login user from the job processing apparatus;
If the notified logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit, at least the execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request Until the notification is completed, the notification is transmitted so as to prohibit the submission of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information by the proxy worker or the execution of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information input by the proxy worker. An instruction unit for instructing the original job processing apparatus,
A program characterized by functioning as

[ 14 ] In the case where the instructed login user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit, the instruction unit is included in the proxy work request. The program according to [ 13 ], instructing the job processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the notification to display on the display unit the existence of the job indicated by the specific information.

[ 15 ] The program according to [ 13 ] or [ 14 ], wherein the job indicated by the specific information is a job including a process of reading a document with a scanner.

[ 16 ] The specific information includes the number of documents,
If the number of originals read by the job processing device and the number of originals indicated by the specific information do not match when the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is executed, When the request sender is notified that the number of originals does not match, and when a response is received from the requester to permit execution, the job indicated by the specific information is continued. The program according to [ 15 ], wherein if the response that permits execution is not received, the job processing apparatus that is the notification source of the login user is instructed to stop execution of the job indicated by the specific information.

[ 17 ] The specific information includes an allowable range of the number of documents.
If the number of documents read by the job processing apparatus when executing the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is within an allowable range of the number of documents indicated by the specific information, the program according be regarded as matching you wherein [16] the.

[ 18 ] The management server is
The function according to any one of [ 13 ] to [ 17 ], wherein when the notification of the job execution completion confirmation related to the proxy work request is received from the client, the prohibition is canceled. Program.

  According to the job processing apparatus, the management server, and the program thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to restrict the requested worker to process the requested job promptly.

It is a figure which shows an example of the use environment of the multifunctional device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of an input terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of a proxy work request registration table. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing performed by a multifunction peripheral regarding a requested job. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by each of a client, a proxy worker, and a multifunction peripheral in association with execution of a request job. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration screen of the request job displayed on an input terminal when creating a substitute work request. It is a figure which shows an example of the management menu of the request job displayed on an input terminal when creating a substitute work request. It is a figure which shows an example of the manuscript management screen displayed on an input terminal when transmitting a request completion notice. It is a figure which shows an example of the document confirmation inquiry screen displayed on the input terminal of the client who received the confirmation request of the number of documents. It is a figure which shows an example of the request job completion confirmation menu displayed on a client's input terminal when confirming a match with a request | requirement content and a work result. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system containing the management server which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a management server. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a management server performs regarding management of a request job.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a use environment of a multifunction machine 10 as a job processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a multifunction device (also referred to as MFP) 10 as a job processing apparatus of the present invention and an input terminal 30 such as a PC (personal computer) are connected to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The multi-function device 10 has a copy function for optically reading a document and printing the duplicate image on a recording paper, a scan function for saving the read image data of the document as a file, and transmitting it to the external terminal via the network 2, Based on a print job received from the input terminal 30 or the like through the network 2, a printing function for printing and outputting a document or image on a recording sheet is provided. The multifunction machine 10 accepts a job input operation only from an authenticated login user.

  The multifunction device 10 has a function of restricting the requested job to be processed preferentially and promptly by the proxy worker. The operation of this function will be briefly described.

  When the requester (user A in FIG. 1) wants the proxy worker (user B in FIG. 1) to execute the job, the requester and the job (referred to as the request job) that the proxy worker wants to perform. A proxy work request including specific information is transmitted from the input terminal 30 or the like to the multi-function peripheral 10 (FIG. 1: P1). For example, when requesting a copy of a document, a proxy work request including job type (copy), number of documents, number of output copies, finish setting, etc. is created as specific information of the requested job. The multifunction machine 10 that has received the proxy work request stores the received proxy work request.

  Thereafter, the client hands over the manuscript to the proxy worker and requests the execution of the copying operation (P2). The proxy worker moves to the installation location of the multifunction device 10 with the document, logs in to the multifunction device 10, and performs the requested copy operation (P3). In the case of copying, a document is set on the document table, copy conditions such as the number of copies and finish settings are set on the operation panel, and then the start button is pressed to cause the multifunction device 10 to execute the job.

  At this time, the multifunction machine 10 determines whether or not the login user is a substitute worker included in any of the substitute work requests stored in the multifunction machine 10. If the logged-in user matches a proxy worker included in one of the proxy work requests, it is displayed on the operation panel of the multi-function peripheral 10 that the requested job with the login user as the proxy worker exists, and the proxy worker Notify Thus, even if the proxy worker forgets the existence of the requested job, the existence of the requested job can be reminded to the proxy worker, and the requested job can be promptly executed without delay.

  In addition, the MFP 10 receives a job (request job) indicated by the specific information included in the substitute work request by the substitute worker (login user) and inputs a job other than the requested job until the execution is completed. Prohibit execution. As a result, since the proxy worker cannot cause the multifunction peripheral 10 to execute jobs other than the request job until the execution of the request job is completed, the proxy worker can be regulated to execute the request job promptly. it can. That is, it is possible to prevent a situation in which jobs other than the requested job are preferentially executed and the requested job is postponed.

  The proxy worker takes the printed matter output by the execution of the request job to the requester, hands it to the requester, and finishes the work (P4). The requester checks the returned manuscript or printed matter, and if it can be confirmed that the requested operation has been correctly performed, the requester sends a notification of job execution completion confirmation from the input terminal 30 to the multifunction peripheral 10 (P5). Receiving this, the multifunction machine 10 cancels the prohibition of the input of a job other than the requested job by the proxy worker and the execution of the job.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls the operation of the multifunction device 10 in an integrated manner. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like as main components. Connected to the control unit 11 are a storage unit 12, an image processing unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an operation panel 15, an image forming unit 18, a network communication unit 19, an authentication unit 21, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection unit 22, and the like. Has been.

  The CPU of the control unit 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes programs such as middleware and application programs.

  The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and stores various programs and data. The storage unit 12 stores a program for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, a printer driver, an application program, and the like. The function of the multifunction device 10 is realized by the CPU of the control unit 11 executing various processes according to these programs. The storage unit 12 stores a proxy work request received from the client's input terminal 30 or the like.

  The image processing unit 13 performs processes such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation, as well as rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The image reading unit 14 functions to optically read a document and acquire image data. The image reading unit 14 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and sequentially reads the reading position in line units in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data And so on. The image reading unit 14 is provided with an automatic document feeder, and can sequentially read out and read a document one by one from a bundle of documents set on a document table.

  The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 16 and an operation unit 17. The display unit 16 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 17 includes various operation switches such as a start button and a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 16. The touch panel detects a coordinate position pressed with a touch pen or a finger.

  The image forming unit 18 has a function of forming an image corresponding to print data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. The image forming unit 18 may use other methods.

  The authentication unit 21 has a function of authenticating a user. The authentication method may be arbitrary. For example, the user is authenticated by reading an IC card, vein authentication, or inputting a user ID and password.

  The USB connection unit 22 is an interface for connecting a USB memory.

  The network communication unit 19 has a function of communicating with the input terminal 30 and other external devices via the network 2. A proxy work request is received from the input terminal 30 or the like using the multifunction machine 10 and the network communication unit 19.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the input terminal 30. The input terminal 30 is configured by connecting a CPU 32 to a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a hard disk device 34, a display 35, an input device 36, a communication unit 37, and the like.

  The CPU 31 is based on the OS program and executes middleware and application programs thereon. Various programs are stored in the ROM 32 and the hard disk device 34, and each function as the input terminal 30 is realized by the CPU 31 executing various processes according to these programs.

  The RAM 33 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 31 operates. The display 35 is a liquid crystal monitor or the like, and the input device 36 is a keyboard or a mouse.

  The communication unit 37 has a function of communicating with the multifunction machine 10 and other external devices via the network 2.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the proxy work request registration table 40 in which the proxy work request received from the input terminal 30 or the like is registered with the client. The proxy work request registration table 40 is stored in the storage unit 12 of the multifunction machine 10.

  The proxy work request registration table 40 stores request number, reception time, requester, agent, and job specific information for each received proxy work request. In this example, job type, number of originals, allowable number of copies, number of copies, finish setting, etc. are stored as job specific information.

  The request number is an identification number assigned to the proxy work request, and the multifunction device 10 assigns a number corresponding to the order of reception. The reception time is the date and time when the multifunction device 10 received the proxy work request.

  The client information includes the client name, user ID, identification information (IP address) of the transmission source of the proxy work request, and the like. The information on the proxy worker includes the name of the proxy worker, a user ID, and the like.

  The job type indicates the type of the requested job requested from the proxy worker. Job types include copy, Scan to Email, Scan to USB, and Scan to HDD / Box. Scan to Email is a job for creating an e-mail in which an image of a document read by the image reading unit 14 is attached as an attached file, and sending the e-mail to a specified destination. Scan to USB is a job for storing an image of a document read by the image reading unit 14 in a USB memory connected to the USB connection unit 22. Scan to HDD / Box is a job for saving an image of a document read by the image reading unit 14 in a box (storage area for each user or group) provided in the hard disk device of the storage unit 12.

  The number of originals is the number of originals designated by the client. The allowable number of sheets indicates an allowable range of the difference between the number of documents specified by the client and the actual number of documents. For example, if the number of originals is specified as 30 and the allowable number of sheets is specified as 5, the 25 to 35 sheets are within the allowable range. The number of copies is a value indicating how many copies of the document are to be created, and is effective when the job type is copy. The finish setting indicates setting contents related to post-processing such as binding, folding, and punching.

When the multifunction peripheral 10 receives a job execution completion confirmation notification from the requester, the corresponding proxy work request is deleted from the proxy work request registration table 40.

  FIG. 5 shows the flow of processing performed by the multi-function peripheral 10 for the requested job. Upon receiving the proxy work request from the client, the multifunction machine 10 registers it in the proxy work request registration table 40 (step S101). After that, when any user logs in to the own device 10 (step S102; Yes), the logged-in user matches the proxy worker included in any proxy work request registered in the proxy work request registration table 40. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S103).

  If the logged-in user is not a proxy worker (step S103; No), the logged-in user is allowed to submit and execute an arbitrary job (step S104), and the submitted job is executed.

  If the login user is a proxy worker (step S103; Yes), the login user is prohibited from inputting a job other than the requested job and executing the input job (step S105). Further, the presence of a request job addressed to the logged-in user is displayed on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 (step S106).

  After that, when an operation for submitting some job is received from the login user (step S107), it is determined whether or not the submitted job matches a requested job with the login user as a proxy worker (step S108). If the job is different from the requested job (step S108; No), the job input operation or execution is rejected and the job execution is stopped (step S109). The job consistency is determined by comparing the job identification information included in the proxy work request with the contents of the submitted job.

  For example, if the job type of the requested job is copy but the job submitted by the logged-in user is Scan to Email, it is determined that the requested job and the submitted job do not match, and the execution is executed. I refuse.

  If the job input by the login user matches the requested job (step S108; Yes), the image reading unit 14 reads the document set on the document table (step S110). It is determined whether or not the read number of documents matches the number of documents specified in the proxy work request (including a case where the number of documents is within an allowable range) (step S111).

  If the number of documents matches (step S111; Yes), the requested job is executed (step S115). Thereafter, when the requester receives a notification of execution completion confirmation of the request job (step S116; Yes), the prohibition of input / execution of jobs other than the request job by the proxy worker is canceled (step S117), and the proxy work request is issued. The corresponding proxy work request is deleted from the registration table 40, and this process ends.

  If the number of originals read does not match the number of originals specified in the proxy work request (including the case where it is not within the allowable range) (step S111; No), the number of originals read and specified in the proxy work request The client's input terminal 30 is notified of the number of documents, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not to approve the execution of the job even if they do not match (steps S112 and S113).

  For example, if the client does not hand the manuscript directly to the agent, but asks the agent to pick up the manuscript placed in another room and asks for a copy of the manuscript There are cases where the person himself / herself does not correctly recognize the number of documents. In such a case, the client who has been notified of the number of documents actually read notices that the number of documents specified in the proxy work request was incorrect and approves the job execution. Is assumed.

  If a response (approval response) to approve the execution of the job is received from the client's input terminal 30 (step S113; Yes), the process proceeds to step S115 to execute the requested job.

  When a response not accepting (non-permission response) is received (step S113; No), the execution of the submitted request job is stopped and the request job redo is displayed on the operation panel of the multifunction machine 10 (step S114). ). And it returns to step S107 and continues a process.

  As described above, the proxy worker prohibits the submission and execution of jobs other than the requested job until the execution of the requested job is completed and the requester receives a confirmation of execution completion after receiving the proxy work request. The request job can be restricted to be executed promptly.

  Further, when the number of read originals does not match the number of originals specified in the proxy work request, a warning is displayed and confirmation is requested from the client, so that unauthorized copying can be prevented. If the number of documents in the requested job is large, or if no documents are available at the time of the request, it may not be possible to grasp the exact number of documents at the time of creating the proxy work request. In the present embodiment, since the allowable number (allowable range) for the number of documents can be set in the proxy work request, it is possible to cope with the case where the number of documents cannot be accurately grasped when the proxy work request is created.

  Also, if the number of copies is set as specific information for the requested job, the job will not match even if the number of copies set in the job submitted by the substitute worker differs from the number of copies specified in the substitute work request. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized copy exceeding the required number of copies from being made by a proxy operator when the security level of the document is high.

  6, 7, and 8 are flowcharts showing the tasks and processes performed by the client, the proxy worker, and the multifunction machine 10 in association with the execution of the request job. The client A logs in to the multifunction device 10 from the input terminal 30 (step S201), and the multifunction device 10 accepts a remote login by the client A (step S401).

  The requester A creates a proxy work request specifying the request job specific information and the proxy worker (user B), and transmits it to the MFP 10 (step S202). The multifunction machine 10 that has received the proxy work request registers and stores the received proxy work request in the proxy work request registration table 40 of its own device (step S402).

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a request job registration screen 50 displayed on the input terminal 30 when creating a proxy work request. FIG. 10 shows a request displayed on the input terminal 30 when creating a proxy work request. 3 is an example of a job management menu 60;

  The request job registration screen 50 accepts settings such as job type (mode), document size, document type (double-sided, single-sided), number of copies, paper size / magnification at the time of output, and the like. In the request job management menu 60, a requester, the number of documents, an allowable range (number of sheets) of the number of documents, and the like are set.

  Thereafter, the client A hands over the manuscript to the proxy worker B and requests a copy operation (step S203). The request worker B receives the document from the requester A and receives a request for a copy operation (step S301).

  The client A sends a document to the proxy worker B and sends a request notification indicating that a copy operation has been requested from the input terminal 30 of the client A to the multifunction machine 10 (step S204). FIG. 11 shows an example of a document management screen 70 displayed on the input terminal 30 when a requested notification is transmitted. When necessary input is performed on this screen and the transmission button is pressed, a request completion notification is transmitted from the input terminal 30 of the requester A to the multifunction device 10.

  The multifunction machine 10 that has received the requested notification sets to prohibit the submission and execution of jobs other than the requested job by the proxy worker B (step S403). This setting may be performed when the proxy worker B logs into the multifunction machine 10.

  The proxy worker B moves to the installation location of the multifunction machine 10 and logs in to the multifunction machine 10 (step S302). If the logged-in user is the proxy worker B registered in the proxy work request registration table 40 (step S404; Yes), the operation panel 15 indicates that there is a request job addressed to the proxy worker B. Is displayed on the display unit 16 (step S405).

  The proxy worker B confirms the display contents and sets the document requested by the client A on the document table of the multifunction machine 10 (step S303). Thereafter, various settings and input operations related to the request job are performed according to the request contents, and the start of the request job is started by pressing the start button (step S304).

  The multi function device 10 determines whether or not the input job matches the request job requested by the client A to the proxy worker B. If the request does not match, the MFP 10 rejects the execution of the job (step S406; No). ). At this point, the job consistency is determined based on factors other than the number of documents. If the submitted job matches the requested job (step S406; Yes), execution of the requested job is started (step S407). Specifically, reading of the original is started.

  The multi-function device 10 determines whether the number of read originals matches the number of originals specified in the proxy work request (including the case where the allowable number is set, including the case where it is within the allowable range). If yes (step S408; Yes), the process proceeds to step S413. If they do not match (step S408; No), the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 displays a warning that the number of documents does not match, and warns the requester A (requester A's input terminal 30). The number confirmation request is transmitted (step S409).

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a document confirmation inquiry screen 80 displayed on the input terminal 30 of the client A who has received the confirmation request for the number of documents.

  The input terminal 30 of the client A who has received the confirmation request for the number of documents (Step S205; Yes) displays a document confirmation inquiry screen 80. The client A who sees this determines whether or not there is a problem with the number of documents notified in the confirmation request (the number of documents actually read) (step S206). If there is no problem (step S206; No), a permission response is sent (step S207), and if there is a problem (step S206; Yes), a denial response is sent (step S208) from the input terminal 30 of the client A to the multifunction machine 10 respectively. Send to. In the document confirmation inquiry screen 80, when the continuation button is pressed, a permission response is transmitted to the multifunction device 10, and when the redo button is pressed, a non-permission response is transmitted to the multifunction device 10.

  The multi-function device 10 receives a response to the confirmation request for the number of documents from the input terminal 30 of the client A (step S410; Yes). If the received response is a non-permission response (step S411; No), the execution of the requested job is stopped, and a display for instructing the re-execution of the requested job is performed on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 (step S412). The process proceeds to S406. When the permission response is received (step S411; Yes), the process proceeds to step S413. If the proxy worker B displays a redo instruction (step S305; Yes), the proxy worker B returns to step S303 and redoes the requested job from the job submission.

  In step S413, the multifunction machine 10 continues to execute the requested job. That is, an image of the read original is formed on a recording sheet and a printed matter is output. When the execution of the requested job is completed, the end of the job is displayed on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15, and the end of the requested job is notified to the input terminal 30 of the client A (step S414). When the input terminal 30 receives the request job end notification from the multifunction peripheral 10 (step S209; Yes), the client A waits for the agent to deliver the requested job output (step S210; No). .

  After confirming the display that the requested job is completed, the proxy worker B takes out the output product and the document (step S307), and logs out from the multifunction machine 10 (step S308). Then, the output material and the manuscript are delivered to the client A (step S309).

  The client A who has received the output material and the manuscript from the proxy worker B (step S210; Yes) confirms the received output material and the manuscript, whether or not the return state of the manuscript is normal, and the output material matches the requested content. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S212). If it is determined that the returned document is normal and the output matches the requested content (step S212; Yes), a notification of confirmation of execution completion of the requested job is transmitted from the input terminal 30 to the multifunction device 10 (step S213). ). If it is determined that the request contents do not match (step S212; No), the proxy worker B is instructed to redo the requested job, and a notification that the requested job needs to be redone is sent from the input terminal 30 to the multifunction machine 10. Transmit (step S214).

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a request job completion confirmation menu 90 displayed on the input terminal 30 of the requester A when confirming the match between the request content and the work result. The request content is displayed on this screen. When the completion button is pressed, a notification of completion of execution of the requested job is transmitted to the multifunction device 10. When the redo button is pressed, the multifunction peripheral 10 is notified that the requested job needs to be redone.

  If the agent B receives the approval of the work completion from the client A (step S310; Yes), the agent B finishes this work and receives an instruction to redo the work (step S310; No), the step The process returns to S301 and starts again.

  When the MFP 10 receives a notification of execution completion confirmation of the request job from the input terminal 30 of the requester A (step S415; Yes, S416; Yes), the request set for the proxy worker B The prohibition of execution of jobs other than jobs is canceled (step S417), and this process ends. When receiving an instruction to redo the requested job from the requester A (step S416; No), the multifunction machine 10 returns to step S403 and continues the processing.

  As described above, the submission and execution of jobs other than the requested job by the proxy worker is prohibited until the execution of the requested job is completed, so the proxy worker can postpone the requested job and execute another job with priority. It is possible to urge the proxy worker to process the requested job promptly. Further, when the proxy worker logs in to the multifunction machine 10, the proxy worker is notified that there is a request job addressed to the proxy worker, so even if the proxy worker forgets the existence of the request job Recalling the existence of the requested job, prompt execution is possible.

  In addition, in the proxy work request, the allowable number of sheets can be set for the number of documents specified by the client, so even if the client does not know the exact number of documents when creating the proxy work request, the approximate number of sheets It is possible to create a proxy work request. If the number of scanned originals is within the allowable number of sheets, the request job is executed as it is. Therefore, when the number of originals does not completely match, the client is always asked to confirm the number of originals. It is possible to reduce the burden (the trouble of responding to the confirmation of the number of documents).

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the management server 100 to which a plurality of multifunction peripherals 10 are connected via the network 2 controls the requested job. FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of the printing system 5 including the management server 100 according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 15 shows a schematic configuration of the management server 100. The management server 100 is configured by connecting a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a hard disk device 104, an input / output I / F unit 105, a communication unit 106, and the like to a CPU 101.

  The CPU 101 is based on an OS program, and executes middleware and application programs thereon. Various programs are stored in the ROM 102 and the hard disk device 104, and the function as the management server 100 is realized by the CPU 101 executing processes according to these programs.

  The RAM 103 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 101 operates. A display, a keyboard, and the like are connected to the input / output I / F unit 105. The communication unit 106 performs a function of communicating with the multifunction device 10, the input terminal 30, and other external devices via the network 2.

  In the printing system 5, when the client wants the proxy worker to execute the job, the client creates a proxy job request similar to that in the first embodiment and transmits it to the management server 100. Here, the requested job is a job for copying a document.

  Thereafter, the client hands over the manuscript to the proxy worker and requests a copy operation. The proxy worker takes the document, moves to the installation location of any of the plurality of multifunction peripherals 10 connected to the network 2, logs into the multifunction peripheral 10, and performs the requested work.

  FIG. 16 shows a flow of processing performed by the management server 100 regarding control of the requested job. When receiving the proxy work request from the client's input terminal 30, the management server 100 stores it in the hard disk device 104 of the own device (step S501). For example, it is stored in the same format as the proxy work request registration table 40 shown in FIG.

  When the client logs in to an arbitrary multifunction device 10 connected to the network 2 with a document, login information is notified from the multifunction device 10 (here, the first multifunction device) to the management server 100. The When the management server 100 receives the login information from the first multifunction device 10 (step S502; Yes), the proxy work request in which the login user notified by the login information is designated as the proxy worker is stored in the hard disk device 104. Find out if it is. That is, it is determined whether or not the login user notified from the first multifunction device 10 is a proxy worker designated by any proxy work request stored in the own apparatus (step S503).

  If the logged-in user notified from the multifunction device 10 is not a proxy worker (step S503; No), the first multifunction device 10 is notified that the input and execution of an arbitrary job is permitted (step S504). . As a result, the first multifunction device 10 accepts an arbitrary job from the login user and executes the job.

  When the login user notified from the first multifunction device 10 is a proxy worker designated by one of the proxy work requests stored in the self-device (referred to as a proxy work request A), In step S503; Yes, the first multifunction peripheral 10 is notified of the proxy work request A (or information on the request job A specified in the proxy work request A) (step S505), and a job other than the request job A Is instructed to be prohibited from accepting or executing the input operation (step S506).

  The first multifunction device 10 displays on the operation panel 15 the existence of the requested job A whose login user is the proxy worker. When receiving a job input operation from the user, the first multifunction device 10 transmits information (job type and setting contents) of the input job to the management server 100. The management server 100 receives this (step S507), and determines whether or not the job input to the first multifunction device 10 matches the request job A designated by the proxy work request A (step S508).

  If the job input to the first multifunction device 10 is a job other than the requested job A (step S508; No), the management server 100 instructs the first multifunction device 10 to reject the acceptance and execution of the job. (Step S509). If the job input to the first multifunction device 10 is the requested job A (step S508; Yes), the management server 100 transmits execution permission for the requested job A to the first multifunction device 10 (step S510). .

  The multi-function device 10 that has received permission to execute the requested job A from the management server 100 performs a document reading operation, notifies the management server 100 of the number of scanned documents, and the management server 100 receives this (step S511). . The management server 100 determines whether or not the number of documents notified from the first multifunction device 10 matches the number of documents specified in the proxy work request A (including a case where the document number is within an allowable range) ( Step S512).

  If the number of documents does not match (step S512; No), a confirmation request for the number of documents is sent to the requester's input terminal 30 (step S513). When the management server 100 receives a non-permission response from the requester's input terminal 30 as a response to the confirmation request (step S514; No), the management server 100 cancels the execution of the request job A and restarts the first multifunction device 10. Instruct (step S515), the process returns to step S507.

  The management server 100 receives a permission response from the requester's input terminal 30 as a response to the confirmation request for the number of documents (step S514; Yes), or the number of scanned documents is the same as the number of documents specified in the proxy work request A. If they match (including the case where they are within the allowable range) (step S512; Yes), the first multifunction device 10 is instructed to continue the requested job A (step S516).

  Thereafter, the management server 100 receives a notification from the first multifunction device 10 that execution of the requested job A has been completed. Further, when receiving a notice of completion of execution of the request job A from the requester (step S517; Yes), an instruction to cancel the prohibition of execution of jobs other than the request job A is transmitted to the first MFP 10 ( Step S518) This process ends.

  In the second embodiment, execution of a job other than the requested job can be prohibited when the proxy operator logs in to any multifunction machine 10 on the network 2.

  In the proxy work request A, the MFP 10 that executes the request job A can be specified, and execution of the request job A in the MFP 10 other than the specified MFP 10 on the network 2 is prohibited. You may control as follows.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  The management server 100 does not need to exist alone, and a plurality of servers may jointly realize the function of the management server 100. Further, the function of the management server 100 may be configured so that any one of the multifunction peripherals 10 or a plurality of multifunction peripherals 10 share the function.

  The request job specified in the proxy work request is a job including a process of reading an original by the image reading unit 14, and may be a copy job or a job such as Scan to Email, Scan to USB, or Scan to HDD / Box. Good. The requested job may be a job that does not include a process of reading a document by the image reading unit 14.

  In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the proxy worker performs an operation of submitting a request job and an operation of setting the number of copies and finishing. However, the multifunction peripheral 10 uses the job identification information included in the proxy work request. You may make it perform the setting regarding a request job automatically. In other words, the proxy operator sets the document on the document table and instructs the start of reading, and other settings are automatically set based on the information included in the proxy work request, and the job is submitted and executed. It may be configured.

  In the embodiment, when the job execution completion confirmation is received from the client input terminal 30, the prohibition of execution of jobs other than the request job is canceled, but the multifunction peripheral 10 has completed the execution of the request job. It may be configured to cancel the prohibition of execution of jobs other than the requested job at the time.

  The present invention may be a program that causes a server to function as the management server 100.

2 ... Network 5 ... Printing system 10 ... Multifunction machine 11 ... Control unit (CPU)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Memory | storage part 13 ... Image processing part 14 ... Image reading part 15 ... Operation panel 16 ... Display part 17 ... Operation part 18 ... Image formation part 19 ... Network communication part 21 ... Authentication part 22 ... USB connection part 30 ... Input terminal 31 ... CPU
32 ... ROM
33 ... RAM
34 ... Hard disk device 35 ... Display 36 ... Input device 37 ... Communication unit 40 ... Proxy work request registration table 50 ... Request job registration screen 60 ... Request job management menu 70 ... Document management screen 80 ... Document check inquiry screen 90 ... Request Job completion confirmation menu 100 ... Management server 101 ... CPU
102 ... ROM
103 ... RAM
104 ... Hard disk device 105 ... Input / output I / F unit 106 ... Communication unit

Claims (18)

An authentication unit;
An operation unit that accepts a job input operation from a login user authenticated by the authentication unit;
A job execution unit that executes the submitted job;
A receiving unit that receives a proxy work request including a proxy worker and job identification information that causes the proxy worker to perform a job input operation from the client terminal;
A storage unit for storing the proxy work request received by the reception unit;
When the logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the storage unit, at least until the execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is completed A control unit that prohibits execution of jobs other than the job indicated by the specific information;
A job processing apparatus comprising: When the logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the storage unit, the presence of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is displayed on the display unit. The job processing apparatus according to claim 1. The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job indicated by the specific information is a job including a process of reading a document with a scanner. The specific information includes the number of documents,
When the number of documents read by the scanner at the time of execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request does not match the number of documents indicated by the specific information, the control unit When the requester of the transmission source is notified that the number of originals does not match, and when a response for permitting execution is received from the requester in response to the notification, the execution of the job indicated by the specific information is continued and executed. 4. The job processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the response that permits the request is not received, the execution of the job indicated by the specific information is stopped. The specific information includes an allowable range of the number of documents,
The control unit regards the coincidence as long as the number of documents read by the scanner during execution of a job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is within the allowable range. 4. The job processing apparatus according to 4 . From the sender's source of said proxy work request, when receiving the execution completion confirmation notification of the job, the job processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that for releasing the prohibition . A management server in which a plurality of job processing devices including an authentication unit, an operation unit that receives a job input operation only from a user authenticated by the authentication unit, and a job execution unit that executes a submitted job are connected via a network Because
A proxy work request receiving unit that receives a proxy work request including a proxy worker and information specifying a job that causes the proxy worker to perform a job input operation from a client terminal;
A proxy work request storage unit that stores the proxy work request received by the proxy work request reception unit;
A notification receiving unit for receiving a notification of an authenticated login user from the job processing device;
If the notified logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit, at least the execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request Until the notification is completed, the notification is transmitted so as to prohibit the submission of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information by the proxy worker or the execution of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information input by the proxy worker. An instruction unit for instructing the original job processing device;
The management server characterized by having. In the case where the notified logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit, the instruction unit includes the specific information included in the proxy work request. The management server according to claim 7, wherein the management server instructs the job processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the notification to display the presence of the indicated job on a display unit. The management server according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the job indicated by the specific information is a job including a process of reading a document with a scanner. The specific information includes the number of documents,
If the number of originals read by the job processing device and the number of originals indicated by the specific information do not match when the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is executed, When the request sender is notified that the number of originals does not match, and when a response is received from the requester to permit execution, the job indicated by the specific information is continued. The management server according to claim 9 , wherein if the response that permits execution is not received, the job processing apparatus that is the notification source of the login user is instructed to stop execution of the job indicated by the specific information. . The specific information includes an allowable range of the number of documents,
If the number of documents read by the job processing apparatus when executing the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is within an allowable range of the number of documents indicated by the specific information, The management server according to claim 10 , wherein the management servers are regarded as matching. The management server according to any one of claims 7 to 11 , wherein the prohibition is canceled when a notification of execution completion confirmation of the job relating to the proxy work request is received from the client. A management server in which a plurality of job processing devices including an authentication unit, an operation unit that receives a job input operation only from a user authenticated by the authentication unit, and a job execution unit that executes a submitted job are connected via a network A program for controlling the operation of
The management server
A proxy work request receiving unit that receives a proxy work request including a proxy worker and specific information of a job that causes the proxy worker to perform a job input operation from a client terminal;
A proxy work request storage unit that stores the proxy work request received by the proxy work request reception unit;
A notification receiving unit for receiving a notification of an authenticated login user from the job processing apparatus;
If the notified logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit, at least the execution of the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request Until the notification is completed, the notification is transmitted so as to prohibit the submission of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information by the proxy worker or the execution of a job other than the job indicated by the specific information input by the proxy worker. An instruction unit for instructing the original job processing apparatus,
A program characterized by functioning as In the case where the notified logged-in user is a proxy worker included in the proxy work request stored in the proxy work request storage unit, the instruction unit includes the specific information included in the proxy work request. The program according to claim 13 , wherein the job processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the notification is instructed to display the presence of the indicated job on a display unit. The program according to claim 13 or 14 , wherein the job indicated by the specific information is a job including a process of reading a document with a scanner. The specific information includes the number of documents,
If the number of originals read by the job processing device and the number of originals indicated by the specific information do not match when the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is executed, When the request sender is notified that the number of originals does not match, and when a response is received from the requester to permit execution, the job indicated by the specific information is continued. The program according to claim 15 , wherein if a response permitting execution is not received, the job processing apparatus that is a notification source of the login user is instructed to stop execution of the job indicated by the specific information. The specific information includes an allowable range of the number of documents,
If the number of documents read by the job processing apparatus when executing the job indicated by the specific information included in the proxy work request is within an allowable range of the number of documents indicated by the specific information, The program according to claim 16 , which is regarded as a match. The management server
The program according to any one of claims 13 to 17 , wherein the program is configured to cancel the prohibition when receiving a notification of execution completion confirmation of a job related to the proxy work request from the requester. .

Images