JP5382749B2 - Device control apparatus and device control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device control apparatus and a device control method for controlling a device having one or more execution functions of a data processing service such as an image processing service.

In recent years, in the home and office, in consideration of space efficiency and cost, a multi-function peripheral or multi-function peripheral that can execute multiple image processing services such as printing, scanning, faxing, copying, etc. The use of the device called is becoming popular.

In offices, there are many forms in which a plurality of terminal devices such as personal computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) and devices such as image forming apparatuses are connected and shared via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). ing.

Thus, when a device is connected via a network and shared, the device is not necessarily installed near the user. For this reason, for example, while the user inputs a print job from the PC and goes to the image forming apparatus to receive the printed matter, another user may see the printed content or the printed matter may be taken away.

In order to solve this problem, a technology related to the so-called “secure printing” (security printing) function has been proposed in which user authentication is performed when a print job is input or when a print result is output in order to maintain confidentiality during print execution. ing. For example, a non-contact card or the like is held over a print processing apparatus (print server) connected to a printer, authentication is performed based on user information input from the non-contact card, a job to be printed by the printer is specified, and the job is Transfer to a printer and print out. By such a method, the printed matter is output in a state where the user is present at the installation location of the printer, and confidentiality (security) is ensured (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-318141 A

As described above, when sharing devices connected via a network, each user can change the device status, such as how the device is currently configured, whether it is being used by another user, and when it is available. There is a problem that it is necessary to grasp the execution state of the.

In the above-described print processing apparatus, user authentication is performed when a non-contact card or the like is brought close, and when the authentication is completed, the corresponding user's print job is executed. Therefore, it is possible to maintain confidentiality during print execution. is there. However, in a device such as a multifunction peripheral having a function of executing a plurality of services, since a plurality of users execute each service at an arbitrary timing, the confidentiality of each service to be executed is ensured, and The problem is how to perform user exclusive control and service switching control.

On the other hand, in order to reduce costs, there are many devices that do not have a display unit on a control panel or the like or have a small display unit. In particular, some low-end devices are set and operated from a terminal device such as a PC, and there is a problem in that settings cannot be changed or operation instructions cannot be given at the device installation location.

In view of the above problems, the present invention secures the confidentiality of services executed by each user in a device shared by connecting to a network, and further improves the convenience of setting and operation performed by the user on the device. The purpose is to let you.

In order to achieve the above object, the device control apparatus according to claim 1 is a device control apparatus that controls a device having one or a plurality of service execution functions, and acquires information from a portable terminal by an external communication function. Information acquisition means, management control means for determining the execution state of the service in the device and the execution process of the service based on the information acquired from the portable terminal by the information acquisition means, and a determination result by the management control means Information generating means for generating user interface information by combining item information associated with a predetermined process according to the execution state of the service and the execution process of the service, and the information generated by the information generating means information sending hand delivering user interface information by the external communication function When, wherein the the predetermined process, the information acquisition process of obtaining the user interface information by the portable terminal, corresponding to the user interface information from the acquisition of the user interface information by said portable terminal One of an information selection process until generation and transmission of selection response information, a function execution process while the corresponding service is being executed in the device, and an execution end process after the execution of the service is ended It is characterized by being.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible for a user to acquire setting information, operation state, operable items, and the like according to the current state of a device at any time as user interface information using a mobile terminal. Furthermore, since it is possible to change the setting or to give an operation instruction to the device simply by selecting a setting item displayed on the user interface information acquired by the mobile terminal or an operable item, the convenience of setting and operation is improved.

In the present invention, user authentication is performed based on the ID information of the mobile terminal, the execution state of the service specified by the user is determined, and if the service can be executed, the exclusive execution authority is set for this service. Until the service ends on the device, the execution start request by another user is blocked, and when the service ends, the exclusive execution authority set is released. By performing exclusive control and switching control of users and services in this way, confidentiality at the time of execution of each service is ensured, and user interface information can be acquired by other users even during service execution. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network system including a plurality of PCs and multi-functional peripheral devices controlled by a device control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a schematic structure of the server of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of portable ID information and user information which the server of FIG. 1 holds. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the item information regarding the error which the menu production | generation part of the server of FIG. 1 has. It is a block diagram which illustrates schematic structure of the portable terminal of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the basic control operation which the server of FIG. 1 performs. It is sequence explanatory drawing which showed the process when a user performs a print service using a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing illustrated in order to demonstrate the screen displayed on a portable terminal in the sequence of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a service monitoring / control processing procedure executed by a server while a print service is executed by a multi-function peripheral device. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a mobile terminal when an error or the like occurs in the sequence of FIG. 7. It is sequence explanatory drawing which showed the process when a user performs a scanning service using a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing illustrated in order to demonstrate the screen displayed on a portable terminal in the sequence of FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of service monitoring / control processing executed by a server while a scan service is executed by a multi-function peripheral device. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a mobile terminal when an error or the like occurs in the execution process of a scan service. It is sequence explanatory drawing which shows the improved process when a user performs a scanning service using a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the sequence in case the 2nd user or the 3rd user tries to perform a scanning service in the process of performing the scanning service of a 1st user. It is explanatory drawing illustrated in order to demonstrate the screen displayed on another user's portable terminal in the sequence of FIG. It is sequence explanatory drawing which shows the improved process when a user performs a scanning service using a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing illustrated in order to demonstrate the screen displayed on the portable terminal of the user who performed the execution start request | requirement with respect to another image processing service in the sequence of FIG. It is sequence explanatory drawing which shows the process when a user performs a scan service and a print service using a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing illustrated in order to demonstrate the screen displayed on a portable terminal in the sequence of FIG. It is sequence explanatory drawing which shows the other process when a user performs a scan service and a print service using a portable terminal.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system including a plurality of PCs and a multifunction peripheral device controlled by a device control apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, this network system includes a server 100 (device control device), a reader / writer 150, and a multi-function peripheral device (multi-function peripheral) 300 (device). The network system also includes a mobile terminal (mobile phone or the like) 200, a PC 400 (PCa 400A, PCb 400B), authentication units 410A and 410B, and the like.

In the network system shown in FIG. 1, the reader / writer 150, the server 100, and the multifunction peripheral device 300 are configured as separate devices, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the server (device control apparatus) 100 may be configured as an integral structure so as to be accommodated in the casing of the multi-function peripheral device 300, and the reader / writer 150 may be connected to the multi-function peripheral device 300. Further, the server 100 incorporating the reader / writer 150 may be connected to the multifunction peripheral device 300. Further, the multi-function peripheral device 300 may be configured to incorporate the reader / writer 150 and the server 100.

In this network system, a reader / writer 150 and a multifunction peripheral device 300 are locally connected to a server 100 through an interface 600. Furthermore, in this network system, the PCa 400A and the PCb 400B are connected to the server 100 via the network 500. Needless to say, various configurations can be adopted as long as the configuration can realize an equivalent function.

Next, each device constituting the system of FIG. 1 will be described sequentially.

[About Server 100]
The server 100 is a device control device for securely executing an image processing service such as printing, faxing, scanning, and copying by the multi-function peripheral device 300.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the server 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes a CPU 101, a setting information storage unit 102, an authentication unit 103, and a service management control unit 104. Further, the server 100 includes a job management control unit 105, an operation / display unit 106, a menu generation unit 107, a local I / F 108, a network I / F 109, and the like. The server 100 is configured by connecting these functional units to each other via a system bus 110.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 is a central processing unit that controls the entire server 100.

The setting information storage unit 102 is a storage unit that stores user information. For example, the user information is stored as table data as illustrated in FIG. User information other than mobile ID information, such as mobile terminal ID information (hereinafter referred to as mobile ID information) and user name, password, usage authority information, destination information, and device setting information stored in association with the mobile ID information It consists of information.

Mobile ID information (first user authentication information) is unique information for individually identifying a user. For example, information written in advance in each portable terminal such as the manufacturing number, MAC address, and telephone number of the portable terminal, or unique identification information set by external input (basic resident register number, which is already distributed It may be an ID number of various cards, an employee number, an IP address, or the like. Furthermore, it may be a combination of these pieces of information.

The usage authority information is information regarding whether or not the image processing service is permitted in the multifunction peripheral device 300 set in advance for each user. This usage authority information can be freely set by the user administrator. In the usage authority information illustrated in FIG. 3, the user A is permitted to use print, scan, and fax, and the user B is permitted to use scan, fax, and copy.

The destination information is information for designating an output destination of data (scan data, fax reception data, etc.) output from the multifunction peripheral device 300. The destination information illustrated in FIG. 3 is information such as an output destination device name, IP address, fax number, MAC address, mail address, and storage (output port name and port number), but is not limited thereto. It is not a thing.

The setting information storage unit 102 may be configured to be able to store setting information (setting values) of the multi-function peripheral device 300, and stores default setting information and setting information used most recently for each user. It can also be used when executing an image processing service.

Information other than the above-described mobile ID information (user name, password, usage authority information, destination information, device setting information, etc.) is held in any of the terminal devices such as the server 100, the mobile terminal 200, and the PC. Or a form in which each device is distributed and held. In the case of a configuration other than that of the server 100, necessary information is exchanged between the devices at the time of user authentication or at the time of execution of the image processing service.

In addition, information other than the mobile ID information can be registered or updated by external input, and can be exchanged between mobile terminals or downloaded and acquired via a communication network. Also good. Furthermore, it can also set with respect to the server 100 or the portable terminal 200 from the terminal device for administrators.

Further, the user information can include information for setting the number of times the image processing service is used. In this case, the administrator sets the number of times of use, and the user sets the number of times of use as ticket (coupon) information so that the terminal device for the administrator, the server 100, and the mobile terminal 200 can exchange each other. Anyway.

The authentication unit 103 illustrated in FIG. 2 performs user authentication by collating portable ID information acquired via a terminal device such as the portable terminal 200 or a PC with portable ID information stored in the setting information storage unit 102. Furthermore, the use authority information may be determined based on the authenticated mobile ID information. Note that the authentication unit 103 may improve authentication reliability by performing authentication by combining mobile ID information and one or more pieces of information such as a user name, a password, and usage authority information.

The service management control unit 104 shown in FIG. 2 manages various information and controls the image processing service in the multi-function peripheral device 300 based on these information.

Therefore, the service management control unit 104 manages user information in the setting information storage unit 102 and information managed by the job management control unit 105, and the service management control unit 104 performs image processing in the multi-function peripheral device 300. It manages information such as service setting status and operation status (hereinafter, execution status) and service execution order.

The function of the service management control unit 104 will be specifically described. The execution state of the image processing service in the multi-function peripheral device 300 designated by the service designation information acquired from the mobile terminal 200 or the like is detected. Then, it is determined whether or not the corresponding image processing service is executable in the multi-function peripheral device 300, and when it is determined that it can be executed, an exclusive execution authority is set for the image processing service. When an execution start request for the same kind of image processing service is acquired from another portable terminal after setting the exclusive execution authority, the execution start request is blocked from being accepted.

In addition, after setting the exclusive execution authority, the service management control unit 104 transmits an execution start command of the image processing service in which the exclusive execution authority is set to the multi-functional peripheral device 300. Furthermore, while the image processing service is being executed in the multi-function peripheral device 300, an error occurrence determination (monitoring) is performed. When the service end notification (execution end notification) is received from the multifunction peripheral device 300, the set exclusive execution authority is released.

The job management control unit 105 shown in FIG. 2 manages the execution status of jobs executed by the multi-function peripheral device 300. Further, the job management control unit 105 controls job data exchanged between the terminal devices such as the PCa 400A and the PCb 400B and the multi-function peripheral device 300. Note that the function of the job management control unit 105 may be configured to be included as part of the function of the service management control unit 104.

The operation / display unit 106 shown in FIG. 2 is a display unit (optical display unit or voice notification) such as a switch used for mode setting or reset operation of the server 100 and an LED for displaying the operation state of the server 100. Means). The display means can also be configured with a keyboard, a liquid crystal display, or the like (may be a switch or a small display).

2 generates item information (setting items, operation items, messages, error contents, etc.) necessary for generating user interface information such as menu information, error information, and message information. ). Then, according to the execution state of the multifunction peripheral device 300 determined by the service management control unit 104, user interface information combined with appropriate item information is generated, and this user interface information is transmitted via the local I / F 108 or the like. And send it out.

The individual item information used here has predetermined attributes (categories) and is information associated with predetermined processes in the execution process of the related image processing service and the image processing service. This item information may be held by other functional units in the server 100 or shared with the multi-function peripheral device 300, and may be configured to be exchanged between each unit and each device as necessary. good.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating item information related to errors (hereinafter referred to as error items) among the item information held by the menu generation unit 107 and the like.

Each error item has a predetermined category (attribute) such as “hardware system”, “execution system”, “setting system”, “maintenance system”, and “others”. Further, each error item is associated with an associated image processing service such as “print”, “scan”, “fax”, and “copy”. Each error item is associated with a predetermined process in the execution process of the image processing service. For example, “at the time of menu acquisition” corresponds to (information acquisition process), “at the time of service selection” corresponds to (information selection process), “at the time of service execution” corresponds to (function execution process), and “service end "Time" corresponds to (Execution end process).

For example, “detailed error information” in the error information of FIG. 4 belongs to “execution system” and is associated with all image processing services of “print”, “scan”, “fax”, and “copy”. Further, this “detailed error information” is associated only with the “service execution” process.

When an error occurs, the menu generation unit 107 selects the corresponding error content from the item information shown in FIG. 4, and generates an error information by combining an appropriate message and related setting items accordingly. . This error information is, for example, HTML (HyperText
It is generated as data in the Markup Language (XML) format or XML (extensible Markup Language) format.

The local I / F 108 shown in FIG. 2 is an interface used for connection with an external device such as the multi-functional peripheral device 300 and the reader / writer 150. The network I / F 109 is an interface used for connection with the network 500. The system bus 110 is a bus that connects the functional units in the server 100 to each other.

[About Reader / Writer]
The reader / writer 150 is connected to the local I / F 108 of the server 100 and is installed in the vicinity of the server 100. The reader / writer 150 is generated by a function (information acquisition unit) that acquires information held by the mobile terminal 200 or the server 100. A function (information sending means) for sending the user interface information to the portable terminal 200. Examples of information that the mobile terminal 200 has include mobile ID information and selection response information (described later). Further, the reader / writer 150 may be configured to be built in the server 100.

In this embodiment, a description will be given using a non-contact IC card technology that communicates between the portable terminal 200 and the reader / writer 150 when the portable terminal 200 is brought close to (holds). For example, there is FeliCa (registered trademark) as this non-contact IC card technology. It is not limited to this technology, and other non-contact types such as a close contact type (ISO / IEC10536; communication distance of 2 mm or less) and a proximity type (ISO / IEC14443; communication distance of 10 cm or less) established as an international standard. A technique using a method or a contact method (such as ISO / IEC7816) may be used. In addition, it is possible to directly connect the portable terminal 200 and the server 100 without passing through the reader / writer 150 to exchange information.

[About mobile devices]
The portable terminal 200 is a device configured to be usable like a remote controller that also serves as a display unit and an input unit of the device control apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 200. The portable terminal 200 includes a CPU 201, a unique information storage unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, an application execution control unit 205, a communication unit 206, and an external I / F unit 207. For example, it is a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), but is not limited thereto.

The CPU 201 of the mobile terminal 200 shown in FIG. 5 is a central processing unit that controls the entire mobile terminal 200.

The unique information storage unit 202 is a storage unit that stores second user authentication information, and stores (sets) unique mobile ID information for each mobile terminal.

The mobile ID information is unique ID information that can identify individual mobile terminals. For example, the manufacturing number, MAC address, telephone number, etc. of the mobile terminal, and unique identification information (basic resident register number, ID number of various cards currently distributed, employee number, IP, etc. written by external input Address).

The operation unit 203 is a user input interface unit for setting and operating the mobile terminal 200. The display unit 204 is a display screen for displaying characters and images.

The application execution control unit 205 is a functional unit that appropriately loads and executes various application programs (hereinafter referred to as applications) loaded in the mobile terminal 200. The application execution control unit 205 executes an application for operating the multifunction peripheral device 300. Also, user interface information (menu information, error information, message information, notification message, etc.) acquired from the server 100 is displayed on the display unit 204. Furthermore, functions such as updating the display screen according to the operation of the operation unit 203 and generating selection response information according to the user interface information are executed.

This selection response information is information generated according to the user interface information, and includes information on the selected image processing service (hereinafter referred to as service designation information), setting information, and an execution start request. Furthermore, when a plurality of image processing services are selected, execution order designation information (hereinafter, execution order designation information) and the like are included.

The communication unit 206 has a function of performing communication control such as a call and an e-mail. Note that information can be transmitted and received between the server 100 and the multi-function peripheral device 300 by telephone call, e-mail, or the like. Further, the mobile terminal 200 may be configured not to have a communication unit.

The external I / F unit 207 is an interface unit having a data communication function, and exchanges information with the server 100 via the reader / writer 150. For example, information such as portable ID information in the unique information storage unit 202 and selection response information generated by the application execution control unit 205 is transmitted. Furthermore, user interface information generated by the server 100 is acquired via the reader / writer 150. Note that it is also possible to configure such that information is directly exchanged with the server 100 without using the reader / writer 150.

[About multifunction peripherals]
The multi-function peripheral device 300 is an image forming apparatus (device) called a multi-function peripheral or multi-function peripheral device (abbreviated as MFP) having a plurality of execution functions such as printing, scanning, faxing, and copying.

In the network system illustrated in FIG. 1, a single function peripheral device (abbreviated as SFP) may be used as the image forming apparatus instead of the multi-function peripheral device 300. This single-function peripheral device is a device that executes only one image processing service, such as a printer.

[About PCa and PCb]
The PCa 400A and PCb 400B shown in FIG. 1 are devices such as a personal computer (PC), for example. The PCa 400A and the PCb 400B are configured to be able to use the multifunction peripheral device 300 via the server 100 connected via the network 500. The PCa 400A and PCb 400B include authentication units 410A and 410B for performing user authentication, which are externally connected or built in, respectively.

[Basic control flow of server]
Next, the basic control flow of the server 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a basic control operation procedure executed by the server 100.

[Menu information generation / transmission processing]
In the menu information generation / transmission process executed by the server 100, the server 100 repeatedly waits for detection of the portable terminal 200 via the reader / writer 150 (step S601). When portable terminal 200 is held over reader / writer 150 in this standby state (Yes in step S601), server 100 acquires portable ID information and selection response information held by portable terminal 200 via reader / writer 150. Perform (read) (step S602).

At this time, in order to execute the image processing service, only the mobile ID information is acquired from the mobile terminal 200 held over for the first time (step S602). If the mobile terminal 200 that already has selection response information for user interface information (menu information, error information, message information) is held over, mobile ID information and selection response information are acquired (step S602). .

Further, the server 100 sends the portable ID information acquired via the reader / writer 150 to the authentication unit 103 and sends selection response information to the service management control unit 104 (step S602).

Next, the mobile ID information acquired from the mobile terminal 200 by the authentication unit 103 and the user information stored in the setting information storage unit 102 are collated to perform user authentication (step S603).

If the user authentication is successful (Yes in step S603), the service management control unit 104 determines whether there is selection response information (step S604).

Here, when the server 100 has not acquired selection response information from the mobile terminal 200 (No in step S604), the mobile terminal 200 is held over the reader / writer 150 for the first time in order to execute the image processing service. It is. At this time, the server 100 has acquired only the mobile ID information and has not acquired the selection response information.

Next, the service management control unit 104 refers to the usage authority information of the corresponding user stored in the setting information storage unit 102 based on the result of the user authentication in step S603. Then, the service management control unit 104 determines whether there is usage authority information for each image processing service (step S605).

Next, the service management control unit 104 checks the execution state in the multi-function peripheral device 300 for the image processing service having the usage authority information determined in step S605 (step S606).

Next, the menu generation unit 107 combines the menu information by combining item information such as the operation state, setting information, and operable items of the image processing service according to the execution state of the image processing service confirmed in step S606. Generate (step S607).

Next, the menu generation unit 107 sends the generated menu information to the portable terminal 200 via the reader / writer 150 connected to the local I / F 108 (step S608), and ends this process.

If the user authentication fails as a result of the determination in step S603 (NO in step S603), the menu generation unit 107 generates error information for notifying the authentication failure (step S617). Then, the generated error information is sent to the portable terminal 200 (step S618), and this process is terminated.

As described above, when the portable terminal 200 is held over for the first time before the execution of the image processing service, the server 100 generates menu information corresponding to the execution state of the multifunction peripheral device 300 and And send it out. As a result, the user can simply hold the portable terminal 200 over the server 100 to display the execution state of the image processing service having the usage authority information, the operable item information, etc. at any time regardless of the execution state of the multi-function peripheral device 300. 200 can be obtained.

[Control based on selection response information]
Next, a case where selection response information is acquired from the mobile terminal 200 as a result of the determination in step S604 described above (Yes in step S604) will be described. In this case, the portable terminal 200 that already has selection response information for the user interface information is held over. At this time, the server 100 has acquired selection response information in step S602.

Next, the service management control unit 104 determines the execution state of the image processing service specified by the service specification information included in the selection response information acquired from the mobile terminal 200, and determines whether or not the corresponding image processing service can be executed ( Step S609).

Next, when it is determined that the corresponding image processing service is executable (Yes in step S609), the service management control unit 104 checks whether there is a change in the setting information. At this time, the service management control unit 104 compares the current setting state of the corresponding image processing service with the setting information included in the acquired selection response information, and checks whether the setting information has been changed (step S610). .

Next, the service management control unit 104 determines whether or not the setting information confirmed in step S610 is valid when the corresponding image processing service is executed by the multifunction peripheral device 300 (step S611).

Next, when the setting information is valid (Yes in step S611), the menu generation unit 107 generates message information that notifies the start of execution of the image processing service (step S612). Subsequently, the server 100 sends the message information generated by the menu generation unit 107 to the portable terminal 200 via the reader / writer 150 (step S613). Note that the server 100 may send the message information to a corresponding PC or the like.

Next, the service management control unit 104 sets exclusive execution authority for the corresponding image processing service, and blocks an execution start request for the image processing service acquired from another portable terminal (step S614). Subsequently, the service management control unit 104 transmits an execution start command of the corresponding image processing service to the multi-function peripheral device 300 (step S614).

The service management control unit 104 executes monitoring and control processing for the corresponding image processing service until the processing of the image processing service executed by the multi-function peripheral device 300 ends (step S615).

The service management control unit 104 receives a service end notification sent from the multi-function peripheral device 300 via the local I / F 108 when the processing of the corresponding image processing service ends. When the service management control unit 104 receives the service end notification, the service management control unit 104 cancels the exclusive execution authority set for the image processing service (step S616), and ends the process.

Note that the process of generating and sending the message information described above (the process of steps S612 and S613) may be performed in parallel with the exclusive execution authority setting process (the process of step S614). It may be performed immediately after setting.

As described above, the server 100 determines the execution state of the image processing service designated by the service designation information included in the selection response information acquired from the mobile terminal 200. And when it is an executable state, the execution start request | requirement of the same image processing service acquired from another portable terminal (other users) is blocked. Subsequently, the server 100 sends an execution start command to the multifunction peripheral device 300. In this way, the server 100 can limit the use of the image processing service by other users while the predetermined image processing service is being executed by the multifunction peripheral device 300.

Note that the server 100 blocks an execution start request for the image processing service acquired from another portable terminal (another user), and can generate and send the menu information illustrated in FIG. Therefore, the server 100 is in a state where menu information can be acquired by another mobile terminal at any time.

If the result of determination in step S609 is that the image processing service cannot be executed (No in step S609), the menu generation unit 107 generates error information notifying that the image processing service cannot be executed (step S609). S617). Following this, the menu generation unit 107 sends the generated error information to the portable terminal 200 via the reader / writer 150 connected to the local I / F 108 (step S618), and this process ends. The server 100 may send the generated error information to the corresponding PC.

Furthermore, if the result of determination in step S611 is that the image processing service cannot be executed (No in step S611), the menu generation unit 107 generates error information for notifying that the image processing service cannot be executed (step S611). S617). Following this, the menu generation unit 107 sends the generated error information to the portable terminal 200 via the reader / writer 150 connected to the local I / F 108 (step S618), and this process ends. The server 100 may send the generated error information to the corresponding PC.

Next, an example of a specific sequence for executing each image processing service in the above-described network system will be described.

For convenience of explanation, the reader / writer 150 is omitted in the sequence diagram described below, and the description will be made assuming that communication is performed between the server 100 and the portable terminal 200 unless otherwise specified. In the following description, each image processing service is referred to as “print service”, “scan service”, “fax service”, and “copy service”.

[First embodiment]
As a first embodiment, a case where an image processing service (print service) is executed in the above-described network system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence explanatory diagram showing a process when the user A executes a print service using the portable terminal 200a.

First, a process until menu information is acquired by the mobile terminal 200a, which is the first stage in the sequence of FIG. 7, will be described.

When executing the print service, the user A instructs the PCa 400A to print data created by a document creation application or the like.

At this time, the PCa 400A transmits to the server 100 a print request including information such as user information, device name, terminal information such as an IP address, and file name of data to be printed in accordance with the print instruction. In the PCa 400A, user authentication is performed by the authentication unit 410A when starting the apparatus or instructing printing.

The server 100 that has received the print request sent from the PCa 400A performs entry (registration) for the print service.

User A operates PCa 400A to make a print request, then moves to the location where server 100 and multifunction peripheral device 300 are installed with portable terminal 200a, and moves portable terminal 200a to server 100 (reader / writer 150). Hold it over.

When the portable terminal 200a is held over, the server 100 acquires (reads) portable ID information (information for user authentication) from the portable terminal 200a, performs user authentication based on the portable ID information, and the image processing service. Determine whether usage authority information exists. Subsequently, the execution state of the multifunction peripheral device 300 is determined for the image processing service (print service) requested from the portable terminal 200a, and menu information corresponding to the execution state is generated and transmitted to the portable terminal 200a.

When the mobile terminal 200a acquires the menu information generated by the server 100, the mobile terminal 200a displays a menu screen as shown in the screen (c) of FIG. 8 based on the menu information.

In the above-described network system, in order to confirm the user of the mobile terminal 200a, when the mobile terminal 200a is held over the server 100, a confirmation process using a password may be performed.

In this case, a screen prompting the input of a password as shown in the screen (a) of FIG. 8 is displayed on the mobile terminal 200a. Thereby, the user A inputs a password from the portable terminal 200a. When the input password is correct, the server 100 displays a menu screen as shown in the screen (c) of FIG. If the input password is not correct, a correct password input is requested as shown in the screen (b) of FIG. By doing so, unauthorized use by the mobile terminal 200a can be prevented.

In the menu screen of the screen (c) of FIG. 8, “print” and “scan / fax” are displayed as the names of image processing services having usage authority information, and a circle is shown on the left side that they are currently available. It is. In this menu screen, one or both of the two image processing services can be selected, and the number of print requests (jobs) received is displayed under the “Print” display. The

Further, in this menu screen, “detailed settings” are displayed so as to be selectable under each image processing service name, and the detailed settings of each image processing service can be changed. At the bottom of the menu screen, “execute” selected when executing the image processing service and “cancel” selected when canceling the execution of the image processing service are displayed.

As described above, when the user A executes the image processing service, the portable terminal 200 is held over the server 100 to select an available image processing service and acquire menu information that allows confirmation / change of the setting information. Can do.

Next, a case where an error has occurred in the multi-function peripheral device 300 when menu information is acquired will be described.

For example, even when the server 100 is operating normally, when the multifunction peripheral device 300 is powered off or when there is no communication between the server 100 and the multifunction peripheral device 300, the server In 100, it is possible to perform user authentication and to determine the presence / absence of usage authority information of the corresponding user, but it is not possible to determine the execution state of the multifunction peripheral device 300.

In such a case, when the portable terminal 200 is held over the server 100, first, the server 100 performs user authentication and determines whether there is usage authority information. Next, the menu generation unit 107 generates menu information in which the name of the image processing service having the usage authority information and the corresponding error content, message, and the like are combined and sent to the portable terminal 200a.

In the portable terminal 200a, when the menu information generated by the server 100 is acquired, “print” and “scan / fax” are displayed as image processing service names having usage authority information as shown in the screen (a) of FIG. The In the display of screen (a) in FIG. 10, a cross mark is displayed on the left side of each image processing service name, a message “Unavailable” is displayed below the image processing service name, and both image processing services cannot be selected. Is displayed.

Next, a case where the image processing service cannot be executed or may not be executed by the multifunction peripheral device 300 when the menu information is acquired will be described.

For example, when there are few consumables such as paper and toner / ink, there is a possibility of running out of paper and toner / ink during execution of the image processing service. At this time, when the portable terminal 200 is held over, first, the server 100 performs user authentication in the same manner as described above, and determines the presence / absence of use authority information. Next, the execution state of the image processing service having the usage authority information is determined, and the menu generation unit 107 generates menu information that combines the corresponding image processing service name and the warning message, and sends the generated menu information to the portable terminal 200a.

The mobile terminal 200a that has acquired the menu information generated by the server 100 displays “print” and “scan / fax” as image processing service names having usage authority information, as shown in the screen (b) of FIG. . On the screen (b) in FIG. 10, the number of print requests (jobs) received is displayed below the “print” display, and a warning message indicating that the paper is running low is displayed below.

Since the server 100 can execute the print service even when the number of sheets is small, the server 100 displays in a state where one or both of “print” and “scan / fax” can be selected.

As described above, in the first stage, when menu information is acquired by the mobile terminal 200, an error or the like occurs in the multi-function peripheral device 300, or there is a possibility that the image processing service cannot be executed or cannot be executed. Even so, menu information corresponding to the state of the multifunction peripheral device 300 can be acquired.

Next, a process until the print service is executed after the menu information is acquired by the portable terminal 200a in the second stage in the sequence shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

When the user A acquires menu information from the server 100 by the mobile terminal 200a, the menu screen shown in the screen (c) of FIG. 8 is displayed on the mobile terminal 200a. Here, the user A operates the operation unit 203 of the portable terminal 200a to select “print” in order to execute the print service. On the portable terminal 200a, as shown in the screen (d) of FIG. 8, the circle on the left side of “Print” is changed from white to black, and the selected image processing service is clearly indicated.

Next, when the user A wants to confirm or change a detailed setting item, the user A selects “detailed setting” shown in the screen (d) of FIG. As illustrated in the screen (e) of FIG. 8, the file name included in the print request entered in the server 100 is displayed on the portable terminal 200 a as a “job list” list. Further, the user A operates the portable terminal 200a as necessary to display setting items related to the print service as shown in the screen (f) of FIG.

In the “Job List” list on the screen (e) in FIG. 8, after checking the check box on the left side of the file name and selecting “Change Print Order”, the file names are switched in the order of the check and displayed again. Is done. If “Delete” is selected, the checked file name is deleted and redisplayed.

[Selecting print execution in the job list]
In the “job list” list on the screen (e) in FIG. 8, the user A operates the mobile terminal 200a to check only the files to be printed, and does not check the files for which print output is suspended. Like that. At this time, the user A can switch the execution order of printing for the file names that are checked by operating the portable terminal 200a.

Next, when setting the print service for the file designated as the print output target as described above, the screen (f) in FIG. 8 is displayed. In the screen (f) of FIG. 8, the setting items related to the print service and the current setting values corresponding to the setting items are displayed, and the changeable setting values are clearly indicated by another color or underline.

For example, when changing the setting item “color setting” on the screen (f) of FIG. 8, the setting value “monochrome” is selected, and “color” and “grayscale” are selectably displayed by a pull-down menu or the like ( (Not shown) Change the set value.

Next, after confirming or changing the setting information, the user A selects “Complete” on the screen (f) and the screen (e) in FIG. 8 to confirm the setting information. The selection response information is generated, and the screen returns to the menu screen of the screen (d) in FIG.

Next, when the user A selects “execute” on the screen (d) of FIG. 8 to execute the print service, a screen prompting the user to hold the portable terminal 200a over the server as shown in the screen (g) of FIG. Changes to. If user A selects “Cancel” on this screen, the screen returns to screen (d) in FIG.

As described above, the portable terminal 200a can select an image processing service to be used or change setting information simply by performing an operation according to the menu screen.

When it is desired to acquire the menu information again, the menu information can be acquired again by holding the portable terminal 200 over the server 100. At this time, the server 100 again performs the processes in steps S601 to S608 shown in FIG. 6 described above.

When it is desired to acquire the menu information again, the menu information can be acquired again by holding the portable terminal 200 over the server 100 in a state immediately before the portable terminal 200 is held over the server 100 and executing the image processing service. . The state immediately before the execution of the image processing service refers to the screens (a) to (f) shown in FIG. 8 until the screen prompts the execution of the image processing service as shown in the screen (g) of FIG. It is in such a state.

When the print service is executed after selecting the image processing service or changing the setting information as described above, the user A uses the mobile terminal 200a on which the screen (g) of FIG. Hold it over the reader / writer 150).

The server 100 acquires mobile ID information and selection response information from the mobile terminal 200a, and performs user authentication based on the mobile ID information. Following this, the server 100 determines the execution state of the print service designated by the service designation information included in the selection response information.

Next, a case where the server 100 determines that the print service can be executed will be described.

In this case, the server 100 generates message information that combines a message notifying the start of execution of the print service, the number of received print requests, time information until the end of printing, and the like by the menu generation unit 107. Then, the server 100 sends the generated message information to the mobile terminal 200a.

As shown in the screen (h) of FIG. 8, the mobile terminal 200a that has acquired the message information from the server 100 has an image processing service execution start message, the number of received print requests (jobs), time information until the end of printing, etc. Is displayed.

Further, the number of received print requests (jobs) displayed on the screen (h) in FIG. 8, time information until the end of the image processing service, and the like each time the portable terminal 200a is held over the server 100 (reader / writer 150). Update.

On this screen, when the user A selects “Close”, the same screen as the menu acquisition state is displayed as shown in the screen (i) of FIG.

Next, a case will be described in which when the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100 (reader / writer 150) to execute the print service, the server 100 determines that the print service cannot be executed. .

As an example of determining that the server 100 is incapable of executing the print service, a case where the number of sheets stocked in the multifunction peripheral device 300 is small will be described.

In such a case, when the menu information is acquired by holding the portable terminal 200a over the server 100, a warning message indicating that the paper is running out is displayed as shown in the screen (b) of FIG. .

The multifunction peripheral device 300 can execute the print service even when the number of sheets is small. For this reason, when the user A selects “print” on the screen (b) in FIG. 10 and selects “execute” on the screen (c) in FIG. 10, the portable terminal 200a as shown in the screen (d) in FIG. Changes to a screen that prompts you to hold over the server. The user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100 (reader / writer 150) according to the display on the screen (d) in FIG.

The server 100 acquires (reads out) the mobile ID information and the selection response information from the mobile terminal 200a, and determines the execution state of the print service specified by the service specification information included in the selection response information.

At this time, the server 100 determines that the image processing service cannot be executed because the paper runs out when the image processing service is executed with the setting information included in the selection response information. Then, the server 100 uses the menu generation unit 107 to generate error information in which the corresponding error content and operation items for dealing with the error are combined, and sends the error information to the mobile terminal 200a.

When this error information is acquired, the portable terminal 200a displays a paper shortage warning message as shown in the screen (e) of FIG. 10, and displays an operation item for dealing with the warning message in a selectable state. .

When the user A selects “replenish paper” in the “selection item” on the screen (e) in FIG. 10, the screen (f1) in FIG. 10 is displayed. Therefore, when the user A holds the portable terminal over the server 100 again after replenishing the multi-function peripheral device 300, a message that the image processing service is executed is displayed.

Further, when the user A selects “double-sided printing” in the “selection item” on the screen (e) in FIG. 10, a detailed setting screen regarding the print service is displayed as in the screen (f2) in FIG. 10. Is displayed. On the screen (f2) in FIG. 10, for example, the setting value of “printing method” is displayed as “double-sided printing”. Here, when the user A selects “complete”, the “printing method” is changed to “double-sided printing”, and selection response information including the changed setting information is generated and displayed on the screen (c) of FIG. Return.

Then, when the user A selects “execute” on the screen (c) of FIG. 10, the screen changes to a screen prompting the user to hold the portable terminal over the server as shown in the screen (d) of FIG. When the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100 while this screen is displayed, the execution state of the print service is determined again by the server 100.

In short, the server 100 determines that there is a possibility that a desired execution result may not be obtained if the image processing service is executed as it is. At this time, a changeable set value, an operable item, and the like are generated as error information together with a message such as an alarm and a countermeasure, and sent to the mobile terminal 200 to prompt the user to solve the problem.

Next, the process from the start to the end of the print service, which is the third stage in the sequence of FIG. 7, will be described.

If the server 100 determines that the print service by the multi-function peripheral device 300 can be executed, the server 100 generates and sends message information notifying the mobile terminal 200a of the start of execution. Further, the server 100 sets exclusive execution authority for the print service, and drives and controls the multifunction peripheral device 300 according to the control flow of FIG. During this time, the server 100 does not accept an execution start request for the print service from other than the portable terminal 200a.

FIG. 9 is a control flow of the server 100 executed during the process of step S615 of FIG. 6, and is a flowchart showing the procedure of the print service monitoring / control process executed by the multi-function peripheral device 300.

First, when the print service monitoring / control process is started, the server 100 uses the job management control unit 105 to send a print job transmission request to the PCa 400A (step S901). Thereafter, the server 100 is in a state of waiting for receiving a print job sent from the PCa 400A (No in step S902).

When the PCa 400A receives a print job transmission request sent from the server 100, the PCa 400A transmits the corresponding print job to the server 100.

When the job management control unit 105 of the server 100 receives a print job sent from the PCa 400A (Yes in step S902), the received print job is transmitted (transferred) to the multi-function peripheral device 300 (step S903).

Here, when the multifunction peripheral device 300 receives a print job sent from the server 100, printing of data is started based on the received print job.

Note that when a print job is encrypted and transferred, the server 100 is provided with a print job decryption function, and the server 100 decrypts the print job and transmits (transfers) it to the multi-function peripheral device 300.

Next, the service management control unit 104 of the server 100 determines whether or not an error has occurred during execution of the print service in the multi-function peripheral device 300 based on information from the job management control unit 105 and the like (step S904).

The server 100 continues the print service until no error occurs during execution of the print service and the processing of the print job is completed in the multi-function peripheral device 300 (No in step S904).

The server 100 determines whether all print services have been completed by the service management control unit 104. If there is another print job, the server 100 returns to step S903 and executes the processing from step S903 again (step S903). No in S908). If there is no other print job, it is determined that printing has ended by receiving a service end notification sent from the multi-function peripheral device 300, and the print service monitoring / control processing ends (Yes in step S908). .

In the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above, processing (execution of error occurrence, etc.) during execution of the print service in the multi-functional peripheral device 300 is performed in units of jobs, but processing may be performed in units of data of a predetermined length. .

As a result of the determination in step S904, for example, if a paper jam occurs in the paper discharge tray of the multi-function peripheral device 300 during execution of the print service, an error occurs and printing stops. When an error occurs, the server 100 generates error information by combining the error contents and operation items for dealing with the error in the menu generation unit 107 (step S905). Further, the server 100 notifies the generated error information (step S906).

In the server 100, after notifying the error information, the service management control unit 104 determines whether the print service can be continued (step S907). If it is determined that the print service can be continued, the process returns to step S904, and the processes after step S904 are executed again (Yes in step S907). If it is determined that the print service cannot be continued, the monitoring / control processing for the execution print service is terminated (No in step S907).

Next, specific contents of the error information notified by the server 100 in step S906 described above will be described.

The mobile terminal 200a that has acquired the error information notified by the server 100 displays the corresponding error content, error handling method, and the like as shown in the screen (g) of FIG. When there are a plurality of operation items for dealing with errors, a plurality of operation items are displayed in a selectable state as shown in the screen (e) of FIG.

User A performs the operation of clearing the paper jam in the paper discharge tray according to the message on the screen (g) in FIG. Thereafter, when the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100, the server 100 determines the execution state of the print service.

If it is determined that the server 100 is ready to execute, the server 100 generates and sends message information notifying the start of execution of the print service. On the portable terminal 200a that has acquired the message information, a print service execution start message as shown in the screen (h) of FIG. 8 is displayed, and the multi-function peripheral device 300 starts the print service.

In this way, the user can take an appropriate measure against the error by performing an operation of selecting a selection item displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 200.

Next, specific means for the server 100 to notify the error information will be described.

When an error occurs, the server 100 corresponds to an image processing service (in this case, a print service) for which the exclusive execution authority being executed in the multi-function peripheral device 300 is set by information managed by the service management control unit 104. Mobile ID information (user) to be identified. Therefore, when an error occurs in the multi-function peripheral device 300, the server 100 can send error information generated to the corresponding portable terminal or PC by referring to the user information based on the portable ID information.

At this time, if the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100, the error information can be sent directly to the portable terminal 200a.

In addition, information notifying means such as an LED lamp for alerting or a speaker is provided in the main body of the server 100, and when an error is detected, it is notified by light or sound to prompt the user to hold the portable terminal. If it is held over, the mobile ID information may be acquired and user authentication may be performed, and error information may be transmitted after determining the corresponding mobile terminal.

Further, the server 100 may be configured so that destination information such as an e-mail address of the mobile terminal is registered in advance as one piece of user information and the generated user interface information is sent to the specified destination information. Furthermore, the server 100 may be provided with a means for calling the mobile terminal 200 from the server 100 and notifying the user of the error information by voice as a notification means for the error information.

When the multifunction peripheral device 300 finishes the print service process, the multifunction peripheral device 300 transmits a print completion notification to the server 100. When the server 100 receives the print end notification, the server 100 cancels the exclusive execution authority set for the print service, and ends all control related to the print service.

[Second Embodiment]
As a second embodiment, a first sequence for executing a scan service in the above-described network system will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a sequence explanatory diagram illustrating a process when the user A executes the scan service using the mobile terminal 200a.

First, a process until menu information is acquired by the mobile terminal 200a, which is the first stage in the sequence of FIG. 11, will be described. Since the contents are the same as those in the first stage when executing the print service in FIG. 7, the description will be simplified.

When the user A performs an operation of holding the portable terminal 200a, the server 100 acquires (reads out) portable ID information from the portable terminal 200a, performs user authentication, and determines an image processing service having usage authority information. Then, the server 100 determines the execution state of the scan service in the multifunction peripheral device 300, generates menu information according to the execution state, and sends it to the mobile terminal 200a.

As shown in the screen (a) of FIG. 12, the portable terminal 200a that has acquired the menu information transmitted from the server 100 can select one or both of “print” and “scan / fax”. Is displayed.

As in the first embodiment described above, unauthorized use by the mobile terminal 200a may be prevented by performing a confirmation process using a password when the mobile terminal 200a is held over the server 100 (FIG. 8). Screens (a) and (b)).

If an error has occurred in the multi-function peripheral device 300 at the time of acquiring menu information, the same processing as the error information notification method described in the above-described sequence at the time of executing the print service in FIG. 7 is performed. Is omitted.

Next, a process until the scan service is executed after the menu information is acquired by the mobile terminal 200a, which is the second stage in the sequence of FIG. 11, will be described. In addition, the part of the same content as description of FIG. 7 is demonstrated easily.

The user A selects “scan / fax” on the screen (a) of FIG. 12 of the mobile terminal 200a in order to execute the scan service. At this time, on the screen of the portable terminal 200a, as shown in the screen (b) of FIG. 12, the circle on the left side of “Scan / FAX” changes from white to black, and the selected image processing service is clearly indicated. Furthermore, when the user A wants to confirm or change detailed setting items, the user selects “detailed settings” displayed under “scan / fax” on the screen (b) of FIG.

In the mobile terminal 200a, when “detailed settings” is selected, as illustrated in the screen (c1) of FIG. 12, the setting items related to the scan service and the current setting values corresponding to the setting items are displayed. Further, in this case, the changeable setting value is clearly indicated by another color, underline, or the like.

Here, when the setting value “PCa” of the setting item “output destination” is selected, an output destination list like the screen (c2) of FIG. 12 is displayed, and the output destination of the scan data can be selected. .

This scan data can be output to a terminal device such as a fax, e-mail, or PC, a locally connected storage (storage device or storage medium), a server accessible via a communication network, or the like. When “copy” is selected as the output destination, the scan data is printed out.

It is possible to specify a plurality of output destinations. For example, when “copy” and “storage” are selected as output destinations, scan data can be printed out and saved in a storage such as a USB memory. It becomes possible.

After confirming or changing the setting information, when “Done” on the screen (c1) or the screen (c2) in FIG. 12 is selected, the setting information is confirmed, and selection response information including this setting information is generated. Return to the menu screen of screen (b).

When “execute” is selected on the screen (b) of FIG. 12, the screen shifts to the screen (d2) of FIG. 12, and a message indicating that scanning starts when the portable terminal 200a is held over the server is displayed. .

Here, the user A performs an operation of holding the portable terminal 200a on which the screen (d2) of FIG. 12 is displayed over the server 100 (reader / writer 150) in order to execute the scan service. At this time, the server 100 acquires (reads out) portable ID information and selection response information from the portable terminal 200a, performs user authentication based on the portable ID information, and prints specified by service designation information included in the selection response information. Determine the execution status of the service.

First, a case where the server 100 determines that the scan service can be executed when the user A commands the mobile terminal 200a to execute the scan service will be described.

In this case, the server 100 generates message information for notifying the start of execution of the scan service by the menu generation unit 107, and sends the message information to the mobile terminal 200a.

In the portable terminal 200a, when the message information generated by the server 100 is acquired, an image processing service execution start message, time information until the end of scanning, and the like are displayed as shown in a screen (e) of FIG.

Next, a case where the server 100 determines that the scan service cannot be executed when the user A commands the mobile terminal 200a to execute the scan service will be described. Here, a case where scan data cannot be output to the designated destination will be described as an example.

When the server 100 determines that the multi-function peripheral device 300 cannot execute the scan service, for example, when the scan data cannot be output to the designated destination, the menu generation unit 107 handles the corresponding error and error. Error information that combines operation items and the like is generated and sent to the mobile terminal 200a.

In the portable terminal 200a, when the error information generated by the server 100 is acquired, the error content and operation items for dealing with the error are displayed in a selectable state as shown in a screen (d) in FIG.

In the mobile terminal 200a, for example, when the selection item “change output destination” is selected on the screen (d) in FIG. 14, a changeable output destination list is displayed as shown in the screen (e) in FIG. The At this time, when user A selects “server” as the output destination, the check box on the left side is checked, and when “complete” is selected, the output destination of the setting information is changed to “server”. Thereby, the mobile terminal 200a generates selection response information including the changed setting information, and returns to the menu screen of the screen (b) in FIG.

When the user A selects “execute” on the screen (b) of FIG. 14 again to execute the scan service, the screen changes to a screen prompting the user to hold the portable terminal over the server as shown in the screen (c) of FIG. . Therefore, the user A performs an operation of holding the portable terminal 200a with the screen (c) of FIG.

At this time, the server 100 acquires (reads out) the selection response information including the mobile ID information and the changed setting information from the mobile terminal 200a, and the image processing service specified by the service specification information included in the selection response information. Determine the execution status of.

If it is determined that the server 100 is ready to execute the scan service, the server 100 generates message information for notifying the start of the scan service. On the portable terminal 200a that has acquired this message information, an image processing service execution start message illustrated in the screen (e) of FIG. 12 is displayed, and the scanning service is started in the multi-function peripheral device 300.

In the screen (d) of FIG. 14, when the scan service is executed again without changing the output destination, the “re-execute” selection item is selected. Here, when “return to menu” is selected as the selection item, the screen returns to the screen (b) of FIG. If “end scan” is selected, all operations for the scan service are ended.

Next, the process from the start to the end of the scan service, which is the third stage in the sequence of FIG. 11, will be described.

The server 100 sends message information for starting execution of the scan service to the mobile terminal 200a. Furthermore, the server 100 sets exclusive execution authority for the scan service, and drives and controls the multifunction peripheral device 300 according to the control flow of FIG. During this time, the server 100 does not accept an execution start request for the scan service from other than the mobile terminal 200a.

FIG. 13 is a control flow of the server 100 executed during the process of step S615 of FIG. 6, and is a flowchart showing the procedure of the scan service monitoring / control process executed by the multi-function peripheral device 300.

First, when the scan service monitoring / control process is started, the server 100 waits until the service management control unit 104 receives a scan service start instruction (No in step S1301).

When the server 100 is instructed to start the scan service from the mobile terminal 200a (Yes in step S1310), the server 100 scans the scan service so as to block an execution start request for the scan service from another user. Set exclusive execution authority for. Subsequently, the service management control unit 104 of the server 100 transmits a scan service execution start command to the multi-function peripheral device 300 (step S1302).

Thus, immediately after the portable terminal 200a is held over the server 100, an execution start command is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 300, and the multi-function peripheral device 300 starts a scan service.

At this time, a scan service start instruction may be issued by an execution start operation (button press) of the multi-function peripheral device 300.

The service management control unit 104 of the server 100 determines whether or not an error has occurred during execution of the scan service in the multi-function peripheral device 300 based on the information of the job management control unit 105 (step S1303).

If no error occurs during the execution of the scan service, the server 100 determines whether or not scan data is transmitted from the multi-function peripheral device 300 by the job management control unit 105 (step S1304).

If the server 100 determines that scan data from the multi-function peripheral device 300 has not been received, the server 100 returns to step S1303 and determines whether or not an error has occurred in the multi-function peripheral device 300 (No in step S1304). The server 100 repeats the processes of steps S1303 and S1304 and waits until reception of scan data from the multi-function peripheral device 300 is completed.

When the server 100 completes the scan data reception process, the job management control unit 105 transmits the scan data to the output destination specified by the setting information (step S1305).

The server 100 determines whether reception of all scan data has been completed by the service management control unit 104. If the server 100 determines that scan data remains (No in step S1306), the server 100 returns to step S1303 and executes the processing in step S1303 and subsequent steps again. When the server 100 finishes receiving all scan data and receives a service end notification from the multi-function peripheral device 300 (Yes in step S1306), the server 100 ends this processing.

As a result of the determination in step S1303, for example, when a paper jam occurs in the automatic document feeder (ADF) of the multi-function peripheral device 300 during execution of the scan service, an error occurs and the scan service is stopped. When this error occurs, the server 100 generates error information by combining the error content and operation items for dealing with this error in the menu generation unit 107 (step S1307). Furthermore, the server 100 notifies the generated error information (step S1308).

In the server 100, after notifying the error information, the service management control unit 104 determines whether the scan service can be continued (step S1309). If the server 100 determines that the scan service can be continued, the server 100 returns to the process of step S1303 and executes the processes after step S1303 again (Yes in step S1309). If the server 100 determines that the scan service cannot be continued, the server 100 ends the execution service monitoring / control processing (No in step S1309).

Next, specific contents of the error information notified by the server 100 in step S1308 described above will be described.

The mobile terminal 200a that has acquired the error information notified by the server 100 displays the corresponding error content, error handling method, and the like as shown in the screen (f) of FIG.

User A performs an operation of clearing a paper jam of the automatic document feeder (ADF) according to the message on the screen (f) in FIG. Thereafter, when the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100, the server 100 determines the execution state of the scan service.

If it is determined that the server 100 is ready to execute, the server 100 generates and sends message information notifying the start of execution of the image processing service. On the mobile terminal 200a that has acquired this message information, an image processing service execution start message as shown in the screen (e) of FIG. 12 is displayed, and the multifunction peripheral device 300 starts the scanning service.

In this way, the user can take an appropriate measure against the error by performing an operation of selecting a selection item displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 200.

Note that the error information notification method of the server 100 in step S1308 is the same as that in the case of the print service in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

When the multifunction peripheral device 300 finishes the scan service processing, it sends a scan end notification to the server 100.

Upon receiving this scan end notification, the server 100 cancels the exclusive execution authority set for the scan service and ends all the control related to the scan service.

As described above, in the second embodiment, immediately after the portable terminal 200a is held over, an execution start command is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 300 and scanning is started.

[Third embodiment]
Next, another embodiment of the scan service will be described as a third embodiment. In the second embodiment described above, the scanning service is started immediately after holding the portable terminal 200a and the exclusive execution authority is set in the server 100. In this embodiment, the exclusive execution authority is set in the server 100. After that, the scanning service is started by holding the portable terminal 200a again.

FIG. 15 is a sequence explanatory diagram illustrating a process in which the user A executes a scan service using the mobile terminal 200a. The process (second stage) from obtaining the menu information by the portable terminal 200a (first stage), selecting the image processing service, and confirming or changing the setting information (second stage) is the same as the sequence of FIG. Therefore, it will be described briefly.

After the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100 to obtain menu information, selects a scan service, and confirms or changes the setting information, the screen (b) in FIG. 12 is displayed on the portable terminal 200a. It becomes a state.

Then, when the user A selects “execute” on the screen (b) in FIG. 12, as shown in the screen (d1) in FIG. 12, a screen prompting the user to hold the portable terminal over the server is displayed. If “cancel” is selected on this screen, the screen returns to the previous screen (b) in FIG.

Next, the user A holds the portable terminal 200a displaying the screen (d1) in FIG. 12 over the server 100 (reader / writer 150).

The server 100 acquires (reads out) mobile ID information and selection response information from the mobile terminal 200a, and performs user authentication based on the mobile ID information. Following this, the server 100 determines the execution state of the scan service designated by the service designation information included in the selection response information.

Here, if it is determined that the scan service cannot be executed, the content is the same as the sequence of the second embodiment described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

If the server 100 determines that the scan service can be executed, message information that prompts the user to hold the mobile terminal over the server is generated and sent to the mobile terminal 200a. Furthermore, the server 100 sets exclusive execution authority for the scan service.

The mobile terminal 200a that has acquired the message information generated by the server 100 displays a screen that prompts the user to hold the mobile terminal over the server, as shown in the screen (d2) in FIG.

From here, it demonstrates, referring FIG. Here, the monitoring and control processing of the scan service executed by the multi-function peripheral device 300 is performed by the server 100. Further, during this period, the execution start request for the scan service from other than the portable terminal 200a is not accepted.

When the user A confirms that the document to be scanned is set according to the message displayed on the screen, the user A connects the portable terminal 200a to the server 100 (reader / writer 150) with the screen (d2) of FIG. 12 displayed. Hold it over. As a result, the server 100 is instructed to start the scan service.

The server 100 re-acquires mobile ID information from the mobile terminal 200a and performs user authentication. At this time, when the mobile terminal 200a displaying the screen (d1) of FIG. 12 described above is held over and coincides with the mobile ID information when user authentication is performed, the scan service starts to be executed for the multi-function peripheral device 300 Send instructions. Upon receiving this scan service execution start command, the multi-function peripheral device 300 starts the scan service.

At this time, a scan service start instruction may be issued by an execution start operation (button press) of the multi-function peripheral device 300.

Thereafter, the server 100 executes the control flow of FIG. 13 described in the second embodiment as it is until the scan service processing by the multi-function peripheral device 300 is completed. Since the description of the control flow in FIG. 13 other than that described above is the same as that of the second embodiment described above, description thereof is omitted.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when the scan service processing in the multi-function peripheral device 300 is completed, a scan end notification is transmitted from the multi-function peripheral device 300 to the server 100.

The server 100 that has received this scan end notification cancels the exclusive execution authority set for the scan service, and ends all the controls related to the scan service.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the portable terminal 200a is held over the server 100 before and after the document is set, and scanning is performed after the server 100 confirms that the portable ID information acquired before and after the document is set. Be started. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an execution start request before the start of scanning by another user can be reliably prevented.

[When scanning continuously]
In the scan service, there are a case where a plurality of originals are continuously scanned, a case where originals having different sizes are set in an ADF (automatic document feeder), and the like. In such a case, every time a document is set on the multi-function peripheral device 300, the user may hold the portable terminal 200 and start scanning.

It is also possible to set the number of documents (number of sets) and the like on the menu screen (menu information) of the portable terminal 200a. In such a case, the server 100 sets an exclusive execution authority when the portable terminal 200 is first held over the server 100, blocks execution start requests from other users, and sets the number of originals set by the user ( Do not release exclusive execution authority until the number of sets) has been scanned.

[When you can use both PUSH and PULL scan services]
As a usage mode in which the function of the scan service provided in the multi-function peripheral device 300 is shared by a plurality of users over the network, a method of transmitting scan data to a specified transmission destination in response to a scan start instruction operation to the multi-function peripheral device 300 (So-called PUSH method) and a method of receiving scan data from a designated multi-function peripheral device 300 in response to a scan start instruction operation on the PC 400 (terminal device) after a document is once set in the multi-function peripheral device 300 ( So-called PULL type).

Although the scan service controlled by the server 100 of the present invention is mainly assumed to be of the PUSH type, it may be configured so that the PUSH type and the PULL type can be used together according to the use and preference of each user. However, in this case, the user who wants to use the push-type scan service scans the document set on the multi-function peripheral device 300 by a scan start instruction operation from another user who wants to use the pull-type scan service. It is necessary to prevent it.

That is, in the server 100 configured to be able to use both the PUSH method and the PULL method, at the time when the menu information is sent to the user who is given the authority to use any service among scan, fax, and copy. The subsequent execution start request for the PULL-type scan service is controlled to block. Note that the PUSH scan service execution start request may be controlled as in the above-described embodiment.

[For copy service]
When the copy service is performed by the multifunction peripheral device 300 of this network system, it can be realized by combining the scan service and the print service described above. Specifically, a copy service can be realized by printing out data scanned by the scan function using the print function.

Next, in this network system, an embodiment in which a plurality of users make an execution start request to the same image processing service or a case where a plurality of image processing services are executed will be described.

[Fourth embodiment]
In this network system, an example in which the server 100 receives an execution start request for the same image processing service from another user while the multifunction peripheral device 300 is executing the image processing service will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a sequence when the user B or the user C tries to execute the scan service in the process of executing the scan service of the user A. For user A, the scan service can be normally executed by the same sequence as in FIG. 11 described above, and the description of the process will be omitted.

First, a case where the user B intends to execute the scan service by the mobile terminal 200b in the process of executing the scan service of the user A will be described.

In this case, when the user B holds the mobile terminal 200b over the server 100, the server 100 generates menu information for the mobile terminal 200b and sends the generated menu information.

At this point, the user A has already acquired the menu information with the portable terminal 200a, but the multi-function peripheral device 300 is not executing any image processing service, and all the image processing services can be used. is there.

The user B's portable terminal 200b that has acquired the menu information generated by the server 100 is displayed as illustrated in the screen (a) of FIG. In the screen (a) of FIG. 17, two image processing services “copy” and “scan / fax” are displayed as selectable image processing service names having usage authority information.

Here, when the user B operates the mobile terminal 200b and selects “Scan / FAX”, the screen shown in the screen (b) of FIG. 17 is displayed on the mobile terminal 200b. In the screen (b) of FIG. 17, the circle on the left side of “Scan / FAX” is changed from white to black, and the selected image processing service is clearly indicated.

When the user B selects “detailed settings”, confirms or changes the setting information, and selects “execute” on the screen (b) in FIG. 17, the portable terminal as shown in the screen (d1) in FIG. 12. A screen prompting you to hold over the server appears.

The user B holds the portable terminal 200b on which the screen (d1) of FIG. 12 is displayed over the server 100 (reader / writer 150) in order to execute the scan service.

At this time, the multifunction peripheral device 300 is already executing the scan service of the user A, and the server 100 is blocking the execution start request for the scan service acquired from other than the mobile terminal 200a.

Therefore, in the server 100, the error information generated by combining the error contents and the operation items for dealing with the error by the message generation unit 107 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 200b of the user B.

As shown in the screen (c) of FIG. 17, the error content that the scan service is being executed and the operation item for dealing with this error are selected for the mobile terminal 200b of the user B who has acquired this error information. Displayed as possible.

When the user B selects “end scanning” on the screen (c) in FIG. 17, the server 100 ends all the controls related to the scanning service of the user B.

On the other hand, when the user B tries to execute the scan service again, the user B selects “return to menu” on the screen (c) in FIG. At this time, the screen (b) of FIG. 17 is displayed on the portable terminal 200b.

As described above, even when the image processing service cannot be executed, the menu information already acquired can be used as it is.

Then, when the user B selects “execute” on the screen (b) in FIG. 17, a screen prompting the portable terminal 200b to hold the portable terminal 200b again as shown in the screen (d1) in FIG. Is displayed.

After confirming that the scanning service of the user A is finished, the user B performs an operation of holding the portable terminal 200b with the screen (d1) of FIG.

At this time, the multifunction peripheral device 300 is in a state in which the scan service of the user A is finished and the scan service can be executed. Therefore, the server 100 sends message information notifying the start of execution of the scan service generated by the message generation unit 107 to the mobile terminal 200b of the user B.

Subsequently, in the server 100, the exclusive execution authority for the scan service is set so as to block the scan service execution start request acquired from other than the mobile terminal 200b, and the multifunction peripheral device 300 executes the scan service of the user B. .

Further, for example, an execution start message for the image processing service as shown in the screen (e) of FIG. 12 is displayed on the mobile terminal 200b of the user B who has acquired the message information generated by the server 100.

Hereinafter, the scan service of the user B is the same as the scan service sequence in the second embodiment described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a case where the user C intends to execute the scan service by the mobile terminal 200c in the process of executing the above-described scan service of the user A will be described.

As shown in the sequence of FIG. 16, when the user C holds the mobile terminal 200c over the server 100, the server 100 generates menu information for the mobile terminal 200c and sends the generated menu information to the mobile terminal 200c.

At this time, the multifunction peripheral device 300 is already executing the scan service of the user A, and the server 100 is in a state of blocking a scan service execution start request obtained from other than the mobile terminal 200a. For this reason, the server 100 sends error information notifying that the image processing service generated by the message generation unit 107 is already being executed to the mobile terminal 200c.

A screen as shown in the screen (d) of FIG. 17 is displayed on the mobile terminal 200c that has acquired the error information. In this screen, “scan / fax” is displayed as the name of the image processing service having usage authority information, and a message indicating that other users are in use and cannot be used is displayed on the left side of the screen. Furthermore, this screen is displayed in a state where the image processing service cannot be selected.

As described above, even when the image processing service is being executed, the user can acquire menu information by holding the portable terminal 200 over the server 100 and confirm the execution state of the multifunction peripheral device 300. Can do.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a case where an execution start request is sent to another image processing service while a certain image processing service is being executed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence when the user D tries to execute the print service in the process of executing the scan service of the user A. Note that the sequence executed by the server 100 for the user A is the same as the sequence in which the scan service shown in FIG.

As shown in the sequence of FIG. 18, when executing the print service, the user D instructs the PCd 400D to print data created by the document creation application or the like. The PCd 400D transmits a print request to the server 100 according to this instruction.

Receiving the print request sent from the PCd 400D, the server 100 performs entry (registration) for the print service.

The user D issues a print instruction (print request) from the PCd 400D, then goes to a place where the server 100 and the multi-function peripheral device 300 are located, and holds the portable terminal 200d over the server 100 (reader / writer 150). At this point, in the multi-function peripheral device 300, all image processing services are available.

In the server 100, when the portable terminal 200d is held over, the menu information for the portable terminal 200d is generated, and the generated menu information is transmitted to the portable terminal 200d.

For example, a menu screen as shown in the screen (a) of FIG. 19 is displayed on the mobile terminal 200d of the user D who acquired the menu information generated by the server 100. In this menu screen, “Print” is displayed as an image processing service name having usage authority information, and the number of print requests (jobs) received from the PC is displayed below it.

Here, when the user D operates the portable terminal 200d and selects “print”, the circle on the left side of “print” changes from white to black as shown in the screen (b) of FIG. The service is specified. Further, after the user D selects “detailed settings”, confirms or changes the setting information, and selects “execute” on the screen (b) in FIG. 19, as shown in the screen (g) in FIG. A screen that prompts the user to hold the portable terminal 200d over the server is displayed.

In order to execute the print service, the user D holds the portable terminal 200d on which the screen (g) of FIG. 8 is displayed over the server 100 (reader / writer 150).

At this time, in the multi-function peripheral device 300, the scan service of the user A is already being executed, and the server 100 is in a state of blocking an execution start request for the scan service acquired from other than the mobile terminal 200a. However, the server 100 is not blocking the execution start request for the print service.

Further, since the multifunction peripheral device 300 is in a state where the print service can be executed after the processing by the scan service is completed, the server 100 notifies the start of execution of the print service generated by the message generation unit 107. Message information to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 200d of the user D.

On the mobile terminal 200d of the user D who has acquired the message information generated by the server 100, for example, a screen as shown in the screen (c) of FIG. 19 is displayed. On this screen, the number of print requests (jobs) received, the fact that another image processing service is being executed, and a message prompting to hold the portable terminal 200d after a while are displayed.

On the other hand, in the server 100, following the transmission of the message information, the exclusive execution authority for the print service is set so as to block the print service execution start request obtained from other than the portable terminal 200d, and the print job is transmitted to the PCd 400D. Make a request. Then, the server 100 receives the print job sent from the PCd 400D and controls to start the execution of the print service in a standby state until the scan service processing is completed.

At this time, the server 100 is in a state of blocking execution start requests for the two image processing services of the scan service and the print service.

In the multifunction peripheral device 300, when the process by the scan service of the user A is completed, a scan service completion notification is transmitted to the server 100. Receiving this service end notification, the server 100 releases the exclusive execution authority for the scan service. At this time, the exclusive execution authority for the print service is kept set, and the execution start request for the print service of another user is blocked.

When the end of the scanning service of the user A is confirmed and the user D holds the mobile terminal 200d over the server 100, the server 100 acquires the mobile ID information from the mobile terminal 200d, and performs user authentication based on the acquired mobile ID information. Do. Subsequently, the server 100 transmits a print service execution start command to the multi-function peripheral device 300 and transmits (transfers) the print job sent from the PCd 400D.

Upon receiving the print service execution start command, the multi-function peripheral device 300 starts printing the print job data sent from the PCd 400D, and transmits a service end notification to the server 100 when printing is completed. Receiving this service end notification, the server 100 cancels the exclusive execution authority for the print service and ends the print service of the user D.

The server 100 may send the print job transmission request to the PC D 400D of the user D immediately after receiving the scan service end notification or after holding the mobile terminal 200d after the scan service ends.

Further, after the server 100 cancels the exclusive execution authority for the scan service, the print service may be automatically started even if the portable terminal 200d of the user D is not held over the server 100.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, a case where one user executes different image processing services will be described. First, a case where the multifunction peripheral device 300 executes a scan service and a print service will be described as an example.

FIG. 20 is a sequence explanatory diagram illustrating a process when the user A executes the scan service and the print service using the mobile terminal 200a.

In the sequence shown in FIG. 20, exclusive execution authority is set for two services, that is, a scan service and a print service. In addition, this sequence is characterized in that after the two image processing services are completed, the exclusive execution authority set for each image service is released at once.

Since the process until the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100 (reader / writer 150) and acquires the menu information is the same as the sequence of FIG. 7 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

In the sequence of FIG. 20, when the user A holds the portable terminal 200a over the server 100 and obtains menu information, a menu screen as shown in the screen (a) of FIG. 21 is displayed on the portable terminal 200a. In this screen, two image processing services “print” and “scan / fax” are displayed as selectable image processing service names having usage authority information.

Here, in order to execute the scan service and the print service, the user A operates the operation unit 203 of the portable terminal 200a to select both “print” and “scan / fax”. In the mobile terminal 200a, as shown in the screen (b) of FIG. 21, the circles on the right side of both the “print” and “scan / fax” items change from white to black, and two image processing services are selected. It is clearly shown.

Further, as described above, the user A can confirm or change the setting information of each image processing service by selecting “detailed settings” displayed under “print” or “scan / fax”. Therefore, the description is omitted.

When the user A selects “execute” on the screen (b) in FIG. 21, a screen showing the execution order of the image processing services as shown in the screen (c) in FIG. 21 is displayed on the mobile terminal 200a. .

In this screen, scanning and printing are displayed in this order, but when user A selects “change execution order”, the execution order is changed and displayed. Then, when the execution order displayed by the user A selecting “execution” is confirmed, selection response information including information on the execution order (hereinafter referred to as execution order designation information) is generated. As shown in the screen (g), a screen prompting the user to hold the portable terminal 200a over the server is displayed. Note that when three or more image processing services are executed at this time, it is possible to change the order in a desired order by a user operation.

Next, when the user A holds the portable terminal 200a with the screen (g) of FIG. 8 displayed on the server 100 (reader / writer 150), the server 100 receives the portable ID information and the selection response information from the portable terminal 200a. Is acquired (read), and user authentication is performed based on the mobile ID information. Subsequently, the server 100 determines the execution state of the print service in the multi-function peripheral device 300 specified by the service specifying information included in the selection response information.

Here, if the server 100 determines that both image processing services can be executed, message information for notifying the start of execution is generated and sent to the mobile terminal 200a. If there is an image processing service that cannot be executed, message information indicating that the image processing service cannot be executed is generated and transmitted to the mobile terminal 200a.

Following the transmission of the message information, the server 100 collectively sets the exclusive execution authority for the scan service and the print service acquired from other than the portable terminal 200a. Subsequently, the server 100 transmits an image processing service execution start command to the multi-function peripheral device 300 in accordance with the order of the execution order designation information included in the selection response information. If there is an image processing service that cannot be executed, the server 100 only sets exclusive execution authority for the executable image processing service.

Next, the server 100 transmits a scan service execution start command to the multifunction peripheral device 300. The multifunction peripheral device 300 starts the scan service when it receives this execution start command.

The multi-function peripheral device 300 can execute the print service even while the scan service is being executed. However, since the exclusive execution authority for the print service is set, other users can The print service cannot be executed using the peripheral device 300.

When the processing by the scan service ends, the multi-function peripheral device 300 transmits a service end notification to the server 100. Upon receiving this service end notification, the server 100 transmits to the multi-function peripheral device 300 a print service execution start command to be executed next. The multifunction peripheral device 300 that has received this execution start command starts the print service.

When the print service is started, the print service may be started (send an execution start command) by holding the portable terminal 200 over the server 100 again after the scan service ends.

The multi-function peripheral device 300 can execute the scan service even while the print service is being executed. However, since the exclusive execution authority for the scan service is set, other users can The scan service cannot be executed using the peripheral device 300.

When the processing of the print service ends, the multi-function peripheral device 300 transmits a service end notification to the server 100. Upon receiving this service end notification, the server 100 cancels the exclusive execution authority for the scan service and the print service in a lump and ends the control for the two image processing services for the user A.

As described above, when a plurality of image processing services are designated, the server 100 collectively sets exclusive execution authority for all corresponding image processing services. Then, after all the image processing services are completed, the server 100 performs cancellation of the exclusive execution authority in a lump so that the server 100 can execute a plurality of image processing services from other users. Execution start requests can be eliminated.

[Seventh embodiment]
Next, another embodiment when the multi-function peripheral device 300 executes the scan service and the print service will be described. In this embodiment, as in the above-described sixth embodiment, exclusive execution authority for the scan service and the print service is collectively set. However, it is different from the sixth embodiment in that the exclusive execution authority set in the two image processing services is not canceled in a lump but is released individually when the processing of each image processing service is completed.

This difference will be described with reference to the sequence of FIG. 20. After the processing of the scan service is completed, the server 100 cancels the exclusive execution authority set for the scan service and then returns to the multifunction peripheral device 300. Thus, a print service execution start command is transmitted.

Also, in the server 100, for example, a scan service execution start request from the user B may be acquired after the exclusive execution authority for the scan service of the user A is released until the print service is started. In such a case, the server 100 sets the exclusive execution authority for the scan service in response to the execution start request from the user B (mobile terminal 200b), and blocks the scan service execution start request obtained from other than the user B. Then, after the print service of user A is completed, the scan service of user B is executed.

As described above, when individually canceling only the exclusive execution authority set for the service at the time when the image processing service is terminated, the server 100 uses other users' image processing services for which the exclusive execution authority has been canceled. An execution start request can be accepted. Therefore, the useless waiting time of the multifunction peripheral device 300 is reduced, and the multifunction peripheral device 300 can be operated efficiently.

[Eighth embodiment]
Next, still another embodiment when the scan service and the print service are executed by the multifunction peripheral device 300 will be described. In this embodiment, unlike the above-described sixth and seventh embodiments, the exclusive execution authority is set only for the image processing service to be executed by the server 100, and when the processing of the image processing service is completed. The difference is that after the set exclusive execution authority is released, the process proceeds to control of the image processing service to be executed next.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence when the user A executes a scan service and a print service using the mobile terminal 200a.

In FIG. 22, the process from obtaining the menu information with the mobile terminal 200a, selecting a required service, and holding the mobile terminal 200a over the server 100 is the same as that described in FIG. 20 (sixth embodiment). Since it is similar, it will be described briefly.

The user A operates the portable terminal 200a to select a scan service and a print service and holds it over the server 100. At this time, the server 100 acquires (reads) mobile ID information and selection response information from the mobile terminal 200a, and performs user authentication based on the mobile ID information. Subsequently, the server 100 determines the execution status of the scan service and the print service specified by the service specification information included in the selection response information.

Here, in accordance with the order of the execution order designation information included in the selection response information, the server 100 first sets exclusive execution authority for the scan service, and blocks the scan service execution start request acquired from other than the mobile terminal 200a. To do. Then, a scan service execution start command is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral device 300. The multi-function peripheral device 300 that has received this execution start command starts the scan service.

The multifunction peripheral device 300 is in a state where the print service can be executed while the scan service of the user A is being executed. At this time, since the server 100 does not set the exclusive execution authority for the print service, the server 100 is ready to accept the print service execution start request obtained from another user.

When the processing of the scan service ends, the multi-function peripheral device 300 transmits a service end notification to the server 100. Receiving the service end notification, the server 100 releases the exclusive execution authority set for the scan service. At this point, the scan service for user A is terminated, and the server 100 is ready to accept an execution start request from another user for the scan service.

Subsequently, the server 100 sets exclusive execution authority for the print service in order to execute the print service in accordance with the order of the execution order designation information included in the selection response information. Then, a print service execution start command is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral device 300. Upon receiving this print service execution start command, the multifunction peripheral device 300 starts the print service of the user A.

When starting the print service, the print service may be started by sending the portable terminal 200a to the server 100 again (sending an execution start command).

While the print service of user A is being executed, the server 100 blocks only the print service execution start request from other users, so that the execution start request for other image processing services can be accepted. It is.

When the processing of the print service ends, the multi-function peripheral device 300 transmits a service end notification to the server 100. Receiving the service end notification, the server 100 cancels the exclusive execution authority set for the print service, and ends the control for the print service of the user A.

Note that the server 100 may acquire, for example, a print service execution start request from the user B after the exclusive execution authority for the scan service of the user A is released and before the print service is started. In such a case, the server 100 may perform control so that the print service of the user B is executed after the print service of the user A is terminated. Further, the server 100 may perform control so that the print service of the user B is preferentially executed before the print service of the user A is executed.

As described above, the server 100 blocks only the execution start request of the image processing service to be executed, and releases the block when the image processing service ends. Therefore, the server 100 can accept an execution start request for an image processing service that is not being executed, and can efficiently operate the multifunction peripheral device 300. Further, when the server 100 performs the control as described above, it is possible to suppress long-time occupation of the multifunction peripheral device 300 by one user.

[Execution order of multiple image processing services]
In the above-described embodiment (including the first to eighth embodiments), the server 100 determines the execution order of the image processing services when there is a request for starting execution of a plurality of image processing services, and executes the execution. Control according to the order. When determining the execution order of the image processing service, information such as the specifications (performance) of the multi-function peripheral device 300, the execution state (setting state or operation state) of the multi-function peripheral device 300, the order of accepting execution start requests, and the like. The execution order of the image processing services is determined, and the multi-function peripheral device 300 is controlled according to the execution order.

Further, the server 100 can be controlled to execute different image processing services in parallel (simultaneously) depending on the situation. Furthermore, the server 100 can also perform control such that the execution order is appropriately changed based on these pieces of information.

Further, in the present embodiment described above, the functions described below can be added to the server 100.

[Service termination notification]
When the image processing service ends, message information for notifying the end of the image processing service generated by the server 100 may be notified. Since the notification method is the same as the error information notification method described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[Notification of estimated service availability]
Furthermore, the predicted time until the end of the image processing service may be displayed on the mobile terminal 200. In this case, when the portable terminal 200 is held over the server 100 during the execution of the image processing service, the server 100 calculates the estimated time until the image processing service becomes available (until the image processing service being executed ends). The calculated time is calculated as message information and sent to the mobile terminal 200.

[About print jobs]
The server 100 may transmit the print job transmitted from the PC to the multi-function peripheral device 300 at an appropriate timing when controlling the print service for the multi-function peripheral device 300. Therefore, a print job may be spooled in advance in the server 100 and sent to the multi-function peripheral device 300 when an execution start command is transmitted. Alternatively, spooling may be performed by the multi-function peripheral device 300 so that it can be printed out immediately after receiving an execution start command from the server 100.

In addition, various configurations can be adopted as long as the configuration can realize a function equivalent to that of the network system shown in FIG. For example, by connecting the multi-functional peripheral device 300 and the reader / writer 150 directly to the network 500 instead of connecting to the server 100, it is possible to install each of them in different locations, and there are restrictions on the installation locations. Alleviated. Furthermore, since a plurality of multifunction peripheral devices 300 can be controlled by a single server 100, the cost can be reduced.

In such a configuration, the reader / writer 150 is installed in a place where the multi-function peripheral device 300 can be seen, and the state of the multi-function peripheral device 300 can be checked, thereby improving the confidentiality at the time of service execution. What is necessary is just to secure.

[Services other than image processing services]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described control of the image processing service, and can be applied to devices other than the image processing service as long as they are devices shared via a network.

For example, the present invention can be applied to devices such as digital home appliances (TVs, cameras, AV devices) having a function of reading / writing data and files such as music and video. In this case, for example, the portable terminal 200 is held over the server 100 to perform user authentication so that only data and files having usage authority can be read. Further, only the user who is permitted to write data and files can write to the recording medium.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus. This can also be achieved by reading the program code stored in the storage medium and executing the processing.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. .

Further, an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. You may do it.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. In some cases, the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit executes part or all of the actual processing, and the above-described embodiment is realized according to the processing.

For supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk represented by CD or DVD, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, or the like is used. Can do. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

100 Server 101 CPU
102 Setting Information Storage Unit 103 Authentication Unit 104 Service Management Control Unit 105 Job Management Control Unit 106 Operation / Display Unit 107 Menu Generation Unit 108 Local I / F
109 Network I / F
110 system bus 150 reader / writer 200 portable terminal 201 CPU
202 Unique information storage unit 203 Operation unit 204 Display unit 205 Application execution control unit 206 Communication unit 207 External I / F unit 300 MFP
400A PCa
400B PCb
500 network 600 interface

Claims (11)

A device control apparatus for controlling a device having an execution function for one or more services,
Information acquisition means for acquiring information from the mobile terminal by an external communication function ;
Management control means for determining the execution state of the service in the device and the execution process of the service based on the information acquired from the portable terminal by the information acquisition means;
Information generating means for generating user interface information by combining item information associated with a predetermined process corresponding to an execution state of the service and an execution process of the service based on a determination result by the management control means ;
Information sending means for sending the user interface information generated by the information generating means by the external communication function,
The predetermined process is
An information acquisition process until the user interface information is acquired by the mobile terminal;
An information selection process from the acquisition of the user interface information by the portable terminal to generation and transmission of selection response information according to the user interface information;
A function execution process while a corresponding service is being executed on the device;
A device control apparatus, wherein the device control apparatus is one of an execution end process after the execution of the service is ended . Further comprising information notifying means for notifying that the user interface information has been generated by the information generating means;
When the information generating means generates user interface information,
Informing the generation of the user interface information by the information notification means,
After performing the notification, sending the generated user interface information to the mobile terminal by the information sending means;
The device control apparatus according to claim 1. Information storage means storing user information including at least first user authentication information;
Authentication means for performing user authentication by collating the second user authentication information acquired from the portable terminal by the information acquisition means and the first user authentication information stored in the information storage means; ,
When user authentication by the authentication means is successful,
The management control unit determines a service permitted to be used based on the first user authentication information used for verification by the authentication unit.
The device control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the service acquisition information is acquired together with the second user authentication information from the portable terminal by the information acquisition means,
The management control means determines an execution state of the corresponding service and an execution process of the service based on the collated user authentication information and the acquired service designation information.
The device control apparatus according to claim 3. The user interface information is
Menu information including the service designation information and setting information of the service, message information including a notification message regarding the execution state of the device, error information including error contents in the device, or a combination thereof,
The device control apparatus according to claim 4. A device control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A device control apparatus which is integrated with the device. A device control method for controlling a device having an execution function of one or more services,
An information acquisition step in which the information acquisition means acquires information from the mobile terminal via an external communication function;
Based on the information acquired in the information acquisition step, a first determination step in which the management control means determines the execution state of the service and the execution process of the service in the device;
Information on which the information generation means generates user interface information by combining item information associated with the execution state of the service and a predetermined process corresponding to the execution process of the service based on the determination result in the first determination step Generation step;
A first information sending step in which the information sending means sends the user interface information generated in the information generating step by the external communication function;
The predetermined process is
An information acquisition process until the user interface information is acquired by the mobile terminal;
An information selection process from the acquisition of the user interface information by the mobile terminal to the generation and transmission of selection response information according to the user interface information;
A function execution process while a corresponding service is being executed on the device;
It is one of the execution termination processes after the execution of the service is terminated
A device control method. An information notifying step for notifying that the user interface information has been generated in the information generating step by the information notifying means;
After performing the notification in the information notification step, further executing a second information transmission step in which the information transmission means transmits the user interface information generated in the information generation step to the mobile terminal;
The device control method according to claim 7. When the second user authentication information is acquired from the portable terminal in the information acquisition step, the first user stored in the information storage unit is the second user authentication information acquired by the authentication unit in the information acquisition step. An authentication step for performing user authentication against authentication information;
A second determination step of determining, when the user authentication is successful, a service permitted to be used based on the first user authentication information used by the management control means in the verification step; The device control method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: When obtaining service designation information together with the second user authentication information from the portable terminal in the information obtaining step,
The management control means further executes a third determination step of determining the execution state of the corresponding service and the execution process of the service based on the user authentication information collated in the authentication step and the acquired service designation information. about,
The device control method according to claim 9. The user interface information is
Menu information including the service designation information and setting information of the service, message information including a notification message regarding the execution state of the device, error information including error contents in the device, or a combination thereof,
The device control method according to claim 10.

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