JP2005354405A - Data management system, data operation terminal, image forming apparatus and data operation program being executed by them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily alter an image forming apparatus storing data being operated. <P>SOLUTION: The data management system comprises a PC, an altered MFP, and a using MFP. The PC comprises a means (S01) for specifying the altered MFP, and a means (S03) for transmitting IP address of the using MFP, information for identifying a user, and a download command to the altered MFP. Upon receiving the download command from the PC (S11, S12), the altered MFP communicates with the using MFP by using a received IP address and transmits the identification information (S13). The using MFP transmits the data in a box to the altered MFP (step S36) on condition that a true user is decided (S33, S34). The altered MFP receives data stored in the using MFP while associating with the identification information (S18), stores it in the box (S20) and making operation of the data effective on condition that the identification information is inputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data management system, a data operation terminal, an image forming apparatus, and a data operation program executed by them, and in particular, an image forming apparatus and a data operation terminal are connected to a network and stored in the image forming apparatus from the data operation terminal. The present invention relates to a data management system, a data operation terminal, an image forming apparatus, and a data operation program executed by them.

  In recent years, a multi-function type image forming apparatus such as a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) combining a printing apparatus, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus has been used to store data read by the scanner apparatus or other image forming apparatus. It is used such as sending to. In this MFP, the received print data, facsimile data, etc. may be stored as electronic data without being printed out immediately. In such a case, the electronic data is stored in a classification storage unit that stores information classified for each individual or for each predetermined department.

  Usually, such a classification storage unit is called a box or the like, and a box name or the like as additional information is added to the box. A box with such a box name is stored in the MFP by performing a predetermined registration operation in the MFP.

  On the other hand, an MFP is connected to a network, and data stored in a box in the MFP is operated from a personal computer (PC) connected to the network. In this case, the user ID and password are assigned to the box, and the MFP receives the user ID and password from the PC and performs user authentication, whereby the user ID and password are assigned to the box to which the user ID and password are assigned. There is a usage that allows access.

  On the other hand, there are cases where the user disconnects the PC from the first network to which the MFP is connected, carries the PC and moves it, and then connects to the second network for use. In such a case, the location where the user was and the location where the MFP is located are separated, and the user cannot operate the MFP to process the data stored in the box. For this reason, when the user connects the PC to the second network of the movement destination, it is convenient to store desired data in another MFP connected to the second network.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-67282 (Patent Document 1) is a file transfer system for transferring a file between a client device connected to a network and a server device, and a file or a folder placed in the client device, File transfer means for moving to an arbitrary area in the Web site opened on the client device, and when the file or folder is moved to an arbitrary area in the Web site by the file moving means, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) application software A data input means for starting and setting and inputting each information of transmission destination information and transmission source information, and a file for transferring the file or folder to a specific destination in the server device based on movement destination information in the data input means Transfer means A file transfer system characterized by comprising:

However, the file transfer system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-67282 has a problem that the user needs to specify a file or folder, and the user's operation is complicated.
JP 2003-67282 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is a data management system capable of easily changing an image forming apparatus that stores data to be operated, To provide a data operation terminal and a data operation program.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a data operation program that can store data to be operated received from other image forming apparatuses with a security function.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a data management system stores first and second image forming apparatuses connected to a network and data stored in the first image forming apparatus. A data management system including an operable data operation terminal, wherein the data operation terminal includes position information for specifying a position on the network assigned to the first image forming apparatus, and the first image forming apparatus. Device information storage means for preliminarily storing identification information for identifying a user stored in the device, specifying means for specifying a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus, and device information An instruction to receive the position information and identification information of the first image forming apparatus stored in the storage means and the data stored in association with the identification information from the first image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus includes a data storage means for preliminarily storing the identification information and data designated by the user in association with each other, and the second image forming apparatus. Data transmitting means for transmitting the data stored in association with the identification information to the second image forming apparatus on condition that the information is received, and the second image forming apparatus includes the first image forming unit. An instruction receiving means for receiving position information on the network of the apparatus, identification information, and an instruction; and communication with the first image forming apparatus using the received position information to transmit the identification information; and Data receiving means for receiving data stored in association with the data, storage means for storing the received data in association with the identification information, and stored data on condition that the identification information is input Against and a permitting means for validating the operation.

  According to the present invention, when the second image forming apparatus is specified by the data operation terminal, the data stored in advance in the first image forming apparatus is stored in the second image forming apparatus in association with the identification information. In this image forming apparatus, the data operation is valid on condition that the identification information is input. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data management system capable of easily changing the image forming apparatus that stores data to be operated.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the data operation terminal is a data operation terminal capable of operating data stored in an image forming apparatus connected to a network, and is a network assigned to the first image forming apparatus. Device information storage means for preliminarily storing position information for specifying the upper position and identification information for identifying a user stored in advance in the first image forming apparatus, and the first image forming apparatus Specifying means for specifying a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus, position information of the first image forming apparatus stored in the device information storage means, identification information, and identification information from the first image forming apparatus Transmitting means for transmitting an instruction to receive stored data to the second image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the second image forming apparatus is specified, the position information, the identification information of the first image forming apparatus stored in advance and the identification information from the first image forming apparatus are stored in association with each other. An instruction to receive the received data is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. For this reason, the second image forming apparatus that has received the instruction can communicate with the first image forming apparatus by using the position information, and the data stored in the first image forming apparatus in association with the identification information is stored. It becomes possible to receive. As a result, it is possible to provide a data operation terminal capable of easily changing the image forming apparatus that stores data to be operated by a simple operation for specifying the second image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the specifying unit includes a receiving unit that receives an input of positional information on the network of the second image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the second image forming apparatus is specified by inputting positional information on the network.

  Preferably, the first image forming apparatus is connected to the first network, and the specifying unit includes a connection unit that connects the data operation terminal to the second network, and a transmission request signal that requests transmission of predetermined information. Detecting means for detecting the position of the second image forming apparatus connected to the second network in response to reception of the response signal in response to the transmission request signal. Including.

  The connection means may include setting means for setting position information on the second network of the data operation terminal.

  According to the present invention, when the network to which the data operation terminal is connected is changed, the position of the second image forming apparatus connected to the connected network is detected. Further, since the detected second image forming apparatus is connected to the network to which the data operation terminal is connected, the second image forming apparatus can be close to the data operation terminal.

  Preferably, the specifying unit specifies the second image forming apparatus in response to being connected to the second network by the connecting unit.

  According to the present invention, since the second image forming apparatus is specified at the timing when the data operation terminal is connected to the second network, the data is stored in the second image forming apparatus immediately after the connection, and the data operation is performed. Is possible.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes changing means for changing the position information of the first image forming apparatus stored in the device information storage means to the position information of the second image forming apparatus detected by the detecting means.

  According to the present invention, since the position information stored in the data operation terminal is changed to the position information of the second image forming apparatus, the data stored in the second image forming apparatus is operated from the data operation terminal. It becomes possible.

  Preferably, the changing unit changes the input of a change instruction by the user as a condition.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not data stored in the second image forming apparatus can be operated from the user operation terminal at the user's will.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus connected to a network, and stores the identification information for identifying the user in association with the data designated by the user. An instruction receiving means for receiving position information on the network of the image forming apparatus, identification information, and an instruction for receiving data stored in association with the identification information from another image forming apparatus, and using the received position information A data receiving unit that communicates with another image forming apparatus, transmits identification information, receives data stored in association with the identification information, and a storage unit that stores the received data in association with the identification information; And permitting means for validating the operation on the stored data on condition that the identification information is inputted.

  According to this invention, the position information on the network of another image forming apparatus that stores the identification information and the data in association with each other, the identification information, and the data stored in association with the identification information are received from the other image forming apparatus. When the instruction is received, it communicates with another image forming apparatus using the position information, transmits the identification information, receives the data stored in association with the identification information, and stores it in association with the identification information. The operation on the data is validated on the condition that the identification information is input. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can store data to be operated received from another image forming apparatus with a security function.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the data management program is a data management program executed by a data operation terminal capable of operating data stored in a device connected to a network, and is assigned to the first device. Storing in advance location information for specifying a location on the network and identification information for identifying a user stored in advance in the first device; and a step different from the first device Identifying the second device, and transmitting the stored first device position information, identification information, and an instruction to receive data stored in association with the identification information from the first device to the second device And causing the computer to execute

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a data operation program capable of easily changing an image forming apparatus that stores data to be operated.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the data operation program stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information on the network of the external image forming apparatus that stores the data specified by the user in association with each other. Receiving the identification information and an instruction to receive the data stored in association with the identification information, and communicating with the external image forming apparatus using the received identification information to obtain the identification information and the identification information. The step of receiving the data stored in association with the data, the step of storing the data received from the external image forming apparatus in association with the identification information, and the operation on the stored data on condition that the identification information is input And causing the computer to execute a step of validating.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a data operation program that can store data received from another image forming apparatus with a security function.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a data management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, data management system 10 includes multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 1A and 1B connected to network 6A, and data operation terminals (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 2, 3, and 4, respectively. And an MFP 1C connected to the network 6B, and a PC 5. The network 6A is connected to the network 6C via the router 7A. The network 6C is connected to the network 6B via the router 7B.

  PCs (Personal Computers) 2 to 5 are general personal computers. Since these functions are the same, the PC 2 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified.

  An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1A, 1B, 1C includes a scanner for reading a document, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data, a facsimile, an image reading function, a copy It has a function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a print function for printing data. Since the functions of the MFPs 1A, 1B, and 1C are all the same, the MFP 1A will be described as an example unless otherwise specified.

  The number of MFPs 1A, 1B, 1C and PCs 2 to 5 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. It is sufficient that at least one MFP is connected to each of the networks 6A and 6B, and there is at least one PC.

  MFP 1A in the present embodiment includes a data storage device such as a hard disk for storing data. MFP 1A communicates with PC 2 and stores data received from PC 2. In the MFP 1A, the received data, the data read by the scanner, the facsimile data, etc. are stored as electronic data without being printed out immediately. In such a case, the electronic data is stored for each individual or for each predetermined department. Usually, the area of the hard disk that is divided and stored in this way is called a box, and a box name, which is additional information, is added to the box. In the present embodiment, a box provided for each user is secured on the hard disk. Identification information for identifying the user is assigned to the box for each user. The identification information includes, for example, a user ID and a password. User authentication is performed using this user ID and password, and only a user to whom a box is assigned is permitted to perform operations on the box, for example, registration, change, and deletion of data.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a box corresponding to the user of the PC 2 is created in the MFP 1A, and the user disconnects the PC 2 from the network 6A and connects to the network 6B. In this case, the PC 2 stores location information indicating the location of the MFP 1A on the network 6A, for example, an IP address (Internet Protocol), in order to indicate that the user box has been created in the MFP 1A. This eliminates the need for the user to input the location information of the MFP 1A on the network each time in order to operate the data in the box of the MFP 1A from the PC 2.

  A detachable flash ROM 9 is attached to the MFP 1A. The program stored in the flash ROM 9 is executed by a central processing unit (CPU) provided in the MFP 1A. The program may be stored in an EEPROM (electrically erasable / programmable read only memory) instead of being read from the flash ROM 9. The MFP 1 executes a program stored in the EEPROM by the CPU. Further, since this EEPROM can rewrite or additionally write the stored contents, another computer connected to the networks 6A, 6B, 6C can rewrite the program stored in the EEPROM of the MFP 1A, or create a new program. You may make it write by adding. Further, the MFP 1A may download a program from another computer connected to the networks 6A, 6B, and 6C and store the program in the EEPROM.

  The networks 6A and 6B are local area networks (LAN). The network 6C is the Internet or a general public line. The networks 6A, 6B, 6C may be wired or wireless.

  A removable CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) 8 is mounted on the PC 2. A program stored in the CD-ROM 8 is executed by a central processing unit (CPU) included in the PC 2.

  The program executed in the MFP 1A is stored and distributed in the flash ROM 9, and the program executed in the PC 2 is stored in the CD-ROM and distributed. However, other recording media such as a flexible disk and a cassette are shown. Tape, CD-ROM, hard disk, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, It may be a medium that carries a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as a flash ROM. Further, it may be downloaded from another device via the network 6A.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline after the PC 2 is connected to the network 6B. Referring to FIG. 2, the difference from FIG. 1 is that PC 2 is connected to network 6B instead of network 6A. In this case, in the PC 2, the connection environment to the network is changed. More specifically, the IP (Internet Protocol) address assigned to the PC 2 is changed. This change is usually performed by the user setting a new IP address from the PC keyboard or the like. Thereby, the PC 2 detects that the connection is changed from the network 6A to the network 6B. This also detects that the MFP 1A is not connected to the network 6B.

  In the case where the network 6A and the network 6B are located away from each other, for example, it is assumed that the network 6A is laid in a building in Osaka and the network 6B is laid in a building in Tokyo. This is a case where the user carries the PC 2 on a business trip, moves to Tokyo, and connects the PC 2 to the network 6B. When the user desires to print the data stored in the box of the MFP 1A, the user has to perform processing such as moving desired data from the MFP 1A to the PC 2. Printing cannot be performed by directly operating the MFP 1C. This is because the data desired by the user is not stored in the MFP 1C. If the number of desired data is small, such work can be repeated for each data. However, if the number of data increases, the work becomes complicated and troublesome.

  Therefore, in the data management system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the PC 2 is connected to the network 6B, the user box of the PC 2 is created in the MFP 1C, and the data in the user box in the MFP 1A is created in the MFP 1C. To download. At this time, the user does not need to input an instruction necessary for downloading.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 1A includes a control unit 101 for controlling the entire MFP 1A, a scanner 103 that optically reads a document and outputs image data, and a storage unit 105 that is a storage device such as a hard disk. An operation panel 106 that accepts user operations, a communication unit 109 for connecting the control unit 101 to the network 6A, and an image forming unit 111 for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper.

  The scanner 103 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), optically reads a document, and outputs electronic data as image data. Image data output from the scanner 103 is output to the storage unit 105. At this time, when a user ID and a password are input, the image data is stored in a box provided in the storage unit 105 corresponding to the user ID.

  The operation panel 106 includes an input unit 108 for receiving an operation input by a user and a display unit 107 for displaying predetermined information.

  The storage unit 105 is a storage device such as a hard disk. A semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) may be used for the storage unit 105. Storage unit 105 includes a data storage unit 105A for storing data designated by the user, an IP address storage unit 105B for storing an IP address assigned to MFP 1A, and an authentication data storage unit 105C. The data storage unit 105A divides the image read by the scanner, the received facsimile data, or the data received from the PCs 2 to 5 into boxes and stores them as electronic data. The IP address storage unit 105B is stored by an administrator or the like when the MFP 1A is connected to the network 6A. The authentication data storage unit 105C stores authentication data for user authentication. The authentication data is identification information for identifying a user, and includes a user ID and a password.

  Communication unit 109 is a communication interface for connecting MFP 1A to network 6A. The MFP 1A communicates with the PCs 2 to 5 and accepts the login of the users of the PCs 2 to 5. Then, in accordance with commands from the PCs 2 to 5, file processing such as registration processing for newly registering data in the data storage unit 105A, print processing for outputting data from the image forming unit 111, and deletion processing for deleting data is executed. That is, the data stored in the data storage unit 105A of the MFP 1A is processed according to instructions from the PCs 2-5.

  The image forming unit 111 visualizes image data read by the scanner 103, image data received from another computer by the communication unit 109, and data stored in the data storage unit 105A on a sheet.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation panel 106. Referring to FIG. 4, operation panel 106 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 150, a numeric keypad 151, a clear key 152 for returning a set numerical value to an initial value, and an interrupt key 153 for executing interrupt copying. A start key 154 for instructing the start of image reading is provided. The liquid crystal touch panel 150 is formed by loading a touch panel made of a transparent member on a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device corresponds to the display unit 107. The touch panel 150, numeric keypad 151, clear key 152, interrupt key 153, and start key 154 correspond to the input unit 108. By displaying an instruction button on the liquid crystal display device and detecting the instruction of the button on the touch panel, various operations can be input. Operation panel 106 displays a login screen for accepting a login operation by the user on MFP 1A, and accepts an input of a user ID and a password.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the control unit of the MFP according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, control unit 101 includes a user authentication unit 125 for authenticating a user, a data management unit 120 for managing data stored in data storage unit 105A, and data management unit 120. Connected to the image processing unit 127 that converts the data stored in the data storage unit 105A into bitmap data and outputs the data to the image forming unit 111, and is connected to the communication unit 109 and the operation panel 106. An input unit 121 for inputting data received by the unit 109 and a data transmission unit 123 connected to the data management unit 120 and outputting the data stored in the data storage unit 105A to the communication unit 109 are included.

  The user authentication unit 125 is connected to the input unit 121. The user authentication unit 125 receives the identification information input by the user from the operation panel 106 or the identification information transmitted from the PC 2 via the communication unit 109 via the input unit 121. The user authentication unit 125 is connected to the authentication data storage unit 105C. The user authentication unit 125 compares the identification information input from the input unit 121 with the identification information stored in advance in the authentication data storage unit 105C. As a result of comparison, if the two match, it is determined as a true user, and if they do not match, it is not determined as a true user. The result of the user authentication is output to the data management unit 120. The identification information is information for identifying the user, and includes a user ID and a password.

  The data management unit 120 manages data stored in the data storage unit 105A. As described above, the data storage unit 105A is divided into boxes for each user. The data management unit 120 manages the data stored in the data storage unit 105A for each box. As described above, identification information is assigned to the box. Therefore, when the result of user authentication as a result of user authentication is received from the user authentication unit 125, the data management unit 120 receives only the data in the box to which the identification information is assigned. Enable the operation based on the identification information. An operation based on the identification information is input from the input unit 121 to the data management unit 120. When the operation based on the identification information is input to the input unit 121, the operation input may be received from the operation panel 106 or may be input from the PC 2 via the communication unit 109. The operations for the data stored in the data storage unit 105A include data registration, change, deletion, reading, and print output.

  The data transmission unit 123 transmits the data in the box whose access is enabled by the data management unit 120 to a predetermined destination via the communication unit 109. This destination is included in the download instruction input from the input unit 121, as will be described later.

  The image processing unit 127 is connected to the data management unit 120, reads data stored in the data storage unit 105 </ b> A in accordance with an operation command input from the data management unit 120, converts the data into bitmap data, and converts the image forming unit 111. Output to. When the bitmap data is input, the image forming unit 111 visualizes the bitmap data on a recording medium such as paper. As a result, printing is performed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the data management system in the present embodiment. Here, an example of processing executed when the PC 2 is disconnected from the network 6A and connected to the network 6C from the state in which the PC 2 is connected to the network 6A and the user box of the PC 2 is stored in the MFP 1A. Show. In this case, for simplicity of explanation, the MFP in which the user's box is stored is referred to as the used MFP, and the MFP from which data is downloaded is referred to as the changed MFP. Here, MFP 1A is the MFP used, and MFP 1C is the changed MFP. 6A shows processing executed by the PC 2, FIG. 6B shows processing executed by the MFP 1C, and FIG. 6C shows processing executed by the MFP 1A.

  Referring to FIG. 6A, PC 2 determines whether or not the used MFP has been changed (step S01). Whether the MFP is used or not is determined by the IP address of the MFP stored in advance in the PC 2. Here, since the MFP 1A is used as an MFP, the IP address of the MFP 1A is stored in the PC 2 in advance.

  There are the following three cases when the used MFP is changed.

  (1) When the PC 2 is connected to a different network.

  (2) When the IP address of the used MFP stored in the PC 2 is changed. For example, the user of the PC 2 may desire to change the user box from MFP 1A to MFP 1B. In such a case, the user rewrites the IP address of MFP 1A stored in PC 2 with the IP address of MFP 1B. In this case, the MFP used is MFP 1A, and the changed MFP is MFP 1B.

  Here, as described above, a case where the connection of the PC 2 is changed from the network 6A to a different network 6B will be described as an example.

  In step S02, the changed MFP is determined. When the PC 2 is connected to the network 6B, the IP address assigned to the PC 2 is changed. This change is normally set by the user of the PC 2. Thereby, the PC 2 detects that the network to which it is connected has been changed. In this case, the PC 2 determines the MFP 1C connected to the network 6B as the changed MFP. However, when the PC 2 is connected to the network 6B, the PC 2 does not store the presence of the MFP 1C connected to the network 6B. Therefore, the PC 2 broadcasts a signal requesting transmission of predetermined information to the network 6B and receives a response signal responding to the request. The presence of MFP 1C is detected from the response signal. More specifically, the PC 2 transmits management information called a predetermined MIB (Management Information Base) to a device connected to the network 6B by broadcast by communication using the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) protocol. Request transmission. Since the signal requesting the transmission of the MIB is broadcast to the network 6B, the MFP 1C receives the transmission request. Upon receiving such a transmission request, the MFP 1C transmits its own MIB to the originating PC 2. The transmitted data includes the IP address of the MFP 1C. Therefore, the PC 2 can acquire the IP address of the MFP 1C from the received MIB. Although an example of requesting MIB transmission is shown here, other methods may be used as long as position information on the network 6B of other devices connected to the network 6B to which the PC 2 is connected can be acquired. . The location information on the network may use a MAC (media access control) address or the like in addition to the IP address.

  In the present embodiment, a case where one MFP 1C is connected to network 6B is shown as an example, so that a response to the MIB transmission request is received from MFP 1C. When a plurality of MFPs are connected to the network 6B, a plurality of MIBs are received. In this case, which MFP should be the changed MFP may be as follows.

  (1) A method in which the user makes a decision by selecting. Since the received MIB includes information for identifying a plurality of MFPs, for example, IP addresses, a list is displayed on the display of the PC 2 so that the user selects one of the MFPs. The changed MFP is determined.

  (2) A method in which the MFP that has received the response signal first is changed to the MFP.

  Of the received response signals of the MIB, the MFP that transmitted the response signal received first is defined as the changed MFP.

  (3) A method in which an arbitrary MFP is changed to an MFP.

  Among the plurality of MFPs that have transmitted the response signal, an arbitrary MFP is determined as the changed MFP. There is a method of determining an arbitrary MFP using a random number, for example.

  Here, a case where the changed MFP is determined to be MFP 1C will be described as an example.

  In the next step S03, the location information of the MFP 1A used, the identification information for identifying the user, and the download command are transmitted to the changed MFP. This process is a process executed by the data transmission unit 123. As described above, the PC 2 stores in advance the location information of the used MFP 1A, that is, the IP address of the used MFP 1A. Further, the PC 2 stores in advance identification information assigned to the box of the MFP 1A to be used. Accordingly, the PC 2 transmits the location information (IP address) of the used MFP 1A, the identification information, and the download command stored in advance to the IP address of the MFP 1C determined in step S02. These pieces of information are received by the MFP 1C.

  When the MFP 1C after the change receives the download command, it downloads the corresponding data. When the download is completed, a download end signal is transmitted to the PC 2. The PC 2 determines whether or not the download is completed depending on whether or not the download end signal is received from the MFP 1C after the change (step S04). If a download end signal is received, the process proceeds to step S05, and if not, a standby state is entered. That is, when the download end signal is received, the processing from step S05 is executed.

  In step S05, a message asking whether or not to change the user box from the box in the using MFP 1A to the box in the changed MFP 1C is displayed on the display of the PC 2, and an input of a change instruction is accepted from the user. If a change instruction has been input, the process proceeds to step S06, and if not, the process ends.

  In step S06, in order to change the user's box to the box in the changed MFP 1C, the IP address (position information) of the used MFP 1A stored in the PC 2 is rewritten with the IP address (position information) of the changed MFP 1C. . As a result, the operation on the box of the PC 2 is handled as an operation on the data stored in the box of the MFP 1C after the change.

  Referring to FIG. 6B, the changed MFP 1C is in a standby state for receiving data from the network 6B (step S11). If some data is received, the processing from step S12 is executed, and if not, the standby state is entered. As described above, the PC 2 transmits the IP address, user identification information, and download command of the MFP 1A to be used to the MFP 1C after the change as shown in step S03 of FIG. When the changed MFP 1C receives the data in step S11, it determines whether or not the data is a download command (step S12). If it is a download command, the process proceeds to step S13, and if not, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, a process according to a command included in the received data is executed and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S13, since the data received at step S11 is a download command, the user identification information is transmitted to the IP address of the MFP used in the received data (step S13). As a result, the user MFP 1A performs user authentication in the user authentication unit 125 according to the user identification information. When the MFP 1A in use determines that the user is a true user by user authentication, the authentication result is transmitted to the MFP 1C after the change. In the changed MFP 1C, in step S15, it is determined whether or not the user MFP 1A has been logged on from the result of the user authentication. If it is possible to log on, the process proceeds to step S17, and if not, the process proceeds to step S16. If it is determined that the user authentication result is a true user, it is determined that the user can log on, and if the user authentication is not determined, it is determined that the user cannot log on.

  In step S16, an error process is executed because the logon failed. In this error process, for example, a signal indicating that the download process has failed and data has not been downloaded is transmitted to the PC 2.

  In step S17, a request signal for requesting download to the used MFP 1 is transmitted. When receiving the download request signal, the using MFP 1A executes a process of transmitting the data in the box of the user who is permitted to log on to the MFP 1C after the change. Thereby, the data is downloaded in the changed MFP 1C (step S18).

  In step S19, a box corresponding to the identification information included in the data received in step S11 is created in the data storage unit 105A. In step S20, all of the data downloaded in step S18 is stored in the box created in step S19. When the storage is completed, a download end signal indicating that the download is completed is transmitted to the PC 2 (step S21).

  Referring to FIG. 6C, MFP 1A in use determines whether or not data has been received from network 6A (step S31). If data has been received, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the process enters a standby state. In other words, the MFP 1A in use executes the processing from step S32 onward when data is received.

  In step S32, it is determined whether the received data is a logon request. If it is a logon request, the process proceeds to step S33, and if not, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, after the process according to the received data command is executed, the process ends.

  In the case of a logon request, user identification information is received together with the logon request, and thus the received identification information is output to the user authentication unit 125 in step S33. The user authentication unit 125 compares the authentication data stored in the authentication data storage unit 105C. If it is determined in step S34 that the user is a true user as a result of user authentication, the process proceeds to step S35, and if not, the process ends. In this case, error information is output to the MFP 1C after the change.

  In step S35, it is determined whether a download request has been received. If a download request is received, the process proceeds to step S36. If not, the process proceeds to step S37, and processing according to the received data is executed.

  In step S36, in accordance with the download request, the data stored in the user's box authenticated in step S33 is read and transmitted to the changed MFP 1C.

  When the data transmission is completed, the using MFP ends the process.

  As described above, according to the data management system 10 in the present embodiment, when the changed MFP 1C is specified by the PC 2, the data stored in the box of the used MFP 1A is stored in the box of the changed MFP 1C. In addition, since data is stored in the box in the changed MFP 1C, the operation of the data is validated only when it is determined that the user is a true user by user authentication. For this reason, the box in which the security function is added and the data is stored can be easily changed from the used MFP 1A to the changed MFP 1C.

  Further, since the user can specify the changed MFP 1C by inputting the IP address of the changed MFP 1C from the operation panel 106, the data stored in the box of the used MFP 1A can be easily changed to the changed MFP 1C. Can be downloaded.

  In addition, since the changed MFP 1C is specified by changing the network to which the PC 2 is connected, it is stored in the box of the MFP 1A used for the MFP 1C connected to the changed network simply by changing the network to which the PC 2 is connected. The downloaded data can be easily downloaded.

  Further, since the box is changed to the MFP 1C connected to the network 6B in which the connection has been changed, the box can be changed to the changed MFP 1C where the PC 2 is installed, that is, a position close to the user's location. .

  Further, when there are a plurality of MFPs connected to the network 6B to which the PC 2 is connected, any one of the MFP designated by the user, the MFP that sent the response signal first, or the MFP that is arbitrarily determined, etc. Since one MFP is selected, the MFP can be selected with certainty.

  The MFP 1C after the change is specified at the timing when the PC 2 is changed from the network 6A to the network 6B. Therefore, the box is changed to the changed MFP 1C immediately after the PC 2 is connected to the network 6B. Therefore, the user can operate the data in the box of the MFP 1C after the change with good timing.

  Since the IP address of the used MFP 1A stored in the PC 2 in advance is changed to the IP address of the changed MFP 1C after the box is changed to the changed MFP 1C, the box to be operated on the PC 2 is changed to the changed MFP 1C. Can be changed. For this reason, the operability is further improved.

  Further, whether or not the box to be operated on the PC 2 is changed from the using MFP 1A to the changed MFP 1C is based on a change instruction from the user. For this reason, the box used as the object of operation used by PC2 can be changed by a user's intention. For example, when the PC 2 is temporarily connected to the network 6B, for example, only during a business trip, it is desirable to keep the box to be operated on the PC 2 as used MFP 1A. There is a case. In such a case, it is desirable that the box to be operated on the PC 2 is the MFP 1A to be used.

  Even in this case, since the box data of the used MFP 1A is stored in the box of the changed MFP 1C, the user can operate the box data in the changed MFP 1C by operating the MFP 1C.

  The data operation terminal in the embodiment described above includes the following inventions.

  (1) The data operation terminal according to claim 4, wherein the connection means includes setting means for setting position information of the data operation terminal on the second network.

  (2) When the response signal is received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the second network, the detection unit displays device information for specifying the plurality of image forming apparatuses. 5. The data operation terminal according to claim 4, further comprising: means; and an instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for selecting the second image forming apparatus from the displayed apparatus information.

  (3) In the case where response signals are received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the second network, the detection unit selects the image forming apparatus that has received the response signal first. The data operation terminal according to claim 4, which is detected as an image forming apparatus.

  (4) When the response signal is received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the second network, the detecting unit is arbitrarily selected from the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The data operation terminal according to claim 4, wherein the data operation terminal is detected as the second image forming apparatus.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure showing the whole data management system outline in one of the embodiments of the invention. It is a figure which shows the whole data management system outline | summary at the time of changing the network which connects PC2 from the network 6A to the network 6B. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. It is a top view of an operation panel. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a control unit of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed with the data management system in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1A, 1B, 1C MFP, 2-5 PC, 6A, 6B, 6C network, 7A, 7B router, 10 data management system, 101 control unit, 103 scanner, 105 storage unit, 105A data storage unit, 105B IP address storage unit , 105C authentication data storage unit, 106 operation panel, 107 display unit, 108 input unit, 109 communication unit, 111 image forming unit, 120 data management unit, 121 input unit, 123 data transmission unit, 125 user authentication unit, 127 image processing Part, 150 LCD touch panel.

Claims (10)

A data management system including first and second image forming apparatuses connected to a network and a data operation terminal capable of operating data stored in the first image forming apparatus,
The data operation terminal includes position information for specifying a position on the network assigned to the first image forming apparatus, and identification information for identifying a user stored in advance in the first image forming apparatus. And device information storage means for storing in advance,
Specifying means for specifying a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus;
The position information of the first image forming apparatus stored in the device information storage unit, the identification information, and an instruction to receive data stored in association with the identification information from the first image forming apparatus Transmission means for transmitting to the second image forming apparatus,
The first image forming apparatus includes a data storage unit that stores the identification information and data designated by the user in association with each other,
Data transmitting means for transmitting data stored in association with the identification information to the second image forming apparatus on condition that the identification information is received from the second image forming apparatus;
The second image forming apparatus includes an instruction receiving unit configured to receive position information on the network of the first image forming apparatus, the identification information, and the instruction.
Data receiving means for communicating with the first image forming apparatus using the received position information, transmitting the identification information, and receiving data stored in association with the identification information;
Storage means for storing the received data in association with the identification information;
A data management system comprising permission means for validating an operation on the stored data on condition that the identification information is input. A data operation terminal capable of operating data stored in an image forming apparatus connected to a network,
Position information for specifying a position on the network assigned to the first image forming apparatus and identification information for identifying a user stored in advance in the first image forming apparatus are stored in advance. Device information storage means;
Specifying means for specifying a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus;
The position information of the first image forming apparatus stored in the device information storage unit, the identification information, and an instruction to receive data stored in association with the identification information from the first image forming apparatus A data operation terminal comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit to the second image forming apparatus.   The data operation terminal according to claim 2, wherein the specifying unit includes a receiving unit that receives an input of position information on the network of the second image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus is connected to a first network;
The specifying means includes connection means for connecting the data operation terminal to the second network;
A transmission request signal for requesting transmission of predetermined information is transmitted to the second network, and the second network connected to the second network is received in response to receiving a response signal in response to the transmission request signal. The data operation terminal according to claim 2, further comprising detection means for detecting a position of the image forming apparatus on the network.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specifying unit specifies the second image forming apparatus in response to being connected to the second network by the connection unit.   The apparatus further comprises changing means for changing the position information of the first image forming apparatus stored in the device information storage means to the position information of the second image forming apparatus detected by the detecting means. 2. The data operation terminal according to 2.   The data operation terminal according to claim 6, wherein the changing unit changes a change instruction input by a user as a condition. An image forming apparatus connected to a network,
Position information on the network of another image forming apparatus that stores the identification information for identifying the user and data designated by the user in association with each other, the identification information, and the identification information from the other image forming apparatus Instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to receive data stored in association with each other;
Data receiving means for communicating with the other image forming apparatus using the received position information, transmitting the identification information, and receiving data stored in association with the identification information;
Storage means for storing the received data in association with the identification information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: permission means that validates an operation on the stored data on condition that the identification information is input. A data management program executed by a data operation terminal capable of operating data stored in a device connected to a network,
Preliminarily storing location information for specifying a location on the network assigned to the first device and identification information for identifying a user stored in advance in the first device;
Identifying a second device different from the first device;
Transmitting the stored location information of the first device, the identification information, and an instruction to receive data stored in association with the identification information from the first device to the second device; A data manipulation program that causes a computer to execute. Location information on the network of the external image forming apparatus that stores identification information for identifying the user and data designated by the user in association with each other, the identification information, and the identification information stored in association with each other. Receiving an instruction to receive data; and
Communicating with the external image forming apparatus using the received identification information to receive the identification information and data stored in association with the identification information;
Storing data received from the external image forming apparatus in association with the identification information;
A data operation program causing a computer to execute a step of validating an operation on the stored data on condition that the identification information is input.

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