Image processing device and method

Abstract

To solve the problem that a conventional technology cannot achieve flexible control about transmission of apparatus information that considers a user's approval state on the basis of usage application of an image processing device.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, an image processing device includes request means for transmitting a request including identification information of the image processing device to a management server in the case of receiving an input about approval with transmission of first information on use of the image processing device other than individual information of a user of the image processing device in order to use a first service, and provision means for further providing a screen for acquiring approval with transmission of second information on the use of the image processing device, including the individual information for the first service on the basis of notification from the management server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for transmitting usage information of an image processing apparatus to an external system via a network. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide range of services are available that allow image processing devices to be connected to the Internet and transmit their usage information to the vendor. In recent years, image processing devices have been provided that can be used for both corporate services, where companies manage the printing information of their telecommuters, and personal cloud services, where users can print photos and documents from social networking sites and photo sharing sites by linking with various cloud services. To use these services, users must agree to allow their image processing devices to transmit their usage information to the vendor via the Internet.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that can eliminate the need for consent procedures for disclosure of personal information for each application for use of a service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-191846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technique of Patent Document 1 does not allow for flexible control of transmission of device information based on the intended use of the image processing device and taking into account the consent status of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, the image processing device of the present invention is characterized by having a request means for sending a request including identification information of the image processing device to a management server when input regarding consent to the transmission of first information related to the use of the image processing device, excluding personal information of the user of the image processing device, for the use of a first service, is received, and a provision means for providing a screen for obtaining consent to the transmission of second information related to the use of the image processing device, including the personal information, for the first service, based on notification from the management server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, flexible control of transmission of device information can be realized based on the intended use of the image processing device and taking into account the consent status of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process of storing the personal web service consent screen display requirement. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the process up to the display of the consent screen for a personal web service. [Figure 6] This is a table stored in the database of the printer management server. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a web service consent screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a sequence when a personal web service is additionally registered. [Figure 9] This is a table stored in the database of the printer management server. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Web service warning screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure.

[0011] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system of this embodiment includes a printer management server 101, a service provider server 102, and a printer 103 which is a recording device.

[0013] The printer management server 101 and the service provider server 102 are each connected to the Internet 100. The printer 103 can be connected to the Internet via a router 104. The printer management server 101 is a management server that manages information sent from the printer 103 and can provide the information sent from the printer 103 to the service provider server 102 via the Internet 100. Each communication is controlled using HTTP, XMPP, or the like. Note that the protocol is not limited to these, and other protocols may also be used. For example, the printer 103 periodically transmits status information, including information such as the number of printed pages and the amount of remaining ink, along with identification information (e.g., a serial number) of the printer 103 to the printer management server 101. The printer management server 101 transmits the information received from the printer 103 to the service provider server 102 according to the services registered by the printer 103.

[0014] In this embodiment, the service provider server 102 can provide a variety of services corresponding to each of multiple usage purposes of the image processing device. Examples of such services include a corporate web service, such as a service that a company signs a contract with and manages the printing information of telecommuters. Examples of web services for individuals include a printing service that links with various cloud services and allows users to print photos and documents from social networking sites and photo sharing sites, and a point-granting service that rewards users based on the number of times they print. Another web service for individuals is a print subscription service. While this embodiment describes the service provider server 102 providing multiple services, a separate service provider server may be provided for each of one or more services.

[0015] <Server configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer management server 101. The configuration of the printer management server 101 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0016] The printer management server 101 includes a CPU 201 , a RAM 202 , a ROM 203 , a storage device 204 , an operation unit 205 , a display unit 206 , a network communication unit 207 , and a network connection unit 208 .

[0017] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls each component of the printer management server 101. The RAM 202 serves as a working memory required when the CPU 201 executes a program. The ROM 203 is a read-only memory that stores a boot program required for system startup. The storage device 204 stores programs executed by the CPU 201, a database 209, and various information, and is a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk or flash memory. The operation unit 205 includes a keyboard, mouse, and other components that allow the user to perform various input operations. The display unit 206 includes, for example, an LCD, and displays various information to the user. The network communication unit 207 is connected to a network such as the Internet 100 via a network connection unit 208 and performs various communications. The above-mentioned components are interconnected by a bus 210, allowing them to send and receive data between each other.

[0018] The service provider server 102 has the same hardware configuration as the printer management server 101, and a description thereof will be omitted. However, the service provider server 102 may have a different hardware configuration from that of the printer management server 101.

[0019] 2 illustrates an example in which the printer management server 101 is configured from one server (information processing device), but it may also be configured from multiple servers. In other words, each function may be executed by multiple servers working in cooperation with each other. The service provider server 102 may also be configured from multiple servers. In this disclosure, a configuration consisting of one server or multiple servers is called a server system.

[0020] <Printer hardware configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 103. As shown in FIG.

[0021] The configuration of the printer 103 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 3. The printer 103 includes a printer unit 301, a scanner unit 302, a memory card slot 303, a memory card 304, and an ink tank unit 315. The printer 103 also includes a CPU 305, a program memory 306, a work memory 307, a display unit 308, an operation unit 309, a network communication unit 310, a network connection unit 311, and a flash memory 312. While this embodiment uses the printer 103, which is a multifunction peripheral, as an example of a recording device, this embodiment can be applied to a recording device other than a multifunction peripheral. An image processing device such as a copier or facsimile machine can also be used, and a printer without a scanner function can also be used. While this embodiment uses a printer that records using ink as an example of a recording device, this embodiment can also be applied to a device that uses a recording material such as toner.

[0022] In the printer 103, the printing function is realized by a printer unit 301. The scanner function is realized by a scanner unit 302, and the storage function is realized by a memory card mounting unit 303 and a memory card 304. The printer unit 301 records (i.e., prints) an image on a recording medium such as printing paper using an inkjet method, based on image data received from an external device or image data stored in the memory card 304. The printer unit 301 also manages paper information, including information on the amount of remaining ink and the number of sheets of paper in the stack.

[0023] The scanner unit 302 optically reads an original placed on a platen (not shown) and converts it into electronic data. The image data is then converted into a specified file format and transmitted to an external device via a network or stored in a storage area (not shown) such as a hard disk drive. The copy function is realized by transferring image data generated by scanning an original placed on the platen with the scanner unit 302 to the printer unit 301, which then records the image on a recording medium based on the image data. Various file data are stored in a memory card 304 inserted in the memory card insertion unit 303. This file data can be read and edited by an external device via a network. File data can also be stored in the memory card 304 in response to an instruction from the external device.

[0024] The CPU 305 is a central processing unit for controlling each component within the printer 103. The program memory 306 is composed of a ROM or the like, and stores various program codes and an application 314 for communicating with the printer management system 101. The work memory 307 is composed of a RAM or the like. Image data and the like are temporarily stored in the work memory 307 when each service is executed, and buffering is performed using the work memory 307. The display unit 308 is composed of, for example, an LCD, and displays various information. The operation unit 309 includes switches and the like for the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 310 connects to the router 104 via the network connection unit 311. That is, the network communication unit 310 connects to a network such as the Internet 100 via the network connection unit 311 and performs various communications. Control of various communications is performed via HTTP, XMPP, or the like. Note that the protocols are not limited to these, and other protocols may be used. The flash memory 312 is a non-volatile memory for storing image data and the like received by the network communication unit 310. The above-mentioned units are interconnected via a bus 313, enabling them to send and receive data to and from each other. The ink tank unit 315 is equipped with an ink cartridge including an ink tank that contains the ink used in the printer unit 301. If toner is used as the recording material, a toner cartridge may be equipped.

[0025] <Printer Web Service Usage Settings Screen> FIG. 7 shows examples of a Web service usage screen 701 , a Web service usage consent screen 704 for individuals, and a Web service usage consent screen 707 for corporations, all of which are displayed on the display unit 308 of the printer 101 .

[0026] The Web service usage screen 701 in FIG. 7(a) includes a personal Web service button 702 for selecting the use of "personal Web services" and a corporate Web service button 703 for selecting the use of "corporate Web services."

[0027] For example, in cases where a user uses a printer provided by the company to which the user belongs for business purposes, or in cases where a user uses a printer owned for both personal and business purposes, the corporate Web service button 703 will be selected.

[0028] When the user presses the personal Web service button 702, the printer 103 transitions to a personal Web service usage consent screen 704. When the user presses the corporate Web service button 703, the printer 103 transitions to a corporate Web service usage consent screen 707.

[0029] The personal web service usage consent screen 704 in Figure 7(b) includes an consent button 705 for selecting "agree" and a disagree button 706 for selecting "disagree." When the user presses the consent button 705, the printer 103 enables the printer information transmission setting. The printer information transmission setting is a setting that is enabled when transmitting information required for using a personal web service from the printer 101 to an external service server via the network.

[0030] The information to be transmitted includes printer 103 status information (for example, operational information such as errors, information indicating the amount of ink remaining, information related to the recording material such as the number of prints, etc.), printing information necessary for printing, personal information that can identify the individual user, etc. The printer information transmission settings also include settings related to the transmission timing, and information transmission is executed periodically or automatically according to the settings, or when a predetermined condition is met.

[0031] 7C includes an Agree button 708 for selecting "Agree" and a Disagree button 709 for selecting "Disagree." When the user presses the Agree button 708, the printer 103 automatically transmits its identification information (such as a serial number) to the printer management server 101 periodically or when a predetermined condition is met. As a result of this transmission, the printer 103 can obtain registration information for the corporate Web service from the destination.

[0032] Furthermore, when the Agree button 708 is selected, the information transmission settings for corporate services are enabled. The information transmission settings for corporate services are enabled when transmitting information to an external corporate service server via a network.

[0033] The information to be transmitted includes printer 103 status information (e.g., operational information such as errors, information about the remaining ink level, information about the recording material such as the number of prints), and printing information required to execute printing, excluding personal information that could identify the individual user. The information transmission settings for corporate services also include settings related to transmission timing, and information transmission is executed periodically or automatically according to the settings, or when a predetermined condition is met.

[0034] <Processing from registering a web service, including for personal use, to starting to send printer information> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a series of processes from registration of a Web service including personal use to the start of printer information transmission.

[0035] Here, the series of processes can be executed by the CPUs of the printer management server 101, the service provider server 102, and the printer 103. That is, the series of processes can be executed by each CPU expanding program code stored in a storage device onto RAM and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps shown in Fig. 4 may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC or hardware.

[0036] In S401, when the service provider 102 receives service usage registration from the user, it sends a service registration notification including the Web service name registered in the printer management server 101, the identification information (for example, the serial number) of the printer 103, and installation location information. Note that although the serial number is used as an example of the identification information for identifying the printer here, other information such as a MAC address may also be used.

[0037] In S402, the printer management server 101 associates the identification information of the printer 103 received in S401 with the registered Web service name and installation location information, and registers them in the printer management table 602 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows an example of a service table 601 and a printer management table 602 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101. As shown in FIG.

[0039] The printer management server 101 registers and manages in advance in the service table 601 of Figure 6(a) the names of web services in association with type information indicating whether each service is for personal use, corporate use, or both personal and corporate use.

[0040] When the printer management server 101 receives a service registration notification from the service provider server 102, it associates the identification information of the printer 103 with the Web service name and installation location information and registers them in the printer management table 602 of FIG. 6(b).

[0041] Returning to the sequence of FIG. 4, in S403, the printer 103 displays the Web service usage start screen 701 on the display unit 308 and detects that the corporate Web service button 703 has been pressed.

[0042] In S404, the printer 103 displays a corporate Web service usage consent screen 707 on the display unit 308 and determines whether the consent button 708 has been pressed. If it is determined that the consent button 708 has been selected, the determination result in this step becomes true, and the corporate service information transmission settings become valid as described above. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S405. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process ends.

[0043] In S405, the printer 103 transmits a request for service confirmation including the identification information of the printer 103 to the printer management server 101.

[0044] In S406, the printer management server 101 checks the name of the service being registered based on the identification information of the printer 103 received in S405 from the printer management table 602 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101. Furthermore, the printer management server 101 checks from the service table 601 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101 whether the Web service being registered is a Web service that includes personal use.

[0045] In S407, the printer management server 101 notifies the printer 103 of the service information. As this notification, service information including the name of the service for which the printer 103 is registered, the type of service, and information on whether consent to use the personal web service must be obtained is returned to the printer 103. The information on whether consent to use the personal web service must be obtained is information that indicates "necessary" if the type of service confirmed in S406 is a service that includes personal use, and "no" otherwise.

[0046] In S408, the printer 103 determines whether obtaining consent to use the personal Web service is "required." If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S409. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process ends.

[0047] In S409, the printer 103 determines whether the printer information transmission setting is invalid. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S410. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process ends.

[0048] In S410, the printer 103 stores data indicating that consent to use the personal Web service is required in the flash memory 312 of the printer 103. Then, the process ends.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing until the printer 103 enables the printer information transmission setting. The series of processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 is performed by the CPU 305 of the printer 103 by loading program code stored in a disk device or the like into RAM and executing it. It should be noted that before the series of processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 starts, it is assumed that the printer 103 is in a power-off state.

[0050] This flow starts when it is detected that the power button of the printer 103 has been pressed. In S501, the CPU 305 switches the printer 103 from a power-off state to a power-on state.

[0051] In S502, the CPU 305 determines whether the printer 103 is in a state where consent to use the personal Web service is required. Here, the determination result is true if data indicating that consent to use the personal Web service is required is stored in the flash memory 312 in the above-mentioned S410. If the determination result in this step is true, proceed to S503. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the processing ends.

[0052] In S503, the CPU 305 provides a personal Web service usage consent screen 704 to the display unit 308 of the printer 103. Here, the screen is provided and displayed on the display unit 308 of the printer 103, but it is also possible to provide the screen on a mobile terminal of the user of the printer 103, etc. In S504, the CPU 305 determines whether the Agree button 705 has been pressed on the personal Web service usage consent screen 704. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S505. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process ends.

[0053] In S505, the CPU 305 enables the printer information transmission setting. While the printer information transmission setting is enabled, the printer 103 transmits usage information of the printer 103 via the network to a service provider server corresponding to the contracted service when a predetermined condition is met or periodically. Here, the predetermined condition is met when the power is turned on, when printing or copying is performed, when a predetermined operation is performed by the user on the screen of the printer 103, or other conditions are met.

[0054] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, if a service pre-registered (contracted) with the service provider is a service that can be used for both corporate and personal use, even if the printer 103 has already agreed to corporate use, the transmission of printer 103 usage information can be stopped until the printer agrees to personal use.

[0055] <Application example> In the above description, the printer 103 stores the state in which consent to use the personal web service is required, and displays the personal web service usage screen the next time the printer 103 is turned on. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0056] Specifically, the personal Web service usage consent screen 704 may be displayed when information indicating that personal Web service usage consent is "required" is received from the printer management server 101 (when the determination result in S409 is true).

[0057] In the above example, the identification information of the printer 103 is transmitted in S405, but the information that the printer information setting of the printer 103 is invalid may also be transmitted.

[0058] In addition, in the above example, the printer management server 101 determined whether or not consent to use the personal web service needed to be obtained based on whether or not the service type of the registered service included personal use, but the determination may also be made based on the installation location information of the printer 103.

[0059] <Embodiment 2> In the second embodiment, a case where a new personal Web service is registered while the printer 103 is already registered for a corporate Web service will be described. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions of the content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0060] 8 shows a series of processes when a new personal web service is registered to a printer 103 that is currently using a corporate web service, similar to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. As in FIG. 4, this series of processes can be executed by the CPUs of the printer management server 101, the service provider server 102, and the printer 103.

[0061] S801 to S802 are the same as S401 to S402 in FIG.

[0062] In S803, the printer 103 performs service confirmation including identification information of the printer 103 with the printer management server 101. Note that in this embodiment, service confirmation is performed according to a predetermined condition, such as periodically or when the power is turned on.

[0063] In S804, the printer management server 101 checks all registered service names based on the identification information of the printer 103 received in S803 from the printer management table 901 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101. The printer management server 101 checks, for all registered services, from the service table 601 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101, whether the type of the service being registered is a Web service that includes personal use.

[0064] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a printer management table 901 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101. The printer management table 901 indicates that the printer 103 is currently registered with multiple Web services.

[0065] In S805, the printer management server 101 notifies the printer 103 of service information including the service name, service type, and information on whether or not consent to use the personal Web service is required for each service for which the printer 103 is registered. Here, if there is information on multiple services, the printer management server 101 returns all of that information.

[0066] In S806, the printer 103 determines whether there is at least one service in the received service information that indicates that consent to use the personal Web service is required. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S807. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process ends.

[0067] In S807, the printer 103 determines whether the information transmission setting of the printer 103 is invalid. If the determination result of this step is true, the process proceeds to S808. On the other hand, if the determination result of this step is false, the process ends.

[0068] In S808, the printer 103 displays a Web service usage warning screen 1001 on the display unit 308. Fig. 10 shows an example of the Web service usage warning screen 1001 displayed on the display unit 308 of the printer 101. The Web service warning screen 1001 displays a message that consent is required to use the personal service due to the addition of a contract / registration service.

[0069] In step S809, when the printer 103 detects that the Web service warning screen 1001 displayed in step S808 has been closed, the printer 103 displays the personal Web service usage consent screen 704 on the display unit 308 of the printer 103.

[0070] In S810, the printer 103 determines whether the Agree button 705 on the personal Web service usage consent screen 704 has been pressed. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S811. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S812.

[0071] In step S811, the printer 103 enables the printer information transmission setting.

[0072] In S812, the printer 103 stops sending all printer information to the printer management server 101, including status information (such as information indicating the number of printed sheets and the amount of remaining ink) and printing information required for printing.

[0073] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to this embodiment, when a new personal web service is registered while the printer 103 is already registering a corporate web service, a warning indicating that consent to use the personal web service is required can be displayed on the printer 103.

[0074] (Other Examples) The present invention also includes an apparatus or system configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments, and a method thereof.

[0075] Here, the present invention is a device or system that executes one or more pieces of software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Also, a method for implementing the above-described embodiments executed by the device or system is also one aspect of the present invention. The program is supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and is read into one or more memories and executed by one or more computers (CPUs, MPUs, etc.) of the system or device. In other words, the present invention also includes the program itself or various storage media that store the program and are readable by a computer. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 101 Printer Management Server 103 Printer 305 CPU

Claims

1. a requesting means for transmitting a request including identification information of the image processing device to the management server when an input of consent regarding transmission of first information related to use of the image processing device, excluding personal information of the user of the image processing device, is received for use of the first service; An image processing device characterized by having a provision means that, based on a notification from the management server, provides a screen for obtaining consent for the transmission of second information related to the use of the image processing device, including the personal information, for the first service.

2. the second information is not transmitted from the image processing device to an external device via a network without input of consent via the provided screen; 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the second information from the image processing device to an external device via a network when input of consent is received via the provided screen.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: means for validating a transmission setting for transmitting the second information when input of consent is received via the provided screen.

4. The image processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the providing means receives a notification from the management server indicating that a second service has been added that requires the transmission of second information related to the use of the image processing device, including the personal information, and if consent to the transmission of the second information has not yet been obtained, provides a screen for obtaining consent to the transmission of the second information.

5. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first information and the second information include information relating to a recording material.

6. 1. A method in an image processing device, comprising: a request step of transmitting a request including identification information of the image processing device to the management server when an input of consent regarding transmission of first information related to use of the image processing device, excluding personal information of the user of the image processing device, is received for use of the first service; A method characterized by comprising a providing step of providing, for the first service, a screen for obtaining consent regarding the transmission of second information related to the use of the image processing device, including the personal information, based on notification from the management server.

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