Information processing system and non-transitory computer readable

Abstract

To prevent browsing of history information of a job by a user belonging to a user group other than a user group instructing execution, and to permit browsing of the history information of the job by a manager having authority.SOLUTION: The information processing system 80 includes at least one processor, and the processor transmits, to the server 40, the history information of the job executed by the device (image forming apparatus 20) based on the setting information for each user group stored in the area allocated for each user group on the server 40, deletes the history information from the device, acquires the history information stored in the server 40 in response to the viewing request of the administrator having the authority, and displays the history information on the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a job processing device that records job history information in a log database for multiple job processing devices connected via a network. This job processing device makes it possible to manage logs of jobs executed by multiple job processing devices operating in cooperation with each other in an associated manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-16487 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to prevent users who belong to a user group other than the user group that issued the execution instruction from viewing the job history information, and to allow an authorized administrator to view the job history information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing system of a first aspect includes at least one processor, which sends history information of jobs executed by a device based on setting information for each user group stored in an area allocated to each user group on a server to the server and erases it from the device, and in response to a viewing request from an authorized administrator, retrieves the history information stored in the server and displays it on the device.

[0006] An information processing system of a second aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor sends and erases the history information in response to a logout operation by a user belonging to the user group.

[0007] An information processing system of a third aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor sends and erases the history information after a predetermined time has elapsed after the job is executed.

[0008] In an information processing system of a fourth aspect, in the information processing system according to the first aspect, the processor sends and erases the history information in response to a login operation by a user belonging to another user group.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system described in the first aspect, the processor requests the server to generate link information indicating an area on the server where the sent history information is stored, obtains and stores the link information from the server, and, in response to a viewing request from the administrator, requests the server to transmit the history information linked to the link information to the device.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system described in the first aspect, the processor generates and stores link information indicating a location on the server where the sent history information is stored, and requests the server to send the history information linked to the link information to the device in response to a viewing request from the administrator.

[0011] An information processing system of a seventh aspect is an information processing system described in the first aspect, wherein the processor requests the server to send the history information of a predetermined period and quantity to the device in response to a viewing request from the administrator.

[0012] An information processing system of an eighth aspect is an information processing system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the processor stores an identifier together with the link information for each piece of history information, displays the identifier for the history information for a predetermined period and quantity, and requests the server to transmit the history information identified by the identifier to the device in response to the administrator selecting the identifier as the viewing request.

[0013] In a ninth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system described in the eighth aspect, the processor requests the server to send multiple pieces of history information identified by the identifiers to the devices in bulk in response to the administrator selecting multiple identifiers in bulk.

[0014] An information processing system of a tenth aspect is the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the identifier includes time information when the job was executed.

[0015] An eleventh aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system described in the first aspect, wherein after erasing the history information, the processor retrieves the history information stored in an area on the server assigned to the user group in response to a viewing request from a user belonging to the user group from the server and displays it on the device.

[0016] A twelfth aspect of the information processing program is an information processing system according to the eleventh aspect, in which the processor does not retrieve from the server the history information stored in the area assigned to the user group on the server in response to a viewing request from a user who does not belong to the user group.

[0017] An information processing program of a thirteenth aspect causes a computer to send history information of jobs executed by a device based on setting information for each user group stored in an area allocated to each user group on a server to the server and erase it from the device, and to retrieve the history information stored in the server and display it on the device in response to a viewing request from an authorized administrator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the information processing system of the first aspect and the information processing program of the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent users belonging to user groups other than the user group that issued the execution instruction from viewing job history information, and to allow authorized administrators to view job history information.

[0019] The information processing system of the second aspect provides higher confidentiality than a system in which history information remains after a logout operation. Furthermore, the user can check the history information until he or she logs out.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, the history information is sent and deleted even if the user does not perform a logout operation. Furthermore, the user can check the history information until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, when a user belonging to the same user group repeatedly logs in and out to instruct the execution of multiple jobs, the amount of processing can be reduced compared to when history information is sent and deleted for each job. Furthermore, the user can check the history information until a user belonging to another user group logs in.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the location of the history information stored in the server can be stored on the device.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, the location of the history information stored in the server can be stored on the device.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, history information for a predetermined period and quantity can be comprehensively viewed.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to select necessary history information and request its transmission.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, when there are multiple pieces of history information to be viewed, the transmission request and acquisition process can be executed together.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, it is easier to identify the history information to be viewed compared to when execution time information is not included.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, users belonging to the same user group can view history information of jobs that each of them has instructed to be executed.

[0029] According to the information processing system of the twelfth aspect, users who do not belong to the same user group cannot view the history information of jobs that each user has instructed to be executed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall image of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus that constitutes the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus that configures the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a history information sending process in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a history information sending process in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a history information acquisition process in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a history information acquisition process in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] 5 is a diagram showing an example of history information stored in a job information database of an image forming apparatus in the information processing system according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6B] 5 is a diagram showing an example of history information stored in a server of an image forming apparatus in the information processing system according to the embodiment; [Figure 6C] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of identifiers and link information stored in a link information database of an image forming apparatus in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of history information stored in the job information database of the image forming apparatus in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] 10 is a diagram showing an example of history information of jobs by a plurality of user groups stored in a server of an image forming apparatus in the information processing system according to the embodiment; [Figure 7C] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of identifiers and link information of jobs by a plurality of user groups stored in a link information database of an image forming apparatus in the information processing system according to the embodiment; [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an identifier displayed on a display unit in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an identifier displayed on the display unit in the information processing system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, an information processing system and an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and multiple components may exist.

[0032] Furthermore, descriptions of overlapping configurations and symbols in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, or combining one embodiment with various modified examples, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0033] <Information Processing System> 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a system configuration of an information processing system 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 80 has a configuration in which an image forming apparatus 20 and a server 40 are connected via the Internet 50.

[0034] In this disclosure, the term "system" includes anything configured by a single device, configured by multiple devices, or constructed within a higher-level device or system.

[0035] That is, the information processing system of the present disclosure may be constructed across multiple devices other than the image forming device 20 and the server 40. Furthermore, the various processes executed by the information processing system 80 may also be executed in the cloud, on-premise servers, edge servers, endpoints, etc. Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be applied to programs and program products.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 20 is an example of a device in the present disclosure and is a so-called multifunction device that has multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function.

[0037] Image forming device 20 is installed at a base such as a shared office and is shared by users belonging to multiple user groups (companies, organizations, etc.). In the following description, a user belonging to user group A will be referred to as user a, and a user belonging to user group B will be referred to as user b. The number of user groups and users who use image forming device 20 is not particularly limited.

[0038] The server 40 provides a service called a group information management service. The group information management service is a service that provides a storage area on the server 40 for each user group that uses the image forming device 20. Each storage area managed by the group information management service holds various data for the user group.

[0039] The various data include setting information, history information, an address book, a user list, and the like in the image forming apparatus 20.

[0040] "Setting information" refers to initial settings when various jobs are executed by the image forming apparatus 20. The setting information includes, for example, initial color settings for a print job (whether to print in black and white or color), etc.

[0041] Furthermore, "history information" refers to the specific details of a job that has already been executed. One piece of history information corresponds to one job. The history information includes, for example, the job execution date and time, the user who instructed the execution, the fax destination, the file name of the printed data, the data content, the number of copies, color settings, etc.

[0042] In response to a user's login operation, the image forming device 20 reads various data from the storage area of ​​the user group to which the user belongs, which is managed by the group information management service of the server 40. This allows, for example, user A to cause the image forming device 20 to execute a job based on the setting information of user group A stored in the storage area managed by the group information management service.

[0043] <Image forming device> 2 accepts a job input by a user and executes the specified job. One example of a job executed by the image forming apparatus 20 is a print job that forms an original image generated from a scanned original or the like on a recording medium such as paper.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 20 is formed by including an image forming section 22, an input section 24, an image reading section 26, an output section 28, a recognition section 30, and a communication section 32. The image forming apparatus 20 also includes a control device 10.

[0045] (Image forming section) The image forming unit 22 forms the document image generated by the image reading unit 26 on a recording medium such as paper using, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet recording method.

[0046] (Input section) The image forming apparatus 20 includes an input unit 24. The input unit 24 is an interface that allows a user to input a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus 20, and includes a display unit 24A and an operation unit 24B.

[0047] The display unit 24A is a display screen configured by combining, for example, a touch panel with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc. Images, etc. are displayed on the display unit 24A in response to touch operations by the user and processing of the image forming device 20, etc. The operation unit 24B is an operation key, operation button, power button, etc. provided on the image forming device 20.

[0048] By performing a touch operation on display unit 24A, the user can specify job details and input instructions to execute a job to image forming apparatus 20. Furthermore, by performing a touch operation on display unit 24A, the user can cause history information to be displayed on display unit 24A. Note that the user's input operation may be partially performed via operation unit 24B.

[0049] (Image reading unit) The image reading unit 26 includes a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor and the like that reads a document set on a paper tray (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 20 and generates a document image.

[0050] The paper tray is, for example, a paper tray provided in a duplexing auto document feeder (DADF) installed at the upper end of the image forming apparatus 20. The paper tray may also be a manual paper tray provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 20.

[0051] (output section) Output unit 28 is configured to include a paper output tray provided on the side of image forming apparatus 20. An output object on which an original image has been formed in image forming unit 22 is output to the paper output tray. Output unit 28 may be provided with only one paper output tray or multiple paper output trays.

[0052] (Identification section) The identification unit 30 is a reading device that reads a user ID. The user ID is an identifier that identifies a user who uses the image forming device 20. The user ID is personal identification information that is uniquely assigned to each user. By reading the user ID, the identification unit 30 can identify the user group to which the user belongs.

[0053] The user ID may be read from a card on which the user ID is stored. Alternatively, the user ID may be input by operating the input unit 24. After logging in to the image forming apparatus 20 by reading the user ID, the user can instruct the image forming apparatus 20 to execute a desired job. Alternatively, the user can log out via the input unit 24, for example.

[0054] (Electrical configuration of the control device) The control device 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12 as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 13, a medium read / write device (R / W) 16, a communication interface (I / F) unit 18, and an external I / F unit 19. The CPU 11, the memory 12, the storage unit 13, the medium read / write device 16, the communication I / F unit 18, and the external I / F unit 19 are connected to one another via a bus B1.

[0055] The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the control device 10. The medium reading / writing device 16 reads information written in the recording medium 17 and writes information to the recording medium 17. The communication I / F unit 18 is an interface for communicatively connecting the control device to, for example, a server (such as the server 40) provided outside the control device 10 or various terminals used by users. The communication I / F unit 18 uses communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LAN (Local Area Network).

[0056] (Storage part) The storage unit 13 is realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. An information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 as a storage medium. The information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 by setting a recording medium 17, on which the information processing program 13A is written, in the medium reading and writing device 16 and having the medium reading and writing device 16 read the information processing program 13A from the recording medium 17. The CPU 11 reads the information processing program 13A from the storage unit 13, expands it in the memory 12, and sequentially executes the processes of the information processing program 13A. A job information database 13B is stored in the storage unit 13. The job information database 13B temporarily stores history information of executed jobs. The storage unit 13 also stores a link information database 13C. The link information database 13C will be described later.

[0057] (Functional configuration of the control device) Next, the functional configuration of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11A, an output unit 11B, and a transmission unit 11C. The CPU 11 of the control device 10 executes an information processing program 13A to function as the acquisition unit 11A, the output unit 11B, and the transmission unit 11C.

[0058] (Acquisition Department) Acquisition of login and logout information For example, in response to the recognition unit 30 reading a user ID, the acquisition unit 11A acquires login information indicating that a specific user has logged in to the image forming apparatus 20. In addition, in response to the user performing a logout operation via the input unit 24, the acquisition unit 11A acquires logout information indicating that the user has logged out of the image forming apparatus 20.

[0059] ·Getting setting data The acquisition unit 11A acquires various data of the user group to which the user belongs in response to the user's login. The various data are acquired from an area (an area managed by the information management service) allocated to each user group on the server 40. The CPU 11 can cause the image forming apparatus 20 to execute a job based on the setting information included in the various data.

[0060] - Acquisition of job execution instructions The acquisition unit 11A acquires job details and job execution instructions from inputs made by the user via the input unit 24.

[0061] Obtaining browsing requests The acquisition unit 11A acquires a request to view history information from a user or an administrator via the input unit 24. Specifically, the user or administrator selects one or more identifiers, which will be described later, via the input unit 24. This specifies the history information to be viewed. An "administrator" is a user who has the authority to view the history information. The administrator can view the history information of jobs by all user groups that use the image forming apparatus 20, for example.

[0062] ·Get link information The acquisition unit 11A acquires link information from the server 40. "Link information" is information indicating the location where history information is stored in an area managed by a user information management service running on the server 40. In other words, "link information" is information indicating the location of history information on the server 40. An example of "link information" is information written in the form of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the location on the server 40.

[0063] The link information is generated by the server 40 in response to a request for generating link information sent to the server 40 by a sending unit 11C, which will be described later.

[0064] The link information acquired by the acquisition unit 11A is stored in a link information database 13C in the storage unit 13. The link information is stored in the link information database 13C together with an identifier.

[0065] The "identifier" is information for distinguishing each piece of history information from other pieces of history information. Examples of the identifier include the user who instructed the job to be executed, the user group to which the user belongs, information about the time the job was executed, a serial number, etc.

[0066] Obtaining history information The acquisition unit 11A acquires history information requested for transmission by the transmission unit 11C, which will be described later. The history information is stored in an area for each user group managed by a group information management service running on the server 40, and is acquired from that area.

[0067] (output section) -Identifier output In response to a user's login, the output unit 11B outputs history information of jobs executed in the past and the corresponding identifiers to the display unit 24A.

[0068] The history information whose identifiers are output here is history information of jobs instructed to be executed by users who belong to the same user group as the user who has logged in. In addition, the output unit 11B displays the identifiers of the history information for a predetermined period and quantity.

[0069] Furthermore, in response to the administrator's login, the output unit 11B outputs the history information of jobs executed in the past and the corresponding identifiers to the display unit 24A.

[0070] The history information whose identifiers are output here is the history information of jobs instructed to be executed by all users regardless of the user group. The output unit 11B also displays the identifiers of the history information for a predetermined period and quantity.

[0071] -History information output The output unit 11B outputs the history information acquired by the acquisition unit 11A from the server 40 to the display unit 24A.

[0072] In this disclosure, "outputting the identifier to the display unit 24A" and "outputting the history information to the display unit 24A" may be referred to as "displaying the identifier on the display unit 24A" and "displaying the history information on the display unit 24A," respectively.

[0073] (Transmission section) Sending history information In response to the acquisition unit 11A acquiring the logout information of the user, the sending unit 11C sends out the history information of the job executed by the instruction of the user. At this time, the sending unit 11C reads out the history information of the executed job from the job information database 13B and sends it to the server 40.

[0074] After sending the history information to the server 40, the sending unit 11C deletes the history information from the job information database 13B.

[0075] Link information generation request The history information sent from the sending unit 11C is stored in a storage area for each user group managed by a group information management service running on the server 40.

[0076] The sending unit 11C requests the server 40 to generate link information indicating an area on the server 40 where the sent history information is stored. In response to the request to generate link information, the server 40 generates the link information.

[0077] Request to send history information In response to the acquisition unit 11A acquiring a request to view history information (in other words, in response to the acquisition unit 11A acquiring one or more identifiers selected by a user or administrator), the sending unit 11C requests the server 40 to transmit the history information to the control device 10.

[0078] At this time, the sending unit 11C follows the link information associated with the identifier selected by the user or administrator and requests transmission of the history information stored in the area indicated by the link information. In other words, the sending unit 11C requests the server 40 to transmit the history information linked to the link information corresponding to the identifier selected by the user or administrator.

[0079] <Information processing in image forming devices and servers> The flow of processing by the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 40 will be described.

[0080] (Sending process of history information from image forming device) First, the flow of processing in which image forming apparatus 20 sends history information to server 40 and server 40 generates link information will be described with reference to FIG. 4A.

[0081] In step S102, for example, user a belonging to user group A logs in to image forming apparatus 20 and instructs to execute a job.

[0082] In step S104, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20 executes job A instructed to be executed by user a. Job A may be a single job or may include multiple jobs. Note that "job A" refers to a job instructed to be executed by user a who belongs to user group A.

[0083] When user a logs out from image forming apparatus 20 in step S106, CPU 11 sends history information A to server 40 in step S108. CPU 11 also requests server 40 to generate link information A.

[0084] It should be noted that "history information A" is history information that indicates the content of a job instructed to be executed by user a who belongs to user group A, as shown in an example in FIG. 6A. In the example shown in this figure, history information A includes the date and time of job execution, the ID of the executing user, and the content of the executed job. History information A is stored in job information database 13B. When user a instructs execution of multiple jobs, the history information of each job is referred to as "history information a." "History information A" is a general term for history information a.

[0085] Furthermore, "link information A" is link information that indicates the location of history information A in the area of ​​user group A assigned on server 40. Furthermore, "link information a" in the following description is link information that indicates the location of history information a.

[0086] Furthermore, in step S110 shown in FIG. 4A, the CPU 11 deletes the history information A from the job information database 13B.

[0087] 6B, the server 40 stores the history information A acquired from the image forming apparatus 20 in an area of ​​the user group A assigned to the server 40. The server 40 also generates link information A.

[0088] In step S114 shown in FIG. 4A, the server 40 transmits the link information A to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0089] In step S116, the CPU 11 stores the link information A acquired from the server 40 together with the identifier A in the link information database 13C, as shown in FIG. 6C. "Identifier A" is an identifier corresponding to the history information A. In the example shown in this figure, identifier A includes the user group to which the user who executed the job belongs and the execution date and time of the job. In the following description, "identifier a" is an identifier corresponding to the history information a.

[0090] Next, in step S202 shown in FIG. 4A, user b belonging to user group B logs in to image forming apparatus 20 and instructs execution of a job.

[0091] In step S204, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20 executes job B instructed to be executed by user b. Job B may be one job or may include multiple jobs.

[0092] When user b logs out from image forming apparatus 20 in step S206, CPU 11 sends history information B, an example of which is shown in Fig. 7A, to server 40 in step S108. CPU 11 also requests server 40 to generate link information B.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S210 shown in FIG. 4A, the CPU 11 deletes the history information B from the job information database 13B.

[0094] On the other hand, in step S212, the server 40 stores the history information B acquired from the image forming apparatus 20 in an area of ​​the user group B assigned to the server 40, as shown in Fig. 7B. Also, link information B is generated.

[0095] In step S214 shown in FIG. 4A, the server 40 transmits the link information B to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0096] In step S216 shown in FIG. 4A, the CPU 11 stores the link information B acquired from the server 40 together with the identifier B in the link information database 13C, as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0097] It should be noted that when a job execution instruction is issued by a user belonging to a user group other than user groups A and B, the same processing is executed.

[0098] 4B, a process flow for sending and storing history information from image forming apparatus 20 to server 40 will be described. This flow diagram shows only the history information sending process by CPU 11 of image forming apparatus 20.

[0099] The history information sending process is started in response to a user's instruction to execute a job to image forming apparatus 20. When the history information sending process is started, in step S602, CPU 11 executes the job that has been instructed to be executed and stores the details of the executed job in job information database 13B. After step S602, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0100] In step S604, the CPU 11 determines whether or not an instruction to execute a new job has been acquired. If the determination in step S604 is affirmative, the process returns to step S602. On the other hand, if the determination in step S606 is negative, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0101] In step S606, the CPU 11 determines whether or not logout information of the user who instructed execution of the job has been acquired. If the determination in step S606 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S608. On the other hand, if the determination in step S606 is negative, the process returns to step S604.

[0102] In step S608, the CPU 11 sends history information of the executed job to the server 40. The CPU 11 also requests the server 40 to generate link information. Furthermore, the CPU 11 erases the history information of the executed job.

[0103] In step S610, the CPU 11 waits for the link information to be acquired from the server 40. When the link information is acquired, the process proceeds to step S612.

[0104] In step S612, the CPU 11 stores the link information and the identifier corresponding to the link information, thereby completing the history information transmission process.

[0105] (Image forming device history information acquisition process) Next, the process of acquiring history information of image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5A. To avoid confusion, it is assumed that image forming apparatus 20 does not store any identifiers other than identifiers A and B. Similarly, it is assumed that image forming apparatus 20 does not store any link information other than link information A and B.

[0106] In step S402, the administrator logs in to the image forming apparatus and then inputs an instruction to view the history information via the input unit 24.

[0107] In step S404, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20 reads out the identifier A (plurality of identifiers a) and the identifier B (plurality of identifiers b) from the link information database 13C and displays them on the display unit 24A as shown in FIG. 8A. This allows the administrator to select the identifiers corresponding to the history information of both user groups A and B. The CPU 11 may also display the link information together with the identifiers.

[0108] In step S406 shown in Figure 5A, when the administrator selects identifier b indicating a job executed at the instruction of a user belonging to user group B on date and time (20xx.xx.xx.yy:xx), for example, CPU 11 requests server 40 to send history information b corresponding to the identifier b in step S408.

[0109] In step S410, the server 40 transmits the history information b to the image forming apparatus 20. In step S412, the CPU 11 displays the acquired history information b on the display unit 24A. Note that in this disclosure, "acquiring history information stored in the server in response to a viewing request from an administrator" refers to acquiring history information from an area assigned to a single user group on the server 40. Other aspects will be described later.

[0110] When the administrator logs out in step S414, the CPU 11 erases the history information b in step S416.

[0111] Similarly, in step S502, user a logs in to the image forming apparatus and then inputs an instruction to view the history information via the input unit 24.

[0112] In step S504, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20 reads out the identifier A (plurality of identifiers a) from the link information database 13C and displays it on the display unit 24A as shown in Fig. 8B. At this time, the identifier B (plurality of identifiers b) is not displayed.

[0113] When user a selects identifier a in step S506, CPU 11 requests server 40 to transmit history information a in step S508.

[0114] In step S510, server 40 transmits history information a to image forming apparatus 20. In step S512, CPU 11 displays the acquired history information a on display unit 24A.

[0115] When user a logs out in step S514, the CPU 11 erases history information a in step S516.

[0116] 5B, a flow of the history information acquisition process by the image forming apparatus 20 will be described. This flow diagram shows only the history information acquisition process by the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20.

[0117] The history information acquisition process is started in response to an instruction to view history information input via the input unit 24 by a user or an administrator.

[0118] When the history information acquisition process is started, in step S702, the CPU 11 displays an identifier corresponding to the logged-in user or administrator on the display unit 24A. After step S702, the process proceeds to step S704.

[0119] In step S704, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the identifier input by the user or administrator has been acquired. If the determination in step S704 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S706. On the other hand, if the determination in step S704 is negative, the process proceeds to step S712.

[0120] In step S706, the CPU 11 requests the server 40 to transmit history information associated with the link information corresponding to the acquired identifier. After step S706, the process proceeds to step S708.

[0121] In step S708, the CPU 11 waits for acquisition of the history information that it has requested the server 40 to transmit. When the history information is acquired, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0122] In step S710, the CPU 11 displays the acquired history information on the display unit 24 A. After step S710, the process proceeds to step S712.

[0123] In step S712, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the logout information of the user or administrator who input the instruction to view the history information has been acquired. If the determination in step S712 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S714. On the other hand, if the determination in step S712 is negative, the process returns to step S704.

[0124] In step S714, the CPU 11 erases the history information displayed in step S710 and ends the history information acquisition process. Note that if step S710 is not executed due to a negative determination in step S704, step S714 is omitted.

[0125] <Action and effect> In the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, job history information is sent to the server 40 and deleted from the image forming apparatus 20. In addition, in response to a viewing request from an authorized administrator, the history information stored in the server 40 is acquired and displayed on the image forming apparatus 20.

[0126] This prevents users who belong to a user group other than the user group that issued the execution instruction from viewing the job history information, while allowing authorized administrators to view the job history information.

[0127] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, history information is sent to the server 40 in response to a logout operation by the user, and is deleted from the image forming apparatus 20.

[0128] This provides higher confidentiality than when the history information remains after the logout operation. Furthermore, the user can check the history information until they log out.

[0129] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the image forming apparatus 20 requests the cloud server to generate link information indicating an area on the server 40 where the history information is stored, and then obtains and stores the link information from the server 40.

[0130] This allows the location of the history information stored in the server 40 to be stored in the image forming device.

[0131] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, a user or an administrator selects an identifier as a viewing request, and then, in response to the selection of the identifier, a request is made to the server to transmit the history information identified by the identifier.

[0132] This allows the user to select the necessary history information and request its transmission.

[0133] The user or administrator can select one or more identifiers. When the user or administrator selects multiple identifiers at once, the sending unit 11C requests the server 40 to send multiple pieces of history information identified by the selected identifiers at once.

[0134] According to this aspect, when there are multiple pieces of history information to be viewed, the transmission request and acquisition process can be executed all at once.

[0135] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the identifier includes time information when the job was executed, which makes it easier to identify the history information to be viewed compared to when the identifier does not include time information.

[0136] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, history information is erased. However, in response to a user's request for viewing, the history information stored in the server 40 is acquired from the server 40 and displayed on the display unit 24A. At this time, the user group to which the user who can request viewing belongs and the user group to which the user who instructed to execute the job indicated by the erased history information belongs are displayed.

[0137] This allows users belonging to the same user group to view the history information of jobs that they have each instructed to be executed, while users belonging to different user groups cannot view the history information of jobs that they have each instructed to be executed.

[0138] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20 sends history information to the server 40 in response to a logout operation by the user, and deletes the history information from the image forming apparatus 20. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0139] For example, the CPU 11 may be configured to send and erase history information after a predetermined time has elapsed after a job is executed, regardless of whether or not a logout operation has been performed, or may be configured to send and erase history information after a predetermined time has elapsed after a job is executed if no logout operation has been performed.

[0140] According to this, the history information is sent and deleted without the user having to perform a logout operation. Also, the user who has instructed the execution of a job can check the history information until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0141] Alternatively, the CPU 11 may send and erase history information in response to a login operation by a user belonging to another user group. "Another user group" refers to a user group other than the user group to which the user who instructed the job to be executed belongs.

[0142] This reduces the amount of processing when users belonging to the same user group repeatedly log in and out to instruct the execution of multiple jobs, compared to sending and deleting history information for each job. Also, the user who instructed the execution of a job can check the history information until a user belonging to another user group logs in.

[0143] Alternatively, the CPU 11 may send and delete the history information for each job execution, which provides higher confidentiality of the history information compared to sending and deleting the history information after multiple jobs are executed.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the server 40 generates link information indicating an area on the server 40 where history information is stored. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0145] For example, the link information may be generated by the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 20. Even in this mode, the location of the history information stored in the server 40 can be stored on the device.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the user or administrator selects an identifier as a viewing request, and the CPU 11 then requests the server 40 to transmit history information identified by the identifier. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0147] For example, the history information that the CPU 11 requests the server 40 to transmit may not be selected by an identifier. In this case, for example, in response to a user or administrator logging in to the image forming apparatus 20, the CPU 11 requests the server 40 to transmit history information for a predetermined period and quantity. That is, in the present disclosure, a "view request" includes not only the selection of an identifier but also logging in.

[0148] The "predetermined period and quantity" is, for example, "the most recent 100 jobs." When user A logs in, CPU 11 requests transmission of history information for the most recent 100 jobs instructed to be executed by users belonging to user group A. When an administrator logs in, CPU 11 requests transmission of history information for the most recent 100 jobs instructed to be executed by all users, regardless of user group.

[0149] Specifically, for example, when user a logs in, CPU 11 requests server 40 to transmit history information. Server 40 acquires the history information from the area assigned to user group A and transmits it to image forming apparatus 20. CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus displays the acquired history information (history information of jobs by users belonging to user group A) on display unit 24A.

[0150] Furthermore, in response to the administrator logging in, the CPU 11 requests the server 40 to transmit history information. The server 40 acquires history information from the areas assigned to the user groups A, B, ... and transmits the information to the image forming apparatus 20. The CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus displays the acquired history information (history information of jobs by all users) on the display unit 24A.

[0151] Thus, in the present disclosure, “obtaining history information stored on the server in response to a viewing request from an administrator” also includes obtaining history information from areas allocated to multiple user groups on the server 40.

[0152] According to this aspect, users and administrators can comprehensively view history information for a predetermined period and quantity. Furthermore, since the history information to be requested for transmission is automatically determined, there is no need to generate link information.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes each process of the acquisition unit 11A, the output unit 11B, and the transmission unit 11C. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as a processing unit, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes, such as a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0154] The processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The processing unit may also be configured with a single processor. Some or all of these processors may be configured on the cloud. At least each of the processes described in the above embodiments may be executed by a processor on the cloud.

[0155] Examples of configuring a processing unit with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as the processing unit, as typified by computers such as client and server. Second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system, including the processing unit, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs). In this way, the processing unit is configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0156] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors may be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. As such, the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways.

[0157] <Additional Notes> (((1))) at least one processor; The processor: sending history information of jobs executed by devices based on setting information for each user group stored in an area allocated to each user group on a server to the server and erasing the history information from the devices; In response to a viewing request from an authorized administrator, the history information stored in the server is acquired and displayed on the device. Information processing system.

[0158] (((2))) The processor: sending and deleting the history information in response to a logout operation by a user belonging to the user group; The information processing system according to (((1))).

[0159] (((3))) The processor: sending and erasing the history information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the job; The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0160] (((4))) The processor: Sending and deleting the history information in response to a login operation by a user belonging to another user group. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0161] (((5))) The processor: requesting the server to generate link information indicating an area on the server where the transmitted history information is stored; acquiring and storing the link information from the server; requesting the server to transmit the history information linked to the link information in response to a viewing request from the administrator; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0162] (((6))) The processor: generating and storing link information indicating a location on the server where the transmitted history information is stored; requesting the server to transmit the history information linked to the link information in response to a viewing request from the administrator; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0163] (((7))) The processor: requesting the server to transmit the history information for a predetermined period and quantity in response to a viewing request from the administrator; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))).

[0164] (((8))) The processor: storing an identifier together with the link information for each of the history information; Displaying the identifier of the history information for a predetermined period and quantity; requesting the server to transmit the history information identified by the identifier in response to the administrator selecting the identifier as the viewing request; The information processing system according to (((5))) or (((6))).

[0165] (((9))) The processor: a request is made to the server to transmit a plurality of pieces of history information identified by the identifiers in a batch in response to the administrator selecting a plurality of the identifiers in a batch; The information processing system according to (((8))).

[0166] (((10))) The identifier includes time information when the job was executed. The information processing system according to (((8))) or (((9))).

[0167] (((11))) The processor: After erasing the history information, In response to a viewing request from a user belonging to the user group, the history information stored in an area on the server allocated to the user group is acquired from the server and displayed on the device. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((10))).

[0168] (((12))) The processor: In response to a browsing request from a user who does not belong to the user group, the history information stored in the area on the server assigned to the user group is not acquired from the server. The information processing system according to (((11))).

[0169] (((12))) sending history information of jobs executed by devices based on setting information for each user group stored in an area allocated to each user group on a server to the server and erasing the history information from the devices; In response to a viewing request from an authorized administrator, the history information stored in the server is acquired and displayed on the device. An information processing program executed by a computer.

[0170] According to the information processing system (((1))) and the information processing program (((12))), it is possible to prevent users belonging to a user group other than the user group that issued the execution instruction from viewing the job history information, and to allow authorized administrators to view the job history information.

[0171] The information processing system (((2))) provides higher confidentiality than a system in which history information remains after a logout operation. Furthermore, the user can check the history information until he or she logs out.

[0172] According to the information processing system (((3))), history information is sent and deleted without the user having to perform a logout operation. Furthermore, the user can check the history information until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0173] According to the information processing system (((4))), when a user belonging to the same user group repeatedly logs in and out to instruct the execution of multiple jobs, the amount of processing can be reduced compared to when history information is sent and deleted for each job. In addition, the user can check the history information until a user belonging to another user group logs in.

[0174] According to the information processing system of (((5))), the location of history information stored in the server can be stored on the device.

[0175] According to the information processing system (((6))), the location of history information stored in the server can be stored on the device.

[0176] According to the information processing system (((7))), it is possible to comprehensively view history information for a predetermined period and quantity.

[0177] According to the information processing system (((8))), it is possible to select the necessary history information and request its transmission.

[0178] According to the information processing system (((9))), when there is a plurality of pieces of history information to be viewed, the transmission request and acquisition process can be executed all at once.

[0179] According to the information processing system (((10))), it is easier to identify the history information to be viewed compared to when execution time information is not included.

[0180] According to the information processing system (((11))), users belonging to the same user group can view the history information of jobs that each of them has instructed to be executed.

[0181] According to the information processing system of (((12))), users who do not belong to the same user group cannot view the history information of jobs that each user has instructed to be executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 11 CPU (processor) 20 Image forming equipment (device) 40 servers 80 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. at least one processor; The processor: sending history information of jobs executed by devices based on setting information for each user group stored in an area allocated to each user group on a server to the server and erasing the history information from the devices; In response to a viewing request from an authorized administrator, the history information stored in the server is acquired and displayed on the device. Information processing system.

2. The processor: sending and deleting the history information in response to a logout operation by a user belonging to the user group; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: sending and erasing the history information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the job; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The processor: Sending and deleting the history information in response to a login operation by a user belonging to another user group. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: requesting the server to generate link information indicating an area on the server where the transmitted history information is stored; acquiring and storing the link information from the server; requesting the server to transmit the history information linked to the link information to the device in response to a viewing request from the administrator; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The processor: generating and storing link information indicating a location on the server where the transmitted history information is stored; requesting the server to transmit the history information linked to the link information to the device in response to a viewing request from the administrator; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The processor: requesting the server to transmit the history information of a predetermined period and quantity to the device in response to a viewing request from the administrator; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The processor: storing an identifier together with the link information for each of the history information; Displaying the identifier of the history information for a predetermined period and quantity; requesting the server to transmit the history information identified by the identifier to the device in response to the administrator selecting the identifier as the viewing request; 7. The information processing system according to claim 5 or 6.

9. The processor: In response to the administrator selecting a plurality of the identifiers at once, a request is made to the server to transmit a plurality of pieces of history information identified by the identifiers at once to the devices. The information processing system according to claim 8 .

10. The identifier includes time information when the job was executed. The information processing system according to claim 8 .

11. The processor: After erasing the history information, In response to a viewing request from a user belonging to the user group, the history information stored in an area on the server allocated to the user group is acquired from the server and displayed on the device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

12. The processor: In response to a browsing request from a user who does not belong to the user group, the history information stored in the area on the server assigned to the user group is not acquired from the server. The information processing system according to claim 11.

13. sending history information of jobs executed by devices based on setting information for each user group stored in an area allocated to each user group on a server to the server and erasing the history information from the devices; In response to a viewing request from an authorized administrator, the history information stored in the server is acquired and displayed on the device. An information processing program executed by a computer.

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