Information processing device, information processing system, and control method and program for information processing device

Abstract

For example, when an image forming device has a print function, the execution of the print function includes business execution and personal execution, and the object is to provide an information processing device that can make the results of each execution viewable or inaccessible as appropriate. [Solution] An application service 105 is communicably connected to an image forming device 102, a first client terminal 103 that can instruct the image forming device 102 to execute a function, and a second client terminal 104 that manages users. The application service 105 includes an acquisition unit (data storage unit 331) that acquires execution result information regarding the execution result of a function executed by the image forming device 102, and a setting unit (print history management unit 334) that sets the execution result information to either a viewable state in which the information can be viewed on the second client terminal 104, or an inaccessible state in which the information cannot be viewed on the second client terminal 104.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Cloud computing, in which numerous electronic devices are connected to the Internet to provide various services, has become popular in recent years. Cloud computing, in which data transmitted from various electronic devices is shared over the cloud, is becoming increasingly common. In office environments, numerous electronic devices, such as multifunction printers, projectors, and network cameras, are operating and transmitting data to the cloud. Continuously connecting electronic devices to the cloud allows users to receive real-time instructions, such as updates and maintenance operations, from the cloud. Recent changes in work styles have also increased the need for telecommuting. In telecommuting, cloud services, such as cloud printing services, scanning services, and consumable delivery services, are increasingly being used for business purposes. In telecommuting, companies often provide telecommuters with company-issued printers, which are then used for printing. In addition to printing from company-issued printers, telecommuters may also use their own printers for business purposes. In this case, while protecting users' personal information, it is also important to enable tracking of information transmitted over the telecommuter's own printers from the perspective of confidential business information management.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which, when a telecommuter prints on a printing device, the telecommuter specifies whether the printing is for official or personal purposes. If the printing is specified as for personal purposes, only a usage log containing information used to calculate printing costs is sent to the management system. The usage log is log data containing information used to calculate printing costs. On the other hand, if the printing is specified as for official purposes, both the usage log and the content log are sent to the management system. The content log is log data that shows output information from the printing device. In the system described in Patent Document 1, printing history with a content log is considered to be printing for official purposes and is used to compensate for printing costs incurred while working from home. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-049059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, if a telecommuter selects printing for personal use, a content log, or a usage log and a content log, are not generated. Therefore, if a telecommuter mistakenly or intentionally selects printing for personal use when they should have specified printing for official use, no log is generated, which may make subsequent investigations and tracking impossible. Furthermore, because the printing device needs a mechanism to distinguish between personal and official printing and change the log generated for each printing, there is a risk that some printing devices may not be able to meet this need.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device that, for example, when an image forming device has a print function, can make the execution of the print function include both business execution and personal execution, and can appropriately make the results of each execution viewable or inaccessible. Similarly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system, a control method for an information processing device, and a program that can appropriately make the results of each execution viewable or inaccessible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device that is communicatively connected to an image forming device capable of forming images, a first terminal device communicatively connected to the image forming device, and a second terminal device that manages users who use the first terminal device, and that provides cloud services, wherein the first terminal device is configured to be able to instruct the image forming device to execute a function possessed by the image forming device, and the information processing device is characterized in that it comprises an acquisition means for acquiring execution result information regarding the execution result of the image forming device executing the function, and a setting means for setting the execution result information acquired by the acquisition means to either a viewable state that can be viewed on the second terminal device, or an inaccessible state that cannot be viewed on the second terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, when an image forming device has a print function, the execution of the print function includes business execution and personal execution, and the results of each execution can be made viewable or inaccessible as appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed among an image forming apparatus, a first client terminal, a second client terminal, and an application service. [Figure 5A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application service. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a first client terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed among an image forming apparatus, a first client terminal, a second client terminal, a third client terminal, and an application service. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application service. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5B. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 102, a first client terminal (first terminal device) 103, a second client terminal (second terminal device) 104, and an application service 105, which are communicatively connected to one another. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 and the first client terminal 103 are communicatively connected via a network 101. The image forming apparatus 102 and the first client terminal 103 are communicatively connected to a second client terminal 104 and the application service 105 via the networks 101 and 100 in this order. The second client terminal 104 and the application service 105 are communicatively connected to one another via the network 100. The network 100 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a communication network such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM or frame relay line, a cable television line, or a wireless line for data broadcasting. The network 101 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a local network.

[0012] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having image forming functions such as a print function, a copy function, and a scanner function, as well as a fax function, but is not limited thereto. For example, the image forming apparatus 102 may be an SFP (Single Function Printer). The first client terminal 103 is a device capable of issuing instructions to the image forming apparatus 102 to execute the functions of the image forming apparatus 102. A user (hereinafter simply referred to as the "user") of the first client terminal 103 may use the image forming apparatus 102 in the same house as the first client terminal 103, for example, while working from home. The first client terminal 103 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The image forming apparatus 102 is a company-issued device provided by an organization, such as a company, to which the user of the first client terminal 103 belongs. Execution of a print function on the image forming apparatus 102 includes execution of a business print function and execution of a personal print function. By executing the business print function, for example, documents used in business are printed, etc. Also, by executing the business print function, for example, travel photos taken by the user for personal use are printed.

[0013] The second client terminal 104 is a device that manages users of the first client terminal 103. The user of the second client terminal 104 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "administrator") belongs to the same organization, such as the same company, as the user of the first client terminal 103. The second client terminal 104 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a desktop or laptop personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The application service 105 is an information processing device that provides cloud services to the image forming apparatus 102, the first client terminal 103, and the second client terminal 104. These services are not particularly limited, and examples include an image forming apparatus management service, a print service, a scan service, an automatic consumables delivery service, a monitoring service, and a fault management service. In this embodiment, the print service will be described as an example. The application service 105 is also a registration destination for the image forming apparatus 102. This allows the application service 105 to manage registration information for the image forming apparatus 102. The registration of the image forming device 102 with the application service 105 is performed by the first client terminal 103 or the second client terminal 104. The application service 105 issues print instructions, maintenance instructions, etc. to the registered image forming device 102. When the application service 105 receives data from the registered image forming device 102, it performs various processes corresponding to the data. The application service 105 is published on the network 100 as a cloud service made up of at least one server or virtual server.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2(b) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a first client terminal, a second client terminal, and an application service. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the image forming apparatus 102 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and a network interface card (NIC) 204. The image forming apparatus 102 also includes a disk controller (DKC) 205, a raster controller 207, a print engine 208, an operation panel (operation unit) 209, a storage device 210, and a device I / F 211. These pieces of hardware included in the image forming apparatus 102 are connected to each other via a system bus 200 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The CPU 201 is a computer that controls the entire image forming apparatus 102. This control is performed based on a control program stored in the ROM 202 or a control program and resource data (resource information) stored in an external memory 206 connected via a disk controller 205. The RAM 203 functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is configured so that its memory capacity can be expanded by adding an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The storage device 210 is an external storage unit that functions as a large-capacity memory. The network interface card 204 exchanges data with external devices. The raster controller 207 converts print data written in PDL or PDF into image data. The print engine 208 prints using, for example, an electrophotographic (laser beam) method, an inkjet method, or a dye-sublimation (thermal transfer) method. The operation panel 209 displays a screen and accepts operation instructions from a user via the screen. The operation panel 209 also includes buttons and an LCD panel for performing operations such as setting the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 102 and displaying the operation status of the image forming apparatus 102. The device I / F 211 is a connection interface for connecting to external devices via USB or the like.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the first client terminal 103, the second client terminal 104, and the application service 105 each include a CPU 220, a ROM 221, and a RAM 222. Each device also includes an input control unit 224, a storage device 225, and a display (display means) 226. These pieces of hardware included in each device are communicatively connected to one another via a system bus 219. The CPU 220 is a computer that controls the entire device. The CPU 220 executes application programs, an operating system, and the like stored in the storage device 225, and controls the temporary storage of information, files, and the like required for program execution in the RAM 222. The ROM 221 stores programs such as I / O programs and various data. These programs include, for example, programs for causing a computer to execute each unit and each means (control method of an information processing device) of the application service 105. The RAM 222 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 220. The input control unit 224 exchanges data with external devices. The storage device 225 is an external storage means that functions as a large-capacity memory. The display 226 displays, for example, program results, information required for input operations, etc. The display 226 may also have a touch panel function.

[0016] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information processing system. The software for the image forming apparatus 102 is stored in the storage device 210, and is loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU 201. The software for the first client terminal 103, the second client terminal 104, and the application service 105 is stored in the storage device 225, and is loaded into the RAM 222 and executed by the CPU 220.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 102 includes a data transmission / reception unit 301, a data storage unit 302, a data management unit 303, a print control unit 304, a scan control unit 305, and a user interface unit 306. The data transmission / reception unit 301 transmits various data, such as operation data of the image forming apparatus 102, to the application service 105, and receives various data from the application service 105. The data storage unit 302 stores input data from the user and device information of the image forming apparatus 102. The data management unit 303 performs data management, such as storing data in the data storage unit 302 and updating or deleting data stored in the data storage unit 302. The user interface unit 306 accepts input from the user. As a result, printing by the print control unit 304 and scanning by the scan control unit 305 are performed in accordance with the input content accepted by the user interface unit 306.

[0018] The first client terminal 103 has a data transmission / reception unit 311, a data storage unit 312, a print driver unit 313, and a user interface unit 314. The data transmission / reception unit 311 transmits various data such as print instructions to the image forming apparatus 102 and receives various data such as scan data from the image forming apparatus 102. The data transmission / reception unit 311 also transmits various data such as print instructions to the application service 105 and receives various data from the application service 105. The data storage unit 312 stores data related to the image forming apparatus 102 and data related to the application service 105. The print driver unit 313 issues a first print instruction that instructs the image forming apparatus 102 to print via the application service 105, and a second print instruction that instructs the image forming apparatus 102 to print without via the application service 105. The user interface unit 314 accepts input from a user. As a result, instructions are given to the image forming apparatus 102, instructions to the application service 105, etc. in accordance with the input content received by the user interface unit 314.

[0019] The second client terminal 104 has a data transmission / reception unit 321, a data storage unit 322, and a user interface unit 323. The data transmission / reception unit 321 transmits various data, such as instructions to register the image forming apparatus 102, to the application service 105, and receives various data from the application service 105. The data storage unit 322 stores information about the application service 105. The user interface unit 323 accepts input from the user. As a result, instructions and the like are given to the application service 105 in accordance with the input content accepted by the user interface unit 323.

[0020] The application service 105 includes a data storage unit 331, a device management unit 332, a user management unit 333, a print history management unit 334, and a data transmission / reception unit 335. The data storage unit 331 stores various data, such as data on the image forming apparatus 102 registered in the application service 105 and user data. The device management unit 332 manages data related to the image forming apparatus 102 registered in the application service 105. This data is stored in the data storage unit 331. The device management unit 332 also performs data management, such as storing data in the data storage unit 331 and updating and deleting the data stored in the data storage unit 331. The user management unit 333 manages data related to users who use the application service 105. This data is stored in the data storage unit 331. The user management unit 333 also performs data management, such as storing data in the data storage unit 331 and updating and deleting the data stored in the data storage unit 331. Table 1 shows an example of data managed by the user management unit 333.

[0021] [Table 1]

[0022] As shown in Table 1, a password, login status, and login expiration date are managed for each user ID (user ID). The user ID is used to identify the user. In Table 1, there are users with IDs "user A," "user B," and "user C." For example, the user with ID "user A" uses a predetermined password as the basic authentication password used when logging in. Also, in Table 1, the login status of the user with ID "user A" is "On," and the login expiration date is "December 31, 2024, 0:00." The "login expiration date" refers to the expiration date of the authentication status of the logged-in user. Note that a login status of "Off" refers to a logout state. The user management unit 333 compares the combination of the user ID and password included in a login request from the first client terminal 103 or the second client terminal 104 with Table 1. If the result of this collation is, for example, a match, the user management unit 333 returns the login result to the first client terminal 103 and the second client terminal 104 as a success.

[0023] The print history management unit 334 manages print history data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102 to the application service 105. This data is stored in the data storage unit 331. The print history management unit 334 also performs data management such as storing data in the data storage unit 331, updating, deleting, and setting public the print history data stored in the data storage unit 331. Table 2 shows an example of data managed by the print history management unit 334.

[0024] [Table 2]

[0025] As shown in Table 2, the system manages the print date and time, device, usage log, content log, and business use flag. The print date and time is the date and time when printing was performed by the image forming apparatus 102. The device is an ID for identifying the image forming apparatus 102. The usage log is a file name related to the use of the image forming apparatus 102, such as the date and time when the image forming apparatus 102 was used and the model of the image forming apparatus 102 used. The content log is a file name of the document or image printed by the image forming apparatus 102. The business use flag distinguishes whether printing by the image forming apparatus 102 is business printing or personal printing. As described above, execution of the print function by the image forming apparatus 102 includes execution of the business print function and execution of the personal print function. The business use flag is "True" for business printing, i.e., execution of the business print function, and "False" for personal printing, i.e., execution of the personal print function. The data transmission / reception unit 335 receives various data, such as print history data, from the image forming apparatus 102. The data transmission / reception unit 335 also receives various data such as device registration and print instructions from the first client terminal 103, and transmits various data stored in the data storage unit 331 to the first client terminal 103. The data transmission / reception unit 335 also receives various data such as device registration and print instructions from the second client terminal 104, and transmits various data stored in the data storage unit 331 to the second client terminal 104.

[0026] In the information processing system 1000, for example, a user working from home using the first client terminal 103 can print using the image forming apparatus 102. When printing, if the telecommuter sets the printing to be for personal use, for example, a content log, or a usage log and a content log, are not generated. Therefore, if the telecommuter mistakenly or intentionally sets the printing to be for personal use when they should have specified the printing to be for official use, no log is generated, which may make it impossible to conduct subsequent investigations, tracking, etc.

[0027] Therefore, the information processing system 1000 (application service 106) is configured to reduce such a phenomenon. The following describes this configuration and operation. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed among the image forming apparatus, the first client terminal, the second client terminal, and the application service. FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing processing executed by the application service. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the first client terminal. Hereinafter, the user operating the first client terminal 103 is assumed to be the user with the user ID "user A" in Table 1. Hereinafter, this user will be referred to as the "first user." The first user is also a user who uses the image forming apparatus 102 while telecommuting. Furthermore, the user operating the second client terminal 104 is assumed to be the user with the user ID "user B" in Table 1. Hereinafter, this user will be referred to as the "second user." The second user has the authority to manage the first client terminal 103 and the image forming apparatus 102, i.e., the first user, using the second client terminal 104.

[0028] 4, in step S401, the data transmitter / receiver 311 of the first client terminal 103 transmits the user ID and password entered in the user interface unit 314 to the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105. This transmission causes a login request to be made.

[0029] In step S402, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 refers to Table 1 stored in the data storage unit 331 to check whether the user ID and password sent in step S401 match those of the first user. If the result of this check indicates a match, a login result indicating successful login is returned to the first client terminal 103.

[0030] In step S403, print instruction information is input to the user interface unit 314 of the first client terminal 103. The print driver unit 313 of the first client terminal 103 transmits this print instruction information to the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 via the data transmission / reception unit 311.

[0031] In step S404, the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 transmits to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 a notification that reception of the print instruction information transmitted in step S403 has been completed.

[0032] In step S405, the print control unit 304 of the image forming apparatus 102 executes printing based on the print instruction information received in step S404.

[0033] In step S406, the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 transmits, for example, the result of the success or failure of the printing in step S405 to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105. Other information transmitted to the data transmission / reception unit 335 includes, for example, the number and type of printing paper used in the printing in step S405, information about the ink used in the printing in step S405, data from various sensors of the image forming apparatus 102, and the like.

[0034] In step S407, the print results transmitted in step S406 and other information including the content log and usage log are stored in the data storage unit 331 of the application service 105. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 transmits a notification to the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 that the reception and storage of the information has been completed.

[0035] In step S408, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 sets the initial value of the business use flag corresponding to the content log and usage amount log of the printing executed in step S405 to "None." This business use flag data is stored in the data storage unit 331.

[0036] FIG. 5A(a) is a flowchart showing the process of setting the business use flag initial value executed by the application service. The program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5A(a) is executed when the application service 105 receives print history data of the image forming apparatus 102. As shown in FIG. 5A(a), in step S5021, the print history management unit 334 determines whether or not there is an empty print history in the business use flag information. If it is determined in step S5021 that there is an empty print history, the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5021 that there is no empty print history, the process ends.

[0037] In step S502, the print history management unit 334 sets the initial value of the empty business use flag to "None."

[0038] The subsequent processes from step S409 to step S412 can be repeatedly executed. In step S409, a business use flag setting value corresponding to the content log and the usage log is specified in the user interface unit 314 of the first client terminal 103. True or False is specified as the business use flag setting value. As described above, "True" is the business use flag for business printing, i.e., execution of a business print function. "False" is the business use flag for personal printing, i.e., execution of a personal print function. In addition, a selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the display 226 of the first client terminal 103. The selection screen 500 includes information 501 and information 502 as execution result information related to the execution result of the print function executed by the image forming apparatus 102. Information 501 includes, for example, the usage log and content log of print job 1. Information 502 includes the usage log and content log of print job 2. For both information 501 and information 502, it is possible to select whether the information is in a viewable state, in which it can be viewed on the second client terminal 104, or in a viewable state, in which it cannot be viewed on the second client terminal 104, depending on whether the check box is checked or not. Here, execution of print job 1 is assumed to be business printing, and execution of print job 2 is assumed to be personal printing. In this case, in the state shown in FIG. 5B, information 501 is selected to be in a viewable state, and information 502 is selected to be in a viewable state. The data transmission / reception unit 311 of the first client terminal 103 transmits the setting value of this business use flag to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105.

[0039] In step S410, the setting value of the business use flag corresponding to the content log and usage amount log transmitted in step S409, i.e., True or False, is stored in the data storage unit 331 (acquisition means) of the application service 105. This makes it possible to acquire execution result information (acquisition step). Furthermore, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 updates, i.e., rewrites, the setting value of the business use flag to the setting value of the business use flag stored in the data storage unit 331.

[0040] After step S410 is executed, processing is performed according to two cases. The first of the two cases is when, for example, the business use flag before the update was None or False and became True after the update. The second is when the business use flag before the change was True and became False after the update.

[0041] In step S411, in the first case, the print history management unit 334 (setting means) of the application service 105 sets the content log and usage amount log corresponding to the business use flag to a viewable state (setting step).

[0042] In step S412, in the second case, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 sets the content log and usage amount log corresponding to the business use flag to an inaccessible state (setting step).

[0043] FIG. 5A(b) is a flowchart showing a business use flag setting process and a view setting process executed by the application service. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5A(b) is executed when the application service 105 receives a business use flag from the first client terminal 103. As shown in FIG. 5A(b), in step S511, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 determines whether the received business use flag has been changed from before it was received. If it is determined in step S511 that the flag has been changed, the process proceeds to step S512. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S511 that the flag has not been changed, the process ends.

[0044] In step S512, the print history management unit 334 reflects the received business use flag in the print job execution history (print history). After step S512 is executed, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0045] In step S513, the print history management unit 334 determines whether the business use flag after reception is True. If the result of the determination in step S513 is True, the process proceeds to step S514. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S513 is not True, the process proceeds to step S515.

[0046] In step S514, the print history management unit 334 sets the print job execution history to a viewable state.

[0047] In step S515, the print history management unit 334 determines whether the business use flag after reception is False. If the result of the determination in step S515 is False, the process proceeds to step S516. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S515 is not False, the process ends.

[0048] In step S516, the print history management unit 334 sets the print job execution history to an inaccessible state.

[0049] In step S413, the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105 transmits to the data transmitter / receiver 311 of the first client terminal 103 a notification that the reception of each piece of information and the setting update have been completed.

[0050] In step S414, the data transmission / reception unit 321 of the second client terminal 104 transmits the user ID and password entered into the user interface unit 323 to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105. This transmission causes a login request to be made.

[0051] In step S415, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 refers to Table 1 stored in the data storage unit 331 to check whether the user ID and password sent in step S414 match those of the second user. If the result of this check is that they match, a login result indicating that the login was successful is returned to the second client terminal 104.

[0052] In step S416, a print log acquisition request is input to the user interface unit 323 of the second client terminal 104. The data transmission / reception unit 321 of the second client terminal 104 transmits this print log acquisition request to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105.

[0053] In step S417, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 transmits each log stored in the data storage unit 331 and corresponding to the business use flag set to True to the data transmission / reception unit 321 of the second client terminal 104.

[0054] 5A(c) is a flowchart showing the print history providing process executed by the application service. As shown in FIG. 5A(c), in step S521, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 determines whether or not there is a print job execution history in which the business use flag for the organization to which the first user and the second user belong is set to True. If it is determined in step S521 that there is a print job execution history, the process proceeds to step S522. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S521 that there is no print job execution history, the process ends.

[0055] In step S522, the print history management unit 334 transmits the execution history of the print job to the second client terminal 104 via the data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0056] As described above, when a business print function is executed on the image forming apparatus 102, the application service 105 sets a flag (True) indicating this in the print job execution history (log data) to make the print job execution history viewable. Furthermore, when a personal print function is executed on the image forming apparatus 102, the application service 105 sets a flag (False) indicating this in the print job execution history to make the print job execution history viewable. The setting of either the viewable state or the viewable state is performed based on the selection result on the selection screen 500 of the first client terminal 103. On the second client terminal 104, the print job execution history set to the viewable state can be viewed, and the print job execution history set to the viewable state is prohibited from being viewed. This configuration allows the second user to, for example, investigate or track print jobs based on the viewable print job execution history. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 102 does not necessarily have to have a mechanism for distinguishing between the execution of a business print function and the execution of a personal print function and changing the log generated at each print.

[0057] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. The differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. Each company may have different needs for viewing and unviewable items. In this embodiment, the display content of viewable print history can be set according to the needs of each company by introducing a management policy. Table 3 shows examples of management policy setting patterns.

[0058] [Table 3]

[0059] As shown in Table 3, the relationship between the management policy pattern, usage log public setting, content log public setting, and the default business use flag is managed. There are six management policy patterns, 1 to 6, and one of these is selected. When the business use flag is set to True, logs of the type specified as "public (viewable)" in the usage log public setting or content log public setting are made public to the administrator, and logs of the type specified as "private" are not made public. When the business use flag is set to False, logs of the type specified as "public" in the usage log public setting or content log public setting and logs of the type specified as "private (unviewable)" are not made public.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the information processing system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 102 to an application service 105, as well as a third client terminal (change device) 601, which are communicatively connected to one another. The image forming apparatus 102 and the first client terminal 103 are communicatively connected to the third client terminal 601 via the network 101 and then the network 100. The second client terminal 104 to the third client terminal 601 are communicatively connected to one another via the network 100. The third client terminal 601 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0061] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information processing system. The third client terminal 601 has a data transmission / reception unit 701, a data storage unit 702, and a user interface unit 703. The data transmission / reception unit 701 transmits various data, such as instructions to register the image forming apparatus 102, to the application service 105, and receives various data from the application service 105. The data storage unit 702 stores information about the application service 105. The user interface unit 703 accepts input from a user. As a result, instructions are given to the application service 105 in accordance with the input content accepted by the user interface unit 703.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing executed among the image forming apparatus, the first client terminal, the second client terminal, the third client terminal, and the application service. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the application service. Herein, the user operating the first client terminal 103 is assumed to be a user with a user ID of "user A" in Table 1. Hereinafter, this user will be referred to as the "first user." The first user is also a user who uses the image forming apparatus 102 while telecommuting. Furthermore, the user operating the second client terminal 104 is assumed to be a user with a user ID of "user B" in Table 1. Hereinafter, this user will be referred to as the "second user." The second user has the authority to manage the first client terminal 103 and the image forming apparatus 102, i.e., the first user, using the second client terminal 104. Furthermore, the user operating the third client terminal 601 is assumed to be a user with a user ID of "user C" in Table 1. Hereinafter, this user will be referred to as the "third user." The third user is a master user of the vendor of the application service 105.

[0063] 8, in step S801, the data transmitter / receiver 701 of the third client terminal 601 transmits the user ID and password entered in the user interface unit 703 to the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105. This transmission causes a login request to be made.

[0064] In step S802, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 refers to Table 1 stored in the data storage unit 331 to check whether the user ID and password sent in step S801 match those of the third user. If the result of this check is that they match, a login result indicating that the login was successful is returned to the third client terminal 601.

[0065] In step S803, the data transmitter / receiver 701 of the third client terminal 601 transmits a management policy setting instruction specified by the purchaser of the application service 105 to the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105. As the management policy setting instruction, one of the management policy patterns 1 to 6 in Table 3 is selected.

[0066] In step S804, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 sets a management policy for the organization to which the purchaser of the application service 105 belongs, based on the management policy setting instruction transmitted in step S803. The data of this management policy is stored in the data storage unit 331. Thereafter, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 transmits to the data transmission / reception unit 701 of the third client terminal 601 a notification that the management policy has been set and stored.

[0067] Fig. 9(a) is a flowchart showing the management policy setting process executed by the application service. The program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 9(a) is executed when the application service 105 receives a management policy setting instruction from the third client terminal 601. As shown in Fig. 9(a), in step S901, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 sets a management policy for the organization to which the purchaser of the application service 105 belongs, based on the management policy setting instruction from the third client terminal 601.

[0068] In step S805, print instruction information is input to the user interface unit 314 of the first client terminal 103. The print driver unit 313 of the first client terminal 103 transmits this print instruction information to the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 via the data transmission / reception unit 311.

[0069] In step S806, the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 transmits to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 a notification that reception of the print instruction information transmitted in step S805 has been completed.

[0070] The processing from step S807 onwards is executed when a management policy is set in the application service 105. In step S807, the print control unit 304 of the image forming apparatus 102 executes printing based on the print instruction information received in step S806.

[0071] In step S808, the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 transmits, for example, the result of the success or failure of the printing in step S807 to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105. Other information transmitted to the data transmission / reception unit 335 includes, for example, the number and type of printing paper used in the printing in step S807, information about the ink used in the printing in step S405, data from various sensors of the image forming apparatus 102, etc. The data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 receives this data.

[0072] In step S809, the print results transmitted in step S808 and other information including the content log and usage log are stored in the data storage unit 331 of the application service 105. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 transmits a notification to the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 that the reception and storage of the information has been completed.

[0073] In step S810, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 sets the initial values ​​of the business use flags corresponding to the content log and usage log of the printing executed in step S807 in the management policy. This setting information is stored in the data storage unit 331.

[0074] In step S811, if the business use flag of the management policy set in step S810 is True, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 sets each log received in step S808 to a viewable state.

[0075] 9B is a flowchart showing the business use flag setting process and the browsing setting process executed by the application service. The program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9B is executed when the application service 105 receives a content log and a usage amount log from the image forming apparatus 102. As shown in FIG. 9B, in step S911, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 sets the initial value of the business use flag corresponding to the content log and the usage amount log related to the printing in step S807 in the management policy. After step S911 is executed, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0076] In step S912, the print history management unit 334 determines whether the business use flag of the management policy set in step S911 is True. If the determination in step S912 determines that the flag is True, the process proceeds to step S913. On the other hand, if the determination in step S912 determines that the flag is not True, the process ends.

[0077] In step S913, the print history management unit 334 sets the content log and usage amount log included in the management policy to a viewable state.

[0078] The processes from step S812 to step S817 are executed when the business use flag is changed from the default value set in step S811. The processes from step S812 to step S817 can be executed repeatedly. In step S812, the data transmitter / receiver 311 of the first client terminal 103 transmits the user ID and password entered in the user interface unit 314 to the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105. This transmission results in a login request.

[0079] In step S813, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 refers to Table 1 stored in the data storage unit 331 to check whether the user ID and password transmitted in step S812 match those of the first user. If the result of this check indicates a match, a login result indicating successful login is returned to the first client terminal 103.

[0080] In step S814, the setting value of the business use flag corresponding to the content log and the usage amount log is specified in the user interface unit 314 of the first client terminal 103. The data transmitter / receiver 311 of the first client terminal 103 transmits the setting value of the business use flag to the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105.

[0081] In step S815, the setting value of the business use flag corresponding to the content log and usage amount log transmitted in step S814 is stored in the data storage unit 331 of the application service 105. The print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 updates the setting value of the business use flag to the setting value of the business use flag stored in the data storage unit 331.

[0082] In step S816, the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105 transmits to the data transmitter / receiver 311 of the first client terminal 103 a notification that the reception of each piece of information and the setting update have been completed.

[0083] In step S817, if the business use flag of the management policy set in step S815 is True, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 sets each log received in step S808 to a viewable state.

[0084] The processes from step S818 to step S821 can be executed repeatedly. In step S818, the data transmitter / receiver 321 of the second client terminal 104 transmits the user ID and password entered into the user interface unit 323 to the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105. This transmission causes a login request to be made.

[0085] In step S819, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 refers to Table 1 stored in the data storage unit 331 to check whether the user ID and password transmitted in step S818 match those of the second user. If the result of this check indicates a match, a login result indicating successful login is returned to the second client terminal 104.

[0086] In step S820, a print log acquisition request is input to the user interface unit 323 of the second client terminal 104. The data transmission / reception unit 321 of the second client terminal 104 transmits this print log acquisition request to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105.

[0087] In step S821, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 transmits each log stored in the data storage unit 331 and corresponding to the business use flag set to True to the data transmission / reception unit 321 of the second client terminal 104.

[0088] The processes from step S822 to step S825 can be executed repeatedly. In step S822, the data transmission / reception unit 701 of the third client terminal 601 transmits a setting for forcibly disclosing the execution history of the print job (hereinafter referred to as the "forced history disclosure setting") to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105. In addition, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 rewrites the usage log disclosure setting and content log disclosure setting of the management policy specified in the forced history disclosure setting stored in the data storage unit 331 to "public." In addition, the user management unit 333 rewrites the business use flag setting specified in the forced history disclosure setting stored in the data storage unit 331 to True.

[0089] In step S823, the data transmitter / receiver 335 of the application service 105 transmits to the data transmitter / receiver 701 of the third client terminal 601 a message indicating that the rewriting of each piece of information has been completed.

[0090] In step S824, a print log acquisition request is input to the user interface unit 323 of the second client terminal 104. The data transmission / reception unit 321 of the second client terminal 104 transmits this print log acquisition request to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105.

[0091] In step S825, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 transmits each log stored in the data storage unit 331 and corresponding to the business use flag set to True to the data transmission / reception unit 321 of the second client terminal 104.

[0092] 9(c) is a flowchart showing the print job execution history forcible disclosure process executed by the application service. The program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9(c) is executed when the application service 105 receives an instruction to forcibly disclose the print job execution history from the third client terminal 601. As shown in FIG. 9(c), in step S921, the print history management unit 334 of the application service 105 sets the disclosure setting of all logs in the management policy specified as the disclosure target to "disclose." After step S921 is executed, the process proceeds to step S922.

[0093] In step S922, the print history management unit 334 sets the business use flag of the management policy designated as the disclosure target to True. After step S922 is executed, the process proceeds to step S923.

[0094] In step S923, the print history management unit 334 provides the second client terminal 104 with the print job execution history that was set to be disclosed in step S921 and set to True in step S922.

[0095] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to determine in advance whether to set a desired print job execution history to a viewable state or to an inaccessible state depending on the company (owner of the second client terminal 104). This eliminates the need to set a business use flag. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a once-set inaccessible state can be forcibly changed to a viewable state by the third client terminal 601. Conversely, a once-set inaccessible state may also be forcibly changed to an inaccessible state by the third client terminal 601. This prevents disadvantages to the company, for example, when a business print function is mistakenly or intentionally executed when a personal print function should be executed. Such disadvantages are not particularly limited, and include, for example, charges for the execution of a personal print function.

[0096] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by providing a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. While the execution result information regarding the execution results of a function executed by the image forming device 102 in the above-described embodiments is a print job execution history (information), this is not limited to this. For example, the execution result information may be log data regarding at least one of consumables and parts used to execute the print function. The application service 105 can execute a process appropriate for viewing such log data.

[0097] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An information processing device that is communicatively connected to an image forming device capable of forming an image, a first terminal device communicatively connected to the image forming device, and a second terminal device that manages users of the first terminal device, and that provides cloud services, the first terminal device is configured to be able to instruct the image forming device to execute a function of the image forming device, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires execution result information relating to the execution result of the function executed by the image forming apparatus; An information processing device characterized by comprising a setting means for setting the execution result information acquired by the acquisition means to either a viewable state in which it can be viewed on the second terminal device, or an unviewable state in which it cannot be viewed on the second terminal device. (Configuration 2) The image forming device has at least a print function as the function, 2. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires, as the execution result information, log data relating to at least one of consumables and parts used in executing the print function. (Configuration 3) The execution of the print function includes execution of a business print function and execution of a personal print function, The information processing device according to configuration 2, wherein the setting means, when the business print function is executed, sets a flag indicating that in the log data, making the log data viewable, and when the private print function is executed, sets a flag indicating that in the log data, making the log data unviewable. (Configuration 4) The first terminal device is configured to be able to select whether to make the execution result information browsable or inbrowsable, The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the setting means sets the execution result information to either the viewable state or the inaccessible state based on the selection result on the first terminal device. (Configuration 5) An information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the setting means determines in advance whether to set the execution result information to the viewable state or the inaccessible state depending on the owner of the second terminal device. (Configuration 6) An information processing system including an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, a first terminal device communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, a second terminal device managing users who use the first terminal device, and an information processing apparatus communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device, and providing a cloud service, the first terminal device is capable of instructing the image forming device to execute a function of the image forming device; The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires execution result information relating to the execution result of the function executed by the image forming apparatus; An information processing system characterized by comprising a setting means for setting the execution result information acquired by the acquisition means to either a viewable state in which it can be viewed on the second terminal device, or an inaccessible state in which it cannot be viewed on the second terminal device. (Configuration 7) The information processing system described in Configuration 6 is characterized in that the second terminal device can view the execution result information set to the viewable state, and is prohibited from viewing the execution result information set to the inaccessible state. (Configuration 8) The first terminal device includes a display means for displaying a selection screen on which the execution result information can be selected to be in the viewable state or the inaccessible state, The information processing system according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the setting means sets the execution result information to either the viewable state or the inaccessible state based on the selection result on the selection screen. (Configuration 9) An information processing system described in any one of configurations 6 to 8, characterized in that it is communicatively connected to the information processing device, and is capable of forcibly changing the viewable state once set by the acquisition means to the unviewable state, and is also capable of forcibly changing the unviewable state once set by the acquisition means to the viewable state. (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device that is communicatively connected to an image forming device capable of forming an image, a first terminal device communicatively connected to the image forming device, and a second terminal device that manages users of the first terminal device, and that provides a cloud service, comprising: the first terminal device is capable of instructing the image forming device to execute a function of the image forming device; The control method for the information processing device includes: an acquisition step of acquiring execution result information relating to an execution result of the function executed by the image forming apparatus; A control method for an information processing device, comprising a setting step of setting the execution result information acquired in the acquisition step to either a viewable state in which it can be viewed on the second terminal device, or an inaccessible state in which it cannot be viewed on the second terminal device. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 102 Image forming device 103 First client terminal 104 Second client terminal 105 Application Services 331 Data Storage Unit 332 Device Management Department 333 User Management Department 334 Print History Management Unit 335 Data Transmission and Reception Unit 1000 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that is communicatively connected to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, a first terminal apparatus communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus, and a second terminal apparatus that manages users of the first terminal apparatus, and that provides a cloud service, the first terminal device is configured to be able to instruct the image forming device to execute a function of the image forming device, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires execution result information relating to the execution result of the function executed by the image forming apparatus; An information processing device characterized by comprising a setting means for setting the execution result information acquired by the acquisition means to either a viewable state in which it can be viewed on the second terminal device, or an inaccessible state in which it cannot be viewed on the second terminal device.

2. the image forming device has at least a print function as the function; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the execution result information, log data relating to at least one of consumables and parts used in the execution of the print function.

3. The execution of the print function includes execution of a business print function and execution of a personal print function, The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the print function is executed for business purposes, the setting means sets a flag indicating this in the log data, making the log data viewable, and when the print function is executed for personal purposes, the setting means sets a flag indicating this in the log data, making the log data unviewable.

4. the first terminal device is configured to be able to select whether to make the execution result information browsable or inbrowsable, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means sets the execution result information to one of the viewable state and the inaccessible state based on the selection result on the first terminal device.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means determines in advance whether to set the execution result information to the viewable state or the inaccessible state depending on the owner of the second terminal device.

6. An information processing system including an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, a first terminal device communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, a second terminal device managing users who use the first terminal device, and an information processing apparatus communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device, and providing a cloud service, the first terminal device is capable of instructing the image forming device to execute a function of the image forming device; The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires execution result information relating to the execution result of the function executed by the image forming apparatus; An information processing system characterized by comprising a setting means for setting the execution result information acquired by the acquisition means to either a viewable state in which it can be viewed on the second terminal device, or an inaccessible state in which it cannot be viewed on the second terminal device.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the second terminal device is capable of viewing the execution result information that has been set to the viewable state, and is prohibited from viewing the execution result information that has been set to the inaccessible state.

8. the first terminal device includes a display means for displaying a selection screen on which it is possible to select whether to make the execution result information browsable or inbrowsable, The information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the setting means sets the execution result information to either the viewable state or the unviewable state based on the selection result on the selection screen.

9. The information processing system according to claim 6, further comprising a change device that is communicatively connected to the information processing device and is capable of forcibly changing the viewable state once set by the acquisition means to the non-viewable state, and is also capable of forcibly changing the non-viewable state once set by the acquisition means to the viewable state.

10. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that is communicatively connected to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, a first terminal apparatus communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus, and a second terminal apparatus that manages users of the first terminal apparatus, and that provides a cloud service, comprising: the first terminal device is capable of instructing the image forming device to execute a function of the image forming device; The control method for the information processing device includes: an acquisition step of acquiring execution result information relating to an execution result of the function executed by the image forming apparatus; A control method for an information processing device, characterized by having a setting step of setting the execution result information acquired in the acquisition step to either a viewable state in which it can be viewed on the second terminal device, or an inaccessible state in which it cannot be viewed on the second terminal device.

11. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images