server

Abstract

The system will be able to send a notification of the image forming apparatus's movement if its location changes. [Solution] The server has a determination means that receives location information of an image forming apparatus and determines whether the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed based on the previous location information of the image forming apparatus and the current location information of the image forming apparatus; a first transmission means that, if the determination means determines that the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed, sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus to stop the function of the image forming apparatus and sends a notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to a first client terminal; and a second transmission means that, if the server receives an approval notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus from the first client terminal, sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus to restart the function of the image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, an image forming system, a processing method of the server, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, many devices have been connected to the Internet, and "Internet of Things, IoT", which controls various devices, transmits operation data of the devices to the cloud, and uses the data on the cloud, has begun to widely penetrate into the general public.

[0003] Even in an office environment, many devices such as multifunction printers, projectors, and network cameras are operating and transmitting data to cloud services. Also, by constantly connecting IoT devices to cloud services, it has become possible to give instructions such as version updates and maintenance operations of IoT devices from cloud services to the IoT devices in real time and make them execute.

[0004] In addition, due to the spread of cloud services, the working styles of company employees have been changing year by year. Many companies have introduced telecommuting for employees, and employees can use cloud printing services to print business-related documents at home, so they can efficiently perform their work.

[0005] On the other hand, at home where telecommuting is implemented, the security may not be as well-prepared as in a company office in some cases. There is also an increasing risk that a printer may be stolen by a third party and taken out, and confidential information of the company and business-related information may be leaked to the outside.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for disabling the functions of a printer used in an office network until authorized by an administrator, if the printer is moved from its designated installation location. Applying this technology, if a printer is taken outside the home by a third party, connected to another network, and powered on, the printer will shut down completely. Therefore, the third party will be unable to operate the printer, preventing the leakage of confidential company information or business-related information to external parties. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-362126 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, Patent Document 1 states that if the printer is moved from its designated installation location to another location and then powered on, the system administrator will not receive a notification. As a result, the system administrator may be slow to realize that the printer has been moved, and if the printer was not moved illegally, it may take time to recover from the malfunction state.

[0009] Furthermore, the printer itself does not have a means to detect when it has moved; the move detection is performed by the cloud service connected to the network. Therefore, it is not possible to restrict the use of the printer by disabling its functions when it is used offline.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to enable the transmission of a movement notification of the image forming apparatus when its position information changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The server includes: a determination means that receives location information of the image forming apparatus and determines whether the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed based on the previous location information of the image forming apparatus and the current location information of the image forming apparatus; a first transmission means that, if the determination means determines that the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed, transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus to stop the function of the image forming apparatus and transmits a notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to a first client terminal; and a second transmission means that, if the server receives an approval notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus from the first client terminal, transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus to restart the function of the image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, if the position information of the image forming apparatus changes, a notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus can be transmitted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2A] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2B] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal and application services. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 4A] This figure shows an example of a client terminal screen. [Figure 4B] This figure shows an example of a client terminal screen. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram of an image forming system. [Figure 6A] This is a flowchart of the application service. [Figure 6B] This is a flowchart of an image formation system. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a client terminal screen. [Figure 8]It is a flowchart of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a device management table. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a user management table.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, the best mode will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system 110 according to the first embodiment. The image forming system 110 includes networks 100 and 101, an image forming apparatus 102, client terminals 103 and 104, and an application service 105.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the networks 100 and 101 are so-called communication networks realized by, for example, a LAN such as the Internet, a WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM or frame relay line, a cable TV line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, etc. The networks 100 and 101 only need to be capable of transmitting and receiving data. The network 100 in this embodiment is, for example, the Internet. The network 101 is a local network or the like.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 102 and the client terminal 103 can access the Internet 100 via the local network 101 and access the application service 105. The client terminal 104 can access the Internet 100 and access the application service 105.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 102 is a multifunction machine or a printer having a printing function, as well as a copying function, a scanner function, a fax transmission function, etc.

[0019] The client terminal 103 is a data processing device such as a personal computer or mobile device used to access cloud services. The client terminal 103 is a computer used by a user of the image forming apparatus 102 to send print jobs to the image forming apparatus 102 or to send print instructions to the application service 105.

[0020] Client terminal 104 is a data processing device such as a personal computer or mobile device used to access cloud services. Client terminal 104 is a computer used by users who use application services 105 and by users who manage connected devices.

[0021] Network 101 is a LAN to which the image forming apparatus 102 and the client terminal 103 are connected. The image forming apparatus 102, the client terminal 103, and the application service 105 communicate with each other via the LAN.

[0022] Application service 105 is a cloud service that provides various services to contracted users and image forming apparatus 102. Examples of services provided by application service 105 include device management services, printing services, scanning services, automatic consumable delivery services, monitoring services, and fault management services. In this embodiment, the device management service and printing service will be described as examples.

[0023] The application service 105 maintains registration information for devices owned by each user. In this embodiment, when a user registers the image forming apparatus 102 with the application service 105 via client terminal 103 or client terminal 104, the application service 105 maintains the registration information for the image forming apparatus 102.

[0024] Application service 105 executes print and maintenance instructions for devices registered in the registration information. Furthermore, when application service 105 receives data from a device registered in the registration information, it performs the appropriate processing for the received data.

[0025] Here, application service 105 is published on the internet as a redundant cloud service running on multiple servers. Furthermore, the functionality of each service in application service 105 may be implemented by a single server or a single virtual server, or by multiple servers or multiple virtual servers. Alternatively, multiple virtual servers may run on a single server.

[0026] Figure 2A shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 102 includes a system bus 200, a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a network controller 204, and a GPS 205. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 102 includes a disk controller (DKC) 206, a raster controller 208, a print engine 209, an operation panel 210, a storage device 211, and a device interface 212.

[0027] Hardware components 201-206, 208, and 210-212 are connected to system bus 200.

[0028] The CPU 201 controls the entire image forming apparatus 102 and comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 200. This control is performed based on control programs stored in the ROM 202 or on control programs and resource data (resource information) stored in the external memory 207 connected via the disk controller 206.

[0029] RAM203 is RAM that functions as the main memory, work area, etc., of the CPU201, and is configured so that its memory capacity can be expanded by optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

[0030] The storage device 211 is an external storage means that functions as a large-capacity memory and stores programs that implement the functional blocks 301 to 306 described later in this embodiment.

[0031] The control panel (operation unit) 210 displays information on the screen and accepts user instructions via the screen. The control panel 210 also includes buttons and a display unit such as an LCD panel for setting the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 102, displaying the operating status of the image forming apparatus 102, and performing operations such as specifying copying.

[0032] The CPU 201 exchanges data with external devices via the network controller 204.

[0033] GPS205 is a GPS (Global Positioning System) system that holds the positional information of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0034] The print engine 209 utilizes known printing technologies, and suitable embodiments include, for example, electrophotographic (laser beam) methods, inkjet methods, and sublimation (thermal transfer) methods.

[0035] The raster controller 208 is a controller that converts print data in PDL language / PDF language into image data.

[0036] Device I / F212 is a connection interface for external devices that can be connected via USB or similar.

[0037] Figure 2B shows an example of the hardware configuration of client terminal 103, client terminal 104, and application service 105 according to this embodiment. Client terminals 103, 104 and application service 105 each have a system bus 219, a CPU 220, a ROM 221, a RAM 222, a network controller 223, an input control unit 224, a storage device 225, and a display 226, respectively.

[0038] The client terminals 103 and 104 and the application service 105 can be single devices or systems consisting of multiple devices, as long as the functions of this embodiment can be executed, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, this embodiment can also be applied to systems where connections are made and processing is performed via a network such as a LAN or WAN, as long as the functions of this embodiment can be executed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that each component is connected by a system bus 219.

[0039] The CPU 220 is a control unit that executes application programs, operating systems, etc., stored in the storage device 225, and controls the temporary storage of information, files, etc., necessary for program execution in the RAM 222.

[0040] ROM221 is a memory module (ROM) that stores programs such as basic I / O programs and various data internally.

[0041] RAM222 is a temporary storage device (RAM) that functions as the main memory or work area of ​​the CPU220.

[0042] The CPU 220 exchanges data with external devices via the network controller 223.

[0043] The input control unit 224 receives input operation instructions from the user.

[0044] The storage device 225 is one of the external storage means, and is a storage device that functions as a large-capacity memory, storing application programs, the OS, etc.

[0045] The display 226 is a display means that displays program results, information necessary for input operations, etc. The display 226 may also be a device that accepts user operation instructions, such as a touch panel.

[0046] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system 110 according to this embodiment. The image forming system 110 includes an image forming apparatus 102, a client terminal 103, a client terminal 104, and an application service 105. Each functional configuration block is realized by the CPU executing a program. Each program is stored in the storage devices 211 and 225 shown in Figures 2A and 2B, and as described above, is loaded into RAM 203 and 222 by CPUs 201 and 220 and executed.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The data transmission / reception unit 301 checks the network connection status between the image forming apparatus 102 and the application service 105. If the connection is confirmed, the data transmission / reception unit 301 transmits operational data from the image forming apparatus 102 and location information from the GPS 205 to the application service 105, and also receives data related to printing and scanning, as well as instructions to stop / restart functions from the application service 105.

[0049] The data storage unit 302 stores data entered by the user, as well as device information, location information, function restriction status, network connection status, etc.

[0050] The data management unit 303 manages data, including saving data to the data storage unit 302, and updating and deleting stored data.

[0051] The user interface unit 306 receives user input and, according to the input, performs actions such as printing by the print control unit 304 or scanning by the scan control unit 305.

[0052] The client terminal 103 includes a data transmission / reception unit 311, a data storage unit 312, a print driver unit 313, and a user interface unit 314.

[0053] The data transmission / reception unit 311 transmits data such as print instructions to the image forming apparatus 102, and receives data such as scan data from the image forming apparatus 102, as well as the status of function restrictions. The data transmission / reception unit 311 also transmits data such as device registration and print instructions to the application service 105, and receives data such as device registration data from the application service 105, as well as the status of function restrictions of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0054] The data storage unit 312 stores data related to the image forming apparatus 102, as well as user information related to the application service 105.

[0055] The print driver unit 313 primarily issues print commands to the image forming apparatus 102 via the application service 105, but it can also issue print commands directly to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0056] The user interface unit 314 receives user input, and the client terminal 103 issues instructions to the image forming apparatus 102, the application service 105, etc., according to the input.

[0057] The client terminal 104 has a data transmission / reception unit 321, a data storage unit 322, and a user interface unit 323.

[0058] The data transmission unit 321 sends data such as device registration and notifications of device movement approval / denial by the administrator to the application service 105, and receives data such as device registration data and device movement notifications from the application service 105.

[0059] The data storage unit 322 stores user information and other data related to the application service 105.

[0060] The user interface unit 323 receives user input, and the client terminal 104 issues instructions to the application service 105, etc., according to the input.

[0061] The application service 105 includes a data storage unit 331, a device management unit 332, a user management unit 333, an electronic image forming unit 334, and a data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0062] The data storage unit 331 stores data from devices registered with the application service 105 (device information, installation information, function restriction status, network connection status, etc.) and user data.

[0063] The device management unit 332 saves data to the data storage unit 331 for devices registered by users using the application service 105, and performs device management such as updating, deleting, and stopping / executing device functions of the stored device data.

[0064] Figure 9 shows an example of a device management table 900 managed by the device management unit 332. The device management table 900 includes a device ID, a user ID, installation information, a function restriction status, and an administrator determination. The device is, for example, an image forming apparatus 102.

[0065] The Device ID column contains an ID that uniquely identifies the device.

[0066] The User ID column represents the user who owns the device, and is managed in the User Management Table 1000 shown in Figure 10, which will be described later.

[0067] The installation information column indicates the installation location information of the device. In this embodiment, the installation location information is described using the location information of GPS205, but it is not limited to the location information of GPS205; other mechanisms for detecting location information may also be used. For example, the device may acquire information on equipment such as access points of nearby wireless networks and determine the location information of the device based on the location information of the access points or other equipment. Alternatively, a system may be used in which the device emits a BLE beacon, and other terminals (such as mobile terminals) that receive the BLE beacon notify the system of their location information to determine the location information of the device. Network information to which the device is connected (e.g., IP address) may also be used. When installation information is received from the image forming apparatus 102, the installation information is updated to the latest information.

[0068] The "Function Restriction Status" column indicates the functional restriction status of the device. "Running" means all functions are available, while "Stopped" means only network settings can be operated, and all other functions are unavailable.

[0069] The Administrator Decision column indicates whether the administrator has approved or denied the device's relocation. Approval means the device's relocation is permitted and the disabled state is lifted, while denial means the device's relocation is refused and the disabled state remains in place.

[0070] The user management unit 333 in Figure 3 performs user management, including saving user data using the application service 105 to the data storage unit 331, and updating and deleting stored user data.

[0071] Figure 10 shows an example of a user management table 1000 managed by the user management unit 333. The user management table 1000 contains a user ID, password, login status, and login expiration date.

[0072] The User ID column contains an ID that uniquely identifies the user.

[0073] The password column contains the password used for basic authentication when logging in with a user ID. The user management unit 333 compares the combination of user ID and password included in the login requests from client terminals 103 and 104 with the user management table 1000 in Figure 10. If they match, the user management unit 333 returns the login result as successful to each client terminal 103 and 104.

[0074] The Login Status column indicates the user's login status, where "On" indicates logged in and "Off" indicates logged out.

[0075] The Login Expiration Date column indicates the expiration date of the authentication status for the logged-in user.

[0076] The electronic image forming unit 334 in Figure 3 creates the electronic data of the print job to be sent as a print instruction when the application service 105 issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 102. When the application service 105 sends the electronic data to the image forming apparatus 102, the image forming apparatus 102 executes the print.

[0077] The data transmission / reception unit 335 transmits data such as print instructions to the image forming apparatus 102 and receives data such as operation data from the image forming apparatus 102. The data transmission / reception unit 335 also receives data such as device registration and print instructions from client terminals 103 and 104, and transmits data stored in the data storage unit 331 to client terminals 103 and 104.

[0078] The processing method of the image forming system 110 will be explained using Figures 4A, 4B, 5, 6A, and 6B.

[0079] Figure 4A shows the UI displayed on the image forming apparatus 102, illustrating an example of the UI displayed when a function is executed in this embodiment. Figure 4B also shows the UI displayed on the image forming apparatus 102, illustrating an example of the UI displayed when a function is stopped in this embodiment.

[0080] Figure 5 shows an example where a user registers the image forming apparatus 102 with the application service 105, and the application service 105 then detects whether the image forming apparatus 102 has moved. After detection, the application service 105 restricts the functionality of the image forming apparatus 102 and notifies the client terminal 104 of the movement of the image forming apparatus 102. The figure also shows an example of the sequence from when the client terminal 104 receives the notification and decides whether to approve or deny the movement, until the application service 105 operates the function restriction on the image forming apparatus 102.

[0081] Figures 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating the processing within the sequence shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the user operating the client terminal 103 is assumed to be the user A in the user ID column of Figures 9 and 10. Furthermore, user A is the user using the image forming apparatus 102, and the image forming apparatus 102 is assumed to be the device AAAAA in the device ID column of Figure 9.

[0082] On the other hand, the user operating client terminal 104 is the user whose user ID is userB in the user ID column of Figure 10 mentioned above. Furthermore, userB is a user with the authority to manage other users, and can view and manipulate data of users in the same organization or group, including userA, as well as data on the devices used by those users.

[0083] First, let's explain using Figures 4A and 4B.

[0084] Figure 4A shows an example of the UI during function execution in this embodiment. The operation panel 401 is the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 102 used by user A. The display unit 402 is the part that displays the execution buttons and applications provided on the image forming apparatus 102, such as print and scan. The network connection setting button 403 represents the network connection setting button for connecting the image forming apparatus 102 and the application service 105 via a network. Figure 4A shows the screen displayed on the UI of the image forming apparatus 102 as a function execution state when the image forming apparatus 102 has not been moved from its predetermined installation position, and all buttons are operable.

[0085] Figure 4B shows an example of the UI when the device is shut down in this embodiment, and is displayed while awaiting approval from an administrator. Figure 4B shows the screen displayed on the UI of the image forming apparatus 102 when the power is turned on while the image forming apparatus 102 has been moved from its predetermined installation position, indicating a shut-down state. Only the network connection setting button 403 is operable, and the execution buttons for print, scan, etc., and the application display area on the display unit 402 are grayed out and cannot be operated. In addition, a message indicating that administrator approval is awaited is displayed in the center of the screen.

[0086] Next, the processing sequence of the image forming system 110 will be explained using Figure 5.

[0087] In step S501, the data transmission / reception unit 311 of userA's client terminal 103 transmits the user ID and password entered in the user interface unit 314 to the data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0088] In step S502, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 refers to the user management table 1000 shown in Figure 10, which is stored in the data storage unit 331, and confirms that the user ID and password match userA. If the match is found, the user management unit 333 returns the login result as a successful login.

[0089] Similarly, in step S503, the data transmission / reception unit 321 of userB's client terminal 104 transmits the user ID and password entered in the user interface unit 323 to the data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0090] In step S504, the user management unit 333 of the application service 105 refers to the user management table 1000 shown in Figure 10, which is stored in the data storage unit 331, and confirms that the user ID and password match those of userB. If the match is found, the user management unit 333 returns the login result as a successful login.

[0091] In step S505, the client terminal 103 registers the image forming apparatus 102 with the application service 105 based on user A's operation. The data transmission / reception unit 311 of the client terminal 103 transmits the device registration instruction for the image forming apparatus 102, which was input via the user interface unit 314, to the data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0092] In step S506, the device management unit 332 of the application service 105 saves the device data in the data storage unit 331 based on the received device registration instruction and returns the result as successful registration. In the sequence shown in Figure 5, user A is registering the image forming apparatus 102, but user B may also register the image forming apparatus 102 using the client terminal 104.

[0093] Subsequently, steps S507 to S517 are performed to carry out printing by the image forming apparatus 102 using the application service 105, and these steps are performed asynchronously and periodically with respect to the other steps.

[0094] In step S507, when userA inputs a print command to the user interface unit 314, the print driver unit 313 of the client terminal 103 transmits the print command to the data transmission unit 335 via the data transmission unit 311.

[0095] In step S508, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 returns to the data transmission / reception unit 311 that it has completed receiving the print command.

[0096] In step S509, the electronic image forming unit 334 of the application service 105 creates electronic data for a print job to be sent to the image forming apparatus 102 as a print instruction, based on the print instruction received in step S507. The data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 transmits the print instruction data, including the electronic data for the print job, to the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0097] In step S510, the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 returns a message to the data transmission / reception unit 335 indicating that reception is complete.

[0098] In step S511, the image forming apparatus 102 performs printing based on the print instruction data received in step S509.

[0099] In step S512, the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 transmits the print results and log data, such as the success or failure of the print done in step S511, the number of printed pages, paper and ink information, and sensor data from the image forming apparatus 102, to the data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0100] In step S513, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 saves the print results and log data received in step S512 to the data storage unit 331 and returns a message to the data transmission / reception unit 301 indicating that reception is complete.

[0101] In step S514, the client terminal 103, through userA's operation, requests the acquisition of the print results and logs that were instructed to be printed in step S507. In step S514, when userA inputs the request for acquisition of print results and logs to the user interface unit 314, the data transmission / reception unit 311 transmits the request for acquisition of print results and logs to the data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0102] In step S515, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 returns the print results and log data received in step S512, which are stored in the data storage unit 331, to the data transmission / reception unit 311.

[0103] Similarly, in step S516, the client terminal 104, at the operation of userB, requests the acquisition of the print results and logs that userA instructed to print in step S507. When userB inputs the request to acquire the print results and logs to the user interface unit 323 in step S516, the data transmission / reception unit 321 transmits the request to acquire the print results and logs to the data transmission / reception unit 335.

[0104] In step S517, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 returns the print results and log data received in step S512, which are stored in the data storage unit 331, to the data transmission / reception unit 321.

[0105] From here, steps S518 to S524 describe the sequence for controlling the functions of the image forming apparatus 102 when it is moved from its predetermined installation location for any reason, such as theft.

[0106] In step S518, the image forming apparatus 102 is powered on by user A or someone else.

[0107] In step S519, the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 functions as a transmission unit and transmits the location information of the image forming apparatus 102, which is stored in the data management unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 102, to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105. Here, the location information of the image forming apparatus 102 may be the location information of the GPS 205, or the network information of the image forming apparatus 102 (e.g., IP address). The data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 receives the location information of the image forming apparatus 102 from the image forming apparatus 102.

[0108] In step S520, the application service 105 determines whether the image forming apparatus 102 has moved. The specific processing details of step S520 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6A.

[0109] In step S601, the application service 105 stores the current (new) location information of the image forming apparatus 102, which was received by the data transmission / reception unit 335 in step S519, in the device management unit 332.

[0110] In step S602, the application service 105 compares the current (new) location information of the image forming apparatus 102 received by the data transmission / reception unit 335 in step S519 with the previous (old) location information of the image forming apparatus 102 stored in the device management unit 332.

[0111] In step S603, the application service 105 functions as a determination unit and determines whether the position information of the image forming apparatus 102 has changed based on the comparison result in step S602. If it is determined in step S603 that the position information has not changed, the application service 105 leaves the function restriction status information in the device management table 900 in Figure 9 as "running" and terminates the processing of the sequence in Figure 6A. If it is determined in step S603 that the position information has changed, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0112] In step S604, the device management unit 332 of the application service 105 changes the function restriction status information in the device management table 900 shown in Figure 9, which it has saved, to stopped.

[0113] Subsequently, in step S521 of Figure 5, the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 functions as a transmission unit, and if the information regarding the function restriction status in the device management table 900 of Figure 9 is "stopped", it sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus 102 to stop all functions of the image forming apparatus 102, such as printing and scanning.

[0114] In this case, the disabled state of the image forming apparatus 102 also applies when the image forming apparatus 102 and the user's client terminal 103 are connected via a wired connection such as USB. All functions, such as print commands from the client terminal 103, are disabled until the network connection settings are configured on the operation panel 401 of the image forming apparatus 102 and the disabled state is released.

[0115] In step S522, the user interface unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 102 functions as a control unit and controls the network setting button on the operation panel 401 to be operable only, as shown in Figure 4B, while disabling all other function buttons.

[0116] In step S523, if the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 indicates that the function restriction status information in the device management table 900 in Figure 9 is stopped, it sends a notification of movement of the image forming apparatus 102 to the data transmission / reception unit 321 of the client terminal 104.

[0117] In step S524, the client terminal 104 issues a function restart instruction based on the reason for its movement. The specific processing details of step S524 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6B.

[0118] In step S612, userB determines the legitimacy of moving the image forming apparatus 102 and inputs approval or denial of the movement of the image forming apparatus 102 to the user interface unit 323. The client terminal 104 determines whether approval of the movement of the image forming apparatus 102 has been input. If it is determined that approval of the movement of the image forming apparatus 102 has been input, the process proceeds to step S614. If it is determined that denial of the movement of the image forming apparatus 102 has been input, the process proceeds to step S613.

[0119] In step S613, the data transmission / reception unit 321 of the client terminal 104 functions as a transmission unit and sends a notification to the data transmission / reception unit 311 of the client terminal 103 denying the movement of the image forming apparatus 102, and the processing of the sequence in Figure 6B is completed.

[0120] In step S614, the data transmission / reception unit 321 of the client terminal 104 sends an approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus 102 to the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105. The data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 receives the approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus 102 from the client terminal 104.

[0121] In step S615, the device management unit 332 of the application service 105 changes the function restriction status information in the stored device management table 900 shown in Figure 9 to "execute".

[0122] In step S616, if the data transmission / reception unit 335 of the application service 105 indicates that the function restriction status information in the device management table 900 in Figure 9 is "running", it sends an instruction to the data transmission / reception unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 102 to restart all functions of the image forming apparatus 102, such as printing and scanning.

[0123] In step S617, the user interface unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 102 controls all the function buttons on the operation panel 401 to an operable state, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0124] As described above, a method for controlling the functions of the image forming apparatus 102 when it is moved from its designated installation location for any reason, such as theft, and a method for restarting the controlled functions have been explained. This method makes it possible to prevent the leakage of confidential company information or business-related information from the image forming apparatus 102 when it is stolen or illegally lent to an external friend or other external party, or otherwise falls into the hands of an external third party.

[0125] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, a method for controlling the functions of the image forming apparatus 102 and a method for restarting the controlled functions were described, assuming that the image forming apparatus 102 is moved from its predetermined installation location for some reason, such as theft, and then used after being connected to a network.

[0126] However, with the method of the first embodiment, if the image forming apparatus 102 is started offline, the function control will not work, and there is a possibility that confidential information could be extracted from the image forming apparatus 102.

[0127] In the second embodiment, a method for performing function control even when the image forming apparatus 102 is started offline will be described.

[0128] First, let's explain Figure 7.

[0129] Figure 7 shows an example of the UI when the function is stopped in the second embodiment, and shows an example of the UI displayed when the image forming apparatus 102 is started offline. Figure 2 shows the screen displayed on the UI of the image forming apparatus 102 when network communication between the image forming apparatus 102 and the application service 105 has not been confirmed.

[0130] The control panel 701 is the control panel for the image forming apparatus 102. Only the network setting button 703 is operable; the execution buttons for print, scan, etc., and the section 702 that displays applications are grayed out and cannot be operated. In addition, a message indicating that network settings are required is displayed in the center of the screen.

[0131] The overall processing sequence of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (Figure 5), except that the processing when the image forming apparatus 102 is powered on in step S518 is different. Here, the specific processing content of step S518 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0132] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process from when the power supply to the image forming apparatus 102 is turned on, to when the image forming apparatus 102 itself determines the network connection status and controls its functions.

[0133] In step S801, the image forming apparatus 102 is powered on by user A or someone else.

[0134] In step S802, the image forming apparatus 102 determines whether the network is online or not. If it determines that the network is online, the image forming apparatus 102 terminates the processing of the flowchart in Figure 8 and transmits device location information to the application service 105 in step S519 of Figure 5.

[0135] If it is determined that the network is offline, the process proceeds to step S803.

[0136] In step S803, the user interface unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 102 controls the network setting button 703 on the operation panel 701 to be operable only, as shown in Figure 7, and disables all other function buttons 702. Then, the process returns to step S802. This disabled state continues as long as the network is offline.

[0137] In this case, the disabled state of the image forming apparatus 102 also applies when the image forming apparatus 102 and the user's client terminal 103 are connected via a wired connection such as USB. All functions, such as print commands from the client terminal 103, are disabled until the network connection settings are configured on the operation panel 701 of the image forming apparatus 102 and the disabled state is released.

[0138] By using the above method, even if the image forming apparatus 102 is stolen or illegally lent to an external friend or other person, and falls into the hands of an external third party, it becomes possible to prevent confidential information from being extracted from the image forming apparatus 102, even if it is used offline.

[0139] According to the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 102 is moved from its designated installation location for any reason, such as theft, the movement is detected, the administrator is notified, and the functions of the image forming apparatus 102 can be controlled. Furthermore, when the function is stopped, only network settings can be operated on the operation panel (operation unit) of the image forming apparatus 102, and the administrator is notified when a network connection is established, allowing the administrator to quickly become aware of the movement of the image forming apparatus 102 and to quickly restore the function of the image forming apparatus 102 from a malfunction.

[0140] According to the second embodiment, even when the image forming apparatus 102 is offline, restrictions can be placed on its use, making it possible to prevent thieves from using the image forming apparatus 102 offline and stealing confidential information.

[0141] The above restrictions on the use of the image forming apparatus 102 also apply when the image forming apparatus 102 and the user's client terminal are connected via a wired connection such as USB. All functions, such as print commands from the client terminal, will be suspended until the network connection settings are configured on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 102 and the restrictions are lifted.

[0142] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0143] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0144] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) A determination means that receives location information of an image forming apparatus and determines whether the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed based on the previous location information of the image forming apparatus and the current location information of the image forming apparatus, If the determination means determines that the position information of the image forming apparatus has changed, the first transmission means transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus to stop its functions and transmits a notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to the first client terminal. When approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus is received from the first client terminal, a second transmission means transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus to restart its functions. A server characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The server according to configuration 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is GPS location information. (Composition 3) The server according to configuration 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is location information identified based on a beacon emitted by the image forming apparatus. (Composition 4) The server according to configuration 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is location information identified based on information of equipment located near the image forming apparatus. (Composition 5) The server according to configuration 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is network information to which the image forming apparatus is connected. (Composition 6) The determination means is a server according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that it receives location information of the image forming apparatus transmitted when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on. (Composition 7) A server described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, The image forming apparatus has the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus is A third transmission means for transmitting the position information of the image forming apparatus to the server, An image forming system characterized by having control means that, upon receiving an instruction to stop the function of the image forming apparatus, controls a button for a predetermined function to a state where it cannot be operated, and upon receiving an instruction to restart the function of the image forming apparatus, controls the button for the predetermined function to a state where it can be operated. (Composition 8) The image forming system according to configuration 7, characterized in that the control means controls the buttons for the predetermined functions to be inoperable while the image forming apparatus is offline from the network. (Composition 9) The image forming system according to configuration 8, characterized in that the control means controls the buttons for the predetermined functions to be inoperable after the power supply of the image forming apparatus has been turned on and while the image forming apparatus is offline from the network. (Composition 10) The image forming system further comprises the first client terminal, The image forming system according to any one of configurations 7 to 9, characterized in that the first client terminal has a fourth transmission means that transmits an approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus to the server in response to an approval input from the user interface section of the first client terminal. (Composition 11) The image forming system according to configuration 10, characterized in that the fourth transmission means transmits a denial notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to the second client terminal in response to a denial input from the user interface section of the first client terminal. (Method 1) A determination step involves receiving location information of the image forming apparatus and determining whether the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed based on the previous location information of the image forming apparatus and the current location information of the image forming apparatus. If the determination step determines that the position information of the image forming apparatus has changed, the first transmission step involves sending an instruction to the image forming apparatus to stop its functions and sending a notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to the first client terminal. When approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus is received from the first client terminal, a second transmission step is taken to send an instruction to the image forming apparatus to resume its functions. A server processing method characterized by having the following features. (Program 1) A program to make a computer function as a server as described in one of the configurations 1 through 6. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 102 Image forming apparatus, 103, 104 Client terminals, 105 Application service, 331 Data storage unit, 332 Device management unit, 333 User management unit, 334 Electron image forming unit, 335 Data transmission / reception unit

Claims

1. A determination means that receives location information of an image forming apparatus and determines whether the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed based on the previous location information of the image forming apparatus and the current location information of the image forming apparatus, If the determination means determines that the position information of the image forming apparatus has changed, the first transmission means transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus to stop its functions and transmits a notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to the first client terminal. When approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus is received from the first client terminal, a second transmission means transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus to restart its functions. A server characterized by having the following features.

2. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is GPS location information.

3. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is location information identified based on a beacon emitted by the image forming apparatus.

4. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is location information identified based on information of equipment located near the image forming apparatus.

5. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the location information of the image forming apparatus is network information to which the image forming apparatus is connected.

6. The server according to claim 1, wherein the determination means receives location information of the image forming apparatus transmitted when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on.

7. A server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The image forming apparatus has the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus is A third transmission means for transmitting the position information of the image forming apparatus to the server, An image forming system characterized by having control means that, upon receiving an instruction to stop the function of the image forming apparatus, controls a button for a predetermined function to a state where it cannot be operated, and upon receiving an instruction to restart the function of the image forming apparatus, controls the button for the predetermined function to a state where it can be operated.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7, characterized in that the control means controls the buttons for the predetermined functions to be inoperable while the image forming apparatus is offline from the network.

9. The image forming system according to claim 8, characterized in that the control means controls the buttons for the predetermined functions to be inoperable while the image forming apparatus is offline from the network after the power supply of the image forming apparatus has been turned on.

10. The image forming system further comprises the first client terminal, The image forming system according to claim 7, characterized in that the first client terminal has a fourth transmission means for transmitting an approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus to the server in response to an approval input from the user interface section of the first client terminal.

11. The image forming system according to claim 10, characterized in that the fourth transmission means transmits a denial notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to the second client terminal in response to a denial input from the user interface section of the first client terminal.

12. A determination step involves receiving location information of the image forming apparatus and determining whether the location information of the image forming apparatus has changed based on the previous location information of the image forming apparatus and the current location information of the image forming apparatus. If the determination step determines that the position information of the image forming apparatus has changed, the first transmission step involves sending an instruction to the image forming apparatus to stop its functions and sending a notification of the movement of the image forming apparatus to the first client terminal. When approval notification for the movement of the image forming apparatus is received from the first client terminal, a second transmission step is taken to send an instruction to the image forming apparatus to resume its functions. A server processing method characterized by having the following features.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as a server as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images