Interface Server

Abstract

To provide an interface server that can set and display an operation screen interface for a supervisor or a user to easily use while being able to utilize all of scan functions provided by a multifunction machine maker, an operation method thereof and a program.SOLUTION: In a scan processing system, an interface server 300 that is connected to a plurality of multifunction machines through a network comprises: an identification information reception unit that receives identification information associated with a user and a multifunction machine; an identification information holding unit; an operation screen interface creation unit that creates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button in which display positions are commonly used in the plurality of multifunction machines; an operation screen interface storage unit that stores the display data; an operation screen interface reading unit that reads the display data from the operation screen interface storage unit; and an operation screen interface transmission unit that transmits the display data to the multifunction machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an interface server that is connected to a plurality of multifunction devices (including at least a scanning function) via a network and provides an operation screen interface necessary for the scanning function of each multifunction device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a multifunction device is a device having a plurality of functions. In Japan, it often refers to an office device in which functions such as a copier, a printer, an image scanner, and a facsimile are integrated.

[0003] And the operation screen interfaces (I / F) provided by multifunction device manufacturers are often different in functions, displays, and positions, and are made according to the manufacturers' own designs. Users need to memorize or become familiar with all of them, which is very cumbersome for users.

[0004] As an example to solve this problem, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In this invention, an operation interface screen reflecting a scanning function commonly used for a plurality of media processing devices (including multifunction devices having a scanning function) is prepared and provided to each media processing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the above-described invention, since only the scan function commonly used for a plurality of media processing devices is reflected in the operation interface screen, among the plurality of scan functions originally possessed by the media processing device, functions that are not shared are not displayed. As a result, there is a problem that scan functions that the user cannot use even if they want to appear.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Based on the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an interface server that can set and display an operation screen interface that is user-friendly for an administrator or the user who operates it while being able to utilize all the scan functions provided by the multifunction device manufacturer.

[0008] Specifically, the present invention provides an interface server connected to a plurality of multifunction devices having a scan function via a network, the interface server including: an identification information receiving unit that receives identification information regarding a user and a multifunction device from the multifunction device; an identification information holding unit that holds the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit; an operation screen interface generation unit that generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a common display position on the plurality of multifunction devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit; an operation screen interface storage unit that stores the display data generated by the operation screen interface generation unit; an operation screen interface reading unit that reads out corresponding display data from the operation screen interface storage unit based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit; and an operation screen interface transmission unit that transmits the display data read out by the operation screen interface reading unit to the multifunction device.

[0009] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an interface server further comprising a usage status reception unit that receives usage status information of the scanning function of each multifunction device from an administrator terminal connected to a network, and a usage status information storage unit that stores the usage status information received by the usage status reception unit.

[0010] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an interface server further comprising a standard setting reception unit that receives, as standard setting information, the scanning function selected and instructed by a user from a user terminal connected to a network, and a standard setting registration unit that registers the standard setting information received by the standard setting reception unit in response to a registration instruction from the user.

[0011] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an interface server wherein the identification information includes a user ID and a multifunction device ID.

[0012] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an interface server wherein the display data consists of HTML data for displaying an operation screen interface.

[0013] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an interface server wherein the usage status information is information that distinguishes, for each user by an administrator terminal, between cases where the use of each scanning function installed in a multifunction device is permitted and cases where it is not permitted.

[0014] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an interface server wherein the user ID is a numerical sequence of a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or a character string of a predetermined length formed by combining numbers with alphabets, symbols, etc.

[0015] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an interface server wherein the multifunction device ID is an IP address or a host name.

[0016] Furthermore, regarding the interface servers described above, in order to implement them, there are provided an operation method of an interface server which is a computer, and an operation program of an interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner for the interface server which is a computer.

[0017] Specifically, the present invention includes an identification information receiving step in which a CPU receives identification information regarding a user and a multifunction device from the multifunction device via a network, an identification information holding step in which the CPU holds the identification information received in the identification information receiving step, an operation screen interface generation step in which the CPU generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a common display position on a plurality of multifunction devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held in the identification information holding step, an operation screen interface storage step in which the CPU stores the display data generated in the operation screen interface generation step, an operation screen interface reading step in which the CPU reads out the corresponding display data stored in the operation screen interface storage step based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held in the identification information holding step, and an operation screen interface transmission step in which the CPU transmits the display data read out in the operation screen interface reading step to the multifunction device. There is provided an operation method of an interface server which is a computer having these steps.

[0018] In addition to the above features, the present invention further provides an operation method of an interface server which is a computer, including a usage status receiving step in which a CPU receives usage status information of the scan function of each multifunction device from an administrator terminal connected to the network, and a usage status information storage step in which the CPU stores the usage status information received in the usage status receiving step.

[0019] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an operation method for an interface server, which is a computer, further comprising: a standard setting reception step in which a CPU receives, as standard setting information, a scan function selected and instructed by a user from a user terminal connected to a network; and a standard setting registration step in which the CPU registers the standard setting information received in the standard setting reception step in response to a user's registration instruction.

[0020] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an operation method for an interface server, which is a computer, wherein the identification information includes a user ID and a multifunction device ID.

[0021] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an operation method for an interface server, which is a computer, wherein the display data consists of HTML data for displaying an operation screen interface.

[0022] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an operation method for an interface server, which is a computer, wherein the usage status information is information that distinguishes, for each user by an administrator terminal, between cases where the use of each scan function installed in the multifunction device is permitted and cases where it is not permitted.

[0023] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an operation method for an interface server, which is a computer, wherein the user ID is a numerical sequence of a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or a character string of a predetermined length formed by combining numbers with alphabets, symbols, etc.

[0024] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides an operation method for an interface server, which is a computer, wherein the multifunction device ID is an IP address or a host name.

[0025] Specifically, the present invention includes an identification information receiving step of receiving, via a network, identification information regarding a user and a multifunction device from the multifunction device, an identification information holding step of holding the identification information received in the identification information receiving step, an operation screen interface generation step of generating display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a shared display position on a plurality of multifunction devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held in the identification information holding step, an operation screen interface storage step of storing the display data generated in the operation screen interface generation step, an operation screen interface reading step of reading the corresponding display data stored in the operation screen interface storage step based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held in the identification information holding step, and an operation screen interface transmission step of transmitting the display data read in the operation screen interface reading step to the multifunction device. The present invention provides an operation program of an interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner for the interface server which is a computer.

[0026] In addition to the above features, the present invention further provides an operation program of an interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner for the interface server which is a computer, the operation program further including a usage status receiving step of receiving, from an administrator terminal connected to the network, usage status information of the scan function of each multifunction device, and a usage status information storage step of storing the usage status information received in the usage status receiving step.

[0027] In addition to the above features, the present invention further provides an operation program of an interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner for the interface server which is a computer, the operation program further including a standard setting receiving step of receiving, from a user terminal connected to the network, a scan function selected and instructed by the user as standard setting information, and a standard setting registration step of registering the standard setting information received in the standard setting receiving step in response to a registration instruction from the user.

[0028] In addition to the above features, the present invention provides an operation program of an interface server that is readable and executable by a computer, where the identification information includes a user ID and a multifunction device ID.

[0029] In addition to the above features, the present invention provides an operation program of an interface server that is readable and executable by a computer, where the display data consists of HTML data for displaying an operation screen interface.

[0030] In addition to the above features, the present invention provides an operation program of an interface server that is readable and executable by a computer, where the usage status information is information that distinguishes, for each user by an administrator terminal, between the cases of permitting and not permitting the use of each scanning function installed in the multifunction device.

[0031] In addition to the above features, the present invention provides an operation program of an interface server that is readable and executable by a computer, where the user ID is a numerical sequence of a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or a character string of a predetermined length composed of a combination of numbers, alphabets, symbols, etc.

[0032] In addition to the above features, the present invention provides an operation program of an interface server that is readable and executable by a computer, where the multifunction device ID is an IP address or a host name.

Advantages of the Invention

[0033] As described above, the present invention can provide an interface server that allows an administrator or the user operating the device to set and display an operation screen interface with good usability while being able to use all the scanning functions provided by the multifunction device manufacturer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2c

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration applied to the present invention. The present invention is an invention that principally uses an electronic computer. It can be realized by software, by hardware, or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The hardware that realizes all or part of each component of the present invention is composed of a CPU, a memory, a bus, input / output devices, various peripheral devices, a user interface, etc., which are the basic components of a computer. The various peripheral devices include storage devices, interfaces such as the Internet, Internet devices, displays, keyboards, mice, speakers, cameras, videos, TVs, various sensors for grasping the production status in a laboratory or factory (flow sensors, temperature sensors, weight sensors, liquid volume sensors, infrared sensors, shipping quantity counters, packing quantity counters, foreign object inspection devices, defective product counters, radiation inspection devices, surface condition inspection devices, circuit inspection devices, human sensors, operator work status grasping devices (using video, ID, PC workload, etc.)), CD devices, DVD devices, Blu-ray devices, USB memories, USB memory interfaces, removable hard disks, general hard disks, projector devices, SSDs, telephones, faxes, copiers, printing devices, movie editing devices, various sensor devices, etc. Also, this system does not necessarily have to be composed of a single housing, and it may be composed of a plurality of housings connected by communication. Also, the communication may be LAN, WAN, Wifi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, or ultrasonic communication, and furthermore, part of it may be installed across national borders. Furthermore, each of the plurality of housings may be operated by different entities, or may be operated by a single entity. Whether the operating entity of the system of the present invention is singular or plural does not matter. Also, in addition to this system, the invention can be configured as a system including terminals used by third parties and further including terminals used by other third parties. Also, these terminals may be installed across national borders. Furthermore, in addition to this system and the said terminals, devices used for registering related information of third parties and related persons, devices used for a database for recording the registration content, etc. may be prepared. These may be provided in this system, or may be provided outside this system and configure this system so that these information can be used.

[0036] As shown in this figure, a computer is composed of a chipset, a CPU, non-volatile memory, main memory, various buses, BIOS, various interfaces such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), and LAN, a real-time clock, etc., which are configured on the motherboard. These operate in cooperation with an operating system, device drivers (for various interfaces such as USB and HDMI (registered trademark), and for various devices incorporated such as cameras, microphones, speakers or headphones, displays, etc.), and various programs. Various programs and various data constituting the present invention are configured to execute various processes by efficiently using these hardware resources. ≪Chipset≫

[0037] The "chipset" is a set of large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) mounted on the motherboard of a computer, which integrates the communication function, that is, the bridge function, between the external bus of the CPU and the standard bus connecting the memory and peripheral devices. There are cases of adopting a two-chipset configuration and a one-chipset configuration. The north bridge is provided on the side closer to the CPU and the main memory, and the south bridge is provided on the side farther away and for the interface with relatively low-speed external I / O.

[0038] (North Bridge) The north bridge includes a CPU interface, a memory controller, and a graphics interface. Most of the functions of a conventional north bridge may be borne by the CPU. The north bridge is connected to the memory slot of the main memory via a memory bus, and is connected to the graphics card slot of the graphics card via a high-speed graphics bus (AGP, PCI Express).

[0039] (South Bridge) The South Bridge is connected to the PCI interface (PCI slot) via the PCI bus and is responsible for I / O functions such as the ATA (SATA) interface, USB interface, Ethernet interface, and sound functions. Incorporating circuits that support PS / 2 ports, floppy disk drives, serial ports, parallel ports, and ISA buses, which do not require or are unable to achieve high-speed operation, would impede the speed increase of the chipset itself. Therefore, it may be separated from the South Bridge chip and assigned to another LSI called a Super I / O chip. A bus is used to connect the CPU (MPU) to peripheral devices and various control units. The bus is connected by the chipset. The memory bus used for connection to the main memory may adopt a channel structure instead in order to achieve high speed. As the bus, a serial bus or a parallel bus can be adopted. The parallel bus transfers the original data itself or a plurality of bits cut out from the original data as a single unit simultaneously through a plurality of communication paths, while the serial bus transfers data one bit at a time. A dedicated line for the clock signal is provided in parallel with the data line to synchronize data demodulation on the receiving side. It is also used as a bus to connect the CPU (chipset) to external devices, such as GPIB, IDE / (parallel) ATA, SCSI, and PCI. Since there are limitations in achieving high speed, in the improved version of PCI, PCI Express, and the improved version of parallel ATA, serial ATA, the data line may also be a serial bus.

[0040] ≪CPU≫

[0041] The CPU reads, interprets, and executes in sequence an instruction sequence called a program on the main memory, and outputs information composed of signals to the main memory as well. The CPU functions as the center for performing calculations within the computer. Note that the CPU is composed of a CPU core part that serves as the center of the calculation and its peripheral parts, and includes registers, cache memory, an internal bus connecting the cache memory and the CPU core, a DMA controller, a timer, and an interface with a connection bus to the north bridge inside the CPU. Note that multiple CPU cores may be provided in one CPU (chip). Also, in addition to the CPU, processing may be performed by a graphics interface (GPU) or an FPU. Note that the description in the embodiment is of a two-core type, but it is not limited to this. Also, a program can be built into the CPU.

[0042] ≪Non-volatile Memory≫

[0043] (HDD)

[0044] The basic structure of a hard disk drive is composed of a magnetic disk, a magnetic head, and an arm on which the magnetic head is mounted. The external interface can adopt SATA (ATA in the past). A high-performance controller, such as SCSI, is used to support communication between hard disk drives. For example, when copying a file to another hard disk drive, the controller can read sectors and transfer and write them to another hard disk drive. At this time, there is no access to the memory of the host CPU. Therefore, the load on the CPU can be increased without increasing it.

[0045] ≪Main Memory≫

[0046] The CPU directly accesses and executes various programs on the main memory. The main memory is a volatile memory and DRAM is used. Programs on the main memory are expanded from the non-volatile memory to the main memory upon receiving the program startup instruction. Thereafter, the CPU executes the program according to various execution instructions and execution procedures within the program.

[0047] ≪Operating System (OS)≫

[0048] The operating system is used to manage the resources on the computer for the application to utilize, manage various device drivers, and manage the computer itself which is hardware. In a small computer, firmware may be used as the operating system.

[0049] ≪BIOS≫

[0050] BIOS causes the CPU to execute the procedure for starting up the computer hardware and operating the operating system. Most typically, it is the hardware that the CPU first reads when receiving the startup instruction of the computer. The address of the operating system stored in the disk (non-volatile memory) is described here, and the operating system is sequentially expanded into the main memory by the BIOS expanded in the CPU and enters the operating state. Note that BIOS also has a check function for checking the presence or absence of various devices connected to the bus. The result of the check is saved on the main memory and can be made available by the operating system as appropriate. Note that BIOS may be configured to check external devices and the like. The above is the same for all embodiments.

[0051] As shown in the figures, the present invention can basically be composed of a general-purpose computer program and various devices. The operation of the computer basically takes the form of loading the program recorded in the non-volatile memory into the main memory and executing processing with the main memory, the CPU, and various devices. Communication with the devices is performed via an interface connected to the bus line. Examples of the interface include a display interface, a keyboard, a communication buffer, etc. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described together with illustrated examples.

[0052] <Satisfaction of the availability of the natural law of the present invention>

[0053] The present invention functions through the cooperation of a computer, communication facilities, and software. Specifically, it relates to an interface server that is connected to a plurality of multifunction devices (including at least a scanning function) via a network and provides an operation screen interface necessary for the scanning function of each multifunction device. Various data and information are exchanged among a plurality of multifunction devices, an administrator terminal, a user terminal, etc. using hardware resources. Therefore, from this perspective, if the present invention of the application is judged based on the matters described in the claims and the specification regarding resources such as a computer and the common technical knowledge related to those matters, the present invention of the application as a whole utilizes natural laws and also falls within the category of inventions related to computer software.

[0054] <Significance of the utilization of natural laws required by the Patent Law>

[0055] The utilization of natural laws required by the Patent Act means that, from the perspective that an invention must have industrial applicability and contribute to the development of the industry based on the purpose of the law, it is required to ensure that the invention can be usefully utilized in industry. That is, it is required that the invention be useful in industry, that is, the effects of the invention declared at the time of application can be reproduced with a certain degree of certainty by implementing the invention. From this perspective, the utilization of natural laws means that it is interpreted that as long as the functions exerted by each of the invention-specific matters (invention constituent elements), which are the constitution of the invention for exerting the effects of the invention, are exerted by utilizing natural laws. Furthermore, it should be noted that the effects of the invention only need to have the possibility of providing a predetermined usefulness to the users who utilize the invention, and should not be viewed from the perspective of how the users feel or think about such usefulness. Therefore, even if the effects obtained by the users through this system are psychological effects, the effects themselves are events outside the scope of the required utilization of natural laws.

Embodiments for Implementing the Invention

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The mutual relationship between the embodiments and the claims is as follows. Mainly, the description of Embodiment 1 relates to Claims 1, 9, and 17, the description of Embodiment 2 relates to Claims 2, 10, and 18, the description of Embodiment 3 relates to Claims 3, 11, and 19, and the description of Embodiment 4 relates to Claims 1 to 3, 9 to 11, and 17 to 19. The present invention should not be limited to these embodiments and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

[0057] <Configuration of the Entire Scan Processing System of the Present Invention> FIG. 2a is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entire scan processing system in the present invention. The scanning processing system 200 includes a plurality of multifunction devices (here, multifunction device A 202 and multifunction device B 203) having at least a scanning function, an interface server 201 that provides an operation screen interface related to the scanning function for these multifunction devices, an administrator terminal 204, and a user terminal 206, which are interconnected via a local area network (LAN) 205 that is a dedicated line. Note that this local area network 205 can be constructed either wired or wirelessly, and can be connected to an external Internet via a gateway device or the like as appropriate according to need. Hereinafter, in the description of each embodiment, it is assumed that the user is Mr. Tanaka and Mr. Tanaka uses (logs in to) multifunction device A for the purpose of explanation.

[0058] The interface server 201 is a device that provides an operation screen interface necessary for the scanning function to be executed for each of the plurality of multifunction devices. Specifically, for example, it is the operation screen interface displayed on the touch panel of the multifunction device as shown in FIGS. 15, 17, and 18. In the present invention, it is important that the "scan start button" for executing the scanning function has a common display position (layout) among the plurality of multifunction devices, that is, it is controlled to be always arranged at the same position (for example, the upper right side of the center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) on the operation screen interface. This is for the convenience of the user and to make it a user-friendly function. In addition to the function of mainly providing an operation screen interface necessary for the scanning function to each multifunction device, the interface server 201 may be configured to have a function of executing user authentication, a function of causing the multifunction device to execute the scanning function, a function of storing or managing (editing, adding, deleting, searching, retrieving) the scan data transmitted from the scanned multifunction device, and the like. Note that in the present invention, the description is based on the premise that the interface server is configured to be able to execute each of the above functions. However, for functions other than the function of providing an operation screen interface necessary for the scan function for each multifunction device, such as a function for performing user authentication, a function for causing the multifunction device to execute the scan function, and a function for storing / managing scan data transmitted from the scanned multifunction device, a server physically different from the interface server may be provided, and that server may perform those functions. Alternatively, a plurality of servers that perform each of the above functions may be prepared, and information and data may be exchanged between those servers so that they can cooperate or collaborate to execute each function.

[0059] Multifunction device A202 and multifunction device B203 are devices each equipped with a scan processing engine that executes scanning of a paper medium or the like based on control by interface server 201. Further, these are provided with a touch panel for receiving operations and instructions from a user and for displaying an operation screen interface to the user. Here, various methods (for example, surface acoustic wave (ultrasonic wave) method, capacitance method, resistive film method, etc.) are conceivable for this touch panel, but in the present invention, the description is based on the premise of adopting the resistive film method that can be realized simply and at low cost. Also, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a function selection screen of a multifunction device to which the present invention is applied. An operation screen interface for displaying all the functions originally possessed by the multifunction device, that is, the copy function, printer function, scan function, facsimile function, detailed settings, etc., is displayed on the touch panel, and by the user touching the scan function button, the scan function of the multifunction device can be executed. The multifunction machines A202 and B203 may be provided with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition / Reader) function as part of or as an option to the scanning function. By providing this OCR function, characters can be recognized from the scanned data and converted into a character code, as a result of which information retrieval can be performed quickly, or the data can be easily processed using document / spreadsheet software, or a paperless environment (where there is no need to store paper-based documents) can be promoted. Note that the multifunction machines A202 and B203 may be configured to execute the scanning function independently within the multifunction machine instead of collaborating with the interface server 201.

[0060] The administrator terminal 204 is a device that transmits usage status information, which consists of information distinguishing between cases where the use of the scanning function of each multifunction machine is permitted and not permitted, to the interface server 201 via the local area network 205, and the interface server 201 receives and stores the usage status information, and plays a part in controlling the scanning function of each multifunction machine. Here, the administrator using the administrator terminal 204 is preferably appointed by a person determined in advance, for example, a person in charge such as a chief or a person equivalent thereto (management positions such as department heads or managers) in a certain organization (for example, assumed to be a management department, a business headquarters, a business unit, an internal department, a group, a project team, etc. of a company, but not limited thereto, and may be a public organization such as a government agency or a local government, or various corporations or non-profit organizations). Alternatively, it is preferably taken charge of by an information security officer selected by a certain organization. Note that the administrator terminal 204 may be an electronic device (for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc.) that can be connected to the local area network 205 via a wired or wireless interface (for example, a LAN cable, a WiFi router, etc.). The administrator terminal 204 can set default values (initial values) related to the scanning function in advance and store them in the interface server 201. At this time, when the administrator uses the administrator terminal 204 to select the usage status information that distinguishes between the case of permitting use (OK) and the case of not permitting use (N / A) for the multifunction machine A202 and stores it in the interface server 201. Thereby, the interface server 201 refers to the stored usage status information and transmits display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface for the multifunction machine A202, and displays it on the touch panel of the multifunction machine A202. For example, if the function A of the multifunction machine A202 is "color mode" and there are four options: "automatic", "black and white", "full color", and "grayscale", when the administrator selects the case of permitting "automatic" (OK) and sets it to not permit "color mode" (N / A), the user will not be able to operate the "color mode", and the scanning operation will always be executed in "automatic". Similarly, when the administrator selects the case of permitting "black and white" (OK) and sets it to not permit "color mode" (N / A), the user will not be able to operate the "color mode", and the scanning operation will always be executed in "black and white". Furthermore, when the administrator selects the case of permitting "color mode" (OK) and sets it to not permit "automatic" and "full color" (N / A), the user can select either "black and white" or "grayscale" to execute the scanning operation. Although the multifunction machine A has been described as above, the same can be done for the multifunction machine B and other multifunction machines.

[0061] Each user owns an authentication medium in advance for performing authentication in the scanning processing system 200. Also, this authentication medium only needs to be configured to have a function of allowing the reading device of the multifunction machine to authenticate the identification information of the user (for example, user ID, etc.). Here, as the authentication medium, an IC card (non-contact type or contact type), a magnetic card, etc. can be used.

[0062] The multifunction machine A202 and the multifunction machine B203 are built-in or connected with a reading device for reading the authentication media of each user. For example, when a user holds a contactless IC card near the reading device of the multifunction machine, the identification information (user ID, multifunction machine ID) is sent to the interface server, and authentication is executed. The interface server 201 sends the authentication result to the multifunction machine. When the user's authentication is successful, the multifunction machine transitions to a state where it can accept operations and instructions from the user, that is, the logged-in state. Also, when the user's authentication fails, a message such as "You are not registered as a user and cannot be used." appears on the touch panel of the multifunction machine, indicating that the authentication has failed. Hereinafter, the case of using a contactless IC card and a reading device will be assumed for explanation, but instead of these, a biometric authentication device using a human fingerprint, iris, finger, palm vein pattern on the palm and back of the hand, face, etc. may be used. Note that the authentication information may include, as information related to the user ID, the user's name, affiliated organization name, affiliated department name, job grade, etc., and may also include, as information related to the multifunction machine ID, the multifunction machine manufacturer name, model name, manufacturing number, etc.

[0063] The user terminal 206 is an electronic device (such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, etc.) that can be connected to the local area network 205 via a wired or wireless interface (such as a LAN cable or a WiFi router), and is a terminal that each user of the multifunction machine A202 and the multifunction machine B203 can use. For example, Mr. Tanaka, a user, uses the web browser of his own user terminal 206 to access the interface server 201 using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calls up the standard setting selection screen for the multifunction machine A202, selects the function to be set as the standard from the scan functions of the multifunction machine A202, and can register it with the interface server 201. Note that the standard setting information can be registered at any time regardless of the operation of the multifunction machine A202 (before or after login). In addition, the "User ID (Access ID)" and "password" input from the user terminal 206 may be used in cooperation with an external authentication server. Here, the "User ID (Access ID)" input from the user terminal 206 may be the same as the "User ID" when logging in to the multifunction device, or may be associated and stored in the interface server 201. Although the case of the multifunction device A202 has been described above, the same can be done for the multifunction device B203 and other multifunction devices.

[0064] Figure 2b is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entire scan processing system according to the present invention. As shown in this figure, instead of the interface server 201 storing and managing scan data, a file server 207 having a plurality of scan folders for storing the received scan data may be provided. In this case, the user can connect their user terminal (for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc.) to the local area network 205 via a wired or wireless interface (for example, a LAN cable or a WiFi router), and access the scan data stored in any of the scan folders to use it for their own work. Also, the file server 207 may be configured to store scan logs. Here, it is preferable that the scan logs include the user ID, the multifunction device ID, the scan date and time, the scan data, the color mode, the output file format, the resolution, the storage destination, etc. This is to enable the above-described administrator to check and manage the usage history of the scan function of each user.

[0065] FIG. 2c is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entire scan processing system in the present invention. As shown in this figure, a mail server 208 that transmits an email to an arbitrary destination based on an instruction from the interface server 201 may be provided. Here, the email may attach the scan data stored in the interface server 201, or may describe a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the location of the scan data. Further, depending on the size of the scan data, when the size is smaller than a predetermined value, it may be attached to and transmitted by email, and when the size is larger than the predetermined value, a function may be provided to automatically determine to describe a URL link indicating the location of the scan data in the email and transmit it.

[0066] <Embodiment 1 (mainly corresponding to claim 1)> <Outline of Embodiment 1> In this embodiment, in an interface server that is connected to a plurality of multifunction devices having a scanning function via a network and provides an operation screen interface necessary for the scanning function of each multifunction device, an identification information receiving unit that receives identification information regarding a user and a multifunction device from the multifunction device, an identification information holding unit that holds the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit, and based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit, an operation screen interface generation unit that generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a common display position on a plurality of multifunction devices, an operation screen interface storage unit that stores the display data generated by the operation screen interface generation unit, an operation screen interface reading unit that reads out corresponding display data from the operation screen interface storage unit based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit, and an operation screen interface transmission unit that transmits the display data read out by the operation screen interface reading unit to the multifunction device are provided. Further, in order to realize this, an operation method of the interface server which is a computer and an operation program of the interface server described so as to be readable and executable by the interface server which is a computer are provided.

[0067] <Embodiment 1 Functional Configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the interface server in Embodiment 1. This embodiment provides an interface server including an identification information receiving unit, an identification information holding unit, an operation screen interface generation unit, an operation screen interface storage unit, an operation screen interface reading unit, and an operation screen interface transmission unit.

[0068] <Embodiment 1 Explanation of Configuration: Identification Information Receiving Unit> The "Identification Information Receiving Unit" 301 is configured to have a function of receiving identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device from the multifunction device 307. Specifically, when user Mr. Tanaka holds his contactless IC card over the reading device of multifunction device A, the identification information (user ID) of user Mr. Tanaka and the identification information (multifunction device ID) of multifunction device A are transmitted to the interface server 300, and the identification information receiving unit 301 of the interface server 300 receives this. Further, the authentication information may include, as information related to the user ID, the user's name, affiliated organization name, affiliated department name, job grade, etc., and may also include, as information related to the multifunction device ID, the multifunction device manufacturer name, model name, serial number, etc. Here, the user ID is information for identifying the individual user, and may be a numerical sequence of a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or may be a character string of a predetermined length composed of a combination of numbers, alphabets, symbols, etc. Also, the multifunction device ID is information for identifying the multifunction device, and may be an IP address or host name previously assigned to the multifunction device. In the case of a host name, the interface server 300 may be configured to query a DNS (Domain Name System) server existing on the Internet with that host name and obtain the corresponding IP address as a result.

[0069] <Embodiment 1 Description of Configuration: Identification Information Holding Unit> The "Identification Information Holding Unit" 302 is configured to have a function of holding the identification information received by the aforementioned identification information receiving unit 301. The held identification information is referred to during the processing by the operation screen interface generation unit and the operation screen interface reading unit described later.

[0070] <Embodiment 1 Description of Configuration: Operation Screen Interface Generation Unit> The "operation screen interface generation unit" 303 is configured to have a function of generating display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a shared display position on a plurality of multi-functional devices based on the identification information (user ID, multi-functional device ID) regarding the user and the multi-functional device held by the aforementioned identification information holding unit 302. The generation of the operation screen interface may be configured to be generated completely automatically, or may be configured not to be completely automated but to generate an operation from an operator on a man-machine interface as key information. Even in the latter case, the final display data is generated by this operation screen interface generation unit. "Shared" means to display touch buttons with a similar arrangement for at least some of the touch panels of the multi-functional devices, such as liquid crystal screens or EL screens. "At least some" includes that at least the arrangement of the scan start button is the same. "Similar arrangement" means that the relative positional relationship of the arrangements of a plurality of touch buttons is the same. Even if the sizes of the touch buttons are different or the aspect ratios of the touch buttons are different, it still falls under the case of "shared" in the present invention. As long as the relative positional relationship of the touch buttons is the same, other touch buttons, icons, or some other display may be added. For example, when the scan start button and the scan stop button are arranged in a vertical relationship and are shared, on one multi-functional device, a selection button for color scan or black-and-white scan is arranged on the right side of the scan start button, but on other models, even if such touch buttons are not arranged, since the relative positional relationship is the same, it is considered to be shared as described in the present invention. Also, for example, the sizes and aspect ratios of the touch panels may be different among a plurality of multi-functional devices. In such a case, it is excellent in design to configure the sizes and aspect ratios of the touch buttons to be adjusted accordingly. Also, the colors of the touch buttons do not necessarily have to be the same, but it is preferable to use colors as close as possible. This is because the color expression capabilities of the touch panels may be different among a plurality of multi-functional devices.In the case where the touch panel has a black-and-white screen, it is preferably configured to approximate the color sensation of the touch buttons of other multifunction devices according to the shading. Here, it is important that the scan start button is controlled so that the display position is shared among a plurality of multifunction devices and is always arranged at the same position (for example, the upper right side of the center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) in the operation screen interface. This is to provide a user-friendly and convenient function for the user. Further, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to be composed of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML.

[0071] <Embodiment 1 Description of Configuration: Operation Screen Interface Storage Unit> The "operation screen interface storage unit" 304 is configured to have a function of storing display data for displaying the operation screen interface generated by the aforementioned operation screen interface generation unit 303. Also, as an initial state, it is preferable that all the scanning functions of each multifunction device are stored. Here, it is important that the scan start button has its display position shared among a plurality of multifunction devices and is controlled to be always arranged at the same position (for example, the upper right center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) on the operation screen interface. This is to provide a user-friendly and convenient function for the user. Also, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to consist of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML. Note that the operation screen interface (display data) stored in the operation screen interface storage unit serves as a database of interface screens and may be configured to be callable and displayable by a search key, selection button, pull-down menu, etc. Also, the called operation screen interface may be configured to be editable using a graphical user interface. This editing function may be configured to be used by the operation screen interface generation unit, or may be configured to be available only to the operation screen interface generation unit. Also, this database may be configured to not only call the operation screen interface graphically, but also directly call, view, and edit the program of this operation screen interface. Also, it may be provided with a debug function for this program. The operation screen interface is stored in association with the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) regarding the user and multifunction device held by the aforementioned identification information holding unit 302. Note that this association may also be editable, and changes, additions, and deletions to the association may be possible.

[0072] <Embodiment 1 Description of Configuration: Operation Screen Interface Reading Unit> The "operation screen interface reading unit" 305 is configured to have a function of reading corresponding display data from the aforementioned operation screen interface storage unit 304 based on the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) related to the user and the multifunction device held in the aforementioned identification information holding unit 302. Here, it is important that the scan start button has its display position shared among multiple multifunction devices and is controlled to be always placed at the same position (for example, the upper right side of the center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) on the operation screen interface. This is for the convenience of the user and to make it a user-friendly function. Also, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to consist of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML. In the case where there is no operation screen interface (actually, operation screen interface identification information) associated with the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) related to the user and the multifunction device obtained through a network or the like, it can be configured to return an error, read an alternative operation screen interface, or let the user select an alternative operation screen interface.

[0073] <Embodiment 1 Description of Configuration: Operation Screen Interface Transmission Unit> The "operation screen interface transmission unit" 306 is configured to have a function of transmitting the display data read by the aforementioned operation screen interface reading unit 305 to the multifunction device. Here, it is important that the scan start button has its display position shared among multiple multifunction devices and is controlled to be always placed at the same position (for example, the upper right side of the center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) on the operation screen interface. This is for the convenience of the user and to make it a user-friendly function. Also, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to consist of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML.

[0074] <Embodiment 1 Interface Server: Hardware Configuration> The hardware configuration of the interface server in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the interface server in this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the interface server in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" 401 that performs various arithmetic processes, and a "main memory" 403. It also includes a "non-volatile memory" 402 that holds predetermined information, and a "network I / F (interface)" 404 that transmits and receives information with the multifunction machine 406. And they are interconnected by a data communication path such as a "bus" 405 to transmit, receive, and process information.

[0076] Here, the "main memory" reads out a program for causing the "CPU" to execute various processes, and at the same time provides a work area that is also the work area of the program. Also, a plurality of addresses are assigned to each of this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory", and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processes by specifying and accessing those addresses. In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are an identification information reception program, an identification information holding program, an operation screen interface generation program, an operation screen interface storage program, an operation screen interface reading program, and an operation screen interface transmission program. Also, identification information (user ID, multifunction machine ID), operation screen interface (display data), etc. are stored in the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory".

[0077] The "CPU" executes an identification information reception program stored in the "main memory" to receive the user ID and the multifunction device ID when user Mr. Tanaka logs in to the multifunction device A using an IC card or the like through the "network I / F". Also, it executes an identification information retention program stored in the "main memory" to store the received identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory". Then, it executes an operation screen interface generation program stored in the "main memory", refers to the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) stored in the "main memory", and generates display data (HTML data) for displaying an operation screen interface for the multifunction device A. Also, it executes an operation screen interface storage program stored in the "main memory" to store the display data (HTML data) for displaying an operation screen interface for the multifunction device A in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory". Further, it executes an operation screen interface reading program stored in the "main memory", refers to the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) stored in the "main memory", and reads out the display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface stored in the "main memory". Additionally, it executes an operation screen interface transmission program stored in the "main memory" to transmit the read display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface to the multifunction device A. By doing so, it becomes possible to display an operation screen interface on the touch panel of the multifunction device A.

[0078] <Embodiment 1 Interface Server: Flow of Processing> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the processing flow when the interface server in this embodiment is used. As shown in the figure, it is a processing method including an identification information reception step S501, an identification information holding step S502, an operation screen interface generation step S503, an operation screen interface storage step S504, an operation screen interface reading step S505, and an operation screen interface transmission step S506. These processing methods include an identification information reception unit that receives identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device from the multifunction device, an identification information holding unit that holds the identification information received by the identification information reception unit, and based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit, an operation screen interface generation unit that generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with the display positions shared among a plurality of multifunction devices, an operation screen interface storage unit that stores the display data generated by the operation screen interface generation unit, an operation screen interface reading unit that reads the corresponding display data from the operation screen interface storage unit based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit, and an operation screen interface transmission unit that transmits the display data read by the operation screen interface reading unit to the multifunction device, and is executed by an interface server having these units.

[0079] The "identification information reception step" S501 is a stage of receiving identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) regarding user Mr. Tanaka and multifunction device A from multifunction device A.

[0080] The "identification information holding step" S502 is a stage of holding the received identification information (user ID and multifunction device ID).

[0081] The "operation screen interface generation step" S503 is a stage of generating display data (HTML data) for displaying an operation screen interface for multifunction device A by referring to the held identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID).

[0082] The "operation screen interface storage step" S504 is a step of storing display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface for the generated multi-function machine A.

[0083] The "operation screen interface reading step" S505 is a step of reading out display data (HTML data) for displaying the stored operation screen interface with reference to the held identification information (user ID, multi-function machine ID).

[0084] The "operation screen interface transmission step" S506 is a step of transmitting the read display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface to the multi-function machine A.

[0085] <Summary> As described above, it is possible to provide an interface server that can set and display an operation screen interface with good usability for the administrator or the operating user while using all the scan functions provided by the multi-function machine manufacturer.

[0086] <Embodiment 2 (mainly corresponding to claim 2)> <Outline of Embodiment 2>

[0087] In addition to Embodiment 1, this embodiment is characterized in that it receives and stores the usage status information of the scan function of each multi-function machine from an administrator terminal connected to the network. Also, to realize this, there is provided an operation method of an interface server which is a computer and an operation program of the interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner.

[0088] Hereinafter, the interface server in this embodiment will be described in order with respect to the functional configuration, hardware configuration, and processing flow. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the points different from Embodiment 1.

[0089] <Functional Configuration of Embodiment 2> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the interface server in the present embodiment. In addition to the first embodiment, the interface server in the present embodiment further includes a usage status reception unit that receives usage status information of the scanning function of each multifunction device from an administrator terminal connected to the network, and a usage status information storage unit that stores the usage status information received by the usage status information reception unit. By adopting such a configuration, the administrator can always receive and store usage status information, which is information for distinguishing between cases where the use of all the scanning functions of each multifunction device is permitted and cases where it is not permitted for each user, and can provide an operation screen interface reflecting them. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk related to information security, or to select and use the scanning function of the multifunction device according to the user's proficiency. Here, the "usage status information" is information indicating the usage permission status of the scanning function of each multifunction device for each user, and is information associated with the user ID, which is information for identifying the user, regarding permission or non-permission for the multifunction device ID of each multifunction device. Although it may be for each individual user, for example, according to the user's job level (such as person in charge, supervisor, manager, department head, business unit head, etc.), the usage status information may be selected and stored according to predetermined information security rules. In addition, for example, regarding functions such as the function of sending scan data by email, in particular, from the perspective of information security, the risk of mistransmission is considered to be high. Therefore, it is important to limit the use to only specific users or users of a specific job level in advance, which is considered to lead to an improvement in safety and security from the perspective of risk management. Hereinafter, the functional configuration will be mainly described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0090] <Embodiment 2 Interface Server: Functional Configuration> The interface server 600 in the present embodiment mainly includes a usage status information reception unit 608 and a usage status information storage unit 609.

[0091] <Embodiment 2: Description of Configuration - Usage Status Information Reception Unit> The "usage status information reception unit" 608 is configured to have a function of receiving usage status information of the scanning function of each multi-function peripheral from an administrator terminal connected to a network. Here, "reception" means obtaining from the administrator a scanning function permitted for use in each multi-function peripheral unit. In this case, the multi-function peripheral ID, function identification information for identifying a function permitted to execute the scanning function in the multi-function peripheral, or non-permission function identification information for identifying a function not permitted to execute the scanning function is received in association. Further, it may be configured to obtain from the administrator a scanning function permitted for use in each multi-function peripheral unit and for each user unit. In this case, the user ID is further associated with the above and received. Note that the "administrator terminal" does not necessarily have to be a dedicated terminal, and its type and number are not limited as long as it has the authority to receive this usage status information. It can be configured to become or not become an administrator terminal with the authority to log in to a general-purpose computer. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of usage status information applied to the present invention. As shown in the figure, for all of the scanning functions originally possessed by the multi-function peripheral, it is always possible for the administrator to select the usage status by distinguishing between the case of permitting use (OK) and the case of not permitting use (N / A: Not Available) using the administrator terminal 610. Here, the usage status information is preferably configured to be input in a pull-down format or a touch format, etc., by distinguishing between the case of permitting use (OK) and the case of not permitting use (N / A) using a pointing device or a finger, etc.

[0092] <Embodiment 2: Description of Configuration - Usage Status Information Storage Unit> The "Usage Status Information Storage Unit" 609 is configured to have the function of storing the usage status information received by the aforementioned Usage Status Information Reception Unit 608. Here, referring to the stored usage status information, the operation screen interface generation unit described in Embodiment 1 generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with the display positions shared among a plurality of multi-functional devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multi-functional device held in the Identification Information Holding Unit. Note that it is preferable that the administrator can receive and store the usage status information at any time using the administrator terminal. Here, it is desirable that the usage status information is stored in association with the user ID and the multi-functional device ID. Also, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen interface of the multi-functional device A applied to the present invention. Here, the touch buttons of functions H and I indicating the case where the usage status information does not permit usage (N / A) are not displayed on the touch panel of the multi-functional device. Note that instead of making the touch buttons of the operation screen interface not displayed, they may be configured to be semi-transparent or grayed out and not operate even when touched on the touch panel of the multi-functional device, that is, to be in an inactive state. For example, if function A is "Color Mode" and there are four options: "Automatic", "Black and White", "Full Color", and "Gray Scale", when the administrator selects the case where "Automatic" is permitted (OK) and sets the case where "Color Mode" is not permitted (N / A), the user will not be able to operate "Color Mode", and the scan operation will always be executed in "Automatic". Similarly, when the administrator selects the case where "Black and White" is permitted (OK) and sets the case where "Color Mode" is not permitted (N / A), the user will not be able to operate "Color Mode", and the scan operation will always be executed in "Black and White". Furthermore, when the administrator selects the case where "Color Mode" is permitted (OK) and sets the cases where "Automatic" and "Full Color" are not permitted (N / A), the user can select either "Black and White" or "Gray Scale" to execute the scan operation. Although the multi-function machine A has been described as above, the same can be done for the multi-function machine B and other multi-function machines. Also, when functions B (output file format), C (resolution), and D (storage destination) are each not permitted for use (N / A), as default values, "PDF", "200 dpi", and "shared folder" (for example, ¥NAS01¥Share¥) may be selected respectively, and the scanning function may be configured to be executed. For example, if function G is "ground color removal", this function exists in multi-function machine A but not in multi-function machine B, by setting to permit the usage status information of multi-function machine A (OK), the user can select "remove ground color" and perform scanning, and even for documents with color on the background, the scanned data can be finished in a cleaner state. In this way, in the present invention, even if there is a scanning function that exists in a certain multi-function machine but not in other multi-function machines, the user can use it.

[0093] <Embodiment 2 Interface Server: Hardware Configuration> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the interface server in this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the interface server in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" 701 that performs various arithmetic processes and a "main memory" 703. It also includes a "non-volatile memory" 702 that holds predetermined information and a "network I / F" 704 that transmits and receives information with the multi-function machine 706 and the administrator terminal 707. And they are interconnected by a data communication path such as a "bus" 705 to transmit, receive, and process information.

[0094] Here, the "main memory" reads out a program for performing various processes to be executed by the "CPU" and at the same time provides a work area that also serves as a working area for that program. In addition, a plurality of addresses are respectively assigned to this "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory", and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other by specifying and accessing those addresses, enabling processing to be performed. In the present embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" include, in addition to the usage status information reception program and the usage status information storage program, the identification information reception program, the identification information holding program, the operation screen interface generation program, the operation screen interface storage program, the operation screen interface reading program, and the operation screen interface transmission program, as in Embodiment 1.

[0095] In addition to the usage status information, the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory" store identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) and operation screen interfaces (display data), etc., as in Embodiment 1.

[0096] The "CPU" executes the usage status information reception program stored in the "main memory" to receive usage status information, which is information that distinguishes between the case of permitting usage (OK) and the case of not permitting usage (N / A) for all of the scanning functions of each multifunction device from the administrator terminal. Also, the "CPU" executes the usage status information storage program stored in the "main memory" to store the received usage status information in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory". Then, the "CPU" executes the operation screen interface generation program stored in the "main memory", refers to the usage status information stored in the "main memory", and generates display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface for multifunction device A based on the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) stored in the "main memory". Thereafter, it is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0097] <Embodiment 2 Interface Server: Processing Flow> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of processing when the interface server in the present embodiment is used. The description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, it is a processing method consisting of a usage status information reception step S801 and a usage status information storage step S802. These processing methods are executed by an interface server further including a usage status reception unit that receives usage status information of the scan function of each multifunction device from an administrator terminal connected to the network, and a usage status information storage unit that stores the usage status information received by the usage status reception unit.

[0098] The "usage status information reception step" S801 is a stage of receiving usage status information, that is, information for distinguishing between the case of permitting usage (OK) and the case of not permitting usage (N / A) for all of the scan functions of each multifunction device from an administrator terminal connected to the network.

[0099] The "usage status information storage step" S802 is a stage of storing the received usage status information. Here, it is desirable that the usage status information be stored in association with the user ID and the multifunction device ID.

[0100] <Summary> Thus, it is possible to provide an interface server that can set and display an operation screen interface that is user-friendly for the administrator or the user operating it while being able to use all of the scan functions provided by the multifunction device manufacturer. In addition, the administrator can receive and store usage status information, which is information for distinguishing between the case of permitting usage and the case of not permitting usage for all of the scan functions of each multifunction device, for each user at any time, and provide an operation screen interface reflecting them. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk related to information security and to select and use the scan function of the multifunction device according to the user's proficiency.

[0101] <Embodiment 3 (mainly corresponding to claim 3)> <Outline of Embodiment 3>

[0102] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the interface server in Embodiment 3. As shown in this figure, in addition to Embodiment 1, this embodiment mainly provides a standard setting reception unit and a standard setting storage unit for performing standard settings on the multifunction machine. Further, to realize this, an operation method of the interface server which is a computer and an operation program of the interface server described so as to be readable and executable by the interface server which is a computer are provided.

[0103] Hereinafter, the interface server in this embodiment will be described in order with respect to the functional configuration, hardware configuration, and processing flow. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0104] <Embodiment 3 Functional Configuration> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the interface server in this embodiment. The interface server in this embodiment further includes, in addition to Embodiment 1, a standard setting reception unit that receives, as standard setting information, a scan function selected and instructed by a user from a user terminal connected to the network, and a standard setting registration unit that registers the standard setting information received by the standard setting reception unit in response to a registration instruction of the user. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to display an operation screen interface reflecting the standard setting information registered by the user for each multifunction machine every time the user logs in. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the complicated operations required for executing the scan function. Note that the standard setting information can be registered at any time regardless of the operation of the multifunction machine (before or after login).

[0105] <Embodiment 3 Interface Server: Functional Configuration> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the interface server in this embodiment. Note that the description will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0106] <Embodiment 3 Explanation of Configuration: Standard Setting Reception Unit> The "standard setting reception unit" 908 is configured to have a function of receiving, as standard setting information, the scan function selected and instructed by the user from the user terminal 910 connected to the network. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of standard settings applied to the present invention. In this case, Mr. Tanaka, the user, accesses the interface server from the user terminal connected to the network using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calls up the standard setting selection screen, and gives a selection instruction for the scan function to be set as the standard setting, whereupon the interface server receives them. When giving a selection instruction for the standard setting information, it may be selected and instructed in a pull-down format or a touch format using a pointing device or a finger, etc., or another pop-up screen may be displayed and the desired function may be selected and instructed from it in a pull-down format or a touch format, etc.

[0107] <Embodiment 3 Explanation of Configuration: Standard Setting Registration Unit> The "standard setting registration unit" 909 is configured to have a function of registering the received scan function as the standard setting information of Mr. Tanaka, the user, in the interface server. In this case, Mr. Tanaka, the user, accesses the interface server from the user terminal 910 connected to the network using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calls up the standard setting selection screen, gives a selection instruction for the standard setting information, and then gives a registration instruction, whereupon the interface server registers them. Note that the standard setting information can be registered at any time regardless of the operation of the multifunction machine A (before or after login). Thereafter, each time Mr. Tanaka, the user, logs in to the multifunction machine A, this registered standard setting information is read out and reflected in the operation screen interface and displayed on the touch panel of the multifunction machine A. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a standard setting applied to the present invention. For example, when function A represents "color mode", function B represents "output file format", function C represents "resolution", and function D represents "save destination", user Mr. Tanaka may select and register each function on the standard setting selection screen called from the interface server. Specifically, the standard setting information is registered by setting the "color mode" to black and white, the "output file format" to PDF, the "resolution" to 400 dpi (dots per inch), and the "save destination" to the scan folder named after himself (for example, ¥NAS01¥USER¥tanaka¥). Thereafter, when user Mr. Tanaka logs in to the multifunction machine A, the operation screen interface reflecting this standard setting information is read from the interface server and displayed on the touch panel of the multifunction machine A. Then, by touching the scan start button, the scan function is executed. Here, the standard setting information is reflected for the multifunction machine A. That is, although this is an example showing the settings for each multifunction machine (multifunction machine ID), it may be configured to be commonly applied to other multifunction machines. Also, in the case of the same multifunction machine manufacturer, it may be configured such that the same standard setting information can be reflected even when the model is changed. Note that it is desirable that the standard setting information be registered in association with the user ID and the multifunction machine ID. Also, the "user ID (access ID)" and "password" input from the user terminal may be used in cooperation with an external authentication server. Here, the "user ID (access ID)" input from the user terminal may be the same as the "user ID" when logging in to the multifunction machine, or may be associated and stored in the interface server.

[0108] <Embodiment 3 Interface Server: Hardware Configuration> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the interface server of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the interface server in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" 1001 that performs various arithmetic processes, and a "main memory" 1003. It also includes a "non-volatile memory" 1002 that holds predetermined information, and a "network I / F" 1004 that transmits and receives information to and from the multifunction device 1006 and the user terminal 1007. These are interconnected by a data communication path such as a "bus" 1005 to transmit, receive, and process information.

[0109] Here, the "main memory" reads out a program for causing the "CPU" to execute various processes, and at the same time provides a work area that is also the work area of the program. In addition, a plurality of addresses are respectively assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory", and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other by specifying and accessing those addresses, making it possible to perform processes. In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" include, in addition to the standard setting reception program and the standard setting registration program, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, an identification information reception program, an identification information holding program, an operation screen interface generation program, an operation screen interface storage program, an operation screen interface reading program, and an operation screen interface transmission program.

[0110] In addition to the standard setting information and the access ID / password, the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory" store identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) and operation screen interfaces (display data) in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0111] The "CPU" executes the standard setting reception program stored in the "main memory", and from the web browser of the user terminal connected to the network by user Mr. Tanaka, accesses the interface server using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calls up the standard setting selection screen, and receives the standard setting information by giving a selection instruction regarding the scanning function to be set as the standard setting. Also, it executes the standard setting registration program stored in the "main memory", and registers the standard setting information received in response to the registration instruction from the user terminal of user Mr. Tanaka as the standard setting of user Mr. Tanaka in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory". Then, it executes the operation screen interface generation program stored in the "main memory", refers to the standard setting information stored in the "main memory", and generates display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface for the multifunction machine A based on the identification information (user ID, multifunction machine ID) stored in the "main memory". Thereafter, it is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0112] <Embodiment 3 Interface Server: Processing Flow> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow when the interface server in this embodiment is used. As shown in the figure, it is a processing method consisting of a standard setting reception step S1101 and a standard setting registration step S1102. These processing methods are executed by an interface server further including a standard setting reception unit that receives, as standard setting information, the scanning function selected and instructed by the user from a user terminal connected to the network, and a standard setting registration unit that registers the standard setting information received by the standard setting reception unit in response to the user's registration instruction.

[0113] The "standard setting reception step" S1101 is the stage where user Mr. Tanaka accesses from the web browser of the user terminal connected to the network to the interface server using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calls up the standard setting selection screen, and gives a selection instruction for the scanning function to be set as the standard setting, and the interface server receives the standard setting information.

[0114] The "standard setting registration step" S1102 is the stage where the received standard setting information is registered in the interface server as the standard setting of user Mr. Tanaka in response to the registration instruction. Note that it is desirable that the standard setting information be registered in association with the user ID and the multifunction device ID.

[0115] <Summary> Thus, it is possible to provide an interface server that can set and display an operation screen interface with good usability for the administrator or the user who operates it while using all the scanning functions provided by the multifunction device manufacturer. In addition, for each user, for each multifunction device, every time the user logs in, it is possible to display an operation screen interface that reflects the standard setting information registered by the user. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the complicated operations required for executing the scanning function.

[0116] <Embodiment 4 (mainly corresponding to claims 1 to 3)> <Outline of Embodiment 4>

[0117] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the interface server in Embodiment 4. As shown in this figure, this embodiment combines each configuration described in Embodiments 1 to 3. Further, to realize it, a method of operating the interface server which is a computer and an operation program of the interface server described so as to be readable and executable by the interface server which is a computer are provided.

[0118] Hereinafter, the interface server in the present embodiment will be described in order with respect to its functional configuration, hardware configuration, and processing flow.

[0119] <Embodiment 4 Functional Configuration> As shown in FIG. 12, the interface server in the present embodiment combines the configurations of Embodiments 1 to 3. The present embodiment provides an interface server including an identification information receiving unit, an identification information holding unit, an operation screen interface generating unit, an operation screen interface storage unit, an operation screen interface reading unit, an operation screen interface transmitting unit, a usage information receiving unit, a usage information storage unit, a standard setting receiving unit, and a standard setting registering unit.

[0120] <Embodiment 4 Explanation of Configuration: Identification Information Receiving Unit> The "Identification Information Receiving Unit" 1201 is configured to have a function of receiving identification information related to the user and the multifunction device from the multifunction device 1207. Specifically, when user Mr. Tanaka holds his contactless IC card over the reader of multifunction device A, the identification information (user ID) of user Mr. Tanaka and the identification information (multifunction device ID) of multifunction device A are transmitted to the interface server 1200, and the identification information receiving unit 1201 of the interface server 1200 receives this. Also, the authentication information may include, as information related to the user ID, the user's name, affiliated organization name, affiliated department name, job grade, etc., and may also include, as information related to the multifunction device ID, the multifunction device manufacturer name, model name, serial number, etc. Here, the user ID is information for identifying the individual user, and may be a numeric sequence with a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or may be a character string with a predetermined length composed of a combination of numbers, alphabets, symbols, etc. Also, the multifunction device ID is information for identifying the multifunction device, and may be an IP address or a host name assigned to the multifunction device in advance. In the case of a host name, the interface server 300 may be configured to query a DNS (Domain Name System) server existing on the Internet with that host name and obtain the corresponding IP address as a result.

[0121] <Embodiment 4 Configuration Explanation: Identification Information Holding Unit> The "Identification Information Holding Unit" 1202 is configured to have a function of holding the identification information received by the aforementioned identification information receiving unit 1201. The held identification information is referred to during the processing by the operation screen interface generation unit and the operation screen interface reading unit described later.

[0122] <Embodiment 4 Configuration Explanation: Operation Screen Interface Generation Unit> The "operation screen interface generation unit" 1203 is configured to have a function of generating display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a shared display position on a plurality of multi-function devices based on the identification information (user ID, multi-function device ID) regarding the user and the multi-function device held by the aforementioned identification information holding unit 1202. The generation of the operation screen interface may be configured to be generated completely automatically, or may be configured not to be completely automated but to generate the operation from the operator on the man-machine interface as key information. Even in the latter case, the final display data is generated by this operation screen interface generation unit. "Shared" means to display touch buttons with a similar layout for at least some of the touch panels of the multi-function device, such as a liquid crystal screen or an EL screen. "At least some" includes that at least the layout of the scan start button is the same layout. "Same layout" means that the relative positional relationship of the layout of a plurality of touch buttons is the same, but even if the size of the touch button is different or the aspect ratio of the touch button is different, it still falls under the case of "shared" in the present invention. As long as the relative positional relationship of the touch buttons is the same, other touch buttons, icons, or some display may be added. For example, when the scan start button and the scan stop button are arranged in a vertical relationship and are shared, on one multi-function device, a selection button for color scan or black and white scan is arranged on the right side of the scan start button, but on other models, even if such touch buttons are not arranged, the relative positional relationship is the same, so it is considered to be shared as described in the present invention. Also, for example, there may be cases where the size or aspect ratio of the touch panel differs between a plurality of multi-function devices. In such cases, it is excellent in design to configure the size of the touch button and the aspect ratio of the touch button to be adjusted accordingly. Also, the color of the touch button does not necessarily have to be common, but it is preferable to use a color scheme that is as close as possible. This is because it is considered that the color expression capabilities of the touch panels differ among a plurality of multi-function devices.In the case where the touch panel has a black-and-white screen, it is preferable to configure it so that the shading approximates the color sensation of the touch buttons of other multifunction devices. Here, it is important that the scan start button is controlled so that the display position is made common among a plurality of multifunction devices and is always arranged at the same position (for example, the upper right side of the center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) in the operation screen interface. This is to provide a user-friendly and convenient function for the user. Also, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to consist of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML.

[0123] <Embodiment 4: Description of Configuration: Operation Screen Interface Storage Unit> The "operation screen interface storage unit" 1204 is configured to have a function of storing display data for displaying the operation screen interface generated by the aforementioned operation screen interface generation unit 1203. Also, as an initial state, it is preferable that all of the scanning functions of each multifunction device are stored. Here, it is important that the scan start button has its display position unified among a plurality of multifunction devices and is controlled to be always arranged at the same position (for example, the upper right of the touch panel of the multifunction device) on the operation screen interface. This is for the convenience of the user and to make it a user-friendly function. Also, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to consist of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML. Note that the operation screen interface (display data) stored in the operation screen interface storage unit serves as a database of interface screens and may be configured to be callable and displayable by a search key, selection button, pull-down menu, etc. Also, the called operation screen interface may be configured to be editable using a graphical user interface. This editing function may be configured to be used by the operation screen interface generation unit, or may be configured to be usable only by the operation screen interface generation unit. Also, this database may be configured to not only call the operation screen interface graphically, but also directly call, view, and edit the program of this operation screen interface. Also, it may be provided with a debug function for this program. The operation screen interface is stored in association with the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) regarding the user and multifunction device held in the aforementioned identification information holding unit 1202. Note that this association may also be editable, and changes, additions, and deletions to the association may be possible.

[0124] <Embodiment 4: Description of Configuration: Operation Screen Interface Reading Unit> The "operation screen interface reading unit" 1205 is configured to have a function of reading corresponding display data from the aforementioned operation screen interface storage unit 1204 based on the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) related to the user and the multifunction device held in the aforementioned identification information holding unit 1202. Here, it is important that the scan start button has its display position shared among multiple multifunction devices and is controlled to be always placed at the same position (for example, the upper right side of the center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) on the operation screen interface. This is to make it user-friendly and a user-friendly function. Also, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to consist of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML. In the case where there is no operation screen interface (actually, operation screen interface identification information) associated with the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) related to the user and the multifunction device obtained through a network or the like, it can be configured to return an error, read an alternative operation screen interface, or allow the user to select an alternative operation screen interface.

[0125] <Embodiment 4 Explanation of Configuration: Operation Screen Interface Sending Unit> The "operation screen interface sending unit" 1206 is configured to have a function of sending the display data read by the aforementioned operation screen interface reading unit 1205 to the multifunction device. Here, it is important that the scan start button has its display position shared among multiple multifunction devices and is controlled to be always placed at the same position (for example, the upper right side of the center of the touch panel of the multifunction device) on the operation screen interface. This is to make it user-friendly and a user-friendly function. Also, the display data for displaying the operation screen interface may be configured to consist of, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data described in HTML.

[0126] <Embodiment 4 Configuration Explanation: Usage Status Information Reception Unit> The "usage status information reception unit" 1208 is configured to have a function of receiving the usage status information of the scanning function of each multifunction peripheral from the administrator terminal 1210 connected to the network. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of usage status information applied to the present invention. As shown in the figure, for all of the scanning functions originally possessed by the multifunction peripheral, the administrator can always select the usage status by distinguishing between the case of permitting usage (OK) and the case of not permitting usage (N / A) using the administrator terminal 1210. Here, the usage status information is preferably configured to be input in a pull-down format or a touch format, etc., by distinguishing between the case of permitting usage (OK) and the case of not permitting usage (N / A) using a pointing device, a finger, etc. Here, "reception" means obtaining from the administrator the scanning functions permitted for each multifunction peripheral. In this case, the multifunction peripheral ID is received in association with the function identification information for identifying the functions permitted to execute the scanning function on that multifunction peripheral, or the non-permission function identification information for identifying the functions not permitted to execute the scanning function. Also, it may be configured to obtain from the administrator the scanning functions permitted for each multifunction peripheral and for each user. In this case, the user ID is further received in association with the above. Note that the "administrator terminal" does not necessarily have to be a dedicated terminal, and the type and number thereof do not matter as long as it is a terminal having the authority to receive this usage status information. It can be configured to become or not become an administrator terminal with the authority to log in to a general-purpose computer.

[0127] <Embodiment 4 Configuration Explanation: Usage Status Information Storage Unit> The "Usage Status Information Storage Unit" 1209 is configured to have the function of storing the usage status information received by the aforementioned Usage Status Information Reception Unit 1208. Here, referring to the stored usage status information and the standard setting information described later, the operation screen interface generation unit described in Embodiment 1 generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a common display position on a plurality of multi-function devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multi-function device held in the Identification Information Holding Unit. Note that it is preferable that the administrator can receive and store the usage status information at any time using the administrator terminal. Also, it is desirable that the usage status information is stored in association with the user ID and the multi-function device ID. Also, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen interface of the multi-function device A applied to the present invention. Here, the touch buttons of function H and function I indicating the case where the usage status information does not permit usage (N / A) are not displayed on the touch panel of the multi-function device. Note that instead of making the touch buttons of the operation screen interface not displayed, they may be configured to be semi-transparent or grayed out and not operate even when touched on the touch panel of the multi-function device, that is, in an inactive state. For example, if function A is "Color Mode" and there are four options: "Automatic", "Black and White", "Full Color", and "Gray Scale", when the administrator selects the case where "Automatic" is permitted (OK) and sets the case where "Color Mode" is not permitted (N / A), the user will not be able to operate "Color Mode" and the scan operation will always be executed in "Automatic". Similarly, when the administrator selects the case where "Black and White" is permitted (OK) and sets the case where "Color Mode" is not permitted (N / A), the user will not be able to operate "Color Mode" and the scan operation will always be executed in "Black and White". Furthermore, when the administrator selects the case where "Color Mode" is permitted (OK) and sets the cases where "Automatic" and "Full Color" are not permitted (N / A), the user can select either "Black and White" or "Gray Scale" to execute the scan operation. Although the multifunction machine A has been described as above, the same can be done for the multifunction machine B and other multifunction machines. Also, when functions B (output file format), C (resolution), and D (save destination) are not permitted to be used (N / A) respectively, as default values, "PDF", "200 dpi", and "shared folder" (for example, ¥NAS01¥Share¥) may be selected respectively, and the scanning function may be configured to be executed. For example, when function G is "ground color removal", this function exists in the multifunction machine A but does not exist in the multifunction machine B, by setting to permit the usage status information of the multifunction machine A (OK), the user can select "perform ground color removal" and scan, and even for documents with color on the background, the scanned data can be finished in a cleaner state. In this way, in the present invention, even if there is a scanning function that exists in one multifunction machine but not in another, the user can use it.

[0128] <Embodiment 4 Explanation of Configuration: Standard Setting Reception Unit> The "standard setting reception unit" 1211 is configured to have a function of accessing an interface server from a web browser of a user terminal 1213 connected to a network using a "user ID (access ID)" and a "password", calling a standard setting selection screen, and receiving the scanning function selected and instructed by the user as standard setting information. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a standard setting applied to the present invention. In this case, user Tanaka accesses an interface server from a web browser of a user terminal connected to a network using a "user ID (access ID)" and a "password", calls up a standard setting selection screen, and gives a selection instruction for a scanning function to be set as the standard setting, and the interface server accepts them. When giving a selection instruction for standard setting information, it may be selected and instructed in a pull-down format or a touch format using a pointing device or a finger, etc., or another pop-up screen may be displayed and a desired function may be selected and instructed from it in a pull-down format or a touch format, etc.

[0129] <Embodiment 4 Explanation of Configuration: Standard Setting Registration Section> The "standard setting registration section" 1212 is configured to have a function of registering, in the interface server, the scanning function for the received multifunction machine A as the standard setting information of user Tanaka. In this case, user Tanaka accesses an interface server from a web browser of a user terminal 1213 connected to a network using a "user ID (access ID)" and a "password", calls up a standard setting selection screen, gives a selection instruction for the standard setting, and then gives a registration instruction, and the interface server registers them. Note that the standard setting information can be registered at any time regardless of the operation of the multifunction machine A (before or after login). After this, every time user Tanaka logs in to the multifunction machine A, this registered standard setting information is read out and reflected in the operation screen interface, and is displayed on the touch panel of the multifunction machine A. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a standard setting applied to the present invention. For example, when function A represents "color mode", function B represents "output file format", function C represents "resolution", and function D represents "save destination", user Mr. Tanaka may select and register each function on the standard setting selection screen called from the interface server. Specifically, by registering the standard setting information with "color mode" set to black and white, "output file format" set to PDF, "resolution" set to 400 dpi (dots per inch), and "save destination" set to a scan folder named after himself (e.g., ¥NAS01¥USER¥tanaka¥), hereafter, every time user Mr. Tanaka logs in to multifunction printer A, an operation screen interface reflecting this standard setting information will be read out from the interface server and displayed on the touch panel of multifunction printer A. Then, by touching the scan start button, the scan function is executed. Here, the standard setting information is being reflected for multifunction printer A. That is, this is an example showing the settings for each multifunction printer (multifunction printer ID), but it may be configured to be commonly applied to other multifunction printers. Also, in the case of the same multifunction printer manufacturer, it may be configured such that the same standard setting information is reflected even when the model is changed. It is desirable that the standard setting information be registered in association with the user ID and the multifunction printer ID. Also, the "user ID (access ID)" and "password" input from the user terminal may be used in cooperation with an external authentication server. Here, the "user ID (access ID)" input from the user terminal may be the same as the "user ID" when logging in to the multifunction printer, or it may be associated and stored in the interface server.

[0130] <Embodiment 4 Interface Server: Hardware Configuration> The hardware configuration of the interface server in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the interface server in the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the interface server in the present embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" 1301 that performs various arithmetic processes and a "main memory" 1303. It also includes a "non-volatile memory" 1302 that holds predetermined information, and a "network I / F (Interface)" 1304 that transmits and receives information to and from the multifunction device 1306, the administrator terminal 1307, and the user terminal 1308. And they are interconnected by a data communication path such as a "bus" 1305 to transmit, receive, and process information.

[0132] Here, the "main memory" reads out a program for causing the "CPU" to execute various processes, and at the same time provides a work area that is also a work area for the program. Also, a plurality of addresses are assigned to each of this "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory", and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processes by specifying and accessing those addresses. The programs stored in the "main memory" in the present embodiment are an identification information reception program, an identification information holding program, an operation screen interface generation program, an operation screen interface storage program, an operation screen interface reading program, an operation screen interface transmission program, a usage status information reception program, a usage status information storage program, a standard setting reception program, and a standard setting registration program. In addition, identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID), operation screen interface (display data), usage status information, standard setting information, access ID / password, etc. are stored in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory".

[0133] The "CPU" executes an identification information reception program stored in the "main memory" and receives the user ID and the multifunction device ID when user Mr. Tanaka logs in to the multifunction device A using an IC card or the like through the "network I / F". Also, it executes an identification information retention program stored in the "main memory" and stores the received identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory". Then, it executes an operation screen interface generation program stored in the "main memory", refers to the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) stored in the "main memory", the usage status information and the standard setting information described later, and generates display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface for the multifunction device A. Also, it executes an operation screen interface storage program stored in the "main memory" and stores the display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface for the multifunction device A in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory". Also, it executes an operation screen interface reading program stored in the "main memory", refers to the identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) stored in the "main memory", and reads out the display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface stored in the "main memory". Further, it executes an operation screen interface transmission program stored in the "main memory" and transmits the read display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface to the multifunction device A.

[0134] Also, the "CPU" executes a usage status information reception program stored in the "main memory" and receives information that distinguishes between the case of permitting usage (OK) and the case of not permitting usage (N / A) for all of the scanning functions of each multifunction device from the administrator terminal. Also, it executes a usage status information storage program stored in the "main memory" and stores the received usage status information in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory".

[0135] Also, the "CPU" executes the standard setting reception program stored in the "main memory", enabling user Mr. Tanaka to access the interface server from the web browser of the user terminal connected to the network using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", call up the standard setting selection screen, and receive standard setting information by giving a selection instruction regarding the scan function to be set as the standard setting. Further, the "CPU" executes the standard setting registration program stored in the "main memory" and registers the received standard setting information as the standard setting of user Mr. Tanaka in the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory".

[0136] <Embodiment 4 Interface Server: Processing Flow> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the processing flow when the interface server in the present embodiment is used. As shown in the figure, it is a processing method including a usage status information reception step S1401, a usage status information storage step S1402, a standard setting reception step S1403, a standard setting registration step S1404, an identification information reception step S1405, an identification information holding step S1406, an operation screen interface generation step S1407, an operation screen interface storage step S1408, an operation screen interface reading step S1409, and an operation screen interface transmission step S1410. These processing methods include a usage status reception unit that receives usage status information of the scan function of each multifunction device from an administrator terminal connected to the network, a usage status information storage unit that stores the usage status information received by the usage status reception unit, a standard setting reception unit that receives, as standard setting information, the scan function selected and instructed by the user from a user terminal connected to the network, a standard setting registration unit that registers the standard setting information received by the standard setting reception unit in response to a registration instruction from the user, an identification information reception unit that receives identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device from the multifunction device, an identification information holding unit that holds the identification information received by the identification information reception unit, an operation screen interface generation unit that generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with the display positions shared among a plurality of multifunction devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit, an operation screen interface storage unit that stores the display data generated by the operation screen interface generation unit, an operation screen interface reading unit that reads the corresponding display data from the operation screen interface storage unit based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit, and an operation screen interface transmission unit that transmits the display data read by the operation screen interface reading unit to the multifunction device, and is executed by an interface server having these components.

[0137] The "Usage Status Information Reception Step" S1401 is a step of receiving usage status information, that is, information that distinguishes between the case of permitting usage (OK) and the case of not permitting usage (N / A) for all of the scanning functions of each multifunction device, from an administrator terminal connected to the network.

[0138] The "Usage Status Information Storage Step" S1402 is a step of storing the received usage status information. It is desirable that the usage status information be stored in association with the user ID and the multifunction device ID.

[0139] The "Standard Setting Reception Step" S1403 is a step of receiving standard setting information by a user, Mr. Tanaka, accessing an interface server from a web browser of a user terminal connected to the network using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calling up a standard setting selection screen, and giving a selection instruction for the scanning function to be set as the standard setting.

[0140] The "Standard Setting Registration Step" S1404 is a step of registering the received standard setting information as the standard setting for Mr. Tanaka's multifunction device A in response to a registration instruction. It is desirable that the standard setting information be registered in association with the user ID and the multifunction device ID.

[0141] The "Identification Information Reception Step" S1405 is a step of receiving identification information (user ID, multifunction device ID) regarding Mr. Tanaka and multifunction device A from multifunction device A.

[0142] The "Identification Information Retention Step" S1406 is a step of retaining the received identification information (user ID and multifunction device ID).

[0143] The "operation screen interface generation step" S1407 is a step of generating display data (HTML data) for displaying an operation screen interface for the multi-function device A based on the held identification information (user ID, multi-function device ID) with reference to the stored usage status information, registered standard setting information, etc.

[0144] The "operation screen interface storage step" S1408 is a step of storing display data (HTML data) for displaying the generated operation screen interface for the multi-function device A.

[0145] The "operation screen interface reading step" S1409 is a step of reading out display data (HTML data) for displaying the stored operation screen interface with reference to the held identification information (user ID, multi-function device ID).

[0146] The "operation screen interface transmission step" S1410 is a step of transmitting the read display data (HTML data) for displaying the operation screen interface to the multi-function device A.

[0147] <Summary> Thus, it is possible to provide an interface server that can set and display an operation screen interface with good usability for the administrator or the operating user while being able to use all of the scan functions provided by the multi-function device manufacturer. In addition, the administrator can always receive and store usage status information, which is information for distinguishing between allowing and not allowing the use of all of the scan functions of each multi-function device for each user, and can provide an operation screen interface that reflects them. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risks related to information security and to select and use the scan function of the multi-function device according to the user's proficiency. Also, for each user and for each multi-function device, every time the user logs in, it is possible to display an operation screen interface that reflects the standard setting information registered by the user. As a result, when executing the scan function, the complicated operations required can be reduced.

[0148] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen interface of the multi-function device A applied to the present invention. As shown in this figure, when user Mr. Tanaka logs in to the multi-function device A, an operation screen interface in which all scan functions are displayed as the initial state is displayed on the touch panel of the multi-function device A. At this time, when the administrator uses the administrator terminal to store the usage status information (OK or N / A) in the interface server, an operation screen interface reflecting this will be displayed. Specifically, the touch buttons of functions A to G whose usage status information is "OK" are displayed, and the touch buttons of functions H and I whose usage status information is "N / A" are not displayed. Note that instead of making the touch buttons of the operation screen interface not displayed, they may be configured to be semi-transparent or grayed out and not operate even when touched on the touch panel of the multi-function device, that is, in an inactive state. Furthermore, when user Mr. Tanaka accesses the interface server from the web browser of a user terminal connected to the network using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calls up the standard setting selection screen, selects and instructs the standard setting information, and registers the standard setting information in the interface server, thereafter, every time user Mr. Tanaka logs in to the multi-function device A, an operation screen interface reflecting the standard setting (in this case, functions A to D) will be displayed.

[0149] For example, in FIG. 17, when function A represents "color mode", function B represents "output file format", function C represents "resolution", and function D represents "save destination", user Mr. Tanaka may select each function and further select a desired function from the lower-level function display screen. Specifically, by registering standard setting information with "color mode" set to black and white, "output file format" set to PDF, "resolution" set to 400 dpi (dots per inch), and "save destination" set to a scan folder named after himself (e.g., ¥NAS01¥USER¥tanaka¥), hereafter, when user Mr. Tanaka logs in to the multi-functional device A, an operation screen interface reflecting this standard setting information is read from the interface server and displayed on the touch panel of the multi-functional device A. Then, by touching the scan start button, the scan function is executed. When selecting the standard setting information, it may be selected in a pull-down format or a touch format using a pointing device or a finger, etc., or another pop-up screen may be displayed and the desired function may be selected from it in a pull-down format or a touch format, etc. By adopting such a configuration, even if a part of the scan function of the multi-functional device is restricted by the administrator, the user can perform standard settings, and the user himself / herself who operates can set and display an operation screen interface with good usability.

[0150] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the operation flow of the scan processing system in the present invention. Here, on the premise that user Mr. Tanaka uses (logs in to) the multi-functional device A, the operation flow of the scan processing system will be briefly described.

[0151] First, when the administrator uses the administrator terminal 1903 to transmit usage status information, which is information for distinguishing between the case of permitting and the case of not permitting the use of the scan function, to the multi-functional device A1902 to the interface server 1901 (S1901).

[0152] The interface server 1901 receives these usage status information and stores it in the main memory or non-volatile memory (S1902). As a result, the usage status information of the multi-function machine A1902 by the user Mr. Tanaka is reflected on the operation screen interface.

[0153] The user Mr. Tanaka uses the web browser of the user terminal 1904 to access the interface server 1901 using the "user ID (access ID)" and "password", calls the standard setting selection screen, and selects / registers the standard setting information to send the standard setting information (S1903).

[0154] The interface server 1901 receives these standard setting information and registers it in the main memory or non-volatile memory (S1904).

[0155] The multi-function machine A1902 is powered on and in a standby state as an initial state (S1905). Here, the user Mr. Tanaka holds the IC card, which is an authentication medium, against the reading device of the multi-function machine A1902.

[0156] The multi-function machine A1902 sends the identification information (user ID, multi-function machine ID) of the user Mr. Tanaka read from the IC card to the interface server 1901 (S1906).

[0157] The interface server 1901 executes user authentication, for example, by a built-in authentication processing unit (S1907). That is, it determines whether the received identification information (user ID, multi-function machine ID) of the user Mr. Tanaka is registered in the interface server 1901.

[0158] The interface server 1901 sends display data (HTML data) for displaying an operation screen interface according to the user's authentication result (authentication success or failure) to the multi-functional machine A1902 (S1908). Here, when authentication fails, after causing the multi-functional machine A1902 to display an operation screen interface including a message indicating that authentication has failed on the touch panel of the multi-functional machine A1902, it returns to the standby state.

[0159] On the other hand, when authentication is successful, the multi-functional machine A1902 transitions to the logged-on state and displays a function selection screen as shown in FIG. 15 on the touch panel of the multi-functional machine A1902 so that the user Mr. Tanaka can operate it (S1909).

[0160] The user Mr. Tanaka selects the scan function of the multi-functional machine A1902 by touching the scan function button displayed on the touch panel of the multi-functional machine A1902 (S1910).

[0161] When the user Mr. Tanaka selects to use the scan function of the multi-functional machine A1902, that information is sent to the interface server 1901, and the interface server 1901 reflects the standard setting information on the operation screen interface based on the authentication information (user ID, multi-functional machine ID) it holds (S1911).

[0162] The interface server 1901 sends display data (HTML data) for displaying an operation screen interface reflecting the standard setting information to the multi-functional machine A1902 (S1912).

[0163] The multi-functional machine A1902 displays an operation screen interface reflecting the standard setting information based on the display data (HTML data) received from the interface server 1901 (S1913).

[0164] When user Mr. Tanaka touches the scan start button displayed on the multifunction machine A1902, the multifunction machine A1902 sends a notification indicating that the scan start button has been operated to the interface server 1901 (S1914).

[0165] Upon receiving the above notification from the multifunction machine A1902, the interface server 1901 sends a scan execution instruction to the multifunction machine A1902 (S1915). Note that this scan execution instruction may include standard setting information (for example, color mode, output file format, resolution, storage destination, etc.).

[0166] The multifunction machine A1902 scans a target medium (for example, a paper medium such as a document with characters, photos, graphs, etc. written on it) according to the received scan execution instruction and generates scan data (S1916).

[0167] The scan data generated as the scan execution result is sent to the interface server 1901, for example, according to the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) (S1917). Note that information necessary for sending the scan data (for example, the FTP IP address, etc.) is preferably included in the above scan execution instruction.

[0168] The interface server 1901 stores the received scan data in the main memory, non-volatile memory, etc. (S1918). Note that instead of the interface server 1901, the received scan data may be stored in a file server having a plurality of scan folders shown in Figure 2b. In this case, the user can connect their user terminal (for example, a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, etc.) to the local area network 205 via a wired or wireless interface (for example, a LAN cable, WiFi router, etc.) and access the scan data stored in any of the scan folders to use it for their own work. Further, based on an instruction from the interface server 1901, the mail server shown in FIG. 2c may send an email to an arbitrary destination, for example, the user terminal 1904. Here, the email may attach the scan data stored in the interface server 1901, or may describe a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the location of the scan data. Also, depending on the size of the scan data, if the size is smaller than a predetermined value, it may be attached to and sent by the email, and if the size is larger than the predetermined value, a function may be provided to automatically determine to describe a URL link in the email and send it.

[0169] Also, the interface server 1901 writes the scan log to the main memory, non-volatile memory, etc. (S1919). Note that the scan log may be configured to be stored in a file server having a plurality of scan folders shown in FIG. 2b. Here, it is preferable that the scan log includes a user ID, a multifunction device ID, a scan date and time, scan data, a color mode, an output file format, a resolution, a storage destination, etc. This is to enable the above-described administrator to check and manage the usage history of the scan function of each user.

[0170] As described above, for the convenience of explanation, the present invention has been described by taking the example of user Tanaka logging in to the multifunction device A. However, of course, the present invention can also be applied and implemented when user Tanaka logs in to the multifunction device B or other multifunction devices connected to the network. Also, the present invention can be applied and implemented when any user other than Tanaka logs in to the multifunction device A, the multifunction device B, and other multifunction devices connected to the network.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0171] Scan processing system: 200 Interface server: 201, 300, 600, 900, 1200, 1901 Multifunction devices: 202, 203, 307, 406, 607, 706, 907, 1006, 1207, 1306, 1902 Administrator terminals: 204, 610, 707, 1210, 1307, 1903 Local area network: 205 User terminals: 206, 910, 1007, 1213, 1308, 1904 File server: 207 Mail server: 208 Identification information receiving unit: 301, 601, 901, 1201 Identification information holding unit: 302, 602, 902, 1202 Operation screen interface generation unit: 303, 603, 903, 1203 Operation screen interface memory unit: 304, 604, 904, 1204 Operation screen interface reading unit: 305, 605, 905, 1205 Operation screen interface transmission unit: 306, 606, 906, 1206 Usage status information receiving unit: 608, 1208 Usage status information memory unit: 609, 1209 Standard setting receiving unit: 908, 1211 Standard setting registration unit: 909, 1212 CPU: 401, 701, 1001, 1301 Main memory: 403, 703, 1003, 1303 Non-volatile memory: 402, 702, 1002, 1302 Network I / F: 404, 704, 1004, 1304 Bus: 405, 705, 1005, 1305

Claims

1. In an interface server connected to a plurality of multifunction devices having a scanning function via a network and providing an operation screen interface necessary for the scanning function of each multifunction device, an identification information receiving unit that receives identification information regarding a user and a multifunction device from the multifunction device; an identification information holding unit that holds the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit; an operation screen interface generation unit that generates display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a common display position on a plurality of the multifunction devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit; an operation screen interface storage unit that stores the display data generated by the operation screen interface generation unit; an operation screen interface reading unit that reads corresponding display data from the operation screen interface storage unit based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held by the identification information holding unit; an operation screen interface transmission unit that transmits the display data read by the operation screen interface reading unit to the multifunction device; An interface server characterized by comprising the above.

2. A usage status information receiving unit that receives usage status information of the scanning function of each multifunction device from an administrator terminal connected to the network; The interface server according to claim 1, further comprising a usage status information storage unit that stores the usage status information received by the usage status information receiving unit.

3. A standard setting receiving unit that receives, as standard setting information, a scanning function selected and instructed by a user from a user terminal connected to the network; A standard setting registration unit that registers the standard setting information received by the standard setting receiving unit in response to a user registration instruction; The interface server according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the above.

4. The interface server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the identification information includes a user ID and a multifunction device ID.

5. The interface server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display data is HTML data for displaying the operation screen interface.

6. The interface server according to claim 2, wherein the usage status information is information that distinguishes, for each user by the administrator terminal, between cases where use of each scanning function installed in the multifunction device is permitted and cases where use is not permitted.

7. The interface server according to claim 4, wherein the user ID is a numerical sequence of a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or a character string of a predetermined length formed by combining numbers with alphabets, symbols, etc.

8. The interface server according to claim 4, wherein the multifunction device ID is an IP address or a host name.

9. A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: an identification information receiving step of receiving, via a network, identification information regarding a user and a multifunction device from the multifunction device; an identification information holding step of holding the identification information received in the identification information receiving step; an operation screen interface generation step of generating display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a common display position on a plurality of the multifunction devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held in the identification information holding step; an operation screen interface storage step of storing the display data generated in the operation screen interface generation step; an operation screen interface reading step of reading the corresponding display data stored in the operation screen interface storage step based on the identification information regarding the user and the multifunction device held in the identification information holding step; an operation screen interface transmission step of transmitting the display data read in the operation screen interface reading step to the multifunction device. A method characterized by comprising the above.

10. A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: a usage status information receiving step of receiving, from an administrator terminal connected to a network, usage status information of the scan function of each multifunction device; The method according to claim 9, further comprising a usage status information storage step of storing the usage status information received in the usage status information receiving step. A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: a standard setting reception step of receiving, as standard setting information, a scan function selected and instructed by a user from a user terminal connected to a network; a standard setting registration step of registering the standard setting information received in the standard setting reception step in response to a registration instruction of a user; The method according to claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising: A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the identification information includes a user ID and a multifunction device ID. A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the display data consists of HTML data for displaying the operation screen interface. A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: The method according to claim 10, wherein the usage status information is information for distinguishing, by the administrator terminal, for each user, whether to permit or not permit the use of each scan function installed in the multifunction device. A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: The method according to claim 12, wherein the user ID is a numerical sequence of a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or a character string of a predetermined length formed by combining numbers with alphabets, symbols, or the like. A method executed by a CPU in an interface server that is a computer, comprising: The method according to claim 12, wherein the multifunction device ID is an IP address or a host name. Claim 17 an identification information reception step of receiving, via a network, identification information regarding a user and a multifunction device from the multifunction device; an identification information holding step of holding the identification information received in the identification information reception step; An operation screen interface generation step of generating display data for displaying an operation screen interface including a scan start button with a common display position on a plurality of the multi-function devices based on the identification information regarding the user and the multi-function devices held in the identification information holding step; An operation screen interface storage step of storing the display data generated in the operation screen interface generation step; An operation screen interface reading step of reading corresponding display data stored in the operation screen interface storage step based on the identification information regarding the user and the multi-function devices held in the identification information holding step; An operation screen interface transmission step of transmitting the display data read in the operation screen interface reading step to the multi-function device, which is an operation program of an interface server described to be readable and executable by the interface server which is a computer.

18. A usage status information receiving step of receiving usage status information of the scan function of each multi-function device from an administrator terminal connected to a network; An operation program of an interface server described to be readable and executable by the interface server which is a computer according to claim 17, further comprising a usage status information storage step of storing the usage status information received in the usage status information receiving step.

19. A standard setting receiving step of receiving, as standard setting information, a scan function selected and instructed by a user from a user terminal connected to a network; An operation program of an interface server described to be readable and executable by the interface server which is a computer according to claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising a standard setting registration step of registering the standard setting information received in the standard setting receiving step in response to a registration instruction of the user.

20. An operation program of an interface server described to be readable and executable by the interface server which is a computer according to claims 17 to 19, wherein the identification information includes a user ID and a multi-function device ID.

21. The operation program of the interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner in the interface server according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the display data is HTML data for displaying the operation screen interface.

22. The operation program of the interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner in the interface server according to claim 18, wherein the usage status information is information for distinguishing, for each user by the administrator terminal, between a case where use of each scanning function installed in the multifunction machine is permitted and a case where use is not permitted.

23. The operation program of the interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner in the interface server according to claim 20, wherein the user ID is a numerical sequence of a predetermined number of digits assigned in advance, or a character string of a predetermined length formed by combining numbers with alphabets, symbols, etc.

24. The operation program of the interface server described in a computer-readable and executable manner in the interface server according to claim 20, wherein the multifunction machine ID is an IP address or a host name.

Images