Information processing system, image forming apparatus, and management server

Abstract

To count the number of jobs executed, separately, according to the needs, such as for each cloud storage.SOLUTION: A job processing unit of an image forming apparatus notifies a management server of a first file selected by a user from a file list. A file supplying unit of the management server acquires the first file from a first cloud storage and transmits the file to the image forming apparatus. The job processing unit of the image forming apparatus executes a job using the first file, and transmits, to the management server, a job log including a job counter value and identification information of the first cloud storage. A job log aggregation unit of the management server is configured to aggregate the job counter values for each identification information of the cloud storages, and counts up the job counter value of the identification information included in the job log.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management server that supplies files recorded in cloud storage to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus that executes a job using these files, and an information processing system having the management server and the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] When executing a print job on an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), in addition to printing a file transmitted from a PC through a printer driver, it is known that a file managed on cloud storage having an account of the MFP can be referred to and selected on the image forming apparatus and printed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It has become common to execute a print job for a file retrieved from cloud storage. Also, a system for aggregating print results is generally used. When combining printing of files recorded in a plurality of cloud storages and a system for aggregating print results, there is a risk of occurrence of specific problems. For example, there is a problem that it cannot be simply aggregated by user ID as an aggregation unit because the user account for cloud storage does not match the user ID managed within the company (Patent Document 1). As a result, there is a risk that the number of executed print jobs cannot be counted individually according to needs such as for each cloud storage.

[0005] In light of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to count the number of jobs executed individually according to the needs, such as for each cloud storage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is: Image forming apparatus and A management server that is connected to the aforementioned image forming apparatus via a network and is capable of communicating with it, It is equipped with, The image forming apparatus has a login unit, a file list request unit, and a job processing unit. The management server includes a storage list supply unit, a file list supply unit, a file supply unit, and a job log aggregation unit. The login unit of the image forming apparatus transmits information about the user logging in to the management server to the management server. The storage list supply unit of the management server is connected to the management server via a network and transmits a cloud storage list indicating multiple cloud storage services available to the user to the image forming apparatus. The file list request unit of the image forming apparatus notifies the management server of the first cloud storage selected by the user from the cloud storage list, The file list supply unit of the management server transmits a file list indicating one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage and available to the user to the image forming apparatus. The job processing unit of the image forming apparatus notifies the management server of the first file selected by the user from the file list, The file supply unit of the management server retrieves the first file from the first cloud storage and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. The job processing unit of the image forming apparatus executes a job using the first file and sends a job log including the job counter value and the identification information of the first cloud storage to the management server. The job log aggregation unit of the management server is configured to aggregate job counter values ​​for each identification information of each cloud storage, and counts up the job counter value of the identification information included in the job log.

[0007] According to this embodiment, the job log aggregation unit of the management server can aggregate job counter values ​​(i.e., job execution amounts such as print volume) for each cloud storage identification information. This enables users to generate more detailed aggregation reports.

[0008] The identification information for each cloud storage is: Cloud storage identification information that uniquely identifies each cloud storage, Cloud storage attribute information that identifies the attributes of each cloud storage, or combination of the aforementioned cloud storage identification information and the aforementioned cloud storage attribute information That is the case.

[0009] According to this embodiment, the job log aggregation unit of the management server can aggregate job counter values ​​(i.e., job execution amounts such as print volume) for each cloud storage or for each attribute of the cloud storage. This allows users to generate more detailed aggregation reports.

[0010] The multiple cloud storages included in the aforementioned list of cloud storage are The management server cloud storage provided by the supplier of the aforementioned management server, Third-party cloud storage provided by a supplier different from the supplier of the aforementioned management server, Includes.

[0011] By setting different rates for job usage when using files stored in third-party cloud storage and when using files stored in the management server's cloud storage, it is possible to calculate appropriate fees individually.

[0012] The aforementioned cloud storage attribute information indicates whether each cloud storage is provided by a third party or by the supplier of the management server.

[0013] By setting different rates for job usage when using files stored in third-party cloud storage and when using files stored in the management server's cloud storage, it is possible to calculate appropriate fees individually.

[0014] The job log aggregation unit of the management server determines the cost of jobs using each cloud storage based on different job usage rates depending on the identification information of each cloud storage.

[0015] By setting different job usage rates for each cloud storage service, it's possible to calculate appropriate fees on a case-by-case basis.

[0016] The job usage fee for using files stored in the management server cloud storage is set higher than the job usage fee for using files stored in the third-party cloud storage.

[0017] If a user of an image forming apparatus pays a third-party cloud storage supplier a fee for using the third-party cloud storage, but does not pay a management server supplier a fee for using the management server's cloud storage, the costs associated with sending files from the management server's cloud storage can be covered by setting a higher job usage fee for jobs using files stored on the management server's cloud storage than for jobs using files stored on the third-party cloud storage.

[0018] An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is communicably connected to a management server via a network, and includes a login unit that transmits information about a user who logs in to the management server to the management server, a file list request unit that receives a cloud storage list indicating a plurality of cloud storages communicably connected to the management server via a network and available to the user from the management server, and notifies the management server of a first cloud storage selected by the user from the cloud storage list, a file list receiving unit that receives a file list indicating one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage and available to the user from the management server, notifies the management server of a first file selected by the user from the file list, a job processing unit that acquires the first file from the first cloud storage from the management server, transmits it to the image forming apparatus, executes a job using the first file, and transmits a job log including a job counter value and identification information of the first cloud storage to the management server, and includes

[0019] A management server according to an aspect of the present invention is communicably connected to an image forming apparatus via a network, a storage list supply unit that receives information about a user who logs in to the management server from the image forming apparatus and transmits a cloud storage list indicating a plurality of cloud storages communicably connected to the management server via a network and available to the user to the image forming apparatus, A file list supply unit receives a notification from the image forming apparatus regarding a first cloud storage selected by the user from the cloud storage list, and transmits to the image forming apparatus a file list indicating one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage that are available to the user. A file supply unit receives notification from the image forming apparatus of a first file selected by the user from the file list, retrieves the first file from the first cloud storage, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. A job log aggregation unit is configured to receive a job log from the image forming apparatus, which includes a job counter value and identification information of the first cloud storage when a job using the first file is executed, and to aggregate the job counter value for each cloud storage identification information, and to count up the job counter value of the identification information included in the job log, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, the number of jobs executed can be counted individually according to needs such as each cloud storage.

[0021] The effects described herein are not necessarily limited to those described herein and may include any of the effects described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This document shows an information processing system relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This shows an example of a GUI for registering third-party cloud storage. [Figure 3] This shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This shows the hardware configuration of the management server. [Figure 5] This shows the functional configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 6]This shows the operation sequence of an information processing system. [Figure 7] Here is an example of a GUI for selecting cloud storage. [Figure 8] Here is an example of a GUI for selecting files. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] 1. Information Processing System

[0025] Figure 1 shows an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The information processing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a print management server 20 that are connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) and is installed in an office or similar location. While there may typically be multiple image forming apparatuses 10, in this embodiment, one unit will be described.

[0028] The print management server 20 manages jobs and users of the image forming apparatus 10. The print management server 20 is a print management server and also has cloud storage functionality. In other words, the print management server 20 also functions as a management server cloud storage 29 capable of recording files.

[0029] Users of the image forming apparatus 10, which is under the management of the print management server 20, can use the image forming apparatus 10 to register a link to a third-party cloud storage 30 for which they have an account with the print management server 20. The print management server 20 can access the third-party cloud storage 30 via network N.

[0030] Figure 2 shows an example of a GUI for registering third-party cloud storage.

[0031] The figure shows an example in which a user who has logged into the print management server 20 via the image forming apparatus 10 registers links to three types of third-party cloud storage 30 with the print management server 20 via a GUI, associating them with the user.

[0032] The management server cloud storage 29 is provided by the supplier of the print management server 20. On the other hand, one or more third-party cloud storages 30 are provided by multiple different third-party suppliers, each different from the supplier of the image forming apparatus 10 or the print management server 20. Each third-party cloud storage 30 records data that can be output to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0033] Users of the image forming apparatus 10 can log in to the print management server 20 via the touch panel of the image forming apparatus 10, and execute print jobs for files downloaded from third-party cloud storage 30 or management server cloud storage 29 via the print management server 20.

[0034] Users of the image forming apparatus 10 typically pay a third-party cloud storage 30 supplier a fee for using the third-party cloud storage 30. On the other hand, the print management server 20 is typically provided by the supplier of the image forming apparatus 10. Typically, the management server cloud storage 29 is provided to the user as part of the services of the print management server 20. Therefore, users typically do not pay a fee to the supplier of the print management server 20 that focuses solely on the use of the management server cloud storage 29.

[0035] 2. Hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus

[0036] Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with a control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 consists of a processor, a CPU 11a (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 11b (Random Access Memory), a memory, a ROM 11c (Read Only Memory), and dedicated hardware circuits, and is responsible for the overall operation control of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 11a loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes it. The ROM 11c permanently stores programs and data executed by the CPU 11a. The ROM 11c is an example of a non-transient, computer-readable recording medium.

[0038] The control circuit 100 is connected to an image reading unit 12 (image scanner), an image processing unit 14 (including a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), an image memory 15, an image forming unit 16 (printer), an operation unit 17 (touch panel) equipped with a display unit 17a, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 18 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), a facsimile communication unit 19, and a network communication interface 13, etc. The control circuit 100 controls the operation of each of the connected units and transmits and receives signals or data between each unit. The operation unit 17 (touch panel) is a form of input device, and an audio input device including a microphone may be provided as an input device.

[0039] 3. Hardware configuration of the management server

[0040] Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the management server.

[0041] The print management server 20 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 24 such as an HDD or SSD, a network communication interface 25, an operating device 26, and a display device 27, and a bus 28 that connects them to each other. A portion of the storage device 24 functions as management server cloud storage 29. The management server cloud storage 29 may logically belong to the print management server 20, may be built into the print management server 20, and / or may be physically independent and connected.

[0042] The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 constitute the control circuit 200. The CPU 21 loads the information processing program stored in ROM 22 into RAM 23 and executes it. ROM 22 permanently stores programs and data executed by the CPU 21. ROM 22 is an example of a non-transient, computer-readable recording medium.

[0043] 4. Functional configuration of information processing systems

[0044] Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of the information processing system.

[0045] In the control circuit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 11a operates as the login unit 101, the file list request unit 102, and the job processing unit 103 by loading the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executing it.

[0046] In the control circuit 200 of the print management server 20, the CPU 21 operates as a storage list supply unit 201, a file list supply unit 202, a file supply unit 203, and a job log aggregation unit 204 by loading the information processing program stored in the ROM 22 into the RAM 23 and executing it.

[0047] 5. Operation sequence of the information processing system

[0048] Figure 6 shows the operation sequence of the information processing system.

[0049] The login unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10 accepts a user's login operation via a touch panel and transmits information about the user logging in to the print management server 20 to the print management server 20 (step S101).

[0050] When the print management server 20 receives a user login from the image forming apparatus 10, the storage list supply unit 201 of the print management server 20 sends a login OK notification and a cloud storage list showing multiple cloud storage services available to the user (i.e., associated with the user) to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S201). The multiple cloud storage services included in the cloud storage list include the management server cloud storage 29 and one or more (three in this example) third-party cloud storage services 30.

[0051] The login unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives a login OK notification and a list of cloud storage from the print management server 20. The file list request unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays a GUI 110 on the touch panel for selecting one cloud storage from multiple cloud storages (management server cloud storage 29, third-party cloud storage 30) included in the cloud storage list.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of a GUI for selecting cloud storage.

[0053] GUI110 includes a button 291 that displays the names of multiple cloud storages included in the cloud storage list received from the print management server 20, namely the management server cloud storage 29, and buttons 301, 302, and 303 that display the names of multiple (three in this example) third-party cloud storages 30. The user selects one cloud storage (either the management server cloud storage 29 or the third-party cloud storage 30) by operating any of the buttons 291, 301, 302, or 303. Hereinafter, the cloud storage selected by the user will be referred to as the first cloud storage 310.

[0054] The file list request unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the print management server 20 of the first cloud storage 310 selected by the user from the cloud storage list and requests a file list showing one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage 310 that are available to the user (step S102).

[0055] When the print management server 20 receives a request from the image forming apparatus 10, the file list supply unit 202 of the print management server 20 requests the first cloud storage 310 to provide a file list indicating one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage 310 that are available to the user (step S202).

[0056] When the first cloud storage 310 receives a request from the print management server 20, it sends a file list to the print management server 20 that shows one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage 310 that are available to the user (step S301).

[0057] The file list supply unit 202 of the print management server 20 receives a file list from the first cloud storage 310 that shows one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage 310 that are available to the user, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S203).

[0058] The job processing unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives a file list from the print management server 20. The job processing unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays a GUI 120 on the touch panel for selecting one file from multiple files included in the file list.

[0059] Figure 8 shows an example of a GUI for selecting files.

[0060] GUI120 includes buttons 311, 312, 313, and 314 that display the names of multiple files included in the file list received from the print management server 20. The user selects one or more files by operating any of the buttons 311, 312, 313, or 314. As shown in the figure, the user may also select two files by operating buttons 311 and 313. The following explanation will describe the case where the user selects one file, and the file selected by the user will be referred to as the first file.

[0061] The job processing unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the print management server 20 of the first file selected by the user from the file list of the first cloud storage 310 and requests the first file (step S103).

[0062] When the file supply unit 203 of the print management server 20 receives a request from the image forming apparatus 10, it requests the first file from the first cloud storage 310 (step S203).

[0063] When the first cloud storage 310 receives a request from the print management server 20, it sends the first file to the print management server 20 (step S302).

[0064] The file supply unit 203 of the print management server 20 receives the first file from the first cloud storage 310 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S204).

[0065] The job processing unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the first file recorded in the first cloud storage 310 from the print management server 20. The job processing unit 103 records the identification information of the first cloud storage 310 (step S104).

[0066] The identification information for each cloud storage (management server cloud storage 29, third-party cloud storage 30) is either cloud storage identification information that uniquely identifies the cloud storage, cloud storage attribute information that identifies the attributes of each cloud storage, or a combination of cloud storage identification information and cloud storage attribute information. In the figure, an example is shown in which the identification information for the first cloud storage 310 is recorded as cloud storage identification information "Cloud Storage A" that uniquely identifies the first cloud storage 310.

[0067] The cloud storage attribute information indicates whether each cloud storage is provided by a third party or by the supplier of the print management server 20 management server. For example, the cloud storage attribute information for the management server cloud storage 29 is "company-owned," and the cloud storage attribute information for the multiple third-party cloud storages 30 is "third-party." The image forming apparatus 10 only needs to maintain in advance a conversion table that converts the management server cloud storage 29 to a certain cloud storage attribute information "company-owned" and the multiple third-party cloud storages 30 to a different cloud storage attribute information "third-party."

[0068] The job processing unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job that uses the first file (step S105). The "job that uses the first file" is typically a printing process of the first file, but it may also be other types of jobs (for example, facsimile transmission).

[0069] The job processing unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 10 sends a job log to the print management server 20 (step S106). The job log includes user identification information, a job counter value (print counter value in the case of a print job), and identification information of the first cloud storage 310 (in this example, "cloud storage A").

[0070] The job log aggregation unit 204 of the print management server 20 is configured to aggregate job counter values ​​for each identification information of each cloud storage. The job log aggregation unit 204 receives job logs from the image forming apparatus 10 and increments the job counter value of the identification information contained in the job logs. In this example, the job log aggregation unit 204 increments the job counter value of the identification information contained in the job logs (in this example, the identification information of the first cloud storage 310, "Cloud Storage A"). After completing processing, the job log aggregation unit 204 sends an ACK to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S205).

[0071] The job log aggregation unit 204 of the print management server 20 may determine the cost of jobs using each cloud storage based on different job usage unit prices depending on the identification information of each cloud storage (management server cloud storage 29, third-party cloud storage 30). For example, the job usage unit price for jobs using files recorded in the management server cloud storage 29 may be set higher than the job usage unit price for jobs using files recorded in the third-party cloud storage 30.

[0072] As described above, users of the image forming apparatus 10 typically pay a third-party cloud storage 30 supplier a usage fee for the third-party cloud storage 30, but do not pay a usage fee for the management server cloud storage 29 to the print management server 20 supplier. In this case, by setting a higher job usage fee for jobs using files recorded in the management server cloud storage 29 than for jobs using files recorded in the third-party cloud storage 30, it is possible to cover the costs associated with sending files from the management server cloud storage 29.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the job log aggregation unit 204 of the print management server 20 can aggregate job counter values ​​(i.e., job execution amounts such as print volume) for each cloud storage (management server cloud storage 29, third-party cloud storage 30) or for each attribute of the cloud storage (company-owned, third-party). This allows users to generate more detailed aggregation reports. Furthermore, service providers can introduce more flexible pricing structures. For example, by setting a higher job usage price for jobs using files recorded in the management server cloud storage 29 than for jobs using files recorded in the third-party cloud storage 30, and by aggregating job counter values ​​for each cloud storage 29, 30 or its attribute, it is possible to calculate appropriate fees individually for each cloud storage 29, 30 or its attribute, rather than a uniform fee.

[0074] Although various embodiments and modifications of this technology have been described above, this technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of this technology. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Information Processing System 10 Image forming apparatus 101 Login Section 102 File List Request Section 103 Job Processing Unit 20 Management Server 201 Storage List Supply Department 202 File List Supply Unit 203 File Supply Unit 204 Job Log Aggregation Department 29 Management Server Cloud Storage 30 Third-Party Cloud Storage 310 First Cloud Storage

Claims

1. Image forming apparatus and A management server that is connected to the aforementioned image forming apparatus via a network and is capable of communicating with it, It is equipped with, The image forming apparatus has a login unit, a file list request unit, and a job processing unit. The management server includes a storage list supply unit, a file list supply unit, a file supply unit, and a job log aggregation unit. The login unit of the image forming apparatus transmits information about the user logging in to the management server to the management server. The storage list supply unit of the management server is connected to the management server via a network and transmits a cloud storage list indicating multiple cloud storage services available to the user to the image forming apparatus. The file list request unit of the image forming apparatus notifies the management server of the first cloud storage selected by the user from the cloud storage list, The file list supply unit of the management server transmits a file list indicating one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage and available to the user to the image forming apparatus. The job processing unit of the image forming apparatus notifies the management server of the first file selected by the user from the file list, The file supply unit of the management server retrieves the first file from the first cloud storage and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. The job processing unit of the image forming apparatus executes a job using the first file and sends a job log including the job counter value and the identification information of the first cloud storage to the management server. The job log aggregation unit of the management server is configured to aggregate job counter values ​​for each identification information of each cloud storage, and to count up the job counter values ​​of the identification information included in the job log. Information processing system.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The identification information for each cloud storage is: Cloud storage identification information that uniquely identifies each cloud storage, Cloud storage attribute information that identifies the attributes of each cloud storage, or combination of the aforementioned cloud storage identification information and the aforementioned cloud storage attribute information That is Information processing system.

3. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, The multiple cloud storages included in the aforementioned list of cloud storage are The management server cloud storage provided by the supplier of the aforementioned management server, Third-party cloud storage provided by a supplier different from the supplier of the aforementioned management server, including Information processing system.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2, The aforementioned cloud storage attribute information indicates whether each cloud storage is provided by a third party or by the supplier of the management server. Information processing system.

5. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, The job log aggregation unit of the management server determines the cost of jobs using each cloud storage based on different job usage rates depending on the identification information of each cloud storage. Information processing system.

6. The information processing system according to claim 3, The job usage fee for using files stored in the management server cloud storage is set higher than the job usage fee for using files stored in the third-party cloud storage. Information processing system.

7. The management server is connected via a network, enabling communication. It is equipped with, A login unit that transmits information about the user logging into the management server to the management server, A file list request unit receives a cloud storage list from the management server that indicates multiple cloud storage services available to the user and are connected to the management server via a network, and notifies the management server of a first cloud storage service selected by the user from the cloud storage list. The management server receives a file list from the management server indicating one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage and available to the user, and notifies the management server of the first file selected by the user from the file list. A job processing unit that retrieves the first file from the first cloud storage and transmits it to the image forming apparatus from the management server, executes a job using the first file, and transmits a job log including the job counter value and the identification information of the first cloud storage to the management server, An image forming apparatus comprising the following:

8. The image forming apparatus is connected to the network in a way that allows for communication. A storage list supply unit receives information from the image forming apparatus regarding a user logging into the management server and transmits to the image forming apparatus a list of cloud storage services that are connected to the management server via a network and are available to the user, indicating a list of cloud storage services available to the user. A file list supply unit receives a notification from the image forming apparatus of a first cloud storage selected by the user from the cloud storage list, and transmits to the image forming apparatus a file list indicating one or more files recorded in the first cloud storage that are available to the user. A file supply unit receives notification from the image forming apparatus of a first file selected by the user from the file list, retrieves the first file from the first cloud storage, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. A job log aggregation unit is configured to receive a job log from the image forming apparatus, which includes a job counter value and identification information of the first cloud storage when a job using the first file is executed, and to aggregate the job counter value for each cloud storage identification information, and to count up the job counter value of the identification information included in the job log, A management server equipped with the following features.

Images