JP2019164805A - Management device, processing method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mechanism enabling a plurality of users to efficiently update a file.SOLUTION: When an image processing device transmits a checkout request, a management device receives the checkout request including file identification information of a first file, a plurality of users, and position information in the first file, generates a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information in accordance with the position information, and checks out the plurality of generated second files by using the plurality of users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a file management system, an image processing apparatus, a management apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program using check-out and check-in.

  In recent years, a document management system that stores and manages document data obtained by converting a document into electronic data in a server computer has been used by companies and the like. A general document management system has a version management function, and performs document version management by combining a check-out (lock) function and a check-in (update) function for document data. Document data to be managed by this document management system includes text files and application files, and application files typically include PDF files, Microsoft Office files, and the like.

  Normally, document data version update means accessing the document management system using the PC terminal of the document management system user, checking out the file whose version is to be updated, opening it in edit mode, and editing / saving it. The main task was to perform a check-in procedure on a PC terminal.

When updating the version of document data by accessing the document management system from a PC terminal, considering the version update of PDF files, image files, etc., these types of documents are usually not editable on a PC. Therefore, version update is performed by the following procedure.
1. Open the document data of the document management system on the PC (checkout).
2. Output the document data with a printer and go to get it.
3. Edit the output (handwriting, paper insertion, etc.).
4). The edited paper is read by a scanner and digitized and sent to a PC.
5. Upload the file digitized on the PC to the document management system and update the version (check-in).

By the way, according to the technology of Patent Document 1, when a document to be approved is uploaded from a PC terminal to a document management server, an approval request mail is transmitted from the document management server to an approver (such as a superior with approval authority) A person who receives the approval request moves to the multifunction device and outputs a document. An invention is disclosed in which an approver signs an approval part, scans a document, uploads the document to a server, and checks in (updates).
Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for performing a chuck-out check-in from a multifunction machine.

JP 2009-277113 A JP2012-074006

  However, in the case of a document (file) with a large number of pages, it is desired to update one document by a plurality of people. However, in the related art, it is difficult to update a document by a plurality of people. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for improving the efficiency of updating files by a plurality of persons.

  A file management system including an image processing device and a management device for managing files, wherein the image processing device includes file selection means for selecting a first file to be edited, and a plurality of files for editing the first file. User selection means for selecting a user, designation means for designating a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user, and a checkout instruction for editing the first file by the selected user Checkout instructing means for accepting, a transmission control means for transmitting a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file, The management device includes file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and the first file. Receiving control means for receiving a checkout request including position information, generating means for generating a plurality of second files from a first file corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information, and the plurality of users And a check-out means for checking out the plurality of generated second files.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of updating files by a plurality of people.

1 schematically shows a configuration of a document management system of the present invention. A block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 104, the document management server 103, and the web application server 102 Block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 The figure which shows roughly the functional composition of each device which is necessary for the document management system Flowchart of document edit request processing Flow chart of editing support processing by the user who requested editing Flowchart of the check-in process for the edit requester user Image diagram showing an example of the file list screen of the editing request source user Image diagram showing an example of the edit request screen Image diagram showing an example of the file list screen of the edit request destination user Image diagram showing an example of the file list screen after the request of the editing request source user Image diagram showing an example of the file list screen after check-in by the user who requested editing Data diagram showing an example of file management information when child files are generated Data diagram showing an example of file management information when a child file is checked in Data diagram showing an example of file management information when a parent file is checked in

  Hereinafter, a method for checking in and checking out a document using the document management system (also referred to as a file management system) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a document management system according to the present invention.

  Note that the checkout used in this embodiment means that other users cannot edit the file until the user who has locked out the file and checked it out checks the file. Unlock it so that other users can edit the file.

  In the document management system of the present invention, the MFP 100, the authentication server 104, the document management server 103, the web application server 102, and the client terminal 105 as image processing apparatuses can communicate with each other on a local area network (LAN). Stand-by. A card reader 101 is connected to the multifunction device 100.

In the document management system of the present invention, the MFP 100 uploads document data to the document management server 103, scans to check in electronic data in a checked-out state, and checks out document data acquired from the document management server 103. And print.
The authentication server 104 stores an authentication database for logging in to the document management system of the present invention, and executes authentication of a user who logs in to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The document management server 103 organizes information in an organization represented by, for example, Microsoft Office Share Point Server (MOSS) (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, and the aggregation work is aggregated into one web-based application. , An enterprise or departmental use server that enables organizations to analyze data.

  Note that the authentication server 104, the document management server 103, and the web application server 102 are configured as independent housings in the figure, but can also be configured as a single server (management device) having these functions. is there.

  Next, a hardware configuration of each server applicable to the authentication server 104, the document management server 103, and the web application server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The client terminal 105 has the same configuration. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 104, the document management server 103, and the web application server 102 as the management server shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 110 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  5 to 7 for realizing the present invention, the processing of each step described later in the flowchart executed by the authentication server 104, the document management server 103, and the web application server 102 can be read and executed by a computer. The program is executed by a program, and the program is recorded in the external memory 211. Then, it is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 110 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). ) (For example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  Reference numeral 305 denotes a network interface (Network I / F), which is connected to the network (LAN) 600 and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, an IC card for a portable terminal required for authentication A card reader 101 for reading (recording medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card of the portable terminal by the card reader 101 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card of the portable terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGEBUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure. The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data. Then, the image processing unit 317 drives the scanner unit 314 to perform image processing on the image data read and convert it into a file outputable format (for example, a PDF format file). A file of image data can be transmitted to an external device via the network I / F 305.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Note that the display unit has different display performance depending on the printer, and a printer that can be operated via a touch panel, a printer that simply has a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (displays the print status and the name of the document being printed). Is structured.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 101 reads information stored in an IC card provided in the mobile terminal under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration as described above, the composite 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 110 and print out the print data received from the LAN 110 by the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

Next, a functional configuration using software related to each device of the document management system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of each device necessary for the document management system of the present invention. A basic functional configuration will be described.
In FIG. 4, a description will be given of a file management system including an image processing apparatus and a management apparatus for managing files as a document management system.

The file selection unit 401 is a functional unit that selects a first file to be edited. The user selection unit 402 is a user functional unit that selects a plurality of users who edit the first file.
The designation unit 403 is a functional unit that designates a position in the first file edited by the selected user.
The checkout instruction unit 404 is a functional unit that receives a checkout instruction so that the selected user can edit the first file.

  The transmission control unit 405 is a functional unit that transmits a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file.

The reception control unit 406 is a functional unit that receives a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file.
The generation unit 407 is a functional unit that generates a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information in accordance with the position information.
The checkout unit 408 is a functional unit that checks out the plurality of generated second files using the plurality of users.

  The check-in unit 409 is a functional unit that checks in the second file using the received file. It is a functional unit that checks in the first file.

  Next, detailed processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 are executed by the CPU of each device.

  First, the flowchart relating to the document editing request in FIG. 5 will be described. Note that the file as the document data used in the present embodiment is a file saved in the document management server by the client terminal 105. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a file to be edited is stored in advance in the document management server.

In step S1000, the multifunction peripheral 100 acquires a list screen of files managed by the document management server from the web application server 102, and displays the screen of FIG. 8 on the display unit, for example. A file to be edited is selected on the screen of FIG. 8 (801), and pressing of an edit request button 802 is accepted. In response to the pressing of the edit request button 802, an edit request including identification information (file name, file ID, etc.) of the selected file is transmitted to the web application server 102. In the present embodiment, user authentication is performed by the authentication server, and a list of files corresponding to the authenticated user is displayed. Therefore, it is assumed that the document management server is accessed based on this authenticated user information.
That is, step S1000 corresponds to a file selection process for selecting the first file to be edited.

  In step S <b> 1010, an editing request including file identification information is received from the multifunction device 100. The web application server 102 transmits a download request including file identification information to the document management server 103.

  In step S <b> 1020, upon receiving a download request from the web application server 102, the document management server 103 acquires a stored file according to the file identification information, and transmits the file to the web application server 102.

  In step S1030, the file is received, each page of the file is imaged, and a thumbnail image is generated. If the document management server 103 manages thumbnail images, the thumbnail images may be acquired from the document management server 103.

In step S 1040, an edit request screen including a user (target person) who can edit thumbnail images and files is created and transmitted to the multifunction device 100. The user who can edit the file may be information acquired from the document management server 103 or information of a user managed by the web application server 102.
In step S1050, the edit request screen of FIG. 9 is received from the web application server 102, and the edit request screen is displayed on the display unit.

In step S1060, in order to edit one file by a plurality of people, designation of a page 901 that is a position to divide the file is accepted according to a user operation. The page to be divided may be designated by directly inputting a page number.
That is, step S1060 corresponds to a designation process for designating a position in the first file edited by the selected user.

In step S1070, an input from the user 902 requesting editing for each unit to be divided is received. At the time of user input, a user list including user identification information (not shown) is displayed, selected, and input. It is also possible to input a message to the input user. In this case, the message is managed in association with the user, and is transmitted in association with the user information in step S1080 described later.
That is, step S1070 corresponds to a user selection process for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file.

In step S1080, the web application server uses the information input in steps S1060 and S1070 as checkout information in response to pressing of the checkout button 903 (a checkout instruction is made by the user who is logged in to the multifunction peripheral 100). 102. The check-out information is file identification information, file division position, and user information (user identification information such as a user name) as a request destination of the divided file. If there is a message, it shall include the message. The authenticated user information is managed in association with the session managed by the web application server 102, or the user information is managed by the multi-function device 100, and the checkout information is transmitted including the user information. Conceivable.
That is, step S1080 corresponds to checkout instruction processing for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user. Further, this corresponds to a transmission control process for transmitting a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, a plurality of users, and position information in the first file.

In step S1090, the checkout information is received, and the file managed by the document management server 103 is edited or updated only by the checked-out user using the file identification information and the user identification information. Make a checkout request to
That is, step S1090 corresponds to a reception control process for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, a plurality of users, and position information in the first file. Also,

In step S1100, a file corresponding to the identification information of the file is specified in accordance with the checkout request, and the checkout is performed with the user identification information (user who becomes the requester). Since the file checkout technique is a well-known technique, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Note that step S1100 corresponds to a check-out process in which the user who has instructed to check out the first file is checked out.
When the checkout is completed, a checkout completion notification is transmitted to the web application server 102.

In step S1110, a checkout completion notification is received, and a plurality of files are generated according to the file received in step S1030 and the file division position. A plurality of files (also called child files) are uploaded and transmitted to the document management server 103. When uploading, the user is the user who requested the editing, but may be an administrator user managed by the web application server 102. In other words, whoever registers the file may be anyone.
Step S1110 corresponds to a generation process for generating a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information in accordance with the position information.

  In step S 1120, a plurality of files are received and registered in the document management server 103. As a result of registration, identification information of the registered file is transmitted to the web application server 102.

In step S1130, a checkout request is made using the received file identification information and the requested user identification information received in step S1090. In step S1140, a check-out is executed for a file for which a check-out request has been made. Since the registered file and the user identification information of the request destination are managed in association with each other by the web application server 102, it is possible to specify which file is checked out by which user. For example, when a file divided by the web application server 102 is generated, the web application server 102 manages a plurality of files in association with the requested user identification information, and uploads the files to the document management server one by one. Then, using the file identification information obtained as a result, the registered file is checked out with the user identification information of the request destination associated therewith. After that, the next file (divided file) is acquired, and uploading and checking out are repeated, so that a plurality of files can be checked out with the user identification information of the request destination.
That is, step S1140 corresponds to a check-out process of checking out a plurality of generated second files using a plurality of users.

  As a result, the requested user can update the file. Further, since the file to be updated is a divided file, the original file (parent file) is not directly updated, and appropriate file management is possible without unnecessary updating of the file.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 13, a description is given of file management information when a plurality of files (child files) are generated, registered in the document management server 103, and checked out. It is assumed that file management information is stored in the external memory of the document management server 103.

  Reference numeral 1300 denotes an original file registered in advance, and reference numerals 1310 and 1320 denote data of a plurality of files (child files) registered later. The child file stores the file ID of the parent file, and is checked out by the user designated by the multifunction peripheral 100 (stores the checked-out user).

  The user who requested the checkout is registered as a checkout order user. Furthermore, the information of the divided pages is managed, and the file version is managed.

  Checkout user = file owner user. In this embodiment, the child files are abe and yamada, respectively, which are checked out users and can be checked in by this user, but the requester fukuda can also check in. Needless to say. Furthermore, although one user is set to one child file, it is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of users are set in one file may be used.

  In step S1150, a checkout completion notification is received, and the requesting user who has checked out is notified of the request using a mail or the like. The checkout completion notification includes the registered checkout user identification information. The mail address is specified according to the user identification information, and the mail is transmitted.

  In this embodiment, after uploading a plurality of files, a check-out request is made again from the web application server. However, if the file can be checked out together with the file upload, the file upload and check are performed. Out may be performed simultaneously.

  Next, the editing correspondence processing by the user who has requested editing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating to an edit handling process by a user who has requested editing.

In step S2000, the user logs in to the web application server 102 and requests a file list screen corresponding to the logged-in user.
In step S2010, a list of files corresponding to the logged-in user is acquired. It is assumed that the log-in user is an owner user, identifies a file, and generates a file list. More specifically, user identification information is transmitted to the document management server 103, file management information is acquired, and a list is generated. In synchronization with the document management server 103, the file management information may be held by the web application server 102 and the file may be specified by the web application server 102.

  In step S2020, it is determined whether the file is a file checked out by the logged-in user himself / herself in accordance with the information of the checkout order user in the acquired file list. When the checkout order user is NULL, it is determined that the file has been checked out by the login user himself. When the checkout order user is not NULL and is a user different from the login user, it is determined that the file is not checked out by the login user.

  In step S2030, when a file that is not checked out by the logged-in user is selected, a file list screen in which control information for invalidating the checkout discard button 1001 is embedded is generated so that the checkout cannot be discarded. . Then, the generated file list screen is transmitted to the multifunction device 100.

  In step S2040, the file list screen is received, and the file list screen is displayed on the display unit of the MFP 100. An example of the file list screen displayed on the display unit is shown in FIG. It should be noted that a file checked out by another user is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other files, such as 1002. This identification display is also given when the file list screen is generated in step S2030.

  In step S2050, it is determined whether or not the file specified in accordance with the user operation can be checked out. If it is determined that the file cannot be discarded, the checkout discard button 1001 is grayed out in step S2070. The edit request button (button for checking out) is also grayed out. If a file that cannot be checked out is not selected, the process proceeds to step S2060 without controlling the button.

In step S2060, when a file is selected and it is detected that the print button 1003 is pressed, a print request including the file identification information of the selected file is transmitted to the web application server 102.
In step S 2080, the print request is received, and a file download request corresponding to the file identification information is transmitted to the document management server 103.
In step S2090, the download request is received, and the file corresponding to the file identification information is transmitted to the web application server 102.

  In step S2100, a file is received from the document management server 103, print data is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100 that has requested printing using a printer driver or the like, and printing is executed. In printing, it is assumed that printing is executed with the IP address of the multifunction peripheral 100 that can be acquired by a communication protocol as an output destination when a print request is made. Note that the printing method is an example, and printing may be performed by another method. In addition, it is assumed that data to be transmitted to the multifunction device 100 is converted from a file to a page description language and transmitted. However, when the multifunction device 100 can receive and print a file, such as a PDF file. Can also be executed by the web application server 102 without being converted into a page description language. Here, data to be transmitted to the multi-function device 100 will be described as print data.

  In step S2110, print data is received and output from printer 350. After the user has made corrections by confirming contents, handwriting, etc. using the output paper, the process of step S2120 is performed.

In step S2120, the file list screen of FIG. 10 is displayed, and designation of a file to be checked in is accepted. When the pressing of the check-in button 1004 is detected, a scan request is transmitted to the web application server 102. In this embodiment, since the web system mechanism is used, FIG. 10 is displayed using a browser provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. Therefore, when a button is pressed on the browser screen, a request corresponding to the button is transmitted to the web application server 102.
That is, step S2120 corresponds to a check-in instruction process in which a user who has checked out the second file receives a check-in instruction.

In step S2130, when a scan request is received, a scan instruction (command) is issued to the requested multifunction peripheral 100. In step S2140, when a scan command is received from the web application, the scanner provided in the multi-function peripheral 100 is controlled to read a document loaded on a feeder or the like. Then, the scan file generated as a result of the reading is transmitted to the web application server 102. When sending a scan file, it is sent using FTP or SMB. File identification information is given to the generated scan file, and check-in of a file to be described later is executed using this file identification information.
That is, step S2140 corresponds to a transmission control process for transmitting a file obtained by scanning to check in the second file.

  In step S2150, the scan file is received, and a check-in request for the checked-out file of the document management server 103 is made according to the file identification information of the scan file. A scan file is also sent when a check-in request is made. That is, it corresponds to a reception control process for receiving a file obtained by scanning.

In step S2160, the file to be checked in is specified in accordance with the check-in request from the web application server 102. Replace (update) the identified file with the received scan file. When the check-in is performed, the file management information is also updated. When the file is replaced, the file (child file) before check-in and the scan file at check-in are stored and managed by the document management server 103, respectively.
That is, step S2160 corresponds to a check-in process for checking in the second file using the received file.
Note that file management information in the case of check-in will be described with reference to FIG.

  It is a figure which shows the example when the file of 1400 of FIG. 14 is checked in. Since 1400 is checked in and the check-out is canceled, the check-out user becomes NULL. Since the file is updated by check-in, the version information is changed from 1.0 to 1.1. It also stores the last checked-in user information (eg, Yamada)

  In step S2170, a notification of check-in completion is received from the document management server 103, and the notification includes user identification information of the check-out order user, and an edit request is made using the email address corresponding to this user identification information. An email indicating that the editing of the user who requested editing is completed (check-in is completed) is sent to the user who has made the editing request. The notification may include user identification information of the user who has checked in, and may notify who has checked in.

  Next, the check-in process of the editing requester will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S3000, the multi-function device 100 sends an acquisition request for a file list screen (list of files that can be operated by the logged-in user (edit requester)) managed by the document management server from the web application server 102 to the web application server. 102.

  In step S3010, an acquisition request is received from the multifunction peripheral 100, and an edit requester's operation and a list of files that can be referred to are acquired. A list of files is obtained according to file management information.

  In step S3020, the parent file is identified from the file list. Taking the management information in FIG. 14 as an example, a file 1410 that does not have a Patent ID is identified as a parent file. Also, a file having the DocID (file identification information) of the parent file as the PatentID is specified as a child file.

In step S3030, it is determined whether all the specified child files have been checked in, that is, whether editing has been completed. If all the child files have been edited, the process proceeds to step S3040. If all the child files have not been edited, the process proceeds to step S3050.
That is, step S3030 corresponds to a determination process for determining whether or not all the plurality of second files have been checked in.

  In step S3040, control information for enabling the registration button 1101 is generated so that the edited file can be registered when the parent file is selected.

  In step S3050, a file list screen including control information for enabling the registration button 1101 is generated. If all the child files have not been edited, a screen including control information that disables the registration button 1101 is generated. In addition, among the child files, a status 1102 indicating completion is assigned to a file that is checked in, and a status 1103 indicating editing is assigned to a file that is not checked in. Whether this is completed or being edited can be determined by determining the value of LastCheckInUser or CheckOutUser of the file management information.

  In step S3050, the file list screen is transmitted to the multi-function device 100. In step S3060, the file list screen is received and displayed on the display unit of the multi-function device 100. A display example of the file list screen is shown in FIG.

The screen control will be described with reference to FIG. If all child files are already checked in (edit completed), when a parent file is designated, the registration button 1101 is validated and the button can be pressed. If a child file being edited is selected, the edit request cancel button 1104 can be pressed, and a request to cancel the edit request can be transmitted to the web application server 102. When the edited child file is selected, the return button 1105 can be pressed, and a check-out request is transmitted to the web application for editing again.
That is, step S3060 corresponds to display processing for displaying the first file and the second file in association with each other and displaying the check-out / check-in states of the first file and the second file.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 100 displays the screen of FIG. 11 to perform the processing, but the client terminal 105 may display the screen of FIG. 11 to perform the processing.

  In step S3070, a child file that has been checked in is selected, and if there is a preview instruction (not shown), the file identification information of the target child file is transmitted to the web application server 102. The web application server 102 acquires the child file before editing and the child file after editing from the document management server 103, creates a thumbnail of the file, and transmits the thumbnail to the multifunction device 100. In the multi-function device 100, the file before editing and the file after editing are displayed side by side so that they can be compared. In this comparison display, different portions may be specified in the file before editing and the file after editing using OCR or the like, and a portion having a difference may be displayed in comparison.

  In step S3090, when all the child files have been edited and it is detected that the parent file has been selected and the registration button 1101 has been pressed in response to the user's operation, the file identification information of the parent file is obtained. A registration request including the request is transmitted to the web application server 102.

  In step S 3100, the registration request is received, and the edited child file download request is transmitted to the document management server 103. In step S 3110, when the download request is received, the edited child file is acquired according to the file identification information of the parent file, and the child file is transmitted to the web application server 102.

In step S3120, a child file is received from the document management server 103, the child files are combined in the order in which the files were divided, and a file to be checked in is generated. When only a part of the parent file is edited as a child file, the parent file is also downloaded along with the child file, and only the portion of the page requested to be edited in the parent file is updated using the child file.
That is, step S3120 corresponds to a generation process for generating a combined file obtained by combining a plurality of checked-in second files.

  In step S3130, a check-in request including the file generated in step S3120 is transmitted to the document management server 103. At this time, the identification information of the file to be checked in is also sent. The file identification information may be included in the file name.

In step S3140, a check-in request is received, and the checked-out parent file corresponding to the file identification information is checked in. This check-in replaces the combined file. The file management information is also updated. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the file management information of the child file is deleted, and the file management information of the parent file is retained. The file version is also updated from 1.0 to 1.1.
In step S3140, when the check-in is completed, a check-in completion notification is sent and a file list including the checked-in file is transmitted to the web application server 102. In accordance with the received file list, the web application server 102 transmits a file list screen including files that have been checked-in to the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen displayed on the multi function device 100. Note that 1201 in FIG. 12 is an example when the parent file is checked in using the edited child file. FIG. 12 displays the updated first file without displaying the second file generated by the division when the first file is checked in.
That is, step S3140 corresponds to a check-in process of checking in the first file using the combined file. The check-in process is a process for generating a combined file and checking in the first file using the combined file when it is determined that all the plurality of second files have been checked in.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of document updating by a plurality of people.

  In particular, by dividing one file and checking out each file by a designated user, it is possible to easily update the file by other users.

  Further, since the parent file can be checked in using the file updated by the check-in of the divided file, the updating work of the editing requester can be made efficient.

  Furthermore, since the specified user checks out the divided files, the requested user does not directly update the file checked out by the editing requester (parent file). It is possible to prevent the parent file from being replaced by a prepared operation.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Further, the program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Is remembered. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus in FIGS.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.
In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 MFP 101 Card Reader 102 Web Application Server 103 Document Management Server 104 Authentication Server 105 Client Terminal 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
301 CPU
302 RAM
303 ROM

The present invention relates to a management apparatus that manages a plurality of files related to a predetermined process .

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of confirming whether or not the predetermined process can be executed based on the states of a plurality of files related to the predetermined process .

Is connected to the information processing apparatus, a management apparatus for managing a plurality of files related to a predetermined processing, the association of the the predetermined processing and the plurality of files, and are set for each file of the plurality of files Management means for managing the state relating to execution of the predetermined processing, receiving means for receiving a status change request for the identification information of the file whose status is to be changed from the information processing apparatus, and the identification information Based on the status of a plurality of files related to the predetermined processing, and status changing means for changing the status of the file corresponding to Determining means for determining whether the predetermined process can be executed, and notifying the information processing apparatus that the determined predetermined process is executable. Characterized in that it comprises a notifying means for.

According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm whether or not the predetermined process can be executed based on the states of a plurality of files related to the predetermined process .

Claims (14)

A file management system including an image processing device and a management device for managing files,
The image processing apparatus includes:
File selection means for selecting a first file to be edited;
User selection means for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file;
Designating means for designating a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user;
Checkout instruction means for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user;
Transmission control means for transmitting a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
The management device
Receiving control means for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
Generating means for generating a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information;
A file management system comprising: checkout means for checking out the plurality of generated second files using the plurality of users. The image processing apparatus includes:
A check-in instruction means for receiving a check-in instruction by a user who has checked out the second file;
The transmission control means transmits a file obtained by scanning to check in the second file,
The management device
The reception control means receives the file,
2. The file management system according to claim 1, further comprising check-in means for checking in the second file using the received file.   3. The file management system according to claim 2, wherein the check-out means checks out the first file by a user who has instructed to check out the first file. The management device
The generation unit generates a combined file obtained by combining the plurality of second files that have been checked in;
4. The file management system according to claim 3, wherein the check-in means checks in the first file using the combined file. The management device
Determination means for determining whether or not all of the plurality of second files have been checked in;
When it is determined that the plurality of second files have all been checked in, the check-in unit generates a combined file by the generating unit, and checks in the first file using the combined file The file management system according to claim 4, wherein: The image processing apparatus includes:
Display means for displaying the first file and the second file in association with each other, and displaying a check-out / check-in state of the first file and the second file;
6. The display unit according to claim 5, wherein when the first file is checked in, the display unit displays the updated first file without displaying the second file. File management system. A reception control means for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, a plurality of users, and position information in the first file; and a first corresponding to the file identification information in accordance with the position information. An image communicable with a management device comprising generating means for generating a plurality of second files from a plurality of files and checkout means for checking out the plurality of generated second files using the plurality of users. A processing device comprising:
File selection means for selecting a first file to be edited;
User selection means for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file;
Designating means for designating a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user;
Checkout instruction means for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a transmission control unit that transmits a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file. A file selection means for selecting a first file to be edited, a user selection means for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file, and a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user Specifying means to perform, checkout instruction means for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user, file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, A management apparatus communicable with an image processing apparatus comprising: a transmission control means for transmitting a checkout request including position information in a first file;
Receiving control means for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
Generating means for generating a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information;
A management apparatus comprising: checkout means for checking out the plurality of generated second files using the plurality of users. A file management system processing method including an image processing device and a management device for managing files,
In the image processing apparatus,
A file selection step for selecting a first file to be edited;
A user selection step of selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file;
A designation step for designating a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user;
A checkout instruction step for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user;
A transmission control step of transmitting a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
In the management device,
A reception control step of receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
Generating a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information;
And a checkout step of checking out the plurality of generated second files using the plurality of users. A reception control means for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, a plurality of users, and position information in the first file; and a first corresponding to the file identification information in accordance with the position information. An image communicable with a management device comprising generating means for generating a plurality of second files from a plurality of files and checkout means for checking out the plurality of generated second files using the plurality of users. A processing method of a processing device,
In the image processing apparatus,
A file selection step for selecting a first file to be edited;
A user selection step of selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file;
A designation step for designating a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user;
A checkout instruction step for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user;
A processing method comprising: a transmission control step of transmitting a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file. A file selection means for selecting a first file to be edited, a user selection means for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file, and a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user Specifying means to perform, checkout instruction means for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user, file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, A management apparatus processing method capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus comprising a transmission control means for transmitting a checkout request including position information in a first file,
In the management device,
A reception control step of receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
Generating a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information;
And a checkout step of checking out the plurality of generated second files by using the plurality of users. A file management system program including an image processing device and a management device for managing files,
The image processing apparatus;
File selection means for selecting a first file to be edited;
User selection means for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file;
Designating means for designating a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user;
Checkout instruction means for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user;
Function as transmission control means for transmitting a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
The management device,
Receiving control means for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
Generating means for generating a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information;
A program for causing a plurality of users to function as checkout means for checking out the plurality of generated second files. A reception control means for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, a plurality of users, and position information in the first file; and a first corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information. An image communicable with a management device comprising generating means for generating a plurality of second files from a plurality of files and checkout means for checking out the plurality of generated second files using the plurality of users. A processing unit program comprising:
File selection means for selecting a first file for editing the image processing apparatus;
User selection means for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file;
Designating means for designating a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user;
Checkout instruction means for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user;
A program that functions as a transmission control unit that transmits a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file. A file selection means for selecting a first file to be edited, a user selection means for selecting a plurality of users who edit the first file, and a position in the first file to be edited by the selected user Specifying means to perform, checkout instruction means for accepting a checkout instruction to edit the first file by the selected user, file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, A management apparatus program capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus comprising a transmission control means for transmitting a checkout request including position information in a first file,
Receiving control means for receiving a checkout request including file identification information of the first file, the plurality of users, and position information in the first file;
Generating means for generating a plurality of second files from the first file corresponding to the file identification information according to the position information;
A program for causing a plurality of users to function as checkout means for checking out the plurality of generated second files.

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