Computer readable recording medium storing data management program, data management apparatus, and data management system

Regarding a management of data stored in a folder to which a permission range of access is set, a data management apparatus is caused to perform (a) a detection region setting step which sets a detection region for detecting a preliminary operation, which is for storing any data into a destination folder which can store data; and (b) a storing limitation step which limits the storing of the data into the destination folder in cases where the preliminary operation is detected at the set detection region, and the access permission range set for the destination folder is different from the access permission range set for a source folder storing the data originally.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-107824 filed on May 9, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a computer readable recording medium storing a data management program, a data management apparatus, and a data management system, and particularly relates to a technique of preventing an operation mistake when storing data into a folder.

2. Description of Related Arts

Attention is required when moving or copying data stored in an online storage or the like from a folder (hereinafter, referred to as a source folder) to another folder (hereinafter, referred to as a destination folder) and storing the date in the destination folder. This is because some opening ranges (ranges for permitting an access) may differ, the opening ranges being set for each folder.

For example, in cases where an opening range set for a destination folder is wider than an opening range set for a source folder, there is a possibility of opening data even to a partner to whom the data is not intended to open if a user does not determine carefully. On the other hand, in cases where an opening range set for a destination folder is narrower than an opening range set for a source folder, there is a possibility of not opening data which is needed to be opened.

Therefore, it is convenient to provide limitation in operation so that data is not made to store in a folder different from a source folder contrary to a user's intention.

As a technique of providing limitation in operation, for example, a technique is known in which entering into a predetermined region, where a button not intended to be operated easily are arranged, is permitted only after predetermined time elapses from a time when a pointer arrives at the boundary (Japanese Unexamined Publication No. 2011-511332).

However, according to conventional limitation method, since it is not possible to move a pointer into a predetermined region for a certain period of time, there is a problem that a user's operation is interrupted.

SUMMARY

The present invention is made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a computer readable recording medium storing a data management program, a data management apparatus, and a data management system, which can limit storing data in a folder contrary to a user's intention, without interrupting a user's operation.

To achieve at least one of the abovementioned objects, a computer readable recording medium reflecting one aspect of the present invention is a computer readable recording medium storing a data management program which causes a data management apparatus to perform management of data stored in each folder to which an access permission range is set, the data management program causing the data management apparatus to perform steps of: (a) a detection region setting step which sets a detection region for detecting a preliminary operation, which is for storing any data into a destination folder which can store data; and (b) a storing limitation step which limits a storing of the data into the destination folder in cases where the preliminary operation is detected at the set detection region, and the access permission range set for the destination folder is different from the access permission range set for a source folder storing the data originally.

Preferably, in the above-described storing limitation step (b), when limiting the storing of the data, a target region where the storing of the data at the destination folder is accepted is changed from a reference state.

Preferably, in the above-described storing limitation step (b), when the target region is changed from the reference state, at least one of size, shape, position and color of the target region is changed.

Preferably, in the above-described computer readable recording medium, the preliminary operation includes a motion of a cursor for designating the destination folder, and in the above-described storing limitation step (b), when the target region is changed from the reference state, the storing of the data into the destination folder is not permitted in a predetermined direction among directions in which the cursor can enter the target region.

Preferably, in the above-described storing limitation step (b), when the preliminary operation indicates passing a predetermined part of the target region which intersects with a line connecting the source folder and the destination folder, the storing of the data into the destination folder is not permitted.

The objects, features, and characteristics of this invention other than those set forth above will become apparent from the description given herein below with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description for drawings, the identical signs are given to the identical elements, respectively, and redundant description is omitted. Moreover, dimension ratio of each drawing is exaggerated for the sake of description, and may differ from an actual ratio.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system1according to a first embodiment.

The printing system1includes a data management server100and a client apparatus200as illustrated inFIG. 1. The data management server100and the client apparatus200are connected so that the data management server100and the client apparatus200can communicate with each other through a computer network (hereinafter, simply referred to as “network”).

The network includes at least one of the Internet (cloud network)10, an intranet20, and a local network30.

The Internet10is an open network which provides various services in TCP/IP protocol and higher layers, such as HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), Telnet, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), DNS (Domain Name System), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), NFS (Network File Service), and NIS (Network Information Service).

The intranet20is a network in a company constructed using a standard technique (communications protocol) of the Internet described above, and enables the share of information in a limited range in the company or the like.

The local network30includes LAN (Local Area Network) which connects computers and network devices according to the standard such as Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) or the like, or WAN (Wide Area Network) which connects LANs by a dedicated line, or the like.

The data management server100is an information processing device which manages the various data of document files, graphics files, and photograph files and so on. The data management server100functions as an online storage which can be written and read by the client apparatus200connected through the network.

The data management server100is classified into a first data management server100awhich connects with the client apparatus200through the Internet10, a second data management server100bwhich connects with the client apparatus200through the intranet20, and a third data management server100cwhich connects with the client apparatus200through the local network30.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, all data management servers100including the first to third data management servers100a,100band100care connected to the network in the printing system1, but it is not limited to this manner. It is only necessary to connect at least one of the first to third data management servers100a,100band100cto the network in the printing system1, and the number of servers is not limited to the illustrated example.

The client apparatus200is an information processing device which can use the data management server100as the online storage.

The client apparatus200is classified into personal computers (PCs)200a, a mobile terminal200bwhich is a portable computer carried by a user, and an image forming apparatus200cwhich includes at least a function of forming an image.

The mobile terminal200bincludes a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer and the like. Moreover, the image forming apparatus200cincludes a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a composite machine and the like.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, all client apparatuses200including the PC200a, the mobile terminal200band the image forming apparatus200care connected to the network in the printing system1, but it is not limited to this manner. It is only necessary to connect at least one of the PC200a, the mobile terminal200b, and the image forming apparatus200cto the network in the printing system1, and the number of such apparatuses is not limited to the illustrated example.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic structure of the data management server (first to third data management servers100a,100band100c).

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the data management server100includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)11, a ROM (Read Only Memory)12, a RAM (Random Access Memory)13, a hard disk14, a display15, an input device16, and a network interface17. These components are connected one another through a bus18for exchanging a signal.

The CPU11controls above-described components and performs various data processing in accordance with a program. The ROM12stores various programs and various data. The RAM13stores programs and data temporarily as workspace.

The hard disk14stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In the hard disk14, a file creation application for creating document files such as a text file, a graphics file and a photograph file has been installed.

The display15is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information items. The input device16includes, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used in order to input various information items. The network interface17is an interface for communicating with other apparatuses through a network, and employs a standard, such as IPv4, IPv6, Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI or the like.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic structure of the client apparatus200(in particular, the PC200aand the mobile terminal200b).

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the PC200aand the mobile terminal200binclude a CPU21, a ROM22, a RAM23, a hard disk24, a display25, an input device26, and a network interface27, respectively. These components are connected one another through a bus28for exchanging a signal.

Note that the description is omitted for components which have the substantially same function as the components of the data management server100among the above-described components of the PC200aand the mobile terminal200b.

The display25is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a touch panel, and displays various information items.

The input device26includes, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard and a touch panel, and is used in order to input various information items.

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic structure of the client apparatus200(in particular, the image forming apparatus200c).

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the image forming apparatus200cincludes a CPU31, a ROM32, a RAM33, a hard disk34, an operation panel35, an image reading mechanism36, a printing mechanism37, and a network interface38. These components are connected one another through a bus39for exchanging a signal.

Note that the description is omitted for components which have the substantially same function as the components of the data management server100, the PC200aand the mobile terminal200bamong the above-described components of the image forming apparatus200c.

The operation panel unit35is used for displaying various information items, and inputting various instructions. The image reading mechanism36includes general components for realizing a scanning function, and reads a document placed on a document table to form an image. The printing mechanism37prints the image or the like based on the image data in the bit map form obtained by decompressing a print job on recording medium such as a paper, using the well-known imaging process such as an electrophotographic process. Moreover, the printing mechanism37may include a mechanism for performing finishing processes such as a staple process, a punch hole generating process, a bending process to the paper on which the image is formed.

Note that the data management server100and the client apparatus200may include components other than the above-described components, or may not include a part of above-described components.

FIG. 5is a block diagram illustrating an example of a fundamental software structure of the printing system1. In the printing system1of the first embodiment, a storing location of data stored in the data management server100is changed by a remote control from the client apparatus200through the network (for example, a file is moved between folders).

The data management server100includes, as illustrated inFIG. 5, a control unit101, a memory unit102, a display unit103, an operation unit104, a communication unit105, and a data storage unit106.

The control unit101controls entire data management server100. Specifically, the control unit101manages and controls respective function units102to106described below by reading a predetermined program and various data stored in the ROM12or the hard disk14to the RAM13, and performing the program by the above-described CPU11.

The memory unit102stores various data. For example, the memory unit102stores information (opening range data300described below) defining an opening range (it is also called “access permission range”). The information defining an opening range indicates that the data stored in the data storage unit106described below is to be opened (in other words, accesses are permitted) to computers only on the local network30, the data is to be further opened to computers on the intranet20, and the data is to be still further opened to computers on the Internet10.

Note that the memory unit102is realized by the ROM12, the RAM13, the hard disk14, which are described above, or other storage medium (a flash memory or the like), for example. Preferably, the memory unit102is non-volatile secondary memory device.

The display unit103displays various screens for the maintenance of the data management server100and the like. For example, the display unit103is realized by the display15described above.

The operation unit104receives the inputs of various information items from a user. For example, the operation unit104is realized by the input device16described above.

The communication unit105connects the data management server100to the network, and transmits and receives various data with the client apparatus200. For example, the communication unit105is realized by the network interface17described above.

The data storage unit106includes a storage area which can be accessed from the client apparatus200through a network, and stores the various data such as a text file, a graphics file, and a photograph file. For example, the data storage unit106is realized by the hard disk14described above and a database.

The client apparatus200which is the PC200aor the mobile terminal200bincludes a control unit201, a memory unit202, a display unit203, an operation unit204, and a communication unit205, as illustrated inFIG. 5.

The control unit201controls entire client apparatus200(the PC200a, the mobile terminal200b). Specifically, the control unit201manages and controls respective function units202to206described below by reading a predetermined program and various data stored in the ROM22or the hard disk24to the RAM23, and performing the program by the above-described CPU21.

The memory unit202stores various data. For example, the memory unit202stores the data to be uploaded to the data management server100and so on.

Note that the memory unit202is realized by the ROM22, the RAM23, the hard disk24, which are described above, or other storage medium (a USB memory or the like), for example. Preferably, the memory unit202is non-volatile secondary memory device.

The display unit203displays a screen or the like for operation (remote control) of changing the storing location of the data stored in the data management server100. For example, the display unit203is realized by the display25described above. In cases where GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the desktop environment of the data management server100is operated from the client apparatus200by the remote control, general remote desktop technology (“RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol),” “X Window System,” or the like) can be used.

The operation unit204receives the inputs of various information items from a user. For example, the operation unit204is realized by the input device26described above.

The communication unit205connects the client apparatus200(the PC200a, the mobile terminal200b) to the network, and transmits and receives various data with the data management server100. For example, the communication unit205is realized by the network interface27described above.

Moreover, the client apparatus200which is the image forming apparatus200cincludes a control unit301, a memory unit302, a display unit303, an operation unit304, a communication unit305, an image forming unit306, and a post-processing unit307, as illustrated inFIG. 5.

The control unit301controls entire client apparatus200(the image forming apparatus200c). Specifically, the control unit301manages and controls respective function units302to307described below by reading a predetermined program and various data stored in the ROM32or the hard disk34to the RAM33, and performing the program by the above-described CPU31.

The memory unit302stores various data. For example, the memory unit302stores the data to be uploaded to the data management server100and so on.

Note that the memory unit302is realized by the ROM32, the RAM33, the hard disk34, which are described above, or other storage medium (a USB memory, an SD card, or the like), for example.

The display unit303displays a screen or the like for operation (remote control) of changing the storing location of the data stored in the data management server100. For example, the display unit303is realized by the display35described above.

The operation unit304receives the inputs of various information items from a user. For example, the operation unit304is realized by the input device35described above.

The communication unit305connects the client apparatus200(image forming apparatus200c) to the network, and transmits and receives various data with the data management server100. For example, the communication unit305is realized by the network interface38described above.

The image forming unit306prints the image based on the image data in a bit map form obtained by decompressing a print job on recording media, such as a paper, using the well-known imaging process such as an electrophotographic process. For example, the image forming unit306is realized by the image reading mechanism36and the printing mechanism37which are described above.

The post-processing unit307performs the finishing processes such as a staple process, a punch hole generating process, a bending process to the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit306. For example, the post-processing unit307is realized by the printing mechanism37described above.

<Data Storing Process According to First Embodiment>

Hereinafter, the data storing process according to the first embodiment will be described, Before describing the concrete contents of the data storing process, it will be described an example of setting, conditions or the like, which are the premise of the process.

Various data (text data, image data and the like) is stored in advance in the data storage unit106of the data management server100(the first to third data management servers100a,100band100c). The various data is managed by the control unit101by storing the data for each folder.

The control unit101of the data management server100sets an opening range (access permission range) in advance of the data storing process, for each folder of the data storage unit106in which the various data is organized and stored.

Specifically, the opening range is set in accordance with a combination of a type of a network to which a computer of the communication partner is connected, and a user type.

For example, any one of a first network range which permits accesses from the computers on all networks of the Internet10, the intranet20and the local network30, a second network range which permits accesses from the computers on the intranet20and the local network30, and a third network range which permits accesses from the computers on the local network30is set.

Any one of a first access authority (also called “public”) which permits accesses from all users utilizing the computers of the communication partners, a second access authority (also called “share”) which permits accesses from some users (or a group) utilizing the computers of the communication partners, and a third access authority (also called “private”) which permits accesses only from the users (holders) having the file of an access target among the users utilizing the computers of the communications partners is set.

A combination of the first network range and the first access authority is called “first opening range.” A combination of the first network range and the second access authority is called “second opening range.” A combination of the first network range and the third access authority is called “third opening range.”

Similarly, a combination of the second network range and the first access authority is called “fourth opening range.” A combination of the second network range and the second access authority is called “fifth opening range.” A combination of the second network range and the third access authority is called “sixth opening range.”

Moreover, a combination of the third network range and the first access authority is called “seventh opening range.” A combination of the third network range and the second access authority is called “eighth opening range.” A combination of the third network range and the third access authority is called “ninth opening range.”

Therefore, any of first to ninth opening range will be set to each folder of the data storage unit106in which the various data is organized and stored.

The widest opening range (access permission range) is the first opening range among the first to ninth opening ranges. The second widest opening range is the second, the fourth, and the seventh opening ranges. The third widest opening range is the fifth, and the eighth opening ranges. The fourth widest opening range is the third opening range. The fifth widest opening range is the sixth opening range. The narrowest opening range is the ninth opening range.

The setting information of the opening range as described above is held in the opening range data300in the memory unit120.

FIG. 6is a drawing illustrating an example of a schematic data structure of the opening range data300. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the opening range data300includes records350. In each record350, at least a setting name310, a network on which data is opened320, an access authority330, a width of opening range340are associated. The setting name310includes data indicating the name of the opening range set for each folder, and for example, is character string such as “first opening range” and “second opening range” which are described above. The network on which data is opened320includes data indicating the range of the network from which an access is permitted, and for example, is character string such as “first opening range” and “second opening range” which are described above. The access authority330includes data indicating the range of the user from which an access is permitted, and for example, is character string such as “public,” “share,” and “private,” which are described above. The width of opening range340includes data indicating an order about the width of opening range.

As described above, the opening range (the access permission range) has been set for each folder of the data storage unit106in which various data are organized and stored.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the data storing process according to the first embodiment,FIG. 8is a drawing illustrating an example of folder icons displayed in the client apparatus200, andFIG. 9is a drawing illustrating an example of the target region63where size is changed at step S14.

The data storing process according to the first embodiment is performed by the client apparatus200. Although it will be hereinafter described an example in which the process is performed by the PC200aamong the client apparatus200, the mobile terminal200band the image forming apparatus200cmay perform the process. Moreover, an algorithm illustrated by the flowchart ofFIG. 7is stored as a program in the ROMs22and32or the hard disks24and34of the client apparatus200, and is performed by the CPUs21and31. In an example illustrated inFIG. 8, a plurality of folder icons are displayed on the display unit203of the client terminal200.

The control unit201of the PC200aaccesses to any folder of the data management server100in accordance with the instruction from the user operating the operation unit204. The control unit201starts the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 7with the access. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, a data storage unit may be provided in the PC200aitself in addition to the data storage unit in the data management server100. In this case, the flowchart ofFIG. 7may be started by accessing to the any folder in such local data storage unit.

First, the control unit201receives the data indicating folder configuration (such as hierarchy of folders, data and other folders included in the folder) in the data storage unit106accessed by the user's operation through the communication unit205from the data management server100, and displays the data on the display unit203as a folder icon indicating the folder or a file icon indicating the file such as the document data and the like (step S11).

The control unit201provides a target region63(shaded region inFIG. 8), for each of the folder icons61and62, where a storing of any data (document file and the like) is accepted.

Moreover, the control unit201provides a detection region64(a region surrounded by the dotted line inFIG. 8) which detects a preliminary operation for storing any data (document file and the like) for each of the folder icons61and62. Note that the size of the detection region64is set at least equal to or more than the size of the target region63.

In a state in which the target region63and the detection region64are provided for each of folder icons61and62, the control unit201determines whether or not the preliminary operation is made for storing any data (document file and the like) to any folder (step S12). Specifically, the control unit201determines that the preliminary operation is made for storing the data to the folder, in cases where a cursor (for example, mouse pointer) enters into the detection region64(a point A illustrated inFIG. 8) in a state where any data is designated (for example, in a state where an icon of the document file is dragged).

In cases where the preliminary operation is not performed (step S12: No), the control unit201continues the observation whether the preliminary operation is made by repeating the process of step S12.

In cases where the control unit201detects that the preliminary operation is made on the other hand (step S12: Yes), the control unit201compares the opening range set for a destination folder (a folder corresponding to the folder icon62in the illustrated example) in which data will be stored by the detected preliminary operation, and the opening range set for a source folder (a folder corresponding to the folder icon61in the illustrated example) storing the data originally (step S13). For example, the control unit201acquires the opening range data300from the data management server100through the communication unit205, and specifies the opening ranges (in other words, setting names310) set for respective the destination folder and the source folder. Then, the control unit201compares the widths of specified opening ranges (in other words, widths of opening ranges340associated with the specified setting names310), and determines whether the widths of opening ranges differ.

In cases where the widths of opening ranges set for the destination folder and the source folder differ (step S13: Yes), the control unit201proceeds to step S14.

The control unit201limits the storing of the data to the destination folder (step S14). For example, the control unit201limits the storing of the data to the destination folder by changing the target region63provided for the destination folder from a reference state. The reference state of the target region63is, as illustrated by the shaded region inFIG. 8, a state in which the target region63is provided at the approximately same position as the folder icon62, and has a rectangular region the size of which is the approximately same as the folder icon62. At step S14, the control unit201makes the size of the target region63smaller than the reference state.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, since the target region63is smaller than the reference state, the data is unstorable in the destination folder unless a precise operation for storing (for example, a drop) data (for example, an icon of a document file) into the center part of the folder icon62is performed. The precise operation for storing data into the center part of the folder icon is, for example, an operation which drags and drops an icon of a document file into the target region63which has been smaller than the reference state. In this way, the storing of the data to the destination folder can be limited.

In cases where the width of opening range set for the destination folder matches the width of opening range set for the source folder (step S13: No), it proceeds to step S15.

At step S15, the control unit201makes it unlimited about the storing of the data to the destination folder (step S15). For example, the control unit201makes it unlimited about the storing of the data to the destination folder by maintaining the reference state of the target region63provided in the destination folder.

It returns to the step S12after finishing the process of step S14or S15, and the processes are repeated.

By performing above-described data storing process by the PC200a, the data is hard to be stored in a destination folder and the storing can be limited in cases where the opening range set for the source folder and the opening range set for the destination folder differ.

By this means, even when the opening range set for the destination folder is wider than the opening range set for the source folder, for example, it is possible to avoid to unconsciously open the data to a partner to whom the data is not intended to open. In other words, limiting the storing notifies the user of a fact that the user will expand the opening range.

When the opening range set for the destination folder is narrower than the opening range set for the source folder, it is possible to avoid to unconsciously make data non-public, the date being needed to be disclosed. In other words, it notifies the user of a fact that the user will reduce the opening range.

Since the movement of cursor (for example, mouse pointer) is not limited, it is possible to limit the change of the opening range which is not intended, without interrupting a user's operation.

Note that a unit of division of the flowchart into each process described above is according to the main contents of the process, for the sake of facilitating an understanding of the printing system1. The present invention is not limited by the manner of a classification of the process steps, and those names. The processes performed by the PC200acan be divided into much more process steps. Moreover, one process step may perform much more processes.

The above-described first embodiment intends to exemplify the gist of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. It is clear for a person skilled in the art that many substitutes, corrections, and modifications can be made.

For example, the above-described first embodiment describes the example in which the control unit201makes the size of the target region63smaller than the reference state at step914. However, it is not limited to this manner, and at least one of the size, shape, and position of the target region63may be changed. Note that, in one aspect which visually, expressly provides the target region63to a user, the color of the target region63may be changed into a color (for example, red) which calls user's attention.

FIGS. 10A to 10Care drawings illustrating various modifications of the target region63.FIG. 10Ais a drawing illustrating a first modification of the target region63. Now, the length of the width direction (X-axis direction) of the folder icon is denoted by “m”, and the length of the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the folder icon is denoted by “n.” In this case, the control unit201may set, as the target region63, a region in range the width of which is from “m/4” to “3m/4”, and the height of which is from “n/4” to “3n/4.” By this means, a rectangle-shaped target region63can be provided in the center part of the folder icon.

FIG. 10Bis a drawing illustrating a second modification of the target region63. As illustrated inFIG. 10B, the control unit201may set, as the target region63, a region in range the width of which is from “0” to “m/5”, and the height of which is from “0” to “n.” By this means, the target region63can be provided so as to put aside at an end (left end) of the folder icon. The end of the folder icon, to which the target region63is put aside, may be changed arbitrarily to another end thereof according to the position relationship of the source folder and the destination folder. For example, the target region63may be puts aside on an end of the folder icon of the destination folder, the end being far side from the source folder.

FIG. 10Cis a drawing illustrating a third modification of the target region63. As illustrated inFIG. 10C, the control unit201may set, as the target region63, a region in range the width of which is from “0” to “m,” and the height of which is from “2n/5” to “3n/5.” By this means, the elongate target region63can be provided in the center part of the folder icon.

It is needless to say that the shape of the target region63may be a shape other than rectangle, such as a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. Moreover, the control unit201may expressly display the target region63on the display unit203. The control unit201may display the target region63with a color (for example, red) for emphasizing.

In the above-described first embodiment, the detection region64has a rectangle shape, but it is not limited to this shape. The detection region64may have any shape as long as the size of the detection region is at least equal to or more than the size of the target region63.

Moreover, in the above-described first embodiment, the control unit201acquires the opening range data300from the data management server100at step S13. However, it is not limited to this manner, but the control unit201may acquire the date from the data management server100in advance of the start of the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 7.

Second Embodiment

In the above-described first embodiment, the control unit201of the PC200alimits the storing of the data to the destination folder by making the size of the target region63smaller than the reference state.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the control unit201does not permit the storing of the data into the destination folder in a predetermined direction among directions in which a cursor (for example, mouse pointer) can enter the target region63.

Note that the printing system1according to the second embodiment has the same hardware configuration and the same functional component as the first embodiment, but has some different behaviors from the printing system1according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, description of the second embodiment is made focusing on the different parts from the first embodiment.

<Data Storing Process According to Second Embodiment>

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a data storing process according to the second embodiment.FIG. 12is a drawing illustrating an example of the folder icons displayed in the client apparatus.FIG. 13is a drawing illustrating an example which limits storing from some directions, but does not limit storing from other directions. The data storing process according to the second embodiment is also performed by the client apparatus200. Although it will be hereinafter described an example in which the process is performed by the PC200aamong the client apparatus200, the mobile terminal200band the image forming apparatus200cmay perform the process. Moreover, an algorithm illustrated by the flowchart ofFIG. 11is stored as a program in the ROMs22and32or the hard disks24and34of the client apparatus200, and is performed by the CPUs21and31. In an example illustrated inFIG. 12, a plurality of folder icons61,62are displayed on the display unit203.

As is the case with the first embodiment, also in the second embodiment, various data (text data, image data and the like) is stored in the data storage unit106of the data management server100in advance of the start of the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 11. The various data is managed by the control unit101by storing the data for each folder.

The opening range (the access permission range) is also set for each folder in advance.

Then, the control unit201of the PC200aaccesses any folder of the data management server100in accordance with the instruction from the user operating the operation unit204. The control unit201starts the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 11with the access.

First, the control unit201performs a process which is the substantially same as the step S11described in the above-described first embodiment, to display a folder icon on the display unit203(step S21).

As is the case with the first embodiment, the control unit201provides the target region63(shaded region inFIG. 12), for each of the folder icons61and62, where a storing of any data (document file and the like) is accepted.

Moreover, the control unit201provides the detection region64(a region surrounded by the dotted line inFIG. 12) which detects a preliminary operation for storing any data (document file and the like) for each of the folder icons61and62.

Next, even if the cursor (for example, mouse pointer) passes any part of the outer edge (four sides located on four directions in cases where the target region63is a rectangle) of the target region63provided for each folder icon, the control unit201sets so that the storing of data in the destination folder is permitted (step S22). In other words, the control unit201allows an entering of the cursor (for example, mouse pointer) into the target region63from every direction, even if any data is designated (for example, it is in a state in which the icon of the document file is dragged).

Next, the control unit201performs the processes as is the case with step S12and S13described in the first embodiment (step S23, S24). More specifically, the control unit201determines whether or not the preliminary operation for storing any data (document file or the like) into the folder has been made. The control unit201compares the opening range set for the destination folder with the opening range set for the source folder, when detecting that the preliminary operation has been made at the point A illustrated inFIG. 12, for example.

Then, the control unit201returns to step S23, in cases where the width of opening range set for the destination folder matches the width of opening range set for the source folder (step S24: No), since it is not necessary to change the state of the target region63.

On the other hand, in cases where the width of opening range set for the destination folder is different from the width of opening range set for the source folder (step S24: Yes), the control unit201proceeds to step S25.

At step S25, the control unit201decides an outer edge of the target region63for limiting the storing (step S25). For example, when the target region63has a rectangle shape, the control unit201decides, as the outer edge for limiting the storing, one side of the four directions of the target region63which intersects with a line (for example, straight line) connecting the destination folder and the source folder. The line connecting the destination folder and the source folder may be a line connecting a central point of the folder icon62, and a central point of the folder icon61. Besides, either or both the source folder and the destination folder may be decompressed, and may be displayed as folder windows. When both are displayed as folder windows, the line may connects the central point of one window, and the central point of the another window. When only one is displayed as a folder window, the line may connect the central point of the window, and the central point of the folder icon. Alternatively, the line may connect the central points of the folder icon62and the folder icon61, regardless of displaying folder window.

In an example illustrated inFIG. 12, the line connecting the central point of the folder icon62and the central point of the folder icon61intersects with the outer edge part of the target region63at a point B (white circle). Therefore, the control unit201decides the right-hand side (illustrated by thick line) among the sides forming the outer edge of the target region63as the side regarding limitation of the storing (icon61side of the source folder).

Next, the control unit201changes the state of the target region63provided for the destination folder from the state (reference state) set at step S22, thereby limiting the storing of the data to the destination folder (step S26). For example, the control unit201sets that the storing of the data to the destination folder cannot be performed when a cursor passes the outer edge part decided at step S25.

On the other hands, the storing of the data to the destination folder is permitted when the cursor passes parts other than the outer edge part decided at step S25.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the control unit201permits the storing of the data to the destination folder, when a cursor passes through the sides (top, left and bottom sides of the target region63) other than the side (thick line) decided that the cursor will pass at step S25. Therefore, data cannot be stored into the destination folder when data is linearly moved toward the destination folder from the source folder on the display. On the other hand, data can be stored into the destination folder, when data is moved on the display so as to turn around the side (thick line) decided that the cursor will pass at step S25.

It returns to step S23after finishing the process of step S26.

By performing above-described data storing process by the PC200a, the data is hard to be stored in a destination folder and the storing can be limited incases where the opening range set for the source folder and the opening range set for the destination folder differ.

Especially, when data is moved linearly toward the destination folder from the source folder, data is not made to be stored in the destination folder. Therefore, by making the simplest operation or an operation most likely performed for storing data ineffective, unconscious change of the opening range can be reliably avoided.

By this means, even when the opening range set for the destination folder is wider than the opening range set for the source folder, for example, it is possible to avoid to unconsciously open the data to a partner to whom the data is not intended to open. In other words, limiting storing notifies the user of a fact that the user will expand the opening range.

When the opening range set for the destination folder is narrower than the opening range set for the source folder, it is possible to avoid to unconsciously make data non-public, the date being needed to be disclosed. In other words, it notifies the user of a fact that the user will reduce the opening range.

Since the movement of a cursor (for example, mouse pointer) is not limited, change of the opening range which is not intended can be limited without interrupting a user's operation.

Note that a unit of division of the flowchart into each process described above is according to the main contents of the process, for the sake of facilitating an understanding of the printing system1. The present invention is not limited by the manner of a classification of the process steps, and those names. The processes performed by the PC200acan be divided into much more process steps. Moreover, one process step may perform much more processes.

The above-described second embodiment intends to exemplify the gist of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. It is clear for a person skilled in the art that many substitutes, corrections, and modifications can be made.

For example, the shape of the target region63may be a shape other than rectangle (for example, a circle, an ellipse, or the like).

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare drawings illustrating various modifications of the target region63.FIG. 14Ais a drawing illustrating a first modification in cases where the target region63is made a circle shape. In cases where the shape of the target region63is a circle, as illustrated inFIG. 14A, the control unit201decides, at the above-described step S25, an arc (arc with central angle of 60 degrees) L which intersects with the line connecting the destination folder and the source folder as the outer edge part through which a cursor will pass.

In this manner, if the shape of the target region63is a circle, storing data into the destination folder can be avoided in cases where data is linearly moved toward the destination folder from the source folder on the display.

FIG. 14Bis a drawing illustrating a second modification in cases where the target region63is expressed as a shape like a cube. Actually, since the display is a plane, the target region63is expressed in three dimensions by a shape in which three parallelograms are combined. As illustrated inFIG. 14B, if the shape of the target region63is made a cube, the control unit201decides, at the above-described step S25, the one parallelogram (pinstriped region) S which intersects with the line connecting the destination folder and the source folder as the outer edge part through which a cursor will pass. In this manner, if the shape of the target region63is made a cube, storing data into the destination folder can be avoided in cases where data is linearly moved toward the destination folder from the source folder on the display.

Also in the second embodiment, the control unit201may expressly display the target region63on the display unit203, and may display the target region63with a color (for example, red) for emphasizing.

The detection region64may also have any shape as long as the size of the detection region is at least equal to or more than the size of the target region63.

In the above-described second embodiment, the storing of the data to the destination folder is not permitted when a cursor passes through the one side which forms the outer edge of the rectangular target region63. However, it is not limited to this manner, and the storing of the data to the destination folder is not permitted when the cursor passes through a part (for example, center part) of the one side which forms the outer edge of the target region63. Moreover, the storing of the data is not permitted when the cursor passes through any side of a plurality of sides (two sides, three sides) which form the outer edge of the target region63.

The above-described first embodiment and second embodiment are described on a premise that the order of the width of opening range340included in the opening range data300is determined in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this manner, and the order of the width of opening range340can be arbitrarily changed by a user.

FIG. 15is a drawing illustrating a change screen400for changing the order of the width of opening range340. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the control unit201displays the change screen400on the display unit203. In the change screen400, regions410and420are provided, indicating the network on which data is opened320and the access authority330, respectively, which are included in the opening range data300. By operating an up button430and a down button440, the order of the width of opening range340can be changed freely about the first to ninth opening ranges310provided for combinations of the network on which data is opened320and the access authority330.

The above-described first embodiment and second embodiment describe the example which stores data in the destination folder by drag and drop. However, the present invention is not limited to this manner, and it is only necessary to input instructions to copy data (or, cut data), and instructions to paste the data in the destination folder. Note that, in this case, it is determined that the preliminary operation for storing data in the destination folder is made, when a cursor (for example, mouse pointer) enters into the detection region64.

As an embodiment of the present invention, a case is described above in which the folder is decompressed and displayed as a folder window. However, especially for the destination folder, it may use different controls between a case where the folder icon is displayed without being decompressed, and a case where the folder is decompressed and displayed as a folder window. Specifically, in cases where the folder icon is displayed, a control of limiting file movement may be performed in accordance with the above-described first and second embodiment when the preliminary operation is detected. Moreover, in cases where the folder is displayed as a folder window, an alarm may be displayed regarding the file movement when the preliminary operation is detected.

The description of the constitution of the printing system1described above is made for describing major components with describing the features of above-described embodiments, but it is not limited to the above-described constitution. Moreover, the components included in ordinary data management server100and client apparatus200(PC200a, mobile terminal200band image forming apparatus200c) are not excluded.

Note that each functional component of the above-described printing system1is classified according to the main contents of a process, for the sake of facilitating an understanding of each functional component. The present invention is not limited by the classification manner of the components, and those names. Each functional component can also be classified into much more components according to the contents of a process. Moreover, it can be classified so that one component may perform much more processes.

The programs which operate the data management server100and the client apparatus200may be provided by a computer readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a floppy (registered trademark in Japan) disk, CD-ROM, or may be provided on-line through a network such as the Internet. In this case, the programs recorded on the computer readable recording medium is usually transferred to the ROM, the HDD or the like to be stored. Moreover, the programs may be provided as independent application software, for example, and may be included in the software of the data management server100and the client apparatus200as a function of the apparatuses.

The processes of respective components described above are also realizable by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, the processes may be performed by single hardware, and may be performed by a plurality of hardware components.

According to the above-described embodiments and modifications, when data is moved to the destination folder from the source folder, the storing of the data to the destination folder is limited in cases where the opening range (the access permission range) set for the source folder and the opening range set for the destination folder differ. This does not provide a limitation in operation of moving data. Therefore, it is possible to limit the storing of data in the destination folder contrary to a user's intention without interrupting a user's operation.