Patent ID: 12199795

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information processing system according to an exemplary embodiment will be described referring toFIG.1.FIG.1shows an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to the exemplary embodiment. The information processing system includes, for example, a multifunction machine10and one or a plurality of terminal devices. The multifunction machine10and each terminal device can perform communication with other devices through a communication path N. The communication path N is, for example, the Internet or other networks. In the example shown inFIG.1, although terminal devices12,14A,14B,14C, and14D are included in the information processing system, this is just an example, and one or a plurality of terminal devices should be included in the information processing system.

The multifunction machine10is an example of the image processing device according to the exemplary embodiment, and has at least a function of image processing. The multifunction machine10may include a printer and a scanner, and may function as an image forming device. Here, as an example, the multifunction machine10has a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. One or a plurality of virtual networks are formed by the multifunction machine10.

The multifunction machine10is just an example of the image processing device according to the exemplary embodiment. A device that has a function of forming a virtual network other than the multifunction machine10may be included as an example of the image processing device in the information processing system. For example, a scanner, a printer, or a facsimile device may be included in the information processing system, and a virtual network may be formed by such devices. Alternatively, a plurality of image processing devices may be included in the information processing system.

For example, the multifunction machine10and the terminal devices12,14A,14B,14C, and14D are connected to an identical network (for example, a local area network (LAN)).

The multifunction machine10forms a virtual local area network (VLAN) as an example of a virtual network in a LAN where the multifunction machine is present. In more detail, the multifunction machine10compatible with the VLAN and a switch or a router compatible with the VLAN are cooperated to form the VLAN. Though will be described below referring toFIG.3, for example, VLAN-1, VLAN-2, and VLAN-3are formed.

A function of the multifunction machine10is allocated to the virtual network, and a user can use the function allocated to the virtual network using the virtual network. For example, a plurality of virtual networks are formed, and, each virtual network is allocated with functions to be provided independently through the virtual network. The user is permitted to use the function allocated to the virtual network, which is permitted to be used, through the virtual network.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the multifunction machine10will be described referring toFIG.2.FIG.2shows an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine10.

The multifunction machine10includes, for example, a printer16, a scanner18, a facsimile device20, a communication device22, a UI24, a memory26, and a processor28.

The printer16is a device that prints an image on a recording medium, such as a sheet. The scanner18is a device that generates image data by reading a recording medium, such as a sheet. The facsimile device20is a device that transmits image data to another facsimile device by facsimile and receives image data sent from another facsimile device by facsimile.

The communication device22is a communication interface having a communication chip, a communication circuit, or the like, and has a function of transmitting information to another device and a function of receiving information transmitted from another device. Communication through the communication device22may be wired communication or may be wireless communication.

The UI24is a user interface and includes a display and an operation device. The display is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. The operation device is a keyboard, input keys, an operation panel, or the like. The UI24may be a UI, such as a touch panel including both the display and the operation device.

The memory26is a device that constitutes one or a plurality of storage areas to store various kinds of information. The memory26is, for example, a hard disk drive, various memories (for example, a RAM, a DRAM, and a ROM), other storage devices (for example, an optical disc), or a combination thereof. One or a plurality of memories26are included in the multifunction machine10.

The processor28is configured to control the operation of each unit of the multifunction machine10. The processor28may have a memory. For example, the processor28forms a virtual network, such as a VLAN. Furthermore, the processor28allocates a function of the multifunction machine10to the virtual network.

The terminal device12and the terminal devices14A,14B,14C, and14D are, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a “PC”), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a mobile phone, and includes a communication device, a UI, a memory, and a processor.

The terminal device12is used by, for example, a user (for example, an owner of a conference, or the like) who makes a reservation of a virtual network that is provided by the multifunction machine10. The terminal devices14A,14B,14C, and14D are used by users who actually use the reserved virtual network. Information regarding the reservation of the virtual network is stored in the memory26of the multifunction machine10.

Hereinafter, processing by the information processing system according to the exemplary embodiment will be described in detail. In the following description, as an example, a reservation of a VLAN is registered to perform a conference, and the VLAN is provided.

First, the owner of the conference (for example, a user or the like who is authorized to set the conference) registers the reservation of the VLAN in the multifunction machine10through a Web service that is provided by the multifunction machine10, an operation panel that is provided in the multifunction machine10, or the like. For example, the owner may access the Web service using the terminal device12to register the reservation of the VLAN. Alternatively, the owner may operate the operation panel to register the reservation of the VLAN.

For example, the owner sets, at the Web service or the operation panel, conference identification information (for example, a title) for identifying the conference, information (for example, a name) for identifying the owner, an e-mail address of the owner, date on which the VLAN is used, a start time of the use, an end time of the use, and the number of participants. Furthermore, the owner may set propriety of using the functions (for example, the print function, the scan function, and the like) of the multifunction machine10through the VLAN.

The processor28of the multifunction machine10receives information indicating the content of the above-described setting, stores the content of the setting in the memory26of the multifunction machine10, and registers the above-described reservation in the multifunction machine10.

The processor28individually allocates identification information (for example, VLAN-ID) of the virtual network to each registration of a reservation (for example, to each conference).

At the time of the registration of the reservation of the virtual network, information (for example, a name, an e-mail address, or an account) regarding the user who actually uses the virtual network may not be registered.

With this, leakage of information regarding the user who actually uses the virtual network can be prevented.

Next, the processor28creates and outputs entry point information (for example, a URL of the VLAN) that is information for using the VLAN and is different for each VLAN. For example, the processor28notifies the owner of the entry point information. The processor28may display the entry point information on the operation panel, may transmit the entry point information to the owner by e-mail, or may display or print a two-dimensional code representing the entry point information on the operation panel.

Here, information regarding reservation registration of the VLAN will be described referring toFIG.3.FIG.3shows a management table for managing reservation registration of a VLAN.

In the management table, for example, VLAN-ID allocated to registration (for example, conference) of a reservation, information indicating a title of a conference, information (for example, the name) for identifying an owner, an e-mail address of the owner, information indicating date on which the VLAN is used, information indicating a start time of the use, information indicating an end time of the use, the number of participants of the conference (that is, the number of users scheduled to use the VLAN), and information indicating propriety of using the functions of the multifunction machine10are associated with one another.

Description will be provided in connection with a specific example where VLAN-1is associated with a conference having a conference title “VLAN conference”, the conference is reserved by an owner A, the date of use is “Feb. 2, 2020, a start time of the use is “10:00”, an end time of the use is “12:00”, and the number of users scheduled to participate in the conference is “three persons”. The number of participants is an upper limit number of the number of users who can use VLAN-1. That is, up to three persons can use VLAN-1, and a fourth user cannot use VLAN-1. For example, only three users can use VLAN-1simultaneously on a first-come-first-served basis. A print function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and a data storage function in an HDD are allocated to VLAN-1. For example, the processor28of the multifunction machine10allocates such functions to VLAN-1in compliance with an instruction of the owner at the time of registration of a reservation of VLAN-1. With this, the participants are permitted to use the print function, the scan function, the facsimile function, and the storage function of data in the HDD (hard disk drive) as the functions of the multifunction machine10through VLAN-1.

The same applies to other registration. In regard to VLAN-2, the print function and the facsimile function are not permitted to be used through VLAN-2, and the scan function and the storage function of data in the HDD are permitted to be used.

Furthermore, in regard to VLAN-3, only monochrome print in the print function is permitted, and color print is not permitted. That is, while monochrome print is permitted to be performed through is VLAN-3, color print is not permitted to be performed. Even in the facsimile function, only a function of monochrome is permitted.

The participant (that is, the user other than the owner) of the conference obtains the entry point information of the VLAN from the owner. For example, the participant may obtain the entry point information by selecting a conference name from a site of the Web service or the operation panel provided by the multifunction machine10, or may obtain the entry point information from the owner by e-mail, Social Networking Service (SNS), or the like, or may obtain the sheet, on which the two-dimensional code representing the entry point information is printed, from the owner. The participant of the conference may be a user who uses the VLAN temporarily or may be a user who uses the VLAN continuously, not temporarily. All users obtain the entry point information and can use the VLAN indicated in the entry point information.

Hereinafter, a flow of processing when the user uses the VLAN will be described referring toFIG.4.FIG.4shows virtual networks and allocation of the functions of the multifunction machine10. The content of the allocation is the same as the content shown inFIG.3.

For example, the user who is the participant of the conference accesses the site of the Web service described in the entry point information using the terminal device14A of the user. For example, a URL (for example, https://www.MFP.com//VLAN1) of a site for connection to VLAN-1is described in the entry point information, and the terminal device14A accesses the URL. For example, the terminal device14A accesses the URL through a port32A of a VLAN switch and a common port30D.

The processor28of the multifunction machine10registers a MAC address of the terminal device14A, which accesses the above-described URL, in the management table and notifies the terminal device14A of VLAN-ID (for example, VLAN-1). With this, the terminal device14A can use VLAN-1. For example, the terminal device14A uses VLAN-1through the port32A and a port30A for VLAN-1. Furthermore, the processor28of the multifunction machine10provides the print function, the scan function, the facsimile function, and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10to the terminal device14A connected to VLAN-1. With this, the user of the terminal device14A can use the print function, the scan function, the facsimile function, and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10through VLAN-1. For example, the processor28executes the print function with reception of an instruction for print from the terminal device14A connected to VLAN-1. VLAN-1is logically separated from other VLANs (for example, VLAN-2, VLAN-3), and thus, a print job, image data, and the like transmitted through VLAN-1is logically prevented from being transmitted to other VLANs. The processor28may notify the terminal device14A connected to VLAN-1of the functions of the multifunction machine10capable of being used through VLAN-1. For example, the processor28transmits information indicating the functions of the multifunction machine10capable of being used through VLAN-1to the terminal device14A connected to VLAN-1. The information is displayed on the display of the terminal device14A.

In a case where the terminal device14B accesses the site described in entry point information different from the entry point information given to the terminal device14A, VLAN-ID different from VLAN-ID allocated to the terminal device14A is allocated to the terminal device14B. For example, VLAN-2is allocated to the terminal device14B, and the terminal device14B can use VLAN-2. The terminal device14B uses VLAN-2through a port32B and a port30B for VLAN-2. The processor28of the multifunction machine10provides the scan function and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10to the terminal device14B connected to VLAN-2. With this, the user of the terminal device14B can use the scan function and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10through VLAN-2. For example, the processor28transmits image data generated by executing scan to the terminal device14B through VLAN-2. VLAN-2is logically separated from other VLANs (for example, VLAN-1, VLAN-3), and thus, image data transmitted through VLAN-2is logically prevented from being transmitted to other VLANs. The print function is not allocated to VLAN-2, the processor28does not receive an instruction for print from the terminal device14B connected to VLAN-2and does not execute the print function. The processor28may transmit information indicating the functions of the multifunction machine10capable of being used through VLAN-2to the terminal device14B connected to VLAN-2.

In a case where the terminal device14C accesses the site described in the same entry point information as the entry point information given to the terminal device14A, like the terminal device14A, VLAN-1is allocated to the terminal device14C. With this, the terminal device14C can use VLAN-1. For example, the terminal device14C uses VLAN-1through a port32C and the port30A for VLAN-1. The processor28of the multifunction machine10provides the print function, the scan function, the facsimile function, and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10to the terminal device14C connected to VLAN-1. With this, the user of the terminal device14C can use the print function, the scan function, the facsimile function, and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10through VLAN-1. The processor28may transmit information indicating the functions of the multifunction machine10capable of being used through VLAN-1to the terminal device14C connected to VLAN-1.

In a case where the terminal device14D accesses a site described in entry point information different from the entry point information given to the terminal devices14A,14B, and14C, VLAN-ID not allocated to the terminal devices14A,14B, and14C is allocated to the terminal device14D. For example, VLAN-3is allocated to the terminal device14D, and the terminal device14D can use VLAN-3. The terminal device14D uses VLAN-3through a port32D and a port30C for VLAN-3. The processor28of the multifunction machine10provides the print function (monochrome print only), the scan function, the facsimile function (monochrome facsimile only), and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10to the terminal device14D connected to VLAN-3. With this, the user of the terminal device14D can use the print function (monochrome print only), the scan function, the facsimile function (monochrome facsimile only), and the data storage function in the HDD of the multifunction machine10through VLAN-3. For example, the processor28executes the monochrome print function with reception of an instruction for monochrome print from the terminal device14D connected to VLAN-3. On the other hand, the color print function is not allocated to VLAN-3, and thus, the processor28does not receive an instruction for color print from the terminal device14D connected to VLAN-3and does not execute the color print function. The processor28may transmit information indicating the functions of the multifunction machine10capable of being used through VLAN-3to the terminal device14D connected to VLAN-3.

As described above, the separated VLAN can be used for each registration of the reservation of the VLAN (for example, for each conference). Furthermore, each VLAN is allocated with the functions to be independently provided through the VLAN, and the user can use the functions allocated to the VLAN through the VLAN.

The processor28of the multifunction machine10may permit other devices (for example, the terminal devices14A,14B,14C,14D, and the like) to use the VLAN only in a predetermined period. For example, the processor28permits other devices to use the VLAN only in a period between the “start time” and the end time” registered in the management table shown inFIG.3. Description will be described in connection with a specific example. The “start time” of VLAN-1is 10:00, and the “end time” of VLAN-1is 12:00, and thus, the processor28permits other devices to use VLAN-1only in a period of 10:00 to 12:00. The processor28may delete the registration of the VLAN from the management table after the end time of the VLAN has elapsed.

The processor28of the multifunction machine10may form a storage area in the memory26separately for each VLAN and may store information in the storage area separately for each VLAN. For example, the processor28forms a storage area dedicated to VLAN-1, a storage area dedicated to VLAN-2, and a storage area dedicated to VLAN-3separately in the memory26. Each dedicated storage area may be a physically separate storage area. As another example, each partition or path may be allocated to each dedicated storage area. As still another example, each dedicated storage area may be encrypted by a separate encryption key. For example, while the user who is permitted to use VLAN-1is permitted to access the dedicated storage area associated with VLAN-1, the user who is not permitted to use VLAN-1is not permitted to access the dedicated storage area associated with VLAN-1. Specifically, while the user who is permitted to use VLAN-1is permitted to view, acquire, or use data, such as image data or document data, stored in VLAN-1, the user who is not permitted to use VLAN-1is not permitted to view, acquire, or use data stored in VLAN-1.

In the embodiments above, the term “processor” refers to hardware in a broad sense. Examples of the processor include general processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, and programmable logic device). In the embodiments above, the term “processor” is broad enough to encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which are located physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not limited to one described in the embodiments above, and may be changed.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.