JP2004287624A - Document printing method for outputting print document based on identification result - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a document printing method for printing out a document whose print is requested through a mobile Internet or the like wirelessly connected to the Internet when a user is present in a remote place based on the identification result of the user. <P>SOLUTION: This document printing method for executing print processing in response to the print request of a document received through the Internet is provided with a print request receiving procedure for receiving a print request to designate document data to be printed through the Internet and first user identification information for identifying a user, an identifying procedure for identifying the user based on second user identification information inputted by the user at a place where the document is printed and the first user identification information and an identification print outputting procedure for outputting a medium printed based on the document data designated by the print request based on the identification result obtained by the identification procedure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a document printing method for printing and outputting a document requested to be printed by a mobile Internet or the like that is connected to the Internet wirelessly while away from the office based on a user authentication result.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art With the recent spread of weight reduction of notebook personal computers, it has become much easier for users to carry notebook personal computers and go out. When printing a document or the like created on the go, the user prints from a personal computer connected to the printer using a floppy (registered trademark) disk storing the document, or sends the document in advance by e-mail. It was possible to print and output a document stored in a notebook computer by sending it to an acquaintance or the like for printing.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional print output method, it is difficult to directly output the print data directly from the user's notebook computer carried by the user. Further, printers have been limited to printers installed in offices where they are away from home. Therefore, users can print and output documents directly from their notebook PCs using the hotspot service that can be used wirelessly even on the go, which has been realized in recent years. Came to be considered.
[0004]
For example, in the hot spot service, a user can print and output a document directly from a notebook computer that carries a printer provided at a restaurant or a station on the go through the mobile Internet.
[0005]
However, in restaurants and stations where people gather, there is a problem that printed and output documents can be seen by others, or they are lost due to mistakes, etc., and this does not guarantee the safety of output characters of documents. Was.
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a document printing method for printing and outputting a document requested to be printed by a mobile Internet or the like wirelessly connected to the Internet while away from the office based on a user authentication result. It is.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a document printing method for performing a printing process in response to a print request of a document received via the Internet, wherein the printing is performed via the Internet. A print request receiving procedure for receiving a print request specifying document data to be output and first user identification information for identifying a user for outputting the printed document; and An authentication procedure for authenticating the user based on the input second user identification information and the first user identification information; and an authentication procedure specified in the print request based on an authentication result of the authentication procedure. And an authentication print output procedure for outputting a medium printed based on the document data.
[0008]
In such a document printing method, a user is authenticated at a place where the document is to be printed, and the user's document is printed and output based on the authentication result, so that the document can be viewed or output by another person. Documents are not lost. Therefore, security at the time of outputting a document can be guaranteed.
[0009]
Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 2, the authentication printout procedure is selectable by the user based on an authentication result of the authentication procedure, and the user has requested a print request. Is displayed on the display panel, and a print document specifying procedure for specifying a document to be printed by the user's selection and printing based on the document data corresponding to the document specified by the print document specifying procedure are performed. And a print output procedure for outputting a medium.
[0010]
In such a document printing method, a user can be made to select a document after authentication, and unnecessary printing and output of a document need not be performed. In addition, since a list of documents requested by the user to be printed can be viewed only by the user, the security at the time of document output can be guaranteed.
[0011]
Further, according to the present invention, after outputting the medium by the authentication print output procedure, the present invention provides the user with use information indicating a use situation by the user via the Internet. It can be configured to include a usage information providing procedure and a charging procedure for charging the user based on the usage information.
[0012]
In such a document printing method, the user can know the usage status of the service, for example, via the Internet or by notification by e-mail, and can automatically process the charge to the user.
[0013]
The present invention also provides a provider authentication procedure in which a provider that provides a printing service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information. After the authentication by the provider authentication procedure, a print request transmission procedure of transmitting the document data and the print request specifying the desired image forming apparatus from the information processing terminal used by the user to the provider, The provider may include a transfer procedure for transferring the first user identification information and the document data to the image forming apparatus. Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 5, the authentication procedure includes the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure input by the user and the second user information. Can be configured to authenticate the user.
[0014]
In such a document printing method, since authentication is performed using the user ID and password issued by the provider, the user only needs to manage one ID and password for outputting the printed document. Further, since the document data for printing is provided to the image forming apparatus (for example, a printer) together with the user ID and password issued by the provider via the provider, the security of the ID and password can be guaranteed. .
[0015]
Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 6, a provider providing a print service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information, a provider authentication procedure, An identification information transmission procedure in which a provider transmits the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure to an image forming apparatus desired by the user, and an information processing terminal used by the user sends the identification information to the provider. And a print request transmission procedure for transmitting the print request specifying the document data and the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure.
[0016]
In such a document printing method, by transmitting the first user identification information from the provider to the image forming apparatus, it is ensured that the print request from the information processing terminal is a request by a user authenticated by the provider. be able to. Therefore, a print request can be made directly from the information processing terminal to the image forming apparatus, so that the time of the printing process can be reduced.
[0017]
Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 7, a provider providing a print service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information, a provider authentication procedure, After the authentication by the provider authentication procedure, the information processing terminal used by the user notifies the provider of the desired image forming apparatus to the provider, based on the desired device notification procedure and the authentication result by the provider authentication procedure. A notification procedure for notifying the image forming apparatus of the user's e-mail address, and issuing a ticket enabling the image forming apparatus to output a document, and transmitting the ticket to the user's e-mail address. The ticket transmission procedure to be transmitted to the address, the information processing terminal The print request designating a constant document data can be configured to have a print request transmission step of transmitting to the image forming apparatus. Further, according to the present invention, in the authentication procedure, the authentication procedure uses the ticket number transmitted by the image forming apparatus in the ticket transmission procedure as the first user identification information; The image forming apparatus may be configured to authenticate the user using the ticket number input by the user as the second user identification information.
[0018]
In such a document printing method, the image forming apparatus notifies the ticket to the e-mail address transmitted from the provider, and guarantees that the user is an authorized user by a print request in which the ticket is specified. be able to. Further, since the image forming apparatus outputs the document printed after authenticating the user with the ticket, the security of the document at the time of output can be ensured, and the ID and password issued by the provider need not be reused. Therefore, the security of the ID and the password can be guaranteed.
[0019]
The present invention also provides a provider authentication procedure in which a provider providing a print service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information, After the authentication by the provider authentication procedure, the information processing terminal used by the user notifies the provider of the desired image forming apparatus to the provider, based on the desired device notification procedure and the authentication result by the provider authentication procedure. A ticket notification procedure for notifying the user of a ticket, and an identification information transmission procedure in which the provider transmits the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure to the image forming apparatus. The information processing terminal sends the ticket notification procedure to the image forming apparatus. And knowledge has been the ticket can be configured to have a print request transmitting step of transmitting the print request specifying the document data specified by the user. Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 10, in the authentication procedure, the ticket number notified from the provider by the ticket notification procedure is used as the first user identification information. The ticket number input by the user in the forming device may be configured to authenticate the user as the second user identification information.
[0020]
In such a document printing method, since the provider transmits the ticket to both the information processing terminal and the image forming apparatus, the provider can directly transmit a print request from the information processing terminal to the image forming apparatus. Further, since the image forming apparatus outputs the document printed after authenticating the user with the ticket, the security of the document at the time of output can be ensured, and the ID and password issued by the provider need not be reused. Therefore, the security of the ID and the password can be guaranteed.
[0021]
Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 11, a provider providing a print service issues third user identification information for specifying the user, and issues identification information transmitted to the information processing terminal. A transmission procedure, the document data, the third user identification information, and an arbitrary set by the user from the information processing terminal used by the user to the image forming apparatus desired by the user. A print request transmission procedure for transmitting the print request specifying the first user identification information. Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 12, the authentication procedure includes transmitting the second user identification information input by the user at a place where printing is performed, and transmitting the print request transmission procedure. It can be configured to authenticate the user based on the obtained first user identification information.
[0022]
In such a document printing method, the image forming apparatus authenticates the user with the second user identification information arbitrarily set by the user when outputting the document, and thus sets identification information that is easy for the user to manage. be able to.
[0023]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium that stores document data to be printed via the Internet and a user for outputting the printed document. A print request receiving unit that receives a print request specifying user identification information, a confidential document storage unit that stores the document data as a confidential document, an authentication information management unit that manages the first user identification information, An authentication unit that authenticates the user based on the second user identification information input by the user and the first user identification information managed by the authentication information management unit; An authentication print output unit that outputs a medium printed based on the document data stored in the confidential document storage unit based on the authentication result may be provided.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
A HotSpot tallying and billing system according to an embodiment of the present invention forms a network configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration of a HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The HotSpot tallying / charging system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 performs a print process in response to a print request and outputs it after user authentication, and a HotSpot center 200 as a provider that provides the print process as a hot spot service. The printer 100, the HotSpot center 200, and the PC 300 communicate with each other via the Internet 40 in accordance with BMLinkS. The PC 300 makes a wireless Internet (hereinafter, mobile Internet) connection to the Internet 40.
[0026]
The user registers on the homepage or the like provided by the HotSpot center 200 as a provider via the Internet 40 to receive the provision of the hot spot service of the printing process. Using the ID and the password issued at the time of registration, the user makes a print request from his / her PC 300 to the printer 100 that performs the hot spot service from his / her PC 300 via the mobile Internet. After the print request, the user goes to the printer 100 and inputs a predetermined ID and / or password for causing the printer 100 to output a print document.
[0027]
After authenticating the user with a predetermined ID and / or password for outputting a print document input by the user, the printer 100 displays a list of documents requested to be printed by the user, and selects the user. Output the document. After the authentication, the user is allowed to select a document, so that unnecessary printing and output of the document need not be performed. In addition, since a list of documents requested by the user to be printed can be viewed only by the user, the security at the time of document output can be guaranteed.
[0028]
As described above, the user goes to the printer 100 to retrieve the document for which the print request has been made, and outputs the document only when the user is authenticated by inputting a predetermined ID and / or password for outputting the printed document. Thus, the document can be safely output to the printer 100 even when the user is out of the office without the other person seeing the document and without losing the document due to a mistake or the like.
[0029]
The PC according to one embodiment of the present invention has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2, a PC 300 is a device that is controlled by a computer and executes a printing process. The PC 300 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 51, a memory unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, a communication unit 55, It comprises a storage device 56 and a driver 57 and is connected to the system bus B3.
[0030]
The CPU 51 controls the PC 300 according to a program stored in the memory unit 52. The memory unit 52 includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and stores a program executed by the CPU 51, data necessary for processing by the CPU 51, data obtained by the processing by the CPU 51, and the like. Further, a partial area of the memory unit 52 is allocated as a work area used for processing in the CPU 51.
[0031]
The display unit 53 displays various information required under the control of the CPU 51. The input unit 54 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and is used by a user to input various information necessary for the PC 300 to perform processing. The communication unit 55 is a device for controlling communication when the PC 300 is connected to a printer or the like via the mobile Internet. The storage device 56 includes, for example, a hard disk unit, and stores programs for executing various processes, document data, and the like.
[0032]
A program that implements the printing process performed by the PC 300 is provided to the PC 300 via a storage medium 58 such as a CD-ROM, for example. That is, when the storage medium 58 storing the program is set in the driver 57, the driver 57 reads the program from the storage medium 58, and the read program is installed in the storage device 56 via the system bus B3. . When the program is started, the CPU 51 starts the processing according to the program installed in the storage device 56. The medium for storing the program is not limited to a CD-ROM, but may be any medium that can be read by a computer. The program for implementing the printing process according to the present invention may be downloaded via the Internet by the communication unit 55 and installed in the storage device 56.
[0033]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the PC 300 mainly generates and transmits a print request using an XML (extensible Markup Language) and a service search unit 301 that searches the Internet 40 for a printable printer existing around the user's destination. A print control unit 302, a notification processing unit 303 that processes received notifications according to XML, an application 304 that generates document data and requests print processing, and a printer driver 41 searched by the service search unit 301. And a driver control unit 305 for controlling the plurality of drivers 41, an installer 309 for installing the program according to the present invention from the storage medium 58, and a communication control unit 210 for controlling communication via the Internet 40.
[0034]
In response to a service search request from the print control unit 302, the service search unit 301 causes the communication control unit 310 to search for a plurality of service-capable (printable) printers existing on the Internet 40 in accordance with BMLinkS. ). Alternatively, the service search unit 301 executes discovery to search for a serviceable image forming apparatus when the PC 300 is activated or when a search for a service is required outside the home. The search result is stored, for example, in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 57 as a print service list, and notifies the print control unit 302 as a search result for the service search request. Further, the driver 41 corresponding to the searched printer is downloaded from the Internet as needed.
[0035]
The service search may be performed by a user using information provided via the Internet 40. The driver 41 corresponding to the searched printer may be downloaded from the Internet by the service search unit 301.
[0036]
The print control unit 302 generates a print request in XML in response to a print request from the application 304, and uses the driver 41 of the printer desired by the user by the driver control unit 305, and instructs the printer according to BMLinkS. Send a print request.
[0037]
The notification processing unit 303 processes the received notification by XML, converts the received notification into a data format that can be interpreted by the print control unit 302, and transmits the data to the print control unit 302.
[0038]
The application 304 is an application for creating, editing, and deleting data in a predetermined data format. The application 304 is, for example, a spreadsheet application, a drawing application, or the like, and may be any application that requests print processing.
[0039]
The communication control unit 310 further includes a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) 311, an HTTP 312, a SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) 313, and a BMLink S 314.
[0040]
TCP / IP 311 is a network communication protocol that controls data communication via the Internet 40. HTTP 312 is an Internet communication protocol that implements information provision and information acquisition on the Internet. SOAP 313 is a message exchange protocol that controls the exchange of messages described in accordance with, for example, XML. The BMLinkS 314 controls data communication relating to a job control procedure, status reference, and the like to one or more OA devices having at least one of the functions of a printer, a scanner, a storage, a facsimile transmission and a reception existing on the Internet 40. OA device I / F protocol.
[0041]
The printer according to an embodiment of the present invention has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 4, for example. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a printer 100 is a device that is controlled by a computer and executes a printing process. The printer 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, Non-volatile random access memory (RAM) 14, real-time clock 15, Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F (Ethernet (registered trademark) Interface) 21, USB (Universal Serial Bus) 22, and IEEE (Institute for IEEE) Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 12843, a hard disk I / F 24, a video I / F 25, and an RS-232C An I / F 26 and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) I / F 27 are provided, and are connected to the system bus B.
[0042]
The CPU 11 controls the printer 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 12. In the RAM 13, for example, an area is allocated to resources connected to the interfaces 21 to 26. Information necessary for processing by the CPU 11 is stored in the non-volatile RAM 14 until the power of the printer 100 is turned off. The real-time clock 15 is used by the CPU 11 to measure the current time and synchronize processing.
[0043]
An Ethernet (registered trademark) interface cable such as 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX is connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 21. A USB interface cable is connected to the USB 22. The IEEE1284 23 is connected to an IEEE1284 interface cable.
[0044]
A hard disk 34 is connected to the hard disk I / F 24, and the document data of the document to be printed transmitted via the Internet or the image data after the print processing is stored in the hard disk 34 via the hard disk I / F 24 as “confidential document”. Is stored. A printer engine 35 is connected to the video I / F 25, image data is transmitted to the printer engine 25 via the video I / F 25, and an image is formed on a printable medium such as paper based on the image data. .
[0045]
An operation panel 36 is connected to the RS-232C I / F 26 to display information to a user and obtain input information or setting information from the user. The wireless LAN I / F 27 controls communication according to a standard such as 802.11A / B / G.
[0046]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5, a printer 100 mainly includes a job receiving unit 101 that receives a print request, a notification issuing unit 104 that notifies a status, a control unit 105 that creates a job related to a job, and controls the entire process. 3, a print processing unit 106 that controls the printer engine 35 to execute print processing, a communication control unit 110 that controls communication between the HotSpot center 200 and the PC 300 via the Internet 40, and an operation panel 36. An authentication unit 121 that authenticates based on an ID and / or a password input by a user, and a service use history management unit 122 that manages a use history of a service of the user.
[0047]
The job receiving unit 101 receives a print request from the PC 300 and notifies the job control unit 105 that the job has been received. The job control unit 105 analyzes the print request notified by the job reception unit 101 to generate a job, controls the print processing unit 106 according to the job, and executes print processing. The notification issuing unit 104 notifies the HotSpot center 200 or the PC 300 based on the status notified from the job control unit 105 by the communication control unit 110 in accordance with BMLinkS. The print processing unit 106 executes a print process according to an instruction from the job control unit 105 and stores the print process in the confidential document data DB 130. After the job control unit 105 authenticates the user by the authentication unit 121, the job control unit 105 forms and outputs an image on a predetermined medium such as paper in accordance with an instruction from the job control unit 105.
[0048]
The authentication unit 121 authenticates the user with an ID and / or password input by the user using the operation panel 36, based on the authentication information of the user managed in the authentication information DB 131. The service usage history management unit 122 manages the service content indicating the paper size and monochrome / color distinction as history information in the service usage history DB 132 in association with identification information for identifying the user for each print request of the user. In response to an instruction from the job control unit 105, the service use history management unit 122 notifies the HotSpot center 200 of the history information according to the BMLinkS by the notification issuing unit 104.
[0049]
The HotShot center 200 is a computer server controlled by a CPU and has the same hardware configuration as the PC 300 shown in FIG.
[0050]
Next, in the network configuration shown in FIG. 1, an example of processing for safely outputting a print document to only a user who has issued a print request in the HotSpot tallying / charging system 1000 will be described.
[0051]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The first processing example in the HotSpot tallying / charging system 1001 shown in FIG. 6 shows processing when document data is transmitted to the printer 100 via the HotSpot center 200 when a print request is made from the PC 300. The first processing example shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the first processing example shown in FIG.
[0052]
6 and 7, the user makes an application for using the mobile Internet to the HotSpot center 200 in advance using the PC 300, and obtains an ID and a password (step S12). Next, the user accesses the HotSpot center 200 while away from home (arrow A1) and inputs the ID and password acquired in step S12 (step S13). The HotSpot center 200 authenticates the user with the ID and the password. After the PC 300 receives the authentication completion from the HotSpot center 200, the user detects the printer in the HotSpot from the PC 300 by the discovery by the service search unit 301 of the PC 300, and prints the document data to be printed on the desired printer 100. A request is made (step S14).
[0053]
In the first processing example, the print request is issued by the PC 300 transmitting the document data to the HotSpot center 200 (arrow A2). This print request specifies the printer 100 desired by the user. When receiving the print request, the HotSpot center 200 transmits the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 authenticated to the printer 100 specified by the print request and the document data to the printer 100 (arrow A3).
[0054]
The printer 100 acquires the ID and password issued to the user by the HotSpot Center 200, which is referred to for authenticating the user when outputting a document from the HotSpot Center 200, and should print from the HotSpot Center 200. The document data is obtained (step S15). The printer 100 stores the received user ID and password authenticated by the HotSpot center 200 in the authentication information DB 131. The received document data is stored in the confidential document data DB 130 as "confidential document" (step S16).
[0055]
The user makes a print request from the PC 300 while away from home, then goes to the location where the printer 100 is installed (arrow A4), and copies the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 to the user on the operation panel 36. The user designates a document to be output from a list of documents requested to be printed by the user displayed on the operation panel 36 after the user of the printer 100 is authenticated (step S17). Then, the printer 100 outputs the specified document (arrow A5). If the user authentication fails, the first process ends without displaying a document list and without outputting a document.
[0056]
After the authentication, the user is allowed to select a document, so that unnecessary printing and output of the document need not be performed. In addition, since a list of documents requested by the user to be printed can be viewed only by the user, the security at the time of document output can be guaranteed.
[0057]
After the output of the document, the printer 100 electronically transmits the service usage information regarding the print output to the HotSpot center 200 using the service usage history DB 132 in which the history is managed each time the hot spot service is performed (step S18). (Arrow A6). For example, the service use information is notified to the HotSpot center 200 according to BMLinkS. Alternatively, the service usage information described in XML may be transmitted to the HotSpot center 200 according to SOAP. Alternatively, the service use information may be transmitted by Email.
[0058]
Upon receiving the service usage information from the printer 100, the HotSpot center 200 posts the service usage information on the Web or sends an email to the designated address (arrow A7) and issues a bill (arrow A8) for each individual and for each registered corporate contract. And so on (step S19).
[0059]
In the first processing example in such a HotSpot totaling and charging system 1001, the user can safely output a document from the printer 100 using the ID and the password issued by the HotSpot center 200, so that the HotSpot center 200 issues the document. It is only necessary to manage the ID and password that have been set. In addition, since the document data for printing is provided to the printer 100 via the HotSpot tallying / charging system 1001 together with the user ID and password issued by the HotSpot tallying / charging system 1001, the security of the ID and password is ensured. can do.
[0060]
In the HotSpot tallying / charging system 1001, document data is transferred to the printer 100 via the HotSpot center 200, so that it takes time to output a document. To solve this problem, a method for safely outputting a document and transmitting document data directly from the PC 300 to the printer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0061]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The second processing example in the HotSpot tallying and billing system 1002 shown in FIG. 8 shows processing when document data is directly transmitted to the printer 100 when a print request is made from the PC 300. 8, the same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 8, the user accesses the HotSpot center 200 while away from home and inputs an ID and a password issued by the HotSpot center 200 acquired in advance (arrow A1). When the HotSpot center 200 authenticates the user with the ID and the password, the HotSpot center 200 transmits the ID and the password issued by the authenticated HotSpot center 200 to the printer 100 (arrow A3-2). Printer 100 stores the ID and password in authentication information DB 131.
[0062]
On the other hand, the user detects the printer in the HotSpot from the PC 300 by the discovery by the service search unit 301 of the PC 300, and requests the desired printer 100 to print the document data to be printed.
[0063]
In the second processing example, the print request is made by transmitting the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center and the document data from the PC 300 to the printer 100 (arrow A2-2). That is, the print control unit 302 shown in FIG. 3 has a mechanism for transmitting an ID and a password issued by the HotSpot center together with the document data when making a print request to the printer 100.
[0064]
When the ID and the password issued by the HotSpot center 200 are transmitted from the HotSpot center 200 (arrow A3-2), the user who has issued the print request from the printer 100 is a user registered by the use application. Is guaranteed. The printer 100 stores the received document data in the confidential document data DB 130 as “confidential document”.
[0065]
The printer 100 compares the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 transmitted together with the document data from the PC 300 with the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 received from the HotSpot center 200 as authenticated and stored in the authentication information DB 131. By doing so, it is confirmed that the print request is made by the ID and password once authenticated by the HotSpot center 200.
[0066]
The user makes a print request from the PC 300 while away from home, then goes to the location where the printer 100 is installed (arrow A4), and copies the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 to the user on the operation panel 36. , And specifies the document to be output from the list of documents requested by the user to be displayed on the operation panel 36 after the user of the printer 100 is authenticated, and the printer 100 outputs the specified document (arrow A5). . The user authentication here is also performed by referring to the authentication information DB 131.
[0067]
After the output of the document, the printer 100 electronically transmits the service usage information regarding the print output to the HotSpot center 200 using the service usage history DB 132 in which the history is managed every time the hot spot service is performed (arrow A6). . The service use information may be transmitted by Email.
[0068]
Upon receiving the service usage information from the printer 100, the HotSpot center 200 posts the service usage information on the Web or sends an email to the designated address (arrow A7) and issues a bill (arrow A8) for each individual and for each registered corporate contract. And so on.
[0069]
In the second processing example in the HotSpot totaling and charging system 1002, the output time can be reduced as compared with the first processing example in the HotSpot totaling and charging system 1001 shown in FIG.
[0070]
The above-described HotSpot tallying / charging systems 1001 and 1002 are configured to securely output documents from the printer 100 using the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200. However, the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 may be used. Instead, a process for safely outputting a document from the printer 100 using a one-time ID and a password for outputting the document will be described below.
[0071]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The third processing example in the HotSpot tallying and billing system 1003 shown in FIG. 9 shows processing in a case where a document is output by a ticket indicating a document ID and a password received from the printer 100 by Email. In FIG. 9, the same processes as those in FIGS. 6 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 9, the user accesses the HotSpot center 200 on the go and inputs the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 acquired in advance (arrow A1), and after the authentication by the HotSpot center 200, The printer 100 to be used is designated (arrow A2-3).
[0072]
The HotSpot center 200 transmits the user's Email address to the printer 100 specified by the user (arrow A3-3). Upon receiving the user's Email address, the printer 100 issues a ticket corresponding to the one-time ID and password for the document, stores the ticket in the authentication information DB 131, and notifies the user by Email (arrow A3-4). After receiving the ticket, the user makes a print request to the printer 100 using the ticket. That is, the ticket and the document data are transmitted from the PC 300 to the printer 100 (arrow A3-5). In the third processing example, the print control unit 302 shown in FIG. 3 has a mechanism for transmitting a ticket and document data to the printer 100 when making a print request to the printer 100. The printer 100 stores the received document data in the confidential document data DB 130 as “confidential document”.
[0073]
The user makes a print request from the PC 300 at a place where he / she is away, and then goes to the place where the printer 100 is installed (arrow A4), and inputs the ticket number of the ticket notified by the printer 100 via Email from the operation panel 36. After the user of the printer 100 has been authenticated, the user specifies a document to be output from the list of documents requested to be printed by the user displayed on the operation panel 36, and the printer 100 outputs the specified document (arrow A5-3). The printer 100 authenticates the user by comparing the influential ticket number with the ticket number stored in the authentication information DB 131.
[0074]
After the output of the document, the printer 100 electronically transmits the service usage information regarding the print output to the HotSpot center 200 using the service usage history DB 132 in which the history is managed every time the hot spot service is performed (arrow A6). . The service use information may be transmitted by Email.
[0075]
Upon receiving the service usage information from the printer 100, the HotSpot center 200 posts the service usage information on the Web or sends an email to the designated address (arrow A7) and issues a bill (arrow A8) for each individual and for each registered corporate contract. And so on.
[0076]
In the third example of the processing of the HotSpot totaling / charging system 1003, the printer 100 issues a ticket and e-mails the user. However, the printer 100 issues an ID and password for document output, and e-mails the user. You may. Since the ticket, the one-time ID, and the password are used up, once the document is output, the document is deleted from the authentication information DB 131 of the print 100, so that there is no fear of repeated use.
[0077]
In addition, since the printer 100 notifies the ticket to the e-mail address transmitted directly from the HotSpot center 200, it is possible to guarantee that the user is a legitimate user by a print request in which the ticket is specified. . Further, since the printer 100 authenticates the user with the ticket, the security of the document at the time of output can be guaranteed, and the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 do not need to be reused. Security can be guaranteed.
[0078]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fourth processing example in the HotSpot tallying and billing system 1004 shown in FIG. 10 shows a processing in a case where a document is output by a ticket indicating a document ID and a password received by e-mail from the printer 100. In FIG. 10, the same processes as those in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 10, the user accesses the HotSpot center 200 on the go, inputs the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 acquired in advance (arrow A1), and after the authentication by the HotSpot center 200, The printer 100 to be used is designated (arrow A2-3).
[0079]
The HotSpot center 200 notifies the PC 300 of a ticket for outputting a document by email (arrow A2-4). The ID and ticket issued by the authenticated HotSpot center 200 are notified to the printer 100 (arrow A3-6).
[0080]
When the user makes a print request using the ticket notified from PC 300, PC 300 transmits the ticket and the document data to printer 100 (arrow A3-7). As in the third processing example, the print control unit 302 shown in FIG. 3 has a mechanism for transmitting a ticket and document data to the printer 100 when making a print request to the printer 100. The printer 100 stores the received document data in the confidential document data DB 130 as “confidential document”.
[0081]
The user makes a print request from the PC 300 at a place where he / she is away, and then goes to the place where the printer 100 is installed (arrow A4), and inputs the ticket number of the ticket notified by the printer 100 via Email from the operation panel 36. After the user of the printer 100 has been authenticated, the user specifies a document to be output from the list of documents requested to be printed by the user displayed on the operation panel 36, and the printer 100 outputs the specified document (arrow A5-3). The printer 100 authenticates the user by comparing the influential ticket number with the ticket number stored in the authentication information DB 131.
[0082]
After the output of the document, the printer 100 electronically transmits the service usage information regarding the print output to the HotSpot center 200 using the service usage history DB 132 in which the history is managed every time the hot spot service is performed (arrow A6). . The service use information may be transmitted by Email.
[0083]
Upon receiving the service usage information from the printer 100, the HotSpot center 200 posts the service usage information on the Web or sends an email to the designated address (arrow A7) and issues a bill (arrow A8) for each individual and for each registered corporate contract. And so on.
[0084]
In the fourth processing example in such a HotSpot totaling / charging system 1004, the HotSpot center 200 issues a ticket and sends it to the user, but issues an ID and password for document output and sends it to the user. You may email. Since the ticket, the one-time ID, and the password are used up, once the document is output, the document is deleted from the authentication information DB 131 of the print 100, so that there is no fear of repeated use.
[0085]
Further, since the HotSpot center 200 transmits the ticket to the PC 300 and the printer 100, the print request can be transmitted directly from the PC 300 to the printer 100. Further, since the printer 100 outputs a document printed after authenticating the user with the ticket, the security of the document at the time of output can be ensured, and the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 are not reused. Because it is good, the security of the ID and the password can also be guaranteed.
[0086]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fifth processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fourth processing example in the HotSpot tallying and billing system 1005 shown in FIG. 11 shows processing when a document is output by a ticket indicating a document ID and a password received from the printer 100 by Email. In FIG. 11, the same processes as those in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0087]
In FIG. 11, the user makes an application for using the mobile Internet to the HotSpot center 200 in advance using the PC 300, and obtains an ID and a password (arrow A0). The user issues a print request to the printer 200 using the ID issued by the HotSpot center 200 and the document ID and password arbitrarily set by the user. In response to this print request, the user transmits the ID issued by the HotSpot center 200 and the document ID and password arbitrarily set by the user to the printer 100 together with the document data (A2-6). The printer 100 stores the received user ID and password in the authentication information DB 131.
[0088]
The user makes a print request from the PC 300 while away from home, goes to the place where the printer 100 is installed (arrow A4), inputs an arbitrary user ID and password from the operation panel 36, and uses the printer 100. After the user is authenticated, the user specifies a document to be output from a list of documents requested to be printed by the user displayed on the operation panel 36, and the printer 100 outputs the specified document (arrow A5). The printer 100 refers to the authentication information DB 131 to determine whether the user's arbitrary ID and password at the time of the print request match the user's arbitrary ID and password input from the operation panel 36.
[0089]
After the output of the document, the printer 100 uses the service usage history DB 132 in which the history is managed every time the hot spot service is performed, to the hot spot center 200 for the ID issued by the hot spot center 200 and the service usage related to print output. The information is transmitted electronically (arrow A6-6). The service use information may be transmitted by Email.
[0090]
In the fourth processing example in the HotSpot tallying and billing system 1004, an arbitrary ID and password set by the user can be used, so that there is an advantage that the user can easily manage. Further, since the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 do not need to be reused, the security of the ID and password can be ensured.
[0091]
Hereinafter, an example of a screen displayed on the PC 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 shows an authentication screen displayed on the PC in step S13 of FIG. 12, the authentication screen 200 has an input area 201 for inputting an ID, an input area 202 for inputting a password, an OK button 203 for executing authentication, and a cancel button 204 for canceling authentication. When the user accesses the HotSpot center 200 at a hot spot on the go, when the authentication screen 200 is displayed on the PC 300, the user inputs the ID previously acquired from the HotSpot center 200 in the input area 201, and the same. Then, enter the password in the input area 202 and click the OK button 203. By such an operation, user authentication at the HotSpot center 200 is performed.
[0092]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an authentication screen displayed on the operation panel of the printer in step S17 of FIG. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an authentication screen displayed on the operation panel for outputting a document, and FIG. 13B is a document displayed after authentication by the printer 100 and for which a user has made a print request. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen showing a list of the above.
[0093]
In FIG. 13A, an authentication screen 210 includes an input area 211 for inputting an ID for outputting a document, an input area 212 for inputting a password for outputting a document, and an OK button for executing authentication. 213 and a cancel button 214 for canceling authentication. After the print request, the user inputs the ID and password issued by the HotSpot center 200 from the operation panel 36 of the printer 100 into the input areas 211 and 212. Alternatively, a one-time ID and a password for outputting a document are input to input areas 211 and 212. Then, by selecting the OK button 213, the printer 100 authenticates the user.
[0094]
After the user is authenticated by the printer, a screen as shown in FIG. 13B is displayed on the operation panel 36 of the printer 100. In FIG. 13B, a screen 220 displays a list of documents that the authenticated user has requested to print, displays a display area 221 selectable by the user, and an OK button 223 for outputting the selected document. And a cancel button 224 for canceling the output. The user can cause the printer 100 to output a desired document by selecting a document from the document list displayed in the display area 221 and selecting the OK button 223.
[0095]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of service usage information transmitted from the printer to the HotSpot center in step S18 in FIG. In FIG. 14, service usage information transmitted from the printer 100 to the HotSpot center 200 includes a printer code for specifying the printer 100, a user ID, a user password, an output date and time when a print document was output from the printer 100, the number of output sheets, and the like. Items. In the item of the number of output sheets, information such as paper size, distinction between monochrome and color, and the like are shown.
[0096]
In the example of the service usage information illustrated in FIG. 14, an ID and a password are shown as information for identifying the user. However, it is sufficient that the user can be identified at the HotSpot center 200, and either the ID or the ticket issued at the HotSpot center 200. May be.
[0097]
This service usage information may be transmitted to the HotSpot center 200 by e-mail or may be transmitted to the HotSpot center 200 in a predetermined format electronically. Further, the data may be transmitted to the HotSpot center 200 after being encrypted.
[0098]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of service use information provided by the HotSpot center 200 in step S19 of FIG. In FIG. 15, the service usage information provided to the user by the HotSpot center 200 posting it on the web, issuing an e-mail or bill to the address specified by the user is the name of the output person who output the print document, and the ID of the output person , The name of the output store, the name of the output device of the printer 100, the output date and time at which the user output the print document, the number of output sheets and the amount of money (billed amount), the accumulated number of output sheets and the amount of money (billed amount), etc. . In the items of the number of output sheets and the amount of money (billed amount) and the accumulated number of output sheets and the amount of money (billed amount), detailed information such as paper size, monochrome or color distinction, and the like are shown.
[0099]
As described above, according to the present invention, a user can make a print request on the mobile Internet to a desired printer 100 on the go, and based on the authentication result of the user who made the print request in the printer 100. And output the printed document. Therefore, it is possible to safely output the printed document without the document requested for printing being seen or lost by others. It is possible to guarantee the security when outputting the document.
[0100]
An ID and a password or a ticket used for authentication of a user in the printer 100 can be input with, for example, about eight digits, and sufficient security can be guaranteed.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a user can make a print request on a mobile Internet to a desired image forming apparatus while away from home and use the print request made by the image forming apparatus. And outputs the printed document based on the authentication result of the user. Therefore, it is possible to safely output the printed document without the document requested for printing being seen or lost by others.
[0102]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration of a HotSpot tallying and billing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a first processing example shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth processing example of the HotSpot tallying and billing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fifth processing example of the HotSpot tallying and charging system according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an authentication screen displayed on the PC in step S13 of FIG.
13 is a diagram showing an authentication screen displayed on the operation panel of the printer in step S17 of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of service use information transmitted from the printer to the HotSpot center in step S18 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of service use information provided by the HotSpot center 200 in step S19 of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 printer
101 Job receiving unit 104 Notification issuing unit
105 job control unit 106 print processing unit
110 communication control unit
121 Authentication Department
122 Service Usage History Management Unit
130 confidential document data DB 131 authentication information DB
132 Service Usage History Management Unit
200 HotSpot Center
300 PC
301 Service search unit 302 Print control unit
303 Notification processing unit 304 Application
305 Driver control unit 309 Installer
310 communication control unit

Claims (16)

A document printing method for performing print processing in response to a print request for a document received via the Internet,
A print request receiving procedure for receiving a print request specifying document data to be printed via the Internet and first user identification information for identifying a user for outputting the printed document;
An authentication procedure for authenticating the user based on the second user identification information input by the user at the place to be printed and the first user identification information,
An authentication print output step of outputting a medium printed based on the document data specified by the print request based on an authentication result of the authentication procedure. The authentication printout procedure described above
On the display panel, a list of documents that can be selected by the user and that the user has requested to print is displayed on the display panel based on the authentication result of the authentication procedure, and the document to be printed is specified by the user. Document identification procedure;
2. The document printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: a print output step of outputting a medium printed based on the document data corresponding to the document specified by the print document specifying step. After outputting the medium by the authentication print output procedure, a use information providing procedure for providing the user with use information indicating a use situation by the user via the Internet;
3. The document printing method according to claim 1, further comprising a charging procedure for charging the user based on the usage information. A provider authentication procedure in which a provider that provides a printing service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information;
After the authentication by the provider authentication procedure, from the information processing terminal used by the user to the provider, the document data, a print request transmission procedure for transmitting the print request specifying the desired image forming apparatus,
3. The document printing method according to claim 1, wherein the provider has a transfer procedure for transferring the first user identification information and the document data to the image forming apparatus. 5. The authentication method according to claim 4, wherein the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure input by the user is used as the second user information to authenticate the user. Document printing method. A provider authentication procedure in which a provider that provides a printing service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information;
An identification information transmitting procedure in which the provider transmits the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure to an image forming apparatus desired by the user,
A print request transmission procedure for transmitting the print request specifying the document data and the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure from the information processing terminal used by the user to the provider; The document printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: A provider authentication procedure in which a provider that provides a printing service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information;
After the authentication by the provider authentication procedure, from the information processing terminal used by the user to the provider, to the provider, a desired device notification procedure of notifying a desired image forming apparatus,
A notification procedure in which the provider notifies the image forming apparatus of an email address of the user based on an authentication result obtained by the provider authentication procedure;
A ticket transmission procedure in which the image forming apparatus issues a ticket that enables output of a document, and transmits the ticket to an email address of the user;
3. A print request transmitting procedure for transmitting the print request specifying the ticket and the document data specified by the user to the image forming apparatus, wherein the information processing terminal includes: Document printing method described. The above authentication procedure
The ticket number transmitted by the image forming apparatus in the ticket transmitting procedure is the first user identification information, and the ticket number input by the user in the image forming apparatus is the second user 8. The document printing method according to claim 7, wherein said user is authenticated as identification information. A provider authentication procedure in which a provider that provides a printing service via the Internet authenticates the user based on the first user identification information;
After the authentication by the provider authentication procedure, from the information processing terminal used by the user to the provider, to the provider, a desired device notification procedure of notifying a desired image forming apparatus,
A ticket notification procedure in which the provider notifies the user of a ticket based on an authentication result obtained by the provider authentication procedure;
An identification information transmitting procedure in which the provider transmits the first user identification information authenticated by the provider authentication procedure to the image forming apparatus,
The information processing terminal performs a print request transmission procedure for transmitting the print request specifying the ticket notified by the ticket notification procedure and the document data specified by the user to the image forming apparatus. 9. A method for printing a regulated document according to claim 8, wherein: The above authentication procedure
The ticket number notified from the provider by the ticket notification procedure is the first user identification information, and the ticket number input by the user in the image forming apparatus is the second user identification. 10. The document printing method according to claim 9, wherein the user is authenticated as the information. An identification information issuance transmission procedure in which a provider that provides a print service issues third user identification information that identifies the user, and transmits the information to the information processing terminal;
From the information processing terminal used by the user to the image forming apparatus desired by the user, the document data, the third user identification information, and any first use set by the user. 3. The document printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: a print request transmitting procedure for transmitting the print request specifying the user identification information. The authentication procedure is based on the second user identification information input by the user at the place where printing is performed, and the first user identification information transmitted by the print request transmission procedure. 12. The document printing method according to claim 11, wherein a person is authenticated. 2. The document printing method according to claim 1, wherein the authentication procedure suppresses printing when the authentication result indicates an authentication failure. Print request receiving means for receiving a print request specifying document data to be printed via the Internet and first user identification information for identifying a user for outputting the printed document;
Confidential document storage means for storing the document data as a confidential document;
Authentication information management means for managing the first user identification information;
An authentication means for authenticating the user based on the second user identification information input by the user and the first user identification information managed by the authentication information management means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an authentication print output unit that outputs a medium printed based on the document data stored in the confidential document storage unit based on an authentication result by the authentication unit. The authentication means,
Based on the result of the authentication by the authentication means, a list of documents that can be selected by the user and requested to be printed by the user is displayed on a display panel, and the document to be printed is specified by the user's selection. Document identification means;
15. A print output unit for outputting a medium printed based on the document data stored by the confidential document storage unit corresponding to the document specified by the print document specification unit. Image forming apparatus. 16. The image according to claim 15, further comprising an inter-device interface protocol processing unit that controls communication according to an inter-device interface protocol that enables common communication with a plurality of other image forming apparatuses via the Internet. Forming equipment.

Images