JP2004355244A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the security of an image forming apparatus and operability in identifying a user. <P>SOLUTION: In the user terminal 10 of a printout system 100, output data to be printed out are stored in a security key 20 in which the identification information of a user is registered. When the user connects the security key 20 to an image forming apparatus 30, and depresses a start key 322, fingerprint information of the user is inputted as identification information by an identification information input part 30a arranged side by side with the start key 322 in the image forming apparatus 30, and the inputted identification information is collated with the identification information registered in the security 20, so that user identification can be executed. When the user is identified, output data are read from the security key 20, and printed out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, a printer, a copier, or a multifunction machine (hereinafter, referred to as an image forming apparatus) that prints out based on input data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system that transmits text data or image data created in a user terminal to an image forming apparatus via a communication network and prints out the image data in the image forming apparatus has been used. In such a system, if the image forming apparatus is installed at a place away from the user terminal, the contents of the printed matter can be seen by others or the user may mistakenly see the contents of the printed matter before the user goes to the image forming apparatus to retrieve the printed matter. There is a high possibility that a printed matter will be taken away, and there is a risk of information leakage when printing important confidential data.
[0003]
In the user terminal, a storage medium called a security key is used to secure data security. This security key stores personal authentication information. By connecting the security key to the USB port of the user terminal, the user terminal automatically performs user authentication based on the authentication information stored in the security key. Done. However, the data can be protected only by the user terminal using the security key. Since data flows on the communication network at the time of printing, the security level of the image forming apparatus is reduced.
[0004]
In order to improve security in the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus having a confidential function has been developed. This is because when output data is accompanied by user authentication information such as a user ID and a password and transmitted from the user terminal to the image forming apparatus, the output data is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus, and the user goes to the image forming apparatus. By inputting the user authentication information, only the authenticated user can print out the stored output data.
[0005]
A number of methods for this user authentication have been proposed, for example, an authentication method in which a fingerprint reader is provided in an image forming apparatus and user authentication is performed based on fingerprint information (for example, see Patent Document 1), or a registration method in which a user ID is registered. There are an authentication method using a card (for example, see Patent Literature 2), an authentication method using an IC (Integrated Circuit) card storing fingerprint information of a user (for example, see Patent Literature 3), and the like.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-109542
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-16383 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-297287 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when using personal information for user authentication, such as user ID and fingerprint information as described above, the user's personal information must be registered in the image forming apparatus in advance, and the registration operation is complicated. Was. Storing personal information in the image forming apparatus is not preferable in terms of security of personal information.
[0008]
Further, in a general authentication method using a password, password management is very complicated because the user memorizes the password or keeps a notebook or the like in which the password is recorded.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to improve security of an image forming apparatus and improve operability at the time of user authentication.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus,
An interface unit for connecting a storage medium in which print data to be output and user authentication information are stored;
An authentication information input unit for inputting user authentication information;
A control unit that authenticates a user based on the user authentication information stored in the connected storage medium and the input user authentication information,
When a user is authenticated by the control unit, an output unit that prints out output data stored in the storage medium,
It is characterized by having.
[0011]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the user is authenticated using the user authentication information stored in the storage medium, and when the user is authenticated, the output data stored in the storage medium is printed out. By storing the data to be printed out in a storage medium and connecting the storage medium to the image forming apparatus, the data can be printed out without passing through a low-security communication network, and the confidentiality of the data can be reduced. Can be secured. Also, only authorized users authenticated by the image forming apparatus can print out, and there is no need to register the user's personal information as the authentication information in the image forming apparatus, so there is no danger of leaking personal information. . Therefore, security of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus,
An image reading unit that reads image data from a document surface,
An interface unit for connecting a storage medium storing user authentication information,
An authentication information input unit for inputting user authentication information;
Authenticating a user based on the user authentication information stored in the connected storage medium and the input user authentication information, and when the user is authenticated, the read image data is stored in the storage medium. A control unit to be stored in the
It is characterized by having.
[0013]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user is authenticated using the user authentication information stored in the storage medium, and when the user is authenticated, the image data read from the document is stored in the storage medium. Therefore, image data read from highly confidential documents is stored in a storage medium and connected to another external device such as a user terminal, so that the image data is input to another external device without passing through a communication network. Data confidentiality can be ensured. In addition, only authorized authentic users can save data in the storage medium, and there is no need to register the user's personal information as the authentication information in the image forming apparatus. There is no sex. Therefore, security of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The authentication information input unit is configured by a fingerprint reading device provided at a finger contact portion of a start key for inputting an instruction to start print output.
[0015]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the authentication information input unit is provided in parallel with the start key to read a fingerprint and input the fingerprint information, it is possible to input the fingerprint information at the same time as a print output instruction. Good nature.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
A storage unit for storing a print management table for managing the number of prints for each user,
The control unit performs user authentication every time a printout is performed, and performs print management by adding the number of prints of the authenticated user to the print management table.
[0017]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the user can be specified by the user authentication, and the number of prints can be managed for each authenticated user. Therefore, print management can be performed accurately and easily.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect,
The user authentication performed at the time of print management by the control unit is one of a first authentication method using a password and a second authentication method using user authentication information stored in the storage medium. The authentication method can be selected.
[0019]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when performing user authentication for print management, if the user has few opportunities to use the storage medium, the user may select authentication using a password, for example, in accordance with the situation of the user. Authentication method can be selected, and convenience is improved.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
The storage medium is a security key.
[0021]
According to the invention described in claim 6, by applying an authentication method using a security key that can be used in a user terminal or another external device, security can be ensured by a consistent authentication method among devices. .
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
<First Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, in a user terminal, output data to be printed is stored in a security key in which user authentication information is registered, and the security key is connected to the image forming apparatus. An example of a printout system that performs authentication, reads out output data from a security key when a user is authenticated, and prints out the data will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which fingerprint information of a user is applied as authentication information of the user will be described.
[0024]
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a print output system 100 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the print output system 100 includes a user terminal 10 and an image forming apparatus 30 which are connected to each other via a communication network N so that data can be transmitted and received between the user terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 30. , The security key 20 can be connected. Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one user terminal 10 and one image forming apparatus 30 are connected, the number and location of the user terminals 10 are not particularly limited.
[0025]
First, the user terminal 10 will be described.
The user terminal 10 includes a fingerprint reader 10a, and stores data (including text data and image data) created by the user terminal 10 in the security key 20 as output data to be printed out at the time of printout.
[0026]
FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the user terminal 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15, a storage unit 16, and an interface (hereinafter referred to as an I / F; InterFace). ) Section 17 and includes a fingerprint reader 10a.
[0027]
The control unit 11 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and develops a key storage processing program (see FIG. 6) in the RAM 15 in addition to a system program stored in the storage unit 16 and cooperates with the program. Controls overall processing operations.
[0028]
In the key storage process, the control unit 11 collates the fingerprint information of the user input by the fingerprint reading device 10a with the fingerprint information stored in the security key 20, and performs user authentication. When the user is authenticated, the output data to be printed out is stored in the security key 20.
[0029]
The input unit 12 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to an operated key to the control unit 11.
[0030]
The display unit 13 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and displays various display information such as input information from the input unit 12 and processing results by the control unit 11.
[0031]
The communication unit 14 includes a communication interface such as a network interface card (hereinafter referred to as NIC: Network Interface Card) or a modem, and transmits and receives information to and from external devices on the communication network N.
[0032]
The RAM 15 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the control unit 11 and data relating to these programs.
[0033]
The storage unit 16 is constituted by a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, and stores a system storage program, a key storage processing program, data processed by various programs, and the like. In the storage unit 16, output data to be printed and output, such as image data and text data created in the user terminal 10, is stored in a database.
[0034]
The I / F unit 17 is an interface for connecting the user terminal 10 and the security key 20, and is applicable to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard or the like. The I / F unit 17 adjusts the data transfer speed and transfer timing between the user terminal 10 and the security key 20, and mediates the exchange of data between the two. Further, when the security key 20 is connected, the I / F unit 17 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11.
[0035]
The fingerprint reading device 10a reads a user's fingerprint and inputs the fingerprint information to the user terminal 10. In the present embodiment, since fingerprint information is applied as user authentication information, an example will be described in which the fingerprint reading device 10a is provided in the user terminal 10. However, the authentication information input device corresponding to the authentication information to be applied is used by the user. The terminal 10 may be provided. For example, when audio information is applied as authentication information, a microphone is provided in the user terminal 10.
[0036]
Next, the security key 20 will be described.
The security key 20 is a storage medium that includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) therein and stores user authentication information and user information. It is assumed that user authentication information and user information are registered in the security key 20 in advance. The user information includes a user ID, a user name, a department name, and the like. As the user authentication information, the user's physical information such as a user ID, a password, fingerprint information, and voice information can be applied. Authentication information other than these may be used.
[0037]
Further, the security key 20 includes a RAM, and stores output data written by the user terminal 10 in the RAM.
In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that one user owns one security key, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one security key may be shared in a group unit.
[0038]
Next, the image forming apparatus 30 will be described. In this embodiment, an example of an image forming apparatus having a copying function will be described.
The image forming apparatus 30 forms an image on a print sheet based on input data and prints out the image. The image forming apparatus 30 performs user authentication using the user authentication information stored in the security key 20, and the user is authenticated. Then, the output data is read out from the security key 20 and printed out.
[0039]
FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 30.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 32 having an authentication information input unit 30a, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, a communication unit 35, an image reading unit 36, an image memory 37, an output And an I / F unit 39.
[0040]
The control unit 31 includes a CPU and the like, and does not show a system program stored in the storage unit 34, a print output processing program (see FIG. 7), a print management processing program (see FIG. 8) and the like according to the present invention. The processing is developed in the RAM, and the processing operation is comprehensively controlled in cooperation with the program.
[0041]
The control unit 31 compares the fingerprint information of the user stored in the security key 20 connected via the I / F unit 39 with the fingerprint information of the user input from the authentication information input unit 30a in the print output process. The user is authenticated by collation. When the fingerprint information matches and the user is authenticated, the output data is read out from the security key 20, temporarily stored in the image memory 37, and the output unit 38 is instructed to print out.
[0042]
In the print management process, when a print output instruction is input, the user's fingerprint information stored in the security key 20 connected via the I / F unit 39 is used as in the print output process. To perform user authentication. When the user is authenticated, the user is identified, and it is determined whether the user is registered in the print management table 341 stored in the storage unit 34. If the user has been registered, it is determined whether or not the accumulated number of prints of the user has exceeded the limit number. If the cumulative number has not exceeded the limit, a print output is instructed to the output unit 38 and the current number of prints is set in the print management table 341. Is added to. On the other hand, when the user is not registered in the print management table 341 or when the registered user is registered but the cumulative number of printed sheets exceeds the limit number, the output unit 38 is instructed to prohibit the print output.
[0043]
The input unit 32 is, as shown in FIG. 4A, a numeric key 321 for inputting user authentication information such as a password and a user ID, and for instructing the start of an image forming operation such as printout and image reading. The control unit 31 is provided with various function keys such as a start key 322, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operated key to the control unit 31.
[0044]
An authentication information input unit 30a composed of a fingerprint reading device is provided at the finger contact portion of the start key 322. Specifically, a contact glass 301 is formed at a finger contact portion of the start key 322, and a scanner (not shown) is provided below the contact glass 301. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the user presses the start key 322 with a finger, the fingerprint of the pressed finger is read by the authentication information input unit 30a and input to the image forming apparatus 30. In this embodiment, since fingerprint information is applied as authentication information, an example will be described in which the authentication information input unit 30a is configured by a fingerprint reading device. The applied configuration shall be applied.
[0045]
The input unit 32 includes a touch panel or the like configured integrally with the display unit 33, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to an input operation on an operation screen displayed on the touch panel to the control unit 31.
[0046]
The display unit 33 includes an LCD or the like, and displays various kinds of display information such as various operation screens and processing results of the control unit 31.
[0047]
The storage unit 34 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and stores a system program, a print output processing program, a print management processing program, data processed by various programs, and the like.
[0048]
Further, the storage unit 34 internally stores a print management table 341 for managing the number of prints for each user. In the print management table 341, as shown in FIG. 5, the group to which the user belongs (for example, “Human Resources Department”), the cumulative number of prints of the user (for example, “20”), and the user are set. Each information of the limited number (for example, up to “50”) is stored.
[0049]
The communication unit 35 includes a communication interface such as an NIC or a modem, and transmits and receives data to and from external devices on a communication network.
[0050]
The image reading unit 36 includes a document table, a document feed mechanism, a scanner, and the like, reads a document placed on the document table, converts the document into digital image data, and outputs the image data to the image memory 37.
[0051]
The image memory 37 is a memory for temporarily storing data to be printed out, and temporarily stores the image data read by the image reading unit 36 or the output data read from the security key 20.
[0052]
The output unit 38 prints out on a print sheet of a designated size based on the image data or the output data stored in the image memory 37 in accordance with an output instruction from the control unit 31. The output method may be any method such as an electrophotographic method and an ink jet method, and is not particularly limited.
[0053]
The I / F unit 39 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 30 and the security key 20, and the USB standard or the like can be applied. The I / F unit 39 adjusts a data transfer speed and a transfer timing between the image forming apparatus 30 and the security key 20, and mediates data exchange between the two. In addition, when the security key 20 is connected, the I / F unit 39 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 31.
[0054]
Next, the operation in the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the output data is stored in the security key 20 in the user terminal 10, and the user moves the security key 20 to the image forming apparatus 30 while carrying the security key 20. Will be described in which the output data stored in the security key 20 is printed out.
[0055]
First, with reference to FIG. 6, a key storage process executed in the user terminal 10 will be described. This key saving process is a process of saving output data to be printed out in the security key 20 in the user terminal 10. As a premise of the description, it is assumed that a print instruction of output data is instructed by a user and printing using the security key 20 is selected from a print menu.
[0056]
In the key storage process shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the security key 20 is connected to the user terminal 10 based on a detection signal output from the I / F unit 17. You. When it is determined that the detection signal is not output from the I / F unit 17 and the security key 20 is not connected (step S1; N), guidance for prompting the user to connect the security key 20 is performed (step S1). S2). Upon completion of the guidance, the process returns to step S1 to wait for the connection of the security key 20.
[0057]
When a detection signal is output from the I / F unit 17 and it is determined that the security key 20 is connected (step S1; Y), the display unit 13 reads “Read a fingerprint for authentication. A message such as "Please touch with your finger" is displayed, and guidance is provided to enter the user's authentication information. When the fingerprint reading device 10a reads the fingerprint of the user and inputs the fingerprint information (step S3), the fingerprint information of the user registered in the security key 20 is read and registered in the security key 20. The fingerprint information of the current user is compared with the fingerprint information input from the fingerprint reader 10a, and it is determined whether or not they match (step S4).
[0058]
If it is determined that the fingerprint information does not match (step S4; N), the user is not authenticated, access to the output data stored in the storage unit 16 is prohibited (step S5), and the process ends. I do.
[0059]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the fingerprint information matches (step S4; Y), it is determined that the user has been authenticated, and access to the output data stored in the storage unit 16 is permitted (step S6). The output data is read. Next, the read output data is stored in the security key 20 (step S7), and when the storage is completed, this processing is completed.
[0060]
The user moves to the image forming apparatus 30 with the security key 20 in which the output data is stored, and connects the security key 20 to the image forming apparatus 30.
[0061]
Next, a print output process executed by the image forming apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. This print output process is a process of reading out the output data stored in the security key 20 and printing out the output data.
[0062]
In the print output process shown in FIG. 7, in step T1, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the security key 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 30 based on the detection signal output from the I / F unit 39. You. When the detection signal is output from the I / F unit 39 and it is determined that the security key 20 is connected (Step T1; Y), the user waits for the start key 322 to be pressed, and in Step T2, , The start key 322 is pressed, and it is determined whether or not a printout is instructed.
[0063]
When the start key 322 is pressed (step T2; Y), the user's fingerprint is read by the authentication information input unit 30a provided in parallel with the start key 322, and the fingerprint information is input (step T3). Next, in step T4, the fingerprint information of the user registered in the security key 20 is read, and the fingerprint information of the user registered in the security key 20 and the fingerprint information input by the authentication information input unit 30a are read. Are collated to determine whether they match.
[0064]
If it is determined that the fingerprint information does not match (step T4; N), the user is not authenticated, and access to the output data stored in the security key 20 is prohibited (step T5). Then, a message notifying the user authentication error is displayed on the display unit 33, and the process ends.
[0065]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the fingerprint information matches (step T4; Y), access to the output data stored in the security key 20 is permitted (step T6), and the output data is read from the security key 20. Next, in step T7, the read output data is printed out by the output unit 38, and this processing ends.
[0066]
Next, a print management process executed by the image forming apparatus 30 as a task different from the above-described print output process will be described with reference to FIG. This print management process is a process of authenticating and specifying a user with the security key 20 every time a printout is performed, and performing print management for each of the specified users.
[0067]
In the print management process shown in FIG. 8, in step P1, it is determined whether or not the security key 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 30 based on the detection signal output from the I / F unit 39. When the detection signal is output from the I / F unit 39 and it is determined that the security key 20 is connected (Step P1; Y), the user waits for the start key 322 to be pressed, and in Step P2, , The start key 322 is pressed down, and it is determined whether or not a printout instruction has been issued, such as a printout instruction for the output data stored in the security key 20 or a print instruction in the copy mode.
[0068]
When the start key 322 is pressed (step P2; Y), the user's fingerprint is read by the authentication information input unit 30a provided in parallel with the start key 322, and the fingerprint information is input (step P3). Next, in step P4, the fingerprint information of the user registered in the security key 20 is read, and the fingerprint information of the user registered in the security key 20 and the fingerprint information input from the authentication information input unit 30a are read. Are collated to determine whether they match.
[0069]
If it is determined that the fingerprint information does not match (step P4; N), the user is not authenticated, and the printout in the image forming apparatus 30 is prohibited (step P5). Then, a user authentication error is displayed on the display unit 33, and the present process is terminated.
[0070]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the fingerprint information matches (step P4; Y), the user is determined to be authenticated, and access to various data stored in the security key 20 is permitted, and the user information is read from the security key 20. The issued user is specified (step P6).
[0071]
Next, in Step P7, it is determined whether or not the specified user is registered as a user in the print management table 341. If the user has not been registered in the print management table 341 (step P7; N), the printout is performed according to the instruction (step P8). For example, when print output is instructed in the copy mode, the image data of the document is read by the image reading unit 36, and the image data is printed out by the output unit 38. When print output of the output data stored in the security key 20 is instructed, the output data is read from the security key 20 and printed out as described in the print output process.
[0072]
On the other hand, if the user is registered in the print management table 341 (step P7; Y), the print management table 341 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the cumulative number of prints of the specified user exceeds the limit. (Step P9). If it is determined that the cumulative number of prints exceeds the limit (step P9; Y), the process proceeds to step P5, and print output by the user is prohibited. At this time, a message such as "Printout cannot be performed because the number of sheets has exceeded the limit" is displayed on the display unit 33, and the present process ends.
[0073]
If it is determined that the cumulative number of printed sheets of the user has not exceeded the limit number (Step P9; N), the user is permitted to print out (Step P10), and the printout according to the instruction is performed (Step P11). Next, the number of prints counted in the current print output is added to the cumulative number of prints in the print management table 341 (step P12), and this processing ends.
[0074]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the output data to be printed out is stored in the security key 20 in the user terminal 10, and when the security key 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 30, the security is User authentication is performed using the authentication information of the user registered in the key 20, and when the user is authenticated, the stored output data is printed out, so that the user can be transmitted without passing through a low security communication network. The output data created by the terminal 10 can be printed out by the image forming apparatus, and data confidentiality can be secured.
[0075]
The image forming apparatus 30 includes an authentication information input unit 30a, and performs user authentication by comparing authentication information input from the authentication information input unit 30a with authentication information registered in the security key 20 at the time of user authentication. Therefore, only the authenticated authorized user can print out the output data stored in the security key 20, and the security of the image forming apparatus 30 can be improved.
[0076]
Also, since the authentication information input unit 30a for reading fingerprint information at the time of authentication is provided in parallel with the start key 322, fingerprint information can be input simultaneously with input of a print output instruction, and operability is good.
[0077]
In addition, since access to output data stored in the user terminal 10 and access to output data stored in the security key 20 are restricted using the authentication information of the user registered in the security key 20, From data management in the user terminal 10 to printout in the image forming apparatus 30, security can be established by a consistent authentication method, and user authentication is performed in a plurality of stages, thereby further improving security.
[0078]
Conventionally, there is a risk that personal information for user authentication is leaked to the outside by registering personal information for user authentication in the image forming apparatus 30, but in the present invention, personal information for user authentication is stored in the image forming apparatus 30. There is no need to register and there is no problem of personal information leakage. Further, a registration operation for registering user authentication information can be omitted.
[0079]
In addition, since the user is authenticated by the security key 20 and the user is specified and the print management of the specified user is performed, the print management can be performed for each authenticated user, and the convenience is further improved.
[0080]
<Second embodiment>
In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which, when taking out image data read from a document to the outside, the image forming apparatus saves the image data in a security key, thereby ensuring data confidentiality. .
[0081]
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 30 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, illustration thereof is omitted, and only different functional portions will be described. That is, the image forming apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment includes a control unit 31, an input unit 32 having an authentication information input unit 30a, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, a communication unit 35, an image reading unit 36, and an image memory 37. , An output unit 38, and an I / F unit 39.
[0082]
The control unit 31 reads out a data storage processing program (see FIG. 9) characteristic of the present invention from the storage unit 34, and controls the processing operation in cooperation with the program.
[0083]
When the start key 322 is pressed and an image reading is instructed in the data saving process described later, the control unit 31 outputs fingerprint information registered in the security key 20 connected via the I / F unit 39, It collates with the fingerprint information input from the authentication information input unit 30a to perform user authentication. When the user is authenticated, the image reading unit 36 is instructed to read, and the image data read by the image reading unit 36 is stored in the security key 20.
[0084]
The storage unit 34 stores the data storage processing program therein.
[0085]
Next, the operation in the second embodiment will be described.
With reference to FIG. 9, a data saving process performed by image forming apparatus 30 will be described. This data saving process is a process of saving image data read from a document in the security key 20. It is assumed that the data saving process is selected from the operation menu and the following process is started.
[0086]
In the data storage process shown in FIG. 9, first, in step E1, it is determined whether or not the security key 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 30 based on a detection signal output from the I / F unit 39. When it is determined that the detection signal is not output from the I / F unit 39 and the security key 20 is not connected (step E1; N), guidance for prompting the user to connect the security key 20 to the image forming apparatus 30 is issued. (Step E2). After the guidance, the process returns to step E1 to wait for the connection of the security key 20.
[0087]
When a detection signal is output from the I / F unit 39 and it is determined that the security key 20 is connected (step E1; Y), the user waits for the start key 322 to be pressed, and in step E3, the user starts the operation. It is determined whether the key 322 has been pressed and an instruction to start image reading has been issued.
[0088]
When the start key 322 is pressed (step E3; Y), the user's fingerprint is read by the authentication information input unit 30a provided in parallel with the start key 322, and the fingerprint information is input (step E4). Next, the fingerprint information of the user registered in the security key 20 is read, and the fingerprint information of the user registered in the security key 20 is compared with the fingerprint information read by the authentication information input unit 30a, It is determined whether they match (step E5).
[0089]
If it is determined that the fingerprint information does not match (step E5; N), it is determined that the user has not been authenticated, and data storage in the security key 20 is prohibited (step E6).
[0090]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the fingerprint information matches (step E5; Y), the user is authenticated, and data storage in the security key 20 is permitted (step E7). Next, the image reading unit 36 reads the document placed on the document table (step E8), and the image data read from the document is stored in the security key 20 (step E9). When the saving of the image data with the security key 20 is completed, the present process ends.
[0091]
The user can transfer the data to the user terminal by connecting the security key 20 to the user terminal 10 owned by the user with the security key 20 in which the data is stored, or the image forming apparatus installed in a different place. It can also be connected to the device 30 and printed out.
[0092]
Although the print management process is also executed by the image forming apparatus 30 in the second embodiment, the print management process in the second embodiment is different from the print management process in the first embodiment (FIG. 8). ), And a description thereof will be omitted.
[0093]
As described above, in the second embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 30, user authentication is performed using the authentication information of the user registered in the security key 20, and when the user is authenticated, the image reading unit Since the image data read by the storage device 36 is stored in the security key 20, the image data read by the image forming apparatus 30 can be input to another external device without passing through a communication network, and the confidentiality of the data can be reduced. Can be secured.
[0094]
Further, the image forming apparatus 30 includes an authentication information input unit 30a, and performs user authentication by comparing authentication information input from the authentication information input unit 30a with authentication information registered in the security key 20 at the time of user authentication. Therefore, data can be stored in the security key 20 only by the authenticated authorized user, and the security of the image forming apparatus 30 can be improved.
[0095]
Further, since the authentication information input unit 30a for reading fingerprint information at the time of authentication is provided in parallel with the start key 322, the fingerprint information can be input simultaneously with the input of the instruction to read the original, and the operability is good.
[0096]
Also, when the image data stored in the security key 20 is read by another external device, user authentication can be performed using the authentication information of the user registered in the security key 20. Security can be established by a consistent authentication method even if the connected devices are different.
[0097]
Conventionally, there is a risk that personal information for user authentication is leaked to the outside by registering personal information for user authentication in the image forming apparatus 30, but in the present invention, personal information for user authentication is stored in the image forming apparatus 30. There is no need to register and there is no problem of personal information leakage. Furthermore, a registration operation for registering user authentication information can be omitted.
[0098]
In addition, since the user is authenticated by the security key 20 and the user is specified and the print management of the specified user is performed, the print management can be performed for each authenticated user, and the convenience is further improved.
[0099]
The description in the first and second embodiments is a preferred example of the image forming apparatus 30 to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in the above description, a case was described in which a security key was applied as a storage medium for storing output data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various types of small memories such as cards and sticks, and IC chips were mounted. An IC card or the like may be applied.
[0100]
In the above-described print management process, an example has been described in which user authentication is performed by an authentication method using the security key 20 in order to specify a user who performs print management. However, user authentication is different from first authentication using a password. And the second authentication using the security key 20 can be selected when registering the user in the print management table 341. Depending on the user, the copying function is often used when using the image forming apparatus 30 and the opportunity to use the security key 20 is small in some cases. For such a user, the first authentication using a password is selected. By doing so, the authentication operation becomes easy.
[0101]
The print management table 341 is provided in the image forming apparatus 30 to perform print management for each user. However, the security key 20 stores the cumulative number of prints and the limited number of prints of the user who owns the security key 20. Print management may be performed.
[0102]
In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the image forming apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment can be appropriately changed.
[0103]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the user is authenticated using the user authentication information stored in the storage medium, and when the user is authenticated, the output data stored in the storage medium is printed out. By storing the data to be printed out in a storage medium and connecting the storage medium to the image forming apparatus, the data can be printed out without passing through a low-security communication network, and the confidentiality of the data can be reduced. Can be secured. Also, only authorized users authenticated by the image forming apparatus can print out, and there is no need to register the user's personal information as the authentication information in the image forming apparatus, so there is no danger of leaking personal information. . Therefore, security of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
[0104]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user is authenticated using the user authentication information stored in the storage medium, and when the user is authenticated, the image data read from the document is stored in the storage medium. Therefore, image data read from highly confidential documents is stored in a storage medium and connected to another external device such as a user terminal, so that the image data is input to another external device without passing through a communication network. Data confidentiality can be ensured. In addition, only authorized authentic users can save data in the storage medium, and there is no need to register the user's personal information as the authentication information in the image forming apparatus. There is no sex. Therefore, security of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
[0105]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the authentication information input unit is provided in parallel with the start key to read a fingerprint and input the fingerprint information, it is possible to input the fingerprint information at the same time as a print output instruction. Good nature.
[0106]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the user can be specified by the user authentication, and the number of prints can be managed for each authenticated user. Therefore, print management can be performed accurately and easily.
[0107]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when performing user authentication for print management, if the user has few opportunities to use the storage medium, the user may select authentication using a password, for example, in accordance with the situation of the user. Authentication method can be selected, and convenience is improved.
[0108]
According to the invention described in claim 6, by applying an authentication method using a security key that can be used in a user terminal or another external device, security can be ensured by a consistent authentication method among devices. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a print output system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a user terminal.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing numeric keys and a start key provided with an authentication information input unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a print management table stored in a storage unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a key storage process performed by a user terminal.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a print output process performed by the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a print management process performed by the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a data saving process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 print output system
10 User terminal
10a Fingerprint reader
11 Control part
12 Input section
13 Display
14 Communication unit
15 RAM
16 Storage unit
17 I / F section
20 Security Key
30 Image forming apparatus
31 Control unit
32 Input section
30a fingerprint reader
33 Display
34 Memory
341 print management table
35 Communication unit
36 Image reading unit
37 Image memory
38 Output unit
39 I / F section

Claims (6)

An interface unit for connecting a storage medium in which print data to be output and user authentication information are stored;
An authentication information input unit for inputting user authentication information;
A control unit that authenticates a user based on the user authentication information stored in the connected storage medium and the input user authentication information,
When a user is authenticated by the control unit, an output unit that prints out output data stored in the storage medium,
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image reading unit that reads image data from a document surface,
An interface unit for connecting a storage medium storing user authentication information,
An authentication information input unit for inputting user authentication information;
Authenticating a user based on the user authentication information stored in the connected storage medium and the input user authentication information, and when the user is authenticated, the read image data is stored in the storage medium. A control unit to be stored in the
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information input unit includes a fingerprint reading device provided at a finger contact portion of a start key for inputting an instruction to start print output. . A storage unit for storing a print management table for managing the number of prints for each user,
4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs user authentication each time a printout is performed, and performs print management by adding the number of prints of the authenticated user to the print management table. 5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The user authentication performed at the time of print management by the control unit is one of a first authentication method using a password and a second authentication method using user authentication information stored in the storage medium. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said authentication method can be selected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is a security key.

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