JP2006244246A - Image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent others from performing printout by notifying a user of the mismatching of a password in the case that there is the mismatching of the password at the time of secure printout. <P>SOLUTION: This image formation system connected on the network which has a secure print function including an interface means, a data storing means, a user interface means for performing various display and a command input, a printing means and a control means for controlling each means notifies a normal user that a different password is inputted when the password different from a set password is inputted at the time of secure print execution. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a copying machine, a scanner, a printer, a facsimile, and a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions thereof, an image forming system, and an information processing method for these devices.

  In recent years, this kind of laser beam printer (LBP), inkjet printer (IJP), etc. that can be printed on recording media such as paper without giving a physical impact by promoting high image quality and low price. Non-impact printers are rapidly spreading. With the spread of non-impact printers, the digitalization of copiers has progressed, and the copier is not only used for copying, but also has a scanner function or facsimile function, etc. Multi-function printers (MFPs) are rapidly spreading.

  Such a multifunction device has a network interface that controls an interface function with respect to the network, and can be shared by a plurality of users via a computer connected to the network. In addition, by sharing a multifunction peripheral having various functions with a plurality of users, it is possible to reduce the area occupied by the device in the office space, and to improve the utilization efficiency of the device. .

  In addition, such multi-function devices have been increasing in capacity of hard disk drives (HDD), capacity of memory devices made of semiconductors, and price reduction, and accordingly, the cost in units of storage capacity is also low. It is becoming. In some multifunction peripherals, as a printer function, output information described in a document image or a page description language (PDL) is converted into image data, the image data is compressed, and temporarily stored in a hard disk. A system has been developed that stores data in a drive (HDD), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc., and outputs the image data while expanding it in real time when multiple pages or multiple copies of image data are accumulated. ing.

  In such a multi-function peripheral, since the development time when the image information of the output information described in the page description language (PDL) is developed varies greatly depending on the data contents, the copying function, the image reading (scanner) function, the printing ( A plurality of functions such as a printer function and a facsimile function can be apparently executed at the same time, and the printer or scanner can be used efficiently. That is, in the multi-function peripheral, when image data of a plurality of pages or a plurality of copies is accumulated, the image data is output while being expanded in real time, so that the copying function is not operated. It is possible to solve the problem that other job processing cannot be executed during execution of a print job.

As another conventional example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 can be cited.
JP 2001-159960 A JP 2003-308190 A

  However, in the conventional multi-function peripheral, for example, when a plurality of users specify a print operation at the same time, the output print jobs are mixed on the paper discharge tray. When an output print job is received, it may take time to search for the output print job.

  To solve this problem, it is possible to shift the paper output tray for each job to make it easier to identify the separation for each job, or to assign sorter bins for each job. It is done.

  However, such a device is not a fundamental solution because there are many users who share the multi-function peripheral, because the paper discharge tray and the sorter bin become full in a short time.

  In addition, even if the user specified the print operation and executed the print job, the output print job was left for a long time without taking it, or the output print job If you forget to go to the printer, recording paper overflows in the paper discharge tray, and it may take a long time to find your own print job.

  Furthermore, there is a possibility that a desired output print job cannot be found because another person mistakenly took away his / her print job.

  Such a problem becomes a particularly serious problem when information requiring confidentiality is output.

  As a means for solving such a problem, when outputting confidential document information or the like, when a user executes a print job, for example, a print job called “secure printing” is specified and executed. A password is added to a print job that has become secure printing, and the print job is sent to the multifunction peripheral. The multifunction peripheral does not perform an actual print operation on the print job that has become secure printing. In a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). Then, after the user designates the secure print job on the user interface such as a multifunction panel or the like and inputs a password corresponding to the secure print job, a large capacity such as a hard disk drive (HDD) of the multifunction device is entered. The confidentiality of the output document information is ensured by executing the print job which is the secure printing from the storage device and performing the actual printing operation.

  However, if a third party other than the user who designates secure printing tries to impersonate the user and perform a printout, the third party can try to input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password specified by the user is a number that can be easily estimated by a third party other than the user, such as the user's date of birth and employee ID number, the password must be entered by the third party. As a result, even if secure printing is specified, it is output.

  In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, the first aspect of the present invention comprises interface means for exchanging data with a network, information processing means for processing various data and information, various data and information Data storage means for storing, display of various data and information, and an information processing apparatus including user interface means for inputting commands to the information processing means, interface means for exchanging data with a network, various Data storage means for storing data and information, display of various data and information, user interface means for inputting commands to the information processing means, print means for printing out data input from the interface means, Image formation including control means for controlling each means In the image forming system in which the image forming apparatus shared by a plurality of people and the information processing apparatus for controlling the image forming apparatus are connected to a network, the information processing apparatus outputs the confidentiality output information. When the printout is sent to the image forming apparatus, identification information unique to the user is transmitted together with the confidentiality output information. In the image forming apparatus, the confidentiality output information and the identification information unique to the user are transmitted. When receiving and storing and printing out the confidentiality output information stored by the image forming apparatus, the user interface inputs identification information unique to the user, and the image forming apparatus If it matches the stored user-specific identification information, If the security information does not match, the confidentiality output information is different from the identification information unique to the user that was transmitted to the division processing means that transmitted the identification information specific to the user. Notification is made that identification information has been input to the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates secure printing tries to impersonate the user and perform a printout, the third party tries to input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, the third party is sent to the MFP that is trying to output in order to inform the user that the third party is trying to extract secure printing. Can be prevented.

  In order to achieve the second object of the present invention, the second aspect of the present invention comprises an interface means for exchanging data with a network, an information processing means for processing various data and information, and various data and information Data storage means for storing, display of various data and information, and an information processing apparatus including user interface means for inputting commands to the information processing means, interface means for exchanging data with a network, various Data storage means for storing data and information, display of various data and information, user interface means for inputting commands to the information processing means, print means for printing out data input from the interface means, Image forming included in control means for controlling each means In the image forming system in which the image forming apparatus shared by a plurality of people and the information processing apparatus for controlling the image forming apparatus are connected to a network, the information processing apparatus outputs the confidentiality output information. When the printout is sent to the image forming apparatus, identification information unique to the user is transmitted together with the confidentiality output information. In the image forming apparatus, the confidentiality output information and the identification information unique to the user are transmitted. When receiving and storing and printing out the confidentiality output information stored by the image forming apparatus, the user interface inputs identification information unique to the user, and the image forming apparatus If it matches the stored user-specific identification information, If the security information does not match, the confidentiality output information is different from the identification information unique to the user that was transmitted to the division processing means that transmitted the identification information specific to the user. Notifying that the identification information has been input to the image forming apparatus and displaying the identification information on the user interface of the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates secure printing tries to impersonate the user and perform a printout, the third party tries to input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, the third party is sent to the MFP that is trying to output in order to inform the user that the third party is trying to extract secure printing. It can be used as a reference for users to set passwords in a way that avoids them, since it can be used to prevent passwords from being output and to know what passwords a third party is trying to enter.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and system of the first aspect of the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates secure printing tries to impersonate the user and perform printout If you try to enter a password that a third party can expect and if the password entered by the third party is different from the password that you specify, the third party Therefore, it is possible to prevent the third party from outputting by going to the MFP that is about to output.

  According to the image forming apparatus and system of claim 2 of the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates secure printing tries to impersonate the user and print out, the third party If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, an output is sent to inform the user that the third party is trying to pull out secure printing. It is possible to prevent the output of a third party by going to the MFP that is going to perform the operation, and it is also possible to convey information for future password setting to the user.

  According to the image forming apparatus and system of claim 3 of the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates secure printing tries to impersonate the user and print out, If you try to enter a predictable password and the password entered by a third party is different from the password specified by the user, the user will be asked to include information such as what password was entered. It is characterized by notifying that a third party is trying to pull out secure printing, and it is possible to display such information when trying to output secure printing on the UI of the MFP (MFP). It is characterized by things.

  As a result, in the UI of the MFP (MFP), if the user knows that a third party other than himself / herself is trying to output, even if he / she does not check the mail in real time, the third party ’s Correspondence such as what kind of password can be set in the future to prevent printout due to impersonation by confirming that the output by impersonation was performed and confirming the information at that time Will be removed.

  In addition, the fact that password entry error information has been accumulated is displayed on the MFP (MFP) UI, so that it can be recognized by a third party. Therefore, the effect of preventing password attempts due to further impersonation can be expected.

  Details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 2000 denotes a multi function printer (MFP) in which a copier having a copy function is provided with a scanner function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like, and 2001 is a panel provided in the multi function machine (MFP). , 2002 is a hard disk drive (HDD) as a large-capacity storage device provided in the multifunction peripheral (MFP), and 2100 and 2200 are personal computers (PC) such as offices. The MFP (MFP) and the personal computer (PC) are connected by a network such as 2300 in-house LAN.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the constituent elements of the present invention in detail.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 2000 denotes a multifunction peripheral (MFP) as in FIG. 6, reference numeral 2001 denotes a user interface (UI) such as a panel provided in the multifunction peripheral (MFP), as in FIG. 6 is a hard disk drive (HDD) as a large-capacity storage device provided in the multifunction peripheral (MFP), and 2003 is a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit) that controls the multifunction peripheral (MFP). : CPU), 2004 is a memory used as a temporary storage area in the entire processing of the MFP (MFP), and 2005 is an input / output unit such as a network interface provided in the MFP (MFP). (Input Output), and 2006 reads image data. A scanner unit, 2007 is a printer unit for printing the image data read by the scanner portion 2008 is a system bus for connecting the respective blocks.

  Reference numeral 2100 denotes a personal computer (PC) as in FIG. 6, and 2101 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the personal computer (PC) included in the personal computer (PC). Reference numeral 2102 denotes a memory used as a temporary storage area in the entire processing of the personal computer (PC), and 2103 denotes an input / output unit (Input Output) such as a network interface provided in the personal computer (PC). Reference numeral 2104 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD) as a large-capacity storage device provided in the personal computer (PC), and 2105 outputs input information of the personal computer (PC). A Shimesuru display, 2106, a keyboard for performing data input to the personal computer (PC).

  6 is a personal computer (PC) as in FIG. 6, and 2201 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the personal computer (PC) included in the personal computer (PC). Reference numeral 2202 denotes a memory used as a temporary storage area in the entire processing of the personal computer (PC), and 2203 denotes an input / output unit (Input Output) such as a network interface provided in the personal computer (PC). Reference numeral 2204 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD) as a large-capacity storage device provided in the personal computer (PC), and 2205 outputs input information of the personal computer (PC). A Shimesuru display, 2206, a keyboard for performing data input to the personal computer (PC).

  Reference numeral 2300 denotes a network such as an in-house LAN for connecting the MFP (MFP) and a personal computer (PC) as in FIG.

  In the multi-function peripheral (MFP) 2000 configured as described above, when receiving output information described in a page description language (PDL) sent from the personal computer (PC) 2100 or 2200, The central processing unit (CPU) 2003 converts image data that can be received by the printing unit 2007 of the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 2000, or from the scanner unit 2006 of the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 2000. The read image data is subjected to image compression processing and the like, temporarily stored in the memory 2004, which is a temporary storage area of the MFP (MFP), and sent from the personal computer (PC) 2100 or 2200. Instruction carried out such as a print out or facsimile transmission in accordance with.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a conventional example.

  When a user executes a print job from a host device such as a personal computer (PC) in a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that is placed in an office and connected to a plurality of personal computers (PCs), the print job has confidentiality. It is designated whether the job is a secure job (S01).

  If the print job is not a secure job, image data is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the MFP (MFP) (S15), and all data is transferred to the HDD in the MFP (MFP). When the storage is completed (S16), the print job is executed, and image data is printed out in the print unit in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S14).

  If the print job is a secure job, identification information (ID) corresponding to the user is transmitted from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S02).

  The MFP (MFP) receives the secure job information and identification information (ID) corresponding to the user from the personal computer (PC), and stores the information in a memory in the MFP (MFP). (S03).

  Subsequently, the user sets a password to be input when the secure job is printed out (S04), and transmits the password to the MFP (MFP) (S05).

  The multifunction device (MFP) receives the password from the personal computer (PC) as well as the identification information (ID), and stores the information in the memory in the multifunction device (MFP) (S06). .

  After confirming that identification information (ID) and a password corresponding to the user are stored in the multifunction device (MFP), image data to be printed out is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction device (MFP). (S07), and the image data is stored in the HDD in the MFP (MFP) (S08).

  When the above operation is completed, the user moves to the MFP (MFP) that actually performs the printout, and performs the printout operation using the UI of the MFP (MFP). The procedure in that case is as follows.

  Using the MFP (MFP) UI, a secure job is designated (S09), and a user ID is entered (S10). Then, a list of secure prints input with the designated user ID is displayed on the UI.

  A display example at that time is shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes a portion for displaying a designated user ID.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes a list of data files transferred by a user having a specified user ID by specifying secure print. A job number assigned to perform job management in the MFP (MFP) and the transferred data It is assumed that the file name and size, the date and time of transfer, the status of the data, and the like are displayed.

  Reference numeral 1003 denotes a cursor key, which is used to select a file for executing a job from the job list. In this embodiment, the job number of the selected file is displayed as shaded.

  Reference numerals 1004, 1005, and 1006 are keys for specifying what kind of processing is to be performed on the file selected by the cursor key, and 1004 is a key for displaying a thumbnail for confirming the contents of the selected file. , 1005 is a job deletion key for canceling a job when printing of the selected file is not necessary, and 1006 is a job execution key for executing printout of the selected file.

  The user uses a cursor key to designate a secure job to be executed (S11). Then, on the UI, information on the designated job, a message for prompting input of a password, and a password input window are displayed. Therefore, the user inputs a preset password using the UI (S12).

  A display example at that time is shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1101 denotes a portion that displays a specified user ID.

  Reference numeral 1102 denotes data file information for which the user has designated secure print execution. The job number assigned to perform job management in the multifunction peripheral (MFP), the file name and size of the transferred data, It is assumed that the date and time, and what status the data is currently in are displayed.

  Reference numerals 1103 and 1104 denote a password input message and a password input window. In this case, when a password is input, the contents are not displayed, and symbols such as “*” are displayed for the number of input characters.

  Reference numerals 1105 and 1106 are keys for specifying what processing is performed on the data input with the password. 1105 is a cancel key when a typo is performed, and 1106 is an execution when executing password input. It is a key.

  When the password is input through the UI, the CPU in the MFP (MFP) determines whether the password corresponding to the designated job stored in the memory matches the password input through the UI. Performed (S13).

  If the contents of the passwords match, the print job is executed, and the image data transferred and stored in the HDD is printed out from the printer (S14).

  If they do not match, the process returns to the password input step (S12) again, and the display of FIG. 5 is displayed on the MFP (MFP) UI.

  In the case of the conventional example in the flow as described above, a third party other than the user who designates the secure job can perform the subsequent work by impersonating the user after storing the image data (S08).

  At that time, even if you do not know the password specified by the user, you can enter the password many times, so the password specified by the user can be easily used by third parties other than the user, such as the user's date of birth and employee ID number. If it is a number that can be estimated, it is output even if secure printing is specified by inputting a password by a third party.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates secure printing tries to impersonate the user and perform a printout, the third party can input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, the user is notified that the third party is trying to extract secure printing. If the user knows that a third party other than himself / herself is trying to output, he / she can go to the MFP (MFP) that designates the output and prevent the third party's output.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.

  When a user executes a print job from a host device such as a personal computer (PC) in a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that is placed in an office and connected to a plurality of personal computers (PCs), the print job has confidentiality. It is designated whether the job is a secure job (S101).

  If the print job is not a secure job, image data is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the MFP (MFP) (S115), and all data is transferred to the HDD in the MFP (MFP). When the storage is completed (S116), the print job is executed, and the image data is printed out in the print unit in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S114).

  If the print job is a secure job, the secure job information and identification information (ID) corresponding to the user are transmitted from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S102).

  The MFP (MFP) receives the secure job information and identification information (ID) corresponding to the user from the personal computer (PC), and stores the information in a memory in the MFP (MFP). (S103).

  Subsequently, the user sets a password to be input when the secure job is printed out (S104), and transmits the password to the MFP (MFP) (S105).

  The multifunction device (MFP) receives the password from the personal computer (PC) in the same manner as the identification information (ID), and stores the information in the memory in the multifunction device (MFP) (S106).

  After confirming that identification information (ID) and a password corresponding to the user are stored in the multifunction device (MFP), image data to be printed out is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction device (MFP). (S107), and the image data is stored in the HDD in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S108).

  When the above operation is completed, the user moves to the MFP (MFP) that actually performs the printout, and performs the printout operation using the UI of the MFP (MFP). The procedure in that case is as follows.

  Using the MFP (MFP) UI, a secure job is designated (S109) and a user ID is entered (S110). Then, a list of secure prints input with the designated user ID is displayed on the UI.

  A display example at that time is as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes a portion for displaying a designated user ID.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes a list of data files transferred by a user having a specified user ID by specifying secure print. A job number assigned to perform job management in the MFP (MFP) and the transferred data It is assumed that the file name and size, the date and time of transfer, the status of the data, and the like are displayed.

  Reference numeral 1003 denotes a cursor key, which is used to select a file for executing a job from the job list. In this embodiment, the job number of the selected file is displayed as shaded.

  Reference numerals 1004, 1005, and 1006 are keys for specifying what kind of processing is to be performed on the file selected by the cursor key, and 1004 is a key for displaying a thumbnail for confirming the contents of the selected file. , 1005 is a job deletion key for canceling a job when printing of the selected file is not necessary, and 1006 is a job execution key for executing printout of the selected file.

  The user designates a secure job to be executed using the cursor key (S111). Then, on the UI, information on the designated job, a message for prompting input of a password, and a password input window are displayed. Therefore, the user inputs a preset password using the UI (S112).

  A display example at that time is as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1101 denotes a portion that displays a specified user ID.

  Reference numeral 1102 denotes data file information for which the user has designated secure print execution. The job number assigned to perform job management in the multifunction peripheral (MFP), the file name and size of the transferred data, It is assumed that the date and time, and what status the data is currently in are displayed.

  Reference numerals 1103 and 1104 denote a password input message and a password input window. In this case, when a password is input, the contents are not displayed, and symbols such as “*” are displayed for the number of input characters.

  Reference numerals 1105 and 1106 are keys for specifying what processing is performed on the data input with the password. 1105 is a cancel key when a typo is performed, and 1106 is an execution when executing password input. It is a key.

  When the password is input through the UI, the CPU in the MFP (MFP) determines whether the password corresponding to the designated job stored in the memory matches the password input through the UI. Performed (S113).

  If the passwords match, the print job is executed, and the image data transferred and stored in the HDD is printed out from the printer (S114).

  If they do not match, an e-mail having the contents as shown in FIG. 9 is sent to the user (S117), and the process returns to the password input step (S112) again, and the MFP (MFP) UI is returned. Is displayed as shown in FIG.

  If the user who received the above e-mail has not entered the wrong password when outputting the secure job, another third party will attempt to output the user's print data, and will use a password that is different from the user's settings. It can be determined that it has been entered.

  If the user can confirm the mail in real time, it is possible to prevent a third party from printing out a secure print by going to the MFP (MFP) that is about to output the mail immediately.

  Even if the mail cannot be confirmed in real time, it can be recognized that a third party tried to output the data designated by the user's secure print. As a result, the user can take a measure that, after the secure print data is transferred in the future, the user performs a printout in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) without taking any time.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates the secure print tries to impersonate the user and perform the printout, the third party tries to input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, go to the MFP that is trying to output to inform the user that the third party is trying to pull out secure printing. Third party output can be prevented.

(Second embodiment)
In the case of the first embodiment in the flow as shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that a third party other than the user who designated the secure job performed the subsequent work by impersonating the user after storing the image data. But I don't know what password was entered.

  If the user is informed of what password was entered by a third party, as a preventive measure in the future, what kind of password should be set in the future to prevent printout due to impersonation It also becomes.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates the secure print tries to impersonate the user and perform the printout, the third party can input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, the user is notified that the third party is trying to extract secure printing. At that time, the user is also informed of what password was entered.

  If the user knows that a third party other than himself is trying to output, he can go to the MFP (MFP) that specifies the output and prevent the third party's output. In the future, it will be possible to take measures such as what kind of password should be set to prevent printouts by impersonation by a third party.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When a user executes a print job from a host device such as a personal computer (PC) in a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that is placed in an office and connected to a plurality of personal computers (PCs), the print job has confidentiality. It is designated whether the job is a secure job (S201).

  If the print job is not a secure job, image data is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the MFP (MFP) (S215), and all data is transferred to the HDD in the MFP (MFP). When the storage is completed (S216), a print job is executed, and image data is printed out in the printing unit in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S214).

  If the print job is a secure job, identification information (ID) corresponding to the user is transmitted from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S202).

  The MFP (MFP) receives the secure job information and identification information (ID) corresponding to the user from the personal computer (PC), and stores the information in a memory in the MFP (MFP). (S203).

  Subsequently, the user sets a password to be input when the secure job is printed out (S204), and transmits the password to the MFP (MFP) (S205).

  The multifunction device (MFP) receives the password from the personal computer (PC) as well as the identification information (ID), and stores the information in the memory in the multifunction device (MFP) (S206). .

  After confirming that identification information (ID) and a password corresponding to the user are stored in the multifunction device (MFP), image data to be printed out is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction device (MFP). (S207), and the image data is stored in the HDD in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S208).

  When the above operation is completed, the user moves to the MFP (MFP) that actually performs the printout, and performs the printout operation using the UI of the MFP (MFP). The procedure in that case is as follows.

  A secure job is designated using the MFP (MFP) UI (S209), and a user ID is entered (S210). Then, a list of secure prints input with the designated user ID is displayed on the UI.

  A display example at that time is as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes a portion for displaying a designated user ID.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes a list of data files transferred by a user having a specified user ID by specifying secure print. A job number assigned to perform job management in the MFP (MFP) and the transferred data It is assumed that the file name and size, the date and time of transfer, the status of the data, and the like are displayed.

  Reference numeral 1003 denotes a cursor key, which is used to select a file for executing a job from the job list. In this embodiment, the job number of the selected file is displayed as shaded.

  Reference numerals 1004, 1005, and 1006 are keys for specifying what kind of processing is to be performed on the file selected by the cursor key, and 1004 is a key for displaying a thumbnail for confirming the contents of the selected file. , 1005 is a job deletion key for canceling a job when printing of the selected file is not necessary, and 1006 is a job execution key for executing printout of the selected file.

  The user designates a secure job to be executed using the cursor key (S211). Then, on the UI, information on the designated job, a message for prompting input of a password, and a password input window are displayed. Therefore, the user inputs a preset password using the UI (S212).

  A display example at that time is as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1101 denotes a portion that displays a specified user ID.

  Reference numeral 1102 denotes data file information for which the user has designated secure print execution. The job number assigned to perform job management in the multifunction peripheral (MFP), the file name and size of the transferred data, It is assumed that the date and time, and what status the data is currently in are displayed.

  Reference numerals 1103 and 1104 denote a password input message and a password input window. In this case, when a password is input, the contents are not displayed, and symbols such as “*” are displayed for the number of input characters.

  Reference numerals 1105 and 1106 are keys for specifying what processing is performed on the data input with the password. 1105 is a cancel key when a typo is performed, and 1106 is an execution when executing password input. It is a key.

  When the password is input through the UI, the CPU in the MFP (MFP) determines whether the password corresponding to the designated job stored in the memory matches the password input through the UI. It is performed (S213).

  If the passwords match, the print job is executed, and the image data transferred and stored in the HDD is printed out from the printer (S214).

  If they do not match, the contents of the password that did not match and the time when the password was input are stored in the memory for each designated job number (S217).

  Thereafter, based on the information in the memory, an email having the contents as shown in FIG. 10 is transmitted to the user (S218), and the process returns to the password input step (S212) again, and the MFP (MFP) The UI shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  In this example, if a password different from the setting is entered multiple times, all the information on each input error will be communicated to the user as an email, but only the most recent information will be communicated to the user. It is also possible to take a method of not using the memory inside the machine (MFP).

  If the user who received the above e-mail has not entered the wrong password when outputting the secure job, another third party will attempt to output the user's print data, and will use a password that is different from the user's settings. It can be determined that it has been entered.

  If the user can confirm the mail in real time, it is possible to prevent a third party from printing out a secure print by going to the MFP (MFP) that is about to output the mail immediately.

  In addition, since information on what passwords a third party can expect is communicated to the user, what kind of password can be set in the future to prevent printouts due to third party spoofing? Will be removed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates the secure print tries to impersonate the user and perform the printout, the third party tries to input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, go to the MFP that is trying to output to inform the user that the third party is trying to pull out secure printing. In addition to preventing third-party output, it is also possible to convey information for future password settings to the user.

(Third embodiment)
In the case of the first and second embodiments in the flow shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a third party other than the user who designated the secure job impersonates the user after storing the image data, and the subsequent work If the e-mail is not checked, it is not possible to know that the secure print output by spoofing was performed.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates the secure print tries to impersonate the user and perform the printout, the third party can input a password that can be predicted by the third party. If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, the third party can securely print to the user in a form that includes information such as what password was entered. It is characterized by notifying that it is going to be pulled out, and is also characterized in that when the secure print output is to be performed on the UI of the MFP (MFP) main body, such information can be displayed.

  In the MFP (MFP) body UI, if the user knows that a third party other than his / herself is trying to output, the output by impersonation of the third party even if the mail is not checked in real time By confirming that the trial was being performed and confirming the information at that time, what kind of password should be set in the future can prevent a third party from impersonating the printout It will be taken.

  In addition, the fact that password entry error information has been accumulated is displayed on the MFP (MFP) UI, so that a third party can also recognize that password entry error information has been accumulated. As a result, it is possible to expect the effect of preventing password attempts by further impersonation.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention.

  When a user executes a print job from a host device such as a personal computer (PC) in a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that is placed in an office and connected to a plurality of personal computers (PCs), the print job has confidentiality. It is designated whether the job is a secure job (S301).

  If the print job is not a secure job, image data is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the MFP (MFP) (S319), and all data is transferred to the HDD in the MFP (MFP). When the storage is completed (S320), the print job is executed, and image data is printed out in the printing unit in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S315).

  If the print job is a secure job, identification information (ID) corresponding to the user is transmitted from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S302).

  The MFP (MFP) receives the secure job information and identification information (ID) corresponding to the user from the personal computer (PC), and stores the information in a memory in the MFP (MFP). (S303).

  Subsequently, the user sets a password to be input when the secure job is printed out (S304), and transmits the password to the MFP (MFP) (S305).

  The multifunction peripheral (MFP) receives the password from the personal computer (PC) as well as the identification information (ID), and stores the information in the memory in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S306). .

  After confirming that identification information (ID) and a password corresponding to the user are stored in the multifunction device (MFP), image data to be printed out is transferred from the personal computer (PC) to the multifunction device (MFP). (S307), and the image data is stored in the HDD in the multifunction peripheral (MFP) (S308).

  When the above operation is completed, the user moves to the MFP (MFP) that actually performs the printout, and performs the printout operation using the UI of the MFP (MFP). The procedure in that case is as follows.

  A secure job is designated using the MFP (MFP) UI (S309), and a user ID is entered (S310). Then, a list of secure prints input with the designated user ID is displayed on the UI (S311).

  A display example at that time is as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 3201 denotes a portion for displaying a designated user ID.

  Reference numeral 3202 denotes a list of data files transferred by a user having a specified user ID after specifying secure print. A job number assigned to perform job management in the MFP (MFP), and a list of transferred data. It is assumed that the file name and size, the date and time of transfer, the status of the data, and the like are displayed.

  In addition, an item “password” is added as a feature in this embodiment, and when the password has not been entered yet, “-” is displayed in the field, and a password entry error occurs. , “NG” or the like is displayed in the column.

  Reference numeral 3203 denotes a cursor key, which is used to select a file for executing a job from the job list. In this embodiment, the job number of the selected file is displayed as shaded.

  Reference numerals 3204, 3205, 3206, and 3207 are keys for specifying what processing is to be performed on the file selected by the cursor key, and 3204 displays a thumbnail for confirming the contents of the selected file. A key 3205 is a job erasure key for canceling the job when printing of the selected file is not necessary, and a job execution key 3206 is for executing printout of the selected file.

  Reference numeral 3207 denotes a key for displaying password information, which is a feature of the present embodiment, and displays information on password input so far for the job number designated by the cursor key.

  An example in which password information is displayed by the key (3207) for displaying the password information is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 12 shows a display example when no password has been input so far, and information indicating the designated job and a display indicating that no password has been input so far will be displayed.

  FIG. 13 is a display example showing that a password different from the user setting has been input so far, based on the information stored in the memory of the MFP (MFP) and the information on the specified job. Information such as the password entered for the job and its date and time will be displayed.

  When executing a secure print job and performing printout, the user designates a secure job to be executed using the cursor key (S312). Then, on the UI, information on the designated job, a message for prompting input of a password, and a password input window are displayed. Therefore, the user inputs a preset password using the UI (S313).

  A display example at that time is as shown in FIG.

  A part 3501 displays a designated user ID.

  Reference numeral 3502 denotes data file information for which the user has designated secure print execution. The job number assigned for job management in the MFP (MFP), the file name and size of the transferred data, It is assumed that the date and time, and what status the data is currently in are displayed.

  Reference numerals 3503 and 3504 denote a message for prompting a password and a password input window. In this case, when a password is input, the contents are not displayed, and symbols such as “*” are displayed for the number of input characters.

  3505 and 3506 are keys for designating what processing is performed on the data input with the password, 3505 is a cancel key when a typo is performed, and 3506 is an execution when executing password input. It is a key.

  When the password is input through the UI, the CPU in the MFP (MFP) determines whether the password corresponding to the designated job stored in the memory matches the password input through the UI. Performed (S314).

  If the passwords match, the print job is executed, and the image data transferred and stored in the HDD is printed out from the printer (S315).

  If they do not match, for each designated job number, the contents of the password that did not match and the time when the password was input are stored in the memory (S316).

  Then, based on the information in the memory, as in the second embodiment, a mail having the contents shown in FIG. 10 is transmitted to the user (S317), and the process returns to the password input step (S313) again. Accordingly, the display of FIG. 5 is performed on the MFP (MFP) UI.

  If the user who received the above e-mail has not entered the wrong password when outputting the secure job, another third party will attempt to output the user's print data, and will use a password that is different from the user's settings. It can be determined that it has been entered.

  If the user can confirm the mail in real time, it is possible to prevent a third party from printing out a secure print by going to the MFP (MFP) that is about to output the mail immediately.

  In addition, since information on what passwords a third party can expect is communicated to the user, what kind of password can be set in the future to prevent printouts due to third party spoofing? Will be removed.

  Even if the above e-mail cannot be confirmed, information related to the password is displayed on the UI display part of the MFP (MFP) when the secure job is executed, so it differs from the user setting due to impersonation by a third party. The user is informed that the password has been entered.

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when a third party other than the user who designates the secure print tries to impersonate the user and perform the printout, the password that can be predicted by the third party If the password entered by the third party is different from the password specified by the user, the third party will provide the user with information such as what password was entered. It is characterized by notifying that it is going to pull out secure printing, and it is possible to display such information when trying to output secure printing in the UI of the MFP (MFP) body. To do.

  In the MFP (MFP) body UI, if the user knows that a third party other than his / herself is trying to output, the output by impersonation of the third party even if the mail is not checked in real time It is possible to confirm that the password has been used and to confirm the information at that time, so that what kind of password should be set in the future can prevent printout due to impersonation by a third party. It becomes.

  In addition, the fact that password entry error information has been accumulated is displayed on the MFP (MFP) UI, so that it can be recognized by a third party. Therefore, the effect of preventing password attempts due to further impersonation can be expected.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a secure print function in the print system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a secure print function in the print system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the secure print function in the printing system of the 3rd Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the secure job by UI in the prior art example, 1st Example, and 2nd Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a display at the time of the password input by UI in the prior art example of this invention, 1st Example, and 2nd Example. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating details of a configuration in a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the secure print function in the printing system of a prior art example. It is the figure which showed the example of notification to the user of the password input mistake in 1st Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of notification to the user of the password input mistake in the 2nd Example of this invention, and a 3rd Example. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the secure job by UI in the 3rd Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a password information display by UI in the 3rd Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a password information display by UI in the 3rd Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a display at the time of the password input by UI in the 3rd Example of this invention.

Claims (6)

Interface means for exchanging data with a network, information processing means for processing various data and information, data storage means for storing various data and information, display of various data and information, and the information processing means An information processing apparatus including user interface means for inputting commands is provided.
Interface means for exchanging data with a network, data storage means for storing various data and information, display of various data and information, user interface means for inputting commands to the information processing means, and interface means An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints out data input from the control unit, and a control unit that controls each of the units;
In an image forming system in which a plurality of the image forming apparatus shared by a plurality of people and the information processing apparatus for controlling the image forming apparatus are connected to a network.
When the information processing apparatus sends confidentiality output information to the image forming apparatus and performs printout, the information forming apparatus transmits identification information unique to the user together with the confidentiality output information. In the image forming apparatus, the confidentiality output information is transmitted. Receiving and storing information and identification information unique to the user,
When printing out the confidentiality output information stored by the image forming apparatus, the user interface is used to input identification information unique to the user, and the user information specific to the user stored by the image forming apparatus. If it does not match, the printout is executed. If it does not match, the confidentiality output information and identification information unique to the user are transmitted to the division processing means. An image forming system that notifies that the identification information different from the identification information unique to the user has been input to the image forming apparatus.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a time measurement function, wherein when the user is notified that identification information different from unique identification information has been input to the image forming apparatus, the input time is added as additional information. As an image forming system.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a time measurement function, wherein when the user is notified that identification information different from unique identification information has been input to the image forming apparatus, the input time is added as additional information. And an image forming system for notifying the user of identification information different from the identification information unique to the user.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a time measuring function, wherein the time when identification information different from the identification information unique to the user is input is stored in the data storage means, and the identification unique to the user inputted at that time When the identification information different from the information is stored in the data storage means and the user is notified that the identification information different from the identification information unique to the user has been input to the image forming apparatus, An image forming system which notifies, as additional information, a time when identification information different from unique identification information is input, and what kind of identification information is different from the unique identification information input at that time. Interface means for exchanging data with a network, information processing means for processing various data and information, data storage means for storing various data and information, display of various data and information, and the information processing means An information processing apparatus including user interface means for inputting commands is provided.
Interface means for exchanging data with a network, data storage means for storing various data and information, display of various data and information, user interface means for inputting commands to the information processing means, and interface means An image forming apparatus included in a printing unit that prints out data input from the control unit, and a control unit that controls each unit;
In an image forming system in which a plurality of the image forming apparatus shared by a plurality of people and the information processing apparatus for controlling the image forming apparatus are connected to a network.
When the information processing apparatus sends confidentiality output information to the image forming apparatus and performs printout, the information forming apparatus transmits identification information unique to the user together with the confidentiality output information. In the image forming apparatus, the confidentiality output information is transmitted. Receiving and storing information and identification information unique to the user,
When printing out the confidentiality output information stored by the image forming apparatus, the user interface is used to input identification information unique to the user, and the user information specific to the user stored by the image forming apparatus. If it matches the identification information, the printout is executed, and if it does not match, the confidentiality output information and the division processing means that transmitted the identification information unique to the user, An image notifying that the identification information different from the identification information unique to the user who has been transmitted is input to the image forming apparatus, and displaying on the user interface of the image forming apparatus Forming system.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 includes a time measuring function, stores the time when identification information different from the identification information unique to the user is input in the data storage means, and the identification information unique to the user input at that time When the identification information different from the identification information stored in the data storage means is notified to the user that the identification information different from the identification information unique to the user has been input to the image forming apparatus, In addition to notifying the time when the identification information different from the identification information is input and the identification information different from the identification information unique to the user input at that time as additional information, the identification information unique to the user When performing the input, identification information different from the identification information unique to the user is input to the user interface of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by displaying the time when the identification information different from the identification information unique to the user was input in the past and what kind of identification information was different from the identification information unique to the user input at that time. Image forming system.

Images