JP2010221580A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system configured to prevent a third person from successfully impersonating. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a template storage part 14b for storing a template image where a format layout is defined; a signature storage part 14c for storing a signature image as image information about the user's signature; an image forming part 20e for performing image forming processing of forming an output image based on data supplied from outside; an image approximation determination part 20b for determining whether or not an image approximating to the template image or an image approximating to the signature image is included in the image included in the data, when image formation is demanded; and an image formation control part 20c for controlling the image forming part 20e to inhibit the image forming processing when being determined by the image approximation determination part 20b that the image approximating to the template image or the image approximating to the signature image is included. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that form an output image based on data supplied from the outside, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system with an enhanced security function.

  In general, a printing apparatus that is connected to a plurality of terminals via a network and that performs a printing process based on data transmitted from the plurality of terminals via the network is well known. .

  In such a printing apparatus, since data received via the network is printed as it is, it has not been possible to confirm whether the received data has been tampered with or forged. In addition, in the conventional printing apparatus, since there is insufficient information for specifying the sender who sent the data and the content of the data, a “spoofing” in which a third party sends the print data with a false name of the sender. There was a problem that could be done.

  In general, there are many companies that use a prescribed template for external communication and fax documents used in business, and in the name of this template and the issuer, the recipient must In many cases, false is judged. However, in some cases, a document created and printed by a computer can be easily “spoofed” by another person.

  For example, it is possible to create a document with the name of another person simply by creating a document in the default template and entering the name of the other person in the signature area. Further, by reading the created document, falsifying the signature part and outputting it by copying, it is possible to create a document that cannot be determined by the recipient.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-26883 discloses communication means for receiving digital data attached with an electronic signature via a network, digital data received by the communication means, and digital signature based on the digital signature. Verification means for verifying whether or not the data has been verified, authentication information generation means for generating authentication information indicating the presence or absence of falsification or impersonation of the digital data based on the result verified by the verification means, digital data, and authentication An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints information on a print medium has been proposed.

JP 2003-348079 A

  However, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 verifies whether digital data is falsified or spoofed based on an electronic signature. For example, a template format used by others for digital data itself Will be printed as it is.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can create a document that cannot be determined by the recipient by reading the created document, falsifying the signature portion, and copying it out. Spoofing by the three parties cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that prevent spoofing by a third party.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is that template storage means for storing a template image in which a layout of a format is defined, and a signature that is imaged user signature information A signature storage unit for storing an image, an image forming unit for executing an image forming process for forming an output image based on data supplied from the outside, and, when image formation is requested, an image of the image included in the data An image approximation determination unit that determines whether or not an image that approximates the template image or an image that approximates the signature image is included, and the image approximation determination unit approximates the template image. Image forming control means for prohibiting image forming processing by the image forming means when it is determined that an image that is similar to the image or the signature image is included. There to be provided with.

  In order to achieve the above object, a second feature of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is that the image formation control means uses the image approximation determination means to approximate the image approximated to the template image or the signature image. If it is determined that the image being included is included, a message indicating that the image formation request is invalid is displayed on the display unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a third feature of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is that the signature storage means associates the signature image with a user ID that uniquely identifies the user, and provides signature image information. And storing the template image as template information in association with the template image, a template number that uniquely identifies the template image, and the user ID that can use the template image, When formation is requested, a template image related to a user ID and a template number included in the data is read based on the template information, and a user included in the data is determined based on the signature image information. The signature image related to the ID is read, and the read template image and signature image are read. Based on, in further comprising a security image formation control means for forming an output image on the image forming means.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of an image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an output image and a server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. The server includes a template storage unit that stores a template image in which a layout of a format is defined, and a signature storage unit that stores a signature image that is imaged user signature information, The image forming apparatus executes an image forming process for forming an output image based on data supplied from the outside, and when image formation is requested, the image included in the data includes An image that approximates the template image stored in the template storage means of the server or that approximates the signature image stored in the signature storage means An image approximation determination unit that determines whether or not an image is included and an image that approximates the template image or an image that approximates the signature image is determined by the image approximation determination unit And image forming control means for prohibiting image forming processing by the image forming means.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming system of the present invention, spoofing by a third party can be prevented.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. It is the figure which showed an example of the template image produced | generated by the transmission data production | generation part 31a of the terminal connected to the image forming apparatus which is Example 1 of this invention, or the template image downloaded from the image forming apparatus. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information stored in a user information storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of template information stored in a template storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of signature information stored in a signature storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data stored in a print data storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating each configuration for executing print filtering processing by the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating each configuration for executing print output processing by the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of registration processing in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of print filtering processing in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of print output processing in the image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an image to which a terminal that requests printing and an image forming apparatus that is connected to the terminal via a network and prints based on data transmitted from the terminal by a user's operation is applied. The forming system will be described as an example.

<Configuration of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a terminal 3, and a facsimile 7, which are connected via a network 9. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a scanner 6 that generates electronic data by scanning a document, and is also connected to an external memory 4 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

  The image forming apparatus 1 performs printing based on data transmitted from the terminal 3 via the network 9. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described later.

  The terminal 3 requests various registration processes. Specifically, the terminal 3 registers, in the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 9, a template image in which a format layout is defined, or a user ID that uniquely identifies a user who can use the template image. Request registration.

  Further, the terminal 3 requests normal printing processing or security printing processing. Here, the security printing process is a process for performing printing based on the template number included in the data transmitted from the terminal 3 via the network 9, and the normal printing process is the process for performing the network 9 from the terminal 3. This is a process for performing printing based on print image data included in the data transmitted via the network.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal 3 is a personal computer, and includes a CPU 31, a memory 32, and a hard disk 33, which are connected via a bus 34. Consists of a display part.

  The hard disk 33 stores an operation system executed by the CPU 31 and various programs. Further, the hard disk 33 includes an authentication information storage unit 33a.

  The authentication information storage unit 33a associates a user ID and a user name for authentication with the image forming apparatus 1 and stores them as authentication information.

  The memory 32 is composed of a volatile semiconductor or the like, and temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 31 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 31 performs central control of the terminal 3. Moreover, CPU31 is provided with the transmission data production | generation part 31a and the transmission control part 31b on the function.

  The transmission data generation unit 31 a generates a template image in which a format layout is defined according to various programs stored in the hard disk 33. The transmission data generation unit 31a generates print image data for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform normal printing processing. Further, the transmission data generation unit 31a downloads a usable template image stored in the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 9 and executes security print processing based on the downloaded template image. Is generated. Hereinafter, the print image data and the security print data are collectively referred to as print data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a template image generated by the transmission data generation unit 31 a or a template image downloaded from the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the template image 201 includes a logo mark display area 202 that is an area for displaying a company logo, a signature display area 203 that is an area for displaying a user's signature, a ruled line 204, A document display area 205 that is an area for displaying an input document, a company name display area 206 that is an area for displaying a company name, and the like are included.

  The transmission control unit 31b shown in FIG. 1 additionally registers a request signal for registering a template image including a generated template image and a user ID, and a user ID including a user ID that makes the template image available. A request signal for generating the request is generated, and the generated request signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 9.

  In addition, the transmission control unit 31 b generates a request signal for requesting normal printing processing, and transmits the generated request signal to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 9. The request signal for requesting the normal print processing includes print image data generated by the transmission data generation unit 31a.

  Further, the transmission control unit 31 b generates a request signal for requesting the security printing process, and transmits the generated request signal to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 9. The request signal for requesting the security printing process includes a user ID, a template number for uniquely identifying a template image, and a document to be displayed in the document display area 205.

<Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1>
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a network interface unit 11, an external memory reading unit 12, an external interface unit 13, a storage unit 14, a printing unit 15, an operation unit 18, and a system control unit. 20.

  The network interface unit 11 is a connection interface with the terminal 3 and receives data such as a request signal transmitted from the terminal 3.

  The external memory reading unit 12 reads print data stored in the external memory 4 by connecting to the external memory 4 configured by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

  The external interface unit 13 is a connection interface with the scanner 6 and supplies the image data scanned by the scanner 6 to the system control unit 20 as print data.

  The storage unit 14 includes a hard disk or the like, and includes a user information storage unit 14a, a template storage unit 14b, a signature storage unit 14c, and a print data storage unit 14d as functional blocks.

  The user information storage unit 14a stores user information for authenticating the user.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the user information storage unit 14a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the column name “user ID” (reference numeral 301) and the column name “password” (reference numeral 302) are associated and stored as user information.

  The template storage unit 14b associates a template image, a template number that uniquely identifies the template image, and a user ID that can use the template image, and stores them as template information.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of template information stored in the template storage unit 14b.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a column name “template number” (reference numeral 401), a column name “template image” (reference numeral 402), and a column name “available user ID” (reference numeral 403) are associated with each other. Stored as template information.

  The signature storage unit 14c stores the signature image and the user ID in association with each other as signature image information.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of signature information stored in the signature storage unit 14c.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the column name “user ID” (reference numeral 501) and the column name “signature image” (reference numeral 502) are associated and stored as signature information.

  The print data storage unit 14d stores print data for the printing unit 15 to print.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data stored in the print data storage unit 14d.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the column name “print job” (reference numeral 601), the column name “user ID” (reference numeral 602), the column name “processing classification code” (reference numeral 603), and the column name “print data”. "(Reference numeral 604) is stored in association with each other. Here, the processing classification code 603 is a code for classifying the normal printing process or the security printing process, the processing classification code indicating the normal printing process is represented by “0”, and the processing classification code indicating the security printing process is It is represented by “1”.

  For example, the processing classification code 603 associated with the print jobs 601 “X001” and “X003” is “1”, which indicates that these print jobs are requested to be subjected to secure print processing. The print job X001 in which the process classification code 603 indicates the security print process is associated with the template number AAA01 and the document data corresponding to the job, and the print job X003 in which the process classification code 603 indicates the normal print process. Template number BBB02 is associated with document data corresponding to the job. The security print data 606 includes a template number 607 and document data 608.

  The printing unit 15 illustrated in FIG. 3 performs printing based on the print data in accordance with an instruction from the system control unit 20.

  The operation unit 18 includes operation buttons and a touch panel, and accepts operation signals and displays necessary information.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation unit 18 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 18 includes various operation buttons. When the operation button is pressed by the user, an operation signal is generated, and the generated operation signal is sent to the system control unit 20. Supply. For example, when a start button 18 a that is one of the operation buttons is pressed by the user, an operation signal that requests the start of printing is generated, and the generated operation signal is supplied to the system control unit 20.

  The operation unit 18 also includes character and number input keys 18c. The operation unit 18 accepts input of the number of copies and input of a user ID and password as will be described later, and system controls the input user ID and password. To the unit 20.

  Further, the operation unit 18 includes a touch panel 18b. As will be described later, the operation unit 18 displays a list of print jobs on the touch panel 18b. When the operation unit 18 performs a touch operation for selecting one of the print job lists displayed by the user's operation, the operation unit 18 prints print data corresponding to the selected print job. An operation signal is generated, and the generated operation signal is supplied to the system control unit 20.

  A system control unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 performs central control of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the system control unit 20 includes an authentication unit 20a, an image approximation determination unit 20b, an image formation control unit 20c, a security image formation control unit 20d, and an image formation unit 20e in terms of their functions. Thus, registration processing, print filtering processing, and print output processing are executed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating each configuration for executing print filtering processing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  When the image formation is requested from the terminal 3 via the network 9, that is, when the normal printing process or the security printing process is requested, the authentication unit 20a stores the user information stored in the user information storage unit 14a. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the user ID of the user who has requested image formation is registered.

  When image formation is requested, that is, when normal print processing or template / signature registration processing is requested, the image approximation determination unit 20b includes print data included in data supplied from the terminal 3 via the network 9. It is determined whether an image that approximates the template image stored in the template storage unit 14b or an image that approximates the signature image stored in the signature storage unit 14c is included.

  In the case of normal printing processing, the image formation control unit 20c determines that the input data includes an image that approximates a template image or an image that approximates a signature image by the image approximation determination unit 20b. In this case, the image forming process by the image forming unit 20e is prohibited, and a message indicating that the image forming request is invalid is displayed on the operation unit 18.

  Further, when the normal print processing is requested and the image approximation determination unit 20b determines that there is no approximate image, the image formation control unit 20c stores the print image data in the print data storage unit 14d.

  In the case of a template or signature registration process, the security image formation control unit 20d includes an image in which the input data approximates a template image or an image approximated to a signature image by the image approximation determination unit 20b. If it is determined, the registration process is stopped and a message indicating that the registration request is invalid is displayed on the operation unit. When security printing processing is requested and the image approximation determination unit 20b determines that there is no approximate image, the security print data is stored in the print data storage unit 14d.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating each configuration for executing print output processing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  When the user ID is input from the terminal via the operation unit 18 or the network, the authentication unit 20a registers the input user ID based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit 14a. It is determined whether or not.

  When it is determined that the print job selected by the user's operation is a normal print process, the image formation control unit 20c selects the print data stored in the print data storage unit 14d from the print data storage unit 14d. Based on the print image data of the printed job, an output image for causing the printing unit 15 to print is generated.

  When security image formation is requested, that is, when it is determined that the print job selected by the user's operation is security printing processing, the security image formation control unit 20d determines the template stored in the template storage unit 14b. Based on the information, a template image related to the template number included in the security print data is read out, and a signature image related to the user ID included in the security print data is read out based on the signature image information. Then, the security image formation control unit 20d causes the image forming unit 20e to form an output image based on the read template image and signature image and the document data corresponding to the job.

  The image forming unit 20e is based on data supplied from the terminal 3 via the network 9, data supplied from an external memory, or data stored and stored in advance in the image forming apparatus. An image forming process for forming an output image is executed according to an instruction from the security image forming control unit 20d.

<Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention mainly executes a registration process, a print filtering process, and a print output process. Therefore, each process will be described in detail below.

≪Registration process≫
Details of registration processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of registration processing in the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, when a request signal for registering a template image including a template image, a user ID, and a password is supplied from the terminal 3 via the network 9 (Step S <b> 101), the authentication unit 20 a Then, it is determined whether or not the user ID of the user who has requested registration of the template image is registered (step S102). Specifically, the authentication unit 20a determines whether the user ID and password of the user who has requested registration of the template are stored in the user information storage unit 14a of the storage unit 14.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the user ID is registered (in the case of YES), the image approximation determination unit 20b of the system control unit 20 stores the template image stored in the template storage unit 14b of the storage unit 14. It is determined whether or not there is an image that approximates all or part of the template image included in the supplied request signal (step S103).

  In step S103, when it is determined that there is a template image stored in the template storage unit 14b that approximates all or part of the template image included in the supplied request signal (in the case of YES). The image approximation determination unit 20b displays registration invalidity (step S107). For example, based on an instruction from the image approximation determination unit 20b, the operation unit 18 sends a message indicating that registration is invalid, such as “registration is invalid”, to the touch panel 18b and the terminal that is requesting the registration process. To display.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S103 that none of the template images stored in the template storage unit 14b approximates all or part of the template images included in the supplied request signal (NO). The image approximation determination unit 20b assigns a template number that uniquely identifies the template image included in the supplied request signal, associates the assigned template number with the template image, and stores them in the template storage unit 14b. (Step S104).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the supplied request signal includes a user ID other than the registrant who sets the template image to be usable (step S105).

  In step S105, when it is determined that a user ID other than the registrant set to be usable is included (in the case of YES), the image approximation determination unit 20b is stored in the template storage unit 14b in step S104. The user ID is stored in association with the template image and the template number (step S106).

  As described above, the registration process is executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, so that registration of the template image that is similar to the template image that is already stored in the template storage unit 14b is prohibited. It is possible to prevent the three parties from registering a template image used by another person as a usable template image for impersonation.

  Further, the registration process is executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, so that the template image that is not approximate to the template image already stored in the template storage unit 14b, the template number, and the template Since the user ID that can use the image is associated and stored as template information, a security printing process described later can be executed.

  Thereby, according to the image forming apparatus 1 which is Example 1 of the present invention, impersonation by a third party can be prevented.

  In steps S105 and S106, when the supplied request signal includes a user ID other than the registrant who sets the template image to be usable, the user ID is stored. Not limited to this, the image approximation determination unit 20b can additionally register a user ID at any time. Specifically, when the user ID is registered in step S102, the image approximation determination unit 20b supplies a request signal for requesting additional registration of another user ID from the terminal 3 via the network 9. In such a case, a new user ID may be additionally stored in association with the template number and template image stored in the template storage unit 14b.

≪Print filtering process≫
Details of the print filtering process in the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of print filtering processing in the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 12, printing is requested from the terminal 3 via the network 9, that is, the communication

  When the request signal for requesting the normal printing process or the security printing process is supplied (step S201), the authentication unit 20a determines whether the user ID of the user who has requested the normal printing process or the security printing process is registered. Is determined (step S202). Specifically, the authentication unit 20a determines whether the user ID and password of the user who has requested the normal printing process or the security printing process are stored in the user information storage unit 14a of the storage unit 14. .

  Next, the system control unit 20 determines whether or not a security printing process is requested based on the supplied request signal (step S203). Specifically, the system control unit 20 determines that the security printing process is requested when the supplied request signal includes a template number, and determines that the normal printing process is requested when the template number is not included. judge.

  If it is determined in step S203 that the security printing process has been requested (YES), the security image formation control unit 20d stores the security printing data (step S204). Specifically, the security image formation control unit 20d sets the processing classification code to “1”, associates the processing classification code, the template number included in the supplied request signal, and the document data, and stores the print data. Store in the part 14d.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203 that the security printing process is not requested, that is, the normal printing process is requested (in the case of NO), the image approximation determining unit 20b is stored in the template storage unit 14b of the storage unit 14. It is determined whether there is any template image that approximates all or part of the print image data included in the supplied request signal (step S205).

  In step S205, when it is determined that there is data that approximates all or part of the print image data included in the supplied request signal (in the case of YES), the image formation control unit 20c displays print invalidity ( Step S208). For example, based on an instruction from the image formation control unit 20c, the operation unit 18 issues a message indicating that printing is invalid, such as “printing is invalid”, via the touch panel 18b and the network. Displayed on the other terminal. As a result, the image forming control unit 20c prohibits the image forming process by the image forming unit 20e.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that none of the stored template images approximates all or part of the print image data included in the supplied request signal (NO), image approximation The determination unit 20b determines whether there is a signature image stored in the signature storage unit 14c of the storage unit 14 that approximates all or part of the print image data included in the supplied request signal. Determination is made (step S206).

  If it is determined in step S206 that the stored signature image is similar to all or part of the print image data included in the supplied request signal (YES), the process is performed in step S208. To display that the print request cannot be executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that none of the stored signature images approximates all or part of the print image data included in the supplied request signal (NO), image formation is performed. The control unit 20c stores the print image data (Step S207). Specifically, the image formation control unit 20c sets the processing classification code to “0”, associates the processing classification code with the print image data included in the supplied request signal, and stores it in the print data storage unit 14d. Let

  As described above, the print security processing is executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, so that the print image data approximate to the template image already stored in the template storage unit 14b is displayed as the print data storage unit 14d. For example, it is possible to prevent print data generated based on a template image used by another person from being impersonated by a third party for impersonation. can do.

  In addition, when security printing is requested by executing print security processing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a processing classification code, a template number included in the supplied request signal, Since the document data is associated with each other and stored in the print data storage unit 14d, a security print process described later can be executed.

  Thereby, according to the image forming apparatus 1 which is Example 1 of the present invention, impersonation by a third party can be prevented.

≪Print output processing≫
Details of print output processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of print output processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the authentication unit 20a of the system control unit 20 determines whether or not a user ID has been input (step S301). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the user ID and password are supplied by the user performing input operation using the input key 18c of the operation unit 18 or the terminal 3 via the network.

  If it is determined in step S301 that a user ID has been input (YES), it is determined whether or not the input user ID is registered (step S302). Specifically, the authentication unit 20a determines whether or not the input user ID and password are stored in the user information storage unit 14a of the storage unit 14.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the input user ID is not registered, the image formation control unit 20c displays print invalidity (step S320). For example, based on an instruction from the image formation control unit 20c, the operation unit 18 inputs a message indicating that printing is invalid, such as “printing is invalid”, via the touch panel 18b or the network. Display on the terminal. As a result, the image forming control unit 20c prohibits the image forming process by the image forming unit 20e.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the input user ID is registered, the system control unit 20 displays a list of print data associated with the registered user ID (step S303). Specifically, the system control unit 20 generates a list of print jobs associated with the input user ID from the print jobs stored in the print data storage unit 14d, and generates the generated print job list. Are displayed on the touch panel 18b of the operation unit 18 or the terminal that has input via the network.

  Next, the system control unit 20 determines whether any one is selected from the displayed print job list (step S304). Specifically, the system control unit 20 has supplied an operation signal indicating that the user has touched the touch panel 18b of the operation unit 18 or has selected a print job generated by selection on the terminal. Determine whether or not.

  If it is determined in step S304 that any one of the displayed print job lists has been selected (YES), it is determined whether a print start is requested (step S305). Specifically, the system control unit 20 has been supplied with an operation signal for requesting the start of printing generated by the user pressing the start button 18a of the operation unit 18 or performing a start instruction on the terminal. Determine whether or not.

If it is determined in step S305 that the start of printing has been requested, it is determined whether the selected print job is a secure printing process (step S306). Specifically, the system control unit 20 performs security printing processing when the processing classification code related to the selected print job is “1” based on the print data stored in the print data storage unit 14d. If the process classification code is “0”, it is determined that the print process is normal printing.
If it is determined in step S306 that the print process is not secure print processing, that is, normal print processing (NO), the image formation control unit 20c causes the image formation unit 20e to generate an output image (step S307). Specifically, the image forming unit 20e generates an output image to be printed by the printing unit 15 based on the print image data of the selected print job in accordance with an instruction from the image formation control unit 20c.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that the security printing process is being performed (YES), the security image formation control unit 20d determines whether the template image is usable (step S308). Specifically, the security image formation control unit 20d extracts a template number related to the print job selected in the printing step S303 based on the print data stored in the print data storage unit 14d, and the template storage unit 14b. Whether or not the user ID input in step S301 is registered as a usable user ID for the extracted template number is determined based on the template information stored in step S301.

  If it is determined in step S308 that the template image is unusable (NO), the security image formation control unit 20d moves the process to step S320.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S308 that the template image is usable (in the case of YES), the security image formation control unit 20d outputs the output image to the image forming unit 20e by the processing of the following steps S309 to S312. Let it form.

  Specifically, the image forming unit 20e reads a template image related to the template number of the selected print job based on the template information stored in the template storage unit 14b in accordance with an instruction from the security image formation control unit 20d. (Step S309).

  Further, the image forming unit 20e reads a signature image related to the user ID of the selected print job based on the signature image information stored in the signature storage unit 14c (step S310).

  Then, the image forming unit 20e generates an output image by superimposing the signature image read in Step S310 and the document data of the selected print job on the template image read in Step S309 (Step S309). S311).

  Next, the image forming unit 20e causes the printing unit 15 to print the output image generated in step S311 (step S312).

  As described above, when the security printing process is requested by executing the print output process by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the process classification code and the template included in the supplied request signal are used. Since the output image is generated based on the number and the document data, spoofing by a third party can be prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the printing unit 15 performs printing based on the generated output image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the output image generated by the image forming unit 20 e of the system control unit 20 may be transmitted to the facsimile machine 7 connected via the network 9. Thereby, FAX transmission by impersonation of a third party can be prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the output image is generated based on the data transmitted from the terminal 3 connected via the network 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an output image may be generated based on data stored in the external memory 4 or data read by the scanner 6.

  By performing the above-described operation on the data read by the scanner 6, it is possible to prevent a confidential document from being copied, and it is possible to further improve confidentiality as an image forming machine.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming system 10 in which the image forming apparatus 1, the terminal 3, and the facsimile 7 are connected via the network 9 has been described as an example.

  However, when the storage capacity of the hard disk 33 of the image forming apparatus 1 is small or when a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 are connected to the network 9, template information and signature images are used to save storage capacity and to centrally manage data. The information may be stored in a server connected to the network 9.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, an image forming system 10A in which an image forming apparatus 1A, a terminal 3, a server 5, and a facsimile machine 7 are connected via a network 9 will be described as an example.

<Configuration of image forming system>
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in an image forming system 10 </ b> A, an image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A, a terminal 3, a server 5, and a facsimile machine 7 are connected via a network 9. In addition, a scanner 6 and an external memory 4 are connected to the image forming apparatus 1. Among these configurations, the terminal 3, the facsimile 7, the scanner 6, and the external memory 4 are included in the image forming system 10 to which the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Since the configurations are the same as those denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is omitted.

  Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 1A includes a network interface unit 11, an external memory reading unit 12, an external interface unit 13, a storage unit 14A, a printing unit 15, an operation unit 18, and a system control unit 20. The components other than the storage unit 14 </ b> A are the same as those provided in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and are not described here.

  The storage unit 14A is configured by a hard disk or the like, and includes a user information storage unit 14a and a print data storage unit 14d as functional blocks. Each configuration is an image forming apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The configuration of one storage unit 14 is the same as the configuration with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the server 5 includes a CPU 51, a memory 52, and a hard disk 53, and each is connected via a bus 54.

  The hard disk 53 stores an operation system executed by the CPU 51 and various programs. The hard disk 53 includes a template storage unit 53a and a signature storage unit 53b.

  The template storage unit 53a stores a template image, a template number that uniquely identifies the template image, and a user ID that can use the template image in association with each other as template information.

  The signature storage unit 53b stores the signature image and the user ID in association with each other as signature image information.

  The memory 52 is composed of a volatile semiconductor or the like, and temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 51 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 51 performs central control of the terminal 3. Further, when a request signal for requesting transmission of a template image or a request signal for requesting transmission of a signature image is supplied from the image forming apparatus 1A, the CPU 51 displays a template image or a signature image according to the request signal. Send.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the template image and the signature image are not stored in the storage unit 14A, and therefore can be applied even when the storage capacity of the storage unit 14A is small. Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, since the template image and the signature image are stored in the server 5, the template can be used even when a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1A are connected to the network 9. Images and signature images can be centrally managed in the network 9.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A ... Image forming apparatus 3 ... Terminal 4 ... External memory 5 ... Server 6 ... Scanner 7 ... Facsimile 10, 10A ... Image forming system 11 ... Network interface part 12 ... External memory reading part 13 ... External interface part 14, 14A ... Storage unit 14a ... User information storage unit 14b ... Template storage unit 14c ... Signature storage unit 14d ... Print data storage unit 15 ... Printing unit 18 ... Operation unit 20 ... System control unit 20a ... Authentication unit 20b ... Image approximation determination unit 20c ... Image formation control unit 20d ... Security image formation control unit 20e ... Image formation unit 31 ... CPU
31a ... Transmission data generation unit 31b ... Transmission control unit 32 ... Memory 33 ... Hard disk 33a ... Authentication information storage unit 51 ... CPU
52 ... Memory 53 ... Hard disk 53a ... Template storage unit 53b ... Signature storage unit

Claims (4)

Template storage means for storing a template image in which a layout of the format is defined;
Signature storage means for storing a signature image, which is imaged user signature information;
An image forming unit that executes an image forming process for forming an output image based on data supplied from the outside;
Image approximation determination means for determining whether an image approximated to the template image or an image approximated to the signature image is included in the image included in the data when image formation is requested When,
Image forming control means for prohibiting image forming processing by the image forming means when it is determined by the image approximation determining means that an image approximating the template image or an image approximating the signature image is included. When,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image formation control means
When the image approximation determination unit determines that an image that approximates the template image or an image that approximates the signature image is included, the display unit displays that the image formation request is invalid The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The signature storage means
Storing the signature image in association with a user ID for uniquely identifying the user as signature image information;
The template storage means includes
The template image, a template number that uniquely identifies the template image, and the user ID that can use the template image are associated and stored as template information.
When security image formation is requested, a template image related to a user ID and a template number included in the data is read based on the template information, and included in the data based on the signature image information. Security image formation control means for reading a signature image associated with a user ID and causing the image forming means to form an output image based on the read template image and signature image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an output image, and a server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network,
The server
Template storage means for storing a template image in which a layout of the format is defined;
Signature storage means for storing a signature image which is the imaged signature information of the user,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming unit that executes an image forming process for forming an output image based on data supplied from the outside;
When image formation is requested, the image included in the data includes an image approximating the template image stored in the template storage unit of the server or the signature image stored in the signature storage unit. Image approximation determination means for determining whether or not the image being included is included;
Image forming control means for prohibiting image forming processing by the image forming means when it is determined by the image approximation determining means that an image approximating the template image or an image approximating the signature image is included. And an image forming system.

Images