JP2011141795A - Printing management system and printing management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing management system and a printing management method which are used for outputting a printed matter while ensuring information security. <P>SOLUTION: A control part 11 in a client terminal 10 executes biometric authentication processing. When a user management server 30 completes authentication, the control part 11 in the client terminal 10 executes terminal log-in processing. When acquiring an instruction to print a prepared document file, the control part 11 transmits a print job to a printing server 40. In printing, a control part 21 in a printing authentication terminal 20 executes biometric authentication processing. When the user management server 30 completes authentication, the control part 21 in the printing authentication terminal 20 acquires a print job name and selects a print job. When a printer is selected, the control part 21 issues an output instruction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print management system and a print management method used when outputting printed matter in a state where information security is ensured.

  A printing apparatus is used to print various document files. Further, there may be a case where a plurality of users can be shared by connecting a printing apparatus to a network to which a client terminal is connected. As described above, when the printing apparatus is shared, the printing apparatus is installed at a location away from the client terminal. For this reason, before going to get the printed matter, the contents of the printed matter may be seen by other people or taken away by mistake. The printed matter may contain information that you do not want to be seen by others, so handle it carefully so that it does not leak.

  In order to improve security, a printing apparatus having a confidential function has been developed (security printing). In this printing apparatus, user authentication information such as a user identifier and a password is added to the output data and transmitted to the printing apparatus. In this case, the output data is temporarily stored in the printing apparatus, and the user's authentication information is input to the printing apparatus, whereby the output data stored only by the authenticated user can be printed.

  A technique for improving the security of the printing apparatus and improving the operability at the time of user authentication has been studied (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the print output system described in this document, output data to be printed is stored in a security key in which user authentication information is registered in a user terminal. When the user connects the security key to the printing apparatus and presses the start key, the fingerprint information of the user is input as authentication information by the authentication information input unit provided in the start key. The input authentication information and the authentication information registered in the security key are authenticated and user authentication is performed. When the user is authenticated, the output data is read from the security key and printed out.

  In addition, a technique for improving the efficiency of printing processing has been studied (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the technique described in this document, print data created by a personal computer is encrypted with an encryption key and transmitted to the MFP via the LAN. On the other hand, the fingerprint information of the user is obtained from the fingerprint authentication unit of the personal computer, and the fingerprint data is recorded on the RFID card (recording medium) together with the encryption key. When an RFID card is held and the MFP approaches the MFP, the encryption key and fingerprint data recorded on the RFID card are transmitted to the MFP. After authentication, a print preparation process is performed, and the preparation process is performed before an actual print instruction. Done.

  Furthermore, when a large amount of output has to be performed, it may be necessary to wait for a long time after the password is input in front of the printer until the processing is completed. Therefore, a technique for improving the reliability of maintaining confidentiality of important documents has been studied (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The document printing apparatus described in this document includes a mailbox having a number of bins that can be locked independently. Then, in accordance with an instruction from its own operation unit or a remote personal computer, one or a plurality of bins corresponding to the locked state are set, and a printing process is performed.

JP 2004-355244 A (first page, FIG. 1) JP 2006-338307 A (first page, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-81543 (first page, FIG. 1)

  In the security printing that authenticates the user with a password, if the password is forgotten, it cannot be output. Further, when performing user authentication using a user's recording medium, it is necessary to always carry the recording medium. If the recording medium is lost, there is a possibility that others will output it, which is a security problem.

  Further, in the case of biometric authentication, only the authenticated person can output, so security can be improved. However, since only the print instructor himself / herself can output, it is inconvenient when the person cannot go to get it.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a print management system and a print management method that are used when a printed matter is output in a state in which information security is ensured.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to a print instructing device for instructing printing of a document file, a print information storage unit for storing a print job of a document file to be printed, a document file A print management system configured to include a print management device that manages printing, wherein the print instruction device performs personal authentication using biometric information, and identifies a user identifier based on the personal authentication And a means for recording the user identifier as printed matter collectr information in association with a print job for the document file in the print information storage means when a document file print instruction is issued, and the print management apparatus Means for performing user authentication and identifying a user identifier based on the user authentication, and printing in which the user identifier is registered as printed matter collector information Means for obtaining a job from the print information storage means, and summarized in that a section for executing a print providing processing in connected printing apparatus to the print management device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to the first aspect, the printing instruction apparatus further comprises agent candidate information storage means for storing an agent identifier of an agent candidate with respect to a user identifier. Further comprising means for specifying an agent identifier associated with the user identifier of the user who issued the print instruction from the agent candidate information storage unit, and using the agent identifier as a printed matter collection for the print job. When the agent management process for adding the agent information is performed and the print management apparatus authenticates the agent identifier, the agent identifier that has completed the authentication is registered as the printed material collector information. The gist is to execute the printed matter providing process for a print job.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to the second aspect, the print instruction device specifies a security level of a document file to be printed, and registration of an agent is permitted at the security level. The gist is to execute the agent registration process only when there is.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to the second or third aspect, the print instruction device associates with the user identifier of the user who issued the print instruction in the agent candidate information storage means. The gist of the invention is to output the received agent identifier as an agent candidate to the print instruction apparatus, and execute the agent registration process for the agent selected from the agent candidates.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the print instruction device is an agent associated with the user identifier of the user who issued the print instruction. The gist is to obtain work status information for an identifier, and to execute the agent registration process for a proxy identifier of a candidate agent who can respond based on the work status information.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the print management system according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the printed matter collection instruction is transmitted to the agent registered in the agent registration process. And

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, when the printed matter for the print job is collected, the print job is associated with another print job. The gist of the invention is to identify a printed matter collector and send a printed matter collection completion notice to the printed matter collector.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in the printed matter providing process, a print job is issued in the printing apparatus after the personal authentication in the print management apparatus. The gist is to do it.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in the printed matter providing process, a print job is executed in a printing apparatus installed in a lockable security area. The present invention is further characterized by further comprising means for unlocking the security area after the personal authentication in the print management apparatus.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to the ninth aspect, when the print management apparatus detects completion of execution of a print job in the printing apparatus installed in the security area, the print management apparatus associates the job with the job. The present invention is further characterized by further comprising means for transmitting a print completion notice to a printed material collector.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print instructing device that instructs to print a document file, a print information storage unit that stores a print job of a document file to be printed, and a print management device that manages printing of the document file. A method of performing print management using a print management system configured to include a step in which the print instruction apparatus performs personal authentication using biometric information and specifies a user identifier based on the personal authentication; And, when a document file print instruction is issued, executing the step of recording the user identifier as printed matter collector information in association with a print job of the document file in the print information storage means, and the print management device However, the user authentication is performed and the user identifier is specified based on the user authentication, and the user identifier is registered as the printed matter collector information. A step of acquiring the printing job from the print information storage means, and summarized in that to perform the steps of performing a print providing processing in connected printing apparatus to the print management device.

(Function)
According to the invention described in claim 1 or 11, the print instruction apparatus performs the personal authentication using the biometric information, and specifies the user identifier based on the personal authentication. When a document file print instruction is issued, the user identifier is recorded in the print information storage means in association with the print job of the document file as printed matter collectr information. Further, the print management apparatus performs user authentication, and specifies a user identifier based on the user authentication. Then, a print job in which the user identifier is registered as the printed material collector information is acquired from the printing information storage unit, and the printed material providing process is executed in the printing device connected to the printing management device. Thereby, a printed matter can be provided based on biometric authentication.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the print instruction apparatus specifies the agent identifier associated with the user identifier of the user who has issued the print instruction from the agent candidate information storage unit. Then, an agent registration process for adding the agent identifier to the printed matter collector information about the print job is executed. In addition, when the print management apparatus performs the personal authentication for the agent identifier, the printed material providing process is executed for the print job in which the agent identifier that has completed the personal authentication is registered as the printed material collector information. Thereby, while ensuring security using biometric information, the freedom degree at the time of collection | recovery of printed matter is ensured, and the convenience of a print instruction person can be improved.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the print instruction device specifies the security level of the document file to be printed. Then, only when the registration of the agent is permitted at the security level, the agent registration process is executed. As a result, it is possible to set the degree of freedom when collecting printed matter according to the document file to be printed.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the print instruction apparatus prints, as the agent candidate, the agent identifier associated with the user identifier of the user who has issued the print instruction in the agent candidate information storage means. Output to the device. Then, the agent registration process is executed for the agent selected from the agent candidates. Thereby, the print instructor can determine the agent.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the print instruction apparatus acquires work status information regarding the agent identifier associated with the user identifier of the user who issued the print instruction. Then, the agent registration process is executed for the agent identifier of the agent candidate that can be handled based on the work status information. Thereby, the agent can be determined based on the working situation of the agent candidate.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the printed matter collection instruction is transmitted to the agent registered in the agent registration process. Thereby, it is possible to request the agent to collect the printed matter.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the printed material is collected for the print job, the other printed material collectors associated with the print job are identified, and the printed material collection is completed for the printed material collector. Send a notification. Thereby, even when a plurality of printed matter collectors are registered, it is possible to grasp the completion of the collection, and thus it is possible to prevent duplication of the collection work.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printed matter providing process, the print job is executed in the printing apparatus after the personal authentication in the print management apparatus. As a result, printing can be performed under the control of the printed matter collector.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the printed matter providing process, the print job is executed in the printing apparatus installed in the lockable security area. Then, after the personal authentication in the print management apparatus, the security area is unlocked. As a result, it is possible to perform printing before arrival of the printed matter collector while ensuring security.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the print management apparatus detects the completion of execution of the print job in the printing apparatus installed in the security area, the print completion notification is sent to the printed matter collector associated with the print job. Send. Thereby, the printed matter collection person can grasp the collection timing of the printed matter.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a print management system and a print management method that are used when a printed matter is output in a state where information security is ensured.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a print management system according to the embodiment of this invention. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of functional blocks of the print management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 5A is a client terminal, and FIG. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of 3rd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of 4th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of 5th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the printing management system of 6th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence in the client terminal of 6th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence in the print server of 6th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence in the gate management server of 6th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a print management system embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a case where a document file created in the client terminal 10 is output from the printer 50 will be described. In the present embodiment, the client terminal 10 is connected to the print authentication terminal 20, the user management server 30, the print server 40, and the printer 50 via a network.

  The client terminal 10 functions as a print instruction device and is a computer terminal used when instructing printing of a document file. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user logs in at the client terminal 10, creates a document file, and outputs the created document file at the printer 50. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the client terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, a biological information acquisition unit 14, and the like.

The input unit 12 is a device for inputting various types of information, and uses a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like.
The display unit 13 is a device for outputting various information, and uses a display or the like.

  The biometric information acquisition unit 14 is a device for acquiring biometric information of a user, and uses a fingerprint scanner in this embodiment. The biometric information acquisition unit 14 calculates a feature amount (fingerprint information as biometric information) using a user's fingerprint image.

  The control unit 11 includes control means (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.) and performs processing (each processing such as a login management stage, a personal authentication stage, an application execution stage, and a printer control stage) described later. By executing various programs for this purpose, the control unit 11 functions as a login management unit 111, a personal authentication unit 112, an application execution unit 113, and a printer control unit 114, as shown in FIG.

  The login management unit 111 executes a login authentication process for using the client terminal 10. Specifically, when the user management server 30 confirms the usage authority, the login management unit 111 holds the login authenticated user identifier and permits the use of the client terminal 10.

  The personal authentication unit 112 executes processing for confirming the usage authority of the user in the user management server 30. Specifically, when the biometric information acquisition unit 14 acquires the operator's biometric information (in this case, fingerprint information), the personal authentication unit 112 confirms the user's usage authority in the user management server 30.

The application execution unit 113 executes control processing for various applications stored in the client terminal 10.
The printer control unit 114 executes a process of outputting a print condition setting screen when a print instruction is input while using the application. This print condition setting screen is provided with input fields for setting a print target page, the number of print copies, a print paper size, and a print format. Then, the printer control unit 114 generates print execution data for printing the document file on the print condition setting screen based on the set print conditions, and transmits the generated print execution data to the print server 40.

  The print authentication terminal 20 functions as a print management apparatus, and is a computer terminal used when a document file to be printed is designated and the printer 50 is instructed to start printing. The print authentication terminal 20 is installed near the printer 50. As shown in FIG. 2B, the print authentication terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a biometric information acquisition unit 24, and the like.

Similar to the input unit 12, the input unit 22 is a device for inputting various information, and uses a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like.
Similar to the display unit 13, the display unit 23 is a device for outputting various types of information, and uses a display or the like.

  The biometric information acquisition unit 24 is a device for acquiring biometric information of a user, like the biometric information acquisition unit 14, and uses a fingerprint scanner in this embodiment. The biometric information acquisition unit 24 calculates a feature amount (biometric information) using the fingerprint image of the user.

  The control unit 21 includes control means (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.), and performs processes (each process such as a personal authentication stage, a job information acquisition stage, a print instruction stage, etc.) described later. By executing various programs for this purpose, the control unit 21 functions as a print instruction unit 211, a personal authentication unit 212, and a job information acquisition unit 213 as shown in FIG.

  The print instruction unit 211 acquires a print job designated by the user from the print server 40 and executes a print execution instruction process for the printer 50. Therefore, the print instruction unit 211 holds identification information of the printer 50 that can be controlled by the print authentication terminal 20.

  The personal authentication unit 212 executes processing for confirming the user's usage authority in the user management server 30. Specifically, when the biometric information acquisition unit 24 acquires the operator's biometric information (in this case, fingerprint information), the personal authentication means 212 confirms the user's usage authority in the user management server 30.

  The job information acquisition unit 213 executes processing for acquiring job information of a print job for which the user has issued a print instruction. Specifically, the job information acquisition unit 213 requests the print server 40 for job information regarding a print job associated with the user identifier whose personal authentication has been completed. The job information acquisition unit 213 displays a list of job information acquired from the print server 40 on the display unit 23.

  The user management server 30 is a computer system that stores information for authenticating a user. In the present embodiment, the user management server 30 includes a user information storage unit 32. The user information storage unit 32 stores user information in which user identifiers are registered in association with biometric information (in this embodiment, fingerprint information). The user management server 30 acquires biometric information from the client terminal 10 and the print authentication terminal 20, and performs user authentication by searching the user information storage unit 32 for a user identifier corresponding to the biometric information. Then, the user management server 30 returns an authentication result to the client terminal 10 or the print authentication terminal 20. Here, when the user identifier corresponding to the biometric information can be specified in the user information storage unit 32, this user identifier is included in the authentication result. On the other hand, when the user identifier corresponding to the biometric information cannot be specified in the user information storage unit 32, a message indicating that authentication could not be performed (authentication impossible flag) is included in the authentication result.

  The print server 40 is a computer system that functions as print information storage means and stores print execution data for which a print instruction has been issued at the client terminal 10. The print server 40 includes a control unit 41 and a print job storage unit 42. The print job storage unit 42 stores print jobs acquired from the client terminals 10. This print job includes data related to a user identifier and a document file name as printed matter collector information with respect to print execution data.

  The printer 50 is a printing device that forms an image on a print sheet and outputs a printed matter based on a print job. In this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) is used.

Next, the operation in this print management system will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the printing instruction process and the printed matter collection process are performed in this order.
(Print instruction processing)
First, a process for instructing printing will be described.

  Here, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs biometric authentication processing (step S1-1). When the user activates the client terminal 10, the login management unit 111 of the control unit 11 outputs a login screen to the display unit 13. On the login screen, an instruction for reading the fingerprint in the biometric information acquisition unit 14 is displayed. When the biometric information acquisition unit 14 reads the fingerprint of the user, the feature amount (biometric information) is calculated from the fingerprint image. Then, the personal authentication unit 112 transmits the biometric information acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 14 to the user management server 30. In this case, the user management server 30 searches for user information using the biological information acquired from the client terminal 10. Here, when the user information in which the biometric information is recorded in the user information storage unit 32 cannot be acquired, the user management server 30 gives an authentication result including an authentication impossible flag to the client terminal 10. Send. In this case, the client terminal 10 outputs a message indicating that the personal authentication could not be performed and rejects the login. On the other hand, when user information corresponding to the biometric information is acquired in the user information storage unit 32, the user management server 30 transmits an authentication result including a user identifier corresponding to the biometric information to the client terminal 10.

  Next, the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs a terminal login process (step S1-2). Specifically, the personal authentication unit 112 of the control unit 11 supplies the user identifier acquired from the user management server 30 to the login management unit 111. And the login management means 111 permits the login in the client terminal 10 in the utilization authority of a user identifier.

Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes document creation processing (step S1).
-3). Specifically, the user activates a desired application program stored in the client terminal 10. As a result, the application execution unit 113 of the control unit 11 is activated, and the application execution unit 113 generates a document file based on a user operation.

  Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a print instruction process (step S1-4). Specifically, the application execution unit 113 of the control unit 11 activates the printer control unit 114 when detecting a print instruction for a document file. In this case, the printer control unit 114 outputs a print condition setting screen to the display unit 13. Then, the user sets various conditions on the print condition setting screen and selects a print execution button.

  Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a print job transmission process (step S1-5). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 generates print execution data for printing the document file based on the set printing conditions. Then, the printer control unit 114 transmits a print job including print execution data to the print server 40. In this case, the printer control unit 114 assigns a document file name as the job name of the print job, acquires a user identifier from the login management unit 111, and includes it in the print job. The print server 40 that has received the print job stores the print job acquired from the client terminal 10 in the print job storage unit 42.

(Printed material collection processing)
Next, processing when printing is performed and the printed material is collected will be described. In this case, the user (printed material collection person) moves to the place where the print authentication terminal 20 is installed.

  And the control part 21 of the printing authentication terminal 20 performs a biometrics authentication process (step S2-1). Specifically, the print instruction unit 211 of the control unit 21 outputs an output authentication screen to the display unit 23. On the output authentication screen, an instruction for reading the fingerprint in the biometric information acquisition unit 24 is displayed. When the biometric information acquisition unit 24 reads the fingerprint of the user, the feature amount (biometric information) is calculated from the fingerprint image. Then, the personal authentication unit 212 transmits the biometric information acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 24 to the user management server 30. The user management server 30 searches for user information using the biometric information acquired from the print authentication terminal 20. Here, when the user information in which the biometric information is recorded in the user information storage unit 32 cannot be acquired, the user management server 30 authenticates the print authentication terminal 20 including an authentication impossible flag. Send. In this case, the print authentication terminal 20 outputs a message indicating that personal authentication could not be performed and rejects printing. On the other hand, when the user information corresponding to the biometric information can be acquired in the user information storage unit 32, the user management server 30 transmits the authentication result including the user identifier corresponding to the biometric information to the print authentication terminal 20. .

  Next, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes print job name acquisition processing (step S2-2). Specifically, the personal authentication unit 212 of the control unit 21 supplies the user identifier acquired from the user management server 30 to the job information acquisition unit 213. The job information acquisition unit 213 accesses the print server 40 and searches the print job storage unit 42 for a print job including the authenticated user identifier. Then, the job information acquisition unit 213 acquires the job name (document file name) of the print job associated with the user identifier. Next, the job information acquisition unit 213 generates a job selection screen on which the acquired job names are displayed as a list, and outputs the job selection screen to the display unit 23. This job selection screen includes an icon (job selection button) for selecting each print job desired to be output. If no print job associated with the authenticated user identifier is registered in the print job storage unit 42, a message indicating that there is no job that can be output is output to the print authentication terminal 20.

  Next, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes print job selection processing (step S2-3). Specifically, the user selects a desired print job from the list displayed on the job selection screen. When the job selection button is selected on the job selection screen, the job information acquisition unit 213 of the control unit 21 supplies the selected job name to the print instruction unit 211. Then, the print instruction unit 211 acquires the print execution data with this job name from the print server 40.

  Next, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes a printer selection process (step S2-4). Specifically, the print instruction unit 211 of the control unit 21 accesses each controllable printer 50 and acquires operating state information. The print instruction unit 211 generates a printer selection screen that displays a list of the active printers 50 and outputs the printer selection screen to the display unit 23. This printer selection screen includes an icon (printer selection button) for selecting the printer 50 desired to be output.

  Next, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes an output instruction process (step S2-5). Specifically, the user selects a desired printer 50 from the list displayed on the printer selection screen. When the printer selection button is selected on the printer selection screen, the print instruction unit 211 of the control unit 21 transmits print execution data to the designated printer 50. Then, as a printed matter providing process, the printer 50 executes an image forming process on the printing paper based on the print execution data acquired from the print authentication terminal 20, and outputs the generated printed matter.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs a biometric authentication process (step S1-1). Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a print instruction process (step S1-4) and a print job transmission process (step S1-5). In this case, in the print server 40, the print job associated with the user identifier that has been login-authenticated based on the biometric information is accumulated. And the control part 21 of the printing authentication terminal 20 performs a biometrics authentication process (step S2-1). Thereby, since the person who collects printed matter is specified by biometric authentication, the printed matter can be efficiently collected while maintaining security.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes a print job selection process (step S2-3). Thereby, even when a print instruction is given for a plurality of document files, only a desired document file can be selected and output.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes a printer selection process (step S2-4). Accordingly, it is possible to select and output an appropriate printer according to the operating status of the printer.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which printing is performed based only on biometric authentication. The second embodiment has a configuration in which only the personal authentication method of the first embodiment is changed, and detailed description of the same parts is omitted. In this embodiment, the user management server 30 registers this user authentication method in association with the user identifier. Here, for example, an authentication method flag for specifying either “biometric authentication” or “card authentication” as an authentication method is recorded. In the user information recorded in the user information storage unit 32, biometric information is registered for the subject of “biometric authentication” in association with the user identifier, and the person is identified for the subject of “card authentication”. Register a password for authentication.

  The print authentication terminal 20 is further provided with a card information acquisition unit. The card information acquisition unit is an apparatus for acquiring information recorded on a card carried by the user, and a wireless card reader is used in this embodiment.

  First, when printing is instructed, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a personal authentication process (step S3-1). Specifically, the login management unit 111 of the control unit 11 outputs a login screen to the display unit 13. In this case, the user can use either biometric authentication or password authentication. When performing biometric authentication, the personal authentication unit 112 of the control unit 11 executes authentication processing in the user management server 30 using biometric information, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when performing password authentication, the login management unit 111 of the control unit 11 acquires the user identifier and password input on the login screen of the display unit 13. Then, the personal authentication unit 112 executes an authentication process in the user management server 30 using the user identifier and the password.

  Similarly to steps S1-2 to S1-5, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs terminal login processing (step S3-2), document creation processing (step S3-3), and print instruction processing (step S3- 4) A print job transmission process (step S3-5) is executed.

Next, a process for executing printing will be described.
Here, when the user uses biometric authentication, as in step S2-1, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes biometric authentication processing (step S4-1). In this case, the personal authentication unit 212 transmits the biometric information to the user management server 30. The user management server 30 searches for user information using the biometric information acquired from the print authentication terminal 20. Here, when the user information corresponding to the biometric information can be acquired in the user information storage unit 32, the user management server 30 confirms that the authentication method specified in the user information is biometric authentication. . Here, when the authentication method is different from the authentication method recorded in the user information, the user management server 30 transmits an authentication result including an authentication impossible flag. On the other hand, if the authentication method matches the authentication method recorded in the user information, the user management server 30 transmits an authentication result including the user identifier corresponding to the biometric information to the print authentication terminal 20.

  On the other hand, when the user uses card authentication, a card carried by the user is held over the card information acquisition unit. In this case, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 executes card authentication processing (step S4-2). Specifically, when the card information acquisition unit reads the user's card, the print instruction unit 211 of the control unit 21 outputs an output authentication screen to the display unit 23. This output authentication screen is provided with a password input field, and an instruction for setting a password is displayed in this input field.

When the card information acquisition unit reads the user identifier recorded on the user's card and the password is set in the input field of the output authentication screen, the personal authentication means 212 of the control unit 21 uses the user identifier and the password. It transmits to the user management server 30. The user management server 30 searches for user information using the user identifier and password acquired from the print authentication terminal 20. Here, when the user information in which the user identifier and the password are recorded cannot be acquired in the user information storage unit 32, the user management server 30 includes an authentication impossible flag for the print authentication terminal 20. Send the authentication result. In this case, the print authentication terminal 20 outputs a message indicating that personal authentication could not be performed and rejects printing. On the other hand, when the user information corresponding to the user identifier and password can be acquired in the user information storage unit 32, the user management server 30 confirms that the authentication method specified in the user information is card authentication. Check. Only when the authentication method matches the authentication method recorded in the user information, the user management server 30 transmits the authentication result including the user identifier to the print authentication terminal 20.

  When the personal authentication is completed, the control unit 21 of the print authentication terminal 20 performs the print job name acquisition process (step S4-3) and the print job selection process (step S4-3) as in steps S2-2 to S2-5. Step S4-4), printer selection processing (step S4-5), and output instruction processing (step S4-6) are executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(4) In the said embodiment, the control part 21 of the printing authentication terminal 20 performs a biometrics authentication process (step S4-1) or a card | curd authentication process (step S4-2). In the case of biometric authentication, biometric authentication may be difficult depending on the user's condition and the like. Therefore, personal authentication can be performed by using both biometric authentication and card authentication.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first and second embodiments, the case where the print job is transmitted based on the login information of the client terminal 10 has been described. In the third embodiment, only the authentication method at the time of printing instruction in the first embodiment is changed, and detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  Here, similarly to Steps S1-1 to S1-4, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs biometric authentication processing (Step S5-1), terminal login processing (Step S5-2), and document creation processing (Step S5-3), a print instruction process (step S5-4) is executed.

  When the print instruction is acquired, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes biometric information acquisition processing (step S5-5). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 outputs an identity confirmation screen to the display unit 13. On this person confirmation screen, an instruction for reading the fingerprint in the biometric information acquisition unit 14 is displayed. When the biometric information acquisition unit 14 reads the fingerprint of the user, the feature amount (biometric information) is calculated from the fingerprint image. Then, the personal authentication unit 112 transmits the biometric information acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 14 to the user management server 30. The user management server 30 searches for user information using the biological information acquired from the client terminal 10. Here, when the user information in which the biometric information is recorded in the user information storage unit 32 cannot be acquired, the user management server 30 gives an authentication result including an authentication impossible flag to the client terminal 10. Send. In this case, the client terminal 10 outputs a message indicating that personal authentication could not be performed, and rejects printing. On the other hand, when user information corresponding to the biometric information can be acquired in the user information storage unit 32, the user management server 30 transmits an authentication result including a user identifier corresponding to the biometric information to the client terminal 10.

  Next, the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs the determination process about whether it is a login person himself (step S5-6). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 acquires a user identifier (user identifier of the login user) at the time of login authentication from the login management unit 111. Then, the printer control unit 114 determines whether or not the user is the login user by comparing the user identifier acquired in step S5-5 (the user identifier of the print instructor) with the user identifier of the login user. .

When it is determined that the user identifier of the login user and the user identifier of the print instructor do not match and it is determined that the user is not the login user (“NO” in step S5-6), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 Executes print rejection processing (step S5-7). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 outputs a message for refusing output to the display unit 13.

  On the other hand, if the user identifier of the login user matches the user identifier of the print instructor and it is determined that the user is the login user (“YES” in step S5-6), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 Executes a print job transmission process in the same manner as in step S1-5 (step S5-8).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(5) In the above embodiment, when the print instruction is acquired, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a biometric information acquisition process (step S5-5). If the user identifier of the login user and the user identifier of the print instructor do not match and it is determined that the user is not the login user (“NO” in step S5-6), control of the client terminal 10 The unit 11 executes a print rejection process (step S5-7). As a result, if the print instructor is different from the login person, printing cannot be performed. For example, after logging in to the client terminal 10, it is possible to prevent others from printing using the client terminal 10 when the logged-in person is absent, thereby further improving security.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first to third embodiments, the case where the print instructor himself performs printing at the print authentication terminal 20 has been described. In the fourth embodiment, collection of printed matter in the third embodiment is allowed even by an agent other than the print instructor, and detailed description of similar parts is omitted.

  In this embodiment, an agent setting unit is provided in the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10. This agent setting means executes a process for setting an agent for collecting printed materials according to the security level of the document file to be printed. For this reason, the agent setting means holds a security level (a proxyable level) that allows setting of the agent.

  In this embodiment, a security level is set in the properties of the document file to be printed. In the present embodiment, a higher security level is set for a document file with high confidentiality.

  Further, the user management server 30 functions as agent candidate information storage means, and for each user identifier, the user identifier (agent identifier), name, and contact address of the agent candidate are recorded. The contact information may be any one that can identify the terminal used by the agent in order to contact the agent. For example, the IP address of the client terminal 10 or the login ID of the agent can be used. As the agent candidate, a related person (for example, a user secretary or a user belonging to the same business group) having a strong relationship with the print instructor is set.

  Here, similarly to Steps S1-1 to S1-4, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs biometric authentication processing (Step S6-1), terminal login processing (Step S6-2), and document creation processing (Step S6-3), a print instruction process (step S6-4) is executed.

  Then, similarly to steps S5-5 to S5-7, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 obtains biometric information (step S6-5) and determines whether or not the user is the login user (step S6-6). When it is determined that the user is not the logged-in user (“NO” in step S6-6), a print rejection process (step S6-7) is executed.

  When the user identifier of the log-in user and the user identifier of the print instructor match and it is determined that the user is the log-in user (“YES” in step S6-6), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 A document security level specifying process is executed (step S6-8). Specifically, the agent setting unit of the control unit 11 acquires the security level recorded in the properties of the document file to be printed.

  Next, the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs the determination process about whether a proxy setting is possible (step S6-9). Specifically, the agent setting unit of the control unit 11 compares the security level of the document file to be printed with the proxyable level.

  If the security level of the document file to be printed is lower than the proxyable level and proxy setting is possible (“YES” in step S6-9), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs proxy candidate output processing Is executed (step S6-10). Specifically, the agent setting means of the control unit 11 accesses the user management server 30, and the user identifier, name, and contact information registered as candidate agents for the user identifier of this print instruction person To get. Then, the agent setting unit generates an agent confirmation screen on which the agent identifier acquired from the user management server 30 is displayed as a candidate agent and outputs it to the display unit 13. The agent confirmation screen includes an icon (agent confirmation button) for selecting or confirming the agent.

  Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes an agent setting process (step S6-11). Specifically, the user confirms the agent displayed on the agent confirmation screen and selects the agent confirmation button. When the agent confirmation button is selected on the agent confirmation screen, the agent setting unit of the control unit 11 acquires the user identifier of the selected agent. In this embodiment, a plurality of agents can be set. In this case, the agent setting means acquires user identifiers of all selected agents.

  Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a notification process to the agent (step S6-12). Specifically, the agent setting unit of the control unit 11 transmits a message indicating that the agent has been selected as an agent for collecting printed materials to the contact information of the selected agent.

  Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a print job transmission process (step S6-13). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 transmits a print job to the print server 40 as in step S1-5. In this case, the printer control unit 114 registers the agent by including the user identifier of the selected agent acquired from the login management unit 111 together with the user identifier of the selected agent in the print job as print collection person information. Execute the process.

  If the security level of the document file to be printed is higher than the proxyable level and the proxy setting cannot be permitted (in the case of “NO” in step S6-9), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs step S6-10. -The process of step S6-12 is skipped. In this case, in the print job transmission process (step S6-13), the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 uses the user identifier of the print instructor acquired from the login management unit 111 as in step S1-5. Are included in this print job.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(6) In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes an agent candidate output process (step S6-10) and an agent setting process (step S6-11). Thereby, an agent can be set in the collection of printed matter. For example, when the print instructor cannot collect the printed matter, the agent registration process can request the related person who is strongly related to the print instructor to collect the printed matter.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes the document security level specifying process (step S6-8). And the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs the determination process about whether a proxy setting is possible (step S6-9). If the security level of the document file to be printed is lower than the proxyable level and proxy setting is possible (“YES” in step S6-9), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs proxy candidate output processing Is executed (step S6-10). Thereby, the setting of the agent can be controlled according to the contents of the document file to be printed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent others from browsing the document file with a high security level.

  (8) In the embodiment described above, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a notification process to the agent (step S6-12). Thereby, it is possible to efficiently request the user selected as the agent to collect the printed matter.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In 4th Embodiment, the case where the user registered into the user management server 30 was output as an agent candidate was demonstrated. The fifth embodiment is configured to change the agent candidate extraction in the fourth embodiment in accordance with the work status of the user, and the detailed description of similar parts is omitted.

  Here, similarly to Steps S6-1 to S6-4, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs biometric authentication processing (Step S7-1), terminal login processing (Step S7-2), and document creation processing (Step S7-2). S6-3), a print instruction process (step S7-4) is executed.

  Furthermore, the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 is the same as step S6-5 to step S6-7, the biometric information acquisition process (step S7-5), and the determination process regarding whether or not the user is the login user (step S7-6). ), A print rejection process (step S7-7) is executed when it is determined that the user is not the login person (“NO” in step S7-6).

  Next, as in steps S6-8 to S6-9, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 specifies the document security level (step S7-8), and determines whether the agent can be set (step S7-9) is executed.

  When the security level of the document file to be printed is lower than the proxyable level and the proxy setting is possible (in the case of “YES” in step S7-9), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 determines the duty status of the proxy candidate Information acquisition processing is executed (step S7-10). Specifically, the agent setting unit of the control unit 11 accesses the user management server 30 and, with respect to the user identifier of the print instructor, the user identifier, name, and contact registered as the agent candidate. Get the destination. Then, the agent setting means identifies the client terminal 10 of the agent using the contact information of the acquired agent candidate. Next, the agent setting unit confirms the activation state of the identified client terminal 10 and identifies an agent candidate in which the client terminal 10 is activated.

Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes an agent candidate output process (step S7-11). Specifically, the agent setting unit of the control unit 11 generates an agent confirmation screen that displays a list of agent identifiers of candidate agents for which the client terminal 10 is activated,
Output to the display unit 13. This agent confirmation screen includes icons (agent confirmation buttons) for selecting and confirming candidate agents.

  Next, similarly to steps S6-11 to S6-13, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs agent setting processing (step S7-12), agent notification processing (step S7-13), and print job. The transmission process (step S7-14) is executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(9) In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes an agent candidate work status information acquisition process (step S7-10). As a result, it is possible to select, as an agent, a user who can promptly handle the collection of printed materials among the agent candidates registered for the print instructor according to the work status.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, a sixth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the fourth embodiment, the case where the printing process is executed in the printer 50 after performing the personal authentication in the print authentication terminal 20 has been described. In the sixth embodiment, the printed matter collection method in the fourth embodiment is configured to perform printing in an area (security area) where personal authentication is required, and detailed description of similar parts is omitted. .

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a printer 55 used for printing is installed in the security area 70.
The security area 70 is constituted by an area (here, a room) isolated from the outside world, and a gate control device 71 and a security gate 72 are provided.

  The gate control device 71 is a device for acquiring the user's biological information and controlling the opening and closing of the security gate 72. In the present embodiment, a fingerprint scanner is provided on the outer side and the inner side of the security area 70 in the gate control device 71 in order to acquire the biological information of the user. The outer fingerprint scanner is used when entering the security area 70, and the inner fingerprint scanner is used when leaving the security area 70. The gate control device 71 calculates a feature amount (biological information) using the fingerprint image of the user. The gate control device 71 is connected to the gate management server 60 via a network.

  The security gate 72 can be locked, and is unlocked when the gate controller 71 completes the personal authentication. When the person who collects the printed matter leaves, it is locked again.

  The gate management server 60 functions as an output management device that manages the persons who can enter the security area 70. For this reason, the gate management server 60 holds a list of permitted users in which a user identifier of a person who can enter the security area 70 (printed material collection person) is recorded. Then, when the user recorded in the collection authorized person list enters the room and collects the printed matter, the collection authorized person list is reset.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 is provided with an agent setting unit and a collection person registration unit. The agent setting means executes a process for setting an agent for collecting printed materials. The collectr registration unit executes a process of registering a collectr of the printed material in the gate management server 60.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the use of the security area 70 is permitted in the case of large-scale printing in which the number of prints determined by the number of print pages and the number of copies is large. For this reason, the printer control unit 114 holds data relating to the reference number for determining mass printing.

Next, the operation in this print management system is performed in the order of print instruction processing (FIG. 9), print status monitoring processing (FIG. 10), and security area management processing (FIG. 11).
(Print instruction processing)
Here, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 performs the biometric authentication process (step S8-1), the terminal login process (step S8-2), and the document creation process (steps) similarly to steps S6-1 to S6-4. S8-3) and print instruction processing (step S8-4) is executed.

  Next, similarly to Steps S6-5 to S6-7, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 obtains the biometric information acquisition process (Step S8-5), and determines whether or not the user is the login user (Step S8-). 6) A print rejection process (step S8-7) is executed when it is determined that the user is not the logged-in user ("NO" in step S8-6).

  If the user identifier of the login user and the user identifier of the print instructor match and it is determined that the user is the login user (“YES” in step S8-6), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 Performs a determination process as to whether or not mass printing is performed (step S8-8). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 acquires the number of printed sheets (a value obtained by multiplying the number of printed pages and the number of printed copies) set in the printing conditions of the print job. Then, the printer control unit 114 compares the number of printed sheets with the reference number.

  When it is determined that the desired number of prints is equal to or less than the reference number and is not a large number of prints (in the case of “NO” in step S8-8), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 prints in the same manner as in step S6-13. A job transmission process is executed (step S8-9).

  On the other hand, if the number of prints is larger than the reference number and it is determined that the number of prints is large (in the case of “YES” in step S8-8), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 desires to use the security area. The determination process about whether or not is executed (step S8-10). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 outputs a confirmation screen for confirming the use of the security area on the display unit 13. This confirmation screen includes icons (selection buttons for “hope” and “no hope”) for selecting whether to use the security area.

  When the “no hope” selection button is selected for use of the security area (“NO” in step S8-10), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a print job transmission process ( Step S8-9).

  On the other hand, when the “desired” icon is selected for the use of the security area (“YES” in step S8-10), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 determines the agent in the same manner as in step S6-10. A candidate output process (step S8-11) is executed.

  Next, the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs a collection person registration process (step S8-12). Specifically, the user confirms the agent displayed on the agent confirmation screen and selects the agent confirmation button. When the agent confirmation button is selected on the agent confirmation screen, the agent setting unit of the control unit 11 acquires the user identifier of the selected agent. Then, the collection person registration unit of the control unit 11 transmits the user identifiers of the print instructor and the agent to the gate management server 60. In this case, the gate management server 60 registers the user identifier acquired from the client terminal 10 in the collection authorized person list.

And the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs the notification process to a proxy similarly to step S6-12 (step S8-13).
Next, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a print job transmission process (step S8-14). Specifically, the printer control unit 114 of the control unit 11 generates print execution data for printing the document file based on the set printing conditions. Then, the printer control unit 114 transmits a print job including print execution data to the print server 40. In this case, the printer control unit 114 includes the user identifier of the selected agent together with the user identifier of the print instructor acquired from the login management unit 111 in this print job. Further, the printer control unit 114 sets a security area output flag for this print job.

  Then, the control unit 41 of the print server 40 accumulates in the print job storage unit 42 acquired from the client terminal 10. Here, when the security area output flag is set in the print job, the control unit 41 of the print server 40 promptly transfers the print job to the printer 55. In this case, the printer 55 starts print processing based on the print job.

(Printing status monitoring process)
Next, the printing status monitoring process in the print server 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, the print server 40 executes a print status monitoring process (step S9-1). Specifically, the control unit 41 of the print server 40 periodically accesses the printer 55 installed in the security area 70 and acquires operation status information.

  Next, the print server 40 executes a determination process as to whether or not printing has been completed (step S9-2). Specifically, the control unit 41 of the print server 40 determines whether the status of printing is completed in the operation status information acquired from the printer 55.

If the printing has not been completed (“NO” in step S9-2), the print server 40 continues the printing status monitoring process (step S9-1).
On the other hand, when the completion of printing is detected (in the case of “YES” in step S9-2), the print server 40 executes the specifying process of the instructor and the agent (step S9-3). Specifically, the control unit 41 of the print server 40 specifies the user identifiers of the print instructor and the agent associated with the print job that has completed printing from the print job storage unit 42.

  Next, the print server 40 executes a print completion notification process (step S9-4). Specifically, the control unit 41 of the print server 40 acquires contact information of the specified print instructor and agent from the user management server 30 and transmits a print completion notification to each contact address.

(Security area management processing)
Next, management processing in the security area 70 will be described with reference to FIG.
The user (printed material collection person) who has received the print completion notice goes to the security area 70 in order to collect the output printed material. Then, the user causes the fingerprint to be read by the fingerprint scanner of the gate control device 71 provided outside the security area 70.

  In this case, the gate management server 60 executes a biometric information acquisition process (step S10-1). Specifically, when a fingerprint is read by the gate control device 71, a feature amount (biological information) is calculated using the fingerprint image. The gate management server 60 receives biological information from the gate control device 71.

  Next, the gate management server 60 executes a user identification process (step S10-2). Specifically, the control unit of the gate management server 60 transmits the acquired biological information to the user management server 30. In this case, the user management server 30 returns a user identifier corresponding to the biometric information to the gate management server 60.

  And the gate management server 60 performs the determination process about whether this user identifier is registered into the collection | recovery authorized person list | wrist (step S10-3). Specifically, the control unit of the gate management server 60 searches the collection authorized person list for the user identifier acquired from the user management server 30.

  When the user identifier is not registered in the collection authorized person list (in the case of “NO” in Step S10-3), the gate management server 60 executes an unlocking rejection process (Step S10-4). Specifically, the control unit of the gate management server 60 transmits an instruction to maintain the lock of the security gate 72 to the gate control device 71.

  On the other hand, when the user identifier is registered in the collection authorized person list (in the case of “YES” in step S10-3), the gate management server 60 executes the unlocking process (step S10-5). Specifically, the control unit of the gate management server 60 transmits an unlocking instruction for the security gate 72 to the gate control device 71. In this case, as the printed matter providing process, the gate control device 71 unlocks the security gate 72 and permits entry into the security area 70. When the user enters the room, the security gate 72 is locked. In this case, the gate management server 60 temporarily stores the user identifier of the person entering the security area 70. Then, the user collects the printed matter output from the printer 55.

  When the user who has collected the printed material leaves the security area 70, the fingerprint is read again by the fingerprint scanner of the gate control device 71 provided inside the security area 70. Also in this case, the gate control device 71 acquires the user identifier corresponding to the biological information from the gate management server 60 and transmits it to the gate management server 60. If the user identifier matches the temporarily stored user identifier of the room occupant, the gate management server 60 transmits an unlock instruction for the security gate 72 to the gate control device 71.

  Next, the gate management server 60 executes an identification process for an instructor / agent other than the collector (step S10-6). Specifically, the control unit of the gate management server 60 acquires the user identifier that collected the printed material in the security area 70 from the gate management server 60. In this embodiment, the user identifier of the person who enters the security area 70 is used. Next, the control unit of the gate management server 60 specifies the user identifier of the registrant other than the printed material collection person in the collection authorized person list. Then, the control unit of the gate management server 60 acquires a contact address associated with the identified user identifier from the user management server 30.

  Next, the gate management server 60 executes a printed matter collection completion notification process (step S10-7). Specifically, the control unit of the gate management server 60 transmits a printed matter collection completion notification to the contact obtained from the user management server 30. This printed matter collection management notification includes a message indicating that collection of printed matter in the security area 70 is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(10) In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a print job transmission process (step S8-14). Then, the print server 40 that has acquired the print job in which the security area output flag is set from the client terminal 10 transfers the print job to the printer 55 installed in the security area 70. Since this security area 70 can only be entered by persons concerned such as a print instructor or a representative, it is possible to suppress security by a third party and to prevent erroneous collection, thereby ensuring security. Since the printer 55 installed in the security area 70 starts the printing process based on the print job, the person who collects the printed material does not need to wait until the printing is completed at the installation location of the printer 55, and efficiently collects the printed material. be able to.

  (11) In the embodiment described above, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 executes a determination process for determining whether or not mass printing is performed (step S8-8). If the number of prints is larger than the reference number and it is determined that the number of prints is large (in the case of “YES” in step S8-8), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 desires to use the security area. The determination process about whether or not is executed (step S8-10). Since the printer 55 installed in the security area 70 is occupied from the start of printing to collection, the use of the security area 70 is suppressed and used for printing processing with a small number of printed sheets and a short printing standby time. Congestion can be alleviated.

  (12) In the above-described embodiment, the print server 40 executes a print status monitoring process for mass printing (step S9-1). When the completion of printing is detected (in the case of “YES” in step S9-2), the print server 40 executes an instructor / agent identification process (step S9-3). Then, the print server 40 executes a print completion notification process (step S9-4). Thereby, the user who has received the print completion notification can efficiently collect the printed matter.

  (13) In the above-described embodiment, the gate management server 60 executes the specifying process for the instructor and the agent other than the collector (step S10-6). Then, the gate management server 60 executes a printed matter collection completion notification process (step S10-7). Thereby, even the user who has received the print completion notification can grasp that the printed matter has already been collected, so that it is possible to suppress duplication of the printed matter collecting operation.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment into the following aspects.
In each of the above embodiments, it is assumed that fingerprint authentication is performed as biometric authentication. However, the biometric authentication method is not limited to this, and vein authentication, iris authentication, or the like can be used.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the printer 50 used for output is selected in the print authentication terminal 20, but the timing for specifying the printer 50 is not limited to this. For example, the client terminal 10 may specify the printer 50 when setting the printing conditions. In this case, the printer information to be output is stored in association with the print job stored in the print server 40. When the print authentication terminal 20 designates a print job to be printed, the print server 40 transmits print execution data to the printer 50 designated in advance. Thereby, operation in the print authentication terminal 20 can be simplified.

  In the second embodiment, either “biometric authentication” or “card authentication” is used as the authentication method. The authentication method is not limited to this, and authentication by inputting a user identifier and a password can also be used. Further, a plurality of authentication methods may be used together, or one of the authentication methods may be selected.

-In the said 4th-6th embodiment, the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs the notification process to an agent (step S6-12, S7-13, S8-13). This process is not limited to the case where it is executed in the client terminal 10. For example, the user management server 30 or the print server 40 may transmit a message to the contact information of the selected agent. In this case, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 transmits agent registration information (agent user identifier) to the user management server 30 and the print server 40.

  In the fourth embodiment, the security level is set in the properties of the document file to be printed. Using this security level, it is determined whether or not an agent can be set. The determination as to whether or not the agent can be set is not limited to this. For example, the determination may be made using text information included in a document file to be printed. In this case, the agent setting means stores a determination table in which keywords (for example, “strict” characters) when the setting of agents is not permitted are registered. Then, the agent setting unit compares the text included in the document file to be printed with the keyword registered in the determination table. For the document file including the keyword registered in the determination table, the agent setting unit determines that the agent cannot be set.

  In the fourth embodiment, the agent setting unit holds a security level (a proxyable level) that allows setting of the agent. Here, the range of the agent may be changed according to the security level. In this case, the user management server 30 records the agent level for each agent candidate for the user identifier of the print instructor. In this case, the higher the agent level, the higher the agent level is set. Then, only proxy candidates for which a proxy level higher than the security level of the document file is set are extracted. Thereby, an appropriate agent candidate can be output according to the type of document.

  -In the said 5th Embodiment, the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 performs the acquisition process of the working condition information of an agent candidate (step S7-10). Here, the working status is acquired according to the operating status of the candidate client terminal 10. The method for obtaining the work status is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 may acquire the login status in the user management server 30 to identify the work status, and acquire the login person as an agent candidate. Moreover, the attendance management system which registered the work condition and the attendance schedule for every user may be provided, and the control part 11 of the client terminal 10 may acquire attendance information of a candidate agent from this attendance management system. And the control part 11 acquires a working person and the person who is going to work this sunrise as a candidate agent.

  In the sixth embodiment, the security area 70 is composed of a room isolated from the outside world. The security area is not limited to a room. For example, a shielding container storing the printer 55 may be used. In this case, the shielding container is provided with an authentication device and a lockable outlet.

  In the sixth embodiment, when it is determined that the printing is not mass printing (in the case of “NO” in step S8-8), the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 prints the print job in the same manner as in step S6-13. The transmission process is executed (step S8-9). Also in this case, the print job transmission process (step S8-9) may be executed after executing steps S6-10 to S6-12. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the agent candidate work status information acquisition process (step S7-10) may be executed.

In the sixth embodiment, the gate management server 60 executes an instructor / agent representative process other than the collectr (step S10-6) and a print collection completion notification process (step S10-7). The printed matter collection completion notification process may be executed in the third to fourth embodiments. As a result, when a plurality of users are registered as recovery candidates and one person recovers, it is possible to notify the recovery completion to other recovery candidates. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress useless duplication work in which another person performs the collection work after the printed matter has already been collected.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Client terminal, 11 ... Control part, 111 ... Login management means, 112 ... Personal authentication means, 113 ... Application execution means, 114 ... Printer control means, 12 ... Input part, 13 ... Display part, 14 ... Biometric information acquisition part 20 ... print authentication terminal, 21 ... control unit, 211 ... print instruction means, 212 ... identity authentication means, 213 ... job information acquisition means, 22 ... input part, 23 ... display part, 24 ... biometric information acquisition part, 30 ... User management server, 40 ... print server, 50 ... printer, 55 ... printer, 60 ... gate management server, 70 ... security area, 71 ... gate control device, 72 ... security gate.

Claims (11)

A print instruction device for instructing printing of a document file;
Print information storage means for storing a print job of a document file to be printed;
A print management system configured to include a print management device that manages printing of a document file,
The printing instruction device is
Means for performing personal authentication using biometric information and identifying a user identifier based on the personal authentication;
When a document file print instruction is issued, the user identifier is recorded as printed matter collector information in association with a print job of the document file and recorded in the print information storage unit,
The print management apparatus is
Means for performing identity authentication and identifying a user identifier based on the identity authentication;
Means for acquiring from the print information storage means a print job in which the user identifier is registered as printed matter collector information;
A printing management system comprising: a printing device connected to the printing management device; Further comprising agent candidate information storage means for storing the agent identifier of the agent candidate for the user identifier;
The printing instruction device is
Means for identifying an agent identifier associated with the user identifier of the user who issued the print instruction from the agent candidate information storage unit;
Performing an agent registration process for adding the agent identifier to the printed matter collector information for the print job;
When the print management apparatus performs identity authentication for the agent identifier, the printed matter providing process is executed for a print job in which the agent identifier that has completed the identity authentication is registered as printed matter collection person information. The print management system according to claim 1. The printing instruction device is
Identify the security level of the document file to be printed,
3. The print management system according to claim 2, wherein the agent registration process is executed only when agent registration is permitted in the security level. The printing instruction device is
In the agent candidate information storage means, the agent identifier associated with the user identifier of the user who issued the print instruction is output as the agent candidate to the print instruction device,
4. The print management system according to claim 2, wherein the agent registration process is executed for an agent selected from the agent candidates. The printing instruction device is
Obtain work status information about the agent identifier associated with the user identifier of the user who issued the print instruction,
5. The print management system according to claim 2, wherein the agent registration process is executed for agent identifiers of candidate agents that can be handled based on the work status information.   The print management system according to claim 2, wherein a print collection instruction is transmitted to an agent registered in the agent registration process. If collection of printed material for a print job has been performed, identify other printed material collectors associated with the print job;
The print management system according to claim 2, wherein a print collection completion notification is transmitted to the print collection person.   The print management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, in the printed matter providing process, a print job is executed in the printing apparatus after personal authentication in the print management apparatus. In the printed matter providing process, a print job is executed in a printing device installed in a lockable security area,
The print management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising means for unlocking a security area after authenticating in the print management apparatus.   When the print management apparatus detects completion of execution of a print job in the printing apparatus installed in the security area, the print management apparatus further includes means for transmitting a print completion notification to a printed material collector associated with the job. The print management system according to claim 9, wherein: A print instruction device for instructing printing of a document file;
Print information storage means for storing a print job of a document file to be printed;
A print management method using a print management system configured to include a print management apparatus that manages printing of a document file,
The printing instruction device is
Performing identity authentication using biometric information and identifying a user identifier based on the identity authentication;
When a document file print instruction is issued, the user identifier is recorded as printed matter collector information in association with a print job of the document file and recorded in the print information storage means; and
The print management apparatus is
Performing user authentication and identifying a user identifier based on the user authentication;
Acquiring from the print information storage means a print job in which the user identifier is registered as printed matter collector information;
And a step of executing a printed matter providing process in a printing apparatus connected to the printing management apparatus.

Images