JP2011198168A - Information processor, image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a burden on user's password input operation to improve operability while preventing information displayed on a display device from being viewed by a third person.SOLUTION: An information processor 2 includes: an operation input part 14 which accepts user's operation input and inputs various information; a display device 13 for displaying various information; a mask processing setting part 32 which sets mask processing setting information being conditions of mask processing on a display screen of the display device 13; a mask processing part 35 which subjects the display screen of the display device 13 to mask processing at prescribed timing after the transmission of a print job on the basis of the mask processing setting information and locks the display screen of the display device 13 in a state that the display screen is subjected to the mask processing; and an unlocking part 36 which unlocks the display screen of the display device 13 on the basis of an unlocking command received from an image forming apparatus by the execution of the print job in the image forming apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for preventing leakage of information due to information being displayed on a display screen being stolen.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer is provided in a network environment such as an office. The image forming apparatus is configured to execute a print job received via a network and perform print output. In such a network environment, for example, computers assigned for each user are arranged. After the user transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus by operating his / her computer, the user obtains a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus by moving to the installation location of the image forming apparatus.

  In such an environment, there is a possibility that information displayed on the user's computer may be stolen by a third party while the user moves to the installation location of the image forming apparatus in order to obtain a printed matter. There is a problem above. For this reason, conventionally, various proposals have been made as techniques for preventing leakage of information due to information being displayed on a computer being stolen (for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5).

  In these conventional technologies, for example, when a printer driver installed in a computer starts transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus, the screen is displayed on the computer by starting a screen saver on the computer after a predetermined delay time has elapsed. Information is prevented from being stolen by a third party.

JP 2004-326533 A JP 2007-11986 JP 2007-72892 A JP 2009-199337 A JP 2009-251746 A

  By the way, the screen saver activated on the computer may be released at the timing when the keyboard operation or the mouse operation is performed. In this case, if a keyboard operation or a mouse operation is performed by a third party while the user is away, information displayed on the computer will be seen. In order to prevent this, when starting a screen saver etc. on the computer, set a password and lock it with the screen saver activated, unless an input operation that matches the password is performed from the keyboard etc. It is preferable that the screen saver is not canceled.

  However, in the case of the above configuration, when a user who has acquired a printed matter and returned to his / her seat uses the computer again, he / she has to perform a password input operation to cancel the screen saver activation state each time. There is a problem that the computer cannot be used efficiently. Further, since it is necessary to perform a troublesome password input operation every time, there is a problem that the operability of the computer is remarkably lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and it is possible to reduce the burden of password input operation by the user while favorably preventing display information from being viewed by a third party. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program that improve the performance.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job for causing a print output to be performed in an image forming apparatus, and receives various operation information received by a user. On the basis of the mask processing setting information, an operation input means for inputting information, a display means for displaying various information, a setting means for setting mask processing setting information as a condition for masking the display screen of the display means, and the mask processing setting information Mask processing means for performing a mask process on the display screen of the display means at a predetermined timing after transmitting the print job, and for locking the display screen of the display means in a state in which the mask process is applied, and the image formation Display on the display unit based on a lock release command received from the image forming apparatus when the print job is executed in the apparatus; And canceling means for canceling the locked state of the surface, the structure characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the release unit releases the lock state of the display screen of the display unit and mask processing applied to the display screen of the display unit It is the structure characterized by canceling.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the release means is a period from when the lock state of the display screen of the display means is released until a predetermined effective time elapses. In addition, the mask processing applied to the display screen of the display unit is canceled when the operation input unit is operated.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the mask processing unit has a predetermined effective time after the lock state of the display screen of the display unit is released. If the operation input means is not operated before the operation, the display screen of the display means is locked again in a state where the display screen of the display means is masked. .

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the mask processing unit transmits the print job at a timing immediately after the print job is transmitted, and then performs the operation. A timing at which a predetermined time has passed without any operation to the input means, a timing at which a print job reception notification transmitted from the image forming apparatus is received, and a print job execution start notification transmitted from the image forming apparatus. A masking process is performed on the display screen of the display unit at any one of the received timings, and the display screen of the display unit is locked in a state where the masking process is performed. .

  The invention according to claim 6 is an image forming system including an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job, and an image forming apparatus that receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus and performs printout. The information processing apparatus includes display means for displaying various information, generates a print job to which mask processing setting information related to mask processing to be applied to the display screen of the display means is added, and the print job is displayed as the image. A mask process is performed on the display screen of the display unit at a predetermined timing after transmission to the forming apparatus, and the display screen of the display unit is locked in a state where the mask process is performed. In response to executing a print job received from the information processing apparatus, a lock release command is issued to the information processing apparatus based on the mask processing setting information. A structure in which signal, said information processing apparatus is characterized in that to release the locked state of the display screen of the display unit based on the lock release command received from the image forming apparatus.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that executes a print job and performs printout, and includes a mask applied to a display screen of the display unit from an information processing apparatus having a display unit that displays various types of information. Receiving means for receiving a print job to which mask processing setting information related to processing is added, and analyzing the mask processing setting information as the print job is received by the receiving means; Condition determining means for determining a condition for releasing the lock when the display screen of the display means is masked, job execution means for executing a print job received by the receiving means, and job execution When the print job is executed by the means, the information processing apparatus performs mask processing according to the condition determined by the condition determination means. Transmission means for transmitting has been subjected to unlocking command for releasing the locked state, a structure characterized in that it comprises a.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a program executed in a computer having display means for displaying various types of information, the mask processing setting information as a condition for masking the display screen of the display means. A setting means for setting, a print job to which the mask processing setting information is added, a transmission means for transmitting the print job to a predetermined image forming apparatus, and a print job after the print job is transmitted based on the mask processing setting information A mask processing unit that performs a mask process on the display screen of the display unit at a predetermined timing and locks the display screen of the display unit in a state in which the mask process is performed, and the print job is executed in the image forming apparatus Display on the display means based on the unlock command received from the image forming apparatus. A construction which is characterized in that to function canceling means for canceling the locked state of the surface as.

  According to the present invention, the mask process is performed on the display screen of the display unit at a predetermined timing after the print job is transmitted, and the display screen of the display unit is locked in a state where the mask process is performed. Then, the lock state of the display screen of the display unit is automatically released based on a lock release command received from the image forming apparatus when a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the password input operation by the user while satisfactorily preventing the information displayed on the display means from being viewed by a third party, so that the operability can be improved.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure in the state which started CPU based on the user's printing instruction | indication CPU of information processing apparatus. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver setting screen displayed on a display device of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the mask process command transmitted to an information processing apparatus from an image forming apparatus. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lock release command transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when a print job transmission instruction is detected in the information processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when a print job transmission instruction is detected in the information processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when a print job is received in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of security printing processing performed in the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence performed when the unlocking | release instruction | indication is received in information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the effective time count process performed with information processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to the present invention. The image forming system 1 is installed in an office environment, for example. The image forming system 1 has a configuration in which an information processing apparatus 2 operated by a user and an image forming apparatus 3 that executes a print job are connected to a network 5. The network 5 is a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Each of the information processing apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 can perform data communication with each other via the network 5. Note that a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2 may be connected to the network 5, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 3 may be connected to the network 5. Further, various servers may be connected to the network 5.

  The image forming apparatus 3 is an apparatus that receives a print job via the network 5 and performs print output by executing the print job. The image forming apparatus 3 may be a printer-dedicated apparatus. However, in the present embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus 3 is a multifunction machine generally called an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) is illustrated. Such a multifunction peripheral has a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a FAX function, and a scanner function, and executes a job corresponding to each of these functions.

  The information processing apparatus 2 is configured by a general personal computer (PC) or the like. Such an information processing apparatus 2 is allocated for each user, for example, and arranged in the office environment. Usually, a user performs his / her duties while operating his / her information processing apparatus 2, and is installed in the information processing apparatus 2 when printing print target data such as a document created using various software, for example. A program such as a printer driver is activated to send a print job to the image forming apparatus 3.

  The user operates the information processing apparatus 2 to transmit a print job to the image forming apparatus 3 and then obtain a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus 3 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. It moves away from the information processing apparatus 2 to the installation location of the image forming apparatus 3. At this time, if the content of the print target data is displayed on the display device 13 of the information processing device 2, the content may be seen by a third party. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment performs a mask process on the display screen of the display device 13 at a predetermined timing after transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus 3 and a state in which the mask process is performed. Is configured to lock the display screen of the display device 13.

  Any masking process may be applied to the display screen of the display device 13 as long as the display screen in which the contents of the print target data are displayed is switched to another display screen that is different from the display screen. It may be. For example, the contents of the print target data may be concealed by starting a screen saver installed in an operating system (so-called OS) of the information processing apparatus 2. The contents of the print target data may be hidden by starting a program different from the operating system. Further, the display screen may be turned off by shifting the display device 13 to the sleep mode. Further, there may be one that shifts the state where the user is logged in to the information processing apparatus 2 to the logoff state and displays the logoff screen on the display screen.

  Such a mask process may be canceled when an input operation is performed on the information processing apparatus 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent that the mask process is canceled by a third party, the display screen of the display device 13 is locked in a state where the mask process is performed on the display screen. If the display screen is masked and then locked, the display screen will not be unlocked and the mask processing will be canceled unless a password that matches the unlock password is entered. Will not be.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2. The information processing apparatus 2 includes a CPU 10 that executes various programs, a memory 11 that stores temporary data as the CPU 10 executes programs, a network interface 12 that is connected to the network 5, and a liquid crystal display device. A display device 13 configured, an operation input unit 14 configured with a keyboard 14a and a mouse 14b, and a storage device 15 configured with a hard disk device or the like are provided. These components are connected to the data bus 16. The CPU 10 can exchange data with each of the memory 11, the network interface 12, the display device 13, the operation input unit 14, and the storage device 15 via the data bus 16.

  In addition to the operating system described above, various programs are installed in the information processing apparatus 2. In particular, in the present embodiment, a program 20 that is executed as a printer driver for the information processing apparatus 2 to transmit a print job to the image forming apparatus 3 is installed, and the program 20 is stored in the storage device 15. Yes. The program 20 not only transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 3 but also performs a mask process on the display screen of the display apparatus 13 and locks the display screen of the display apparatus 13 in a state in which the mask process is performed. To realize. Further, the program 20 performs data communication with the image forming apparatus 3 to unlock the display screen of the display device 13 in a state where the display screen is masked or cancel the mask processing applied to the display screen. The function to do is realized.

  The storage device 15 stores print target data 21 and mask processing setting information 22 that is referred to when the program 20 is executed. The mask processing setting information 22 may be information written in the program 20 as an operation parameter of the program 20.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration in a state where the CPU 10 of the information processing apparatus 2 has activated the program 20 based on a user's print instruction. When the CPU 10 starts the program 20 as a printer driver, the CPU 10 functions as a user interface control unit 30, a print setting processing unit 31, a print job generation unit 33, a print job transmission unit 34, a mask processing unit 35, and an unlocking unit 36.

  The user interface control unit 30 is a control unit that receives and processes various setting operations by the user at the time of print job transmission. That is, a setting screen as a printer driver is displayed on the display device 13, and operation signals based on user operations are input from the keyboard 14a and the mouse 14b. The user interface control unit 30 outputs an operation signal input by the user to the print setting processing unit 31. When the user instructs the transmission of the print job, the print job generation unit 33 is caused to function.

  The print setting processing unit 31 is a processing unit that performs settings related to a print job based on a user operation. The print setting processing unit 31 includes a mask processing setting unit 32. The mask process setting unit 32 reads the mask process setting information 22 stored in the storage device 15 and rewrites the mask process setting information 22 based on a user operation, thereby performing a mask process that is performed in accordance with the transmission of the print job. Related settings and unlock settings.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver setting screen displayed on the display device 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen includes a basic setting tag 101 for performing basic settings relating to printing such as color settings, a layout tag 102 for performing layout settings at the time of printing, and mask processing of the display screen. And a special setting tag 103 for performing settings related to unlocking. The user can move the mouse pointer 104 within the screen by operating the mouse 14b, and can display a screen for performing desired settings by clicking on one tag. In the illustrated example, the special setting tag 103 is selected, and a mask processing setting screen for performing settings related to mask processing and unlocking of the display screen is displayed. In the mask processing setting screen shown in FIG. 4, the left side of the screen is a mask processing setting field 110 for performing settings related to mask processing, and the right side of the screen is an unlocking setting field 120 for performing settings regarding unlocking. Yes.

  In the mask processing setting column 110, a check column 111 for switching ON / OFF of mask processing setting for the display screen of the display device 13 is displayed. By adding a check mark to the check column 111 by operating the mouse, The mask processing setting is turned on. When the check mark disappears, the mask processing setting is off. In the example shown in the figure, the mask processing setting is turned on. When the mask processing setting is on, the user can alternatively select the execution timing of the mask processing from the following four.

  The first timing is a timing immediately after the information processing apparatus 2 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 3. When the selection button 112 is clicked, the first timing is selected, and the information processing apparatus 2 performs mask processing on the display screen at a timing immediately after the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. And the display screen is locked in a state where the mask processing is performed. In the example shown in the figure, the first timing is selected.

  The second timing is a timing at which a non-operation state in which the user does not operate the operation input unit 14 continues for a predetermined time after the information processing apparatus 2 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 3. When the selection button 113 is clicked, this second timing is selected. In this case, the user can set a desired time during which the non-operation state is continuously detected in the time setting field 113a. In this case, after the information processing apparatus 2 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 3, a non-operation state in which the user does not perform any operation on the operation input unit 14 is set in the time setting field 113a. The display screen is masked at the timing when the time has passed, and the display screen is locked in a state where the mask processing is performed.

  The third timing is a timing after the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 is received by the image forming apparatus 3. When the selection button 114 is clicked, the third timing is selected, and the information processing apparatus 2 performs mask processing after receiving the print job to the image forming apparatus 3 when transmitting the print job. Requests that a command be returned. Thus, when the image forming apparatus 3 completes reception of the print job, a mask processing command is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2. The information processing apparatus 2 performs mask processing on the display screen at the timing when the mask processing instruction is received from the image forming apparatus 3, and locks the display screen in a state where the mask processing is performed.

  The fourth timing is a timing at which execution of the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 is started by the image forming apparatus 3. When the selection button 115 is clicked, the fourth timing is selected, and the information processing apparatus 2 performs mask processing at the start of execution of the print job to the image forming apparatus 3 when transmitting the print job. Requests that a command be returned. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 3 starts executing the print job, a mask processing command is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2. The information processing apparatus 2 performs mask processing on the display screen at the timing when the mask processing instruction is received from the image forming apparatus 3, and locks the display screen in a state where the mask processing is performed.

  In this way, the user can set whether or not to perform mask processing on the display screen by performing an operation on the mask processing setting field 110, and when performing mask processing, the timing for executing the mask processing is desired. Can be selected at the timing.

  In the unlock setting field 120, a check field 121 for switching on / off of the unlocking process setting for releasing the locked state in which the display screen of the display device 13 is masked is displayed. By setting a check mark in the check field 121, the release processing setting is turned on. When the check mark disappears, the release processing setting is off. In the example shown in the figure, the release processing setting is turned on.

  When the release processing setting is ON, the user inputs a lock release password for releasing the lock in the password input field 122. However, the password input in the password input field 122 is not limited to a manual input by the user. For example, when the screen saver lock function installed in the operating system of the information processing apparatus 2 is used, the mask processing setting unit 32 acquires a password for unlocking the screen saver from the operating system, and uses the acquired password as the password. It may be displayed automatically in the input field 122.

  When the release process setting is on, the user can select whether to perform only lock release or to release both lock and mask processing. For example, if the selection button 123 is clicked, only unlocking is set. When unlocking, only the display screen is masked and the display screen is masked. Is set to continue. In addition, when the selection button 124 is clicked, both the unlocking and the masking process are canceled. When the unlocking is performed, the lock in the state where the masking process is performed on the display screen is released and the display screen is displayed. The mask processing that has been applied is also canceled.

  Furthermore, when the release processing setting is ON, the user can set an effective time for continuing the unlocked state after the unlocking. This setting operation is performed by inputting a time desired by the user to the time setting field 125. However, it is preferable that this valid time cannot be set to 0 seconds. As a result, the unlocked state can be continued for at least several seconds.

  In this way, the user can set whether or not to automatically release the lock state of the mask processing applied to the display screen by performing an operation on the unlock setting field 120, and the unlocking is automatically performed. In this case, it is possible to select whether to perform only unlocking or to release both locking and masking at the same time. Furthermore, it is possible to appropriately set the time for which the unlocked state when the lock is automatically released is continued.

  Although not shown, when the basic setting tag 101 is clicked by the user, the user interface control unit 30 displays a basic setting screen for accepting basic settings related to a print job. In this basic setting screen, in addition to the color setting at the time of printing as described above, it is also possible to set the timing for executing a print job in the image forming apparatus 3. For example, normal printing that causes a print job to be executed as soon as reception of a print job is completed in the image forming apparatus 3, and a user does not execute a print job immediately after reception of a print job in the image forming apparatus 3, It is possible to selectively set security printing for executing a print job at the timing when authentication information such as a user ID and a password is input to the forming apparatus 3. When security printing is set, a print job is executed after confirming that the user has arrived at the installation location of the image forming apparatus 3, so the content of the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus 3 is a third party. The job execution form is highly secure.

  As described above, when the user performs various setting operations on the setting screen of the printer driver, the user interface control unit 30 reflects the contents of the setting operation on the display screen and performs the setting operation on the print setting process. Notification to the unit 31. As a result, the print setting processing unit 31 generates various setting information for the print job and outputs the information to the print job generation unit 33. In particular, the mask process setting unit 32 generates the mask process setting information 22 based on a setting operation performed by the user on the mask process setting screen shown in FIG. Specifically, the setting value related to mask processing and the setting value related to unlocking included in the mask processing setting information 22 read from the storage device 15 are updated based on a setting operation by the user. When the mask process setting information 22 is updated, the updated mask process setting information 22 is stored in the storage device 15 again. Further, the mask process setting unit 32 outputs the mask process setting information 22 reflecting the setting operation by the user to the print job generation unit 33.

  The print job generation unit 33 starts an operation when a user gives a print job transmission instruction. An instruction to send a print job by the user is made, for example, by clicking an OK button 106 shown in FIG. Note that when the user ends the execution of the program 20 without transmitting a print job, the user may click the cancel button 107 shown in FIG.

  When a print job transmission instruction is given by the user, the print job generation unit 33 reads the print target data 21 stored in the storage device 15 and generates drawing data based on the print target data 21. The drawing data is generated as a data format such as PDL (Page Description Language), PS (PostScript), PCL (Printer Control Language), and is included in a print job transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3.

  The print job generation unit 33 generates attached information to be attached to the print job based on information input from the print setting processing unit 31. This attached information includes print setting information related to print settings when a print job is executed, and mask processing setting information 22 related to mask processing and unlocking. Such attached information is generated as a data format such as PJL (Printer Job Language).

  Then, the print job generation unit 33 generates a print job including the drawing data generated as described above and the attached information. Thereafter, the print job transmission unit 34 functions in the CPU 10.

  The print job transmission unit 34 is a processing unit that outputs the print job generated by the print job generation unit 33 to the network interface 12 and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 3 via the network 5. The print job transmission unit 34 transmits a print job from the information processing apparatus 2 to the image forming apparatus 3.

  The mask processing unit 35 performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 at a predetermined timing after transmitting a print job based on the mask processing setting information 22 and performs the mask processing on the display device 13. It is a processing unit that locks the display screen. With this process, the display screen of the display device 13 is switched to a state in which the contents of the print target data are not displayed, and the screen is locked in that state, so even when the user leaves the information processing device 2. It is possible to prevent the contents of the print target data from being browsed by a third party.

  The mask processing unit 35 functions, for example, at a timing when a print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 by the print job transmission unit 34, and reads the mask processing setting information 22 stored in the storage device 15. Then, it is determined whether the mask processing setting for the display screen of the display device 13 is set to ON, and if it is set to ON, the mask processing execution timing is specified.

  If the mask processing setting information 22 is set to perform mask processing on the display screen at the timing immediately after sending the print job, the mask processing unit 35 performs processing corresponding to the setting. That is, the mask processing unit 35 performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 at the timing when the print job transmission unit 34 completes transmission of the print job, and further performs the mask processing, and then displays the display screen of the display device 13. Lock.

  Further, in the mask processing setting information 22, after the print job is transmitted, a setting for performing mask processing on the display screen is performed when the non-operation state in which the user does not operate the operation input unit 14 continues for a predetermined time. If yes, the mask processing unit 35 performs processing corresponding to the setting. That is, the mask processing unit 35 monitors the presence / absence of an input signal from the operation input unit 14 for a predetermined time at the timing when the print job transmission unit 34 completes the transmission of the print job. The predetermined time is the time set in the time setting field 113a in FIG.

  If an input signal from the operation input unit 14 is not detected within a predetermined time, the mask processing unit 35 performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 and further displays the mask after the mask processing is performed. The display screen of the device 13 is locked.

  On the other hand, when an input signal from the operation input unit 14 is detected during a predetermined time, the mask processing unit 35 ends the monitoring at that time. In this case, the mask processing unit 35 does not perform mask processing or lock on the display screen of the display device 13. Accordingly, for example, when the user performs a document data print operation and then wants to repeatedly perform a spreadsheet data print operation, the mask is displayed on the display screen of the display device 13 immediately after the document data print job is transmitted. It is possible to prevent the processing from being performed and the display screen from being locked.

  Further, when the mask processing setting information 22 is set to mask the display screen at a timing after the print job transmitted from the information processing device 2 is received by the image forming device 3, or the information processing device 2 is set to perform mask processing on the display screen at the timing when execution of the print job transmitted from 2 is started by the image forming apparatus 3, the mask processing unit 35 performs processing corresponding to the settings. That is, the mask processing unit 35 waits for a mask processing command from the image forming apparatus 3 after transmission of the print job by the print job transmitting unit 34 is completed, and the timing at which the mask processing command is received from the image forming apparatus 3 Then, a mask process is performed on the display screen of the display device 13, and the display screen of the display device 13 is locked in a state where the mask process is further performed.

  When the mask processing unit 35 performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 and the display screen of the display device 13 is locked in a state where the mask processing is further performed, the unlocking unit 36 then Function.

The lock release unit 36 is a processing unit that releases the lock when the display screen of the display device 13 is masked. Further, the lock release unit 36 can not only release the lock but also release the mask processing applied to the display screen. When the mask processing unit 35 performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 and the mask processing is further performed, the unlocking unit 36 forms an image when the display screen of the display device 13 is locked. It will be in the state which waits for the unlocking | release command transmitted from the apparatus 3. FIG. The lock release command is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2 when the print job is executed in the image forming apparatus 3 and the print output is completed. In this unlock command, in addition to the unlock password,
Information indicating whether to perform only unlocking or both unlocking and masking processing, and information related to an effective time for continuing the unlocked state after unlocking are included.

  When receiving the unlock command from the image forming apparatus 3 in the standby state, the unlock unit 36 cancels the lock state of the display screen of the display device 13 based on the unlock command, and simultaneously performs mask processing as necessary. To release. The lock release unit 36 monitors the presence / absence of an input signal from the operation input unit 14 for a predetermined time at the timing when the lock is released. This predetermined time is an effective time for continuing the unlocked state.

  If the input signal from the operation input unit 14 is not detected within a predetermined time, the lock release unit 36 causes the mask processing unit 35 to function again. Thereby, the mask processing unit 35 performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 as necessary, and locks the display screen of the display device 13 in a state where the mask processing is performed on the display screen.

  On the other hand, when an input signal from the operation input unit 14 is detected during a predetermined time, the lock release unit 36 ends the monitoring at that time. At this time, if the display screen of the display device 13 is masked, the lock release unit 36 performs masking of the display screen when the input signal from the operation input unit 14 is detected. To release.

  Therefore, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment acquires the printed matter output by the user from the image forming apparatus 3 until a predetermined time elapses after the print output in the image forming apparatus 3 is completed. If an arbitrary input operation is performed on the information processing apparatus 2 after returning to the installation location of the information processing apparatus 2, the information processing apparatus 2 can be used without performing an operation for inputting the unlock password. It is.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print job D1 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 to the image forming apparatus 3. As described above, when the user operates his / her information processing apparatus 2 to give a print job transmission instruction, the print job D1 is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 to the image forming apparatus 3. The print job D1 includes drawing data D2 generated based on the print target data and attached information D3 generated based on a setting operation by the user. The attached information D3 includes print setting information D4 for specifying print settings when a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus 3, and mask processing setting information D5 regarding mask processing and unlocking.

  The print setting information D4 included in the attached information D3 includes various setting information applied at the time of execution of a print job such as color settings, and the above-described normal printing and security printing as information specifying the execution timing of the print job. The information specifying either one of them is included.

  The mask processing setting information D5 included in the attached information D3 is information having substantially the same contents as the mask processing setting information 22 stored in the storage device 15 of the information processing device 2. For example, the mask processing setting information D5 includes information related to ON / OFF of mask processing setting for the display screen, and further includes information related to execution timing of the mask processing when the mask processing setting is ON. Further, the mask processing setting information D5 includes information related to ON / OFF of the release processing setting for releasing the lock state. When the unlocking process setting is on, it further relates to an unlock password, information indicating whether only unlocking is performed or both unlocking and masking processes are cancelled, and an effective time for continuing the unlocking state after unlocking. Contains information.

  Upon receiving such a print job D1, the image forming apparatus 3 executes the print job based on the print setting information D4 included in the attached information D3. Further, the image forming apparatus 3 transmits a mask processing command and a lock release command to the information processing device 2 based on the mask processing setting information D5 included in the attached information D3.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 includes a control unit 40 that controls each unit, an operation panel 41 that serves as a user interface, a scanner unit 43 that reads a document and outputs image data, and a print medium such as paper based on drawing data. A printer unit 44 that performs image formation and printout, a FAX unit 45 that transmits and receives FAX data, a network interface 46 that performs data communication with the information processing apparatus 2 via the network 5, and a hard disk device The storage device 47 is configured to be capable of inputting / outputting data to / from each other via the data bus 48.

  The operation panel 41 includes a display unit 41 a that displays various information to the user, and an operation unit 41 b for the user to perform various operations on the image forming apparatus 3. The display unit 41a is composed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display. The operation unit 41b includes touch panel keys arranged on the display screen of the display unit 41a and push button keys arranged around the display unit 41a. For example, when executing a print job in which security printing is set, the user operates the operation panel 41 to input authentication information such as a user ID and a password, and logs into the image forming apparatus 3. When the image forming apparatus 3 stores a print job for security printing corresponding to the login user, the image forming apparatus 3 reads and executes the print job.

  The storage device 47 is provided with a job storage unit 49 for storing a print job for which secure printing is set. If security printing is set for a print job received via the network 5, the image forming apparatus 3 does not execute the print job immediately after reception, but stores the received print job in the job storage unit 49. To remember. As described above, when the user who has transmitted the print job logs in to the image forming apparatus 3, the print job for security printing is read from the job storage unit 49 and executed.

  The control unit 40 includes, for example, a CPU and a memory, and functions as a control unit that controls each unit when the CPU executes a predetermined program. In particular, in the present embodiment, the control unit 40 controls the execution of a print job received via the network 5 and sends a mask processing command to the information processing device 2 or sends a lock release command. Is configured to do.

  Such a control unit 40 functions as a job reception unit 50, a job analysis unit 51, a job execution unit 53, a mask processing command unit 54, and a lock release command unit 55, as shown in FIG. In addition, although the control part 40 functions as various other process parts, illustration is abbreviate | omitted about them.

  The job receiving unit 50 is a processing unit that receives the print job D <b> 1 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 via the network interface 46. Upon receiving the print job D1, the job receiving unit 50 causes the job analyzing unit 51 to function.

  The job analysis unit 51 is a processing unit that analyzes the print job D1 received by the job reception unit 50. The job analysis unit 51 analyzes the print setting information D4 included in the print job D1 and outputs the print job D1 to the job execution unit 53 if normal printing is set as the execution timing of the print job. On the other hand, if the security printing is set, the print job D1 received by the job receiving unit 50 is stored in the job storage unit 49.

  The job analysis unit 51 includes a condition determination unit 52. The condition determination unit 52 needs to transmit a mask processing command for performing mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 in the information processing device 2 by analyzing the mask processing setting information D5 included in the print job D1. It is determined whether or not. When it is necessary to transmit a mask processing command to the information processing apparatus 2, the condition determination unit 52 determines a condition for transmitting the mask processing command (that is, execution timing of the mask processing). In the mask processing setting information D5, when the image forming apparatus 3 is set to execute the mask processing at the timing when the print job D1 is received, the condition determination unit 52 has completed the reception of the print job D1, The mask processing command unit 54 is caused to function, and a mask processing command is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2. If the mask processing setting information D5 is set to execute mask processing at the timing when the image forming apparatus 3 starts to execute the print job D1, the condition determination unit 52 uses the job execution unit 53 as the print job D1. The mask process command unit 54 is caused to function at the timing when the execution of is started, and the mask process command is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2.

  In addition, the condition determination unit 52 analyzes the mask processing setting information D5 included in the print job D1 to thereby lock the information processing device 2 to release the lock state in which the display screen of the display device 13 is masked. It is determined whether it is necessary to send a release command. When it is necessary to transmit a lock release command to the information processing device 2, the condition determination unit 52 determines a condition for transmitting the lock release command. Thus, it is possible to specify whether to perform only unlocking or to release both locking and masking processing, and it is possible to specify the valid time in the unlocked state. It is also possible to specify an unlock password for unlocking. Then, the condition determination unit 52 notifies the lock release command unit 55 of the specified information.

  The job execution unit 53 is a processing unit that controls job execution by outputting the drawing data D2 included in the print job D1 to the printer unit 44. At this time, by performing drive control of the printer unit 44 based on the print setting information D4 included in the print job D1, print output reflecting the print settings designated by the user is performed.

  When the job execution unit 53 receives a print job D1 set as normal printing by the job reception unit 50, the job execution unit 53 immediately starts executing the print job based on the print job D1. Further, when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 3 by operating the operation panel 41, if the security printing print job D1 corresponding to the logged-in user is stored in the job storage unit 49, it is read and read. The execution of the print job is started based on the print job D1. When the print output based on the print job D1 is completed, the job execution unit 53 causes the lock release command unit 55 to function.

  The mask processing command unit 54 is a processing unit that transmits a mask processing command to the information processing apparatus 2. The mask processing command unit 54 transmits a mask processing command to the information processing device 2 at the timing specified by the condition determination unit 52. For example, if the mask processing setting information D5 is set to execute the mask processing at the timing when the image forming apparatus 3 receives the print job D1, the mask processing command unit 54 uses the job receiving unit 50 to set the print job D1. When the reception is completed, a mask processing command is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2. Further, when the mask processing setting information D5 is set to execute the mask processing at the timing when the image forming apparatus 3 starts executing the print job D1, the mask processing command unit 54 uses the job execution unit 53 to execute the print job. At the timing when the execution of D1 is started, a mask processing command is transmitted to the information processing device 2. However, if the mask processing has already been performed in the internal processing of the information processing device 2 because the information processing device 2 has transmitted the print job D1, the mask processing command unit 54 needs to transmit the mask processing command. Absent.

  The lock release command unit 55 is a processing unit that transmits the lock release command to the information processing apparatus 2 at the timing when the job execution unit 53 executes the print job D1 and all the print output associated therewith is completed. The lock release command unit 55 generates a lock release command based on the information notified from the condition determination unit 52. That is, in the unlock command transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2 by the unlock command unit 55, only the unlock password for unlocking and unlocking are performed, or both lock and mask processing are cancelled. Information indicating whether or not to perform, and information indicating the valid time in the unlocked state.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mask processing command transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2. As described above, there are two timings when the mask processing command is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2.

  FIG. 7A shows a case where the image forming apparatus 3 transmits a mask processing command at the timing when the print job D1 is received. In this case, for example, a print job reception notification D11 indicating that the print job D1 has been normally received is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2, and the mask processing instruction D12 is included in the print job reception notification D11. The information processing device 2 receives the mask processing command D12, thereby performing mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 and locking the display screen.

  FIG. 7B shows a case where the mask processing command is transmitted at the timing when the image forming apparatus 3 starts executing a job based on the print job D1. In this case, for example, the print job execution start notification D13 indicating that the execution of the print job is started is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2, and the mask processing instruction D14 is included in the print job execution start notification D13. It is. The information processing device 2 receives this mask processing command D14, thereby performing mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 and locking the display screen.

  Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lock release command transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2. As described above, when the execution of the print job is completed in the image forming apparatus 3, a lock release command is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2. In this case, for example, a print job execution completion notification D21 indicating that the execution of the print job has been completed is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 2, and the unlock instruction D22 is included in the print job execution completion notification D21. It is. In addition, as described above, in the unlock command D22, in addition to the unlock password, information indicating whether to perform only unlock or whether to cancel both lock and mask processing, and in the unlocked state And the information indicating the valid time. The information processing device 2 receives the lock release command D22 and releases the lock state in which the mask process is performed on the display screen of the display device 13.

  Therefore, if the user who has acquired the printed matter 9 output from the image forming apparatus 3 returns to his seat and operates the information processing apparatus 2 during a predetermined time, the lock applied to the display screen of the display device 13 is released. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 2 can be used without the user performing an input operation of the unlock password himself.

  Next, operations of the information processing apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 configured as described above will be described.

  First, an operation for performing mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 in the information processing apparatus 2 will be described. 9 and 10 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when the information processing apparatus 2 detects a print job transmission instruction. This process is performed by the CPU 10. For example, the user clicks the OK button 106 while the printer driver setting screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device 13 of the information processing apparatus 2. Thus, the processing is started when a print job transmission instruction is given to the information processing apparatus 2.

  When detecting a print job transmission instruction from the user, the CPU 10 reads the print target data 21 (step S101), and generates a print job D1 to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 based on the print target data 21 (step S101). S102). Further, the CPU 10 reads the mask process setting information 22 (step S103). Then, it is determined whether or not the unlock setting of the display screen is on (step S104). If it is on, the mask processing setting information D5 related to the unlock setting is added to the attached information D3 of the print job D1 (step S104). S105). If the unlock setting is off, the mask processing setting information D5 regarding the unlock setting is not added.

  Then, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the mask processing setting of the display screen is on (step S106). If it is on, whether or not to execute the mask processing based on the mask processing command received from the image forming apparatus 3 is determined. Is determined (step S107). As a result, when the mask process is executed based on the mask process command received from the image forming apparatus 3, the mask process setting information D5 related to the mask process setting is added to the auxiliary information D3 of the print job D1 (step S108). On the other hand, if the unlock setting is off (NO in step S106), or if the mask processing command is not received from the image forming apparatus 3, the masking is performed by the internal processing of the information processing apparatus 2 after the print job D1 is transmitted. When the process can be executed (NO in step S107), the mask process setting information D5 regarding the mask process setting is not added.

  Then, the CPU 10 transmits the print job D1 generated as described above to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S109). Subsequently, proceeding to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to execute the mask process immediately after transmission of the print job (step S110). When the mask process is executed immediately after the transmission of the print job (YES in step S110), the CPU 10 performs the mask process on the display screen (step S112), and locks the display screen in a state where the mask process is further performed (step S113). ).

  On the other hand, when the mask process is not executed immediately after transmission of the print job (NO in step S110), the CPU 10 determines whether or not to execute the mask process after a non-operation state continues for a predetermined time after the print job is transmitted. (Step S114). If NO is determined here, the process proceeds to step S118. On the other hand, if YES is determined, time measurement is started when the print job D1 is transmitted (step S115). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S116). The predetermined time is the time set in the time setting column 113a shown in FIG. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the CPU 10 further determines whether or not an operation by the user has been detected (step S117). Here, if any operation signal is input from the operation input unit 14, the answer is YES. If no operation signal is input, the answer is NO. If no operation by the user is detected, the process returns to step S116 and the same processing is repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed. If a predetermined time has elapsed without detecting a user operation (YES in step S116), the CPU 10 performs a mask process on the display screen (step S112), and locks the display screen in a state where the mask process is further performed. (Step S113). On the other hand, if an operation by the user is detected before the predetermined time elapses (YES in step S117), the CPU exits the loop process without performing the mask process and the lock process on the display screen.

  In step S118, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to execute mask processing based on a mask processing command received from the image forming apparatus 3 (step S118). As a result, when the mask process is executed based on the mask process command received from the image forming apparatus 3 (YES in step S118), the process waits until the mask process command is received from the image forming apparatus 3 (step S119). Then, when receiving the mask processing command, the CPU 10 performs mask processing on the display screen (step S120), and locks the display screen in a state where the mask processing is further performed (step S121). On the other hand, when it is not set to execute the mask process based on the mask process command received from the image forming apparatus 3 (NO in step S118), the CPU 10 ends the process without performing steps S119 to S121. .

  By performing the processing as described above in the information processing device 2, the information processing device 2 can perform mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 at a predetermined timing after the transmission of the print job. The display screen of the display device 13 can be locked in the processed state. Then, when the information processing apparatus 2 sets the display screen of the display apparatus 13 in the locked state as described above, the information processing apparatus 2 subsequently shifts to a reception standby state for an unlock command transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3.

  Next, an operation when the print job D1 is received in the image forming apparatus 3 will be described. FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when the image forming apparatus 3 receives the print job D1. This process is mainly performed by the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 3.

  When receiving the print job D1 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2, the control unit 40 reads the attached information D3 included in the print job D1 (step S201). Then, the print job D1 is analyzed (step S202). Then, after receiving the print job D1, the control unit 40 determines whether or not mask processing is executed in the information processing apparatus 2 (step S203). If the mask process setting information D5 is set so that the mask process is executed after receiving the print job D1 (YES in step S203), the control unit 40 receives the print job D1 when the reception of the print job D1 is completed. A mask processing command is transmitted to the processing apparatus 2 (step S204). On the other hand, when such a setting is not made (NO in step S203), the control unit 40 proceeds to the next step S205 without transmitting a mask processing command.

  Next, the control unit 40 determines whether or not security printing is set (step S205). As a result, if the security printing is set (YES in step S205), the security printing process is executed (step S206). Details of the security printing process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the security printing is not set (NO in step S205), normal printing is performed, and the control unit 40 immediately starts executing the job based on the received print job D1 (step S207). As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 starts print output based on the print job D1. Then, the control unit 40 determines whether mask processing is executed in the information processing apparatus 2 at the start of execution of a job based on the print job D1 (step S208). If the mask process setting information D5 is set so that the mask process is executed at the start of execution of the print job (YES in step S208), the control unit 40 instructs the information processing apparatus 2 to start the execution of the print job. Then, a mask processing command is transmitted (step S209). On the other hand, when such a setting is not made (NO in step S208), the control unit 40 proceeds to the next step S210 without transmitting a mask processing command.

  Then, the control unit 40 waits until the print output based on the print job D1 is completed (step S210). When the print output is completed, the control unit 40 determines whether the unlock setting of the display screen is turned on (step S210). Step S211). If the unlock setting is turned on, an unlock command is generated according to a predetermined unlock condition, and the unlock command is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2 (step S212). On the other hand, if the unlock setting is off, the control unit 40 ends the process without transmitting the unlock command.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the security printing process (step S206) performed in the image forming apparatus 3. When the security print setting is set for the received print job D1, the control unit 40 stores the received print job D1 in the job storage unit 49 (step S231). Thereafter, the process waits for the user to input authentication information (step S232). When the authentication information is input, it is determined whether or not the authentication information matches the authentication information set in the print job D1. Judgment is made (step S233). If the authentication information matches, the process proceeds to step S234. On the other hand, if the authentication information does not match, the process returns to step S232.

  If the authentication information input by the user matches, the control unit 40 reads the print job D1 from the job storage unit 49 (step S234), and starts executing a job based on the print job D1 (step S235). As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 starts print output based on the print job D1. Then, the control unit 40 determines whether or not mask processing is executed in the information processing apparatus 2 at the start of execution of a job based on the print job D1 (step S236). If the mask process setting information D5 is set so that the mask process is executed at the start of execution of the print job (YES in step S236), the control unit 40 causes the information processing apparatus 2 to start processing the print job D1. In response to this, a mask processing command is transmitted (step S237). On the other hand, when such a setting is not made (NO in step S236), the control unit 40 proceeds to the next step S238 without transmitting a mask processing command.

  Then, the control unit 40 waits until the print output based on the print job D1 is completed (step S238). When the print output is completed, the control unit 40 determines whether the unlock setting of the display screen is turned on (step S238). Step S239). If the unlock setting is on, an unlock command is generated according to a predetermined unlock condition, and the unlock command is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2 (step S240). On the other hand, if the unlock setting is off, the control unit 40 ends the process without transmitting the unlock command.

  By performing the processing as described above in the image forming apparatus 3, the information forming apparatus 2 masks the display screen of the display device 13 at a predetermined timing after the image forming apparatus 3 receives the print job D1. A mask processing command for executing the processing can be transmitted, and a lock release command for causing the information processing device 2 to release the lock state of the display screen at the timing when the execution of the job based on the print job D1 is completed. Can be sent.

  Next, an operation when the information processing apparatus 2 receives a lock release command transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 will be described. 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when the information processing apparatus 2 receives a lock release command. This process is performed by the CPU 10 of the information processing apparatus 2.

  When receiving the unlock command from the image forming apparatus 3, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the display screen of the display device 13 is masked at that time (step S151). If the mask process has not been performed, it is not necessary to cancel the process, so this process ends. On the other hand, when the mask process is performed (YES in step S151), the CPU 10 analyzes the received unlock command (step S152). Thereby, the unlock password and other information included in the unlock command are extracted. Then, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the unlock password included in the unlock command matches the unlock password set in the mask process setting information 22 (step S153). If the unlock passwords do not match, the unlocking cannot be performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if the unlock passwords match (YES in step S153), the CPU 10 releases the lock when the masking process is performed on the display screen of the display device 13 (step S154). Here, only the lock is released, and the display screen is masked.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to cancel the mask process based on the lock release command (step S155). If the unlock command includes a command to cancel the mask process, the mask process of the display screen is canceled (step S156). As a result, the display screen of the display device 13 returns to a state where, for example, the contents of the print target data are displayed. Note that if the lock release command does not include a command to cancel the mask process, the mask process is not released. In this case, it continues with only the lock released.

  Then, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a valid time is included based on the unlock command (step S157). If the lock release command does not include a valid time specification, the process ends. On the other hand, if the lock release command includes the designation of the valid time (YES in step S157), the CPU 10 executes a valid time counting process (step S158).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the valid time counting process (step S158). The CPU 10 starts a valid time counting operation (step S171). Then, the CPU 10 determines whether or not an operation by the user has been detected (step S172). Here, if any operation signal is input from the operation input unit 14, the answer is YES. If no operation signal is input, the answer is NO. If no operation by the user is detected, it is determined whether or not the valid time has elapsed (step S173). If the effective time has not yet elapsed (NO in step S173), the process returns to step S172, and the same processing is repeated until an operation by the user is detected or until the effective time elapses.

  If an operation by the user is detected before the valid time elapses (YES in step S172), the CPU 10 ends the valid time counting operation (step S174). At this time, if the display screen is masked, the masking process is canceled. Then, all processing is completed.

  If the valid time has passed without detecting the operation by the user (YES in step S173), the CPU 10 performs the mask process again on the display screen of the display device 13 (step S175). If the mask process has already been performed, the process of step S175 need not be performed. And CPU10 locks a display screen again in the state which performed the mask process (step S176). Then, all processing is completed.

  By performing the processing as described above in the information processing apparatus 2, the display screen of the display device 13 is automatically locked after the print job is completed in the image forming apparatus 3. Can be released automatically. Moreover, the cancellation | release state can be continued until the preset effective time passes. Therefore, the user can use the information processing apparatus 2 by acquiring a printed matter and performing some input operation on the information processing apparatus 2 until the valid time elapses. At this time, since it is not necessary to perform annoying input operation of the unlock password, the operability is remarkably improved. If the user does not return to his / her seat immediately after obtaining the printed matter, the display screen of the display device 13 is masked again and the display screen is locked in the masked state. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the contents of the print target data from being viewed by a third party.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 at a predetermined timing after transmitting the print job D1 to the image forming apparatus 3, and performs the mask processing. The display screen of the display device 13 is locked in a state where the operation is performed. Then, when the print job D1 is executed in the image forming apparatus 3, the lock state of the display screen of the display device 13 is released based on the unlock command received from the image forming apparatus 3. Therefore, even when the user is away from the information processing apparatus 2 in order to obtain a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus 3, it is preferable that the information displayed on the display apparatus 13 is viewed by a third party. It is possible to prevent. Furthermore, since the user who has acquired the printed material and returned can use the information processing apparatus 2 without inputting the unlock password for the information processing apparatus 2, the user can perform password input operations. The burden can be reduced, and the operability of the information processing apparatus 2 can be significantly improved.

  Further, the information processing device 2 displays the display device 13 when the user does not perform an operation on the operation input unit 14 until the predetermined valid time elapses after the display screen 13 is unlocked. The display screen of the display device 13 can be locked again in a state where the display screen is masked. Therefore, even when the user does not return for a long time, it is possible to favorably prevent the information displayed on the display device 13 from being viewed by a third party.

  The information processing apparatus 2 also has a timing immediately after transmitting the print job D1 to the image forming apparatus 3, and a timing when a predetermined time has passed after the print job D1 is transmitted and no operation is performed on the operation input unit 14. The timing of the display device 13 is one of the timing at which the print job reception notification transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 is received and the timing at which the print job execution start notification transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 is received. A mask process is performed on the display screen, and the display screen of the display device 13 is locked in a state where the mask process is performed. Since the user can select a desired timing from the plurality of timings, the operability is further improved.

  When the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment receives from the information processing apparatus 2 the print job D1 to which the mask process setting information D5 related to the mask process performed on the display screen of the display device 13 is added, the mask process setting is performed. By analyzing the information D5, the information processing device 2 determines a condition for unlocking the display screen of the display device 13 in a state where the display screen is masked, and executes the print job D1. The information processing device 2 is configured to transmit a lock / unlock command for releasing the lock in a state where the mask process has been performed according to a predetermined condition. By cooperating with such an image forming apparatus 3, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment reduces the burden of password input operation by the user while favorably preventing display information from being viewed by a third party. The operability can be improved.

  Although one embodiment related to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, various modifications other than the above-described embodiment can be applied to the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mask processing unit 35 that performs mask processing on the display screen of the display device 13 and locks the display screen of the display device 13 and the unlock unit 36 that unlocks the display screen and mask processing in the information processing device 2 include the printer driver. The case where it was included in the function of was illustrated. However, the functions of the mask processing unit 35 and the lock release unit 36 may not be included in the printer driver, and may be functions realized by another program that operates in cooperation with the printer driver.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 2 Information processing apparatus (computer)
3 Image forming device 5 Network 13 Display device (display means)
14 Operation input part (operation input means)
20 program 32 mask processing setting section (mask processing setting means)
33 Print Job Generation Unit 34 Print Job Transmission Unit 35 Mask Processing Unit (Mask Processing Unit)
36 Lock release part (release means)
50 Job receiver (reception means)
52 Condition determination unit (condition determination means)
53 Job execution unit (job execution means)
54 Mask processing command section 55 Unlock command section D1 Print job D5 Mask process setting information D22 Unlock command

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job for causing a print output in an image forming apparatus,
Operation input means for accepting operation input by the user and inputting various information;
Display means for displaying various information;
Setting means for setting mask processing setting information as a condition for performing mask processing on the display screen of the display means;
Based on the mask processing setting information, mask processing is performed on the display screen of the display unit at a predetermined timing after the print job is transmitted, and the display screen of the display unit is locked in a state where the mask processing is performed. Mask processing means;
Release means for releasing the lock state of the display screen of the display means based on an unlock command received from the image forming apparatus when the print job is executed in the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the release unit releases the lock state of the display screen of the display unit and cancels the mask process applied to the display screen of the display unit.   The release means is applied to the display screen of the display means by performing an operation on the operation input means between the release of the display screen lock state of the display means and the elapse of a predetermined effective time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask processing performed is canceled.   The mask processing means displays the display screen of the display means when no operation is performed on the operation input means between the unlocked state of the display screen of the display means and the elapse of a predetermined effective time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display screen of the display unit is locked again in a state where the mask processing is performed on the information processing apparatus.   The mask processing unit is transmitted from the image forming apparatus at a timing immediately after transmitting the print job, a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed without performing an operation on the operation input unit after transmitting the print job. And a mask process is performed on the display screen of the display means at any one of the timing of receiving the print job reception notification and the timing of receiving the print job execution start notification transmitted from the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display screen of the display unit is locked in a state where the mask process is performed. An image forming system comprising: an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job; and an image forming apparatus that receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus and performs print output.
The information processing apparatus includes a display unit that displays various types of information, generates a print job to which mask processing setting information related to mask processing to be performed on a display screen of the display unit is added, and the print job is stored in the image forming apparatus. A mask process is performed on the display screen of the display unit at a predetermined timing after transmission to the screen, and the display screen of the display unit is locked in a state in which the mask process is performed.
The image forming apparatus is configured to transmit a lock release command to the information processing apparatus based on the mask processing setting information in accordance with executing a print job received from the information processing apparatus.
The information processing apparatus releases the lock state of the display screen of the display unit based on the unlock command received from the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that executes a print job and performs print output,
Receiving means for receiving, from an information processing apparatus having display means for displaying various information, a print job to which mask processing setting information related to mask processing applied to the display screen of the display means is added;
By analyzing the mask processing setting information as the print job is received by the receiving unit, the information processing apparatus unlocks the display screen of the display unit in a state where mask processing has been performed. Condition determining means for determining a condition for
Job execution means for executing a print job received by the receiving means;
Along with the execution of the print job by the job execution means, a lock unlock command is sent to unlock the information processing apparatus in the masked state according to the condition determined by the condition determination means. Sending means to
An image forming apparatus comprising: A program executed in a computer having display means for displaying various types of information,
Setting means for setting mask processing setting information as a condition for performing mask processing on the display screen of the display means;
A transmission unit that generates a print job with the mask processing setting information added thereto and transmits the print job to a predetermined image forming apparatus;
Based on the mask processing setting information, mask processing is performed on the display screen of the display unit at a predetermined timing after the print job is transmitted, and the display screen of the display unit is locked in a state where the mask processing is performed. Mask processing means, and
Release means for releasing the lock state of the display screen of the display means based on a lock release command received from the image forming apparatus when the print job is executed in the image forming apparatus;
A program characterized by functioning as

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