JP2012126042A - Image forming apparatus, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely protect data high in level to be held secret by automatically generating a password recognizable only by a transmitter of the data even if it is long on the basis of a preliminarily set naming rule.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a data inputting section for inputting data used for a job, a storage section that stores the inputted data, a password generating processing section that automatically generates a password from a data name of the data stored in the storage section on the basis of a preliminarily set naming rule, an inputting section that accepts data selection and inputting of the password, and a job executing section that executes the job on the basis of the selected data when the same password as the password automatically generated by the password generating processing section is inputted.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that stores data and performs printing when an appropriate password is input, and an image forming system including the image forming apparatus.

  For example, the image forming apparatus may store (accumulate) data including image data and print settings. For example, the image forming apparatus stores data received from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. Then, from the viewpoint of taking away printed materials by a third party and maintaining confidentiality, a valid password input in the image forming apparatus may be a condition for performing a job based on stored data. In other words, if authentication can be performed using a password, a job based on data is executed.

  An example of an image forming apparatus using such a password is described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, Patent Literature 1 receives print data with a password, executes authentication printing based on the print data, acquires a notification destination address, and receives the received print data and password. A print data storage unit that stores the received notification address in correspondence with each other, a change unit that changes a password corresponding to the print data to a new password when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the print data, and printing An image forming apparatus including a notification unit that reads a notification destination address corresponding to print data from a data storage unit and notifies a new password based on the notification destination address is described. With this configuration, when a predetermined time elapses after receiving print data to which a password is assigned, the password is changed to try to prevent unauthorized authentication printing from being executed by a third party (Patent Document 1: Claim 1). , Paragraph [0011] etc.).

JP 2009-262420 A

  As described above, the image forming apparatus may store data (data used for printing, transmission, etc., such as image data, data relating to settings and attributes, hereinafter referred to as “document data”). As described in Patent Document 1, a password may be attached to document data. For example, a personal computer is set to add a password to document data using driver software for using the image forming apparatus. Then, document data with a password is transmitted from the information processing apparatus.

  For example, a password attached to document data is set in advance by driver software. Therefore, the password attached to the document data is fixed. Although it is not impossible to change the password each time document data is transmitted, it is troublesome. In addition, it is troublesome to manage what document data is given what password. In some cases, it is not clear what password is set for the document data. Therefore, a preset password is repeatedly used. Then, the attached password is the same for each document data.

  Then, once the password is leaked, the document data with the same password can be printed. Conventionally, the same password is assigned to each document data regardless of the necessity of confidentiality. Therefore, when a password is leaked, there is a problem that data having a high level of confidentiality can be printed by a malicious third party.

  Note that the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 changes the password corresponding to the print data to a new password when a predetermined time has elapsed, and thus it may be difficult to leak information. However, the new password is notified by e-mail (see Patent Document 1: Paragraph [0095], etc.). Therefore, by checking the mail, a third party can easily know the password. Therefore, there is a problem that the risk of password leakage can be increased.

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a new password is generated by a random number (see Patent Document 1: Paragraph [0089] and the like). Therefore, the automatically generated password is unfamiliar to the user and is difficult to remember. For this reason, it is difficult to make a new password a long character string or numeric string, and there is a problem in robustness against decoding and analysis of the new password.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention automatically generates a password that can be understood only by the sender of data based on a predetermined naming rule, and ensures that the level of data that should be kept confidential is high. It is an issue to protect.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect includes a data input unit for inputting data used for a job, a storage unit for storing data input from the data input unit, and a predetermined unit. Based on a naming rule, a password generation processing unit that automatically generates a password from the data name of the data stored in the storage unit, an input for selecting the data stored in the storage unit, and a password for the selected data An input unit that receives an input; and a job execution unit that executes a job based on selected data when the same password as the password automatically generated by the password generation processing unit is input to the input unit. Included.

  According to this configuration, the password generation processing unit automatically generates a password from the data name based on a predetermined naming rule, and the same password as the automatically generated password is input to the input unit. Then, a job such as printing is executed. As a result, a password that can be estimated is automatically generated according to a predetermined naming rule based on a data name known only to a legitimate user who has input data to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, even if the automatically generated password is long, it is possible for a legitimate user to easily input a correct password and to make the password robust. In addition, the password is different for each data by automatic generation. Therefore, data having a high level to be kept confidential can be protected more reliably than before, and information leakage due to job execution by an unauthorized person can be prevented.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of the naming rules are prepared, and the input unit inputs an input for selecting in advance the naming rule to be applied among the plurality of naming rules. Upon receipt, the password generation processing unit automatically generates a password based on the naming rule previously selected by the input unit.

  According to this configuration, a plurality of naming rules are prepared, and the password generation processing unit automatically generates a password based on the naming rules selected in advance by the input unit. As a result, the naming rule can be arbitrarily changed, and it becomes difficult for a third party who does not know the situation to estimate the automatically generated password. Therefore, information leakage due to job execution by an unauthorized person can be prevented.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the password generation processing unit confirms the content of the data, recognizes the level of the level at which data security should be protected, and provides a protection level. The naming rule to be applied is automatically switched among a plurality of the naming rules.

  According to this configuration, the password generation processing unit confirms the content of the data, recognizes the level of the height at which the data security should be protected, and applies the naming rule among a plurality of naming rules according to the level of the protection level. Automatically switch between naming conventions. As a result, it is possible to switch to a naming rule that is harder to estimate for data with a higher level to be protected for security.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the invention, the password generation processing unit generates a password based on the naming rule for generating a sequence of numbers obtained by converting each character of the data name into a stroke number. It was decided to generate automatically.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the password generation processing unit is configured to generate a password enumeration by multiplying the number included in the data name by an integer. Was automatically generated.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a display unit for displaying data stored in the storage unit, wherein the data name is a password as one of the naming rules. When the password generation processing unit automatically generates a password according to the naming rule with the data name as a password, the display unit displays the data name of the data stored in the storage unit. It was decided not to display.

  According to the fourth to sixth aspects, the password can be automatically generated based on the data name.

  An image forming system according to a seventh aspect includes an information processing apparatus that transmits data used for a print job, a data input unit that receives data used for the print job from the information processing apparatus, and an input from the data input unit. A storage unit for storing the data, a password generation processing unit for automatically generating a password from the data name of the data stored in the storage unit based on a predetermined naming rule, and a storage unit stored in the storage unit When an input for selecting data, an input unit for receiving an input of a password for the selected data, and the same password as the password automatically generated by the password generation processing unit are input to the input unit, the selected data And an image forming apparatus including a job execution unit that executes a job based on the above.

  According to this configuration, as in the first aspect, even if the password is long, the correct password can be easily input for a legitimate user. Further, since the password is different for each data by automatically generating the password, it is possible to reliably protect the data having a high level to be kept confidential.

  As described above, according to the present invention, based on a predetermined naming rule, it is possible to automatically generate a password that can be understood only by a person who inputs data to the image forming apparatus, even if it is long. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that reliably protect data having a high level to be kept confidential.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic front sectional view illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the job box screen which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the user box screen which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the software keyboard screen which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the document data list screen of the box function which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the password input screen which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the password automatic generation which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the password automatic generation | occurrence | production setting screen which concerns on embodiment. An example of a flow of automatic password generation and authentication control in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment will be described.

  Hereinafter, first, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the present invention can be applied to various image forming systems 400. The image forming system 400 including an MFP 100 as an image forming apparatus and a PC 200 (personal computer) as an information processing apparatus will be described as an example. . However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming system 400)
First, an example of an image forming system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A multifunction device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a scanner function, a copy function, a print function, a FAX function, and the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the PC 200 is communicably connected to the multifunction device 100. For example, each PC 200 and the multifunction peripheral 100 are connected by a network. Note that the PC 200 and the multifunction device 100 can be directly connected using a cable (for example, a USB cable) without using a network.

  Each PC 200 includes an input device 201 such as a keyboard and a mouse (a mouse is not shown) and a display 202. Driver software for using the multifunction device 100 as a printer is installed in a storage device 203 (see FIG. 3) such as an HDD in each PC 200. The user can start the driver software, operate the driver software, and send document data used for printing and transmission to the multi-function peripheral 100. Further, the user can set the MFP 100 to request the input of a password (authentication code) as a condition for printing or transmitting document data.

  The document data includes setting data and image data indicating setting contents such as paper used for printing. Each PC 200 transmits document data to the multifunction device 100. The multi-function device 100 receives this document data and executes printing (printer function).

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
Next, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view showing an example of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment has a document cover 101 at the top, and the multifunction peripheral 100 main body includes an operation panel 1 (corresponding to an input section), an image reading section 2 (data input section). A sheet feeding unit 3 (corresponding to a job execution unit), a conveyance path 4 (corresponding to a job execution unit), an image forming unit 5 (corresponding to a job execution unit), and a fixing unit 6 (corresponding to a job execution unit). Etc. are provided.

  The operation panel 1 is provided above the front surface of the multifunction peripheral 100 (illustrated by a broken line in FIG. 2). The operation panel 1 includes a liquid crystal display unit 11 (corresponding to a display unit) that displays the state of the multifunction peripheral 100 and various messages. The liquid crystal display unit 11 can display one or a plurality of keys for performing function selection, setting, character input, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit 11 is provided with a touch panel unit 12 (for example, a resistance film type, which corresponds to an input unit). The touch panel unit 12 is for detecting the position and coordinates of the part pressed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. The operation panel 1 is also provided with a start key 13 for instructing start of execution of various functions such as copying, and a numeric keypad 14 for inputting numbers.

  Further, the operation panel 1 is provided with a box key 15 for using document data stored in the multi-function device 100. For example, the sender who sent the document data from the PC 200 presses the box key 15 to open the box. The user can print the document data by performing an operation relating to the box on the operation panel 1. Details of the box function will be described later. As described above, the operation panel 1 is also provided with various hardware keys (corresponding to the input unit) such as the start key 13, the numeric keypad 14, and the box key 15.

  The document cover 101 has a fulcrum in the depth direction in FIG. 2 and can be opened and closed in the vertical direction. The document cover 101 presses the document placed on the placement reading contact glass 21 when the document is copied. The image reading unit 2 reads a document and forms image data of the document. The image reading unit 2 is provided with optical system members (not shown) such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor (for example, CCD). Instead of the document cover 101, a document conveying device that automatically and continuously conveys documents one by one toward the reading position of the image reading unit 2 (feed reading contact glass 22) may be provided. .

  Then, by using these optical system members, the image reading unit 2 irradiates the document placed on the placement reading contact glass 21 with light. The image reading unit 2 performs A / D conversion on the output value of each pixel of the image sensor that receives the reflected light of the document, thereby generating image data. And then. The multi-function device 100 can perform printing based on image data obtained by reading (copy function).

  The paper supply unit 3 stores a plurality of sheets (for example, various sheets such as copy sheets, plain sheets, recycled sheets, thick sheets, and OHP sheets) and sends them one by one to the conveyance path 4. The paper feed unit 3 includes a cassette 31 on which stored paper is placed (in FIG. 2, reference is made to the upper one by 31A and the lower one by 31B). In addition, a feed roller 32 that is rotationally driven to be sent out from the cassette 31 to the conveyance path 4 is provided (in FIG. 2, 32A is assigned to the upper one and 32B is assigned to the lower one). For example, at the time of printing, the paper feed roller 32 is driven to rotate, and the sheets required for printing are sent out one by one to the conveyance path 4.

  The transport path 4 is a path for transporting paper from the paper feed unit 3 to the discharge tray 41. An image forming unit 5, a fixing unit 6 and the like are arranged on the sheet conveyance path. In the conveyance path 4, a guide for guiding the paper, a pair of conveyance rollers 42 and 43 that are rotationally driven during the conveyance of the sheet, and the conveyed sheet are made to wait in front of the image forming unit 5, and toner A registration roller pair 44 and the like for feeding paper at the timing of image formation are provided.

  The image forming unit 5 forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image to the conveyed paper. For this reason, the image forming unit 5 includes a photosensitive drum 51 supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2, and a charging device 52, an exposure device 53, and a developing unit disposed around the photosensitive drum 51. A device 54, a transfer roller 55, a cleaning device 56, and the like are provided.

  The toner image formation and transfer process will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 51 is provided substantially at the center of the image forming unit 5 and is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction. The charging device 52 charges the photosensitive drum 51 to a predetermined potential. The exposure device 53 outputs laser light based on the image data, scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51, and forms an electrostatic latent image according to the image data. As the image data, image data obtained by the image reading unit 2 or image data transmitted from an external PC 200 or a counterpart FAX apparatus 300 (see FIG. 3) connected via a network or the like is used.

  The developing device 54 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 and develops it. The transfer roller 55 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 51 to form a nip. The sheet enters the nip while being timed according to the toner image. When the paper enters, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 55, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the paper. The cleaning device 56 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 51 after the transfer.

  The fixing unit 6 fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 6 in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a heating roller 61 and a pressure roller 62 that incorporate a heating element. The heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 are in pressure contact to form a nip. Then, as the sheet passes through the nip, the toner on the sheet surface is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The sheet after toner fixing is discharged to the discharge tray 41. In this way, image formation (printing) is performed when the copy function and printer function are used.

(Hardware configuration of image forming system 400)
Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming system 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the PC 200 as an information processing apparatus of the image forming system 400 will be described. Although a plurality of PCs 200 can be connected to the multifunction peripheral 100, for convenience, only one PC 200 is shown in FIG.

  The PC 200 includes therein a processing unit 204 that performs data processing and control in the PC 200. The processing unit 204 is, for example, a substrate on which a CPU and various chips are mounted. The storage device 203 stores, for example, a control program for the PC 200 and driver software for the multifunction peripheral 100. The storage device 203 is, for example, an HDD, a flash ROM, or a RAM.

  The input device 201 is an input interface for the PC 200. The input device 201 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The display 202 displays various screens. For example, when the driver software is activated, the display 202 displays a screen relating to print settings in the multifunction peripheral 100. The data communication unit 205 is a communication interface including a communication chip and a connector. The data communication unit 205 is communicably connected to another PC 200 or the multifunction peripheral 100 via a network or a communication cable.

  Next, the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described. In the multifunction device 100, a control unit 7 (corresponding to a password generation processing unit) is provided. The control unit 7 controls the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100 and includes, for example, a CPU 71, an image processing unit 72, and the like. The control unit 7 is divided into a plurality of functions, such as a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and an engine control unit that controls ON / OFF of a motor that rotates an image forming and various rotating bodies. Seeds may be provided.

  The CPU 71 is a central processing unit, and controls each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 8 and developed. The image processing unit 72 performs various types of image processing on image data to be printed (image data read by the image reading unit 2 or image data received from the PC 200 or the FAX apparatus 300). Alternatively, the image processing unit 72 performs various types of image processing on the image data read by the image reading unit 2 and transmitted to the PC 200 or the FAX apparatus 300.

  The storage unit 8 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD, and is configured by combining nonvolatile and volatile storage devices. The storage unit 8 stores various programs such as those for controlling the multifunction peripheral 100, data, setting data, image data, and the like. For example, document data transmitted from each PC 200 is stored in the HDD of the storage unit 8.

  The HDD of the storage unit 8 uses a dedicated storage area virtually provided as a “box”, and stores document data in the “box”. In other words, the box is a storage area for document data in the storage unit 8. The user can select and print the document data by opening the box (box function).

  The control unit 7 is connected to the operation panel 1, the image reading unit 2, the paper feeding unit 3, the conveyance path 4, the image forming unit 5, the fixing unit 6, and the like through a bus, a signal line, and the like. To control the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The operation panel 1 of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a display control unit 10, a memory 16, a liquid crystal display unit 11, and a touch panel unit 12. The display control unit 10 is configured by a CPU, an IC, and the like, and controls display on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Based on the image data of the screen to be displayed, the display control unit 10 gives an instruction to the liquid crystal display unit 11 to perform display. Further, the display control unit 10 receives the output of the touch panel unit 12 and specifies the position (coordinates) pressed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. For example, the memory 16 stores data such as a table indicating the correspondence between the output of the touch panel unit 12 and the coordinates.

  The display control unit 10 compares the pressed position with image data of various screens displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11, and identifies and recognizes the pressed key. In this way, the user can perform setting input for using each function such as copying and transmission by pressing the setting and operation keys displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. For example, the display control unit 10 recognizes the setting content and transmits the content to the control unit 7. As a result, the control unit 7 causes each unit in the multifunction peripheral 100 to perform an operation reflecting the setting contents on the operation panel 1.

  The screen and image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 are stored in the memory 16 in the operation panel 1, for example. Then, every time a key or the like displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is pressed, the display control unit 10 reads the screen to be displayed next and image data of the image from the memory 16. Various hard keys (start key 13 and box key 15) provided on the operation panel 1 are also connected to the display control unit 10. The display control unit 10 recognizes that various keys have been pressed and transmits the fact to the control unit 7.

  Further, the control unit 7 is connected to a communication unit 9 (corresponding to a data input unit and a job execution unit) including various connectors, sockets, a communication control chip, and the like. The communication unit 9 connects the PC 200, the partner FAX apparatus 300, and the multifunction peripheral 100 so that they can communicate with each other via a network, a public line, or the like. For example, data including image data can be transmitted to an external PC 200 or a counterpart FAX apparatus 300 (Internet FAX may be used) (scanner function, FAX function). Also, printing can be performed based on image data from the FAX apparatus 300 (FAX function). Regarding the printer function, the communication unit 9 can receive document data from the PC 200 and perform printing. As described above, the MFP 100 includes a plurality of functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scan function, and a FAX function.

(Storing and storing document data)
Next, storage of document data in the multifunction peripheral 100 and the image forming system 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the job box screen S1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user box screen S2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the software keyboard screen S3 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 8. The storage unit 8 is data used for printing and transmission, and has a storage area called a box for storing document data including data such as image data, setting data, and attribute information. In the multifunction device 100 of the present embodiment, for example, two types of boxes are provided. One is a box for storing document data received from the PC 200 (hereinafter referred to as “job box”), and the other is document data including image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2. It is a stored box (hereinafter referred to as “user box”).

[Job Box]
First, the job box will be described with reference to FIG. One method of inputting document data to the multifunction peripheral 100 is transmission of document data from the PC 200. Driver software for using the multifunction device 100 is installed in the PC 200. Then, the driver software operates the processing unit 204 and the like, and transmits image data, a data name, a setting, attribute information, and the like as document data from the data communication unit 205 to the communication unit 9 of the multi-function peripheral 100. At this time, the communication unit 9 functions as a data input unit to the multifunction device 100.

  The control unit 7 confirms the user who transmitted the document data. For example, each PC 200 may perform processing for attaching data indicating a user to document data. Or the control part 7 may recognize the sender name (user name) of document data based on the address (for example, IP address) of PC200 which transmitted document data. In this case, for example, table data for associating addresses with users is stored in the storage unit 8 in advance, and the control unit 7 refers to the table data to recognize the sender of each document data. Then, the control unit 7 attaches a user name to the document data received by the communication unit 9 and stores it in the job box of the storage unit 8.

  FIG. 4 shows a job box screen S1 for handling document data stored in the job box. When the box key 15 is pressed and the job box tab TB1 is pressed, the display control unit 10 displays the job box screen S1 on the liquid crystal display unit 11.

  The job box screen S1 is provided with a user name list display area F1 for displaying a list of document data senders (user names) and the like. The control unit 7 gives the display control unit 10 data indicating the sender of the document data stored in the job box and the number of documents. The display control unit 10 receives this data and causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display the user name list display area F1.

  Based on the document data transmitted from the PC 200 to the MFP 100, the user who wants to execute the job presses the liquid crystal display unit 11 and selects his / her user name. For example, the display control unit 10 reversely displays the selected user name. When the open key K1 is pressed while the user name is selected, the display control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display a screen for selecting document data (document data list screen S4, details will be described later). .

[User Box]
The image reading unit 2 can also be used for inputting document data to the multifunction peripheral 100. The storage unit 8 may store image data obtained by reading an original with the image reading unit 2, and data names, settings, attribute information, and the like accompanying the image data as document data in a box. At this time, the image reading unit 2 functions as a data input unit to the multifunction device 100.

  Accumulation of document data using the image reading unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows a user box screen S2 for handling document data stored using the image reading unit 2. When the box key 15 is pressed and the user box tab TB2 is pressed, the display control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display the user box screen S2.

  The user box screen S2 is provided with a user box display area F2 for displaying a list of user boxes registered in advance by the user. The control unit 7 gives the display control unit 10 the box name of the provided user box and data indicating the user. The display control unit 10 receives this data and causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display the user box display area F2. The user can create or delete a user box by pressing a box registration / edit key K2 provided on the right side of the user box display area F2.

  By pressing the liquid crystal display unit 11, a user box can be selected. For example, the display control unit 10 highlights the selected user box. Then, when the document storage key K3 is pressed with the user box selected, the document data can be stored using the image reading unit 2.

  When document data such as image data obtained by reading by the image reading unit 2 is stored in the user box, the control unit 7 may automatically add a data name to the document data based on the reading date and time. Good. Alternatively, the control unit 7 may display a software keyboard screen S3 as shown in FIG. 6 on the liquid crystal display unit 11 upon completion of reading by the image reading unit 2 so that an input for naming the document data can be performed. Good. Then, the storage unit 8 stores the document data together with the data name.

  If the user presses the open key K4 while the user box is selected, the display control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display a screen for selecting document data (document data list screen S4, details will be described later). .

(Use of accumulated document data)
Next, an example of the box function according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the document data list screen S4 in the box function according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In order to use the stored document data, it is necessary to select the document data stored in the storage unit 8. In the present embodiment, document data for executing a job is selected on the document data list screen S4.

  Specifically, when the user presses the open key K1 while the user name is selected on the job box screen S1, the display control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display the document data list screen S4. The display control unit 10 also displays the document data list screen S4 on the liquid crystal display unit 11 when the open key K4 is pressed while the user box is selected on the user box screen S2.

  A document data list display area F3 is provided on the various document data list screen S4. In the document data list display area F3, the data name and the reception date and time of the document data in the selected sender's job box and the selected user box are displayed. The control unit 7 transmits the data name of the document data stored in the storage unit 8 and data indicating the reception date and time to the display control unit 10 in accordance with the selected sender and user box. Then, the display control unit 10 displays a list of document data on the liquid crystal display unit 11 as shown in FIG. 7 based on the received data.

  In the list, a check box CB is provided on the left side of each document data. The user checks a check box CB of document data to be printed or transmitted. As a result, data to be processed is selected.

  A delete key K5, a print key K6, and a send key K7 are arranged below the list. The delete key K5 is pressed when deleting checked document data from the list. The print key K6 is pressed when printing the checked document data. The transmission key K7 is pressed when transmitting document data with a check.

(Enter password)
Next, based on FIGS. 6 and 8, input of a password in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the password input screen S5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the multi-function device 100 of this embodiment, the user is requested to input a password before the document data is selected on the document data list screen S4 and the print key K6 or the send key K7 is pressed to actually perform printing or transmission. This password authentication can prevent transmission by a third party, removal of printed matter, and browsing of confidential documents by unauthorized persons.

  The password to be entered may be limited to numbers. In this case, the user uses the numeric keypad 14 of the operation panel 1 to input a password. Alternatively, when the password input field L1 in the password input screen S5 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the display control unit 10 displays a software keyboard screen S3 as shown in FIG. 6 to display characters (for example, alphabets) and symbols. The number may be entered as a password.

  When the OK key K8 is pressed on the password input screen S5, the input password is transmitted to the control unit 7. And the control part 7 confirms whether the input password is correct. If the password is correct, the control unit 7 controls the image forming unit 5 and the like to perform printing based on the document data. If the setting is for transmission, the control unit 7 causes the communication unit 9 to transmit image data or the like based on the document data.

(Automatic password generation)
Next, automatic generation of a password in the multi-function device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of automatic password generation according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the password automatic generation setting screen S6 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Conventionally, in printing document data using a password, each user transmits the document data after attaching the password with the PC 200. The multifunction peripheral 100 that has received the document data does not immediately print but stores and stores it in the storage unit 8. Then, the multifunction device 100 performs printing upon receiving the password. As a result, printing is performed in a state where the sender of the document data is near the multi-function peripheral 100, and a third party is prevented from taking away the printed matter.

  In such a printing method, the user sets a password in advance on the PC 200. A preset password is attached to each document data. Therefore, if the password is leaked, all the document data with the same password can be printed. Also, from the viewpoint of security protection, a longer password is more preferable. However, since it is forgotten when the password is input to the multifunction peripheral 100, a long password is rarely set in advance.

  Therefore, in the MFP 100 and the image forming system 400 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 7 automatically generates a password that only the user can understand based on the data name of the document data based on a certain naming rule. This prevents printing or transmission of document data by an unauthorized person. Here, in order to increase the strength of the automatically generated password, a plurality of naming rules are prepared in the MFP 100 of the present embodiment.

[Specific example of naming convention 1]
First, a first specific example of the naming rule will be described. In this naming rule, the control unit 7 confirms the data name of the document data. Then, the control unit 7 converts all the characters included in the data name to the number of strokes. And the control part 7 uses the number corrected to the number of strokes as a password. For example, when the data name is “testfile.txt”, the control unit 7 automatically generates a password “21122211” based on the “testfile” portion other than the extension. For example, when the data name is “meeting material.pdf”, the control unit 7 determines “6201310 (meeting = 6 strokes, conference = 20 strokes, fund = 13) based on the“ meeting material ”portion other than the extension. Image, fee = 10 images) ”is automatically generated. For example, a kanji stroke number list may be stored in the storage unit 8 so that the control unit 7 can check the number of strokes of each character of the data name.

  That is, the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) automatically generates a password based on a naming rule for generating a sequence of numbers obtained by converting each character of the data name into a stroke number.

[Specific example 2 of naming convention]
Next, a second specific example of the naming rule will be described. In this naming rule, the control unit 7 confirms the data name of the document data. And the control part 7 doubles the number contained in a data name. And the control part 7 uses the doubled number as a password. This is because the date of creation of document data is often given as the data name.

  For example, when the data name is “20101010.txt”, the control unit 7 automatically doubles the “20101010” portion other than the extension and automatically generates the password “40202020”. For example, when the data name is “080808.pdf”, the control unit 7 automatically generates a password “016601016” based on “080808” other than the extension. The multiple is not limited to “2”. In addition, by making the multiples different, it is possible to easily make multiple naming rules.

  In other words, the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) automatically generates a password based on a naming rule for generating an enumeration of numbers by multiplying the number included in the data name by an integer.

[Specific example 3 of naming convention]
Next, a third specific example of the naming rule will be described. In this naming rule, the control unit 7 uses the data name itself of the document data as a password. Therefore, when the password is automatically generated according to the naming rule, the data name is not displayed on the document data list screen S4.

  For example, for document data whose data name is “testfile.txt”, the display control unit 10 originally has a document data list in which the data name “testfile.txt” is written, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. The screen S4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. However, when the password is automatically generated according to the naming rule, the display control unit 10 displays the document data list screen S4 in which the data name “testfile.txt” is written as “******. Txt”. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11.

  As described above, the control unit 7 does not display the data name on the display control unit 10 when the password is automatically generated according to the naming rule (when the data name is directly used as the password). In this case, for example, the control unit 7 gives data including “*” or a space as a data name to be displayed on the display control unit 10 on the document data list screen S4.

  That is, it has a display unit (liquid crystal display unit 11) for displaying data stored in the storage unit 8, and as one of the naming rules, there is a naming rule with a data name as a password, and a naming with a data name as a password. According to the rules, when the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) automatically generates a password, the display unit does not display the data name of the data stored in the storage unit 8.

  Then, the administrator of the multifunction device 100 can make settings for automatically generating a password. FIG. 10 is an example of the password automatic generation setting screen S6 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, in the automatic password generation, a plurality of naming rules are prepared. Therefore, the administrator can fix the priority order of the naming rules to be applied in the automatic password generation. Specifically, the naming rule setting field L2 in the pull-down menu format shown in the naming rule selection field allows the administrator to determine the priority order of the naming rules to be applied. And the control part 7 applies the naming rule in the automatic generation of a password in order of the defined priority. That is, a plurality of naming rules are prepared, and the input unit (operation panel 1) receives an input for selecting a naming rule to be applied from among a plurality of naming rules, and the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) A password is automatically generated based on the naming convention selected in the input section.

  For example, the naming rule of the above specific example 2 cannot generate a password when the data name includes only characters and does not include numbers. For example, when the naming rule of the specific example 2 is the first priority in the priority order and the password is automatically generated based on the data name that does not include a number, the control unit 7 automatically uses the second naming rule. Generate.

  In the automatic password generation setting, a setting for automatically changing the naming rule can be made in accordance with the security setting of the document data. The driver software of the multifunction peripheral 100 installed on the PC 200 can make various settings for printing document data. The driver software may be able to perform security settings for document data.

  In the PC 200 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform settings for adding watermarks such as “in-house secret”, “top secret”, and “confidential” using the installed driver software. In some cases, application software that creates document data can also add a watermark. When the setting for attaching the watermark is made, the control unit 7 generates image data in which the watermark is embedded. For example, the image forming unit 5 prints based on the image data in which the watermark is embedded (the watermark is also printed). Further, the PC 200 may be capable of setting a level (security level) for protecting the security of the document data by using the driver software of the multifunction peripheral 100 or application software.

  The administrator can set whether or not to change the naming rule to be used automatically when security settings are made for document data in order to retain confidential information and when it is not made. That is, the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) confirms the content of the data, recognizes the level of the level at which the security of the data should be protected, Automatically switch the naming convention to apply.

  Specifically, radio buttons RB1 and RB2 for selecting whether the naming rule for automatic password generation is fixed while determining the priority or whether the naming rule is automatically changed according to the security setting are automatically generated by the password. It is provided on the setting screen S6.

  In the document data, a high-level setting field L3 for setting a naming rule to be applied when security is set is set, and a naming rule to be applied when there is no security setting. A normal level setting field L4 is provided. For example, both the high level setting field L3 and the normal level setting field L4 can set a naming rule in a pull-down menu format.

  Then, the display control unit 10 informs the control unit 7 of the setting content of the password automatic generation setting screen S6 when the OK key K8 is pressed. The control unit 7 stores the setting contents in the storage unit 8, and refers to the automatic password generation to determine a naming rule to be applied.

(Automatic password generation and authentication control flow)
Next, an example of the flow of password automatic generation control in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the flow of automatic password generation and authentication control in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the start of FIG. 11 is a point in time when the box key 15 is pressed and document data to be printed is selected by the user.

  Then, the control unit 7 determines a naming rule to be used for automatically generating a password for the job execution target document data (step # 1).

  Specifically, the control unit 7 confirms whether the naming rule to be used is fixedly set, or whether the setting is such that the naming rule is automatically changed by setting related to document data security. When the naming rule to be used is fixed, the control unit 7 determines to use the fixed naming rule. However, when the naming rule cannot automatically generate a password from the document data name, the control unit 7 determines the naming rule while lowering the priority. When the setting for automatically changing the naming rule is made according to the setting for increasing the security in the document data (watermark or the like), the control unit 7 determines whether there is a setting for increasing the security in the document data. Define naming conventions.

  Next, the control unit 7 automatically generates a password based on the document data to be printed or transmitted and the naming rule (step # 2). Then, the control unit 7 instructs the display control unit 10 to display the password input screen S5 on the liquid crystal display unit 11 (step # 3).

  Since the password is input by the user who performs printing or transmission, the operation panel 1 (display control unit 10) accepts the input of the password (step # 4). Specifically, when the OK key is pressed on the password input screen S5, the display control unit 10 recognizes numbers, characters, symbols, and the like input in the password input field L1 as passwords.

  Then, the password input to the control unit 7 is transmitted from the operation panel 1 (display control unit 10), and the control unit 7 recognizes the input password (step # 5). Then, the control unit 7 compares the input password with the automatically generated password, and confirms whether the input password is correct (matches) (step # 6).

  If the input password is correct (Yes in step # 6), the control unit 7 causes the image forming unit 5 and the communication unit 9 to perform printing and transmission based on the document data (step # 7 → end). ). That is, the image forming apparatus (for example, the MFP 100) of the present invention includes a data input unit (communication unit 9 and image reading unit 2) for inputting data used for a job, and data input from the data input unit. , A password generation processing unit (control unit 7) that automatically generates a password from the data name of data stored in the storage unit 8 based on a predetermined naming rule, and a storage unit 8 The input unit for selecting the data stored in the input unit, the input unit (operation panel 1) for accepting the input of the password of the selected data, and the same password as the password automatically generated by the password generation processing unit (control unit 7), When input to the input unit (operation panel 1), a job execution unit (such as the image forming unit 5 or the communication unit 9) that executes a print or transmission job based on the selected data is included. In the case of a print job, the paper feed unit 3, the conveyance path 4, the image forming unit 5, the fixing unit 6 and the like correspond to the job execution unit. In the case of a transmission job, the control unit 7 and the communication unit 9 correspond to the job execution unit.

  The present invention also relates to an information processing device (PC 200) that transmits data used for a print job, a data input unit (communication unit 9 or image reading unit 2) that receives data used for a print job from the information processing device, A storage unit 8 that stores data input from the input unit, and a password generation processing unit (control unit) that automatically generates a password from the data name of the data stored in the storage unit 8 based on a predetermined naming rule 7), an input for selecting data stored in the storage unit 8, an input unit (operation panel 1) for accepting input of a password for the selected data, and the same password as the password automatically generated by the password generation processing unit Is input to the input unit, an image forming unit including a job execution unit (such as the image forming unit 5 and the communication unit 9) that executes a job based on the selected data Comprising a location (e.g., the MFP 100), can also be regarded as an image forming system 400.

  On the other hand, if the input password is not correct (if it does not match the automatically generated password (No in step # 6)), for example, the control unit 7 instructs the display control unit 10 to input the correct password. (Step # 8) and then returns to Step # 3.

  In this way, according to the present invention, the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) automatically generates a password from a data name based on a predetermined naming rule, When the same password is input to the input unit (operation panel 1), a job such as printing is executed. As a result, a password that can be estimated is automatically generated according to a predetermined naming rule based on a data name known only to a legitimate user who has input data to the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral 100). Therefore, even if the automatically generated password is long, the correct password can be easily input for a legitimate user, and the robustness of the password itself can be improved. In addition, the password is different for each data by automatically generating the password. Therefore, data having a high level to be kept confidential can be protected more reliably than before, and information leakage due to job execution by an unauthorized person can be prevented.

  A plurality of naming rules are prepared, and the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) automatically generates a password based on a naming rule selected in advance by the input unit (operation panel 1). As a result, the naming rule can be arbitrarily changed, and it becomes difficult for a third party who does not know the situation to estimate the automatically generated password. Therefore, information leakage due to job execution by an unauthorized person can be prevented.

  In addition, the password generation processing unit (control unit 7) confirms the content of the data, recognizes the height level at which the security of the data should be protected, and according to the height of the protection level, Automatically switch the naming convention to apply. As a result, it is possible to switch to a naming rule that is harder to estimate for data with a higher level to be protected for security. Further, a password can be automatically generated based on a data name based on a plurality of naming rules.

  Even if the password is long, the correct password can be easily input for a legitimate user. Further, since the password is different for each data by automatically generating the password, it is possible to reliably protect the data having a high level to be kept confidential.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, the example in which the control unit 7 automatically generates a password and determines whether the input password is correct has been described. However, for example, the display control unit 10 may automatically generate a password and determine whether the input password is correct. In this way, a part other than the control unit 7 can be used as a password generation processing unit.

  In addition, the setting for automatically changing the naming rule according to the naming rule to be used and the setting related to the security of the document data has been described. However, these settings are made for each user, and the setting made by the storage unit 8 is made for each user. You may make it memorize.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus having a display unit such as an operation panel and an input unit, and an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus.

100 MFP (image forming apparatus) 1 Operation panel (input unit)
11 Liquid crystal display unit (display unit) 2 Image reading unit (data input unit)
3 Feeder (Job Execution Unit) 4 Transport Path (Job Execution Unit)
5 Image forming unit (job execution unit) 6 Fixing unit (job execution unit)
7 Control part (password generation processing part)
8 storage unit 9 communication unit (data input unit, job execution unit)
200 PC (Information Processing Device) 400 Image Forming System

Claims (7)

A data input unit for inputting data used for the job;
A storage unit for storing data input from the data input unit;
Based on a predetermined naming rule, a password generation processing unit that automatically generates a password from the data name of the data stored in the storage unit,
An input for selecting data stored in the storage unit; an input unit for receiving an input of a password for the selected data;
And a job execution unit that executes a job based on the selected data when the same password as the password automatically generated by the password generation processing unit is input to the input unit. Forming equipment. A plurality of the naming rules are prepared,
The input unit accepts an input that preselects the naming rule to be applied among the plurality of naming rules.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the password generation processing unit automatically generates a password based on the naming rule selected in advance by the input unit.   The password generation processing unit confirms the content of the data, recognizes the level of the level at which data security should be protected, and applies the naming rule to be applied among a plurality of the naming rules according to the level of protection level. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is automatically switched.   4. The password generation processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the password generation processing unit automatically generates a password based on the naming rule for generating an enumeration of numbers obtained by converting each character of the data name into the number of strokes. The image forming apparatus described in the item.   The password generation processing unit automatically generates a password based on the naming rule for generating an enumeration of numbers by multiplying a number included in a data name by an integer. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. A display unit for displaying data stored in the storage unit;
As one of the naming rules, there is the naming rule with a data name as a password,
According to the naming rule with a data name as a password, when the password generation processing unit automatically generates a password, the display unit does not display a data name of data stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An information processing apparatus for transmitting data used for a print job;
A data input unit that receives data used for a print job from the information processing apparatus, a storage unit that stores data input from the data input unit, and a storage unit that stores data based on a predetermined naming rule. A password generation processing unit that automatically generates a password from the data name of the data; an input that selects data stored in the storage unit; an input unit that receives an input of a password for the selected data; and the password generation processing unit And an image forming apparatus including a job execution unit that executes a job based on the selected data when the same password as the password automatically generated by the user is input to the input unit. Forming system.

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