JP2013129124A - Image forming apparatus and authentication printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem in a conventional image forming apparatus, wherein a process of entering a PIN number is complicated when an IC card is lost or forgotten.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 includes: a correspondence table holding part 18 for holding PIN numbers 51 corresponding to a log-on ID 43; a print data storage part 12; an operation panel part 17; an identification data matching part 19; a print control part 14; and a printing part 15. Especially, the identification information matching part 19 searches for the correspondence table holding part 18 from part of the input PIN numbers 51 to specify the PIN number 51, and obtains the log-on ID 43 corresponding to the specified PIN number 51. Accordingly, even when the IC card 31 is lost or forgotten, authentication print can be performed without the process of inputting a PIN number by entering the PIN number 51 with the minimum digits.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus suitable for authenticated printing of confidential documents and the like, and an authenticated printing system using the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, for example, in Patent Document 1, when performing authentication printing, by using an IC card, it is possible to save time and effort to input a user ID and a password and to perform authentication printing that is efficient in terms of time. An image forming apparatus is described.

JP 2005-335282 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, if the IC card is lost or forgotten, authentication printing cannot be performed temporarily. In addition, there is a method for performing authentication for identifying an individual by inputting a PIN (Personal Identification Number) number. In the personal authentication using an IC card, since the individual can be specified only by inserting or picking up the IC card into the IC card medium reading device, the user's effort is reduced. On the other hand, it is troublesome and complicated for the user to input a PIN number that is an enumeration of numbers having a large number of digits.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing authentication printing while ensuring the same security as that of an IC card and omitting the input of a PIN number when the IC card is lost or forgotten. It is to provide a printing system.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes first identification information for identifying an authorized person for authentication printing, and second identification information having a predetermined first number of digits for identifying the authorized person. Correspondence table holding unit for holding correspondence table data associated with each other, data receiving unit for receiving authentication print data having print data and the first identification information, and print data storage for storing the received authentication print data And an operation panel unit for inputting the second identification information for each digit, and a specific second digit number equal to or less than the first digit number in the input second identification information. And when the second identification information inputted more than the second number of digits can be identified by the correspondence table data, the input of the second identification information is terminated, and the inputted second digit The second identification information and the correspondence table data are collated An identification information verification unit that acquires the first identification information; a print control unit that reads the authentication print data corresponding to the acquired first identification information from the print data storage unit and controls print processing; And a printing unit that prints the authentication print data read and controlled by the print control unit on a recording medium.

  The authentication print system of the present invention generates an authentication print data and outputs the authentication print data, and receives the authentication print job data and prints the authentication print data on a recording medium when the authentication is successful. And an image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the authentication printing system of the present invention, the correspondence table holding unit, the data receiving unit, the print data storage unit, the operation panel unit, the identification information matching unit, the print control unit, the printing unit, , The logon ID corresponding to the PIN number is obtained by inputting the PIN number having the minimum necessary number of digits. Thus, when the IC card is lost or forgotten, it is possible to reduce the trouble of inputting a PIN number having a long number of digits at the time of authentication printing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an authentication printing system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the format of the authentication print data 12a in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence table data 18a in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the identification information matching unit 19 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the operation panel unit 17 in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the job searching screen 71 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a display example of the no authentication print job screen 72 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the online screen 73 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the menu screen 74 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the PIN number input screen 75 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of the screen without PIN number 76 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of the authentication print confirmation screen 77 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of shifting to authentication printing by an IC card in the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process for shifting to authentication printing by inputting a PIN number in the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the authentication printing process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the authentication printing system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence table data 18b in FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the operation panel unit 17A in FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of the password input screen 78 on the display unit 17d in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display example of the password authentication failure screen 79 on the display unit 17d in FIG. FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the identification information matching unit 19A in FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process of shifting to authentication printing by inputting a PIN number in the second embodiment.

  Modes for carrying out the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in light of the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are only for explanation and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

(Configuration of Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the authentication printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The authentication printing system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a client PC 20 including a personal computer or the like (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) connected via a transmission path 23 such as a network. Yes. The client PC 20 has a printer driver 21. The printer driver 21 has a function of creating authentication print data 12 a and transmitting it to the image forming apparatus 10.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a data receiving unit 11, a print data storage unit 12, a print data control unit 13, a print control unit 14, a printing unit 15, an operation panel control unit 16, an operation panel unit 17, a correspondence table holding unit 18, an identification An information verification unit 19 and an IC card medium information acquisition unit 30 are mounted.

  The data receiving unit 11 has a function of receiving the authentication print data 12 a sent from the client PC 20 and outputting the received authentication print data 12 a to the print data storage unit 12.

  The print data storage unit 12 stores the authentication print data 12 a input from the data reception unit 11 in the storage area, and outputs the authentication print data 12 a to the print data control unit 13 according to a command from the print data control unit 13. Or, it has a function of deleting the authentication print data 12a.

  The print data control unit 13 has a function of reading the print authentication data 12 a held in the print data storage unit 12 and outputting the read authentication print data 12 a to the print control unit 14. The print control unit 14 has a function of controlling print processing based on the authentication print data 12 a input from the print data control unit 13. The printing unit 15 is controlled by the print control unit 14 and has a function of printing the input authentication print data 12a on a recording medium such as paper.

  The operation panel control unit 16 has a function of generating image data to be displayed on the display unit 17 b of the operation panel unit 17 and outputting an image display command to the operation panel unit 17. The operation panel unit 17 includes an input unit 17a and a display unit 17b. The input unit 17a includes, for example, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, and the like, and performs input operations such as a print execution command and an authentication print data 12a deletion command to the image forming apparatus 10. The display unit 17b is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays an image based on an image display command input from the operation panel control unit 16. The operation panel control unit 16 performs screen display based on information input from the print data control unit 13, the operation panel unit 17, and the identification information matching unit 19.

  The correspondence table holding unit 18 has a function of holding the correspondence table data 18a. The IC card medium information acquisition unit 30 has a function of detecting the IC card 31 and acquiring a card ID 32 unique to the IC card.

  Based on the PIN number 51 that is the second identification information and the information acquired by the IC card medium information acquisition unit 30, the identification information collation unit 19 uses the correspondence table data 18a held in the correspondence table holding unit 18. It has a function of searching and outputting the result to the print data control unit 13 and the operation panel control unit 16.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the format of the authentication print data 12a in FIG.
The format of the authentication print data 12a includes, for example, a print mode 41 such as print quality and print speed, a job name 42, an individual identification code (hereinafter referred to as “logon ID”) 43 as first identification information, and print data 44. It consists of.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence table data 18a in FIG.
The correspondence table data 18a includes a logon ID 43, a card ID 32, and a PIN number 51. The logon ID 43, the card ID 32, and the PIN number 51 are set with unique values in the correspondence table data 18a. The administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 registers the correspondence table data 18 a in the correspondence table holding unit 18 via the transmission path 23. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the correspondence table data 18 a has been registered in the correspondence table holding unit 18. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the logon ID 43 is a 7-digit alphanumeric character string code, the card ID 32 is a 7-digit alphanumeric character string code, and the PIN number 51 is a 10-digit numeric character code. The logon ID 43 and the card ID 32 are created from numbers 0 to 9 and 26 alphabetic characters, and there are combinations of codes obtained by multiplying the number 37 by the number of digits. On the other hand, the PIN number 51 is created from the numbers 0 to 9 and there is only a combination type code obtained by multiplying the number 10 several times. In order to make it equivalent to the combination type of ID 43 and card ID 32, the number of digits of the PIN number 51 is increased. In general, the IC card 31 stores personal information such as address, telephone number, date of birth, and bank account number. If lost or stolen, there is a risk of serious damage or damage. Therefore, strict management is performed. In the example of the correspondence table data 18a in FIG. 3, as examples of the card ID 32, codes associated with names such as “yotuji1”, “aokiken”, “ogawami”, and “ktanaka” are shown.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the identification information matching unit 19 in FIG.
The identification information collation unit 19 includes an input digit number detection unit 19a, an identification information candidate search unit 19b, an identification information candidate narrowing unit 19c, and a logon ID acquisition unit 19d. When the number of digits detection unit 19a detects that the number of digits of the PIN number 51 input from the input unit 17a in the operation panel 17 is equal to or greater than a specific number of digits (for example, five digits), the identification information candidate search The means 19b has a function of outputting a search instruction for a PIN number candidate based on the inputted 5-digit PIN number 51.

  The identification information candidate search unit 19b refers to the correspondence table data 18a in the correspondence table holding unit 18 based on the 5-digit PIN number 51 input from the input digit number detection unit 19a, for example, the first five digits match. The second identification information candidate having the PIN number 51 to be selected is selected and output to the identification information narrowing means 19c.

  The identification information narrowing means 19 c performs different processing depending on the number of PIN number 51 candidates. If there is no PIN number 51 candidate, the identification information narrowing means 19 c notifies the operation panel control unit 16 that there is no PIN number 51. When there are a plurality of PIN number 51 candidates, the identification information narrowing means 19c displays on the display unit 17b a prompt to input the next one digit of the PIN number 51 until the PIN number 51 candidates are narrowed down to one. The processes of the input digit detection means 19a, the identification information candidate search means 19b, and the identification information narrowing means 19c are repeated, and when the PIN number 51 candidates are narrowed down to one, the digit input of the PIN number 51 from the input unit 17a is performed. It has the function of prohibiting and outputting the PIN number 51 narrowed down to one to the logon ID acquisition means 19d.

  The logon ID obtaining unit 19d specifies the PIN number 51 input from the identification information narrowing unit 19c as the second identification information, and collates the second identification information with the correspondence table data 18a in the correspondence table holding unit 18. Thus, it has a function of acquiring the logon ID 32 corresponding to the PIN number 51.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an arrangement of operation keypads in the operation panel unit 17 in FIG.
The operation panel unit 17 includes an input unit 17a and a display unit 17b. The input unit 17a includes a numeric keypad 61, an upper button 62, an OK button 63, and a lower button 64.

  6 to 12 are diagrams showing display examples of the display screen 71 on the display unit 17b in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the job searching screen 71 on the display unit 17b in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the no authentication print job screen 72 on the display unit 17b in FIG. 1, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the online screen 73 on the display unit 17b in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the menu screen 74 on the display unit 17b in FIG. 1, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the PIN number input screen 75 on the display unit 17b in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of the PIN numberless screen 76 on the display unit 17b in the middle, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of the authentication print confirmation screen 77 on the display unit 17b in FIG.

  The job search in progress screen is a screen that displays that the personal authentication is successful and the authentication print data 12a stored in the print data storage unit 12 is being searched based on the logon ID 43 acquired from the correspondence table data 18a. . In the display example of the job searching screen 71 shown in FIG. 6, characters “authentication printing” and “job searching” are displayed.

  The screen without the authentication print job is a screen that displays that there is no authentication print data 12a with the logon ID 43 as a result of searching the authentication print data 12a stored in the print data storage unit 12 based on the logon ID 43. . In the display example of the no authentication print job screen 72 in FIG. 7, the characters “authentication print” and “no job” are displayed.

  The online screen is a screen that displays that the authentication printing process has been completed and the image forming apparatus 10 is in a standby state. In the display example of the online screen 73 in FIG. 8, the characters “online” are displayed. .

  The menu screen is a screen that displays various operation menus such as printing and copying in the image forming apparatus 10. In the display example of the menu screen 74 in FIG. 9, the characters “PIN number input printing” with an underline are displayed below the characters “MENU”. An underline under the “PIN number input print” character indicates that the “PIN number input print” menu can be selected. When the OK button 63 of the operation panel unit 17 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed in the state of the menu screen 74 shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 10 starts the process of “PIN number input printing”. Show.

  The PIN number input screen is a screen that starts the PIN number input printing process and accepts the input of the PIN number. In the display example of the PIN number input screen 75 in FIG. 10, the characters “Please enter the PIN number” are displayed. Is provided with a PIN number input field 75a. In the PIN number input field 75a, the number of the PIN number 51 can be input by the ten key button 61 in FIG.

  The screen without PIN number is a screen indicating that the PIN number 51 input in the PIN number input field 75a is not in the identification information correspondence table data 18a. In the screen without PIN number 76 in FIG. The characters “Input PIN number does not exist” are displayed.

  In the authentication print confirmation screen, there is only one PIN number 51 corresponding to a part of the PIN number 51 input in the PIN number input field 75a in the correspondence table data 18a, and the logon ID 43 corresponding to the PIN number 51 is acquired. This is a screen when the authentication print data 12a with the login ID 43 is found. In the display example of the authentication print confirmation screen 77 in FIG. 12, the characters “authentication print” and “job found” are displayed, and “print execution” and “job deletion” are underlined below. Characters are displayed. In the display example of FIG. 12, a state in which “print execution” underlined can be selected is displayed. In this state, when the OK button 63 of the operation panel unit 17 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed. The image forming apparatus 10 starts the “print execution” process. After the lower button 64 of the operation panel unit 17 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, the underline position is moved from “print execution” to “job deletion”, and the underlined “job deletion” character is displayed. When the OK button 63 on the operation panel unit 17 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 10 deletes the authentication print data 12a.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the authentication printing system 1 of the first embodiment, (1) to (3) operations of authentication printing by the IC card 31, authentication printing by inputting a PIN number, and authentication printing will be described.

(1) Operation of processing for transition to authentication printing by IC card FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing for transition to authentication printing by the IC card 31 in the first embodiment.

  With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, the operation of the process of shifting to authentication printing by the IC card 31 will be described based on FIG. 13.

  In the authentication printing system 1 of FIG. 1, when the IC card medium information acquisition unit 30 detects the IC card 31, processing at the time of IC card detection is started, and the process proceeds to step S1. In step S1, the IC card medium information acquisition unit 30 acquires the card ID 32 from the IC card 31, transmits the acquired card ID 32 to the identification information matching unit 19, and proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the identification information collation unit 19 that has received the card ID 32 instructs the operation panel control unit 16 to display the job search in progress screen 71 shown in FIG. Proceed to step S3.

  In step S3, the identification information collation unit 19 searches the correspondence table data 18a stored in the correspondence table holding unit 18 based on the card ID 32 acquired from the IC card 31, and proceeds to step S4. In step S4, it is determined by search whether or not the card ID 32 of the correspondence table data 18a is the same as the card ID 32 acquired from the IC card 31, and if it does not exist (N), the process proceeds to step S5. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S5, the identification information collation unit 19 instructs the operation panel control unit 16 that the operation panel unit 17 displays the no-authentication print job no screen 72 shown in FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to step S6. In step S 6, after the authentication print job-free screen 72 is displayed on the operation panel unit 17, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the identification information collating unit 19 is displayed on the operation panel control unit 16 and on the operation panel unit 17 as shown in FIG. The online screen 73 is instructed to be displayed, and the process is terminated.

  In step S7, if the card ID 32 of the correspondence table data 18a has the same data as the card ID 32 acquired from the IC card 31, the identification information matching unit 19 acquires the logon ID 43 of the data, and performs authentication printing. Transition to processing.

(2) Operation of processing for transition to authentication printing by PIN number input FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing for transition to authentication printing by PIN number input in the first embodiment.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 11, the operation of the transition process to the authentication printing by the PIN number input according to the first embodiment will be described based on FIG. 14.

  When the PIN number input print 74a is selected on the menu screen 74 shown in FIG. 9 and the OK button 63 of the operation keypad 17a shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, the process of transition to the authentication print by the PIN number input is performed. Start and go to step S11 of FIG. In step S11, the operation panel control unit 16 displays the PIN number input screen 75 shown in FIG. 10 on the operation panel unit 17, and proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, when a number is input to the PIN number input field 75a of the PIN number input screen 75 using the numeric keypad 61 on the operation keypad 17a and five digits are input, the PIN number is input to the identification information collation unit 19. The first five digits of the PIN number 51 input in the field 75a are notified, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S 12, when the first five digits “18356” of the PIN number 51 are input, the first five digits “18356” of the PIN number 51 are notified to the identification information matching unit 19.

  In step S13, the identification information matching unit 19 searches the correspondence table data 18a stored in the correspondence table holding unit 18 based on the first five digits “18356” of the notified PIN number 51. Proceed to S14. In step S14, it is determined whether there is a PIN number 51 that matches the first five digits of the notified PIN number 51 in the PIN number 51 of the correspondence table data 18a, and the first 5 of the notified PIN number 51 is determined. If there are a plurality of PIN numbers 51 starting from the digit, the process proceeds to step S15. If only one PIN number 51 starting from the first five digits of the notified PIN number 51 exists, the process proceeds to step S16. If there is no PIN number starting with the first five digits of the notified PIN number 51, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S15, if there are a plurality of PIN numbers starting from a part of the notified PIN number 51 in the PIN number 51 of the correspondence table data 18a, the process waits until the next one digit is input, and the next one digit Is entered, the process proceeds to step S13, and the processes of steps S13 to S15 are repeated until only one data item starts with a part of the notified PIN number 51, and a part of the notified PIN number 51 is changed. When only one head data exists, the process proceeds to step S16.

  The processing of steps S12 to S15 will be specifically described based on the example of the correspondence table data 18a shown in FIG.

  If the PIN number 51 is “1835672094” and the first five digits “18356” of the PIN number 51 are input in step S12, the number of the first five digits of the notified PIN number 51 is “18356” in step S14. Since there are three data “1835672094”, “1835631094”, and “1835672194”, the process proceeds to step S15, the next one-digit “7” is input, and the process proceeds to step S13. In this case, in step S13, the identification information matching unit 19 searches the correspondence table data 18a for data that matches the first six digits “183567” of the PIN number 51. Since there are two data “1835672094” and “1835672194” that match the first six digits “183567” of the PIN number 51, the process proceeds to step S15, and the next one-digit “2” is input. Proceed to S13. In this case, in step S13, the identification information matching unit 19 searches the correspondence table data 18a for data that matches the first seven digits “1835672” of the PIN number 51. Since there is only one data “1835672094” that matches the first seven digits “1835672” of the PIN number 51, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the only data whose head coincides with a part of the notified PIN number 51 is set as the PIN number 51, and the logon ID 32 corresponding to the PIN number 51 is acquired from the correspondence table data 18a, and the process proceeds to step S17. In the example of FIG. 13, the PIN number 51 is “1835672094”, and “ab12xz8” is acquired as the logon ID 43 corresponding to “1835672094” of the PIN number 51.

  In step S17, the identification information collation unit 19 instructs the operation panel control unit 16 to display the job search in-progress screen 71 shown in FIG. 6 on the operation panel unit 17, and performs authentication printing processing. Transition.

  In step S14, when the number of the first five digits of the PIN number 51 is a number other than “18356”, for example, “11111”, “22222”, etc., the PIN number 51 notified to the correspondence table data 18a. Since there is no PIN number 51 that matches the first five digits, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the identification information collation unit 19 instructs the operation panel control unit 16 to display the screen without PIN number 76 shown in FIG. 11 on the operation panel unit 17, and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, after the screen without PIN number 76 is displayed on the operation panel unit 17, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the identification information collation unit 19 displays the online screen 73 shown in FIG. The operation panel unit 16 is instructed to display, and the process of shifting to the authentication printing by inputting the PIN number is ended.

(3) Operation of Authentication Print Processing in Embodiment 1 FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing authentication printing processing in Embodiment 1.

  The operation of the authentication printing process will be described based on FIG. 15 with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 15, when the authentication printing process is started, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S <b> 21, the identification information collation unit 19 outputs the acquired logon ID 43 to the print data control unit 13, and the print data control unit 13 stores the print data using the logon ID 43 input from the identification information collation unit 19. The data stored in the unit 12 is searched, and the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, it is determined whether or not the authentication print data 12a with the logon ID 43 input from the identification information matching unit 19 is present in the print data storage unit 12. If there is no (N), the process proceeds to step S23. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S23, the print data control unit 13 notifies the operation panel control unit 16 to display the no-authentication print job screen 72, and proceeds to step S24. The display unit 17 b of the operation panel unit 17 displays an authentication print job absence screen 72 as shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with a command from the operation panel control unit 16. In step S24, the operation panel control unit 16 notifies the operation panel unit 17 of the display of the online screen 73 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and ends the authentication printing process. The display unit 17 b of the operation panel unit 17 displays an online screen 73 as shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with a command from the operation panel control unit 16.

  In step S25, the print data control unit 13 notifies the operation panel control unit 16 to display the authentication print confirmation screen 77, and the process proceeds to step S26. A display example of the authentication print confirmation screen 77 is shown in FIG. If “print execution” is selected in step S26, the process proceeds to step S27. If “job deletion” is selected, the process proceeds to step S28. When “print execution” is selected in step S 27, the print data control unit 13 reads the authentication print data 12 a stored in the print data storage unit 12, transfers it to the print control unit 14, and prints the print control unit. 14, the print command of the authentication print data 12a is output, and the process proceeds to step S28. Upon receiving the print command, the print control unit 14 controls the printing unit 15 to print the authentication print data 12a on the recording medium.

  If “delete job” is selected in step S28 or after authentication printing is executed, the print data control unit 13 deletes the authentication print data 12a stored in the print data storage unit 12, and the process proceeds to step S29. move on. In step S29, when the authentication print data 12a stored in the print data storage unit 12 is deleted, the print data control unit 13 displays the figure on the display unit 17b of the operation panel 17 via the operation panel control unit 16. 8 is displayed, and the authentication printing process is terminated.

(Effect of Example 1)
According to the first embodiment, the PIN number 51 is specified by inputting the minimum necessary digits, and the logon ID 43 corresponding to the specified PIN number 51 is acquired. As a result, if the IC card 31 is lost or forgotten, the authentication printing can be performed by inputting the minimum necessary PIN number 51, so that the trouble of inputting the PIN number 51 can be saved.

(Configuration of Example 2)
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the authentication printing system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to the elements in FIG. 1 illustrating the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals. Yes.

  The authentication printing system 1A according to the second embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10A having a configuration different from that of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, which is connected to the first embodiment via the transmission path 23 similar to that in the first embodiment. A similar client PC 20 is connected.

  In the image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, instead of the operation panel unit 17, the correspondence table holding unit 18, and the identification information collating unit 19 of the first embodiment, the operation panel unit 17A and the correspondence table holding unit having different configurations are used. 18A and the identification information collation part 19A are provided. The operation panel unit 17A includes an input unit 17c and a display unit 17d having different configurations from those of the first example, instead of the input unit 17a and the display unit 17b of the operation panel unit 17 of the first example. In the input unit 17c of the second embodiment, an English character input button 65 for inputting 26 alphabets or the like is added to the input unit 17a of the first embodiment. In the display unit 17d of the second embodiment, two display screens related to password authentication processing are added to the display screen of the display unit 17b of the first embodiment.

  The correspondence table holding unit 18A stores correspondence table data 18b to which a password 52 is added instead of the identification information correspondence table data 18a of the first embodiment. The identification information matching unit 19A searches the correspondence table data 18b using the input password 52 with respect to the identification information matching unit 19 of the first embodiment, and determines whether or not there is the input password 52. A function is added. About another structure, it is the same as the structure of FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence table data 18b in FIG. 16. Elements common to the elements in FIG. 3 illustrating the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  In correspondence table data 18b, a column of password 52 is added to correspondence table data 18a similar to that in the first embodiment having columns of logon ID 43, card ID 32, and PIN number. The password 52 is a code for personal authentication, and is generally an alphanumeric array that is difficult for others to guess and forgets itself. FIG. 17 shows an example in which the names of clubs belonging to the past, for example, “suiei”, “tenis”, “yakyu”, “judob” are passwords 52.

  FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the operation panel unit 17A in FIG. 16. Elements common to those in FIG. 5 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  The input unit 17c of the operation panel unit 17A according to the second embodiment has an English character input button 65 for inputting 26 letters of the alphabet to the numeric keypad 61, the upper button 62, the OK button 63, and the lower button 64 as in the first embodiment. Has been added.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of the password input screen 78 on the display unit 17d in FIG.

  The password input screen is a screen that prompts the user to input the password 52. In the display example of the password input screen 78 in FIG. 19, a password input field 78a is provided under the characters “Please enter password”. . In the password input field 78a, alphanumeric characters of the password 52 can be input by the numeric keypad 61 and the English character input button 65 in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display example of the password authentication failure screen 79 on the display unit 17d in FIG.

  The password authentication failure screen is a display screen of the display unit 17d when the input password 52 is not in the correspondence table data 18b. In the example of the password authentication failure screen 79 shown in FIG. And the characters “Authentication failed” are displayed.

  FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the identification information matching unit 19A in FIG. 16, and common elements to those in FIG. 4 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  In the identification information matching unit 19A of the second embodiment, a password verification unit 19e is added to the identification information matching unit 19 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The password verification unit 19e determines whether or not the password 52 corresponding to the notified PIN number 51 in the correspondence table data 18b matches the input password 52, and determines whether or not they match. The logon ID 43 acquired by the logon ID acquisition unit 19d has a function of outputting to the print data control unit 13. About another structure, it is the same as the structure of FIG. 4 of Example 1. FIG.

(Operation of Example 2)
The operation of the process of transition to authentication printing by the IC card 31 of the second embodiment is the same as the operation of the process of transition to authentication printing by the IC card 31 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process for shifting to authentication printing by inputting a PIN number in the second embodiment. Elements common to those in FIG. 14 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  With reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 12 and FIG. 16 to FIG. 21, the operation of the transition process to authentication printing by inputting the PIN number in the second embodiment will be described based on FIG.

  In the transition process to the authentication printing by the PIN number input of the second embodiment, the processes in steps S11 to S19 similar to the transition process to the authentication printing by the PIN number input of the first embodiment are authentication processes by password input. Processing of steps S31 to S36 is added.

  When the PIN number input print 74a is selected on the menu screen 74 shown in FIG. 9 and the OK button 63 of the input unit 17c shown in FIG. 18 is pressed, the process of shifting to the authentication print by the PIN number input is started. Then, the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. In steps S11 to S15, processing similar to that in the first embodiment is performed.

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the PIN number 51 of the correspondence table data 18b includes data starting from a part of the notified PIN number 51, and the data starting from a part of the notified PIN number 51 is determined. If there are a plurality of data, the process proceeds to step S15, and if there is one piece of data that starts with a part of the notified PIN number 51, the process proceeds to step S31, and there is data that starts with a part of the notified PIN number 51. If not, the process proceeds to step S18.

  If there is no data starting from a part of the notified PIN number 51, the process for shifting to the authentication printing by the PIN number input is completed after the processing of step S18 and step S19, as in the first embodiment.

  If there is one piece of data starting from a part of the notified PIN number 51, the process proceeds to step S31, which is different from the first embodiment. In step S31, the operation panel control unit 16 displays the password input screen 78 as shown in FIG. 19 on the display unit 17d, and proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the password 52 is input by the numeric keypad 61 and the English character input button 65 shown in FIG. 18, and when the OK button 63 is pressed, the input password 52 is output to the identification information collating unit 19A. Proceed to step S33. In step S33, the identification information collation unit 19A collates the password 52 corresponding to the input PIN number 51 with the input password, and proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the identification information matching unit 19A determines whether or not the password 52a corresponding to the input PIN number 51 matches the input password 52b. If they match (Y), the process proceeds to step S16. If they do not match (N), the process proceeds to step S35.

  The processing of steps S31 to S34 will be specifically described with reference to the correspondence table data 18b shown in FIG. First, it is assumed that the PIN number 51 that matches a part of the first digit of the input PIN number 51 in the process of step S14 is, for example, the PIN number 51 displayed on the second line of FIG. In this case, the password 52 corresponding to “1835631094” of the PIN number 51 in the second row is “tenis”. In this case, if the input password 52 is “tenis”, the password 52 matches, so the process proceeds to step S16. If the input password 52 is “suiei”, the password 52 does not match. Proceed to step S35.

  If it is determined that the password 52 corresponding to the notified PIN number 51 matches the input password 52, the same processes of steps S16 and S17 as in the first embodiment are performed, and the authentication print process is performed. Transition.

  If it is determined in step S35 that the password 52 corresponding to the notified PIN number 51 and the input password 52 do not match, the operation panel control unit 16 displays on the display unit 17d of the operation panel unit 17A. The password authentication failure screen 79 as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S36. In step 36, the operation panel control unit 16 displays an online screen 73 as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 17d of the operation panel unit 17A after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the authentication printing process is terminated.

  The operation of the authentication printing process in the second embodiment is the same as the operation of the authentication printing process in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(Effect of Example 2)
According to the second embodiment, only when the password 51 corresponding to the notified PIN number 51 matches the input password 52, the logon ID 43 is acquired and the process proceeds to the authentication printing process. . As a result, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment in which it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the PIN number 51 when the IC card 31 is lost or forgotten, authentication with improved security against improper authentication printing such as impersonation The image forming apparatus 10A and the authentication printing system 1A capable of printing can be provided.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various utilization forms and modifications are possible. For example, there are the following forms (a) to (e) as usage forms and modifications.

  (A) In the first and second embodiments, the log-on ID 43 and the card ID 32 of the correspondence table data 18a and 18b held by the correspondence table holding units 18 and 18A are described as seven alphanumeric characters, and the PIN number 51 is ten digits. The character type and the number of digits of the logon ID 43, the card ID 32, and the PIN number 51 are not limited to these. Considering the three elements of security in authentication printing, confidentiality, integrity, and availability, it is possible to carry out by changing the type and number of digits of these characters.

  (B) In the first and second embodiments, the number of digits of the PIN number 51 is 10 digits, and the number of digits detected by the input digit number detection means 19a is 5. However, the three elements of security in authentication printing, confidentiality, In consideration of completeness and availability, the number of digits of the PIN number 51 and the number of detected digits of the input digit number detecting means 19a can be changed.

  (C) In the first and second embodiments, the print data is not particularly mentioned. However, in the case of print data with high confidentiality, the print data may be encrypted. In this case, before executing the authentication printing, it is necessary to add a process for decrypting the encrypted print data. Thereby, the confidentiality of authentication printing can be further improved.

  (D) In the second embodiment, the example in which the authentication process by the password input is added only in the process of the authentication print transfer by the PIN number input is described. However, the addition of the authentication process by the password input is performed by the PIN number input. However, the present invention is not limited to the authentication printing transfer process. Authentication processing by entering a password may be added to processing for shifting to authentication printing by the IC card 31. As a result, security against unauthorized authentication printing due to theft or forgery of the IC card 31 can be enhanced.

  (E) In the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatuses 10 and 10A suitable for authentication printing have been described. However, the configuration and operation of the present invention are not limited to the image forming apparatus. The present invention can be applied to all information processing apparatuses having a function of inputting a long digit identification number such as a PIN number 51 for personal authentication.

1, 1A Authentication printing system 10, 10A Image forming apparatus 11 Data receiving unit 12 Print data storage unit 12a Authentication print data 13 Print data control unit 14 Print control unit 15 Printing unit 16 Operation panel control unit 17, 17A Operation panel unit 17a, 17c Input unit 17b, 17d Display unit 18, 18A Corresponding table holding unit 18a, 18b Corresponding table data 19, 19A Identification information collation unit 20 Client PC
21 Printer Driver 23 Transmission Path 30 IC Card Medium Information Acquisition Unit 31 IC Card 32 Card ID 32
61 Numeric keypad 62 Up button 63 OK button 64 Down button 65 English character input button

Claims (8)

Correspondence table data in which first identification information for identifying an authorized person of authentication printing is associated with second identification information having a predetermined first number of digits for identifying the authorized person A correspondence table holding unit,
A data receiving unit that receives print data and authentication print data having the first identification information;
A print data storage unit for storing the received authentication print data;
An operation panel unit for inputting the second identification information for each digit;
The second identification information that is equal to or greater than a specific second digit number that is less than or equal to the first digit number in the input second identification information and that is greater than or equal to the second digit number is the correspondence table. If the data can be identified, the input of the second identification information is terminated, and the second identification information of the second number of digits input is compared with the correspondence table data, and the first identification information is collated. An identification information matching unit for acquiring identification information;
A print control unit that reads out the authentication print data corresponding to the acquired first identification information from the print data storage unit and controls print processing;
A printing unit controlled by the print control unit and printing the read authentication print data on a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The identification information matching unit
Input digit number detection means for detecting that the input second identification information is greater than or equal to the second digit number;
Identification information specifying means for specifying one piece of the second identification information that matches the second identification information that is equal to or greater than the input second digit number;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The identification information specifying means includes
One or a plurality of the second identification information that matches a part of the second identification information by collating the input second identification information of the second number of digits with the correspondence table data Identification information candidate search means for searching candidates and outputting search results;
If there is no candidate in the search result, notify that there is no second identification information,
When there are a plurality of candidates, it waits for the next one digit of the second identification information to be input, and when the next one digit is input, the second identification information with the next one digit added Based on the above, the search for the second identification information is repeated until the number of candidates becomes one, and when the number of candidates becomes one, the input of the second identification information is prohibited, Identification information narrowing means for narrowing down candidates to one,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The correspondence table data further includes:
A first password corresponding to the first identification information and the second identification information;
The operation panel unit further includes:
An input unit for inputting a second password;
The identification information matching unit
The first identification information corresponding to the second identification information only when the second password input from the input unit matches the first password held in the correspondence table data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is obtained from the correspondence table data. The operation panel unit is
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an input unit that performs an input operation for executing the authentication printing; and a display unit that displays a guide for prompting the input operation. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The identification information matching unit
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein collation between the second identification information input to the operation panel unit and the correspondence table data is performed from the first digit. .   The correspondence table data held by the correspondence table holding unit is characterized in that the same first identification information is uniquely registered and the same second identification information is uniquely registered. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5. An authentication print system comprising: an authentication print data generation apparatus that generates and outputs authentication print data; and an image forming apparatus that receives the authentication print data and prints the authentication print data on a recording medium when authentication is successful. There,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Correspondence table data in which first identification information for identifying an authorized person of authentication printing is associated with second identification information having a predetermined first number of digits for identifying the authorized person A correspondence table holding unit,
A data receiving unit for receiving the authentication print data having print data and the first identification information;
A print data storage unit for storing the received authentication print data;
An operation panel unit for inputting the second identification information for each digit;
The second identification information that is equal to or greater than a specific second digit number that is less than or equal to the first digit number in the input second identification information and that is greater than or equal to the second digit number is the correspondence table. If the data can be identified, the input of the second identification information is terminated, and the second identification information of the second number of digits input is compared with the correspondence table data, and the first identification information is collated. An identification information matching unit for acquiring identification information;
A print control unit that reads out the authentication print data corresponding to the acquired first identification information from the print data storage unit and controls print processing;
An authentication printing system comprising: a printing unit that prints the authentication print data controlled and read by the print control unit on a recording medium.

Images