JP2014184699A - Image formation device, telecommunication system, and user terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To raise the security in a case where printing data is transmitted from various user terminals to an image formation device and printing is implemented without complication of processing.SOLUTION: An image formation device 1 comprises a control unit 100 which implements printing control of given printing data, a network interface unit 91 as a receiving unit which receives, from a user terminal device 200, printing data to which the positional information of the user terminal device 200 is added, a printing propriety determination unit 101 which determines whether or not the user terminal device 200 is positioned within a specified range from the image formation device 1, by comparing the positional information of the image formation device 1 and the positional information of the user terminal device 200 added to the printing data, and the control unit 100 which causes an image formation unit 12 to form an image of the printing data received by the network interface unit 91 when the user terminal device 200 is positioned within the specified range from the image formation device 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a communication system, and a user terminal device, and more particularly to a technique for handling print data to be printed by the image forming apparatus.

  Recent image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals and printers can print by receiving print data from various user terminal devices such as personal computers and smartphones. Furthermore, with the development of telecommunications technology, users can print by sending print data from a user terminal device to a remote image forming apparatus. As described above, the convenience of the user is improved by being able to print on the remote image forming apparatus, while the user accidentally transmits print data to the remote image forming apparatus and prints it. Since the user cannot collect the printed material at a remote location, there is a security problem that the printed material is leaked to others. To solve this problem, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, the wireless terminal outputs an instruction for requesting image processing, and the image processing apparatus receives the request, and receives the request and the current position of the wireless terminal. An image processing system that calculates a relative position with respect to a position and starts image processing when the relative position falls within a preset range has been proposed.

JP 2001-86275 A

  However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits a reception ID to the wireless terminal when print data is received from the wireless terminal in order to acquire position information of the user's wireless terminal. To request transmission of position information, and acquire position information from the wireless terminal. For this reason, the wireless terminal needs to periodically transmit position information in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. In a system in which a user transmits print data to an image forming apparatus at a remote location and performs printing, it is required to improve security regarding handling of the transmitted print data without complicating processing.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The security in the case where printing is performed by transmitting print data from various user terminal devices such as PCs and smartphones to the image forming apparatus, and processing is complicated. It aims at improving without making it.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes, from a user terminal device, a receiving unit that receives print data to which position information of the user terminal device is added, and an image based on the print data received by the receiving unit. An image forming unit for forming;
A position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the image forming apparatus; position information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the position information acquisition unit; and position information of the user terminal device added to the print data; The printability determination unit that determines whether or not the user terminal device is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, and the printability determination unit causes the user terminal device to When it is determined from the forming apparatus that it is within the certain range, the image forming unit performs image formation of the print data, and it is determined that the user terminal device is not within the certain range from the image forming apparatus. A control unit that prevents the image forming unit from forming an image of the print data.

  A communication system according to another aspect of the present invention is a communication system having a user terminal device and an image forming device, wherein the user terminal acquires terminal-side device information acquisition for acquiring position information of the user terminal device. A designation receiving unit that receives designation of an image forming apparatus as an output destination of print data from a user, an image forming apparatus indicated by the designation received by the designation receiving unit, the print data, and the terminal-side device information A transmission unit that transmits the acquired position information of the user terminal device to the acquisition unit, and the image forming apparatus receives the print data to which the position information of the user terminal device is added from the user terminal device. A receiving unit that receives the image, an image forming unit that forms an image based on the print data received by the receiving unit, and the print data in the image forming unit A control unit that performs image formation, a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the image forming apparatus, position information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the position information acquisition unit, and the print data. A print propriety determination unit that compares the position information of the user terminal device with the image forming apparatus to determine whether the user terminal device is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus; and the print propriety determination When the image forming apparatus determines that the user terminal device is within the predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit performs image formation of the print data. And a control unit that prevents the image forming unit from forming an image of the print data when it is determined that the image does not exist within the predetermined range.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a user terminal device includes device information indicating an image forming device that is a print data output destination candidate, a device information storage unit that stores position information of the image forming device, and the user. An instruction for designating an image forming apparatus as an output destination of the print data from the terminal side position information acquiring unit that acquires the position information of the terminal device and the image forming apparatus indicated by the apparatus information stored in the apparatus information storage unit The designation receiving unit received from the user, the position information of the image forming apparatus indicated by the designation received by the designation receiving unit, and the position information acquired by the terminal side position information acquiring unit are compared, and the specified A printability determining unit that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is within a predetermined range, and the printability determining unit causes the image forming apparatus to The print data is transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus when it is determined that the image forming apparatus is within the range, and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus is not within the certain range from the user terminal device, the designation is performed. A transmission unit that does not transmit the print data to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the security in a case where printing is performed by transmitting print data from various user terminal devices such as a PC and a smartphone to the image forming apparatus without complicating the processing.

1 is a front sectional view showing a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating print processing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a reprint process in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a reprint process in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main internal structures of the image forming apparatus and user terminal device which concern on 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating registration processing of an image forming apparatus in a user terminal device according to a third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the print request process in the user terminal device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus, a communication system, and a user terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Outline of image forming apparatus>
An image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 11 that includes an operation unit 47, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, and the like.

  The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image forming operation execution instruction and a document reading operation execution instruction from the operator regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guidance to the operator.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs a document reading operation, the document reading unit 5 optically reads a document fed by the document feeding unit 6 or a document placed on the document placing glass 161, Generate image data. Image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in a built-in HDD or a network-connected computer.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs an image forming operation, the image data generated by the document reading operation, the image data received from a user terminal device such as a computer or a smartphone connected to a network, or stored in a built-in HDD. The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on a recording sheet P as a recording medium fed from the sheet feeding unit 14 based on the image data and the like. The image forming units 12M, 12C, 12Y, and 12Bk of the image forming unit 12 include a photosensitive drum, a developing device that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum, a toner cartridge (not shown) that stores toner, and a charging device. And an exposure device and a primary transfer roller 126, respectively.

  When performing color printing, the magenta image forming unit 12M, the cyan image forming unit 12C, the yellow image forming unit 12Y, and the black image forming unit 12Bk of the image forming unit 12 each receive image data. A toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 121 by charging, exposure, and development processes based on the image composed of each color component, and the toner image is driven by the primary transfer roller 126 by the driving roller 125a and the driven roller 125b. The image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 125 that is stretched around the belt.

  The intermediate transfer belt 125 is driven by a driving roller 125 a in a state where an image carrying surface on which a toner image is transferred is set on the outer peripheral surface thereof and in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121. The intermediate transfer belt 125 travels endlessly between the driving roller 125a and the driven roller 125b while being synchronized with each photosensitive drum 121.

  The toner images of the respective colors transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 125 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 125 with the transfer timing adjusted to become a color toner image. The secondary transfer roller 210 conveys the color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125 from the sheet feeding unit 14 through the conveyance path 190 at the nip N between the intermediate transfer belt 125 and the driving roller 125a. The recording sheet P is transferred. Thereafter, the fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image on the recording paper P to the recording paper P by thermocompression bonding. The recording paper P on which the color image has been formed after completion of the fixing process is discharged to a discharge tray 151.

  The paper feed unit 14 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes. The control unit (not shown) rotates the pickup roller 145 of the paper feed cassette in which the recording paper of the size specified by the instruction from the operator is rotated, so that the recording paper P stored in each paper feed cassette is loaded. It is conveyed toward the nip portion N.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10, an operation unit 47, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image memory 32, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a position detection unit 20, and a drive motor. 70, a facsimile communication unit 71, a network interface unit (reception unit) 91, an HDD 92, and the like.

  The operation unit 47 receives input of various operation instructions from the user. For example, the operation unit (password accepting unit) 47 accepts from the user an input of a password used to determine whether or not to permit execution of each print job stored in the memory 105.

  The document reading unit 5 includes a reading mechanism 163 (FIG. 1) having a light irradiation unit, a CCD sensor, and the like under the control of the control unit 10. The document reading unit 5 reads an image from the document by irradiating the document with the light irradiating unit and receiving the reflected light with a CCD sensor.

  The image memory 32 is an area for temporarily storing document image data obtained by reading by the document reading unit 5 and temporarily storing data to be printed by the image forming unit 12.

  The facsimile communication unit 71 includes an unillustrated encoding / decoding unit, modulation / demodulation unit, and NCU (Network Control Unit), and performs facsimile transmission using a public telephone network.

  The network interface unit (reception unit) 91 is composed of a communication module such as a LAN board, and the user terminal device 200 in the local area or on the Internet and various data via the LAN connected to the network interface unit 91 or the like. Send and receive. In particular, the network interface unit (reception unit) 91 receives print data to which the position information of the user terminal device 200 is added from the user terminal device 200.

  The HDD 92 is a large-capacity storage device that stores document images and the like read by the document reading unit 5.

  The position detection unit (position information acquisition unit) 20 has a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and acquires position information of the image forming apparatus 1 by the GPS function. Alternatively, the position detection unit 20 does not have a GPS function, but temporarily communicates with a PC with a GPS function installed nearby to acquire position information of the PC, and the image forming apparatus 1 It may be held as position information. Further, the position detection unit 20 may be configured by a memory or the like, and may store GPS position information of the image forming apparatus 1 in advance.

  The driving motor 70 is a driving source that applies a rotational driving force to each rotating member of the image forming unit 12, the conveyance roller pair 19, the heat roller 131 of the fixing unit 13, and the like.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and controls overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, a printability determination unit 101, and a memory 105.

  The control unit 100 includes an operation unit 47, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image memory 32, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a position detecting unit 20, a drive motor 70, a facsimile communication unit 71, and a network interface unit. (Reception unit) 91, HDD (Job storage unit) 92 and the like are connected to control these units.

  The memory 105 stores a print job for printing the print data received from the user terminal device 200 by the network interface unit 91.

  The printability determination unit 101 compares the position information of the image forming apparatus 1 with the position information of the user terminal apparatus 200 added to the print data, so that the user terminal apparatus 200 is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus. In other words, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 is within the usable range of the user terminal device 200. This predetermined range is determined by the user and stored in the printability determination unit 101. For example, security problems such as in the company premises where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed or in the same town This is an area defined to permit only a print instruction from a short distance, limited to a position close to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Then, the control unit 100 determines that the printability determination unit 101 determines that the user terminal device 200 is within a predetermined range from the image forming device 1, that is, the image forming device 1 is connected to the user terminal device 200. When within the usable range, the network interface unit (reception unit) 91 causes the image forming unit to print the print data received.

  In addition, when the printability determination unit 101 determines that the user terminal device 200 and the image forming apparatus 1 are not within the predetermined range, the control unit 100 stores the print data received by the network interface unit 91 in the memory 105. The print job is stored with a password, and a print job having a password that matches the password accepted by the user in the operation unit 47 is executed.

  The user terminal device 200 includes a terminal-side information acquisition unit 201, a designation reception unit 205, and a transmission unit 202 as a configuration related to the present embodiment.

  The terminal side information acquisition unit 201 acquires position information of the user terminal device 200. In the present embodiment, the terminal side information acquisition unit 201 has a GPS function, and acquires position information of the image forming apparatus 1 by the GPS function.

  The designation receiving unit 205 includes a group of keys provided as an operation unit of the user terminal device 200. The user receives a print instruction for print data and a designation of the image forming apparatus 1 as an output destination of the print data. Accept from.

  The transmission unit 202 transmits the print data and the user acquired by the terminal-side information acquisition unit 201 to the image forming apparatus (in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1) specified by the specification receiving unit 205. The position information of the terminal device 200 is transmitted.

  A communication system 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal device 200.

  Next, a printing process in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the image forming apparatus 1.

  First, the user terminal device 200 selects the image forming apparatus 1 that is connected to the user terminal device 200 via the Internet, for example, by the operation of the designation receiving unit 205 by the user, and prints held by the user terminal device 200 When print data to be printed is designated from the data and a print instruction for the print data is input (S11), the terminal-side information acquisition unit 201 uses the GPS function to detect the position information of the user terminal device 200. And the apparatus information indicating the user terminal apparatus 200 and the position information are added to the designated print data and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (S12).

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the network interface unit 91 receives the print data, position information, and apparatus information transmitted from the user terminal apparatus 200 (S13).

  The printability determination unit 101 compares the position information of the image forming apparatus 1 detected by the GPS function by the position detection unit 20 with the position information of the user terminal apparatus 200 received from the user terminal apparatus 200 in S13. (S14).

  As a result of the comparison, when the printability determination unit 101 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is within a predetermined range with respect to the user terminal device 200 (YES in S15), the control unit 100 performs the image formation. The unit 12 is caused to form an image of the received print data (S16).

  On the other hand, when the printability determination unit 101 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 does not exist within the certain range with respect to the user terminal device 200 (NO in S15), the control unit 100 displays the operation unit by the user. If the setting is received to save the print job for the print data in the memory 105 by the operation 47 (YES in S17), the print data received in S13 is saved in the memory 105 (S18). At this time, the control unit 100 may notify the user terminal device 200 of a warning that the job has been saved.

  On the other hand, if it is set not to save the print job in the memory 105 (NO in S17), the control unit 100 discards the print data received in S13 and the print job without saving them (S19). ). At this time, the control unit 100 may notify the user terminal device 200 of a warning that the print job has been discarded.

  Note that the print job stored in the memory 105 in S18 is executed by a reprint process in response to a reprint request from the user.

  Next, reprint processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating reprint processing in the image forming apparatus 1. The reprinting process is a process for executing the print job stored in the memory 105 in S18.

  In the user terminal device 200, the user selects the image forming apparatus 1 by the operation of the designation receiving unit 205 by the user, specifies a print job stored in the memory 105 of the image forming apparatus 1, and reprints the instruction. Is input (S21), the terminal-side information acquisition unit 201 acquires the position information of the user terminal device 200 by the GPS function, and the transmission unit 202 adds the device information of the user terminal device 200 to the reprint request. Then, it is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (S22).

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the network interface unit 91 receives the reprint request and position information transmitted from the user terminal device 200 (S23). The printability determination unit 101 compares the position information of the image forming apparatus 1 added to the reprint request with the position information of the image forming apparatus 1 detected by the position detection unit 20 using the GPS function (S24). .

  Here, when the printability determination unit 101 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is within the predetermined range with respect to the user terminal device 200 and within the usable range by the user (in S25). YES), the control unit 100 executes the designated print job among the print jobs stored in the memory 105 (S26). That is, the control unit 100 causes the image forming unit 12 to form an image of the print data indicated by the specified print job.

  On the other hand, when the printability determination unit 101 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is not within the predetermined range with respect to the user terminal device 200 (NO in S25), the control unit 100 is designated as described above. Do not execute the print job. At this time, the control unit 100 may notify the user terminal device 200 of a warning that reprinting is not performed.

<< Second Embodiment >>
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes a network address storage unit (position information acquisition unit) 21 instead of the position detection unit 20 included in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

  In the second embodiment, the network interface unit 91 receives a network address together with print data from the user terminal device 200 as position information of the user terminal device 200.

  The network address storage unit 21 as an example of the position information acquisition unit stores the network address of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The printability determination unit 101 determines whether or not the user terminal device 200 is within the predetermined range from the image forming apparatus 1, and the network address of the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the network address storage unit 21. The network address of the user terminal device 200 attached to the print data sent from the user terminal device 200 is compared, and whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal device 200 belong to the same network segment is determined. When the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal apparatus 200 belong to the same network segment, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal apparatus 200 are within the predetermined range, and the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal apparatus 200 When they do not belong to the same network segment 1 and the user terminal device 200 determines not to exist within the predetermined range.

  For example, an IP address can be used as the network address. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 belongs to a network segment represented by IPv4 “10.181.0.0/16”, the printability determination unit 101 has IP addresses “10.181.56.100”, “10.181.56.200”, “10.181. The user terminal device 200 such as 58.100 "belongs to the same network segment as the image forming apparatus 1, and the user terminal device 200 whose IP address is" 10.182.56.100 "," 10.180.56.100 ", etc. is the same network as the image forming apparatus 1. Judge as not belonging to the segment.

  Next, a printing process in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the image forming apparatus 1.

  First, the user terminal device 200 selects the image forming apparatus 1 that is connected to the user terminal device 200 via the Internet, for example, by the operation of the designation receiving unit 205 by the user, and prints held by the user terminal device 200 When print data to be printed is specified from the data and a print instruction is input to the selected image forming apparatus 1 (S31), the terminal-side information acquisition unit 201 displays the network of the user terminal apparatus 200. The address is acquired as position information, and device information indicating the user terminal device 200 and the network address are added to the designated print data and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (S32). Note that the terminal-side information acquisition unit 201 may only store the network address of the user terminal device 200.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the network interface unit 91 receives the print data, the network address, and the device information transmitted from the user terminal device 200 (S33).

  The printability determination unit 101 compares the network address of the image forming apparatus 1 with the network address of the user terminal apparatus 200 received from the user terminal apparatus 200 in S13 (S34).

  As a result of the comparison, when the printability determination unit 101 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is within a predetermined range with respect to the user terminal device 200 (YES in S35), the control unit 100 performs image formation. The unit 12 is caused to form an image of the received print data (S36).

  On the other hand, when the printability determination unit 101 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 does not exist within the predetermined range with respect to the user terminal device 200 (NO in S35), the control unit 100 displays the operation unit by the user. If the setting is received to save the print job for the print data in the memory 105 by the operation 47 (YES in S37), the print job for the print data received in S13 is saved in the memory 105 (S38). ). In this case, the control unit 100 stores the print job in the memory 105 with an arbitrary password. At this time, the printability determination unit 101 may notify the user terminal device 200 of a warning that the job has been saved.

  On the other hand, when it is set not to save the print job in the memory 105 (NO in S37), the control unit 100 discards the print data received in S13 and the print job without saving them (S39). ). At this time, the control unit 100 may notify the user terminal device 200 of a warning that the print job has been discarded. Note that the print job stored in the memory 105 in S38 is executed by a reprint process in response to a reprint request from the user.

  Next, reprint processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a reprint process in the image forming apparatus 1. The reprinting process is a process for executing the print job stored in the memory 105 in S38 shown in FIG. The description of the same processing as the reprint processing in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is omitted.

  First, the user operates the operation unit 47 of the image forming apparatus 1 to input a reprint instruction (S41), and inputs a password (S42). The control unit 100 searches the print job stored in the memory 105 for a print job associated with the input password, and if there is a print job associated with the password (YES in S43). ), The print job is executed (S44). On the other hand, when there is no print job associated with the password (NO in S43), the control unit 100 does not execute the print job.

  As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, a user having a mobile device such as a notebook PC, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal erroneously transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 1 at a remote location. Even in the case where the image is stuck, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1 from forming an image of the print data.

  If image formation is performed in a remote place due to a user's mistaken operation, it becomes difficult to collect the printed matter after printing out, which causes a security problem. In the first and second embodiments, image formation is performed. Since the image formation of the print data is permitted only when the apparatus 1 and the user terminal device 200 are within the predetermined range, it is possible to avoid a situation where the printout is performed against the user's intention.

  Since the position information of the user terminal device 200 is transmitted from the user terminal device 200 to the image forming apparatus 1 together with the print data, the image forming apparatus 1 performs complicated processing to acquire the position information of the user terminal device 200. There is no need to do it.

  For example, even when the user gives a print instruction to an in-house image forming apparatus accidentally when going out or on a business trip, the image forming apparatus does not form an image of the print data. Alternatively, the user can be prevented from printing on an image forming apparatus outside the office such as at home when the user is in the office.

  As a result, security can be improved without complicating the process of sending print data from various user terminal devices such as PCs and smartphones to the image forming apparatus and printing, and there is a problem of leakage of confidential information. Can be prevented.

  In the first and second embodiments, even when the user accidentally transmits a print instruction and print data to the image forming apparatus 1 that is not within the predetermined range and image formation is not performed, the printing is performed. The print job of the data is stored in the memory 105, and the printability determination unit 102 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal device 200 are within the predetermined range, or a regular password is input by the user, and the printed matter is printed. Only when the user is in a handleable area, the control unit 100 forms an image of the print data, so even if the user gives an incorrect print instruction, Convenience can be enhanced by enabling printing of the transmitted print data while ensuring security for the stored print data. At this time, since the printability determination unit 102 performs determination using the position information and device information of the user terminal device 200 or the password, the print data is surely limited to only the user who is the owner of the print data. It is possible to obtain a printed material of this type and prevent others from reprinting.

<< Third Embodiment >>
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating main internal configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal device 200 according to the third embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment does not include the printability determination unit 101 included in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The user terminal device 200 includes a print availability determination unit 203. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

  The user terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment includes a device information storage unit 208, a transmission unit 202, a printability determination unit 203, a position detection unit 204, a designation reception unit 205, a control unit 206, and a display as configurations related to the present embodiment. A unit 207 is provided.

  The device information storage unit 208 stores device information indicating the image forming device 1 that is allowed to form an image of print data transmitted from the user terminal device 200. The designation receiving unit 205 receives only a print instruction from the user for the image forming apparatus 1 indicated by each piece of device information. The apparatus information storage unit 208 acquires position information or a network address by the GPS function from each image forming apparatus 1 and stores the apparatus information of each image forming apparatus 1 together with the position information or network address.

  The transmission unit 202 is created by an application program operating on the user terminal device 200 in the image forming device 1 selected by the user among the image forming devices 1 indicated by the device information stored in the device information storage unit 208. Send print data.

  The position detection unit 204 has a GPS function, and acquires position information of the user terminal device 200 by the GPS function. Further, the position detection unit 204 may acquire and store the network address of the user terminal device 200 instead of the position information by the GPS function.

  The printability determination unit 203 compares the position information or network address of the user terminal device 200 with the position information or network address of the image forming apparatus 1 selected by the user. In step 205, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 designated by the user is within the predetermined range. When the user terminal device 200 is within the predetermined range with respect to the designated image forming apparatus 1, the transmission unit 202 transmits print data and a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, when the user terminal device 200 is not within the predetermined range with respect to the designated image forming apparatus 1, the transmission unit 202 does not transmit print data and a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The control unit 206 controls overall operation of the user terminal device 2000. The display unit 207 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various images.

  Next, registration processing of the image forming apparatus in the user terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the storage process of the device information in the user terminal device 200.

  First, the user operates the designation receiving unit 205 to input the designation of the image forming apparatus 1 that is to be stored in the device information storage unit 208 as an output destination of print data (S51). The apparatus information storage unit 208 communicates with the designated image forming apparatus 1, acquires position information or a network address by the GPS function from the image forming apparatus 1, and stores it together with apparatus information indicating the image forming apparatus 1. (S52). The device information storage unit 208 may acquire the device information from the image forming device 1 by communicating with the designated image forming device 1, or the device information storage unit 208 appropriately creates and forms an image. You may attach to the apparatus 1. FIG.

  Next, print request processing in the user terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating print request processing in the user terminal device 200.

  In the user terminal device 200, the user designates print data and issues a print instruction by operating the designation receiving unit 205 (S61). The printability determination unit 203 acquires the position information or network address of the user terminal device 200 from the position detection unit 204 and compares it with the position information or network address of the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the device information storage unit 208 ( S62).

  As a result of the comparison, when the printability determination unit 203 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is within the certain range with respect to the user terminal device 200 and is within the usable range for the user (YES in S63). The control unit 206 causes the display unit 207 to display information indicating the image forming apparatus 1 within the usable range as a candidate for image formation on the display unit 207 (S64).

  On the other hand, if the printability determination unit 203 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is not within the predetermined range and is not within the usable range for the user with respect to the user terminal device 200 (NO in S63), the control unit In step S65, the display unit 207 does not display information indicating the image forming apparatus 1 on the display unit 207.

  That is, the control unit 206 displays, on the display unit 207, only information indicating the image forming apparatus 1 within the usable range for the user among the image forming apparatuses 1 indicated by the apparatus information stored in the apparatus information storage unit 208. Display. Accordingly, the user can designate the image forming apparatus 1 within the usable range for the user and form the print data on the image.

  Thereafter, when a desired image forming apparatus 1 is designated from among the image forming apparatuses 1 indicated by the information displayed on the display unit 207 by the operation of the designation receiving unit 205 by the user, the transmitting unit 202 performs step S61. The designated print data is transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus 1.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is not within the predetermined range with respect to the user terminal device 200 and is not within the usable range by the user, the user Since the apparatus 1 cannot be designated as an output destination of print data, the print data is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 that is not within the usable range by the user. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from sending print data to the image forming apparatus 1 existing in a remote place outside the predetermined range. Unlike the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment transmits print data from the user terminal device 200 when the image forming apparatus 1 is not within the usable range of the user terminal device 200. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the security of print data when a user erroneously operates.

  Also, at the third time, unnecessary transmission of print data is reduced, so the load on the network can also be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent print data from leaking due to network interception.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described using a multifunction peripheral. However, this is merely an example, and other electronic devices such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, and the like. Another image forming apparatus such as an apparatus may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the structure and process which were shown by the said embodiment using FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 10 are only one Embodiment of this invention, and are not the meaning which limits this invention to the said structure and process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Control unit 110 Communication system 12 Image forming part 20 Position detection part 21 Network address memory | storage part 91 Network interface part 100 Control part 101 Print availability judgment part 102 Print availability judgment part 105 Memory 200 User terminal device 201 Terminal side information Acquisition unit 202 Transmission unit 203 Printability determination unit 204 Position detection unit 205 Specification reception unit 206 Control unit 207 Display unit 208 Device information storage unit

Claims (9)

A receiving unit that receives print data to which position information of the user terminal device is added from the user terminal device;
An image forming unit that forms an image based on print data received by the receiving unit;
A position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the image forming apparatus;
The position information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the position information acquisition unit is compared with the position information of the user terminal apparatus added to the print data, and the user terminal apparatus is preliminarily read from the image forming apparatus. A printability determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined range exists,
When the printability determination unit determines that the user terminal device is within the predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit is caused to perform image formation of the print data, and the user terminal device An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that prevents the image forming unit from forming an image of the print data when it is determined from the image forming device that the image does not exist within the predetermined range. A job storage unit capable of storing a print job for printing the received print data;
A password acceptance unit that accepts password input from the user;
The control unit determines that the print data received by the reception unit is stored in the job storage unit when the printability determination unit determines that the user terminal device and the image forming apparatus are not within the predetermined range. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job is stored with a password, and the print job with the password that matches the password accepted by the password accepting unit is executed. The receiving unit receives from the user terminal device a print job execution request for print data stored in the job storage unit, and a reprint request having position information of the user terminal device;
When the reprint request is received by the receiving unit, the print propriety determination unit compares the position information of the image forming apparatus with the position information of the user terminal device added to the reprint request, It is determined whether or not the user terminal device is within the certain range from the image forming apparatus, and when it is determined that the user terminal device is within the certain range from the image forming apparatus, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a print job for print data requested to be executed by the reprint request is executed. The receiving unit receives position information of the user terminal device acquired by the GPS function from the user terminal device together with the print data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position information acquisition unit has a GPS function and uses the position of the image forming apparatus acquired by the GPS function as the position information. The receiving unit receives a network address together with the print data from the user terminal device as position information of the user terminal device;
The position information acquisition unit uses a network address of the image forming apparatus as the position information,
The print availability determination unit determines whether or not the user terminal device is within the certain range from the image forming device, and determines whether or not the network of the image forming device and the network of the user terminal device included in the print data Comparing the address to determine whether the image forming apparatus and the user terminal apparatus belong to the same network segment, and when the image forming apparatus and the user terminal apparatus belong to the same network segment, When it is determined that the image forming apparatus and the user terminal apparatus are within the predetermined range, and the image forming apparatus and the user terminal apparatus do not belong to the same network segment, the image forming apparatus and the user terminal apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined not to exist within a certain range. . A communication system having a user terminal device and an image forming apparatus,
The user terminal is
A terminal-side device information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the user terminal device;
A designation accepting unit that accepts designation of an image forming apparatus as an output destination of print data from a user;
The image forming apparatus indicated by the designation received by the designation receiving unit includes a transmission unit that transmits the print data and the position information of the user terminal device acquired by the terminal-side device information acquisition unit,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving unit that receives the print data to which position information of the user terminal device is added, from the user terminal device;
An image forming unit that forms an image based on print data received by the receiving unit;
A control unit that causes the image forming unit to form an image of the print data;
A position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the image forming apparatus;
The position information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the position information acquisition unit is compared with the position information of the user terminal apparatus added to the print data, and the user terminal apparatus is preliminarily read from the image forming apparatus. A printability determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined range exists,
When the printability determination unit determines that the user terminal device is within the predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit is caused to perform image formation of the print data, and the user terminal device A communication system comprising: a control unit that prevents the image forming unit from forming an image of the print data when it is determined by the image forming apparatus that the image does not exist within the predetermined range. A device information storage unit for storing device information indicating an image forming device that is an output destination candidate of print data and position information of the image forming device;
A terminal-side position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the user terminal device;
A designation receiving unit that receives from the user an instruction to designate an image forming apparatus as an output destination of the print data from the image forming apparatus indicated by the apparatus information stored in the apparatus information storage unit;
The designated image forming apparatus is determined in advance by comparing the position information of the image forming apparatus indicated by the designation received by the designation receiving section with the position information acquired by the terminal side position information acquiring section. A printability determination unit that determines whether or not the image is within a certain range;
When the printability determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is within the certain range from the user terminal device, the print data is transmitted to the designated image forming device, and the image forming device A transmission unit that does not transmit the print data to the designated image forming apparatus when it is determined that the print data does not exist within the predetermined range. The terminal side position information acquisition unit has a GPS function, acquires the position information of the user terminal device by the GPS function,
The user terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the device information storage unit uses the position of the image forming apparatus acquired by a GPS function as the position information of the image forming apparatus. The terminal side location information acquisition unit acquires a network address as location information of the user terminal device,
The apparatus information storage unit uses a network address of the image forming apparatus as the position information of the image forming apparatus,
The print availability determination unit determines whether the image forming apparatus exists within the certain range from the image forming apparatus or the user terminal apparatus, and the user terminal included in the network address of the image forming apparatus and the print data. The user terminal apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the user terminal apparatus compares the network address of the apparatus and determines whether the image forming apparatus and the user terminal apparatus belong to the same network segment.