JP2016022614A - Image formation apparatus and network system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus that can avoid execution of a printing job from a network inhibited from printing and properly process the printing job, and a network system including the same.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 100 is configured to: store permission information specifying a network permitted to print; receive a print job from a terminal device 200 or 230-234 through a network 340; receive an indication of whether to print based upon the print job when network information indicative of a network 342 or 344 that a terminal device belongs to is not included in the permission information; store the network information as permission information and execute printing on receiving an indication of execution of printing; and discard the printing job on receiving an indication of inhibition of printing. Consequently, careless execution of a printing job from a network inhibited from printing is avoided and the printing job can be properly processed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of accepting a print request via a network, and in particular, an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately processing a print request from a terminal device or a network prohibited from printing, and the same Including network systems.

  In recent years, as one type of image processing apparatus that is an electronic device, an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) that forms an image on a recording sheet has been introduced in many offices (company, office, etc.). . An MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, includes a plurality of printer modes such as a copy mode, a facsimile mode, a communication network (hereinafter simply referred to as a network), and a scanner mode. It has the function of.

  In a network print system, an image forming apparatus is connected to a network and shared by a plurality of terminal devices (computers or the like). That is, the user can cause the image forming apparatus to execute printing from a terminal device connected to the network. The image forming apparatus receives a print job from the terminal device via the network, and forms an image on a recording sheet according to the received print job.

  The network print system is a highly convenient system in which an expensive multifunction device or the like can be used from a location away from the installation location. However, depending on the setting of the system, a large amount of unnecessary printing may be executed due to a print request from a malicious person or an incorrect print request.

  As a countermeasure, a technique is known in which a user who is permitted to use an image forming apparatus is registered in advance, and whether or not the use is permitted by user authentication is determined. For example, in Patent Document 1 described below, card authentication using an IC card prevents unauthorized use by a suspicious person, and strictly monitors a specific authorized user to prevent unauthorized use. An authentication system for a printing device that can be used is disclosed. In this system, the MFP connected to the network is provided with an IC card reader, and the management server connected to the network stores the print contents printed by the MFP for each identification information (identifier) stored in the IC card. Information (image data corresponding to the printing original plate, serial number unique to the data, title of the data, printing date and time, etc.) is managed.

JP 2007-156786 A

  The conventional technique for restricting the use of an image forming apparatus connected to a network requires registration of information relating to use restriction (for example, a permitted user or a terminal device) in advance, and is complicated. In addition, when a user change, organizational change, or network system configuration change occurs, the registration contents must be changed each time, and there is a problem that management is difficult.

  There is also a problem that printing is executed unconditionally once security by user authentication is broken and a print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. It is preferable if the image forming apparatus can be prevented from being illegally used in this way. Such a fraud cannot be prevented by the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  Therefore, the present invention can prevent a print job from a terminal device or network that is prohibited from printing from being inadvertently executed without registering the use permission in advance, and printing is prohibited. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately processing a print job from a terminal device or a network, and a network system including the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit that performs image formation on recording paper, a receiving unit that receives a print job and an address of the external device from an external device via a network, A determination unit that determines whether or not image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted, and a permitted address that represents an address of an external device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit based on the print job Storage unit for storing permission information. The determination unit determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted by determining whether the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permitted address. To do. When the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permitted address, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. Whether the image forming apparatus causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address It further includes an input unit that accepts such an instruction. In response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately process a print request (print job) from a terminal device (external device) that is prohibited from printing by the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the instruction for causing the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job includes a first instruction and a second instruction, and the storage unit receives the first instruction from the input unit in response to the first instruction being received. The address of the external device that is the transmission source or the network identification information that indicates the network to which the external device belongs is stored as permission information, and the external that is the transmission source of the print job in response to the input unit receiving the second instruction Neither the address of the device nor the network identification information indicating the network to which the external device belongs is stored as permission information.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a specific information receiving unit that receives specific information for specifying network identification information from an external device, and the storage unit is responsive to the input unit receiving the first instruction. Then, the network identification information specified using the specific information is stored.

  More preferably, when the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address, the image forming apparatus sends a request for transmitting specific information to the external apparatus. A request transmitting unit for transmitting is further included.

  As a result, a terminal device that is permitted to print can execute printing if only a print job is transmitted to the image forming device, and a terminal device that is prohibited from printing receives a request from the image forming device. Then, it is sufficient to transmit the network identification information, so that unnecessary communication can be suppressed.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a print job storage unit for storing the print job, and the instruction input to the input unit includes a prohibition instruction for prohibiting image formation based on the print job, and the input unit issues the prohibition instruction. In response to the acceptance, the image forming unit does not execute image formation based on the print job, and the print job storage unit discards the print job.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the print job from being inadvertently executed.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus suspends image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address, and prints Information indicating that image formation based on the job is suspended is transmitted to the external apparatus that has transmitted the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to cause the terminal device to present that the instructed printing is suspended, and the user who has received the presentation can perform a necessary operation on the image forming apparatus.

  More preferably, when the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address, the image forming device performs image formation based on the print job to the image formation unit. It further includes a display unit that displays a screen including a button for instructing the input unit whether to execute the command.

  Thereby, a user who can operate the screen displayed on the image forming apparatus can input a necessary instruction. Also, since a person who has sent a print request from outside the organization (external) who uses the image forming apparatus cannot operate the screen displayed on the image forming apparatus, printing is inadvertently executed. It can be avoided.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus executes image formation based on the print job in the image forming section when the determining section determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address. Information for forming a screen including a button for instructing whether or not to perform the operation is transmitted to the device used by the administrator of the image forming apparatus, and the input unit is operated by the button from the device used by the administrator. An instruction is received by receiving information indicating that the information has been received.

  Accordingly, the administrator of the image forming apparatus can appropriately process a print request from a terminal device that is prohibited from printing without directly operating the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit that performs image formation on recording paper, a receiving unit that receives a print job from an external device via a network, and a network to which the external device belongs. A determination unit that determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted, and permission information that identifies a network in which image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted A storage unit for storing, and a network specifying unit for specifying network identification information representing a network to which the external device belongs. The determination unit determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted by determining whether the network identification information specified by the network specifying unit is included in the permission information. To do. In response to the determination unit determining that the network identification information is included in the permission information, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. When the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information, the image forming apparatus receives an instruction whether to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. It further includes a part. In response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately process a print request (print job) from a terminal device (external device) belonging to a network where printing by the image forming apparatus is prohibited. By permitting a print request from a terminal device, it is possible to automatically permit printing to the network to which the terminal device belongs (that is, to all terminal devices belonging to the network). Can be easily set.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a specific information receiving unit that receives specific information for specifying a network to which the external device belongs from the external device, and the determination unit specifies the network identification information using the specific information. .

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus includes a request transmission unit that transmits a request to transmit the specific information to the external device when the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information. In addition.

  As a result, a terminal device that is permitted to print can execute printing if only a print job is transmitted to the image forming device, and a terminal device that is prohibited from printing receives a request from the image forming device. Then, it is sufficient to transmit the network identification information, so that unnecessary communication can be suppressed.

  More preferably, the instruction for causing the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job includes a first instruction and a second instruction, and the storage unit performs network identification in response to the input unit receiving the first instruction. The information is stored as permission information, and the network identification information is not stored as permission information in response to the input unit receiving the second instruction.

  Accordingly, it becomes easy to appropriately process a print request from a terminal device connected to a network where printing is prohibited.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a print job storage unit for storing the print job, and the instruction input to the input unit includes a prohibition instruction for prohibiting image formation based on the print job, and the input unit issues the prohibition instruction. In response to the acceptance, the image forming unit does not execute image formation based on the print job, and the print job storage unit discards the print job.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the print job from being inadvertently executed.

  More preferably, when the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information, the image forming apparatus suspends image formation based on the print job, and image formation based on the print job is performed. Information indicating that the print job is being held is transmitted to the external apparatus that has transmitted the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to cause the terminal device to present that the instructed printing is suspended, and the user who has received the presentation can perform a necessary operation on the image forming apparatus.

  More preferably, when the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information, the image forming apparatus determines whether to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. And a display unit for displaying a screen including a button for instructing the input unit.

  Thereby, a user who can operate the screen displayed on the image forming apparatus can input a necessary instruction. Also, since a person who has sent a print request from outside the organization (external) who uses the image forming apparatus cannot operate the screen displayed on the image forming apparatus, printing is inadvertently executed. It can be avoided.

  Preferably, when the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information, the image forming apparatus instructs the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. Information for forming a screen including a button to be transmitted to the device used by the administrator of the image forming apparatus, and the input unit is information indicating that the button is operated from the device used by the administrator. The instruction is accepted by receiving

  As a result, the administrator of the image forming apparatus can appropriately process a print request from a terminal device connected to a network where printing is prohibited without directly operating the image forming apparatus.

  More preferably, the permission information includes an address of an external device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit, and the receiving unit receives an address of the external device that is a transmission source of the print job. The determination unit determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted by determining whether the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job is included in the permission information. judge. When the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job is included in the permission information, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. Whether the input unit causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job is not included in the permission information. Accept instructions for no. In response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately process a print request (print job) from a terminal device (external device) that is prohibited from printing by the image forming apparatus.

  A network system according to a third aspect of the present invention is a system in which an image forming apparatus and a terminal device are connected to a network. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that performs image formation on recording paper, a receiving unit that receives a print job and an address of the terminal device from the terminal device via a network, and an image formed by the image forming unit based on the print job. A determination unit that determines whether or not formation is permitted, and a storage unit that stores permission information for specifying a permission address indicating an address of a terminal device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit based on a print job Including. The determination unit determines whether or not image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted by determining whether or not the address of the terminal device that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permitted address. To do. When the determination unit determines that the address of the terminal device that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permitted address, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. Whether the image forming apparatus causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address It further includes an input unit that accepts such an instruction. In response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately process a print request from a terminal device that is prohibited from printing by the image forming apparatus.

  A network system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a system in which an image forming apparatus and a terminal device are connected to a network. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that performs image formation on recording paper, a receiving unit that receives a print job from the terminal device via a network, and an image based on the print job according to a network to which the terminal device belongs. A determination unit that determines whether image formation by the forming unit is permitted, a storage unit that stores permission information that identifies a network that is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit based on a print job, and a terminal device And a network specifying unit that specifies network identification information representing the network to which it belongs. The determination unit determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted by determining whether the network identification information specified by the network specifying unit is included in the permission information. To do. In response to the determination unit determining that the network identification information is included in the permission information, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. When the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information, the image forming apparatus receives an instruction whether to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. It further includes a part. In response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately process a print request from a terminal device belonging to a network where printing by the image forming apparatus is prohibited. By permitting printing, it is possible to automatically permit printing to the network to which the terminal device belongs, so that it is possible to easily set printing permission.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately process a print request (print job) from a terminal device or a network that is prohibited from printing without registering use permission in advance.

  When permitting a print request from a terminal device or network that is prohibited from printing, permit printing to the network as necessary (store the address of the terminal device or network identification information as permission information). Thus, it is possible to easily register a terminal device or a network that permits printing.

  In order to execute a print request from a terminal device or network that is prohibited from printing, it is necessary to directly operate the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, thereby allowing the outside of the organization that uses the image forming apparatus. It is possible to avoid that the print job from is inadvertently executed.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network print system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which comprises the network print system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal device which comprises the network print system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server computer which comprises the network print system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the print request program performed in the terminal device of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a print processing program executed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal device with which printing is prohibited. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus when a print job is received from a terminal device that is prohibited from printing. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a server computer. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal device with which printing was not permitted. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing program executed in an image forming apparatus constituting a network print system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal device with which printing is prohibited. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus when a print job is received from a terminal device that is prohibited from printing. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a server computer. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus by administrator login. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing program executed in an image forming apparatus constituting a network print system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal device with which printing is prohibited. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus when a print job is received from a terminal device that is prohibited from printing. It is a flowchart which shows the selection program of the printing permission / inhibition executed in the server computer which comprises the network printing system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a server computer.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  In the following, “network address” means an address of the network itself, and an address (for example, an IP address) on the network of each host (computer or the like) connected to the network is simply referred to as an address. For example, the network address is an IP address whose host part is 0.

(First embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 1, the network print system according to the first embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100 connected to a network 340, a plurality of terminal devices such as computers, and a server computer (hereinafter also simply referred to as a server). 300 is included. In FIG. 1, a first terminal device 200, a second terminal device 230, a third terminal device 232, and a fourth terminal device 234 are shown as a plurality of terminal devices, but other terminal devices are included in the network 340. It may be connected. In addition, an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 100 may be connected to the network 340.

  The network 340 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). In FIG. 1, the network 340 is shown by a single line, but the network 340 includes a case where a plurality of network cables are connected by a relay device such as a router or a gateway (none of which is shown). . The network 340 may be connected to a public network such as the Internet.

  The network 340 in FIG. 1 is managed as a plurality of segments by the server 300. Here, it is assumed that the communication protocol is TCP / IP. In the server 300, in order to enable communication between terminal apparatuses connected to the network 340, a known program is executed and a known database is managed. A plurality of terminal devices connected to the network 340 belong to one of the two segments according to an address (IP address) set for each terminal device. That is, the image forming apparatus 100, the first terminal apparatus 200, and the second terminal apparatus 230 belong to the first segment, and the third terminal apparatus 232 and the fourth terminal apparatus 234 belong to the second segment. The address of the first segment is, for example, 192.168.80.0/24 (24 bits of network part, 8 bits of host part), and the network address of the second segment is 192.168.99.0/24 ( Network part 24 bits, host part 8 bits). The notation of the network address is based on CIDR (Classless Inter Domain Routing), and the numerical value following “/” represents the number of bits of the network part.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is an MFP having, for example, a copy function and a printer function. Referring to FIG. 2, an image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 104 that stores a program, and the like, and a volatile memory. It includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 106 that is a device, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108 that is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is turned off. The ROM 104 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an IF unit 110, a document reading unit 112, an image forming unit 114, an operation unit 116, and a bus 120. The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a paper feed unit, a recording paper transport unit, and a paper discharge tray (none of which are shown).

  Each unit is connected to the bus 120, and data (including control information) is exchanged between the units via the bus 120. For example, the CPU 102 reads a program from the ROM 104 onto the RAM 106 via the bus 120, and executes the program using a part of the RAM 106 as a work area. That is, the CPU 102 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 104, and realizes each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The document reading unit 112 generates image data by reading a document using, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 106. The image forming unit 114 performs image formation (printing) on the recording paper conveyed from the paper feeding unit by the recording paper conveyance unit based on the image data on the RAM 106.

  The operation unit 116 includes an input unit and a display unit. For example, if the operation unit 116 is a touch panel display, the display unit is a display panel configured by a liquid crystal panel or the like, and the input unit is a touch panel that is disposed on the display panel and detects a touched position. . A screen for instructing the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 116. The user selects a key displayed on the display unit on the input unit superimposed on the display unit (touches a corresponding part on the touch panel), thereby performing function setting, operation instruction, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100. be able to.

  For example, when the user gives an instruction to copy the original, the original set on the original reading unit 112 is scanned as described above to generate image data, and the image data is drawn from the paper supply unit based on the image data. An image is formed on the recording paper. The recording paper on which the image is formed is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  The IF unit 110 is connected to the network 340 and is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate with an external device via the network 340. For example, NIC (Network Interface Card). As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from the terminal device, and executes image formation on a recording sheet based on the received print job.

  Image forming apparatus 100 may include a modem, and may be connected to a telephone line via the modem. If the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a telephone line, the user can fax the image data obtained by scanning a document via the telephone line.

  The first terminal device 200, the second terminal device 230, the third terminal device 232, and the fourth terminal device 234 are, for example, known computers. Referring to FIG. 3, the first terminal device 200 includes a CPU 202, a ROM 204, a RAM 206, an HDD 208, a NIC 210, a display unit 212, an operation unit 214, and a bus 220 to which they are connected. The second terminal device 230, the third terminal device 232, and the fourth terminal device 234 are similarly configured.

  The NIC 210 is an interface that is connected to the network 340 and allows the first terminal device 200 to communicate with an external device via the network 340.

  The display unit 212 includes a display device (such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT display device) that can display an image, and a video output device that supplies a video signal to the display device. The video output device generates a video signal to be supplied to the display device from image data stored in a VRAM (for example, a predetermined area of the RAM 206). The operation unit 214 is a device for inputting an instruction to the first terminal device 200, and is, for example, a computer keyboard and a computer mouse.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a server 300 is a known computer, and includes a CPU 302, a ROM 304, a RAM 306, an HDD 308, a NIC 310, a display unit 312, an operation unit 314, and a bus 320 to which they are connected. The NIC 310 is connected to the network 340 and is an interface for the server 300 to communicate with an external device via the network 340. The display unit 312 is a display device that can display an image, and is configured similarly to the display unit 212 of the first terminal device 200. The operation unit 314 is a device for inputting an instruction to the server 300 and is configured in the same manner as the operation unit 214 of the first terminal device 200.

  Hereinafter, a print service provided by the network print system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 100, information (for example, a network address) that identifies a network that is permitted to print (image formation based on a print job transmitted from the network) is registered in the print permission list in advance. Suppose that The print permission list is stored in the HDD 108. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job via the network 340, the image forming apparatus 100 performs printing if the terminal device that transmitted the print job belongs to a registered network (a network specified by a network address). Run. Otherwise, the image forming apparatus 100 suspends printing.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in step 400 of the print request program executed in first terminal device 200, CPU 202 accepts a print condition setting. The print condition can be set by, for example, the user specifying a predetermined file, starting a predetermined application, and instructing printing. The user can input printing conditions by operating the operation unit 214 on the screen displayed by the printer driver installed in the first terminal device 200. At this time, if printer drivers of a plurality of image forming apparatuses are installed in the first terminal apparatus 200, one of the image forming apparatuses is selected. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 is selected. The input printing conditions are stored in the RAM 206.

  In step 402, the CPU 202 determines whether printing execution has been instructed. For example, the CPU 202 determines that printing execution has been instructed by pressing an “OK” button on the screen displayed by the printer driver. If it is determined that printing execution has been instructed, control proceeds to step 404. Otherwise, control returns to step 400.

  In step 404, the CPU 202 generates a print job according to the printing conditions set in step 400, and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 100 selected in step 400 via the NIC 210. The print job is transmitted as a packet. In the communication header of each packet, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 100 is set as the destination address, and the IP address of the first terminal apparatus 200 is set as the transmission source address. The communication header includes known additional information according to TCP / IP. For example, the original data (print job) is transmitted from the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of the image forming apparatus 100 and the first terminal apparatus 200 and a plurality of transmitted packets to the destination apparatus (image forming apparatus 100). Information (identifier, flag, fragment offset, etc.) indicating the transmission order of packets is included so that it can be reconfigured.

  When the transmission of the print job is completed, the CPU 202 acquires information indicating the current time (hereinafter also referred to as the current time) from a timer (not shown in FIG. 3), and stores it in the RAM 206 as a start time.

  In step 406, the CPU 202 determines whether a network information transmission request is received from the image forming apparatus 100. The network information is information for specifying a network, for example, a subnet mask. If it is determined that it has been received, control proceeds to step 408. Otherwise control passes to step 410. Whether or not the received data is data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 can be determined by whether or not the transmission source IP address included in the received packet data is the IP address of the image forming apparatus 100. .

  In step 408, the CPU 202 transmits network information of the network (first segment) to which the first terminal apparatus 200 belongs. The network information of the first segment is information for the image forming apparatus 100 to identify the first segment. For example, the subnet mask (for example, 255.255.255.0) held by the first terminal device 200 is used. It is. As the destination IP address, the source IP address of the network information transmission request received in step 406 is used.

  In step 410, the CPU 202 determines whether a message to be described later has been received from the image forming apparatus 100. If it is determined that a message has been received, control proceeds to step 412. Otherwise, control passes to step 416.

  In step 412, the CPU 202 displays the message received in step 410 on the display unit 212. For example, a screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. In the screen 700, an area 702 displays a message (text data) received from the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 414, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the OK button 704 has been selected by the operation unit 214. If it is determined that the OK button 704 has been selected, control proceeds to step 416. Otherwise, step 414 is repeated.

  In step 416, the CPU 202 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the print job was transmitted. Specifically, the CPU 202 acquires the current time from the timer, reads the start time stored in the RAM 206 in step 404, and determines whether the current time has passed a predetermined time from the start time. If it is determined that the program has elapsed, the program ends. Otherwise, control returns to step 406. Here, an appropriate time during which a message from the image forming apparatus 100, which will be described later, can be received may be set as the predetermined time.

  As described above, the first terminal device 200 waits for a message from the image forming apparatus 100 that is the destination of the print job for a predetermined time after transmitting the print job. If it is within the predetermined time, the content is displayed on the display unit 212 every time a message is received.

  In the second terminal device 230 to the fourth terminal device 234, the same print request program is executed.

  A print processing program executed in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In step 500, the CPU 102 determines whether a print job has been received. If it is determined that a print job has been received, control proceeds to step 502. Otherwise, step 500 is repeated. The CPU 102 stores the received print job in the RAM 106 or the HDD 108. Since the print job is transmitted as packet data, the CPU 102 stores the transmission source IP address included in the received packet in the RAM 106 as information specifying the device that transmitted the print job.

  In step 502, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the print job received in step 500 has been received from a network specified by a network address registered in the print permission list (hereinafter also referred to as a registered network). Specifically, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmission source IP address stored in the RAM 106 in step 500 matches any of a plurality of IP addresses specified by each network address registered in the print permission list. If there is a matching IP address, it is determined that the print job has been received from the registered network. For example, if the network address 192.168.80.0/24 is registered in the print permission list, the terminal device having an IP address within the range of 192.168.8.80.1 to 192.168.880.254 When a print job is received from the network, it is determined that the print job is received from the registered network. If it is determined that it has been received from the registered network, control proceeds to step 524. Otherwise, control passes to step 504.

  In step 504, the CPU 102 requests the apparatus that has transmitted the print job to transmit network information. Specifically, the CPU 102 transmits a network information transmission request command using the transmission source IP address stored in the RAM 106 in step 500 as the destination IP address.

  In step 506, the CPU 102 determines whether or not network information has been received from the device that requested the network information. Whether or not the network information is received from the device that has requested the network information is determined by whether or not the source IP address included in the received packet matches the source IP address stored in the RAM 106 in step 500. The received network information is the information transmitted in step 408 of FIG. 5, that is, the subnet mask of the terminal device that transmitted the print job. If it is determined that the network information has been received, the CPU 102 determines the network address, and then the control proceeds to step 508. Otherwise, step 506 is repeated.

  The CPU 102 specifies the network part of the transmission source IP address stored in the RAM 106 in step 500 using the received subnet mask. Thereby, the network address is determined. Specifically, the CPU 102 calculates the logical product of both bit strings.

  For example, if the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 (network part is 24 bits), the source IP address is 192.168.80. In the case of GGG (first terminal apparatus 200), the network address is 192.168.80.0/24, which represents the first segment 342 to which the first terminal apparatus 200 belongs. The source IP address is 192.168.99. In the case of XXX (third terminal device 232), the network address is 192.168.99.0/24, which represents the second segment 344 to which the third terminal device 232 belongs.

  In step 508, the CPU 102 suspends execution of the print job received in step 500, and indicates that the print request is suspended from the network that has not been registered with the device that has transmitted the print job. Send a message. The CPU 102 transmits data (image data, text data, etc.) representing a message using the transmission source IP address stored in the RAM 106 in step 500 as the destination IP address. The transmitted message is received by the terminal device that transmitted the print job (step 410 in FIG. 5) and displayed (step 412). Accordingly, for example, the screen 700 of FIG. 7 is displayed on the terminal device that has transmitted the print job.

  In step 510, the CPU 102 transmits a message indicating that a print request from an unregistered network has been received to the administrator's computer (server 300), and displays a selection screen on the operation unit 116. Specifically, a screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. In the screen 800, a message indicating that the execution of the print job is suspended is displayed in an area 802, and buttons 804 to 808 for selecting how to process the print job are displayed below the message. Has been. After displaying the screen 800, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from a timer (not shown in FIG. 2) and stores it in the RAM 106 as the start time. The transmitted message is displayed on the administrator's computer.

  In step 512, the CPU 102 determines whether any button displayed on the screen 800 of FIG. 8 has been operated (selected). If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 102 deletes the screen 800 and the control proceeds to step 516. Otherwise, control passes to step 514.

  In step 514, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the screen was displayed on the operation unit 116 in step 510. Specifically, the CPU 102 obtains the current time from the timer, reads the start time stored in the RAM 106 in step 510, and determines whether the current time has passed a predetermined time from the start time. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the CPU 102 erases the screen 800 and the control proceeds to step 526. Otherwise, control returns to step 512.

  In step 516, the CPU 102 determines whether the button determined to have been operated in step 512 is an “always permitted” button 804. If it is determined that the “always permit” button 804 is selected, control proceeds to step 518. Otherwise, control passes to step 520.

  In step 518, the CPU 102 registers the network address determined in step 506 in the print permission list (stored in the HDD 108), and transmits a message to that effect to the administrator's computer (server 300). Thereafter, control proceeds to step 524.

  For example, a screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the server 300. In the screen 900, an area 902 includes information (P001) for specifying a printer (image forming apparatus) and a message indicating that a new network address has been registered for the printer. The table 904 displays network addresses currently registered in the printer in association with information (P001) specifying the printer included in the message. The newly registered network address is displayed on the bottom line of the table 904. Since the server 300 holds information for providing a network connection service, information for identifying the corresponding printer (name of the printer) from the transmission source IP address included in the packet of the message transmitted in step 518. Etc.) can be determined. When the OK button 908 is selected, the screen 900 is deleted.

  If NO is determined in step 516, in step 520, the CPU 102 determines whether the button determined to have been operated in step 512 is a “prohibited” button 808. If it is determined that the button is “prohibited” button 808, control proceeds to step 526. Otherwise, control passes to step 522.

  In step 522, the CPU 102 sends a message to the administrator's computer (server 300) that there is a print request from an unregistered network and that printing is permitted only this time.

  In step 524, the CPU 102 executes the print job received in step 500.

  In step 526, the CPU 102 discards the print job received in step 500 (deletes it from the RAM 106 or the HDD 108), and transmits a message to the effect that the transmitted print job is discarded to the print job transmission source. As the destination IP address, the source IP address stored in the RAM 106 in step 500 is used. As a result, the screen 710 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the terminal device that has transmitted the print job in steps 410 and 412 of FIG. In the screen 710, the received message is displayed in an area 712. When the OK button 714 is selected, the screen 710 is deleted.

  In step 528, the CPU 102 determines whether or not an instruction to end the program has been received. If it is determined that an instruction to end is received, the program ends. Otherwise, control returns to step 500. The termination instruction is given, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from a terminal device belonging to a network that is not registered in the print permission list (the determination result in step 502 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 holds the print job and processes according to the instruction. Can be performed. If continuous permission is selected (YES in step 516), the image forming apparatus 100 registers the corresponding network address in the print permission list (step 518) and executes printing based on the print job (step 518). 524). When printing is prohibited (YES in step 520), the image forming apparatus 100 discards the received print job (step 526). In exceptional cases where only printing is permitted this time (the determination result in step 520 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 executes printing based on the print job (step 524), but the corresponding network address is registered in the print list. Not.

  When the screen 700 (FIG. 7) is displayed on the terminal device immediately after issuing a print instruction from the terminal device, the user goes to the image forming apparatus 100 and performs a button operation on the screen 800 (FIG. 8). Thus, printing can be executed. If the user gives a print instruction by mistake, the user can select “prohibit” button 808 to cancel printing.

  In the case of a print request from outside the organization that manages the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, when a large number of print instructions are made maliciously), the person who made the print request is displayed on the image forming apparatus 100. The screen 800 cannot be operated, and the print job is discarded when a predetermined time elapses, so that unnecessary printing can be prevented from being executed. Since the message is also transmitted to the administrator's computer (step 510), it is possible to prevent unnecessary printing from being executed even when the administrator selects the “prohibit” button 808.

  Even if it is not registered in advance in the print permission list, by selecting the “always permit” button 804 on the displayed screen 800, it is possible to easily register a network permitting printing as necessary.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the user who sent the print request can select the “Always Allow” button, whereas in the second embodiment, the user must be a specific person such as an administrator. The “Always Allow” button cannot be selected.

  The network print system according to the present embodiment, and the image forming apparatus, terminal device, and server that constitute the network print system are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 4). In the terminal device according to the present embodiment, a program (FIG. 5) similar to that of the first embodiment is executed. The print processing program executed in the image forming apparatus is different from that in the first embodiment. In the following, reference numerals of FIGS.

  A print processing program executed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 11 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 6 only in that steps 540 to 548 are added. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 6, the process in the step given the same reference number is the same.

  In the first to fourth terminal devices 200 and 230 to 234, a print request program is executed as shown in FIG. 5 and a print request is made to the image forming apparatus 100. In the image forming apparatus 100, as in the first embodiment, when receiving a print job, the CPU 102 determines whether the print request is from the registration network. If the print request is from the registration network, the CPU 102 performs printing. Run.

  If it is not a print request from the registered network, in step 508, the CPU 102 suspends execution of the received print job and prints from the network that is not registered with the device that has transmitted the print job. Send a message to the effect that is pending. At this time, the transmitted message is different from the first embodiment, and a screen different from the screen 700 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device that has transmitted the print job. For example, a screen 720 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. An area 722 of the screen 720 indicates that it is necessary to select a “permit only this time” button when the user performs printing.

  In step 510, the CPU 102 transmits a message indicating that a print request from an unregistered network has been received to the administrator's computer (server 300), and displays a selection screen on the operation unit 116. At this time, the selection screen displayed on the operation unit 116 is different from that of the first embodiment in accordance with the message to the terminal device that has transmitted the print job being different from that of the first embodiment. For example, a screen 820 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. After displaying the screen, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from the timer and stores it in the RAM 106 as the start time.

  In the screen 820, a message indicating that the execution of the print job is suspended is displayed in an area 822, and two buttons as buttons for selecting how to process the print job are displayed below the area 822. 824 and 826 are displayed. In the area 828, it is displayed that it is necessary to log in as an administrator in order to select permission at all times, and an “administrator login” button 830 is displayed below the area 828.

  For example, a screen 920 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit 312 by the message transmitted to the server 300. In the area 922 of the screen 920, in addition to receiving a print request from an unregistered network, it is displayed that the administrator needs to always permit. The administrator who has viewed the screen 920 can operate the screen 820 displayed on the operation unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100 when always permitting. In the case where it is not necessary to always permit, the administrator ignores the screen 920 and does not need to operate the screen 820 displayed on the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 540, the CPU 102 determines whether any button displayed on the screen 820 in FIG. 13 has been selected. If it is determined that it has been operated, the CPU 102 deletes the screen 820 and the control shifts to step 544. Otherwise, control passes to step 542.

  In step 542, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the screen was displayed on the operation unit 116 in step 510. Specifically, the CPU 102 obtains the current time from the timer, reads the start time stored in the RAM 106 in step 510, and determines whether the current time has passed a predetermined time from the start time. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the CPU 102 deletes the screen 820 and the control shifts to step 526. Otherwise, control returns to step 540.

  In step 544, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the button determined to be selected in step 540 is the “administrator login” button 830. If it is determined that the “administrator login” button 830 is selected, the control proceeds to step 546. Otherwise, control passes to step 520.

  When the “permit only this time” button 824 is selected (the determination result of step 520 is NO), step 522 and step 524 are executed, and printing is executed. If the “prohibit” button 826 is selected (the determination result in step 520 is YES), step 526 is executed, and the print job is discarded without executing printing.

  On the other hand, if the “administrator login” button 830 is selected, in step 546, the CPU 102 displays a login screen and executes known login authentication. Login authentication is performed, for example, by inputting a user ID and a password.

  If the login authentication is passed, the CPU 102 displays a selection screen on the operation unit 116 in step 548. For example, as in the first embodiment, a screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. After displaying the screen, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from the timer and stores it in the RAM 106 as the start time. This start time is used in step 514 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed.

  When “always permit” button 804 is selected on screen 800 (FIG. 8) (the determination result in step 516 is YES), the network address is registered in the print permission list (step 518), and printing is executed. (Step 524). When the “prohibit” button 808 is selected (NO in step 516 and YES in step 520), step 526 is executed and the print job is discarded without executing printing. When the “permit only this time” button 806 is selected (NO in step 516 and NO in step 520), steps 522 and 524 are executed, and printing is executed.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from a terminal device belonging to a network that is not registered in the print permission list (the determination result in step 502 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 holds the print job and processes according to the instruction. Can be performed.

  When the screen 720 (FIG. 12) is displayed on the terminal device immediately after issuing a print instruction from the terminal device, the user goes to the image forming apparatus 100 and displays “permit only this time” on the screen 820 (FIG. 13). Printing can be executed by selecting the button 824. If the user gives a print instruction by mistake, the user can select “prohibit” button 826 to cancel printing.

  In the case of a print request from outside the organization that manages the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, when a large number of print instructions are made maliciously), the person who made the print request is displayed on the image forming apparatus 100. The screen 820 cannot be operated, and the print job is discarded when a predetermined time elapses, so that unnecessary printing can be prevented from being executed. Since the message is also transmitted to the administrator's computer (step 510), it is possible to prevent unnecessary printing from being executed even when the administrator selects the “prohibit” button 826.

  Even if it is not registered in the print permission list in advance, the administrator selects the “Always Permitted” button 804 on the screen 800 (FIG. 8) displayed after the administrator logs in, so that printing can be performed as necessary. You can easily register the networks to be allowed. At this time, since only the administrator can select the “always permit” button 804, it is possible to prevent the network from being inadvertently registered in the print permission list.

  In the above description, when the “administrator login” button 830 is selected and the login authentication is passed, the screen 800 of FIG. 8 is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a screen 840 shown in FIG. 15 may be displayed. On the screen 840, a message indicating that the execution of the print job is suspended is displayed in an area 802, and buttons 844 and 846 for selecting how to process the print job are displayed below the message. Has been. Note that only two “always permitted” button 844 and “prohibited” button 846 are displayed on screen 840 as selectable buttons, and therefore the determination result of step 516 in FIG. 11 is NO. The determination result in step 520 is not NO.

  In the above description, the case where the manager message is transmitted to the server 300 in step 510 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information may be transmitted to a terminal device that is normally used by an administrator or a portable terminal device (such as a mobile phone or a smartphone).

  Further, the transmission destination of the message in step 510 is not limited to the administrator of the image forming apparatus 100. The specific person who has the authority regarding the network 340 may be sufficient.

  The method for presenting the message is arbitrary, and is not limited to the case where the message is displayed as a screen, and may be presented as a voice.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, a selection screen is displayed on the image forming apparatus and processing for a print job can be selected. In the third embodiment, processing for a print job is performed. It is executed by a specific person such as an administrator via the network.

  The network print system according to the present embodiment, and the image forming apparatus, terminal device, and server that constitute the network print system are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 4). In the terminal device according to the present embodiment, a program (FIG. 5) similar to that of the first embodiment is executed. The print processing program executed in the image forming apparatus is different from that in the first embodiment. Also, unlike the first embodiment, a printing permission / inhibition selection program is executed on the administrator's computer. In the following, reference numerals of FIGS.

  A print processing program executed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 16 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 6 only in that step 510 and step 512 are replaced by step 560 and step 562, respectively. In FIG. 16 and FIG. 6, the process in the step given the same reference number is the same.

  In the first to fourth terminal devices 200 and 230 to 234, a print request program is executed as shown in FIG. 5 and a print request is made to the image forming apparatus 100. In the image forming apparatus 100, as in the first embodiment, when receiving a print job, the CPU 102 determines whether the print request is from the registration network. If the print request is from the registration network, the CPU 102 performs printing. Run.

  If it is not a print request from the registered network, in step 508, the CPU 102 suspends execution of the received print job and prints from the network that is not registered with the device that has transmitted the print job. Send a message to the effect that is pending. At this time, the transmitted message is different from the first embodiment, and a screen different from the screen 700 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device that has transmitted the print job. For example, a screen 730 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. An area 732 of the screen 730 indicates that the print request is from an unregistered network, so that printing has not started, and that it is necessary to contact the administrator when printing. . When the screen 730 is displayed on the terminal device, the user can contact the administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 and request a necessary treatment.

  In step 560, the CPU 102 transmits a message indicating that a print request from an unregistered network has been received and selection button information to the administrator's computer (server 300), and includes a similar message in the operation unit 116. Display the screen. At this time, the message displayed on the operation unit 116 is different from that of the first embodiment in accordance with the message to the terminal device that has transmitted the print job being different from that of the first embodiment. For example, a screen 860 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. After displaying the screen, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from the timer and stores it in the RAM 106 as the start time.

  On the screen 860, an area 862 displays that the execution of the print job is suspended and that it is necessary to contact the administrator for printing. A button for instructing processing of a print job is not displayed.

  In step 562, the CPU 102 determines whether or not an instruction has been received from the administrator's computer (server 300). The received instruction is one of “always permitted”, “prohibited”, or “permitted only this time”. Specifically, the CPU 102 receives data representing any of “always permitted”, “prohibited”, or “permitted only this time”. If it is determined that the instruction has been received, control proceeds to step 516. Otherwise, control passes to step 514.

  In step 514, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the screen was displayed on the operation unit 116 in step 560. Specifically, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from the timer, reads the start time stored in the RAM 106 in step 560, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start time. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the CPU 102 deletes the screen 860 and the control proceeds to step 526. Otherwise, control returns to step 562.

  In step 516, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the instruction received in step 562 is “always permitted”. If it is determined as “always permitted”, step 518 is executed, the network address determined in step 506 is registered in the print permission list (stored in the HDD 108), and a message to that effect is sent to the administrator's computer ( Server 300). Thereafter, in step 524, printing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is not “always permitted”, step 520 is executed, and the CPU 102 determines whether or not the instruction received in step 562 is “prohibited”. If it is “prohibited”, step 526 is executed, the print job received in step 500 is discarded (deleted from the RAM 106 or the HDD 108), and a message to the effect that the transmitted print job is discarded is sent to the print job transmission source. Sent.

  On the other hand, if it is not “prohibited”, that is, if it is “permitted only this time”, steps 522 and 524 are executed, and printing is executed.

  The printing permission / inhibition selection program executed on the administrator's computer (server 300) is started when the server 300 is turned on. Referring to FIG. 19, in step 600 of the printing permission / inhibition selection program, CPU 302 determines whether or not a message has been received from image forming apparatus 100. If it is determined that it has been received, control proceeds to step 602. Otherwise, step 600 is repeated.

  In step 602, the CPU 302 displays the message received in step 600 on the display unit 312.

  In step 604, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the selection button information is received together with the message in step 600. If it is determined that selection button information has been received, control proceeds to step 606. Otherwise, control passes to step 622.

  The determination result in step 604 is YES when the message and selection button information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 are received in step 560 in FIG. The determination result of step is NO when the message transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 is received in step 518 or step 522 in FIG.

  In step 606, the CPU 302 displays a selection button on the display unit 312 according to the selection button information received in step 600. For example, a screen 940 shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. In the screen 940, a message indicating that the execution of the print job is suspended is displayed in an area 942, and buttons 944 to 948 for selecting how to process the print job are displayed below the message. Has been. Further, below the selection button, information on a network that is currently allowed to be printed in the image forming apparatus (printer P001) is displayed. After displaying the screen 940, the CPU 302 acquires the current time from a timer (not shown in FIG. 4) and stores it in the RAM 306 as the start time.

  In step 608, the CPU 302 determines whether any button displayed on the screen 940 in FIG. 20 has been operated (selected). If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 302 deletes the screen 940 and the control proceeds to step 612. Otherwise, control passes to step 610.

  In step 610, the CPU 302 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection button was displayed on the display unit 312 in step 606. Specifically, the CPU 302 acquires the current time from the timer, reads the start time stored in the RAM 306 in step 606, and determines whether the current time has passed a predetermined time from the start time. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the CPU 302 deletes the screen 940 and the control proceeds to step 620. Otherwise, control returns to step 608.

  In step 612, the CPU 302 determines whether the button determined to be selected in step 608 is the “always permit” button 944. If it is determined that the “always permit” button 944 is selected, the control proceeds to step 614. Otherwise, control passes to step 616.

  In step 614, the CPU 302 transmits data representing “always permitted” to the image forming apparatus 100. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 622.

  If NO in step 612, in step 616, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the button determined to be selected in step 608 is a “prohibited” button 948. If it is determined that the button is the “prohibit” button 948, control proceeds to step 620. Otherwise, control passes to step 618.

  In step 618, the CPU 302 transmits data representing “permitted only this time” to the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 620, the CPU 302 transmits data representing “prohibited” to the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 622, the CPU 302 determines whether an instruction to end the program has been received. If it is determined that an instruction to end is received, the program ends. Otherwise, control returns to step 600. The termination instruction is given, for example, when the power of the server 300 is turned off.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from a terminal device belonging to a network that is not registered in the print permission list (the determination result in step 502 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 holds the print job and determines which print job The administrator can be inquired about how to perform processing (a screen 940 is displayed on the server 300), and processing according to an instruction from the administrator can be performed.

  When the screen 940 (FIG. 20) is displayed on the display unit 312 of the server 300, the administrator selects the “always permit” button 944 or the “permit only this time” button 946 without going to the image forming apparatus 100. By doing so, printing can be executed. If the administrator is informed that the user has instructed printing in error, the administrator can select the “prohibit” button 948 to cancel printing. In the case of a print request from outside the organization that manages the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, when a large number of print instructions are made maliciously), the administrator selects the “prohibit button 948”. Thus, unnecessary printing can be prevented from being executed.

  In addition, even if not registered in the print permission list in advance, the administrator selects the “Always Permitted” button 944 on the displayed screen 940 to register a network that allows easy printing as needed. can do. Furthermore, since only the administrator can instruct whether or not to execute the print job, it is possible to prevent the network from being inadvertently registered in the print permission list.

  In step 560, when transmitting a message and selection button information from the image forming apparatus 100 to the server 300, the server 300 transmits information that can display a screen such as the screen 940 (FIG. 20) to the display unit 312. Often, the message and selection button information are arbitrary. For example, regarding the message, even if the text data of the message displayed in the area 942 is transmitted, if the server 300 stores the message information of the fixed part in the HDD 308 in advance, the text data of the network information (FIG. 20). Only “192.168.99.XXX YYY.sample.org”) may be transmitted. Regarding the selection button information, the image data of the buttons 944 to 948 may be transmitted, or only the character information (text data) displayed on the buttons 944 to 948 may be transmitted. If the server 300 stores image data of the selection button in the HDD 308 in advance, only the code instructing to display the selection button may be transmitted.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the terminal device transmits the subnet mask as the network information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the terminal device may transmit a network address or a domain name as network information. In the terminal device, the network address to which the own device belongs can be determined from the IP address and subnet mask of the own device.

  The flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 11, 16, and 19 in the first to third embodiments described above can be appropriately modified and executed. For example, in the above description, the case where the network information is transmitted from the terminal device that transmitted the print job when the request is received from the image forming apparatus 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Each terminal device may spontaneously transmit network information when transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus 100. In that case, it is not necessary to request network information from the image forming apparatus 100 to the terminal device. When the network information is transmitted when the terminal device transmits the print job, the print information including the network information may be transmitted or the network information may be transmitted as data different from the print job. Even when the image forming apparatus 100 receives print jobs from a plurality of terminal devices almost simultaneously, the image forming apparatus 100 knows network information corresponding to each print job from the transmission source IP address included in the received packet. Can do.

  When the terminal device voluntarily transmits network information when transmitting a print job to the image forming device 100, the image forming device 100 uses the received network information to identify the network address to which the terminal device belongs. Can be specified. Therefore, in step 502, it may be determined whether or not the specified network address is registered in the print permission list. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a subnet mask as network information, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies the network part of the IP address of the terminal apparatus that has transmitted the print job, and the identified network part is registered in the print permission list. It is determined whether or not it matches the address.

  Further, a request for transmitting network information from the image forming apparatus 100 to a terminal apparatus that has transmitted a print job may use, for example, a known traceroute command. In this case, it is not necessary to transmit network information from the terminal device. With the traceroute command, information (IP address) of the router on the route to the target host (terminal device) can be acquired, and from this, the address of the network to which the target host belongs can be determined. Therefore, the traceroute command may be executed by designating the IP address of the terminal device that has transmitted the print job as the target host.

  In FIG. 6, FIG. 11 and FIG. 16, the case of waiting until network information is received has been described. However, if network information is not received within a predetermined time, control proceeds to step 526. Also good. In this way, it is possible to prevent adverse effects caused by waiting for network information indefinitely. If the terminal device transmits an illegal print job, there is a possibility that a request for network information does not reach the terminal device.

  6, 16, and 19, in the process of determining which of the three options (buttons) is selected, it is first determined whether “Always Permitted” is selected, and then Although the case where it is determined whether or not “prohibited” is selected has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The order of processing for determining which of the three options has been selected is arbitrary.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where the print permission is set for the network address has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Printing permission may be set for each terminal device. In this case, the IP address of the terminal device is registered in the print permission list instead of the network address, or the IP address of the terminal device is registered in addition to the network address. The image forming apparatus determines whether the IP address of the terminal apparatus that has transmitted the received print job is included in the print permission list. In other words, the image forming apparatus determines whether the IP address of the terminal device matches either the IP address registered in the print permission list or the IP address specified by the network address registered in the print permission list. Determine whether or not. If they do not match, as in the first to third embodiments, the “always permit” button, the “temporary permit” button, and the “prohibit” button are not displayed on the image forming apparatus or the terminal device (server, etc.) of the administrator. Is displayed. The image forming apparatus only needs to execute processing according to the operation of the user or the administrator.

  The case where the network address is registered in the print permission list when “always permitted” is selected has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The address (IP address) of the terminal device may be registered. In other words, printing permission may be set for each terminal device (host). “Always permitted” may be further divided into two options. For example, instead of the “always permit” button, an “always permit for network” button and an “always permit for host” button may be displayed. In this case, when the “Always allow for network” button is selected, the network address to which the terminal device belongs is registered in the print permission list as described above, and when the “Always allow for host” button is selected. The IP address of the terminal device that has transmitted the print job is registered in the print permission list.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the communication protocol is TCP / IP has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the class C network having a network part of 24 bits has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of bits in the network part is arbitrary. Moreover, although the case where an IP address is a private IP address was demonstrated, it is not limited to this. It may be a global IP address.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

100 Image forming apparatus 102 CPU
104 ROM
106 RAM
108 HDD
110 IF section 112 Document reading section 114 Image forming section 116 Operation section 120 Bus 200 First terminal device 202 CPU
204 ROM
206 RAM
208 HDD
210 NIC
212 Display Unit 214 Operation Unit 220 Bus 230 Second Terminal Device 232 Third Terminal Device 234 Fourth Terminal Device 300 Server 302 CPU
304 ROM
306 RAM
308 HDD
310 NIC
312 Display unit 314 Operation unit 320 Bus 340 Network 342 First segment 344 Second segment

Claims (19)

Image forming means for performing image formation on recording paper;
Receiving means for receiving a print job and an address of the external device from an external device via a network;
Determining means for determining whether image formation by the image forming means based on the print job is permitted;
Storage means for storing permission information for specifying a permission address indicating an address of an external device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming means based on the print job,
The determination unit determines whether the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted to form an image by determining whether the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permission address. Whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permission address, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job,
Whether or not to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address And further includes an input means for accepting such an instruction,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. The instruction for causing the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job includes a first instruction and a second instruction,
In response to the input unit accepting the first instruction, the storage unit receives an address of an external device that is a transmission source of the print job, or network identification information indicating a network to which the external device belongs. In response to the input unit accepting the second instruction, both the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job and the network identification information indicating the network to which the external device belongs are both permitted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is not stored as information. Specific information receiving means for receiving specific information for specifying the network identification information from the external device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores network identification information specified by using the specific information in response to the input unit receiving the first instruction.   A request transmission for transmitting a request for transmitting the specific information to the external device when the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means. A print job storage means for storing the print job;
The instruction input to the input unit includes a prohibition instruction for prohibiting image formation based on the print job,
The image forming unit does not execute image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit receiving the prohibition instruction, and the print job storage unit discards the print job. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4 above.   When the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address, the image formation based on the print job is suspended, and the image based on the print job is suspended. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that transmits information indicating that the formation is suspended to the external apparatus that has transmitted the print job.   Whether or not to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a screen including a button for instructing the input unit. Whether or not to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permitted address Means for transmitting information for forming a screen including a button for instructing to an apparatus used by an administrator of the image forming apparatus;
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the input unit receives the instruction from the device used by the administrator by receiving information indicating that the button has been operated. Forming equipment. Image forming means for performing image formation on recording paper;
Receiving means for receiving a print job from an external device via a network;
A determining unit that determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted according to a network to which the external device belongs;
Storage means for storing permission information for specifying a network in which image formation by the image forming means based on the print job is permitted;
Network specifying means for specifying network identification information representing a network to which the external device belongs,
The determination unit determines whether the network identification information specified by the network specifying unit is included in the permission information, thereby permitting image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job. Whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the network identification information is included in the permission information, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job,
An input for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job in response to the determination unit determining that the network identification information is not included in the permission information. Further comprising means,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. A specific information receiving means for receiving, from the external device, specific information for specifying a network to which the external device belongs;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the determination unit specifies the network identification information using the specifying information.   And a request transmission unit configured to transmit a request to transmit the specific information to the external device when the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information. Item 15. The image forming apparatus according to Item 10. The instruction for causing the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job includes a first instruction and a second instruction,
The storage means stores the network identification information as the permission information in response to the input means accepting the first instruction, and the input means accepts the second instruction in response to the second instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein network identification information is not stored as the permission information. A print job storage means for storing the print job;
The instruction input to the input unit includes a prohibition instruction for prohibiting image formation based on the print job,
10. The image forming unit does not execute image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit receiving the prohibition instruction, and the print job storage unit discards the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 12.   When the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information, image formation based on the print job is suspended, and image formation based on the print job is suspended. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a unit configured to transmit information indicating that to the external apparatus that has transmitted the print job.   In response to the determination that the network identification information is not included in the permission information by the determination unit, the input unit determines whether to cause the image formation unit to perform image formation based on the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising display means for displaying a screen including a button for instructing the user. When the determination unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information, the image forming unit is configured to instruct whether to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. Means for transmitting information for forming a screen including a button to an apparatus used by an administrator of the image forming apparatus;
The image according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the input unit receives the instruction by receiving information indicating that the button has been operated from the device used by the administrator. Forming equipment. The permission information includes an address of an external device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit,
The receiving unit receives an address of an external apparatus that is a transmission source of the print job;
The determination unit determines whether the image forming unit based on the print job is allowed to form an image by determining whether the permission information includes an address of an external apparatus that is a transmission source of the print job. Whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the address of the external device that is the transmission source of the print job is included in the permission information, the image formation unit executes image formation based on the print job. And
The input unit performs image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job is not included in the permission information. Accepting an instruction on whether or not to allow the forming means to execute,
The image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 16. An image forming apparatus and a terminal device connected to a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image forming means for performing image formation on recording paper;
Receiving means for receiving a print job and an address of the terminal device from a terminal device via a network;
Determining means for determining whether image formation by the image forming means based on the print job is permitted;
Storage means for storing permission information for specifying a permission address indicating an address of a terminal device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming means based on the print job,
The determination unit determines whether the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted to form an image by determining whether the address of the terminal device that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permission address. Whether or not
In response to determining that the address of the terminal device that is the transmission source of the print job matches the permission address by the determination unit, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job,
When the determination unit determines that the address of the external apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job does not match the permission address, the image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the print job. An input means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to cause the means to execute,
A network system, wherein the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job. An image forming apparatus and a terminal device connected to a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image forming means for performing image formation on recording paper;
Receiving means for receiving a print job from the terminal device via a network;
A determination unit that determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted according to a network to which the terminal device belongs;
Storage means for storing permission information for specifying a network in which image formation by the image forming means based on the print job is permitted;
Network specifying means for specifying network identification information representing a network to which the terminal device belongs,
The determination unit determines whether the network identification information specified by the network specifying unit is included in the permission information, thereby permitting image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job. Whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the network identification information is included in the permission information, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job,
Whether the image forming apparatus causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job when the determining unit determines that the network identification information is not included in the permission information. And further includes an input means for accepting such an instruction,
A network system, wherein the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit receiving an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print job.

Images