JP2016083890A - Image formation apparatus and network system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus capable of properly processing a printing job by avoiding execution of a printing job from a user or terminal device printing for which is inhibited, and a network system including the same.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 100 is configured: to store permission information specifying a user for which printing is permitted; to receive a printing job and a user ID from a terminal device 200 or 230 through a network 340; to accept an indication of whether to execute printing based upon the printing job when the received ID is not included in the permission information; to store the received user ID as permission information and execute the printing on receiving the indication for execution of printing; and to discard the printing job without executing printing when receiving an indication of inhibiting printing. Consequently, careless printing of a printing job of a user for which printing is inhibited 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 user or a terminal device for which printing is prohibited, and the image forming apparatus 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 avoid a print job from a user or terminal device for which printing is prohibited from being inadvertently executed, and a print job from a user or terminal device for which printing is prohibited. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a network system including the same.

  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, and a receiving unit that receives a user ID that identifies a print job and a user 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 permission information for identifying a user who is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit based on the print job. And a storage unit for storing. 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 permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit. Determine. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the receiving unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the print job to the image forming unit. It further includes an input unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to execute. 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 user who 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 receiving unit according to the reception of the first instruction. The received user ID is stored as permission information, and the user ID received by the receiving unit is not stored as permission information in response to the input unit receiving the second instruction.

  Thereby, by permitting a print request from a user only once, the user can be permitted to perform subsequent printing.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a print job storage unit that stores the print job, and the instruction input to the input unit includes a prohibition instruction that prohibits image formation based on the print job, and the input unit prohibits the instruction. 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 performs image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit. Information indicating that image formation based on the print job is suspended is transmitted to the external apparatus that has transmitted the print job.

  Accordingly, it is possible to cause the terminal device (external 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.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit. It further includes a display unit that displays a screen including a button for instructing the input unit whether to execute the forming 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.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit. Information for forming a screen including a button for instructing whether or not to execute the image forming unit is transmitted to a device used by an administrator of the image forming device, and the input unit is a device used by the administrator The instruction is received by receiving information indicating that the button has been operated.

  As a result, the administrator of the image forming apparatus can appropriately process a print request from a user who is prohibited from printing without directly operating the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention receives an image forming unit that performs image formation on recording paper and external device specifying information that specifies a print job and an external device from an external device via a network. A receiving unit, a determination unit that determines whether image formation by the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted, and an external device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit based on the print job And a storage unit for storing the permission information. Whether the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted to form an image by determining whether the storage unit stores permission information that matches the external device specifying information received by the receiving unit. Determine whether or not. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. . When the determination unit determines that permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the receiving unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the print job. It further includes an input unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to execute the unit. 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 receiving unit according to the reception of the first instruction. The received external device specifying 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.

  As a result, by permitting a print request from a terminal device only once, subsequent printing can be permitted for the terminal device.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a print job storage unit that stores the print job, and the instruction input to the input unit includes a prohibition instruction that prohibits image formation based on the print job, and the input unit prohibits the instruction. 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 receives an image based on the print job when the determination unit determines that permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit. Information indicating that image formation based on the print job is suspended is transmitted to the external apparatus that 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.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus is configured to perform image formation based on the print job when the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit. And a display unit for displaying a screen including a button for instructing the input unit whether or not to cause the image forming unit to execute.

  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.

  More preferably, in the image forming apparatus, when the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus performs an image based on the print job. Information for forming a screen including a button for instructing whether or not to cause the image forming unit to execute formation is transmitted to a device used by the administrator of the image forming device, and the input unit is used by the administrator. An instruction is received by receiving information indicating that the button has been operated from the device.

  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.

  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. An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that performs image formation on recording paper; a receiving unit that receives a user ID that identifies a print job and a user from a terminal device via a network; and an image forming unit based on the print job And a storage unit that stores permission information for specifying a user who is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit based on the print job. 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 permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit. Determine. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the receiving unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the print job to the image forming unit. It further includes an input unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to execute. 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 user who 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. An image forming apparatus is based on an image forming unit that performs image formation on recording paper, a receiving unit that receives external device specifying information that specifies a print job and an external device from a terminal device via a network, and a print job A determination unit that determines whether or not image formation by the image forming unit is permitted; and a storage unit that stores permission information for specifying an external device that is permitted to form an image by the image forming unit based on a print job; including. Whether the image forming unit based on the print job is permitted to form an image by determining whether the storage unit stores permission information that matches the external device specifying information received by the receiving unit. Determine whether or not. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit executes image formation based on the print job. . When the determination unit determines that permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the receiving unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the print job. It further includes an input unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to execute the unit. 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.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately process a print request (print job) from a user or terminal device that is prohibited from printing.

  When permitting a print request from a user or terminal device that is prohibited from printing, it is possible to easily register a user or terminal device that permits printing, if necessary.

  In order to execute a print request from a user who is prohibited from printing or a terminal device, it is necessary to directly operate the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and thus the outside of the organization using 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 in use by the user for whom printing is prohibited. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus when a user who is prohibited from printing receives a print job from a terminal device in use. FIG. 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 in use by the user who was not permitted printing. 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 in use by the user for whom printing is prohibited. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus when a user who is prohibited from printing receives a print job from a terminal device in use. FIG. 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 in use by the user for whom printing is prohibited. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus when a user who is prohibited from printing receives a print job from a terminal device in use. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the selection program of the printing propriety performed by 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.

(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, the first terminal device 200 and the second terminal device 230 are shown as a plurality of terminal devices, but other terminal devices may be connected to the network 340. 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 by the server 300 as one or a plurality of segments. 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 segments according to an address (IP address) set for each terminal device. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100, the first terminal apparatus 200, and the second terminal apparatus 230 belong to the same segment 342.

  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 and the second terminal device 230 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 is 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 with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In order to transmit a print job from the first terminal apparatus 200 to the image forming apparatus 100, it is necessary to use the network communication function of the first terminal apparatus 200, so a known login authentication for logging in to the network 340 is executed. Is done.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, permission information for specifying a target for which printing is permitted is registered in advance in the print permission list. Here, the permission information is information for identifying a user (hereinafter also referred to as a user ID). The print permission list is stored in the HDD 108. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print request (print job) via the network 340, the image forming apparatus 100 executes printing if the request is based on the registered user ID. 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 in accordance with the printing conditions set in step 400, and includes data that includes the generated print job and information (user ID) that identifies a user who has instructed generation of the job. The file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 selected in step 400 via the NIC 210. The user who has instructed the generation of the job is a user who is logged in to the first terminal device 200 and is specified by the login ID, and therefore the login ID is used as the user ID. The data file (print job and user ID) 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. Is set. 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 data file (print job and user ID) 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. Store as start time.

  In step 406, 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 passes to step 408. Otherwise, control passes to step 412.

  In step 408, the CPU 202 displays the message received in step 406 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 410, 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 412. Otherwise, step 410 is repeated.

  In step 412, 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 as a destination for a predetermined time after transmitting the data file including the print job and the user ID. If it is within the predetermined time, the content is displayed on the display unit 212 every time a message is received. That is, as will be described later, the screen in FIG. 7 is displayed in step 504 in FIG. 6, and the screen in FIG. 10 is displayed in step 522 in FIG.

  A similar print request program is also executed in the second terminal device 230.

  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 data (print job and user ID) in the RAM 106 or the HDD 108. The CPU 102 stores the transmission source IP address included in the received packet in the RAM 106 as information specifying the device that has transmitted the print job.

  In step 502, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the print job received in step 500 is a print job generated in response to an instruction from a user permitted to print. Specifically, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the user ID stored in the RAM 106 in step 500 matches any of the user IDs registered as permission information in the print permission list. If there is a matching user ID, it is determined that the print job is a print job instructed and generated by an authorized user. If there is a matching user ID, control passes to step 520. Otherwise, that is, if the received user ID is not registered in the print permission list, the control proceeds to step 504.

  In step 504, the CPU 102 suspends execution of the print job received in step 500, and indicates that the print request is suspended from the unauthorized user to the apparatus 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 406 in FIG. 5) and displayed (step 408). Accordingly, for example, the screen 700 of FIG. 7 is displayed on the terminal device that has transmitted the print job.

  In step 506, the CPU 102 transmits a message indicating that a print request from an unregistered user 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, an area 802 displays a message indicating that execution of a print job from an unregistered user is suspended, and a lower part is for selecting how to process the print job. Buttons 804 to 808 are displayed. 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 508, the CPU 102 determines whether any button displayed on the screen 800 in 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 512. Otherwise control passes to step 510.

  In step 510, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the screen was displayed on the operation unit 116 in step 506. Specifically, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from the timer, reads the start time stored in the RAM 106 in step 506, 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 522. Otherwise, control returns to step 508.

  In step 512, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the button determined to have been operated in step 508 is an “always permitted” button 804. If it is determined that the “always permit” button 804 is selected, the control proceeds to step 514. Otherwise control passes to step 516.

  In step 514, the CPU 102 registers the user ID received in step 500 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 520.

  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 user ID (12345678) is newly registered in the printer. The table 904 displays user IDs permitted to use the printer in association with information (P001) specifying the printer included in the message. A newly registered user ID (12345678) is displayed on the bottom line of the table 904. Since the server 300 holds information for providing a network connection service, information (printer name) for identifying the corresponding printer from the source IP address included in the packet of the message transmitted in step 514. Etc.) can be determined. When the OK button 908 is selected, the screen 900 is deleted.

  If NO is determined in step 512, in step 516, the CPU 102 determines whether the button determined to have been operated in step 508 is a “prohibited” button 808. If it is determined that the button is “prohibited” button 808, control proceeds to step 522. Otherwise control passes to step 518.

  In step 518, the CPU 102 sends a message to the administrator's computer (server 300) that there is a print request from a user ID that is not registered and that printing is permitted only this time.

  In step 520, the CPU 102 executes the print job received in step 500.

  In step 522, 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 has been discarded to the transmission source of the print job. As the destination IP address, the source IP address stored in the RAM 106 in step 500 is used. As a result, a screen 710 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the terminal device that has transmitted the print job in steps 406 and 408 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 524, the CPU 102 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 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 together with a user ID not registered in the print permission list (the determination result of step 502 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 can hold the print job and perform processing according to the instruction. it can. When continuous permission is selected (YES in step 512), the image forming apparatus 100 registers the corresponding user ID in the print permission list (step 514), and executes printing based on the print job (step 514). 520). If printing is prohibited (YES in step 516), the image forming apparatus 100 discards the received print job (step 522). Exceptionally, when only printing is permitted this time (the determination result in step 516 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 executes printing based on the print job (step 520), but the corresponding user ID 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 a message is also transmitted to the administrator's computer (step 506), unnecessary printing can be prevented even when the administrator selects the “prohibit” button 808.

  Even if the user ID is not registered in advance in the print permission list, by selecting the “always permit” button 804 on the displayed screen 800, a user ID permitted to print can be easily registered 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 terminal device 200 and the second terminal device 230, 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 a user who is permitted to print, and from the user who is permitted to print. If it is a print request, printing is executed. A user who is permitted to print is a user whose user ID is registered in the print permission list.

  If it is not a print request from a registered user, in step 504, the CPU 102 suspends execution of the received print job and is a print request from a user who is not registered in the device that has transmitted the print job. Therefore, a message indicating that printing is suspended is transmitted. 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 506, the CPU 102 transmits a message indicating that a print request from an unregistered user 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 execution of a print job from a non-registered user is suspended is displayed in an area 822, and a lower part is for selecting how to process the print job. As buttons, two buttons 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 indicating that the print request from the unregistered user is suspended, 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 acquires the current time from the timer, reads the start time stored in the RAM 106 in step 506, 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 820 and the control shifts to step 522. 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 516.

  If the “permit only this time” button 824 is selected (the determination result of step 516 is NO), step 518 and step 520 are executed, and printing is executed. If the “prohibit” button 826 is selected (the determination result in step 516 is YES), step 522 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 login 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 510 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed.

  If “always permit” button 804 is selected on screen 800 (FIG. 8) (the determination result in step 512 is YES), the user ID received in step 500 is registered in the print permission list (step 514). Printing is executed (step 520). If the “prohibit” button 808 is selected (NO in step 512 and YES in step 516), step 522 is executed, printing is not executed, and the print job is discarded. If the “permit only this time” button 806 is selected (NO in step 512 and NO in step 516), steps 518 and 520 are executed, and printing is executed.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job together with a user ID not registered in the print permission list (the determination result of step 502 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 can hold the print job and perform processing according to the instruction. it can.

  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 506), unnecessary printing can be prevented 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. The user ID to be permitted can be easily registered. At this time, since only the administrator can select the “always permit” button 804, it is possible to prevent the user ID 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 in step 512 in FIG. 11 is NO. The determination result in step 516 is never NO.

  In the above description, the case where the manager message is transmitted to the server 300 in step 506 has been described. However, 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 message transmission destination in step 506 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 506 and step 508 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 terminal device 200 and the second terminal device 230, 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 receives a print request from a user who is permitted to print (a user whose user ID is registered in the print permission list). If it is a print request from a user who is permitted to print, printing is executed.

  If it is not a print request from a registered user, in step 504, the CPU 102 suspends execution of the received print job and is a print request from a user who is not registered in the device that has transmitted the print job. Therefore, a message indicating that printing is suspended is transmitted. 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 a non-registered user, 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 user 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 execution of a print job from a non-registered user 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 512. Otherwise control passes to step 510.

  In step 510, 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 522. Otherwise, control returns to step 562.

  In step 512, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the instruction received in step 562 is “always permitted”. If it is determined as “always permitted”, step 514 is executed, the user ID received in step 500 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 520, printing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is not “always permitted”, step 516 is executed, and the CPU 102 determines whether or not the instruction received in step 562 is “prohibited”. If “prohibited”, step 522 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 518 and 520 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 in Step 604 is NO when the message transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 is received in Step 514 or Step 518 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 execution of a print job from a non-registered user is suspended is displayed in an area 942, and a lower part is for selecting how to process the print job. Buttons 944 to 948 are displayed. Further, a user ID permitted to print in the current image forming apparatus (printer P001) is displayed below the selection button. 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 together with a user ID that is not registered in the print permission list (the determination result of step 502 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 holds the print job and how to process the print job. The administrator can be inquired (display a screen 940 on the server 300) to perform the process according to the instruction from the administrator.

  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.

  Even if it is not registered in the print permission list in advance, the administrator selects the “always permit” button 944 on the displayed screen 940, so that the user ID for easily permitting printing can be obtained as necessary. You can register. Furthermore, since only the administrator can instruct whether to execute the print job, it is possible to prevent the user ID from being registered in the print permission list carelessly.

  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 user ID (“12345678” in FIG. 20) is stored. ) May be sent. 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.

  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 flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 16, and 19, in the process of determining which of the three options (buttons) has been selected, it is first determined whether “Always Permitted” has been 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 above description, the case where the data file including the print job and the user ID is generated and transmitted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A user ID may be transmitted separately from the print job. In that case, the image forming apparatus 100 may associate the print job and user ID received from the same terminal device (print job and user ID generated from packets having the same transmission source IP address) within a predetermined time. it can. In order to associate more accurately, the terminal device preferably transmits information for associating the print job and the user ID with the print job or the user ID. For example, the print job file name can be added to the user ID for transmission.

  In the above description, a case has been described in which the terminal device transmits a login ID as information for specifying a user who has instructed printing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An ID different from the login ID may be used. In that case, when accepting the setting of the printing conditions (for example, step 400 in FIG. 5), the user ID may be accepted.

  Printing permission may be set using a password in addition to the user ID. In that case, the user ID and the password are stored in the print permission list. The terminal device transmits a password in addition to the user ID. As the password, a password for login authentication to the terminal device may be used, or a different password may be used.

  When transmitting a print job, the terminal device may transmit information for identifying the terminal device (hereinafter also referred to as device identification information) instead of the user ID. For example, the serial number, MAC address, or computer name of the terminal device can be used as the device specifying information. As the serial number of the terminal device, the serial number managed by the OS of the terminal device can be used. The computer name is preferably a name including information on a network to which the terminal device belongs, for example, a host name including a domain name. In this case, the device identification information is stored in the print permission list instead of the user ID, and the device identification information is used in place of the user ID to determine whether printing is permitted. Further, the message displayed on the image forming apparatus, the terminal device, and the server includes device specifying information instead of the user ID.

  Although the case where the communication protocol is TCP / IP has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.

  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 300 Server 302 CPU
304 ROM
306 RAM
308 HDD
310 NIC
312 Display unit 314 Operation unit 320 Bus 340 Network 342 Segment

Claims (14)

Image forming means for performing image formation on recording paper;
Receiving means for receiving a print job and a user ID for identifying the user 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 user who is permitted to form an image by the image forming means based on the print job,
The determination unit determines whether the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, thereby forming an image by the image formation unit based on the print job. Whether or not is allowed,
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit is based on the print job. Perform image formation,
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image formation based on the print job is performed. An input means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to cause the means to execute,
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,
The storage means stores the user ID received by the receiving means as the permission information in response to the input means accepting the first instruction, and the input means accepts the second instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user ID received by the receiving unit 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,
The image forming unit does not execute image formation based on the print job in response to the input unit accepting the prohibition instruction, and the print job storage unit discards the print job. The image forming apparatus according to 2.   When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image formation based on the print job is suspended. The image formation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for transmitting information indicating that image formation based on the print job is suspended to the external apparatus that has transmitted the print job. apparatus.   When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image formation based on the print job is performed. 5. 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 to execute the unit. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image formation based on the print job is performed. Means for transmitting information for forming a screen including a button for instructing whether or not to cause the means to execute to a device used by an administrator of the image forming device
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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. Image forming means for performing image formation on recording paper;
Receiving means for receiving a print job and external device specifying information for specifying 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 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 permission information that matches the external device specifying information received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, thereby determining the image forming unit based on the print job. Determine whether image formation is allowed,
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit performs the print job. Image formation based on
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, image formation based on the print job is performed. An input unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to cause the image forming unit to execute;
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,
The storage means stores the external device specifying information received by the receiving means as the permission information in response to the input means receiving the first instruction, and the input means receives the second instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the external device specifying information received by the receiving unit is not stored as the permission information in response to the acceptance. 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,
8. 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 8.   When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, image formation based on the print job is suspended. 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: means for transmitting information indicating that image formation based on the print job is suspended to the external apparatus that has transmitted the print job. Image forming apparatus.   When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, image formation based on the print job is performed. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a display unit that displays a screen including a button for instructing the input unit whether to execute the image forming unit. When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, image formation based on the print job is performed. Further comprising means for transmitting information for forming a screen including a button for instructing whether or not to cause the image forming means to execute to a device used by an administrator of the image forming device,
The image according to any one of claims 7 to 11, 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. 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 a user ID for identifying the user from the 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 user who is permitted to form an image by the image forming means based on the print job,
The determination unit determines whether or not the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, whereby image formation by the image formation unit based on the print job is performed. Determine if it is allowed,
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit performs an image based on the print job. Run the formation,
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the user ID received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus performs an image based on the print job. An input unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to cause the image forming unit to perform formation;
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 external device specifying information for specifying a print job and an external device from the 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 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 permission information that matches the external device specifying information received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, thereby determining an image by the image forming unit based on the print job. Determine if formation is allowed,
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is stored in the storage unit, the image forming unit executes the print job. Based image formation,
When the determination unit determines that the permission information that matches the external device identification information received by the reception unit is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus performs the print job. Input means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to cause the image forming means to execute image formation based on
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.

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