JP2017224092A - Information processing system and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system and an information processing method for acquiring biological information on the same user terminal in registration time and authentication time, and improving accuracy of a user authentication.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a server 12, an image formation device 14 and a user terminal 200. When printing data is registered in the server, biological information of the user (biological information for registration) is acquired using the user terminal. When printing using the printing data is executed, the user terminal acquires device identification information of an image formation device, associates the acquired device identification information with the biological information of the user (biological information for authentication) acquired using the user terminal, and then sends the device identification information to the server. When the biological information for registration and the biological information for authentication match, the server sends the printing data to the image formation device 14, and, on the image formation device, printing processing using the printing data is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method, and more particularly, to an information processing system and an information processing method in which an information processing terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected.

  An example of this type of background art is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the network system using the biometric authentication system disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when a client generates a print job, the client acquires biometric information of a user who instructs execution of the print job by a biometric information sensor of the terminal device. And add it to the server. Based on the biometric information added to the received print job, the server acquires information indicating which user has authority to request execution of the print job, and stores the information in association with the print job. . When a print job execution request is made to the server, the biometric information of the user who requests the execution of the print job is acquired by the biometric information sensor of the image forming apparatus, and the biometric information and the previous information are obtained. If it is determined that the user has authority to request execution of the print job based on the job, the job is executed.

JP 2008-071190 A

  In this conventional network system, a user who requests execution of a print job based on biometric information acquired by a biometric information sensor of a terminal device and biometric information acquired by a biometric information sensor of an image forming apparatus different from the terminal device. In response to the user who registered the print data and the print data depending on factors such as non-uniform detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric information sensor of each device. There is a possibility that it cannot be authenticated that the user who prints the image is the same person.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing system and information processing method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and an information processing method capable of improving the accuracy of user authentication.

  A first invention is an information processing system in which an information processing terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected. The information processing terminal is a portable information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a future phone, a tablet PC, or a notebook (laptop) PC, and includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a first transmission unit. A 1st acquisition means is a biometric information sensor which acquires a user's biometric information. For example, the biometric information is a user's vein pattern, fingerprint, iris pattern, voiceprint, or the like. The second acquisition unit acquires apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus. For example, the second obtaining unit obtains device identification information by reading a bar code or QR code (registered trademark) provided (displayed) in the image forming apparatus or communicating with the image forming apparatus. The first transmitting unit transmits the biometric information for authentication acquired by the first acquiring unit and the device identification information acquired by the second acquiring unit to the server. The server includes storage means, first reception means, authentication means, and second transmission means. The storage unit stores the print data registered by the information processing terminal in association with the biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal. The first receiving unit receives the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information transmitted by the first transmitting unit. The authentication unit determines whether print data associated with biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received by the first receiving unit is stored in the storage unit. When it is determined that the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received by the first receiving unit is stored in the storage unit, the second transmission unit performs the printing. Data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information. The image forming apparatus includes a second receiving unit and an image forming unit. The second receiving unit receives the print data transmitted by the second transmitting unit. The image forming unit executes a printing process based on the print data received by the second receiving unit.

  According to the first invention, since both the biometric information for registration and the biometric information for authentication are acquired by the first acquisition means of the information processing terminal, the detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric information sensor is uniform, and the user The accuracy of authentication can be improved.

  A second invention is an information processing system subordinate to the first invention, wherein the information processing terminal is acquired by a selection unit that selects print data to be registered in the server and a first acquisition unit according to a user operation. The biometric information for registration and the print data selected by the selection means are further transmitted to the server, and the server receives the biometric information for registration and the print data transmitted by the third transmission means. A third receiving unit is further provided, and the biometric information for registration received by the third receiving unit is associated with the print data received by the third receiving unit and stored in the storage unit.

  According to the second invention, as in the first invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

  A third invention is an information processing system subordinate to the first invention, wherein the server is an information processing terminal corresponding to the identification information for identifying the user of the information processing terminal and the information processing terminal. The biometric information acquired in advance for the user is stored, the information processing terminal selects the print data to be registered in the server according to the user's operation, and the print data selected by the other user identification information and the selection means Is transmitted to the server, and the server further includes fourth receiving means for receiving the identification information of other users and the print data transmitted by the fourth transmitting means, and the fourth receiving means receives the received information. The registered biometric information corresponding to the identification information of the other user received by the fourth receiving means is registered as biometric information for registration. Stored in the storage means in association with Te.

  According to the third aspect, as in the first aspect, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

  A fourth invention is an information processing system according to any one of the first to third inventions, and the information processing terminal and the image forming apparatus perform short-range wireless communication.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since communication is performed only with an image forming apparatus that exists relatively close to the range that can be communicated by short-range wireless communication, printing processing is performed when the user is away from the image forming apparatus. It is never executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printed material from being taken away by another person.

  A fifth invention is an information processing system subordinate to the fourth invention, wherein the second acquisition means acquires device identification information by performing short-range wireless communication.

  According to the fifth invention, since the second acquisition unit acquires the device identification information by performing short-range wireless communication, the user operates the information processing terminal to input a password, or activates the camera. There is no need to do this, and the user's operation is simple.

  A sixth invention is an information processing system according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the image forming apparatus receives the print data by the second receiving means, and the information processing terminal and the image forming apparatus Is further provided with first determination means for determining whether or not short-range wireless communication can be performed, and the image forming means is determined to be capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the information processing terminal by the first determination means. In this case, the printing process is executed based on the print data.

  According to the sixth aspect, when the first determination unit determines that short-distance wireless communication with the information processing terminal can be performed, the printing process is executed, so that the user leaves the image forming apparatus. In addition, the printed material can be prevented from being taken away by others.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing terminal, a server including a storage unit that stores print data registered by the information processing terminal and biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal in association with each other, and an image forming apparatus An information processing method of an information processing system that is communicably connected, wherein (a) an information processing terminal acquires user's biological information and device identification information of an image forming apparatus, and (b) an information processing terminal ( The authentication biometric information and device identification information acquired in a) are transmitted to the server, (c) the server receives the authentication biometric information and device identification information transmitted in (b), and (d) The server determines whether or not the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received in (c) is stored in the storage unit, and (e) the server (d) In When it is determined that print data associated with biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received in (c) is stored in the storage unit, the print data is an image corresponding to the device identification information. (F) The image forming apparatus receives the print data transmitted in (e), and (g) executes print processing based on the print data received in (f).

  In the seventh invention, as in the first invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

  An eighth invention is an information processing terminal that is used in an information processing system and is communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system. The information processing terminal includes a first acquisition unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, a second acquisition unit, a first authentication unit, a first transmission unit, a third acquisition unit, a fourth acquisition unit, a second authentication unit, and an instruction unit. Prepare. A 1st acquisition means is a biometric information sensor which acquires a user's biometric information. For example, the biometric information is a user's vein pattern, fingerprint, iris pattern, voiceprint, or the like. The storage unit stores the biological information of the user acquired by the first acquisition unit. The selection unit causes the user to select print data. The second acquisition unit acquires the user's biometric information when print data is selected by the selection unit. The first authentication means determines whether the biological information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biological information stored in the storage means. The first transmission means receives the print data selected by the selection means when the first authentication means determines that the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means. Send to server. The third acquisition unit acquires apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus. The fourth acquisition unit acquires the user's biological information when the device identification information is acquired by the third acquisition unit. The second authentication unit determines whether the biological information acquired by the fourth acquisition unit matches the biological information stored in the storage unit. The instructing means prints transmitted to the server by the first transmitting means when the second authenticating means determines that the biological information acquired by the fourth acquiring means matches the biological information stored in the storage means. The data is transmitted from the server to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information acquired by the third acquisition unit.

  According to the eighth invention, since both the biometric information for registration and the biometric information for authentication are acquired by the first acquisition means of the information processing terminal, the detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric information sensor is uniform, and the user The accuracy of authentication can be improved.

  A ninth invention is an information processing program that is used in an information processing system and is executed by an information processing terminal that is communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system. The computer has first acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information, storage means for storing the user's biometric information acquired by the first acquisition means, selection means for allowing the user to select print data, and print data selected by the selection means A second authentication unit that acquires the biometric information of the user, a first authentication unit that determines whether the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit, When the first authentication means determines that the biological information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biological information stored in the storage means, the selection means When the device identification information is acquired by the first transmission unit that transmits the selected print data to the server, the third acquisition unit that acquires the device identification information of the image forming apparatus, and the third acquisition unit, the biometric information of the user is obtained. The fourth acquisition unit acquires the fourth acquisition unit, the second authentication unit that determines whether the biological information acquired by the fourth acquisition unit matches the biological information stored in the storage unit, and the second authentication unit. When it is determined that the biometric information acquired by the means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means, the print data transmitted to the server by the first transmitting means is acquired from the server by the third acquiring means. The image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information is made to function as an instruction unit.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is an information processing method for an information processing terminal used in an information processing system and communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system. (B) storing the biometric information of the user acquired in (a), (c) allowing the user to select print data, and (d) when the print data is selected in (c) The biometric information is acquired, and it is determined whether the biometric information acquired in (e) and (d) matches the biometric information stored in (b), and acquired in (d) in (f) and (e). When it is determined that the biometric information thus obtained matches the biometric information stored in (b), the print data is transmitted to the server, (g) the device identification information of the image forming apparatus is acquired, and (h) (g ), When the device identification information is acquired, (I) is determined whether the biometric information acquired in (h) matches the biometric information stored in (b), and (j) was acquired in (i) at (h) When it is determined that the biometric information matches the biometric information stored in (b), the print data transmitted to the server in (f) corresponds to the device identification information acquired in (g) from the server. The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

  In the ninth and tenth inventions, as in the eighth invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 4A is an illustrative view showing an example when a vein pattern is acquired at a user terminal, and FIG. 4B is an illustrative view showing another example when a fingerprint is obtained at a user terminal. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of a RAM of the server shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of a RAM of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of print data registration processing of the CPU of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU of the server shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the CPU of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system in the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing user information stored in the server in the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system in the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of print data registration processing of the CPU of the user terminal in the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is another part of the print data registration process of the CPU of the user terminal in the third embodiment, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 19 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system in the fourth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 10 according to the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a server 12, and this server 12 is connected to an image forming apparatus 14 and an information processing terminal (via an network 16 such as the Internet). User terminal) 200 is communicably connected. The image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 are also connected to be communicable via the network 16. However, the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 can communicate directly by short-range wireless communication.

  In FIG. 1, one image forming apparatus 14 and one user terminal 200 are illustrated, but two or more image forming apparatuses 14 and user terminals 200 may be provided.

  The server 12 is a general-purpose server and includes components such as a CPU 12a, a RAM 12b, and a communication module. For example, the user acquires print data registered in advance from the server 12 by registering print data in the server 12 in advance using the user terminal 200 and performing a predetermined operation on the image forming apparatus 14. The image corresponding to the print data can be printed on paper. However, the print data is data including an image or / and a document, and is data for printing with a printing apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 14.

  The image forming apparatus 14 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. For example, the image forming apparatus 14 is disposed in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and the user mainly performs copying or / and printing with the image forming apparatus 14. However, in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 14 only needs to have at least a printer function.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 14 includes a CPU 142. A RAM 144, a touch panel control circuit 146, a display control circuit 148, an image reading unit 154, an image forming unit 156, and a communication circuit 158 are connected to the CPU 142 via the bus 140. A touch panel 150 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 146, and a display 152 is connected to the display control circuit 148. As the display 152, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used. In the first embodiment, a capacitive touch panel is used as the touch panel 150, and the touch panel 150 is provided on the display surface of the display 152. However, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 150 and the display 152 are integrally formed may be used. In addition, the touch panel 150 is not limited to the electrostatic capacity method, and an arbitrary method such as an electromagnetic induction method, a resistance film method, and an infrared method can be used. The same applies to the touch panel 210 of the user terminal 200 described later.

  The CPU 142 governs overall control of the image forming apparatus 14. The RAM 144 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 142.

  The touch panel control circuit 146 applies a necessary voltage or the like to the touch panel 150, and indicates a position of the detected touch input when a touch operation (touch input) within the effective touch range is detected on the touch panel 150. The touch coordinate data is output to the CPU 142.

  The display control circuit 148 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like. Under the instruction of the CPU 142, the GPU uses the image generation data 344a (see FIG. 8) stored in the RAM 144 to display various screens on the display 152. Display image data is generated in the VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to the display 152.

  The image reading unit 154 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 154 exposes the document surface with a light source, and guides reflected light reflected from the document surface to the imaging lens using a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the brightness and chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates read print data based on the image on the surface of the document.

  The image forming unit 156 is a general-purpose laser printer, and includes a photoconductor, a charger, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like, and records an image corresponding to print data processed by the image processing circuit on a recording paper Print on (paper). In the first embodiment, the print data is print data transmitted (downloaded) from the server 12.

  However, the image forming unit 156 (printing apparatus) may be an ink jet printer instead of the laser printer.

  The communication circuit 158 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet (in the first embodiment, the network 16). The communication circuit 158 is a wireless communication circuit based on the Wi-Fi standard, for example, and communicates with external computers such as the server 12 and the user terminal 200 via the network 16 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 142. However, as described above, the communication circuit 158 (the image forming apparatus 14) can also directly communicate with the user terminal 200.

  Note that the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the communication circuit 158 may be a wireless communication circuit such as an infrared method, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) method, or an NFC (Near Field Communication) method.

  The user terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing terminal that can be carried, such as a general-purpose smartphone, a future phone, a tablet PC, or a notebook (laptop) PC, and has a calling function, an e-mail function, a browser It has various functions such as functions.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. However, the electrical configuration of the user terminal 200 illustrated in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and is not necessarily limited to this. Also, in FIG. 3, for the sake of simplicity, components relating to a call are omitted.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the user terminal 200 of the first embodiment includes a CPU 202. A RAM 204, a touch panel control circuit 206, a display control circuit 208, a biological information acquisition unit 214, and a communication circuit 216 are connected to the CPU 202 via a bus 230. A touch panel 210 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 206, and a display 212 is connected to the display control circuit 208.

  The CPU 202 governs overall control of the user terminal 200. The RAM 204 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 202. The communication circuit 216 is a communication circuit for connecting to the network 16. The communication circuit 216 is a wireless communication circuit based on, for example, the Wi-Fi standard, and communicates with an external computer such as the server 12 and the image forming apparatus 14 via the network 16 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 202. However, as described above, the communication circuit 216 (user terminal 200) can also directly communicate with the communication circuit 158 (image forming apparatus 14).

  When the touch panel control circuit 206 applies a necessary voltage to the touch panel 210 and detects a touch operation (touch input) within the effective touch range of the touch panel 210, the touch panel control circuit 206 generates touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input. It outputs to CPU202. As described above, the touch panel 210 is an arbitrary type touch panel such as a capacitance type.

  The display control circuit 208 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like. Under the instruction of the CPU 202, the GPU displays various screens on the display 212 using the image generation data 304a (see FIG. 6) stored in the RAM 204. Display image data is generated in the VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to the display 212.

  The biological information acquisition unit 214 includes a sensor (hereinafter referred to as “biological information sensor”) for detecting biological information, and acquires biological information of a user who operates the user terminal 200. For example, the biometric information is a user's palm vein pattern, fingerprint, iris pattern, voiceprint, or the like.

  FIG. 4A is an illustrative view showing an example when a vein pattern is acquired by the user terminal 200, and FIG. 4B is an illustrative view showing another example when a fingerprint is obtained by the user terminal 200. .

  It should be noted that a configuration and method for acquiring biological information such as a vein pattern, fingerprint, iris pattern, or voiceprint of a user's palm are already well known, and this is not an essential content of the present invention. The detailed description of is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a camera 214a is provided in the user terminal 200, and this camera 214a functions as a biological information sensor. In addition, when acquiring a vein pattern, the biological information acquisition unit 214 also includes an image processing unit for processing an image captured by the camera 214 a. For example, the camera 214a is provided on the surface on which the display 212 of the user terminal 200 is provided, and the backlight of the display 212 is irradiated on the user's palm. At this time, a palm image is taken by the camera 214a. The vein pattern is extracted from the captured palm image, and the vein pattern of the palm of the user who operates the user terminal 200 is acquired.

  When acquiring a user's fingerprint as biometric information, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user terminal 200 is provided with a fingerprint sensor 214b, and this fingerprint sensor 214b functions as a biometric information sensor. When acquiring a fingerprint, the biometric information acquisition unit 214 also includes a detection unit for detecting the strength of the electric field detected by the fingerprint sensor 214b. For example, the fingerprint sensor 214b is a sweep type having a sensor surface traced with a finger (sliding the finger), and an electric field detection type sensor can be used. In the electric field detection type, an electric field is generated between the inside of the user's finger (dermis) and the sensor, and the undulation (unevenness) of the fingerprint is read from the strength of the electric field. Therefore, when the sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor 214b is traced with a finger, the user's fingerprint can be read.

  However, the fingerprint sensor 214b is not limited to an electric field detection type sensor, and may be a sensor of another type such as a capacitance type, an optical type, a thermal type, and a pressure type. The fingerprint sensor 214b is not necessarily limited to the sweep type, and may be a flat type that presses the finger.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, when acquiring the image of a user's iris as biometric information, in addition to the camera 214a and an image process part, the user terminal 200 is provided with an infrared irradiation part. For example, the user's eyes are irradiated with infrared light from the infrared irradiation unit, and at this time, an image of the eye is captured by the camera 214a, and an iris image is acquired from the captured image of the eye.

  Although not shown in the figure, when acquiring a voice print of a user's voice as biometric information, the user terminal 200 is provided with a microphone and a voice processing unit. For example, when the user utters a predetermined word (a predetermined keyword), the voice is detected by a microphone, and the voice print of the user's voice is acquired by analyzing the frequency of the detected voice.

  Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, a case where a vein pattern of a user's palm is acquired and used as biometric information will be described.

  In the information processing system 10 having such a configuration, an image corresponding to print data registered in the server 12 in advance by the user using the user terminal 200 is installed in a store such as a convenience store when the user goes out. Printing can be performed on paper using the forming device 14.

  In this case, according to the network system using the conventional biometric authentication system, for example, at the time of printing, the biometric information of the user is acquired by the biometric information sensor of the image forming apparatus 14. Then, based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 214 of the user terminal 200 and the biometric information acquired by the biometric information sensor of the image forming apparatus 14, the user who requests execution of the print job executes the print job. Is determined (authenticated).

  That is, in the conventional network system, the biometric information for registration registered in the server 12 in association with the print job and the biometric for authentication acquired when the server 12 is requested to execute the print job. Information is acquired by a different device.

  Therefore, the user who registered the print data and the image corresponding to the print data are printed due to factors such as non-uniform detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric information sensors of the user terminal 200 and the image forming apparatus 14 (print data There is a possibility that it cannot be correctly authenticated that the user (instructing the printing used) is the same person.

  Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment uses the biometric information for registration (during registration) registered in the server 12 in association with the print data and the server 12 to avoid such inconvenience. The biometric information acquisition unit 214 of the user terminal 200 acquires both the biometric information for authentication (at the time of authentication or at the time of printing) acquired when the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 and the print processing is executed. It is like that.

  For example, the user terminal 200 stores an information processing program (application program) for registering print data in the server 12 and printing an image corresponding to the print data registered in the server 12 on a sheet by the image forming apparatus 14. Has been. When this information processing program is executed by a user operation, although not shown, print data is registered in the server 12 or an image corresponding to the print data registered in the server 12 is printed by the image forming apparatus 14. A screen (main menu screen) for selecting is displayed on the display 212 of the user terminal 200.

  When the user selects to register the print data in the server 12 on the main menu screen, a process for registering the print data in the server 12 (hereinafter referred to as “print data registration process”) is started. A screen (selection screen) for selecting print data is displayed on the display 212 of the terminal 200.

  When the user selects print data on the selection screen, a screen (notification screen) for notifying acquisition of biometric information is displayed on the display 212 of the user terminal 200. Thereafter, a vein pattern is acquired. As described above, the backlight of the display 212 is turned on. In response to this, the user holds his / her palm over the display 212, and an image of the palm is taken by the camera 214a. A vein pattern is extracted (acquired) from the captured palm image.

  In the first embodiment, the vein pattern is acquired after selecting the print data. However, the print data may be selected after acquiring the vein pattern.

  In the first embodiment, a notification screen is displayed. However, instead of displaying the notification screen or together with the display of the notification screen, a notification sound (melody) or a sound for notification is output. You may do it.

  FIG. 5 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system 10. As shown in FIG. 5, when print data is selected at the user terminal 200 and the vein pattern is acquired, the user terminal 200 accesses the server 12 via the network 16 and acquires the selected print data and acquisition. The vein pattern thus obtained (hereinafter referred to as “biological information for registration”) is associated and transmitted to the server 12, and the print data registration process is terminated (1). In addition, in order to execute the print data registration process, it is only necessary that the user terminal 200 can be connected to the network 16. For example, the print data registration process is executed at the user's home or company.

  When the server 12 receives the print data and biometric information for registration associated therewith, the server 12 stores the received print data and biometric information for registration associated therewith in a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD, a flash memory, or an EEPROM. Remember (register).

  In the first embodiment, the user terminal 200 associates biometric information for registration with print data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The server 12 may associate biometric information for registration with the print data. In such a case, the user terminal 200 only needs to transmit the selected print data and the acquired biometric information for registration to the server 12.

  When the user selects to print an image corresponding to print data registered in the server 12 on the main menu screen (execution of print processing), a process for printing an image corresponding to the print data (print processing) As shown in FIG. 5, identification information (hereinafter referred to as “device identification information”) of the image forming apparatus 14 is acquired (a).

  The method by which the user terminal 200 acquires the device identification information of the image forming apparatus 14 is not limited to a specific method. For example, the user terminal 200 acquires apparatus identification information from the image forming apparatus 14 by communicating with the image forming apparatus 14 directly or via the network 16. For example, the device identification information is a unique identification number (manufacturing number or the like) assigned to the image forming apparatus 14, a MAC address of a communication module (communication circuit 158) provided in the image forming apparatus 14, or the like.

  When the user terminal 200 acquires the apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus 14, the user terminal 200 displays a notification screen that notifies the acquisition of the biological information on the display 212. The biometric information acquisition method is the same as that for registering print data in the server 12. However, the biometric information acquired in the printing process is called biometric information for authentication in order to distinguish it from the time of registration.

  When the biometric information for authentication is acquired, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 200 transmits the device identification information and the biometric information for authentication associated with the device identification information to the server 12 (A).

  The server 12 determines whether or not the received biometric information for authentication matches the biometric information for registration associated with the stored print data. However, when a plurality of print data is stored, the server 12 performs a determination process for each print data.

  If the biometric information for authentication matches the biometric information for registration, as shown in FIG. 5, print data associated with the biometric information for registration is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 indicated by the apparatus identification information. (C) When the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data, the image forming apparatus 14 executes print processing according to the received print data. However, when the biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration, the server 12 notifies the image forming apparatus 14 of an error. However, the case where the biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration includes the case where the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication is not stored (registered). . In this case, an error message is displayed on the display 152 of the image forming apparatus 14.

  Although detailed description is omitted, the server 12 manages a fixed IP address (information of transmission destination) of the image forming apparatus 14 indicated by the apparatus identification information in a table or the like corresponding to the apparatus identification information. Then, the fixed IP address of the image forming apparatus 14 corresponding to the received apparatus identification information is acquired from the table or the like. However, when the fixed IP address of the image forming apparatus 14 is used as the apparatus identification information, management of the above table or the like is not necessary.

  In the first embodiment, the server 12 notifies the image forming apparatus 14 of an error when the biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There is no need to The server 12 may notify an error to the user terminal 200 that has transmitted the biometric information for authentication together with the device identification information. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 14 notified of the error from the server 12 may notify the user terminal 200 of the error.

  Further, in this first embodiment, an error message is displayed, but instead of displaying the error message, or together with the display of the error message, a sound (melody) or a sound for notifying the error may be output.

  The above-described operation of the information processing system 10 is performed by the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 executing the information processing program for the user terminal 200 stored in the RAM 204, and the CPU 12a of the server 12 being the information for the server 12 stored in the RAM 12b. The processing program is executed, and the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 executes the information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 stored in the RAM 144. Specific processing will be described later with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 300 of the RAM 204 of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 204 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. The program storage area 302 of the RAM 204 stores an information processing program for the user terminal 200 as described above. The information processing program for the user terminal 200 includes a communication program 302a, a display program 302b, a registration program 302c, a print data selection program 302d, a print program 302e, a device detection program 302f, a biometric information acquisition program 302g, and a transmission program 302h.

  The communication program 302 a is a program for communicating (transmitting / receiving) data with other computers or devices such as the server 12 and the image forming apparatus 14 directly or via the network 16.

  The display program 302b is a program for generating display image data, that is, screen data such as the above-described main menu screen, selection screen, and notification screen by using image generation data 304a described later, and outputting the screen data to the display 212. .

  The registration program 302c is a program for registering (transmitting) print data and biometric information for registration (biometric information data) associated with the print data in the server 12.

  The print data selection program 302d is a program for selecting print data in accordance with a user operation. At this time, the selection screen is displayed on the display 212 according to the display program 302b.

  The print program 302e is a program for causing the image forming apparatus 14 to print (image formation) an image corresponding to the print data registered in the server 12 in accordance with a user operation.

  The apparatus detection program 302f is a program for acquiring apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus 14 when the printing process is executed according to the printing program 302e.

  The biometric information acquisition program 302g is used when the print data registration process is executed according to the registration program 302c or when the print process is executed according to the print program 302e. This is a program for acquiring information (here, a vein pattern).

  The transmission program 302h is a program for transmitting print data and biometric information for registration associated with the print data to the server 12 when the print data registration process is being executed. The transmission program 302h is also a program for transmitting device identification information and biometric information for authentication associated with the device identification information to the server 12 when printing processing is being executed. However, at the time of transmission, the communication program 302a is executed.

  Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 302 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions of the user terminal 200.

  The data storage area 304 of the RAM 204 stores image generation data 304a, biometric information data 304b, device identification information data 304c, print data 304d, and the like.

  The image generation data 304 a is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens displayed on the display 212. The biological information data 304b is data corresponding to the vein pattern (biological information) of the user. The device identification information data 304c is data corresponding to the device identification information acquired according to the device detection program 302f. The print data 304 d is data including an image or / and a document, and is data for printing with a printing apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 14.

  Although not shown, the data storage area 304 stores other data necessary for execution of the information processing program for the user terminal 200, such as operation data from the touch panel 210 and operation buttons (not shown), A timer (counter) and a register necessary for executing the information processing program for the terminal 200 are provided.

  FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 320 of the RAM 12b of the server 12 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 12 b includes a program storage area 322 and a data storage area 324. As described above, the information storage program for the server 12 is stored in the program storage area 322 of the RAM 12b. The information processing program for the server 12 includes a communication program 322a, a reception program 322b, a registration program 322c, an authentication program 322d, and a transmission program 322e.

  The communication program 322 a is a program for communicating with other computers or devices such as the user terminal 200 and the image forming apparatus 14 directly or via the network 16.

  The reception program 322b is a program for receiving print data transmitted from the user terminal 200 and biometric information for registration (biometric information data) associated with the print data. The reception program 322b is also a program for receiving device identification information and biometric information for authentication transmitted from the user terminal. However, at the time of reception, the communication program 322a is executed.

  The registration program 322c is a program for storing (registering) print data received in accordance with the reception program 322b and biometric information for registration associated with the print data in a nonvolatile memory.

  The authentication program 322d refers to a non-volatile memory, biometric information for registration (biometric information data) associated with the print data in which the received biometric information for authentication (biometric information data) is registered (stored), and It is a program for judging whether or not the authentication is successful depending on whether or not they match. Here, if the received biometric information for authentication matches the biometric information for registration associated with the stored print data, it is determined that the authentication is successful. On the other hand, if the received biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration associated with the stored print data, it is determined that the authentication has failed.

  The transmission program 322e is a program for transmitting, to the image forming apparatus 14, print data associated with biometric information for registration that matches biometric information for authentication when authentication success is determined according to the authentication program 322d. . The transmission program 322e is also a program for transmitting (notifying) error information to the image forming apparatus 14 when an authentication failure is determined according to the authentication program 322d. However, at the time of transmission, the communication program 322a is executed. Further, information on the destination image forming apparatus 14 (in this first embodiment, a fixed IP address) is obtained by referring to table data 324a described later based on apparatus identification information associated with biometric information for authentication. be able to.

  Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 322 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions of the server 12.

  Further, table data 324a and the like are stored in the data storage area 324 of the RAM 12b. The table data 324a is data about a table in which a fixed IP address is described corresponding to the device identification information. The table data 324a is referred to when print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14, and a fixed IP address described corresponding to the apparatus identification information is acquired.

  Although not shown, the data storage area 324 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the server 12 or a timer (counter required for executing the information processing program for the server 12. ) And registers.

  Although illustration is omitted, as described above, the print data and the biological information associated with the print data are stored in a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD. However, the print data and the biometric information associated with the print data may be stored in a database accessible by the server 12 instead of the nonvolatile memory.

  FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 340 of the RAM 144 of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM 144 includes a program storage area 342 and a data storage area 344. The program storage area 342 of the RAM 144 stores an information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 as described above. The information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 includes a communication program 342a, an image forming program 342b, and an operation detection program 342c.

  The communication program 342 a is a program for communicating with other computers or devices such as the user terminal 200 and the server 12 directly or via the network 16.

  The image forming program 342b is a program for executing a print job (image forming process) for forming a multicolor or single color image on a recording medium (paper) according to the print data transmitted from the server 12.

  The operation detection program 342c acquires the touch coordinate data output from the touch panel control circuit 146, and detects that various icons included in various screens such as an operation screen displayed on the display 152 are operated. It is a program. The operation detection program 342c is also a program for detecting an operation (instruction) according to operation data output from an operation button (not shown).

  Although not shown, the program storage area 342 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 14.

  The data storage area 344 of the RAM 144 stores image generation data 344a that is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens displayed on the display 152.

  Although not shown, the data storage area 344 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 or is necessary for executing the information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14. A timer (counter) and a register are provided.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of print data registration processing of the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. When the execution of the information processing program is instructed on the user terminal 200 according to the user's operation, the main menu screen is displayed on the display 212. When registration of print data in the server 12 is selected on the main menu screen, the CPU 202 starts print data registration processing as shown in FIG.

  When the print data registration process is started, the CPU 202 displays a selection screen for the print data 304d in step S1. In the next step S3, it is determined whether or not any print data 304d is selected on the print data 304d selection screen by a user operation.

  If “NO” in the step S3, that is, if the print data 304d is not selected, the process returns to the step S1. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S3, that is, if the print data 304d is selected, a notification screen for notifying the acquisition of the biometric information is displayed in a step S5, and the biometric information in the step S7 is displayed. Execute the acquisition process. In step S7, the CPU 202 controls the display control circuit 208 to turn on the backlight of the display 212 and controls the biological information acquisition unit 214 to execute the photographing process of the camera 14a. A vein pattern is extracted (acquired) from an image photographed by the camera 14a.

  In step S9, it is determined whether biometric information has been acquired. If “NO” in the step S9, that is, if the biological information is not acquired, the process returns to the step S7. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S7, that is, if the biometric information is acquired, the biometric information data 304b corresponding to the acquired biometric information is associated with the selected print data 304d in step S11. 12 to finish the print data registration process.

  Although illustration is omitted, the print data 304d and the biometric information data 304b transmitted from the user terminal 200 in the print data registration process are received by the server 12, and the server 12 has received the nonvolatile storage means such as an HDD. Print data 304d and biometric information data 304b are stored (registered). However, the biometric information data registered here is biometric information data corresponding to biometric information for registration, as described above.

  Next, the printing process will be described. This printing process is started when the user selects execution of the printing process on the main menu screen displayed on the display 212 of the user terminal 200. However, the printing process is executed sequentially (in cooperation) with each of the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200, the CPU 12a of the server 12, and the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14.

  First, a printing process executed by the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the print processing of the CPU 202 will be described, but the same processing as the processing already described will be briefly described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 starts the printing process, the apparatus identification information is acquired in step S31. Specifically, the CPU 202 communicates with the image forming apparatus 14, requests transmission of apparatus identification information, and receives (acquires) apparatus identification information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 14 in response thereto.

  In the next step S33, it is determined whether or not device identification information has been acquired. If “NO” in the step S33, that is, if the apparatus identification information is not acquired, the process returns to the step S31. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S33, that is, if the device identification information is acquired, a notification screen is displayed in a step S35, and a biometric information acquiring process is executed in a step S37. In the next step S39, it is determined whether or not biometric information has been acquired.

  If “NO” in the step S39, the process returns to the step S37. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S39, the biometric information data 304b corresponding to the biometric information acquired in the step S37 is added to the biometric information data 304c corresponding to the device identification information acquired in the step S31. The data is transmitted to the server 12 in association with each other, and the printing process is terminated. However, the biometric information data 304b transmitted here is biometric information data corresponding to the biometric information for authentication as described above.

  Next, print processing executed by the CPU 12a of the server 12 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the CPU 12a of the server 12 shown in FIG. This printing process is started when the device identification information data 304c and the biometric information data 304b transmitted from the user terminal 200 are received.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when starting the printing process, the CPU 12a of the server 12 executes an authentication process in step S51, and determines whether or not the authentication is successful in step S53. Here, the CPU 12a refers to the HDD to determine whether there is print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the received biometric information for authentication.

  If “YES” in the step S53, that is, if there is print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the received biometric information for authentication, it is determined that the authentication is successful, and in step S55 The print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 and the printing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S53, that is, if there is no print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the received biometric information for authentication, it is determined that the authentication has failed, and in a step S57. The error information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14, and the printing process is terminated.

  Next, a printing process executed by the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. This print processing is started when print data or error information transmitted from the server 12 is received.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when starting the printing process, the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 determines whether or not print data has been received in step S71. That is, the CPU 142 determines whether the data received from the server 12 is print data or error information.

  If “YES” in the step S71, that is, if the print data is received, the print process is executed in a step S73 according to the received print data, and the print process is ended.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S71, that is, if error information is received, an error is notified to the user in a step S75, and the printing process is ended. In step S <b> 75, the CPU 142 displays an error message on the display 152 of the image forming apparatus 14.

  According to the first embodiment, biometric information for registration registered in the server 12 in association with the print data, and authentication acquired when the server 12 transmits to the image forming apparatus 14 and executes print processing. Since both the biometric information for use is acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 214 of the user terminal 200, variations in devices for acquiring the biometric information can be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

Further, according to the first embodiment, biometric information for registration is acquired when registering print data, biometric information for authentication is acquired when executing print processing, and it is determined whether or not they match. Since it is not necessary to perform user registration with the server 12, the user's trouble can be reduced as much as possible.
[Second Embodiment]
When the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12, the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment determines whether the user is nearby and determines that the user is nearby. In this case, since the process is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the printing process is executed, the contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the duplicate description will be omitted.

  In this way, it is determined whether or not the user is near the image forming apparatus 14 at the time of printing even if the user authentication is performed, if another user has taken away the printed matter, the print data or its This is because the confidentiality of the printed material is lost. In other words, this is to ensure the security of the print data or the printed matter.

  As an example, whether or not the user is near is determined based on whether or not the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 can be connected by short-range wireless communication. However, short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi can be performed even at a relatively long distance, and thus can be applied to a relatively small store such as a convenience store. In a large store such as a store, it may not be said that it is close. For this reason, it is better to provide each of the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 with a wireless communication circuit having a relatively short communication distance, such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) system or an NFC system, and determine whether communication is possible. .

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12, the image forming apparatus 14 determines whether or not the short distance wireless communication with the user terminal 200 can be performed. When it is determined that communication can be performed, printing is executed using the received print data. However, when the device identification information is transmitted / received between the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 at the start of the printing process, the image forming apparatus 14 acquires the terminal identification information of the user terminal 200 and prints the print data. When determining whether or not to execute printing, terminal identification information is acquired from the user terminal 200 that has determined whether or not near field communication is possible, and it is also determined whether or not the terminal identification information matches. .

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12 and determines that short-distance wireless communication with the user terminal 200 cannot be performed, printing using the print data is stopped. An error message is displayed on the display 152.

  Further, whether or not the user is near can be determined by other methods. For example, a sensor (hereinafter referred to as “human detection sensor”) for determining whether or not a person (user) exists in the image forming apparatus 14, and the front side of the image forming apparatus 14 is based on the output of the human detection sensor. It is determined whether or not the user exists in a predetermined range. For example, a distance sensor using infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, or a laser can be used as the human detection sensor.

  For example, when the user instructs execution of printing processing and acquires apparatus identification information from the image forming apparatus 14, it is determined whether or not a person exists in a predetermined range based on the output of the person detection sensor. When the person continues to exist in a predetermined range on the front side of the image forming apparatus 14 until the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data from the server 12, the image forming apparatus 14 uses the received print data. Print.

  However, the image forming apparatus 14 may not include a person in a predetermined range on the front side of the image forming apparatus 14 after transmitting the apparatus identification information to the user terminal 200 and before receiving print data from the server 12. If even once, printing (image forming process) using the print data is stopped, and an error message is displayed on the display 152.

  Although illustration is omitted, in the second embodiment, the program storage area 342 of the RAM 144 of the image forming apparatus 14 is referred to by the user by referring to the communication state with the user terminal 200 or the detection result of the human detection sensor. A determination program for determining whether or not the user is near is further stored.

  Hereinafter, the printing process on the image forming apparatus 14 side in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as the printing process on the image forming apparatus 14 side described in the first embodiment. For the duplicated contents, explanation will be omitted or briefly explained. Since the print data registration process and the print process for each of the user terminal 200 and the server 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, a duplicate description is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, if “YES” in step S71, that is, if print data is received, the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 determines whether or not the user is nearby in step S91. Here, it is determined whether or not short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200 can be performed, and based on the output of the human detection sensor, a person enters device identification information in a predetermined range on the front side of the image forming apparatus 14. To determine if it has existed since it was output.

  If “YES” in the step S91, that is, if it is determined that the user is nearby, printing is executed using the received print data in a step S73. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S91, that is, if it is determined that the user is not nearby, the printing using the received print data is canceled in the step S93, and an error is given to the user in the step S75. To terminate the printing process.

  According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved, and the user's effort can be reduced as much as possible.

According to the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12, if the user is not nearby, that is, the user leaves the front of the image forming apparatus 14. In this case, printing using the received print data can be canceled. In this way, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as others taking away the printed material, and it is possible to ensure the security of the print data or the printed material.
[Third embodiment]
The information processing system 10 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that print data registered in the server 12 by another user can be transmitted from the server 12 to the image forming apparatus 14 to execute the printing process. Since they are the same, the contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 in the third embodiment. The information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment includes at least two user terminals 200, and print data registered using a certain user terminal 200 is printed using another user terminal 200 as described above. The Hereinafter, a user who registers print data in the server 12 may be referred to as a registered user, and a user who executes print processing may be referred to as an execution user. For convenience of explanation, the user terminal 200 operated by a registered user may be referred to as a user terminal 200A, and the user terminal 200 operated by an execution user may be referred to as a user terminal 200B. The user terminal 200A operated by the registered user is not limited to a smartphone, a future phone, a tablet PC, or a notebook (laptop) PC, and may be a desktop PC or the like.

  In the third embodiment, user information of a user who uses the information processing system 10 is registered in the server 12 in advance. FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing one example of user information registered (stored) in the server 12. For example, the server 12 stores data about user information in a non-volatile memory provided therein.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the user information, biometric information and permitted user information are described corresponding to the user identification information. The user identification information is unique identification information assigned to the user. In the third embodiment, the user identification information is the name of the user (including the nickname). However, in FIG. 15, the user identification information is shown using three uppercase alphabets.

  The biometric information is user biometric information corresponding to the user identification information. This biometric information is acquired by the user using his / her user terminal 200 when the user information is registered. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the biometric information is shown using three lowercase alphabets, but actually biometric information data is described. However, the biometric information data may be stored in another memory (storage area), and identification information (file name or the like) assigned to the biometric information data may be described as the biometric information in the user information.

  Further, the permitted user information is information on another user (execution user) permitted to execute printing using print data registered by the user corresponding to the user identification information. As shown in FIG. 15, the permitted user information describes user identification information assigned to the other users.

  In FIG. 15, a plurality of pieces of user identification information are described in the permitted user information column, but this is an example, and one piece of user identification information may be described.

  FIG. 16 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system 10 in the third embodiment. In the information processing system 10 of the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the user A operates the user terminal 200A and selects to register the print data in the server 12 on the main menu screen, the print data registration process Is started. However, in the third embodiment, when the print data registration process is started, although illustration is omitted, printing is executed using the print data registered by the registered user himself (execution by the person himself), or another execution user is A screen (execution content selection screen) for selecting any one of executing printing (execution by another person) using the print data is displayed.

  When the registered user selects the principal execution on the execution content selection screen, as shown in the first embodiment, the print data is selected and the biometric information of the registered user is acquired, and the selected printing is performed. The acquired biometric information is associated with the data and registered in the server 12 ((1) in FIG. 5).

  On the other hand, when the registered user selects execution by others on the execution content selection screen, as shown in the first embodiment, after selecting print data, the user terminal 200A makes a transmission request for permitted user information. Send to server 12. The server 12 acquires the permitted user information described in correspondence with the user identification information of the user of the user terminal 200A (here, the registered user) with reference to the user information of the registered user, and acquires the acquired permitted user information. Transmit to user terminal 200A (I).

  Then, although illustration is omitted, on the user terminal 200A, a screen (execution user selection screen) for selecting an execution user using the received permitted user information is displayed on the display 212. The registered user operates the user terminal 200A to select an execution user who is permitted to execute printing using the print data on the execution user selection screen. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the execution user is a user of the user terminal 200B. However, a plurality of execution users may be selected. When an execution user is selected, user identification information corresponding to the selected execution user is associated with the selected print data and transmitted to the server 12 (II).

  When the server 12 receives the print data and the user identification information associated with the print data, the server 12 acquires the biometric information described in correspondence with the user identification information from the user information, and acquires the biometric information acquired in the received print data. Is stored (registered) in a nonvolatile memory in association with biometric information for registration.

  As described above, when a plurality of execution users are selected, the print data and the biological information associated therewith are registered in the nonvolatile memory for each execution user.

  After the print data is registered, an image corresponding to the print data can be printed on the paper by the execution user performing the same operation as in the first embodiment.

  In order for an execution user different from the registered user to execute printing using print data registered by another registered user, the executing user needs to know that the registered user has registered the print data. For example, the registered user may notify the execution user that he / she has registered the print data by e-mail or telephone. In the user information, the e-mail address set in the user terminal 200 corresponding to the user identification information is registered. In addition, when the server 12 registers print data to be printed by another execution user, the server 12 creates and transmits an e-mail notifying that the print data has been registered to the user terminal 200 of the other execution user. It may be.

  Although not shown, in the third embodiment, a user identification information acquisition program and an execution user selection program are further stored in the program storage area 302 of the RAM 204 of the user terminal 200.

  The user identification information acquisition program transmits a request for transmitting permitted user information to the server 12 when another person execution is selected in the print data registration process, and receives the permitted user information transmitted from the server 12 accordingly. It is a program for (acquisition).

  An execution user selection program is a program for selecting an execution user according to a user's operation. At this time, the execution user screen is displayed on the display 212 according to the display program 302b.

  Hereinafter, the print data registration process in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. The same processes as the print data registration process described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated contents are described. The description will be omitted or briefly described. Note that the printing process executed in each of the user terminal 200, the server 12, and the image forming apparatus 14 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus a duplicate description is omitted.

  17 and 18 are flowcharts showing an example of print data registration processing of the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 of the registered user in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, when starting the print data registration process, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 displays an execution content selection screen on the display 212 in step S111. In the next step S113, it is determined whether or not the user execution is selected on the execution content selection screen.

  If “YES” in the step S113, that is, if the execution of the person is selected, the steps S1 to S11 are executed as described in the first embodiment, and the print data registration process is ended. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S113, that is, if the principal execution is not selected, it is determined whether or not another person execution is selected in the execution content selection screen in a step S115.

  If “NO” in the step S115, that is, if another person execution is not selected, the process returns to the step S111. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S115, that is, if execution by another person is selected, a selection screen for the print data 304d is displayed in a step S117 as shown in FIG. 18, and the print data 304d is displayed in a step S119. Determine whether is selected.

  If “NO” in the step S119, the process returns to the step S117, and if “YES” in the step S119, a transmission request for permitted user information is transmitted to the server 12 in a step S121. Although illustration is omitted, at this time, the CPU 202 also transmits terminal identification information of its own user terminal 200.

  Subsequently, in step S123, it is determined whether or not permitted user information has been acquired (received). If “NO” in the step S123, that is, if the permitted user information is not acquired, the process returns to the same step S123. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S123, that is, if the permitted user information is acquired, an execution user selection screen is displayed based on the acquired permitted user information in a step S125.

  In the next step S127, it is determined whether or not an execution user has been selected on the execution user selection screen. If “NO” in the step S127, that is, if the execution user is not selected, the process returns to the step S125. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S127, that is, if an executing user is selected, the user identification information of the selected executing user is associated with the selected print data 304d in the server 12 in the step S129. And the print data registration process ends.

  In this print data registration process, the print data 304 d and user identification information transmitted from the user terminal 200 are registered in the server 12. However, as described above, when the print data and the user identification information are received, the server 12 associates the biometric information described corresponding to the user identification information with the print data as biometric information for registration, and stores the non-volatile memory. Register with.

  According to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved, and the user's effort can be reduced as much as possible.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, the print data registered by the other user in the server 12 can be transmitted from the server 12 to the image forming apparatus 14 and printing can be performed without impairing the accuracy of user authentication. it can.

  In the third embodiment, the permitted user information is included in the user information stored in the server 12, but each permitted user information may be stored in the corresponding user terminal 200. In such a case, it is possible to omit a process of transmitting a transmission request for authorized user information to the server 12 and acquiring the authorized user information transmitted from the server 12 in response thereto.

The third embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the second embodiment.
[Fourth embodiment]
The information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment acquires and stores the user's biometric information in advance at the user terminal 200, and compares the biometric information acquired and stored in advance with the biometric information acquired at the time of authentication. Therefore, since it is the same as the first embodiment except that the user authentication is performed in the user terminal 200, the contents different from the first embodiment will be described, and the duplicate description will be omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, the user terminal 200 includes a non-volatile memory (storage means) such as an HDD, a flash memory, or an EEPROM. The nonvolatile memory of the user terminal 200 stores user biometric information acquired in advance.

  FIG. 19 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, when the print data registration process is started, print data is selected as in the first embodiment. At this time, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 acquires biometric information from the user terminal 200. Then, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 determines whether or not the biometric information acquired in the print data registration process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200. That is, user authentication is performed at the user terminal 200. When the biometric information acquired in the print data registration process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200 (when authentication is successful), as shown in FIG. At the same time, the identification information of the user terminal 200 (hereinafter referred to as “terminal identification information”) is transmitted to the server 12 in association with the print data, and the print data registration process is terminated (1). When the server 12 receives the print data and the terminal identification information associated therewith, the server 12 registers the print data and the terminal identification information associated therewith. However, the terminal identification information is a unique identification number (manufacturing number or telephone number) assigned to the user terminal 200, a MAC address assigned to the communication circuit 216, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the printing process is started, the apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus 14 is acquired as in the first embodiment (a). When the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 acquires the device identification information of the image forming apparatus 14, the user terminal 200 acquires biometric information. Then, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 determines whether the biometric information acquired in the printing process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200. When the biometric information acquired in the printing process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200 (when authentication is successful), the user terminal 200 associates the device identification information with the device identification information. Terminal identification information of the user terminal 200 is transmitted to the server 12 (a).

  When the server 12 receives the device identification information and the terminal identification information associated therewith, the server 12 determines whether there is print data associated with the terminal identification information that matches the terminal identification information associated with the device identification information, Print data associated with the matching terminal identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 corresponding to the apparatus identification information (c). Other processes are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

  Although not shown, in the fourth embodiment, an authentication program is further stored in the program storage area 302 of the RAM 204 of the user terminal 200. This authentication program refers to the memory of the user terminal 200 and whether or not the authentication is successful depending on whether the biometric information acquired in the print data registration process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200 It is a program for judging. The authentication program is also a program for determining whether or not the authentication is successful according to whether or not the biometric information acquired in the printing process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200.

  According to the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved, and the user's effort can be reduced as much as possible.

  The fourth embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, the specific configuration and the like given in the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. Moreover, as long as the same result is obtained for each step of the flowchart shown in the above-described embodiment, the processing order can be changed as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information processing system 12 ... Server 14 ... Image forming apparatus 16 ... Network 200 ... User terminal 214 ... Biometric information acquisition part

Claims (10)

An information processing system in which an information processing terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected,
The information processing terminal
First acquisition means for acquiring user biometric information;
A second acquisition unit configured to acquire device identification information of the image forming apparatus; and the authentication biometric information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the device identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit. Comprising first transmission means for transmitting to
The server
Storage means for storing print data registered by the information processing terminal in association with biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal;
First receiving means for receiving the authentication biometric information and the device identification information transmitted by the first transmitting means;
Authentication means for determining whether the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received by the first receiving means is stored in the storage means; and When it is determined that the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received by one receiving unit is stored in the storage unit, the print data is Second transmission means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information;
The image forming apparatus includes:
An information processing system comprising: a second receiving unit that receives the print data transmitted by the second transmitting unit; and an image forming unit that executes a printing process based on the print data received by the second receiving unit. . The information processing terminal is selected by the selection means for selecting the print data to be registered in the server and the biometric information for registration acquired by the first acquisition means and the selection means in accordance with the operation of the user Further comprising third transmission means for transmitting print data to the server;
The server further includes third receiving means for receiving the biometric information for registration and the print data transmitted by the third transmitting means, and the print data received by the third receiving means is included in the print data. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the biometric information for registration received by the third receiving unit is associated and stored in the storage unit. The server stores identification information for identifying a user of the information processing terminal and biometric information acquired in advance for the user of the information processing terminal in the information processing terminal corresponding to the identification information,
The information processing terminal transmits, to the server, selection means for selecting the print data to be registered in the server, and the identification information of another user and the print data selected by the selection means in accordance with the operation of the user. A fourth transmission means;
The server further includes fourth receiving means for receiving the identification information of the other user and the print data transmitted by the fourth transmitting means, and the print data received by the fourth receiving means The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein biometric information registered in advance corresponding to the identification information of the other user received by the fourth receiving unit is stored in the storage unit in association with the biometric information for registration. .   The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing terminal and the image forming apparatus perform short-range wireless communication.   The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the device identification information by performing the short-range wireless communication. The image forming apparatus further includes a first determination unit that determines whether the short-range wireless communication can be performed with the information processing terminal when the print data is received by the second reception unit.
The image forming unit executes a printing process based on the print data when the first determination unit determines that the short-range wireless communication with the information processing terminal can be performed. 5. The information processing system according to 5. An information processing terminal, a server having storage means for storing print data registered by the information processing terminal and biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal in association with each other, and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected. An information processing method for an information processing system,
(A) The information processing terminal acquires user biometric information and device identification information of the image forming device,
(B) The information processing terminal transmits the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information acquired in (a) to the server,
(C) The server receives the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information transmitted in (b),
(D) The server determines whether the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received in (c) is stored in the storage unit,
(E) The server stores, in the storage unit, the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received in (c) in (d). If it is determined that the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information,
(F) The information processing method wherein the image forming apparatus receives the print data transmitted in (e), and (g) executes print processing based on the print data received in (f) . An information processing terminal that is used in an information processing system and is communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system,
First acquisition means for acquiring user biometric information;
Storage means for storing the biometric information of the user acquired by the first acquisition means;
Selection means for allowing the user to select print data;
Second acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a user when the print data is selected by the selection means;
First authentication means for determining whether the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means;
The print data selected by the selection unit when the first authentication unit determines that the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit. First transmitting means for transmitting to the server,
Third acquisition means for acquiring apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus;
Fourth acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a user when the device identification information is acquired by the third acquisition means;
Second authentication means for determining whether or not the biometric information acquired by the fourth acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means; and the fourth authentication means by the second authentication means When it is determined that the biometric information acquired in step 1 matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit, the print data transmitted to the server by the first transmission unit is transmitted from the server to the first 3. An information processing terminal comprising instruction means for causing the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information acquired by the acquisition means to transmit. An information processing program used in an information processing system and executed by an information processing terminal communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system,
A computer of the information processing terminal;
First acquisition means for acquiring user biometric information;
Storage means for storing the biometric information of the user acquired by the first acquisition means;
Selection means for allowing the user to select print data;
Second acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a user when the print data is selected by the selection means;
First authentication means for determining whether the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means;
The print data selected by the selection unit when the first authentication unit determines that the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit. First transmitting means for transmitting to the server,
Third acquisition means for acquiring apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus;
Fourth acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a user when the device identification information is acquired by the third acquisition means;
Second authentication means for determining whether or not the biometric information acquired by the fourth acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means; and the fourth authentication means by the second authentication means When it is determined that the biometric information acquired in step 1 matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit, the print data transmitted to the server by the first transmission unit is transmitted from the server to the first 3. An information processing program that functions as an instruction unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. An information processing method of an information processing terminal used in an information processing system and communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system,
(A) obtaining user's biometric information;
(B) storing the biometric information of the user acquired in (a),
(C) Let the user select print data,
(D) When the print data is selected in (c), the user's biometric information is acquired;
(E) determining whether the biological information acquired in (d) matches the biological information stored in (b);
(F) When it is determined in (e) that the biometric information acquired in (d) matches the biometric information stored in (b), the print data is transmitted to the server,
(G) obtaining device identification information of the image forming device;
(H) When the device identification information is acquired in (g), biometric information of the user is acquired,
(I) determining whether the biological information acquired in (h) matches the biological information stored in (b); and (j) acquiring in (h) in (i) When it is determined that the biometric information thus made matches the biometric information stored in (b), the print data transmitted to the server in (f) is transmitted from the server in (g). An information processing method for causing the image forming apparatus corresponding to the acquired apparatus identification information to be transmitted.

Images