JP2020028992A - Image forming device, virus checking method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow the number of jobs that can be executed to increase while securing certain safety of data.SOLUTION: An image forming device 1, which executes jobs given from a terminal device 2 in accordance with a requirement, is provided with: a determining part 103 that determines whether or not the requirement is abnormal; a response generating part 105 that allows a user to select whether or not virus check to printing data 6C is performed, when determining that the requirement is abnormal; and a virus check part 107 that performs the virus check to the printing data 6C when the user selects performing of the virus check.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of an image forming apparatus that checks whether data is infected with a virus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses having various functions such as copying, scanning, faxing, and boxing have become widespread. Such an image forming apparatus is sometimes called “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  For example, the image forming apparatus can receive data (file) from an external device and execute a job based on the data.

  Data received by an image forming apparatus from an external apparatus may be infected with a computer virus (hereinafter, referred to as “virus”). Therefore, the image forming apparatus may check that the received data is not infected with a virus in order to ensure the security of the received data. Hereinafter, such a check is referred to as a “virus check”.

  The following patent document discloses an invention relating to an image forming apparatus that performs a virus check.

  The MFP described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of control modules provided corresponding to a plurality of functions, a virus check unit that performs a virus check on the plurality of control modules, and a virus check unit that includes The system includes a virus management unit that performs a virus check for each control module, and a job management unit that permits execution of a job that uses only the control module that has been confirmed by the virus check to be free from virus infection.

  The image processing apparatus described in Patent Literature 2 creates history information based on information on the attribute of a transmission source when receiving data contaminated with a virus, and thereafter refers to the history information when receiving the data. On the other hand, if there is a virus infection history at the sender, a warning is output and the operation is forcibly terminated.

  A data receiving method described in Patent Document 3 is a method in an image forming apparatus that receives data from an information processing apparatus via a network, and includes a receiving step of receiving data from the information processing apparatus via a network, A detection step of detecting whether or not the data received in the step includes a computer virus, and an acquisition step of obtaining information specifying a source of the data when a computer virus is detected in the detection step, A storage step of storing the information specifying the transmission source obtained in the obtaining step; and a notifying step of notifying the administrator of the image forming apparatus of the detection of the computer virus.

  The MFP described in Patent Literature 4 starts determining whether or not a virus check is necessary before executing a job, and detects whether there is an abnormality based on job data of the job. For example, when the generated job data does not match the setting information when the operation unit receives the completion of the job setting, or when the data value (the number of print copies / the number of transmission destinations) included in the job data is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. In such a case, there is a possibility that the job data has been falsified by a computer virus. In such a case, an abnormality is detected, a virus check is determined to be necessary, and a virus check is performed.

JP-A-2011-65483 JP 2006-252407 A JP 2004-259060 A JP 2011-39599 A

  When a virus check is performed in the image forming apparatus, the time required to complete the job increases. As a result, the number of jobs that can be executed per unit time may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to increase the number of jobs that can execute a job in an image forming apparatus that performs a virus check while ensuring a certain level of data security.

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that executes a job given from a terminal device according to a condition, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the condition is abnormal. When the condition is abnormal, a user selecting means for allowing a user to select whether or not to perform a virus check to determine whether or not the data targeted for the job is infected with a computer virus, Virus checking means for performing the virus check on the data when the user selects to perform the virus check.

  Preferably, when the set value set as the condition does not correspond to any of a plurality of possible values that can be set, the determination unit determines that the condition is abnormal. It is determined that if any of the conditions is satisfied, the condition is not abnormal.

  Preferably, the condition is one in which a set value is set for each of a plurality of items relating to the job, and the determining unit is configured to set the set value for each of two or more items of the plurality of items. Are set to be abnormal when the setting of the conditions is prohibited, and when the conditions are not prohibited, it is determined that the condition is not abnormal.

  Alternatively, there is provided an execution unit for executing the job for the data when the data is not infected with the computer virus.

  Alternatively, there is provided check command means for giving a command to the terminal device to perform the virus check when the data is infected with the computer virus.

  Preferably, the user selecting means presents the abnormal condition to the user when the user selects to perform the virus check via the terminal device.

  Alternatively, there is provided a second execution unit that executes the job targeting the data in accordance with the condition when the condition is abnormal and when the user gives an instruction. Preferably, the data includes data indicating the condition.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that performs a virus check, the number of jobs that can be executed while ensuring a certain level of data security can be increased compared to the related art.

It is a figure showing the example of the whole check system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device. It is a figure showing an example of a condition setting screen. It is a figure showing an example of matter condition data. It is a figure showing an example of a progress screen. It is a figure showing an example of a check selection screen. It is a figure showing an example of a reset screen. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of a terminal device. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the entire check system 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the terminal device 2.

  The check system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a terminal device 2, a communication line 4, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 1 executes a job based on conditions such as the number of print copies or the presence or absence of double-sided printing. In addition, based on the conditions, a check (hereinafter, referred to as "virus check") for checking whether a computer virus (hereinafter, referred to as "virus") has been infected is included in data to be subjected to a job. It is determined whether or not the user is to make a selection via the terminal device 2 as to whether or not to perform the operation.

  The image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 2 can communicate with each other via the communication line 4. As the communication line 4, a LAN (Local Area Network) line, the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1) is an apparatus in which functions such as copying, PC printing, facsimile, scanner, and box are integrated. Generally, it may be called a “multifunction device” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  The PC print function is a function of printing an image on paper based on image data such as a document or a photograph received from the terminal device 2. Sometimes referred to as "network printing" or "network printing".

  The box function is a function in which a storage area called a “box” or “personal box” is provided for each user, and each user stores and manages image data and the like in his / her own storage area. A box can be provided for each group and shared by members of the group. The box corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, an auxiliary storage device 10d, a touch panel display 10e, and an operation key panel 10f. , NIC (Network Interface Card) 10g, wireless LAN communication unit 10h, modem 10i, scan unit 10j, print unit 10k, finisher 10m, and the like.

  The CPU 10a is a main CPU of the image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 10b is a main memory of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The touch panel display 10e displays a screen showing a message to the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing the result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. Further, a signal indicating the touched position is sent to the CPU 10a.

  The operation key panel 10f is a so-called hardware keyboard, and includes ten keys, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The NIC 10g communicates with another device using a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The wireless LAN communication unit 10h communicates with other devices based on a wireless LAN standard, that is, an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard.

  The modem 10i exchanges image data with a fax terminal using a protocol such as G3.

  The scanning unit 10j reads an image written on an original set on an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or a platen glass and generates an image file.

  The print unit 10k prints, on paper, an image read by the scan unit 10j and an image indicated by an image file received from another device by the NIC 10g.

  The finisher 10m performs post-processing as necessary on the paper on which the image is printed (that is, the printed matter) obtained by the print unit 10k. The post-processing includes a process of folding printed materials and a process of binding with staples.

  In the ROM 10c or the auxiliary storage device 10d, an application for realizing the above-described functions such as copying is stored. Also, a check execution determination program 10P (see FIG. 3) is stored. These programs are loaded into the RAM 10b as needed, and executed by the CPU 10a.

  The check execution determination program 10P mainly executes the job to determine whether or not to allow the user to select via the terminal device 2 whether or not to allow the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a virus check on data or the like to be processed. This is a program for making a determination based on the conditions set for the execution.

  According to the check execution determination program 10P, the item condition storage unit 101 to the screen output unit 109 in FIG. Details of this program will be described later.

  The terminal device 2 (see FIG. 1) is a device for creating a document or the like. As the terminal device 2, a notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like is used. Hereinafter, a case where a notebook computer is used as the terminal device 2 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, an auxiliary storage device 20d, a liquid crystal display 20e, an NIC 20f, a wireless LAN communication unit 20g, an input device 20h, and the like.

  The liquid crystal display 20e displays a screen showing a message to the user, a screen for the user to create a document or the like, a screen showing the result of the processing executed by the CPU 20a, and the like.

  The input device 20h receives a user operation and sends a signal indicating the content of the received operation to the CPU 20a. A keyboard or a pointing device is used as the input device 20h.

  The ROM 20c or the auxiliary storage device 20d stores applications such as word processing software, drawing software, and a web browser. Also, a check selection program 20P (see FIG. 5) is stored. These programs are loaded into the RAM 20b as needed, and executed by the CPU 20a.

  The check selection program 20P is a program that mainly allows the user to select whether or not to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a virus check on data or the like to be processed.

  According to the check selection program 20P, the item condition storage unit 201 to the virus check unit 205 of FIG. Details of this program will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the condition setting screen 5A. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the item condition data 6B. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the progress screen 5H. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the check selection screen 5J. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reset screen 5K.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the item condition storage unit 101 to the screen output unit 109 in FIG. 3 and the operation of the item condition storage unit 201 to the virus check unit 205 in FIG. An example of the case will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The user prepares an image file 6A of an image such as a document or a photograph. For example, it is prepared by creating a document or the like using an application of the terminal device 2. Alternatively, the image file 6A may be prepared by downloading the image file 6A from a server on the Internet using a web browser, or may be prepared by storing the image file 6A in the auxiliary storage device 20d in advance and opening the file with an application. Is also good.

  The user sets conditions for executing the job on the condition setting screen 5A as shown in FIG. Initially, default conditions are set. The user sets the job condition by maintaining the default condition or changing the default condition to a condition desired by the user.

  Conditions for each of a plurality of items can be set as job conditions. In the item condition storage unit 201 (see FIG. 5) of the terminal device 2, values that can be set as conditions for each item (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “settable values”) and variables defined for the item Item condition data 6B indicating the name is stored as shown in FIG.

  For example, the item condition data 6B1 indicates that any integer value in a range from “1” to “999” can be set as a condition for the number of copies.

  In the item condition data 6B2, it can be set that either “ON” meaning double-sided printing or “OFF” meaning single-sided printing can be set as the condition of the printing side. It is shown.

  The item condition data 6B3 includes, as a binding direction condition, one of “LONGEDGE” meaning long side binding, “SHORTEDGE” meaning short side binding, and “OFF” meaning not binding paper. It is shown that it can be set.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a rule that printed materials must be bound when performing double-sided printing.

  In the item condition data 6B4, for example, "TRAY1", which means that the first paper tray is used, or "MANUALFEED", which means that the manual tray is used, is set as the paper tray condition. Is shown.

  In the item condition data 6B5, for example, “PAPER” meaning plain paper or “ENVELOPE” meaning envelope is set as a paper type condition indicating the type of paper to be printed. Is shown.

  In the item condition data 6B6, any of "ON" meaning that the printed material is bent and "OFF" meaning that the printed material is not bent can be set as the bending condition. It is shown.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a rule that the printed material is not bent when the paper type is an envelope.

  The item condition data 6B7 indicates that, for example, "4" for allocating four pages to one sheet can be set as a condition of the number of pages indicating the number of pages to be allocated to one sheet. ing.

  The item condition data 6B8 includes, as the discharge tray conditions, either “UPPER”, which means that the upper discharge tray is used, and “LOWER”, which means that the lower discharge tray is used. Is set.

  The item condition data 6B9 indicates that, for example, “A5” can be set as the paper size condition.

  The item condition data 6B10 includes "GATHER", which means that sheets are discharged in collation (that is, page order), and "sheet-by-page discharge" as the discharge method conditions when there are a plurality of copies. It indicates that any of "SCATTER" can be set.

  For example, when printing two copies of a three-page original, if "GATHER" is set as the discharge method condition, two sets of printed materials arranged in order of "1 page, 2 pages, 3 pages" Is done. On the other hand, when “SCATTER” is set, two sheets of the first page are ejected, then two sheets of the second page are ejected, and then two sheets of the third page are ejected.

  The job condition is expressed in a format in which the conditions of each item are summarized, for example, {COPIES = 2, DUPLEX = ON, BINDING = LONGEST, MEDIASOURCE = TRAY2}. Hereinafter, a value set as a condition in an item may be referred to as a “set value”.

  The user instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to print the image of the prepared image file 6A on a sheet based on the job condition. That is, an instruction is issued to execute a PC print job for the image file 6A based on the job conditions. Then, the following processing is performed.

  When instructed to execute a PC print job, the job instruction unit 202 performs a process for giving a PC print job to the image forming apparatus 1 as follows.

  The job instruction unit 202 generates print data 6C for executing a job. The print data 6C includes job control data 6D, page control data 6E, and content data 6F.

  The job control data 6D is data indicating information on overall control of the job, and indicates a set job condition. The page control data 6E is data indicating the layout and size of each page. The contents data 6F is data for reproducing contents such as characters, images, and tables arranged on each page. The content data 6F includes text data, raster data, and vector data of text, photographs, and tables arranged on each page.

  The print data 6C is described in PJL (Printer Job Language) or PCL (Printer Control Language).

  The job instruction unit 202 transmits the generated print data 6C to the image forming apparatus 1. Thus, a PC print job is given to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The item condition data 6B is stored in the item condition storage unit 101 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 1 similarly to the above item condition storage unit 201 (see FIG. 7).

  The prohibition relation storage unit 102 stores prohibition relations regarding job conditions. Setting a certain value as a condition for an item and setting a certain value as a condition for another item may be prohibited. The prohibition relation indicates such a relation between a plurality of values (set values).

  In some cases, the setting of a prohibition relationship with a specific value as a condition for three or more items may be prohibited.

  For example, based on the above-described rule that printed materials must be bound when performing double-sided printing, the value is set as “ON”, which is a value set as a condition for a printing surface, and the value is set as a condition for a binding direction. “OFF” corresponds to a prohibition relationship.

  Or, for example, based on the rule that the printed material is not folded when the paper type is an envelope, the value set as the paper type condition is `` ENVELOPE '' and the folding condition is set. “ON” corresponds to a prohibition relationship.

  The prohibition relation is expressed in a format in which conditions for each item are summarized, for example, {DUPLEX = ON and BINDING = OFF}, {MEDIATYPE = ENVELOPE and FOLDING = ON}.

  The determination unit 103 determines whether the job condition included in the job control data 6D of the received print data 6C is a condition where a value that is not a settable value is set or a condition where a value corresponding to a prohibition relationship is set. (Hereinafter, such conditions may be referred to as “abnormal conditions”.) If there is, the job control data 6D is determined to be abnormal. Otherwise, it is determined that the job control data 6D is not abnormal, that is, normal.

  For example, when the job conditions include the condition of the number of copies of “COPIES = -8”, or the condition of the printing surface of “DUPLEX = ON” and the condition of the binding direction of “BINDING = OFF” Then, the determination unit 103 determines that the job control data 6D including the job condition is abnormal.

  When the determination unit 103 determines that the job control data 6D is normal, the job execution unit 104 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 such that a job for the image file 6A is executed. .

  The inquiry unit 203 of the terminal device 2 (see FIG. 5) periodically (for example, once every one or two seconds) inquires of the image forming apparatus 1 about the progress of a given job. The inquiry unit 203 makes an inquiry until the job given to the image forming apparatus 1 is completed. The inquiry is performed using a known technique such as polling.

  When an inquiry is made from the terminal device 2 and the determination unit 103 determines that the job control data 6D is normal, the answer generation unit 105 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 1 Is generated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the job control data 6D is abnormal, specific data 6J indicating an abnormal condition of the job control data 6D is generated.

  The response transmitting unit 106 transmits a response 6G including the progress data 6H or the specific data 6J to the terminal device 2.

  When the received response 6G includes the progress data 6H, the screen output unit 204 of the terminal device 2 generates a progress screen 5H indicating the progress of the job as shown in FIG. 8 based on the progress data 6H. The generated progress screen 5H is displayed on the liquid crystal display 20e.

  On the other hand, when the received response 6G includes the specific data 6J, the screen output unit 204 generates a check selection screen 5J as shown in FIG. 9 based on the abnormal condition indicated in the specific data 6J.

  On the check selection screen 5J, the user can confirm the abnormal condition and select whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 performs the virus check on the print data 6C.

  For example, if the abnormal conditions specified by the specific data 6J are “COPIES = -8”, “DUPLEX = ON”, and “BINDING = OFF”, a screen as shown in FIG. 9 is generated as the check selection screen 5J. You.

  Here, as a countermeasure against a virus, it is ideal to always perform a virus check on the print data 6C before executing a job. However, when the virus check is performed, the time until the job is completed becomes longer, and as a result, the number of jobs to be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 per unit time may be reduced. That is, the efficiency with which the image forming apparatus 1 executes a job may decrease.

  The image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the job condition, that is, the job control data 6D is abnormal, and determines whether the job condition is the intended condition when the job control data 6D is abnormal. Let the user decide. Then, when the conditions of the job are not the intended ones, the image forming apparatus 1 is caused to perform a virus check on the print data 6C.

  Note that the check selection screen 5J includes a message 7J3 indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 accepts a subsequent operation when a virus check is performed.

  The screen output unit 204 displays the generated check selection screen 5J on the liquid crystal display 20e.

  The user confirms the abnormal condition on the check selection screen 5J. If it is considered that the image forming apparatus 1 is to perform a virus check on the job data, that is, the print data 6C, the user moves to the image forming apparatus 1 after touching the button 7J1. Otherwise (that is, when it is considered that the image forming apparatus 1 does not perform the virus check), the user touches the button 7J2. Then, a result selected by the user is notified from the terminal device 2 to the image forming apparatus 1.

  When notified that the virus check is not to be performed (that is, when the user has touched the button 7J2), the job execution unit 104 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 1 targets the image file 6A in the same manner as described above. The respective units of the image forming apparatus 1 are controlled so that the set job is executed.

  On the other hand, when it is notified that a virus check is performed (that is, when the user touches the button 7J1), the virus check unit 107 performs a virus check on the print data 6C.

  When determining that the print data 6C is infected with a virus, the virus check unit 107 gives a command to perform a virus check to the terminal device 2. Then, a virus is removed from the print data 6C.

  Here, if the print data 6C is infected with a virus, the terminal device 2 that transmitted the print data 6C may also be infected with the virus. Therefore, the terminal device 2 is made to perform a virus check.

  When an instruction to perform a virus check is given from the image forming apparatus 1, the virus check unit 205 of the terminal device 2 performs a virus check on all data in the terminal device 2. It also eliminates viruses that infect data.

  When the virus check of all data is completed by the virus check unit 205, the screen output unit 204 displays the result on the liquid crystal display 20e.

  If the virus check unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the print data 6C is not infected with a virus or completes the removal of the virus of the print data 6C, the virus check unit 107 notifies the job execution unit 104 that the print data 6C is safe. Notify.

  When the terminal device 2 notifies the user that the virus check is to be performed (that is, when the user touches the button 7J1 on the check selection screen 5J), the new setting value determination unit 108 determines whether the condition item is an abnormal condition. The process of determining a value to be newly set as a condition for the item from the settable values is performed as follows. Hereinafter, the determined value is referred to as “new setting value”.

  The new set value determination unit 108 determines a settable value of the item of the abnormal condition based on the item condition data 6B of the item condition storage unit 101. One value (settable value) other than the set value of the condition that is the abnormal condition is selected from the settable values determined. If the selected value does not correspond to the prohibition relation in the prohibition relation storage unit 102, the value is determined as a new set value.

  For example, if the condition of the job includes a condition of the number of copies “COPIES = −8” as an abnormal condition, “1” is determined as the new setting value. Or, if the job conditions include abnormal conditions such as “DUPLEX = ON” for the printing surface and “BINDING = OFF” for the binding direction, the printing surface condition (that is, “DUPLEX”) “OFF” is determined as the new set value, and “LONGEDGE” is determined as the new set value for the binding direction condition (ie, “BINDING”).

  As for the condition that the settable value is an integer value, a value closest to the set value among the settable values may be determined as a new set value. For example, if there is a condition of the number of prints of “COPIES = 2000”, “999” is determined as a new setting value. Alternatively, if there is a condition of “COPIES = 0” for the number of copies, “1” is determined as the new setting value.

  The screen output unit 109 is a reset screen as shown in FIG. 10 for allowing the user to reset the condition as an abnormal condition based on the determined new setting value, abnormal condition, and determined settable value. Generate 5K. Note that the reset screen 5K may be generated so that the above-described rules are included.

  For example, assume that the abnormal conditions are “COPIES = -8”, “DUPLEX = ON”, and “BINDING = OFF”. It is assumed that the new setting value is determined to be “1” for the number of print copies, “OFF” for the condition of the print surface, and “LONGEDGE” for the condition of the binding direction. At this time, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 is generated as the reset screen 5K.

  The screen output unit 109 displays the generated reset screen 5K on the touch panel display 10e.

  When the user moves to the image forming apparatus 1, on the reset screen 5K displayed on the touch panel display 10e, the determined new setting value, abnormal condition, determined settable value, and the like are confirmed. After changing the new setting value displayed in the input area 7K1 as necessary, touching the button 7K2 resets the condition as an abnormal condition. Then, the following processing is performed.

  When the condition that is the abnormal condition is set again, the job execution unit 104 notifies the page control data 6E and the content data 6F of the print data 6C if the virus check unit 107 notifies that the print data 6C is safe. Each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is executed based on the conditions in which the job control data 6D has not been reset and the conditions in which the job control data 6D has been reset so that the job for the image file 6A is executed. Control.

  Then, as described above, the answer generation unit 105 generates the progress data 6H in response to the inquiry from the inquiry unit 203. In addition, the response transmitting unit 106 transmits a response 6G including the progress data 6H to the terminal device 2. Further, the screen output unit 204 generates a progress screen 5H based on the progress data 6H and causes the liquid crystal display 20e to display the progress screen 5H.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the terminal device 2. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  The terminal device 2 executes processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 11 based on the check selection program 20P. The image forming apparatus 1 executes processing according to the procedures shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 based on the check execution determination program 10P.

  The terminal device 2 generates print data 6C based on the job conditions set by the user and the image file 6A prepared by the user, and transmits the print data 6C to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 601 in FIG. 11). Thus, a job is given to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is periodically inquired about the progress of the job (# 602).

  The image forming apparatus 1 receives the print data 6C (# 651 in FIG. 12), and determines whether or not the job control data 6D of the print data 6C is abnormal (# 652). When it is determined that the data is abnormal (Yes in # 653), if there is an inquiry from the terminal device 2 (Yes in # 654), the specific data 6J is generated, and the specific data 6J is included in the response 6G and transmitted to the terminal device 2. It is transmitted (# 655).

  When the terminal device 2 receives the specific data 6J by receiving the response 6G (Yes in # 603 in FIG. 11), the terminal device 2 displays the check selection screen 5J based on the specific data 6J (# 604). The user is made to select whether or not to allow the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a virus check on the print data 6C, and the result is notified to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 605).

  When the result is notified (# 656 in FIG. 12), if the result is to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a virus check on the print data 6C (Yes in # 657), the printing is performed. A virus check of the data 6C is performed (# 658). Then, if the print data 6C is infected with a virus (Yes in # 659), the virus is removed and a command to perform a virus check on all data is given to the terminal device 2 (# 660).

  When a command to perform a virus check is given (# 606 in FIG. 11), the terminal device 2 performs a virus check on all data, removes the infected virus, and displays the result (# 607). .

  The image forming apparatus 1 performs a virus check on the print data 6C, determines a new setting value (# 661 in FIG. 13), displays a reset screen 5K based on the new setting value and the like (# 662), and The condition is reset based on the instruction (# 663), and the job is executed based on the reset condition and the print data 6C (# 664).

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the job control data 6D is normal (No in # 653), or the result notified from the terminal apparatus 2 performs a virus check of the print data 6C to the image forming apparatus 1. If not (No in # 657), the job is executed based on the print data 6C (# 664).

  If an inquiry is received from the terminal device 2 during the execution of the job (Yes in # 665), the image forming device 1 generates the progress data 6H, transmits the progress data 6H to the response device 6G, and transmits the progress data 6H to the terminal device 2. (# 666). Until the job given from the terminal device 2 is completed (No in # 667), in response to the inquiry, the progress data 6H is included in the response 6G and transmitted.

  Upon receiving the progress data 6H by receiving the response 6G (Yes in # 608 in FIG. 11), the terminal device 2 displays the progress screen 5H based on the progress data 6H (# 609). An inquiry is made until the job given to the image forming apparatus 1 is completed (No in # 610).

  Each time the user gives a job to the image forming apparatus 1 via the terminal apparatus 2, the terminal apparatus 2 performs the processing from step # 601 to step # 610, and the image forming apparatus 1 performs the processing from step # 651 to step # 667. Perform processing.

  According to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1 that performs a virus check, the number of jobs that can be executed while ensuring a certain level of data security is increased compared to the related art, that is, while ensuring a certain level of data security. The efficiency of executing a job can be improved as compared with the conventional case.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, the user is made to select whether or not to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a virus check on the print data 6C with the terminal device 2. However, the selection may be made by a device other than the terminal device 2.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may select whether or not to perform a virus check. In this case, if the received response 6G includes the specific data 6J, the screen output unit 204 of the terminal device 2 only outputs the above-described message 7J3 (that is, a message indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 accepts the subsequent operation). Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 20e.

  When the response 6G including the specific data 6J is transmitted by the response transmitting unit 106, the screen output unit 109 of the image forming apparatus 1 generates a check selection screen 5J that does not include the message 7J3 based on the abnormal condition, and the touch panel display 10e To be displayed.

  Alternatively, whether or not to perform a virus check may be selected by another terminal device possessed by the user, for example, a smartphone.

  In this case, in the auxiliary storage device 10d of the image forming apparatus 1 or the like, information that can identify another terminal device based on an inquiry of the terminal device 2 in advance (for example, other information associated with information about the terminal device 2, (Information for specifying the terminal). The check selection program 20P is stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 20d of another terminal device.

  When an inquiry is made from the terminal device 2, the answer generation unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 1 generates the specific data 6J. The response transmitting unit 106 specifies another terminal device based on an inquiry from the terminal device 2, transmits the specific data 6J to the other terminal device, and notifies the terminal device that the specific data 6J has been transmitted to the other terminal device. Notify the device 2.

  When notified that the specific data 6J has been transmitted to the other terminal device, the screen output unit 204 of the terminal device 2 causes the liquid crystal display 20e to display a screen indicating that the other terminal device accepts a subsequent operation. .

  Upon receiving the specific data 6J, the screen output unit 204 of the other terminal device generates a check selection screen 5J based on the abnormal condition indicated in the specific data 6J, and causes the touch panel display to display the check selection screen 5J. Then, a result selected by the user via the check selection screen 5J is notified to the image forming apparatus 1 from another terminal device.

  In the present embodiment, when the job control data 6D is determined to be abnormal, the specific data 6J is transmitted to the terminal device 2. However, the following may be sent:

  That is, a message indicating an abnormal condition may be transmitted. In this case, the screen output unit 204 of the terminal device 2 generates the check selection screen 5J using the received message.

  Alternatively, a log indicating the result of the determination of the job control data 6D by the answer generation unit 105 may be transmitted. In this case, in the terminal device 2, the abnormal condition among the job conditions of the job control data 6D is specified based on the log. As a premise, it is necessary that the terminal device 2 also stores the prohibition relation.

  In the present embodiment, the condition that is the abnormal condition is set again by the user in the image forming apparatus 1. However, the conditions may be reset by the terminal device 2.

  In this case, for example, a function for causing the user to reset the condition as an abnormal condition may be realized in the terminal device 2 by a dedicated application different from the check selection program 20P.

  A dedicated application that allows the user to reset a condition that is an abnormal condition is stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 20d of the terminal device 2 or the like.

  When the check selection screen 5J is displayed on the liquid crystal display 20e of the terminal device 2, the user touches a button 7J1 on the screen. Note that the check selection screen 5J does not include the message 7J3.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is notified from the terminal device 2 to perform the virus check in the same manner as described above, the image forming device 1 gives the terminal device 2 a command to start the dedicated application.

  When a command is given from the image forming apparatus 1, the terminal device 2 activates a dedicated application. Then, similarly to the above-described new set value determining unit 108, the settable value is determined and the new set value is determined. Similarly to the screen output unit 109 described above, the reset screen 5K is generated based on the determined new setting value, the abnormal condition, and the determined settable value. The generated reset screen 5K is displayed on the liquid crystal display 20e. The conditions reset by the user are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the reset screen 5K.

  The job executing unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the condition of not resetting the page control data 6E, the content data 6F, and the job control data 6D of the print data 6C and the condition received from the terminal device 2 (that is, the setting) Based on these conditions, each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled so that a job for the image file 6A is executed.

  Alternatively, for example, a function for causing the user to reset a condition that is an abnormal condition may be realized by the terminal device 2 using the web browser of the terminal device 2.

  A web server is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 in advance. The user touches the button 7J1 when the check selection screen 5J not including the message 7J3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 20e.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is notified from the terminal device 2 to perform the virus check in the same manner as described above, the image forming device 1 gives the terminal device 2 a command to start the application of the web browser.

  When the command is given from the image forming apparatus 1, the terminal device 2 starts the application of the web browser. The web browser of the terminal device 2 requests the web server of the image forming apparatus 1 for the reset screen 5K.

  Upon receiving a request from the terminal device 2, the web server of the image forming apparatus 1 determines a settable value and determines a new set value, similarly to the above-described new set value determining unit 108. The reset screen 5K is generated similarly to the screen output unit 109 described above. The generated reset screen 5K is transmitted to the terminal device 2.

  The web browser of the terminal device 2 displays the reset screen 5K on the liquid crystal display 20e. The conditions reset by the user are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The job execution unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 so that a job for the image file 6A is executed, similarly to the case where the condition is received from the terminal device 2 described above. .

  Alternatively, for example, if it is clear that the terminal device 2 is not infected with a virus, a condition that is an abnormal condition may be reset in the terminal device 2.

  Upon receiving the print data 6C from the terminal device 2, the determination unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the job control data 6D is abnormal as described above.

  When the determination unit 103 determines that the job control data 6D is abnormal, the virus check unit 107 performs a virus check on the print data 6C. When it is determined that the print data 6C is infected with a virus, a command to perform a virus check is given to the terminal device 2.

  When an instruction to perform a virus check is given from the image forming apparatus 1, the virus check unit 205 of the terminal device 2 performs a virus check on all data of the terminal device 2. As a result of the virus check, if it is determined that the computer is infected with a virus, the virus is removed. When it is determined that the terminal device 2 is not infected with the virus or the virus is removed, the terminal device 2 notifies the image forming device 1 that the terminal device 2 itself is safe.

  When the terminal device 2 is notified that the terminal device 2 is safe, the answer generation unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 1 generates the specific data 6J as described above. Further, the new set value determination unit 108 determines a settable value and determines a new set value, as described above. The answer transmitting unit 106 transmits the generated specific data 6J, the determined settable value, and the determined new set value to the terminal device 2.

  Upon receiving the specific data 6J or the like, the screen output unit 204 of the terminal device 2 generates the reset screen 5K based on the new setting value, the abnormal condition, and the settable value, similarly to the screen output unit 109 described above. The generated reset screen 5K is displayed on the liquid crystal display 20e. The conditions reset by the user are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The job execution unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 executes the job for the image file 6A in the same manner as when the reset condition is received from the terminal device 2 as described above. Control each part of

  In the present embodiment, the new setting value determination unit 108 sets a new setting for each of a plurality of items for which a value corresponding to the forbidden relationship is set (that is, for each of a plurality of conditions that are abnormal conditions caused by the forbidden relationship). The value was determined. However, only some of the plurality of items may determine the new setting value.

  For example, if the job conditions include abnormal conditions such as “DUPLEX = ON” on the printing surface and “BINDING = OFF” on the binding direction, “OFF” is newly set to the printing surface condition. And no new setting value is determined for the binding direction condition. Regarding the priority, for example, the one with the smaller number (see FIG. 7) of the item condition data 6B may be given priority.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire or each part of the check system 100, the image forming apparatus 1, and the terminal device 2, the content of the processing, the order of the processing, the data configuration such as the item condition data 6B, and the configuration of the screen such as the check selection screen 5J. Can be appropriately changed in accordance with the gist of the present invention.

1 image forming apparatus 2 terminal device 6C print data (data)
103 determination unit (determination means)
104 job execution unit (execution means, second execution means)
105 Answer generation unit (user selection means)
107 Virus Check Unit (Virus Check Means, Check Command Means)
108 New set value determination unit (change means)

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus that executes a job given from a terminal device according to a condition,
Determining means for determining whether or not the condition is abnormal;
When the condition is abnormal, a user selecting means for allowing a user to select whether or not to perform a virus check to determine whether or not the data targeted for the job is infected with a computer virus,
Virus checking means for performing the virus check on the data when the user selects to perform the virus check;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The determining means determines that the condition is abnormal when the set value set as the condition does not correspond to any of a plurality of possible values that can be set, If any of the conditions apply, determine that the condition is not abnormal,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the setting value does not correspond to any of the plurality of possible values, the setting value is changed to any of the plurality of possible values.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. When the set value does not correspond to any of the plurality of possible values, a process for changing the set value to any of the plurality of possible values is performed by the terminal device as the condition. Having a change command means to be performed by means other than the means that set the set value,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The condition is that a set value is set for each of a plurality of items related to the job,
The determination means determines that the condition is abnormal when the set values set for each of two or more items of the plurality of items are prohibited from being set at the same time. And if not prohibited, determine that the condition is not abnormal.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the setting values set for each of the two or more items are prohibited from being set at the same time, at least one of the setting values set for each of the two or more items is set. Changing a value to a value that is not prohibited from being set at the same time, having changing means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. When the setting values set for each of the two or more items are prohibited from being set at the same time, at least one of the setting values set for each of the two or more items is set. The value, the process for changing to a value that is not prohibited to be set at the same time, causes the terminal device to be performed by means other than the means that set the set value as the condition for each of the plurality of items, Having change command means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. When the data has not been infected with the computer virus, the execution means for executing the job for the data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the data is infected with the computer virus, the computer has check command means for giving a command to the terminal device to perform the virus check.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The user selecting means, when the user selects to perform the virus check via the terminal device, presents the abnormal condition to the user,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. In the case where the condition is abnormal, if there is an instruction from the user, the second execution unit that executes the job targeting the data according to the condition,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The data includes data indicating the condition,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Determine whether the conditions for executing the job given from the terminal device are abnormal,
When the condition is abnormal, the user is allowed to select whether or not to perform a virus check to determine whether or not the data targeted for the job is infected with a computer virus,
Performing the virus check on the data when the user selects to perform the virus check;
A virus check method, characterized in that: A computer program for controlling an image forming apparatus that executes a job given from a terminal device according to a condition,
In the image forming apparatus,
A process is performed to determine whether the condition is abnormal.If the condition is abnormal, it is determined whether the data targeted for the job is infected with a computer virus. Causing the user to select whether or not to perform a virus check; and performing the virus check on the data when the user selects to perform the virus check.
A computer program characterized by the above-mentioned.

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