JP4544297B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system formed by the image forming apparatus and a terminal device, and a program used in the image forming system, and in particular, an image that requires user authentication at the start of print output processing. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus, an image forming system formed by the image forming apparatus and a terminal device, and a program used in an apparatus constituting the image forming system.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of information processing apparatuses (terminal apparatuses) via a network and is shared by a plurality of users who use the plurality of information processing apparatuses. Here, the image forming apparatus is, for example, a digital multifunction peripheral (MultiFunction Peripheral (MFP), Scan Print Copy (SPC), or All In One) having at least two functions such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, and a scanner (AIO)). The information processing device (terminal device) is, for example, a personal computer (PC). The image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication network such as a local area network (LAN) and the Internet to form an image forming system. In the minimum configuration, the image forming system can be formed by connecting one image forming apparatus and one information processing apparatus on a one-to-one basis. However, in recent years, a large-scale image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to each other is often constructed.

  In the above-described image forming system, when a user tries to output a printed matter of a desired document using the image forming apparatus, the user uses the information processing apparatus to store the data of the document stored in the image forming system. An image forming apparatus that designates a file and executes print output of the document is selected and designated from a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the image forming system. Finally, an instruction to execute print output is sent to the information processing apparatus. input.

  The information processing apparatus sends job data describing the designated data file and various setting data for print output to the designated image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus that has received the job data executes printing based on the job data. The printed document is discharged from the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus. The user goes to the image forming apparatus and collects the discharged document printed matter.

  However, the user is not necessarily in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus when the printed document is discharged from the image forming apparatus. Rather, since the image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of users, other users may be in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, in the image forming system, it is a problem to ensure information security regarding the document printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus (printer). For example, the printing apparatus receives print data from a plurality of host computers connected via a network, and performs printing based on the received print data. Here, the print data sent to the printer can include a password. Therefore, when the printer receives print data from the host computer, the printer determines whether or not a password is included in the received print data. If the printer determines that the received data contains a password, the printer verifies that the user entered the password correctly via the printer's user interface and then prints the first received print data. Based on this, print output is executed.

  The printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 executes printing when a password attached to print data matches a password input by a user. By doing so, the printing apparatus ensures information security of the information represented by the print data.

  The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technique in which a printing apparatus requests a password input by a user, that is, user authentication, as a trigger for determining the start of printing output. It is not a technique for determining whether or not to perform user authentication as a trigger for determining the start of print output.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a printing system. The printing system includes a host terminal that generates print data and transmits the print data to a print server, a print server that receives the print data and appropriately transmits the print data to a network printer, and print data from the print server. And a network printer that executes printing of the print data. In the printing system, when the host terminal generates print data, the print data includes authorization time zone information including information on a time zone in which printing is permitted, and authentication information including information for user authentication. Can be included. When the print server reads the authentication card having the authentication information corresponding to the authentication information included in the received print data, the print server refers to the permission time zone information of the print data and reads the authentication card and the time and permission time. Compare with belt information. When the print server recognizes that the time when the authentication card is read is included in the time zone indicated in the permitted time zone information, the print server sends the print data to the network printer. The network printer that has received the print data executes printing based on the print data.

  In the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 2, based on permission time zone information included in the print data, a time zone in which the print data can be printed is limited, and the print data is actually printed. In order to do this, user authentication using an authentication card is requested. By doing so, the printing system improves information security related to the printing process.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus can set a time zone (output prohibition period) during which execution of a print output job is prohibited. Further, the image forming apparatus can set a time designation job for executing print output at a predetermined time. During the output prohibition period, the image forming apparatus prohibits print output relating to a print job received without using the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. Then, the image forming apparatus holds the job for prohibition as a time designation job, and executes the job for prohibition at a predetermined time.

  In this way, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 prohibits printing output within a predetermined period, thereby ensuring information security regarding printing output, and further, the image forming apparatus performs printing output. Even when the user forgets to execute the print output due to the prohibition, the image forming apparatus executes the print output at a predetermined time.

  As described above, a large number of documents related to information security of image forming systems have already been published.

An image forming apparatus that performs user authentication via a predetermined user authentication unit provided in the image forming apparatus at the start of execution of print output as disclosed in the above-described Patent Document 1 is already widely known. It can be said that the technical methodology adopted by the technique of Patent Document 1 is an effective methodology for securing the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus actually executes print output.
JP-A-6-183110 JP 2006-236190 A JP 2006-229499 A

  However, it is sometimes troublesome for the user to perform user authentication with a predetermined user authentication unit provided in the image forming apparatus in order to cause the image forming apparatus to actually start execution of print output. In particular, when there is no person who is unfavorable for information security related to the printed document in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, the user feels that the user authentication as described above is particularly troublesome. None of the above Patent Documents 1 to 3 mentions such a problem.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention determines whether or not to perform user authentication using a predetermined user authentication unit provided in the image forming apparatus in order to start execution of print output. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or the like that automatically and appropriately determines each received print output job based on a given condition. The invention of the present application improves the operability of the user with respect to the image forming apparatus while ensuring a high level of information security on the printed document to be printed and discharged, thereby enabling image forming processing such as printing. Improve productivity.

  In one aspect, the present invention performs authentication print printing, which is print output processing that performs user authentication using a predetermined authentication device and determines the start of execution of print output processing based on the result of the user authentication. An image forming apparatus that can be executed, communicates with an external terminal device, receives a job data from the terminal device, a communication interface unit, an authentication unit that is a predetermined authentication device, and a job related to job data Is executed as authentication print printing or normal print output processing based on at least one of the information related to the state of the image forming apparatus and the information related to the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus. An authentication print setting switching unit to be determined, a user authentication unit that outputs a result of user authentication using the authentication unit, and user authentication Based on the results, an image forming apparatus having a job execution section for executing a job according to the job data.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a paper discharge tray sensor unit that detects whether or not paper is present on the paper discharge tray, and a timer unit that outputs a current time. The information regarding the status of the device is information regarding whether or not a job related to a user other than the user who has input the job data is being executed or is waiting for execution, such as other user job information and job data. Other user login information, which is information regarding whether or not a user other than the input user is logged in to the image forming apparatus, information regarding whether or not printed paper exists in the paper discharge tray It is preferable to include at least one of paper discharge tray information and time information that is information related to the current time.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a person detection sensor unit that detects the presence of a person in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, and is communicably connected to an external entrance / exit management system via a communication interface. Information related to the state of the surrounding environment of the apparatus includes information regarding entrance / exit management information received from the entrance / exit management system, and information output from the person detection sensor unit regarding whether or not a person exists in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. It is preferable that at least one of the MFP surrounding information is included.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the authentication print is a print output process in which user authentication using a predetermined authentication device is performed and start of the print output process is determined based on a result of the user authentication An image forming apparatus having an image forming apparatus capable of executing printing, and an entrance / exit management system for managing entrance / exit of a person to / from a room in which the image forming apparatus is installed. A communication interface unit for receiving job data from the terminal device, an authentication unit as a predetermined authentication device, and a job related to the job data to be executed as authentication print printing or normal printing Whether to execute the output process is at least one of information on the state of the image forming apparatus and information on the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus An authentication print setting switching unit to be determined, a user authentication unit that outputs a result of user authentication using the authentication unit, and a job execution unit that executes a job related to job data based on the result of user authentication The entrance / exit management system includes an entrance / exit sensor installed in the vicinity of the entrance / exit of the room, and an entrance / exit management server for grasping the occupancy status of the personnel in the room based on the output of the entrance / exit sensor. The image forming system includes information relating to the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus, including entrance / exit management information received from the entrance / exit management system.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the authentication is print output processing in which user authentication using a predetermined authentication device is performed and start of print output processing is determined based on a result of the user authentication. An image forming program executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus capable of executing print printing, wherein the communication interface unit communicates with an external terminal device and receives job data from the terminal device; A function for causing the authentication unit, which is the authentication device, to execute user authentication, and whether to execute a job related to job data as authentication print printing or normal print output processing in the authentication print setting switching unit. , Information on the state of the image forming apparatus, and information on the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus. A function for determining, a function for causing the user authentication unit to output a result of user authentication using the authentication unit, and a function for causing the job execution unit to execute a job relating to job data based on the result of user authentication; And an image forming program.

  Whether or not to perform user authentication using a predetermined user authentication unit provided in the image forming apparatus when starting execution of print output in the image forming apparatus that performs print output based on job data. The image forming apparatus, the image forming system, or the program can be automatically and appropriately determined for each job received by the image forming apparatus based on given conditions. Therefore, the image forming apparatus and the like according to the present invention sufficiently ensure the information security of the document printed matter to be printed and improve the operability of the user with respect to the image forming apparatus and the like. There is an effect that the productivity of the image forming process is improved.

  The present embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system having a terminal device and an image forming apparatus, and an image forming program executed in the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus capable of executing “authentication print (authentication & print)” print output processing described later. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can execute the print output process by appropriately switching between the “authentication print” print output process and the normal print output process for each job to be executed. It is. The switching is automatically executed by the image forming apparatus based on information included in the job data and / or information acquired by the image forming apparatus as appropriate. Information acquired by the image forming apparatus as appropriate includes information regarding the state of the image forming apparatus and the surrounding environment acquired by the image forming apparatus.

  The terminal device can generate the job data. Therefore, the switching can be set in the terminal device. In that case, the image forming apparatus refers to the switching setting set by the terminal device, and automatically switches between “authentication print” print output processing and normal print output processing to execute print output. Can do.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus or the like according to the present embodiment, even if the user forgets to turn on the “authentication print” print output setting, the image forming apparatus or the like ”Determine whether or not it is necessary to execute the print output setting. If it is determined that it is necessary, automatically turn on the“ authentication print ”print output setting of the print output process, and then execute the print output setting. Execute.

  For this reason, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the user gives priority to the operability and productivity of the image forming apparatus or the like, and normally, the “authentication print” print output setting is set to “off”. Even in such a case, when it is determined that the image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system should execute print output as “authentication print” print output processing from the viewpoint of ensuring information security, The print output is automatically switched to “authentication print” print output and executed. Therefore, in the image forming process using the image forming system of the present embodiment, the simplicity of the image forming process, ensuring of productivity, and ensuring of information security are compatible at a high level.

  Note that in this embodiment, even if the user forgets to switch the “authentication print” print output setting from “on” to “off”, the image forming apparatus or the like performs “authentication print” printing. It is determined whether or not it is necessary to execute the output setting. If it is determined that it is not necessary, the “authentication print” print output setting of the print output process is automatically turned off, and then the print output is executed. You can also

<About the “Authentication Print (Authentication & Print)” Print Output Processing>
Prior to specifically describing the embodiment of the present invention, the “authentication print (authentication & print)” print output process will be briefly described. “Authentication (&) print” printing means that when the image forming apparatus executes a job involving print output processing, the image forming apparatus performs user authentication using a predetermined authentication unit, and the user authentication succeeds. For the first time, it refers to a print output form in which print output related to the job is started. That is, in the authentication print printout, the image forming apparatus does not immediately execute the printout even when the job is received. Instead, the image forming apparatus holds the data related to the print output until confirming that the user authentication using the predetermined authentication unit is successful, and confirms the success of the user authentication before executing the print output. To start. Here, the user authentication is, for example, user authentication for a user who has input the job. The authentication print is also referred to as touch & print.

  On the other hand, in the “normal” print output process, when the image forming apparatus accepts a job, it immediately executes the print output for the job. The authentication print print output process is different from the normal print output process in that the print output is not started until the user authentication using a predetermined authentication unit is successful.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming system 100 includes a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 1 as an image forming apparatus, and personal computers (PC) T1 and T2 as terminal apparatuses. MFP 1 and PCs (T 1, T 2) are communicably connected via hub 7 and network 9.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 constitutes an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. A digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) is an image forming apparatus that collectively has a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a mail transmission function. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment only needs to be an image forming apparatus that receives job data sent from a terminal device via a network and can execute print output processing based on the job data. The MFP 1 also includes an authentication unit 3 as a predetermined authentication unit for performing user authentication in the authentication print printing process. However, the authentication unit 3 is not necessarily built in the MFP 1 main body. The authentication unit 3 may be connected to the MFP 1 and disposed in the vicinity thereof. In addition, the MFP 1 has a non-contact communication unit (person detection sensor unit) 5. A non-contact type communication unit (person detection sensor unit) 5 is a sensor unit for detecting the presence or dynamics of a person around the MFP 1. However, the non-contact type communication unit 5 is not necessarily built in the MFP 1 main body. Similarly to the authentication unit 3, the non-contact type communication unit 5 may be connected to the MFP 1 and disposed in the vicinity thereof.

  The personal computers T1 and T2 constitute a terminal device (information processing device) according to the present embodiment. The terminal device according to the present embodiment does not need to be a versatile information processing device such as a personal computer. Any terminal device according to the present embodiment is sufficient as long as it can instruct the image forming apparatus to print out a document.

  In addition, the image forming system 100 can also include a plurality of server devices SV1, SV2, and SV3.

  The server device SV1 is an authentication server. The authentication server refers to user information provided in the own device, including user identification information (for example, user ID) sent from a client (for example, MFP1, PCT1, T2) and user authentication information (for example, password, authentication data). And a server having a function of comparing success / failure of user authentication with the user authentication information and returning a determination result to the client.

  The server device SV2 is a data server. The data server SV2 is a server that holds document data files and job data (job data) transmitted to the MFP 1 and transmits document data files and job data in response to external requests. is there.

  The server device SV3 is an entrance / exit management server. The entrance / exit management server SV3 is a server that cooperates with the entrance / exit sensor S arranged near the entrance / exit gate G of the room A and grasps the occupancy status of the personnel in the room A. The entrance / exit management server SV3 and the entrance / exit sensor S constitute an entrance / exit management system.

  However, the servers SV1, SV2, and SV3 are not essential elements for the image forming system 100. If necessary, the MFP 1 or the PCT 1 or T 2 constituting the image forming system may be provided with the functions of the server.

<Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP 1.

  The MFP 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read only memory (ROM) 13, a random access memory (RAM) 15, a hard disk drive (HDD) 17, a non-volatile memory 19, a timer unit 21, A contactless communication unit (person detection sensor unit) 5, a printer unit 23, a scanner unit 25, a communication interface 27, a user interface 29, an authentication unit 3, and a paper discharge tray sensor unit 31, which are connected to a data bus Connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 executes an image forming program held in the ROM 13, RAM 15, or HDD 17, or an image forming program provided via the communication interface 27, and stores data held in the ROM 13, RAM 15, or HDD 17. To process. The CPU 11 configures a control unit of the MFP 1 (image forming apparatus) by executing the above program, and realizes the functions of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The image forming program may be installed in the image forming apparatus in advance. Alternatively, the image forming program may be provided to the image forming apparatus through a storage medium such as a flexible disk (FD) or an optical disk, or communication means such as the Internet.

  The ROM 13, RAM 15, HDD 17, and nonvolatile memory 19 are storage devices that hold data and programs. The MFP 1 retains data and programs that need to be properly used and retained appropriately among these storage device groups.

  The timer unit 21 has a timekeeping function and can output the current time in response to a request from the control unit.

  A non-contact type communication unit (person detection sensor unit) 5 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person in the vicinity of the MFP 1 and the movement of a person object. For example, the sensor 5 is a contactless communication unit that senses the presence of an ID card by wirelessly communicating with an ID card possessed by a person. Alternatively, the sensor 5 is a temperature sensor that senses the heat of a person. Alternatively, the sensor 5 is an infrared sensor. The sensor 5 may be a known sensor. Or the sensor system which consists of a combination of a known sensor may be sufficient.

  The printer unit 23 executes print output based on document data, and outputs a printed document printed on a paper medium or the like.

  The scanner unit 25 photoelectrically reads information recorded on a paper medium or the like, and generates image data of the information.

  The communication interface 27 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the MFP 1 and an external device.

  The user interface 29 is an operation unit that transmits and receives information to and from the user. The user interface 29 includes a display unit that presents information to the user and an input unit that receives information from the user. Alternatively, the display unit and the input unit may be integrally configured using a liquid crystal touch panel to form the user interface 29. The user interface 29 may be used as a predetermined authentication unit for the authentication print printout process. The user can input information necessary for user authentication using the user interface 29.

  The authentication unit 3 is an information input device used for user authentication for starting execution of print output in the authentication print print output process. The authentication unit 3 is a biometric authentication unit, for example. The authentication unit 3 is an IC card reader that reads information recorded on an IC card (smart card) possessed by the user, for example. If user authentication is performed using a password entered by the user, the authentication unit 3 is not necessary. In this case, the user authentication is executed when the user inputs a password or the like using the user interface 29.

  The paper discharge tray sensor unit 31 is a sensor unit that can detect whether paper is present on a paper discharge tray provided in the printer unit 23. The paper discharge tray sensor unit 31 can output information regarding the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge tray in response to a request from the control unit.

<Functional configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 1 using function blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if the functions of the MFP 1 are included.

  The MFP 1 has a control unit 41. As described above, the control unit 41 is realized by the CPU 11 (FIG. 2) executing the image forming program according to the present embodiment. The control unit 41 is connected to each block of the MFP 1 so as to be able to transmit and receive data, grasps the state of each block, and appropriately controls the operation of each block.

  The communication interface 27 receives job data via the network 5. For example, in the case of print job data, the job data includes print attribute data including data relating to various settings and the like, and document data (document / image data). The print attribute data can include data relating to ON / OFF of the authentication print print output process. Here, the data related to ON / OFF of the authentication print output process is referred to as an authentication print setting flag. The flag can take a binary value of True / False. “True” corresponds to the authentication print setting “ON”, and “False” corresponds to the authentication print setting “OFF”. The job data is sent to the authentication print setting switching unit 53.

The authentication print setting switching unit 53 receives job data from the communication interface 27. Further, the authentication print setting switching unit 53
Registered job management unit 43,
Login user management unit 45,
Entrance / exit management system inquiry section 47,
Paper discharge tray sensor unit 31,
Timer unit 21, and
From at least one of the contactless communication units 5,
Information about the state of the image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment is acquired. The authentication print setting switching unit 53 turns the authentication print setting of the job data on or off based on the authentication print setting flag included in the job data and information on the state of the image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment. Or the authentication print setting flag of the job data is set to “True” or “False”.

  The information acquired by the authentication print setting switching unit 53 is the following information.

The switching unit 53 receives the registration job management unit 43 from
In the MFP 1, it is possible to obtain other user job information that is information regarding whether or not a job designated by a user other than the user who designated the job data is being executed or is waiting for execution. it can.

The switching unit 53 receives the login user management unit 45 from
It is possible to acquire other user login information that is information regarding whether or not there is another user who can operate the user interface 29 of the MFP 1 (login state).

The switching unit 53 receives an entry / exit management system inquiry unit 47 from
Currently, it is possible to obtain room entry / exit management information, which is information relating to the personnel in the room A (FIG. 1) where the MFP 1 is installed. This entry / exit management information can include the number of personnel in the room A. Furthermore, the entrance / exit management information includes information about the person who entered the room using the entrance / exit card for outsiders, such as an outsider card, a card for other business trips, and a temporary entrance permit card. It is also possible to include information for identifying a person belonging to A.

The switching unit 53 is configured so that the paper discharge tray sensor unit 31
At present, it is possible to obtain paper discharge tray information, which is information regarding whether or not a printed sheet exists in the paper discharge tray of the printer unit 23 of the MFP 1.

The switching unit 53 receives the timer unit 21 from
Time information, which is information related to the current time, can be acquired.

The switching unit 53 is from the non-contact type communication unit 5.
Currently, MFP surrounding information, which is information regarding whether or not a person exists around the MFP 1, can be acquired.

  The authentication print setting switching unit 53 turns on / off authentication print setting for at least one of other user job information, other user login information, entry / exit management information, paper discharge tray information, time information, and MFP peripheral information. It is used as an authentication print setting determination parameter that is a parameter for determining switching, and ON / OFF setting of the authentication print setting of the job data is determined. When the setting state related to the determination is different from the state of the authentication print setting flag of the job data, the switching unit 53 executes processing for changing the state of the flag.

  When the other user job information indicates that another user's job currently exists in the MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be on. This is because there is a high possibility that the output material related to the job of the other user is discharged from the paper output tray of the MFP 1, and there is a possibility that the other user may mistakenly confuse the output material related to the job data. When the other user job information indicates that no other user job currently exists in the MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be off.

  When the other user login information indicates that another user is currently logged in to the MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be on. This is because there is a high possibility that other users exist around the MFP 1. When the other user login information indicates that the other user is not currently logged in to the MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be the off setting.

  The switching unit 53 determines that the authentication print setting is turned off when the occupant management information indicates a predetermined number N or less (N is an arbitrary natural number, for example, 1). This is because it is considered that there is no person in the room A who threatens information security. Further, when the entrance / exit management information indicates that the number of people in the room is greater than a predetermined number N (N is an arbitrary natural number, for example, 1), the switching unit 53 determines that the authentication print setting is set to ON. . This is because it is considered necessary to ensure information security since there are a plurality of personnel in the room A. Further, when the entry / exit management information indicates that an outsider is present, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be on. This is because the presence of outsiders can be a great threat to ensuring information security.

  When the paper discharge tray information indicates that there is currently a sheet in the paper discharge tray of the MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be on. This is because there is a high possibility that another user will visit the MFP 1 in the near future in order to collect the output of a job different from the job related to the job data. When the paper discharge tray information indicates that no paper is currently in the paper discharge tray of the MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be set to off.

  When the time information indicates that it is currently within working hours, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be on. This is because there is a high possibility that an unspecified number of persons pass through the vicinity of the MFP 1 during working hours. When the time information indicates that the time information is currently out of working hours (for example, at night, midnight, or early morning), the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be set to off.

  When the MFP surrounding information indicates that a person is currently detected around MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be on. This is because it is considered that the detected person is not a desirable person from the viewpoint of ensuring information security. When the MFP surrounding information indicates that no person is currently detected around the MFP 1, the switching unit 53 determines the authentication print setting to be off.

  As a matter of course, when the authentication print setting switching unit 53 has a configuration for determining the authentication print setting based on the information on the state of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the surrounding environment, between the authentication print setting determination parameters to be adopted. In this case, the determination result regarding the authentication print setting may be different.

  In such a case, as a condition for finally setting the authentication print setting to ON, it may be determined that ON setting is determined based on at least one authentication print setting determination parameter. Alternatively, the authentication print setting may be set to ON only after the ON setting is determined based on all the adopted authentication print setting determination parameters. Further, the priority is set between the authentication print setting determination parameters adopted, and the determination based on the authentication print setting determination parameter having a higher priority is weighted more than 1, so that the authentication print is comprehensively performed. Settings may be determined. The condition for finally setting the authentication print setting to OFF is that the above-described condition for finally setting the authentication print setting to ON is not satisfied.

  In the present embodiment, the authentication print setting is set to the ON setting if the ON setting is determined based on at least one authentication print setting determination parameter. However, the user can arbitrarily set an algorithm derived from each of the plurality of authentication print setting determination parameters from the determination of the plurality of setting on / off to the final determination of the authentication print setting on / off. it can. The user may set appropriately so as to fit the usage form of the MFP 1 in practice.

  In this way, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 determines whether or not authentication print settings are on / off based on information (authentication print setting determination parameter) regarding the state of the image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment, and based on the determination. Thus, the state of the authentication print setting determination flag of the job data is set to True / False.

  The job data holding unit 51 stores job data relating to a print output job in which the authentication print setting (authentication print print output process setting) is set to “ON” until the user authentication is successfully completed. Hold temporarily. The job data holding unit 51 receives job data from the authentication print setting switching unit 53, temporarily holds it, and sends it to the job execution unit 49. The job data holding unit 51 holds job data whose authentication print setting flag is “True”.

  When the authentication print setting of the job data is set to “ON”, the user authentication unit 55 performs user authentication using the authentication unit 3, the user interface 29, and the like, and outputs a determination result of the user authentication To do. For this authentication, information necessary for user authentication is prepared in advance in the MFP 1, and the user authentication may be completed only by the MFP 1. Alternatively, the information input from the authentication unit 3 or the like may be transmitted to the authentication server SV1 (FIG. 1) to request authentication from the authentication server SV1 and receive the authentication result from the authentication server SV1. Good.

  The job execution unit 49 executes a job based on the received job data. However, for a job in which the authentication print setting is set to “ON”, if the user authentication determination result output by the user authentication unit 55 is “success”, the user job (for example, print Output).

<Image formation processing flow>
The processing flow of the image forming apparatus when the user instructs print output using the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image forming apparatus.

  In relation to step S101, the user uses a PC (T1) or the like to instruct execution of a job that involves document printing. At this time, the user selects a printer (image forming apparatus (for example, MFP1)) that prints out the document and inputs it to the PC (T1). The PC (T1) transmits the job data to the selected printer (image forming apparatus (for example, MFP1)).

  The job data is transmitted to the MFP 1.

  In step S <b> 101, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 of the MFP 1 receives job data through the communication interface 27.

  In step S103, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 of the MFP 1 refers to the authentication print setting flag of the job attribute data of the received job data, and acquires ON / OFF of the authentication print setting of the job related to the job data. If the authentication print setting is on (the authentication print setting flag is “True”) (“YES” in step S103), the process proceeds to step S105. If the authentication print setting is off (the authentication print setting flag is “False”) (“NO” in step S103), the process proceeds to step S121.

  In step S105, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 of the MFP 1 switches the authentication print setting to the off setting based on the information (authentication print setting determination parameter) regarding the state of the image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment as described above. It is determined whether or not the above is satisfied. If the authentication print setting determination parameter satisfies the condition for switching the authentication print setting to off setting (“YES” in step S105), the process proceeds to step S123. If the authentication print setting determination parameter does not satisfy the condition for switching the authentication print setting to the off setting (“NO” in step S105), the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the MFP 1 stores the job data in the job data holding unit 51 and temporarily holds the job data. Since the job data is set to perform the authentication print printing process, the job data is stored in the job data holding unit 51 and held until the user authentication is successful.

  In step S109, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 of the MFP 1 determines whether or not at least one of the authentication print setting determination parameters has changed since the last reference. If it is determined that there has been a change (“YES” in step S109), the process proceeds to step S111. When it is determined that there is no change (“NO” in step S109), the process proceeds to step S113. Note that the timing at which step S109 is executed is preferably the time immediately before the job data held in the job data holding unit 51 is actually processed.

  In step S111, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 of the MFP 1 performs the same determination as in step S105. If the determination result satisfies the condition (“YES” in step S111), the process proceeds to step S123. If the determination result does not satisfy the condition (“NO” in step S111), the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the MFP 1 accepts a user authentication operation using the authentication unit 3 (and / or the user interface 29), which is a predetermined authentication unit.

  In relation to step S113, the user attempts user authentication using a predetermined authentication means provided in the MFP 1.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the user interface 29. This example is a display example in a case where user authentication is performed using a user name and password input by the user using the user interface 29. The user presses the user name input button, inputs the user name, presses the password input button 67, and inputs the password. The user interface 29 further includes a user name list display button 71. When the button 71 is pressed, a list of registered user names is displayed on the user interface 29. When the print start button 61 is pressed, the user authentication unit 55 of the MFP 1 performs user authentication. If the authentication result is “successful”, execution of the authentication print output process is started. When the login button 63 is pressed, the MFP 1 performs authentication for login, and performs authentication for login to the MFP 1 (a state in which an operation using the user interface 29 is possible). The server name 69 is a button for inputting the designation of the authentication server when the authentication server SV1 is used. The user authentication method should not be limited to the above method. The user authentication method may be, for example, a method using an IC card or a method using biometric authentication.

  In step S115, the user authentication unit 55 of the MFP 1 performs user authentication and outputs a determination result (“success” or “failure”). When the result of the user authentication is “success” (“YES” in step S115), the process proceeds to step S117. If the result of user authentication is “failure” (“NO” in step S115), the process returns to step S109, and MFP 1 continues to accept user authentication.

  In step S117, the MFP 1 determines whether the job data holding unit 51 holds job data of a job input by the user for the user authentication. If the corresponding job data is held in the job data holding unit 51 (“YES” in step S117), the process proceeds to step S119. When the job data holding unit 51 does not hold the job data of the job input by the user for the user authentication (“NO” in step S117), the process ends.

  In step S119, the job execution unit 49 of the MFP 1 executes print output processing relating to job data. When step S123 or step S127 to step S119, which will be described later, is executed, the print output process is a normal print output process. When step S213 is executed via step S117, the print output process is an authentication print process. Print output processing.

  In step S121, as described above, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 of the MFP 1 switches the authentication print setting to the on setting based on the information (authentication print setting determination parameter) regarding the state of the image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment. It is determined whether or not the above is satisfied. If the authentication print setting determination parameter satisfies the condition for switching the authentication print setting to the on setting (“YES” in step S121), the process proceeds to step S107. If the authentication print setting determination parameter does not satisfy the condition for switching the authentication print setting to the on setting (“NO” in step S121), the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the job relating to the job data can be immediately executed. When the previous job is being executed, the job related to the job data must be put on standby. If it is determined that the job related to the job data can be immediately executed (“YES” in step S123), the process proceeds to step S119. If it is determined that the job relating to the job data is not immediately executable (“NO” in step S123), the process proceeds to step S125.

  In step S <b> 125, the MFP 1 puts a job relating to the job data on standby.

  In step S127, the authentication print setting switching unit 53 of the MFP 1 determines whether or not at least one of the authentication print setting determination parameters has changed since the previous reference. If it is determined that there has been a change (“YES” in step S127), the process returns to step S121. When it is determined that there is no change (“NO” in step S127), the process proceeds to step S119. Note that the timing at which step S127 is executed is preferably the time immediately before the job data waiting for execution is actually processed.

  As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the authentication print setting can be switched on / off based on the information regarding the state of the image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment at the time when the MFP 1 receives the job data. Further, by providing steps such as step S109 and step S127, the authentication print setting is turned on / off based on the information about the state of the image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment immediately before the job related to the job data is actually executed. It is also possible to switch off setting again. Therefore, after the MFP 1 accepts the job data, execution of another job is completed, paper is removed from the paper discharge tray, other users log out, the number of people in the room decreases, If the user exits or the current time is out of working hours, the MFP 1 can reset the authentication print setting to off and execute the job. Further improved. Conversely, after the MFP 1 receives the job data, other jobs are registered, paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray, other users log in, and the number of people in the room increases. When an outsider enters the room or the current time falls within the working hours, the MFP 1 can reset the authentication print setting to ON and execute the job. Is further improved.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus automatically and forcibly sets the authentication print setting appropriately ON / OFF, so that information security is sufficiently ensured. This embodiment has succeeded in solving the problems of improving the productivity and operability of the image forming apparatus and ensuring information security at a high level.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that achieves both excellent productivity and operability and ensuring reliable information security at a high level.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Block diagram of functional configuration of image forming apparatus Flowchart of processing in image forming apparatus User interface display example during user authentication

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 3 ... Authentication unit 5 ... Non-contact type communication unit (person detection sensor unit)
7 ・ ・ ・ Hub unit 9 ・ ・ ・ Network 11 ・ ・ ・ CPU
13 ... ROM
15 ... RAM
17 ・ ・ ・ HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... Nonvolatile memory 21 ... Timer part 23 ... Printer part 25 ... Scanner part 27 ... Communication interface 29 ... User interface 31 ... Discharge tray sensor unit 41 ...・ Control unit 43 ・ ・ ・ Registered job management unit 45 ・ ・ ・ Login user management unit 47 ・ ・ ・ Entrance / exit management system inquiry unit 49 ・ ・ ・ Job execution unit 51 ・ ・ ・ Job data holding unit 53 ・ ・ ・ Authentication print Setting switching unit 55 ... User authentication unit 61 ... Print start button 63 ... Login button 65 ... User name input button 67 ... Password input button 69 ... Server name input button 71 ... User name list display button 100 ... Image forming system G ... Entrance / exit gate S ... Entrance / exit Room sensor SV1 ... Authentication server SV2 ... Data server SV3 ... Entrance / exit management server T1 ... Terminal device T2 ... Terminal device

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus capable of executing authentication print printing, which is print output processing that performs user authentication using a predetermined authentication device and determines the start of execution of print output processing based on a result of the user authentication. And
A communication interface unit for communicating with an external terminal device and receiving job data from the terminal device;
An authentication unit which is the predetermined authentication device;
Whether to execute the job relating to the job data as the authentication print printing or the normal print output process, information on the state of the image forming apparatus and information on the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus An authentication print setting switching unit to be determined based on at least one of the following:
A user authentication unit that outputs a result of user authentication using the authentication unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a job execution unit that executes a job related to the job data based on a result of the user authentication. Furthermore, a paper discharge tray sensor unit that detects whether paper is present on the paper discharge tray, and
A timer unit for outputting the current time,
Information regarding the state of the image forming apparatus includes:
Other user job information, which is information regarding whether or not a job related to a user other than the user who has input the job data is being executed or is waiting for execution,
Other user login information, which is information regarding whether or not a user other than the user who has input the job data is logged in to the image forming apparatus,
Discharge tray information, which is information regarding whether or not printed paper exists in the discharge tray, and
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one of time information, which is information relating to the current time. Furthermore, it has a person detection sensor unit for detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus,
It is connected to an external entrance / exit management system via the communication interface so as to be communicable,
Information on the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus is
Entrance / exit management information received from the entrance / exit management system, and
3. The MFP according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of MFP surrounding information, which is information about whether or not a person exists in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, which is output by a person detection sensor unit. Image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of executing authentication print printing, which is print output processing for performing user authentication using a predetermined authentication device and determining start of execution of print output processing based on a result of the user authentication; An entrance / exit management system for managing entrance / exit of a person to / from a room in which the image forming apparatus is installed,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication interface unit for communicating with an external terminal device and receiving job data from the terminal device;
An authentication unit which is the predetermined authentication device;
Whether the job related to the job data is executed as the authentication print printing or the normal print output process is related to the information about the state of the image forming apparatus and the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus An authentication print setting switching unit to be determined based on at least one of the information;
A user authentication unit that outputs a result of user authentication using the authentication unit;
A job execution unit that executes a job related to the job data based on the result of the user authentication,
The entrance / exit management system includes:
An entrance / exit sensor installed near the entrance of the room;
An entrance / exit management server for grasping the occupancy status of the personnel in the room based on the output of the entrance / exit sensor;
The information regarding the state of the surrounding environment of the image forming apparatus includes an entrance / exit management information received from the entrance / exit management system. Computer of image forming apparatus capable of executing authentication print printing, which is print output processing for performing user authentication using a predetermined authentication device and determining the start of execution of print output processing based on the result of the user authentication Is an executable image forming program,
A function that allows the communication interface unit to communicate with an external terminal device and receive job data from the terminal device;
A function for causing the authentication unit, which is the predetermined authentication device, to execute user authentication;
The authentication print setting switching unit determines whether the job relating to the job data is to be executed as the authentication print print or the normal print output process, information on the state of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus A function to make a decision based on at least one of information on the state of the surrounding environment;
A function for causing a user authentication unit to output a result of user authentication using the authentication unit;
An image forming program having a function for causing a job execution unit to execute a job related to the job data based on a result of the user authentication.

Images