JP5003423B2 - Image forming apparatus and security management program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a security management program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and a security management program for performing security management of printed matter.

  Using an image forming device such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that is a printer or a multifunction device, the data stored in the storage device in the image forming device or a connected external device is acquired and printed. How to use is done. This function of the image forming apparatus is also called a pull print function.

  In particular, when data is stored in a storage device in the image forming apparatus, a storage area called a box, or a storage area divided by user (group, section, etc.) to which the user belongs may be set in the storage device. is there. The user can save data in the corresponding box. Access authority can be set for the box, and access to the box is permitted or denied based on personal authentication information required when using the image forming apparatus.

  When the image forming apparatus is installed in a situation where a large number of users such as offices can use, and the data in the box is to be printed using the pull print function, access to the box is not allowed. An authorized user can print the data therein. In this way, when the image forming apparatus is installed in a state where a large number of users can use it and the data stored in the storage device accessible by the large number of users is printed, Security is ensured.

  Further, when printing data, the image forming apparatus may have a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print function for printing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern together with data on a print sheet, and a watermark print function for printing a watermark with data. By setting such a function to ON, when the image forming apparatus is installed in a situation where many users can use it, user authentication is performed when using the image forming apparatus, The personal authentication information of the user who is authenticated together with the data is printed with a tint block or a watermark. By turning on such a function, it is possible to determine who printed the printed matter in the image forming apparatus. Even in this case, the security of the printed matter is ensured when the image forming apparatus is installed in a state where a large number of users can use it.

As another example of ensuring the security of printed matter when the image forming apparatus is installed in a situation where many users can use it, for example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-342964 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) A printing apparatus is disclosed that performs printing only when there is a user who has issued an instruction to issue a print job within a predetermined range from the position where the printing apparatus is installed by managing with an IC card.
JP 2005-342964 A

  As an example of ensuring the security of printed matter when the image forming apparatus is installed in a situation where a large number of users can use it, as described above, a method for authenticating the accessibility of the box using the box function, There is a method of printing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing or watermark printing information that can specify a user who has performed a printing operation on a printed matter.

  In the former method, for a user who is not permitted to access the box, all accesses for printing and browsing are denied. However, when the image forming apparatus is used in an office or the like, depending on the user, it is conceivable to set stepwise security by the user, for example, by allowing printing and limiting take-out. Therefore, there is a problem that flexible security management cannot be performed only by whether or not the storage device can be accessed.

  In the latter method, when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing function and the watermark printing function are turned on for the image forming apparatus, all of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing and watermark printing are performed for the user authenticated by the user. Thereby, there is an effect that taking out the printed matter is psychologically suppressed. However, as described above, when the image forming apparatus is used in an office or the like, such suppression may not be necessary depending on the user. That is, the security level may be set for each user. When copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing or watermark printing is performed for all users, users who do not need copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing or watermark printing may not be able to see the original print target or use the intended printed product. In some cases. In other words, with the latter method, when the above function is turned on, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing or watermark printing is performed for all users, and flexible security management such as setting the presence / absence of printing for each user cannot be performed. There is.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an easy-to-use image forming apparatus and a security management program capable of performing appropriate and flexible security management.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is associated with a user from a storage medium, and includes a first security level including a security level for each area where the image forming apparatus is installed. A first reading unit that reads a print job to be printed, a receiving unit that receives designation of a print job to be printed, a second reading unit that reads a second security level set for the designated print job, Area information storage means for storing information for specifying an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, and a first specification for specifying a security level corresponding to the area in which the image forming apparatus is installed for the first security level comparing means, a first security level and the second security level specified by the first specifying means It is provided with a judgment means for judging a type of printing process for printing the print job designated, and a print control means for executing print processing according to the determination at decision means.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus receives, from a storage medium, a first reading unit that reads a first security level associated with a user, and a designation of a print job to be printed. An acceptance unit, a second reading unit that includes a security level for each area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, reads a second security level set in the print job, and an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed Area information storage means for storing information for identifying the second security level, second security means for identifying the second security level corresponding to the area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and identification by the second identification means The print job is printed by comparing the second security level and the first security level. Comprising determination means for determining the type of the printing process because, and print control means for executing print processing according to the determination at decision means.

  Preferably, the types of printing processes include a printing process with a high effect of suppressing carry-out of printed matter and a printing process with a low effect as described above, and the judging means has a first security level higher than a second security level. If it is lower, the type of print processing for printing the print job is determined as the print processing having the above effect. More preferably, the printing process having a high effect of suppressing taking-out of printed matter is watermark printing or tint block printing.

Preferably, the storage medium is an IC (Integrated Circuit) card.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the security management program is a program that causes a computer to execute security management processing when performing printing processing in the image forming apparatus, and the computer specifies an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed. An area information storage means for storing information to be read, a step of reading a first security level associated with a user and including a security level for each area in which the image forming apparatus is installed from a storage medium; A step of receiving a designation of a print job to be read, a step of reading a second security level set in the designated print job, and a first security level corresponding to an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed Steps to identify the security level and security By comparing the first security level and the second security level specified in the step of identifying a tee level, and determining the type of printing process for printing the print job specified, the determination And a step of executing a printing process according to the above.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the security management program is a program for causing a computer to execute security management processing when printing processing is performed by the image forming apparatus, and the computer is configured to detect an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed. An area information storage unit that stores information to be specified; a step of reading a first security level associated with a user from a storage medium; a step of receiving designation of a print job to be printed; and image formation A step of reading a second security level set in the print job, including a security level for each area where the apparatus is installed, and security corresponding to the area where the image forming apparatus is installed for the second security level Steps to identify levels and security Determining the type of print processing for printing the print job by comparing the second security level specified in the step of specifying the print level and the first security level, and printing according to the above determination And a step of executing the process.

  When the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is used, the security of printed matter can be managed appropriately and flexibly.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to a copying machine, a printer, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that is a composite device thereof capable of reading information from a recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is an MFP. Hereinafter, the above recording medium is referred to as a card.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 1 according to the embodiment. Referring to the figure, MFP 1 connects a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that controls the entire apparatus, an image reader unit 19 that reads image data from a document, a printer unit 21 that prints an image on paper, and MFP 1 on the Internet. And a communication unit 15 for performing short-distance wireless communication, a HD (Hard Disk), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and stores jobs, programs executed by the CPU 11, and the like Storage unit 13 for operation, an operation panel 17 that is an interface with the user, a sensor unit 23 that detects the remaining amount of consumables, and the information stored in the card 3 from the card 3 within a predetermined distance. And a card interface (hereinafter, card I / F) 25 that is an interface for reading.

  The card 3 is allocated for each user and stores security information about the user. The security information includes user ID and user name including user ID used for specifying the user such as user authentication, and the security level of the user set for each area (for example, room) where the MFP is installed. including. Here, the security level set for the user indicates the degree of security permitted for the user, and it is assumed that the higher the security level, the higher the confidentiality of the printed material is permitted. Specifically, “high”, “medium”, “low”, 1, 2,..., A, B, C. Alternatively, it may be represented by a user's title (department manager, section manager, etc.) or employee type (full-time employee, non-regular employee, etc.).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of security information stored in the card 3. Referring to FIG. 2A, security information is composed of a plurality of blocks (columns), and a user ID is stored in the first block. The user name is stored in the second block. In the third block and the fourth block, a room number which is information (hereinafter referred to as area information) for specifying an area in which the MFP is installed, and the user is set for each area in which the MFP is installed. Each security level is stored. Here, specifically, it is assumed that the security level as shown in FIG. 2B is set for the room numbers 1 to 6 for the user “YamadaTaro”. Needless to say, the method of storing information of the card 3 is not limited to the table format as shown in FIG. 2, and any format can be adopted.

  Here, the card 3 specifically corresponds to a medium such as an IC card, and is electrically connected to the card I / F 25. The card 3 may be a contact type IC card or a non-contact type IC card. In the case of the contact type, the card I / F 25 has a mechanism for physically mounting the card 3 and reads security information from the mounted card 3. When the card I / F 25 is a non-contact type, the card I / F 25 has a communication function. For example, the card I / F 25 communicates with the card 3 within a predetermined distance by being held over the card I / F 25, for example. Read. Needless to say, the card 3 is not limited to the IC card, and may be another medium (not related to the card) such as a USB memory.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of MFP 1 for realizing security management in MFP 1. Each function shown in FIG. 3 is a function realized mainly by the CPU 11 executing a program stored in the storage unit 13, but a part of the function may be configured by hardware.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the functions of MFP 1 include a selection unit 101, a reading unit 103, a job storage unit 105, an area storage unit 107, a determination unit 109, and a print control unit 111.

  The job storage unit 105 is a storage area that is configured by a user or a group (department, section, etc.) to which the user belongs, called a so-called box, which is composed of the HD of the storage unit 13, and stores print jobs. To do. FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the print job configuration. Referring to FIG. 4, the print job includes attribute information and a print data body. The attribute information corresponds to, for example, information in the header part of the print job. The attribute information includes information for specifying the security level. Here, the security level set for the print job indicates the degree of the type of processing of the print job permitted to the user, and the higher the security level, the higher the confidentiality. Specifically, “high”, “medium”, “low”, 1, 2,..., A, B, C. The security level may be set regardless of the area where the user or the MFP is installed, and for each area where the MFP is installed, as with the security information stored in the card 3 shown in FIG. A security level may be set. In addition, the attribute information may include information for specifying a creation date, information for specifying a creator, and the like.

  The area storage unit 107 is a storage area including the HD and RAM of the storage unit 13 and stores area information. Here, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, the room number of the room where the MFP 1 is installed is stored as area information.

  The reading unit 103 includes a card I / F 25. When the card I / F 25 communicates with the card 3, the security information as illustrated in FIG. 2 is read from the card 3 and is input to the determination unit 109. The determination unit 109 is connected to the reading unit 103 and receives security information read from the card 3 from the reading unit 103. Determination unit 109 is further connected to job storage unit 105. The determining unit 109 refers to the job storage unit 105 and controls to display a list of print jobs stored in a box that is a storage area associated with the user, based on user information included in the received security information. A signal is generated and input to the display control unit 113. The display control unit 113 is configured to include the operation panel 17, and controls to generate display data for displaying the list according to the control signal and display it on the operation panel 17.

  The user looks at the list displayed on the operation panel 17 and selects a print job to be printed. The selection unit 101 includes an operation panel 17 and accepts selection of a job to be printed based on an operation signal input from the operation panel 17 by the selection operation. Then, the selection unit 101 inputs information for specifying the selected job to be printed to the determination unit 109. The determination unit 109 is connected to the selection unit 101 and receives information specifying the selected job to be printed from the selection unit 101. Determination unit 109 is further connected to job storage unit 105 and area storage unit 107. The determination unit 109 reads a job to be printed from the job storage unit 105 based on the information received from the selection unit 101. Further, the area information is read from the area storage unit 107.

  Based on the security information received from reading unit 103 and the area information read from area storage unit 107, determination unit 109 identifies the security level IL set in the area where MFP 1 is installed for the user. Further, the determination unit 109 identifies the security level PL set for the print job from the print job attribute information read from the job storage unit 105. When the security level is set for each area where the MFP is installed as described above for the print job, the determination unit 109 reads the print job attribute information read from the job storage unit 105 and the area storage. From the area information read from the unit 107, the security level PL set in the area where the MFP 1 is installed for the print job is specified.

  The determination unit 109 compares the security level IL and the security level PL, and determines whether the selected print job can be processed and the type of processing according to a predetermined standard. Then, a control signal for performing a printing process based on the determination is input to the print control unit 111. Here, the types of printing processing include printing with a high effect of suppressing carry-out of printed matter and printing with a low effect as described above. Specifically, as the former example, the above-described watermark printing and the latter example And normal printing which does not print a watermark. The content to be printed by watermark printing is preferably information specifying the user, such as login information of the user who issued the print instruction, user information stored in the card 3 and the like. The specific method of printing is not limited to a specific method in the present invention, and a printing method already performed can be employed. The print control unit 111 includes the printer unit 21, generates a control signal for instructing the printer unit 21 to perform printing processing according to the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the printer unit 21.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the security management operation in the MFP 1. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 11 reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 13 and controlling each unit shown in FIG. 1 by each function shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5, first, reading unit 103 communicates with card 3 held over a predetermined unit of MFP 1 by card I / F 25, so that security information as shown in FIG. Read (step S1). Based on the user information included in the security information, the display control unit 113 displays a print job stored in a box which is a storage area associated with the user in the job storage unit 105 on the operation panel 17. A list is displayed (step S3).

  When a print job to be printed is selected from the list displayed on the operation panel 17 and the selection unit 101 accepts the selection (YES in step S5), the determination unit 109 selects the print selected from the job storage unit 105. The job is read (step S7).

  Based on the area information read from area storage unit 107 and the security information read from card 3 in step S1, determination unit 109 identifies the security level IL set in the area where MFP 1 is installed for the user. (Step S9). Further, the determination unit 109 identifies the security level PL set for the print job from the security information included in the print job read in step S7 (step S11). If a security level is set for each area where the MFP is installed as described above for the print job, the determination unit 109 in step S11 determines the security information included in the print job read in step S7. The security level PL set in the area where the MFP 1 is installed for the print job is specified from the area information read from the area storage unit 107.

  Then, the determination unit 109 compares the security level PL with the security level IL, and executes processing for determining whether or not the selected print job can be processed and the type of processing according to a predetermined standard (step S13). As a result of the determination in step S13, if the print job selected in step S5 can be printed (YES in step S15), the print control unit 111 prints the print job according to the type of printing determined in step S13. Processing is performed (step S17). If it is determined in step S13 that the print job selected in step S5 cannot be printed (NO in step S15), the display control unit 113 displays an error on the operation panel 17 (step S19).

  It is assumed that the determination criteria in the determination unit 109 are stored in the determination unit 109 in advance. The reference may be stored in advance, or may be created or changed by a predetermined operation. A plurality of the above criteria may be stored, and the criteria to be used may be selected by a predetermined operation. Alternatively, a reference to be automatically used may be selected by a predetermined process. Hereinafter, specific examples of criteria for determination by the determination unit 109 will be shown, and specific examples of processing performed by the determination unit 109 in step S13 according to each criterion will be given.

[Example 1]
As a first specific example of the criteria for judgment by the judgment unit 109, the following criteria can be cited:
i) When the print job security level PL is higher than the card security level IL by two or more levels, printing is disabled.
ii) If the security level PL of the print job is one level higher than the security level IL of the card, watermark printing is performed.
iii) Normal printing is performed when the security level PL of the print job is equal to or lower than the security level IL of the card.

  FIG. 6 concretely shows the determination result according to the above criteria when the security level PL of the print job is in three stages of levels 1 to 3 and the security level IL of the card 3 is in three stages of levels 1 to 3. FIG. In FIG. 6, the determination results A to C mean normal printing, watermark printing, and non-printing in that order.

  Referring to FIG. 6, when the security level PL of the print job is set to level 1, even if the security level IL of the card 3 is any one of levels 1 to 3, the above-mentioned criterion iii) is satisfied and printing is performed. The type is determined as normal printing (A).

  When the security level PL of the print job is set to level 2, when the security level IL of the card 3 is level 1, the above criterion ii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as watermark printing (B). When the security level IL of the card 3 is level 2 or 3, the standard iii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as normal printing (A).

  When the security level PL of the print job is set to level 3, when the security level IL of the card 3 is level 1, the above criterion i) is satisfied and it is determined that printing is not possible (C). When the security level IL of the card 3 is level 2, the standard ii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as watermark printing (B). When the security level IL of the card 3 is level 3, the standard iii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as normal printing (A).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in step S13 in the case where the criterion for determination by the determination unit 109 is defined as described above.

  Referring to FIG. 7, first, determination unit 109 compares the security level PL of the print job specified in step S11 with the security level IL of card 3 specified in step S9 (step S101). ). When the security level PL is equal to or lower than the security level IL (YES in step S101), the criterion iii) is satisfied, and the determination unit 109 determines that the printing type is normal printing (A) (step S103).

  When security level PL is higher than security level IL (NO in step S101), determination unit 109 further compares security level PL with a level obtained by adding 2 to security level PL (step S105). If the security level PL is two or more levels higher than the security level IL (YES in step S105), the criterion i) is satisfied, and the determination unit 109 determines that printing is not possible (C) (step S107). When the security level PL is one level higher than the security level IL (NO in step S105), the criterion ii) is satisfied, and the determination unit 109 determines that the printing type is watermark printing (B) (step S109).

[Example 2]
As a second specific example of the criterion for determination in the determination unit 109, the following criterion can be given:
i) When the print job security level PL is higher than the card security level IL, printing is disabled.
ii) If the security level PL of the print job and the security level IL of the card are the same level, watermark printing is performed.
iii) If the security level PL of the print job is lower than the security level IL of the card, normal printing is performed.

  FIG. 8 concretely shows the determination result according to the above criteria when the security level PL of the print job is in three stages of levels 1 to 3 and the security level IL of the card 3 is in three stages of levels 1 to 3. FIG. Also in FIG. 8, the determination results A to C mean normal printing, watermark printing, and non-printing in that order.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when the security level PL of the print job is set to level 1, when the security level IL of the card 3 is level 1, the above criterion ii) is satisfied, and the printing type is watermark printing (B). Is determined. When the security level IL of the card 3 is level 2 or 3, the standard iii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as normal printing (A).

  When the security level PL of the print job is set to level 2, when the security level IL of the card 3 is level 1, the above criterion i) is satisfied and it is determined that printing is not possible (C). When the security level IL of the card 3 is level 2, the standard ii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as watermark printing (B). When the security level IL of the card 3 is level 3, the standard iii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as normal printing (A).

  If the security level PL of the print job is set to level 3, when the security level IL of the card 3 is level 1 or 2, the above criterion i) is satisfied and it is determined that printing is not possible (C). When the security level IL of the card 3 is level 3, the above criterion ii) is satisfied, and the printing type is determined as watermark printing (B).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process in step S13 in the case where the criterion for determination by the determination unit 109 is defined as described above.

  Referring to FIG. 9, first, determination unit 109 compares the security level PL of the print job specified in step S11 with the security level IL of card 3 specified in step S9 (step S201). ). When the security level PL is lower than the security level IL (YES in step S201), the criterion iii) is satisfied, and the determination unit 109 determines that the printing type is normal printing (A) (step S203).

  When the security level PL and the security level IL are the same level (NO in step S201 and YES in step S205), the criterion ii) is satisfied, and the determination unit 109 determines the printing type as watermark printing (B). (Step S207).

  When the security level PL is higher than the security level IL (NO in step S201 and NO in step S205), the criterion i) is satisfied, and the determination unit 109 determines that printing is not possible (C) (step S209).

  By performing the processing as in the first and second embodiments in step S13, the security level is finely set for each print job, for each user, and for each area where the MFP is installed, and the security of the printed matter is appropriately set. And can be managed flexibly.

  Thereby, for example, a user with a high security level in a certain area (where the MFP is installed) is not subjected to watermark printing when printing an important (high security level) print job. For this reason, the user is prevented from taking out the printed matter more than necessary. A user with a low security level automatically performs watermark printing when printing the print job. Therefore, the user is expected to have an effect of suppressing taking out the printed matter.

  In addition, since the security level set for the user is stored in a storage medium assigned to each user, such as an IC card, a change can be made compared to a case where the security level set for the user is collectively managed by a server or the like. Easy. Further, since the above management can be performed only by issuing an IC card for each user, particularly in an environment where many MFPs are installed, it is complicated to set a security level for each user for each MFP. Operation is unnecessary.

  In the above specific example, the types of printing processing include watermark printing as printing with a high effect of suppressing take-out of printed matter and normal printing as printing with low effect as described above. For example, other types such as copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing may be included as printing with a high effect of suppressing the above. In addition, image processing that has the effect of suppressing the taking-out of printed matter, such as processing to print only the first page of a print job, processing to prevent printing of figures and photos, processing to reduce resolution, and the like is also included. obtain. These are collectively referred to as “printing with a high effect of suppressing carry-out of printed matter”. In addition, the security levels PL and IL are shown as an example of three levels of levels 1 to 3, but may be four or more levels or two levels.

  Further, in the above specific example, it is assumed that the MFP 1 has a job storage unit 105 as a storage area divided for each user called a box or a group (department, section, etc.) to which the user belongs. For example, it may exist in a device separate from the MFP 1 such as a printer server. In that case, in steps S3 and S7, the MFP 1 accesses the apparatus via the communication unit 15 to refer to or read the print job.

  In the above specific example, the card 3 stores the security level set for the user for each area where the MFP is installed. Needless to say, the security level for each MFP is stored. May be stored. However, when multiple MFPs are installed in the same area, specifically, when a security level is set for an MFP installed in a predetermined department or section, or when MFPs are rearranged In consideration of the above, it is often easier to set the security level for each area in which the MFP is installed than to set the security level for each MFP. The same applies to the security level set for the print job.

  A process for storing the print job as shown in FIG. 4 for performing the above-described security management in the job storage unit 105 will be described with a specific example. Here, it is assumed that processing for storing a print job is performed in a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) which is a client device connected to MFP 1. Further, it is assumed that a security level is set for each area where the MFP is installed for a print job.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a specific example of the hardware configuration of the PC 5 according to the embodiment. Referring to the figure, the PC 5 includes a CPU 51 that controls the entire apparatus, an HD, a RAM, and the like, and a storage unit 53 for storing data to be processed and a printer driver that is a program executed by the CPU 51. A communication unit 55 that performs communication with the MFP 1 via a dedicated line, short-range wireless communication, and the like, and an input unit 57 that is a device that inputs instructions such as a keyboard or a device that reads and inputs data from a recording medium The display unit 59 is a display device such as a display, and the card I / F 61 is an interface for reading information stored in the card 3 from the card 3 within a predetermined distance.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the PC 5 for storing the print job as illustrated in FIG. 4 in the job storage unit 105. Each function illustrated in FIG. 11 is a function realized mainly by the CPU 51 executing a program stored in the storage unit 53, but a part of the function may be configured by hardware. Further, the program may be a part of a printer driver for the PC 5 to perform print processing using the MFP 1.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the functions of PC 5 include an instruction unit 501, a reading unit 503, an authentication unit 505, a setting unit 507, a job generation unit 509, a data storage unit 511, and a job issue unit 513.

  The reading unit 503 includes a card I / F 61. When the card I / F 61 communicates with the card 3, the security information as illustrated in FIG. 2 is read from the card 3 and input to the authentication unit 505. Authentication unit 505 includes communication unit 55, transmits user information included in the security information read from card 3 to MFP 1, requests authentication, and acquires an authentication result from MFP 1.

  The data storage unit 511 includes a storage unit 53 and stores data that can be printed, such as document data. The user selects data to be a print job from the data stored in the data storage unit 511 using the input unit 57 such as a keyboard or a mouse. The instruction unit 501 includes an input unit 57, and accepts selection of data to be a print job based on an operation signal input from the input unit 57 by the selection operation. Then, the instruction unit 501 inputs information for specifying data to be a selected print job to the job generation unit 509.

  Further, the user uses the input unit 57 such as a keyboard or a mouse to perform an operation for designating a security level for the print job. The instruction unit 501 accepts a security specification to be set for the print job based on the operation signal input from the input unit 57 by the above operation. Then, the instruction unit 501 inputs information for specifying the specified security level to be set to the setting unit 507.

  The job generation unit 509 is connected to the instruction unit 501 and receives information specifying data to be a print job from the instruction unit 501. The job generation unit 509 is further connected to the authentication unit 505 and the data storage unit 511. If the authentication unit 505 has acquired an authentication result indicating successful authentication from the MFP 1, the job generation unit 509 reads data to be a print job from the data storage unit 511 and generates a print job. The specific method is not limited to a specific method in the present invention, and a method already performed can be adopted.

  The setting unit 507 is connected to the instruction unit 501 and receives information specifying the security level set for the print job from the instruction unit 501. The setting unit 507 is further connected to the authentication unit 505, and when the authentication unit 505 has acquired an authentication result indicating successful authentication from the MFP 1, the print job created by the job generation unit 509 is shown in FIG. Set the security level as follows. Here, as described above, the designation of the security level for each area where the MFP is installed is accepted, and the security level for each area is added to the print job as security information.

  The job generating unit 509 is connected to the job issuing unit 513 and inputs the generated print job to the job issuing unit 513. The job issuing unit 513 includes the communication unit 55, and issues a print job generated by the job generation unit 509 and set with a security level by the setting unit 507 to the MFP 1. The issued print job is stored in the job storage unit 105 described above.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation of issuing the above-described print job with the security level set in the PC 5. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU 51 reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 53, and controlling each unit shown in FIG. 10 by each function shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 12, first, reading unit 503 communicates with card 3 held over a predetermined part of PC 5 by card I / F 61, so that security information as shown in FIG. Reading is performed (step S31). The authentication unit 505 transmits user information included in the security information read in step S31 to the MFP 1 to request authentication, and acquires an authentication result from the MFP 1. If the acquired authentication result is an authentication failure (NO in step S33), the process is terminated without performing the subsequent operations.

  If the authentication result is authentication success (YES in step S33), the instruction unit 501 accepts selection of data to be a print job (YES in step S35), and the instruction unit 501 designates security to be set for the print job. Is received (YES in step S37), the job generation unit 509 generates a print job (step S39), and the setting unit 507 sets the security level PL for the print job (step S41). In this specific example, the designation of the security level is accepted for each area (room) where the MFP is set in step S37, and the setting unit 507 sets the security level for each area in step S41.

  The generated print job is issued to the MFP 1 by the job issuing unit 513 (step S41). In MFP 1, the received print job is stored in job storage unit 105.

  In the above-described specific example, a print job is generated and a security level is set by executing a program in the PC 5 connected to the MFP 1. However, the security level may be set in the MFP 1.

  By setting the security level for the print job in this way, the print job issuer can appropriately and flexibly manage the security of the printed matter based on the print job.

  Furthermore, it is possible to provide a program that causes a computer to execute the security management. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, and a memory card. It can also be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

2 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the security information memorize | stored in a card | curd. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a print job configuration. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of a security management operation in the MFP according to the embodiment. It is a figure explaining the judgment which judgment part 109 makes at Step S13 according to the 1st example of the standard of judgment in judgment part 109. It is a flowchart which shows the process by step S13 in a 1st Example. It is a figure explaining the judgment which the judgment part 109 performs by step S13 according to the 2nd specific example of the reference | standard of judgment in the judgment part 109. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process by step S13 in a 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of the hardware constitutions of PC concerning embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of the function structure of PC concerning embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of an operation of issuing a print job with a security level set in the PC according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1 MFP, 3 card, 5 PC, 11 CPU, 13 storage unit, 15 communication unit, 17 operation panel, 19 image reader unit, 21 printer unit, 23 sensor unit, 25 card I / F, 51 CPU, 53 storage unit, 55 communication unit, 57 input unit, 59 display unit, 61 card I / F, 101 selection unit, 103 reading unit, 105 job storage unit, 107 area storage unit, 109 determination unit, 111 print control unit, 501 instruction unit, 503 Reading unit, 505 authentication unit, 507 setting unit, 509 job generation unit, 511 data storage unit, 513 job issue unit.

Claims (7)

A first reading unit configured to read a first security level associated with a user and including a security level for each area where the image forming apparatus is installed, from a storage medium;
Accepting means for accepting designation of a print job to be printed;
Second reading means for reading a second security level set in the print job ;
Area information storage means for storing information for specifying the area in which the image forming apparatus is installed;
A first specifying unit that specifies a security level corresponding to an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed with respect to the first security level;
Determining means for determining a type of printing process for printing the print job by comparing the first security level specified by the first specifying means with the second security level ;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print control unit that executes a printing process according to the determination by the determination unit. First reading means for reading a first security level associated with a user from a storage medium;
Accepting means for accepting designation of a print job to be printed;
Second reading means for reading a second security level set in the print job, including a security level for each area where the image forming apparatus is installed ;
Area information storage means for storing information for specifying the area in which the image forming apparatus is installed;
A second specifying means for specifying a security level corresponding to an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed with respect to the second security level;
Determining means for determining the type of print processing for printing the print job by comparing the second security level specified by the second specifying means with the first security level;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print control unit that executes a printing process according to the determination by the determination unit. The types of the printing process include a printing process having a high effect of suppressing take-out of printed matter and a printing process having a low effect.
The determination unit determines that the type of the printing process for printing the print job is the highly effective printing process when the first security level is lower than the second security level. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the printing process having a high effect of suppressing carry-out of the printed material is watermark printing or tint block printing. The storage medium is IC (Integrated Circuit) card image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4. A program for causing a computer to execute security management processing when performing printing processing in an image forming apparatus,
The computer includes area information storage means for storing information for specifying an area where the image forming apparatus is installed,
Reading from a storage medium a first security level associated with the user and including a security level for each area where the image forming apparatus is installed ;
Receiving a designation of a print job to be printed;
Reading a second security level set in the print job ;
Identifying a security level corresponding to an area where the image forming apparatus is installed for the first security level;
Determining the type of print processing for printing the print job by comparing the first security level specified in the step of specifying the security level with the second security level ;
A security management program for executing a printing process according to the determination. A program for causing a computer to execute security management processing when performing printing processing in an image forming apparatus,
The computer includes area information storage means for storing information for specifying an area where the image forming apparatus is installed,
Reading a first security level associated with the user from the storage medium;
Receiving a designation of a print job to be printed;
Including a security level for each area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, and reading a second security level set in the print job ;
Identifying a security level corresponding to an area where the image forming apparatus is installed for the second security level;
Determining the type of print processing for printing the print job by comparing the second security level specified in the step of specifying the security level with the first security level;
A security management program for executing a printing process according to the determination.

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