JP5402754B2 - Information browsing system and information browsing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information browsing system including an information browsing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and an information browsing method in the information browsing system.

  Printing apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as image forming apparatuses) such as printers and digital multi-function machines are widespread and widely used in companies and the like. When printing is performed with this image forming apparatus, when a print instruction is issued from a client computer device, the printed matter is immediately output. Therefore, when outputting a printed matter including confidential information, the output printed matter is left unattended and confidential. Information may be leaked.

  In order to deal with such a problem of information leakage, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a method of printing only after setting a password at the time of printing and inputting the password on the operation panel. Also, in Patent Document 2 below, when print data to which an identification signal is given is received from a terminal, printing is started immediately, and the printed material is temporarily stacked on an internal stack of printed material that cannot be seen from the outside. Later, a method of discharging to an external tray is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-353133 JP 2000-190600 A

  In the method of Patent Document 1, since printing is started after authentication is performed by the image forming apparatus, the user must wait in front of the image forming apparatus until the printing is completed, and time is wasted. In some cases, for example, when an important call is received during printing, printing must be stopped.

  In addition, although the method of Patent Document 2 can start printing immediately, it requires a mechanism for temporarily holding a printed material, which complicates the configuration of the image forming apparatus and allows the user to issue a print instruction. If the user immediately comes to the image forming apparatus later, the user must wait in front of the image forming apparatus until printing is finished, resulting in wasted time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to prevent information leakage and to reduce waiting time until output and information browsing. It is to provide a method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and one or more information browsing apparatuses including a display unit, and the image forming apparatus and the one or more information browsing apparatuses can communicate with each other. In the information browsing system to be connected, the image forming apparatus acquires data to which user authentication information and output setting information are added, and when printing based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, Waiting for the input of authentication information, printing is started, and if the display based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, the data is transferred to a predetermined information browsing device without waiting for the input of the authentication information The predetermined information browsing device stores the transferred data, waits for the input of the authentication information, and performs display based on the data on the display unit.

  In addition, the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and one or more information browsing apparatuses including a display unit, and the information browsing in which the image forming apparatus and the one or more information browsing apparatuses are communicably connected. In the system, the image forming apparatus acquires data to which user authentication information and output setting information are added. When printing based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, the authentication information is input. Waiting, printing is started, and when the display based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, the data is transferred to a predetermined information browsing device without waiting for the input of the authentication information, and the authentication information The predetermined information browsing device is allowed to display based on the data.

  The present invention also relates to a system that includes an image forming apparatus and one or more information browsing apparatuses including a display unit, and the image forming apparatus and the one or more information browsing apparatuses are communicably connected. An information browsing method, wherein the image forming apparatus acquires data to which user authentication information and output setting information are added, and the image forming apparatus acquires the output setting information from the data. When printing based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, printing is started after waiting for the input of the authentication information, and when display based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, The second step of transferring the data to a predetermined information browsing device without waiting for the input of the authentication information, and when the display based on the data is instructed, waits for the input of the authentication information. Te, on the display unit of the predetermined information browsing device is for performing a third step of performing display based on the data.

  According to the information browsing system and the information browsing method of the present invention, it is possible to prevent information leakage and reduce the waiting time until output.

  The reason is that the output to the paper medium and the output to the information browsing device can be selected, and when outputting to the paper medium, printing is performed after the authentication information is input, and the information is output to the information browsing device. This is because the data is transferred to the information browsing apparatus without waiting for the input of the authentication information, and the information browsing apparatus displays the data after waiting for the input of the authentication information.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the information browsing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which an information browsing apparatus and a holding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are installed in an image forming apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the other example which installed the information browsing apparatus and holding | maintenance apparatus which concern on one Example of this invention in the image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information browsing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the computer apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement (data output operation | movement) of the information browsing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement (data deletion operation | movement with an information browsing apparatus) of the information browsing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a data transfer in case a some information browsing apparatus is inserted in the holding | maintenance apparatus, and the display example of user ID. It is a figure which shows an example of the authentication code input screen displayed on the information browsing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the difference between the case where secure data is output to a paper medium, and the case where it outputs to an information browsing apparatus.

  As shown in the background art, in a secure print using a conventional paper medium, printing is started after authentication by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user must wait in front of the image forming apparatus until the printing is completed. . Further, the method of temporarily stacking the printed materials complicates the configuration of the image forming apparatus, and if printing takes time, it is necessary to wait in front of the image forming apparatus until the printing is completed.

  On the other hand, in recent years, portable information browsing devices such as electronic paper have become widespread, and this information browsing device can be used in place of a paper medium. Since it is not known, control different from the case of outputting to a paper medium is possible.

  Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, in a system including an image forming apparatus and an information browsing apparatus, it is possible to select whether to output browsing data as a paper medium or an information browsing apparatus. In the case of outputting, printing is started after the input of authentication information, and in the case of outputting to the information browsing apparatus, data is transferred without waiting for the input of authentication information. And when browsing data with an information browsing apparatus, it asks for input of authentication information.

  As described above, by printing on the paper medium after the authentication information is input, it is possible to prevent a problem such as leaving the printed matter and leaking the confidential information, and without waiting for the input of the authentication information. By transferring the data to the information browsing device, the waiting time until the output is reduced, and by requesting the input of authentication information before displaying the data, leakage of confidential information can be prevented.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, an information browsing system and an information browsing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the information browsing system according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views illustrating an example in which the information browsing device and the holding device are installed in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 to FIG. 7 are block diagrams showing configurations of an information browsing device, a holding device, an image forming device, and a computer device, respectively. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the information browsing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the data transfer and user ID when a plurality of information browsing devices are inserted in the holding device. It is a figure which shows the example of a display. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the authentication code input screen, and FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a difference between when secure data is output to a paper medium and when output to an information browsing apparatus. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information browsing system 10 of this embodiment includes a client computer device 50 that transmits data to be browsed, and an image forming device 40 that processes (prints or transfers) data received from the computer device 50. The image forming apparatus 40 includes a holding device 30 and an information browsing device 20 that is held in the holding device 30 so as to be insertable / removable.

  2 and 3 are examples in which a holding device 30 that holds the information browsing device 20 is attached to the image forming apparatus 40. The holding device 30 is attached to a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 40, and the holding device 30 is attached to the holding device 30. The information browsing device 20 is inserted. Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail.

[Information browsing device]
The information browsing apparatus 20 is an apparatus provided with a display device such as an electronic paper, an electronic book, or a thin computer apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a memory 22, a display unit (electronic paper) ) 23, a display controller 24, an operation unit (touch panel) 25, a communication unit 26, a battery 27, a mounting detection unit 28, a data processing unit 29, and the like.

  The CPU 21 executes various programs read from the memory 22 and controls the operation of each unit. The memory 22 is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, transferred from the holding device 30 and various programs operating on the CPU 21 and setting information for controlling the operation of the information browsing device 20. Data, authentication information that can identify a user (referred to as an authentication code), and the like are stored. The CPU 21 and the memory 22 constitute a control unit.

  The display unit 23 is an electronic paper (EPD), liquid crystal display (LCD), or organic EL (electroluminescence) display that displays particles by moving fine particles floating in a transparent liquid by an electric field load. It consists of a device or the like, and displays data transferred from the holding device 30 or an authentication code input screen, which will be described later, in accordance with an instruction from the display controller 24.

  The operation unit 25 is a button, a switch, a pressure-sensitive touch panel in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern on the display unit 23, or the like. In the touch panel, the XY coordinates of the power point pressed with a finger or a touch pen are detected by a voltage value, and the detected position signal is output to the CPU 21 as an operation signal.

  The communication unit 26 is an interface for connecting to the holding device 30 and establishes communication with the holding device 30 using wired communication, wireless communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

  The battery 27 is charged by the power supplied from the information browsing device charging unit 34 of the holding device 30 and supplies power for driving each unit of the information browsing device 20.

  The attachment detection unit 28 detects the insertion / extraction of the information browsing device 20 from the holding device 30. The detection method is not particularly limited. For example, the attachment is detected based on whether or not the battery 27 and the information browsing device charging unit 34 of the holding device 30 are connected, or the electrode provided on the information browsing device 20 and the holding device 30. It is detected whether the electrode is electrically connected to the electrode, or an electrical contact that is turned on / off by its own weight is provided at the bottom of the information browsing device 20, and the electrical contact is detected by turning on / off the electrical contact. You can do it.

  The data processing unit 29 converts data acquired from the image forming apparatus 40 via the holding device 30 into data suitable for display, as necessary.

  In FIG. 4, the display controller 24, the attachment detection unit 28, and the data processing unit 29 are configured as hardware, but these may be configured as programs executed by the control unit (CPU 21).

[Holding device]
The holding device 30 has a mechanism for holding the information browsing device 20, a function of performing data communication with the information browsing device 20 and the image forming device 40, and a function of charging the battery 27 of the information browsing device 20 as necessary. The image forming apparatus 40 is fixed to a main body and accessories (for example, a paper feeding unit and a post-processing unit separated from the main body).

  The holding device 30 has a structure in which the information browsing device 20 can be inserted and removed. For example, the holding device 30 that holds one information browsing device 20 is formed of a frame member as shown in FIG. 2, and the information browsing device 20 is mounted on the frame member with the information browsing device 20 mounted thereon. An opening is provided to make part or all of the display unit 23 visible from a direction (a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit 23) facing the display unit 23. The shape of the holding device 30 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. For example, the holding device 30 may have a structure that holds only the lower part of the information browsing device 20 or may have a rectangular parallelepiped structure. Moreover, an opening part can be changed according to the shape of the display part 23 of the information browsing apparatus 20, and a transparent protective material (glass, plastic etc.) for protecting the display part 23 of the information browsing apparatus 20 in an opening part. It may be fitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the holding device 30 that holds the plurality of information browsing devices 20 includes a plurality of slots in a rectangular parallelepiped structure, and each slot has the information browsing device 20 mounted thereon. A part or all of the display unit 23 of the information browsing apparatus 20 is set to a depth that can be viewed from the direction facing the display unit 23. The shape of the holding device 30 is not limited to that in FIG. 3, and a structure in which a plurality of frame members similar to those in FIG. 2 are stacked may be used, or a plurality of information browsing devices 20 may be held in steps or obliquely. In FIG. 3, the plurality of information browsing devices 20 have the same shape, but the shape of the information browsing device 20 may be different, and the shape of the slot can be changed so that the information browsing devices 20 having different shapes can be held. You may do it.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the holding device 30 includes a CPU 31, a memory 32, an information browsing device communication unit 33, an information browsing device charging unit 34, an information browsing device detection unit 35, a viewable display area setting unit 36, An image forming apparatus communication unit 37, a power source 38, and the like are provided.

  The CPU 31 executes various programs read from the memory 32 and controls the operation of each unit. The memory 32 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, or the like, and stores various programs that operate on the CPU 31, setting information for controlling the operation of the holding device 30, data to be displayed on the information browsing device 20, and the like. The CPU 31 and the memory 32 constitute a control unit.

  The information browsing device communication unit 33 is an interface for connecting to one or a plurality of information browsing devices 20. Each information browsing device uses wired communication, wireless communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. Communication with the device 20 is established.

  The information browsing device charging unit 34 supplies the power of the power source 39 to the battery 27 of the one or more information browsing devices 20 to charge the battery 27.

  The information browsing device detection unit 35 detects the mounting of the information browsing device 20 and, when a plurality of information browsing devices 20 are mounted, the information browsing device 20 that is visible from the direction facing the user, for example, the forefront. The information browsing device 20 attached to the is identified. The method for detecting the mounting and position of the information browsing device 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the mounting or position is detected based on whether or not the information browsing device charging unit 35 and the battery 27 of the information browsing device 20 are connected. The mounting or position is detected based on whether or not the electrode provided in each slot of the holding device 30 and the electrode provided in the information browsing device 20 are electrically connected, or the information browsing device is provided at the bottom of each slot of the holding device 30. An electrical contact that is turned ON / OFF by its own weight can be provided, and the mounting and position can be detected by ON / OFF of the electrical contact.

  The viewable display area setting unit 36 sets an area of the display unit 23 of the information browsing device 20 exposed from the holding device 30 based on the structure of the holding device 30 and the information browsing device 20. For example, in the case of the structure of FIG. 2, an area that is not blocked by the frame member of the holding device 30 is set, and in the case of the structure of FIG. 3, an area that is not hidden in the slot of the holding device 30 is set. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the case where a plurality of information browsing devices 20 are held in stages, an area that is visible through the information browsing device in the foreground is set.

  The image forming apparatus communication unit 37 is an interface for connecting to the image forming apparatus 40, and communicates with the image forming apparatus 40 using wired communication, wireless communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. Establish.

  The power source 38 supplies power for driving each part of the holding device 30.

  In FIG. 5, the information browsing device detection unit 35 and the visible display area setting unit 36 are configured as hardware, but may be configured as programs executed by the control unit (CPU 31).

[Image forming apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 40 includes a CPU 41, a memory 42, a holding device communication unit 43, a data processing unit 44, a display controller 45, a display / operation unit 46, an external device communication unit 47, and an image reading unit. 48, an image forming unit 49, and the like.

  The CPU 41 executes various programs read from the memory 42 and controls the operation of each unit. The memory 42 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores various programs that operate on the CPU 41, setting information for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 40, authentication information (authentication code) that can identify the user, and the like. The CPU 41 and the memory 42 constitute a control unit.

  The holding device communication unit 43 is an interface for connecting to the holding device 30, and establishes communication with the holding device 30 using wired communication, wireless communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

  The data processing unit 44 analyzes the data received from the computer device 50 and extracts setting information such as output conditions and rasterizes the data to create printable bitmap data. Image processing such as conversion and density adjustment is performed. Moreover, the data received from the computer apparatus 50 is converted into data suitable for display on the information browsing apparatus 20 as necessary.

  The display / operation unit 46 is a pressure-sensitive touch panel in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern on a screen of a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or the like, and displays various screens according to instructions from the display controller 45. The XY coordinates of the force point pressed with a touch pen or the like are detected by a voltage value, and the detected position signal is output to the CPU 41 as an operation signal.

  The external device communication unit 47 is an interface for connecting to the computer device 50, and is configured by a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, or the like, and communicates with the computer device 50 using wired communication, wireless communication, or the like. Establish.

  The image reading unit 48 is a part that optically reads image data from a document sheet on a document table, and a light source that scans the document and a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image that converts light reflected by the document into an electrical signal. The sensor and an A / D converter for A / D converting an electric signal are used.

  The image forming unit 49 includes elements necessary for image formation using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method, that is, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a transfer roller, a transfer belt, and a fixing device. It consists of devices. Specifically, the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light according to the bitmap data from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, and charged with the developing device is attached and developed, The toner image is transferred to a paper medium via a primary transfer roller and a secondary transfer belt and fixed by a fixing device.

  The image forming apparatus 40 only needs to have at least a function of performing data communication with the holding device 30 and the computer device 50 and a space in which the holding device 30 can be installed, and the image reading unit 48 and the like can be omitted. Yes, a post-processing unit, a FAX communication unit, and the like may be included.

[Computer device]
As shown in FIG. 7, the computer device 50 includes a CPU 51, a memory 52, a communication unit 53, a display controller 54, a display unit 55, an operation unit 56, and the like.

  The CPU 51 executes various programs read from the memory 52 and controls the operation of each unit. The memory 52 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores various programs that operate on the CPU 51, setting information for controlling the operation of the computer device 50, and the like. The CPU 51 and the memory 52 constitute a control unit. The control unit includes data described in a page description language (PDL) such as PS (Post Script) or PCL (Printer Control Language), PDF ( It also functions as a printer driver that creates (Portable Document Format) data and transmits the data to the image forming apparatus 30.

  The communication unit 53 is an interface for connecting to the image forming apparatus 40 and is configured by a NIC, a modem, or the like, and establishes communication with the image forming apparatus 40 using wired communication, wireless communication, or the like.

  The display unit 55 includes a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, and the like. In accordance with an instruction from the display controller 54, an application screen for creating browsing data, a printer driver setting for setting output conditions, an authentication code, and the like. Display the screen.

  The operation unit 56 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and enables various operations such as data creation, output condition setting, and authentication code setting.

  1 to 7 show an example of the information browsing system 10 according to the present embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as data to be browsed can be selected to be output as a paper medium or output to the information browsing apparatus 20. For example, when outputting data read by the image reading unit 48 of the image forming apparatus 40, the computer device 50 can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the information browsing system 10 configured as described above will be described.

  First, a procedure for outputting secure data to the information browsing apparatus 20 or the image forming apparatus 40 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  The user operates the computer device 50 to create data to be browsed or select data stored in advance in the memory 52 (S101). Then, when printing is instructed from the application screen, the printer driver is activated and a setting screen is displayed. On this setting screen, output conditions such as whether to output data as a paper medium or output to the information browsing apparatus 20 are set, and an authentication code is set (S102). When the output start is instructed on the setting screen, the printer driver prints data (data described in PDL, PDF data, etc.) in which the setting information, authentication code, and user identification information (user ID, user name, etc.) are described in the header ) And the data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 40 (S103).

  In this example, data that can be shared for printing and display is transmitted. However, printing data (for example, data created by an application converted to PDL) and display data (data created by an application) are used. These two types of data may be transmitted.

  When receiving the data, the control unit of the image forming apparatus 40 analyzes the data and acquires setting information from the header or the like, and determines whether the output is a paper medium or an output to the information browsing apparatus 20 (S104).

  In the case of output to the information browsing apparatus 20 (YES in S104), the control unit of the image forming apparatus 40 transfers data to the holding apparatus 30 (S105). At this time, when user authentication is performed by the information browsing apparatus 20, an authentication code is added to the data and transferred. When displaying user identification information on the display unit 23 of the information browsing apparatus 20, a user ID or Add the user name and transfer. Then, the control unit of the holding device 30 transfers the received data to the predetermined information browsing device 20 (S106).

  Note that the image forming apparatus 40 may transfer the data received from the computer apparatus 50 to the holding apparatus 30 as it is, or may transfer the data after converting it into data suitable for display by the data processing unit 44.

  The control unit of the information browsing apparatus 20 that has received the data displays the user identification information (herein referred to as a user ID) on the display unit 23 as necessary (S107).

  Here, the information browsing device 20 of the data transfer destination is not particularly limited. For example, when a plurality of information browsing devices 20 are inserted into the holding device 30 as shown in FIG. Since the display unit 23 can be seen only by the foremost information browsing apparatus 20 when viewed from the direction, it is preferable to transfer data to the foreground information browsing apparatus 20.

  Further, when the holding device 30 in which the slot depth gradually changes is used, as shown in FIG. 10B, the plurality of information browsing devices 20 are in a different level, and the display of the information browsing device 20 other than the forefront is displayed. Since part of the unit 23 is also visible, the viewable display area setting unit 36 of the holding device 30 sets a viewable display area, and the control unit of the information display device 20 sets the user in the set viewable display area. The ID can be displayed.

  In addition, when data is transferred to the information browsing apparatus 20 other than the forefront in the form of FIG. 10A, the user ID cannot be displayed on the display unit 23 of the information browsing apparatus 20. In such a case, for example, information that associates the slot with the user ID may be displayed on the display / operation unit 46 of the image forming apparatus 40. Further, the information browsing device 20 is provided with a display unit in the holding device 30 and displays information for associating the slot with the user ID on the display unit or arranges a lamp or the like at a position corresponding to each slot to transfer data. The lamp corresponding to can be turned on.

  When the user takes out the information browsing device 20 on which his / her user ID is displayed from the holding device 30 (S108), the control unit of the information browsing device 20 displays the information on the display unit 23, for example, as shown in FIG. An authentication code input screen is displayed (S109). A software keyboard or the like is displayed on the authentication code input screen, and the user touches a predetermined character or number to input the authentication code (S110).

  Next, the control unit of the information browsing device 20 compares the input authentication code with the authentication code stored in advance in the memory 22 (S111), and if the authentication code matches, the display unit of the information browsing device 20 The data is displayed at 23 (S112). On the other hand, if the authentication codes do not match, an authentication code error is displayed on the display unit 23 of the information browsing apparatus 20 (S113), and the process ends.

  In the above flow, the authentication code input screen is displayed on the extracted information browsing apparatus 20 for authentication. However, the authentication code input screen is displayed on the display / operation unit 46 of the image forming apparatus 40, and the image forming apparatus 40 is displayed. It is good also as a structure which authenticates by the control part of this, notifies the authentication result to the information browsing apparatus 20, and permits the display of data.

  When outputting to a paper medium (NO in S104), the conventional secure print is performed, and the user operates the display / operation unit 46 of the image forming apparatus 40 to select his designated job, An authentication code is input (S114).

  Next, the control unit of the image forming apparatus 40 compares the input authentication code with an authentication code stored in advance in the memory 42 or the like (S115). If the authentication codes match, the designated job is printed. (S116). On the other hand, if the authentication codes do not match, an authentication code error is displayed on the display / operation unit 46 of the image forming apparatus 40 (S117), and the process ends.

  The above flow is schematically shown in FIG. 12, and when outputting to a paper medium, the user creates / selects data to be viewed on the computer device 50, sets an authentication code, and issues an output instruction. Thereafter, when the user moves to the image forming apparatus 40 and inputs an authentication code on the panel, the image forming apparatus 40 performs authentication based on the authentication code, and executes printing when the user is authenticated. That is, since printing is not executed unless the user inputs an authentication code at the image forming apparatus 40, the user must wait until printing is completed in front of the image forming apparatus 40.

  On the other hand, when outputting to the information browsing device 20, when the user creates / selects data to be browsed by the computer device 50, inputs an authentication code and issues an output instruction, the image forming device 40 holds the received data. Since the information is transferred to the information browsing apparatus 20 via 30, the user can move to the image forming apparatus 40 and immediately take out the information browsing apparatus 20. That is, since the data is transferred to the information browsing apparatus 20 even if the user does not input an authentication code, the user is not kept waiting in front of the image forming apparatus 40.

  Next, an operation when deleting data in the information browsing apparatus 20 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  First, the control unit of the information browsing apparatus 20 confirms the input of the authentication code (S201). If the authentication code has not been input, the timeout counter is decremented (S202). Thereafter, if the counter is greater than 0 (YES in S203), the process returns to S201. On the other hand, when the counter is 0 or less (NO in S203), the data written in the information browsing device 20 is deleted (S204).

  When the authentication code is input, the control unit of the information browsing apparatus 20 determines whether the authentication code is correct (S205). If an incorrect authentication code is input, an authentication error is displayed on the display unit 23 (S206), then the data written in the information browsing device 20 is deleted (S204), and if the correct authentication code is input The process is terminated without deleting the data.

  In this way, after displaying the authentication code input screen, the written data is deleted if the authentication code is not input within a predetermined time, or the written data is deleted if the correct authentication code is not input. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a decrease in security due to the transfer of data to the information browsing device 20 without waiting for the input of the authentication code.

  In the above flow, the control after the information browsing device 20 is taken out from the holding device 30 is described. However, it is also possible to delete data in a state where the information browsing device 20 is inserted into the holding device 30. In this case, the control unit of the image forming apparatus 40 confirms the input of the authentication code and the counter value, and instructs the information browsing apparatus 20 to delete the data when a timeout occurs or when an incorrect authentication code is input. And it is sufficient.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, The structure and control can be changed suitably, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the information browsing device 20 is held by the holding device 30, but the information browsing device 20 is directly connected to the image forming device 40 (that is, not via the holding device 30). May be.

  The present invention is applicable to a system including an information browsing apparatus such as electronic paper and an image forming apparatus.

10 Information Browsing System 20 Information Browsing Device 21 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Memory 23 Display part 24 Display controller 25 Operation part 26 Communication part 27 Battery 28 Mounting | wearing detection part 29 Data processing part 30 Holding | maintenance apparatus 31 CPU
32 memory 33 communication unit for information browsing device 34 information browsing device charging unit 35 information browsing device detection unit 36 viewable display area setting unit 37 communication unit for image forming device 38 power supply 40 image forming device 41 CPU
42 Memory 43 Holding Device Communication Unit 44 Data Processing Unit 45 Display Controller 46 Display Unit 47 External Device Communication Unit 48 Image Reading Unit 49 Image Forming Unit 50 Computer Device 51 CPU
52 Memory 53 Communication Unit 54 Display Controller 55 Display Unit 56 Operation Unit

Claims (7)

An information browsing system including an image forming device and one or more information browsing devices including a display unit, wherein the image forming device and the one or more information browsing devices are connected to be communicable with each other.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Get data with user authentication information and output setting information added,
When printing based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, waiting for input of the authentication information, printing is started,
When the display based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, without waiting for the input of the authentication information, the data is transferred to a predetermined information browsing device,
The predetermined information browsing apparatus is:
An information browsing system that stores the transferred data, waits for input of the authentication information, and performs display based on the data on the display unit.   The information browsing device deletes the stored data when the authentication information is not input within a predetermined period, or when information different from the authentication information added to the data is input, The information browsing system according to claim 1. An information browsing system including an image forming device and one or more information browsing devices including a display unit, wherein the image forming device and the one or more information browsing devices are connected to be communicable with each other.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Get data with user authentication information and output setting information added,
When printing based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, waiting for input of the authentication information, printing is started,
When the display based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, the data is transferred to a predetermined information browsing device without waiting for the input of the authentication information, and the input of the authentication information is waited for. An information browsing system, wherein display based on the data is permitted to the information browsing apparatus.   When the authentication information is not input within a predetermined period, or when information different from the authentication information added to the data is input, the image forming apparatus transfers the information to the information browsing apparatus. The information browsing system according to claim 3, wherein deletion of the data is instructed.   5. The information browsing system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more information browsing apparatuses are detachably held in a holding device capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus. An information browsing method in a system including an image forming apparatus and one or more information browsing apparatuses including a display unit, wherein the image forming apparatus and the one or more information browsing apparatuses are communicably connected. ,
A first step in which the image forming apparatus acquires data to which user authentication information and output setting information are added;
The image forming apparatus acquires the output setting information from the data, and when printing based on the data is instructed by the output setting information, waits for input of the authentication information, starts printing, and outputs the output A second step of transferring the data to a predetermined information browsing device without waiting for the input of the authentication information when a display based on the data is instructed by setting information;
When the display based on the data is instructed, the third step of performing the display based on the data on the display unit of the predetermined information browsing device after waiting for the input of the authentication information is performed. Characteristic information browsing method.   In the third step, when the authentication information is not input within a predetermined period, or when information different from the authentication information added to the data is input, the information is transferred to the predetermined information browsing apparatus. The information browsing method according to claim 6, wherein the data is deleted.

Images