JP5741241B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and a program.

  An HTTP server function processing unit is provided on the print server, and the user name, IP address, and DNS name of the confidential box are registered via the WEB page using the HTTP protocol. When the confidential printing is performed, the confidential box name and passcode are registered from the WEB page. To create a lock file in the Mailbox, display on the print server operation / display section that there is data to be printed confidential and the Mailbox name, and enter the passcode to delete the lock file. A technique for performing confidential printing is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-102396 A

  An object of the present invention is to store a document image obtained from a service in a storage area for each requester who has requested the service for generating the print command information to generate the print command information.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the requester generates the print instruction information for instructing the printing of the document, the identification information is used for generating the print instruction information in association with the identification information of the requester. A receiving unit that receives the identification information from a print requesting device that has transmitted and requested generation of the printing instruction information, and the printing instruction information is generated by the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving unit. When the print instruction information is generated by the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving unit and the specifying unit for specifying the storage area associated with the identification information, the service from the service Storage means for storing a document image obtained by imaging the document based on the print instruction information in the storage area specified by the specifying means; and the storage means An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a processing means for performing processing using the document image stored in more said storage area.
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the specifying unit specifies the storage area by newly generating the storage area in association with the identification information. Device.
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the processing means prints the document image stored in the storage means in response to the input of the identification information. This is an image processing apparatus.
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the specifying means specifies the storage area by selecting the storage area associated with the identification information from a plurality of already existing storage areas. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The invention according to claim 5 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processing means performs the processing registered in advance in the selected storage area.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means is configured to select a first storage setting for newly generating the storage area and the storage area from among a plurality of storage areas that already exist. When the generation setting information indicating any one of the second generation settings is further received, and the generation setting information indicates the first generation setting, the specifying unit stores the generation setting information in a plurality of storage areas that already exist. Even if there is a specific storage area associated with the identification information, the storage area is identified by newly generating the storage area in association with the identification information, and the generation setting information is the second generation When indicating a setting, if there is a specific storage area associated with the identification information in a plurality of storage areas that already exist, the storage area is selected by selecting the specific storage area as the storage area. Identify It is an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in.
The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the storage means does not store the document image in the storage area when there is a problem in storage in the storage area specified by the specifying means. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means delete setting information indicating either a first deletion setting for deleting the storage area or a second deletion setting for leaving the storage area. And the specifying unit deletes the storage area after processing using the document image is performed by the processing unit when the deletion setting information indicates the first deletion setting. The storage area is not deleted after the processing using the document image is performed by the processing unit when the deletion setting information indicates the second deletion setting. The image processing device according to any one of 7.
The invention according to claim 9 comprises a print requesting device that requests printing of a document and an image processing device that processes a document image obtained by imaging the document, and the print requesting device instructs printing of the document The request for requesting generation of the print instruction information by transmitting the identification information to a service for generating the print instruction information in association with the identification information of the requester when generation of the print instruction information is requested by the requester. Detection means for detecting an operation of the user, and transmission means for transmitting the identification information to the image processing apparatus in response to detection of the operation by the detection means. A receiving unit that receives the identification information; and a description associated with the identification information when the print instruction information is generated by the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving unit. When the print instruction information is generated by the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving unit and the specifying unit for specifying the area, the document is acquired based on the print instruction information and acquired from the service Storage means for storing a document image obtained by imaging the image in the storage area specified by the specifying means, and processing means for performing processing using the document image stored in the storage area by the storage means. An image processing system characterized by that.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when a requester requests generation of print instruction information for instructing a computer to print a document, the print instruction information is generated in association with the identification information of the requester. A function for receiving the identification information from the print requesting apparatus that has transmitted the identification information and requested to generate the print instruction information, and the print instruction information is generated by the service in association with the received identification information. In addition, when the print instruction information is generated by the service in association with the received identification information and the function for specifying the storage area associated with the identification information, the print instruction information is obtained from the service. A function of storing a document image obtained by imaging the document based on the storage area in the specified storage area, and a function of performing processing using the document image stored in the storage area; Is a program for implementing.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the document image obtained from the service can be stored in the storage area for each requester who has requested the service for generating the print instruction information to generate the print instruction information.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce time and effort for generating a storage area for each requester in advance, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided.
According to the invention of claim 3, the confidentiality of the document image obtained from the service can be improved as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to divert the existing storage area to the storage area for each requester as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the invention of claim 5, the process using the document image stored in the storage area for each requester can be changed for each storage area.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select whether to reduce the effort for generating the storage area for each requester in advance or to easily use the existing storage area as the storage area for each requester. can do.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the processing using the document image stored in the storage area for each requester is defective in the storage in the storage area, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided. Can be suppressed.
According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to suppress the depletion of the storage capacity due to the creation of the storage area for each requester as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the document image obtained from the service can be stored in the storage area for each requester who has requested the service for generating the print instruction information to generate the print instruction information.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the document image obtained from the service can be stored in the storage area for each requester who has requested the service for generating the print instruction information to generate the print instruction information.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cloud print system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is the figure which showed the hardware structural example of the terminal device in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st example of schematic operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd example of schematic operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the function structural example of the terminal device in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation example of the terminal device in embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a cloud print system to which the present embodiment is applied.
As shown in the figure, this cloud print system is configured by connecting a terminal device 10 and image forming apparatuses 30a, 30b, and 30c to a network 90. The network 90 is connected to the network 70 via a gateway server (not shown), for example, and the cloud print server 50 is connected to the network 70.
Although the image forming apparatuses 30a, 30b, and 30c are shown in the drawing, they are referred to as the image forming apparatus 30 when it is not necessary to distinguish them. Although only three image forming apparatuses 30 are shown in the figure, four or more image forming apparatuses 30 may be provided.

  The terminal device 10 requests the cloud print server 50 to print the document, and notifies the image forming device 30 that wants to print the document on a recording medium such as paper among the image forming devices 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c and output it. Computer device. Here, as the terminal device 10, a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal, a mobile phone, or the like may be used. In the present embodiment, a terminal device 10 is provided as an example of a print request device.

  The image forming apparatus 30 is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium and outputs the image as a printing medium. Here, as the image forming apparatus 30, an apparatus having only a printer function may be used, or an apparatus having other image processing functions such as a scanner function and a facsimile function may be used in addition to this. In the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus 30 is provided as an example of an image processing apparatus.

  The cloud print server 50 uses various devices as the terminal device 10 and can print a document on the image forming apparatus 30 installed at home, office, public place, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “cloud print service”). Is a server computer. Specifically, when generation of print instruction information for instructing printing of a document in the image forming apparatus 30 is requested from the terminal apparatus 10, the print instruction information is generated and held and printed from the image forming apparatus 30. When there is an inquiry about the presence of the instruction information, a document image in a format that can be processed in common by all the image forming apparatuses 30 is generated and provided to the image forming apparatus 30. In this embodiment, a cloud print service is used as an example of a service for generating print instruction information.

The network 70 is a communication unit used for information communication between the terminal device 10 and the cloud print server 50 and information communication between the image forming apparatus 30 and the cloud print server 50, and is, for example, the Internet.
The network 90 is a communication unit used for information communication between the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 and is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal device 10.
As shown in the figure, the terminal device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 which is a calculation means, a main memory 12 and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13 which are storage means. Here, the CPU 11 executes various types of software such as an OS (Operating System) and applications, and realizes functions described below. The main memory 12 is a storage area for storing various software and data used for execution thereof, and the HDD 13 is a storage area for storing input data for various software, output data from various software, and the like.
Further, the terminal device 10 includes a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 14 for performing communication with the outside, a display mechanism 15 including a video memory and a display, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. And an input device 16.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 30.
As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a CPU 31, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 33, an HDD 34, an operation panel 35, an image reading unit 36, and an image forming unit 37. And a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 38.

The CPU 31 implements various functions to be described later by loading various programs stored in the ROM 33 and the like into the RAM 32 and executing them.
The RAM 32 is a memory used as a working memory for the CPU 31.
The ROM 33 is a memory that stores various programs executed by the CPU 31.
The HDD 34 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores image data read by the image reading unit 36, image data used for image formation in the image forming unit 37, and the like.
The operation panel 35 is, for example, a touch panel that displays various types of information and receives operation inputs from the user.

  The image reading unit 36 reads an image recorded on a recording medium such as paper. Here, the image reading unit 36 is, for example, a scanner, and a CCD method in which reflected light with respect to light irradiated from a light source to a document is reduced by a lens and received by a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), or an LED light source is sequentially irradiated onto a document. It is preferable to use a CIS system that receives reflected light with respect to the received light with a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

The image forming unit 37 forms an image on a recording medium. Here, the image forming unit 37 is, for example, a printer, and forms an image by transferring the toner attached to the photosensitive member to a recording medium to form an image, or ejecting ink onto the recording medium. An ink jet type may be used.
The communication I / F 38 transmits / receives various information to / from other devices via the network.

By the way, generally, when printing of a document is instructed from the terminal device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30, the document is not printed but stored in a storage area called “confidential box”, and a password is entered from the operation panel 35. Etc., a “confidential print function” (sometimes called a “security print function” or “confidential print function”) is provided.
However, when the print data is generated on the cloud print server 50 side as in the cloud print system of FIG. 1, the document is stored in the image forming apparatus 30 without being stored in a storage area such as “confidential box”. It is printed out. As a result, even information that you do not want to see can be seen by others.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when print data is generated on the cloud print server 50 side, the print data is stored in a confidential box associated with account information used in the cloud print service.

First, the schematic operation of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of the schematic operation of the present embodiment. This first example is an example in which a confidential box is opened when it is necessary to store a document, and the confidential box is deleted when the use of the document ends.
First, the user logs in to the cloud print service, selects a desired image forming apparatus 30 to be used for printing from the list of image forming apparatuses 30, and requests printing of a document (1A).
When the user requests document printing, the terminal device 10 notifies the image forming apparatus 30 of account information (account and password) for logging in to the cloud print service, and the image forming apparatus 30 stores the account information. (1B).
Next, the image forming apparatus 30 inquires of the cloud print server 50 about the presence of the print instruction information. If the print instruction information exists, the image forming apparatus 30 collates the account information of the print instruction information with the account information stored in 1B to find a match. If so, a confidential box is opened in association with the account information (1C). At this time, the cloud print server 50 converts the image based on the print instruction information into the PDF format if the print instruction information instructs to print a document other than the PDF (Portable Document Format) format.
Then, the image forming apparatus 30 pulls up the document converted into the PDF format and stores the document in the confidential box opened in 1C (1D).
When a document is stored in the confidential box, an e-mail indicating that the document is stored is notified to the user (1E).
Thus, the user moves to the image forming apparatus 30 and prints the document by inputting account information (1F).
When the document is printed, the image forming apparatus 30 deletes the confidential box (1G).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the schematic operation of the present embodiment. This second example is an example in which an existing confidential box is used instead of opening a confidential box when a document needs to be stored.
First, the user opens a confidential box in association with account information for logging in to the cloud print service (2A).
In addition, the user registers in advance an instruction sheet that describes processing to be executed when a document is stored in the confidential box for the opened confidential box (2B). As the instruction, for example, a document describing any process such as a process of facsimile transmission or iFAX transmission of a document stored in a confidential box may be registered. In this example, a document stored in a confidential box is stored as a document. Instructions describing the process of transferring by e-mail are registered.
Thereafter, the user logs in to the cloud print service, selects the image forming apparatus 30 that he / she wants to use from the list of the image forming apparatus 30 and requests printing of the document (2C).
When the user requests document printing, the terminal device 10 notifies the image forming apparatus 30 of account information (account and password) for logging in to the cloud print service, and the image forming apparatus 30 stores the account information. (2D).
Next, the image forming apparatus 30 inquires of the cloud print server 50 about the presence of the print instruction information. If the print instruction information exists, the image forming apparatus 30 compares the account information of the print instruction information with the account information stored in 2D, and matches. If this is the case, a confidential box linked to this account information is searched, and if it already exists, no new confidential box is opened. At this time, if the print instruction information instructs printing of a document other than the PDF format, the cloud print server 50 converts the image based on the print instruction information into the PDF format. The image forming apparatus 30 pulls up the document converted into the PDF format and stores the document in the confidential box opened in 2A (2E).
When the document is stored in the confidential box, an e-mail indicating that the document is stored is notified to the user (2F).
Also, the process described in the instruction is executed on the stored document (2G). In this example, the stored document is transferred to the user by electronic mail.

  Next, the detailed configuration and operation of the present embodiment will be described. Here, a description will be given of an example in which a further device for improving the convenience of the cloud print system is added while including the example of FIG. 4 and the example of FIG. 5.

First, since the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 operate mainly in the cloud print system of the present embodiment, the configurations of the terminal apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the terminal device 10.
As illustrated, the terminal device 10 includes a print request detection unit 21 and a print notification transmission unit 22.

  When a user as an example of a requester logs in to the cloud print service and makes a print request for a document, the print request detection unit 21 detects the print request. At this time, the print request detection unit 21 uses account information (account and password) as an example of identification information used when logging in to the cloud print service, and an identifier of the image forming apparatus 30 selected when making a print request. To get. In the present embodiment, a print request detection unit 21 is provided as an example of a detection unit that detects the operation of the requester.

  When the print request detection unit 21 detects a print request, the print notification transmission unit 22 includes the account information acquired at this time and various setting information in the image forming apparatus 30 having the identifier acquired at this time. Print notification information for notifying that the print request is made is transmitted via the communication I / F 14. Here, the various setting information includes any of a new opening setting as an example of a first generation setting for newly opening a confidential box and an existing usage setting as an example of a second generation setting for using an existing confidential box. The opening setting information as an example of the generation setting information indicating the above, the deletion setting as an example of the first deletion setting for deleting the newly opened confidential box after use, and the newly opened confidential box are left after use. Deletion setting information as an example of deletion setting information indicating one of the non-deletion settings as an example of the second deletion setting, a reception refusal setting for not receiving a document when the document cannot be stored in the confidential box, and a confidential box There is reception setting information indicating one of forced print settings for forcibly receiving and printing a document when the document cannot be stored. In the present embodiment, a print notification transmission unit 22 is provided as an example of a transmission unit that transmits identification information of a requester.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 30.
As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a print notification receiving unit 41, a print notification storage unit 42, an inquiry unit 43, an account information matching unit 44, a confidential box management unit 45, a document acquisition unit 46, A document processing unit 47 and an e-mail transmission unit 48 are provided.

The print notification reception unit 41 receives the print notification information transmitted by the print notification transmission unit 22 of the terminal device 10 via the communication I / F 38. In the present embodiment, a print notification receiving unit 41 is provided as an example of a receiving unit that receives identification information.
The print notification storage unit 42 stores the print notification information received by the print notification reception unit 41.

The inquiry unit 43 inquires of the cloud print server 50 through the communication I / F 38 whether the print instruction information exists. Further, when a response to this inquiry is received via the communication I / F 38, it is determined whether or not print instruction information exists in the cloud print server 50 based on this response.
The account information collation unit 44 collates the account information included in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 with the account information included in the print instruction information obtained by the inquiry by the inquiry unit 43, and Determine whether the account information matches.

  The confidential box management unit 45 manages confidential boxes. Specifically, when the print notification information is stored in the print notification storage unit 42, it is determined whether the confidential box associated with the account information included in the print notification information can store the document, and the document is stored. If it is determined that it is not possible, the terminal device 10 is notified of this, and in accordance with a response from the terminal device 10, reception rejection setting for not receiving the document or reception indicating forced printing setting for forcibly receiving and printing the document is received. The setting information is included in the print notification information and stored in the print notification storage unit 42. Further, when the inquiry unit 43 inquires about the existence of the print instruction information and the account information collation unit 44 determines that the account information matches, the establishment setting information included in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 is obtained. If the opening setting information indicates a new opening setting for newly opening a confidential box, a new confidential box is opened, and if the opening setting information indicates an existing usage setting for using an existing confidential box. The confidential box linked to the account information is identified from the existing confidential boxes, and it is determined whether or not the confidential box can store the document. Further, when the document processing unit 47 processes a document stored in the confidential box, the deletion setting information included in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 is referred to, and the deletion setting information is processed in the document. If the deletion setting for deleting the confidential box later is indicated, the confidential box is deleted. In the present embodiment, a confidential box is used as an example of a storage area, and a confidential box management unit 45 is provided as an example of a specifying means for specifying the storage area.

  The document acquisition unit 46 acquires a document in PDF format (hereinafter referred to as “PDF document”) from the cloud print server 50 and stores the document in a newly opened confidential box or an existing confidential box. The acquired PDF document is stored in the confidential box. In the present embodiment, a PDF document is used as an example of a document image, and a document acquisition unit 46 is provided as an example of a storage unit that stores the document image in a storage area.

The document processing unit 47 determines whether or not an instruction is registered in the confidential box. If the instruction is registered, the document processing unit 47 processes the PDF document stored in the confidential box in accordance with the registered instruction. If the instruction document is not registered, the PDF document stored in the confidential box is processed according to the user's instruction from the operation panel 35. In the present embodiment, a document processing unit 47 is provided as an example of a processing unit that performs processing using a document image.
When the PDF document is stored in the confidential box, the e-mail transmission unit 48 transmits an e-mail to that effect to the terminal device 10.

Next, operations of the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the terminal device 10.
When the operation starts, in the terminal device 10, first, the print request detection unit 21 acquires user account information (account and password) in response to a user operation for logging in to the cloud print service (step 201). Here, the account information may be acquired from information input by the user to log in to the cloud print service, may be acquired from information preset by the user in a program for executing this process, or the HDD 13 The information may be acquired from information stored in advance by the user in the determined area.

  Further, the print request detection unit 21 acquires the identifier of the selected image forming apparatus 30 in response to a user operation for selecting the image forming apparatus 30 to which the document is to be printed by the cloud print service (step 202).

  Then, in response to a user operation requesting printing of a document in the cloud print service, control is transferred to the print notification transmission unit 22, and the print notification transmission unit 22 acquires the opening setting information and the erasure setting information (step 203). . Here, the setting information may be acquired from information input by the user when transmitting the print notification information, or may be acquired from information preset by the user in a program that executes this processing. The information may be acquired from information stored in advance in a predetermined area of the HDD 13 by the user.

  Thereafter, the print notification transmission unit 22 sends the print notification information including the account information acquired in step 201 and the opening setting information and the deletion setting information acquired in step 203 to the image forming apparatus 30 with the identifier acquired in step 202. It transmits to (step 204).

9 to 11 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 30.
Among these, FIG. 9 shows an operation example of the image forming apparatus 30 when the terminal apparatus 10 transmits print notification information to the image forming apparatus 30.
When the operation starts, in the image forming apparatus 30, first, the print notification receiving unit 41 receives print notification information including account information, establishment setting information, and erasure setting information (step 401), and the print notification storage unit 42 receives the print notification information. Store (step 402).

  Then, the confidential box management unit 45 determines whether there is a confidential box associated with the account information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 in step 402 (step 403). If it is determined that there is no confidential box linked to the account information, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a confidential box associated with the account information, the confidential box management unit 45 determines whether the confidential box can store a document (step 404).

As a result, if it is determined that the confidential box can store the document, the process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the confidential box cannot store the document, the confidential box management unit 45 notifies the terminal device 10 to that effect (step 405). Here, a typical example of a case where the confidential box cannot store a document is that the free space of the confidential box is small, but the document cannot be stored due to some trouble in the storage in the confidential box. Cases may also be included.

  In response to this notification, in the terminal device 10, the print notification transmission unit 22 responds, and in the image forming device 30, the confidential box management unit 45 is a response instructing not to receive the document or the document However, since it cannot be stored in the confidential box, it is determined whether the response is an instruction to forcibly print as it is (step 406). If it is determined that the response is an instruction not to receive the document, the confidential box management unit 45 associates it with the account information in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 in step 402. The reception setting information indicating the reception refusal setting for not receiving the document is stored (step 407). If it is determined that the response is an instruction to forcibly print, the confidential box management unit 45 associates the document with the account information in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 in step 402, Is received, and the reception setting information indicating the forced print setting for forcibly printing is stored (step 408).

FIG. 10 shows an operation example of the image forming apparatus 30 when the cloud print server 50 is inquired about the presence of print instruction information. This operation is executed at predetermined time intervals.
When the operation is started, in the image forming apparatus 30, first, the inquiry unit 43 receives print instruction information from any one of the terminal apparatuses 10 for instructing the cloud print server 50 to print a document in the image forming apparatus 30. Inquiry information for inquiring whether or not it has been generated in response to the request is transmitted (step 421).

  If there is a response from the cloud print server 50 to the inquiry information, the inquiry unit 43 indicates that the response content indicates that the print instruction information for the image forming apparatus 30 is generated by the cloud print server 50. It is determined whether or not (step 422).

If it is determined that the response content does not indicate that the print instruction information for the image forming apparatus 30 has been generated by the cloud print server 50, the process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the response content indicates that the print instruction information for the image forming apparatus 30 has been generated by the cloud print server 50, the account information collating unit 44 includes the account included in the print instruction information. The information is collated with the account information included in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 (step 423). Then, it is determined whether the account information included in any print instruction information matches the account information included in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 (step 424).

If it is determined that the account information does not match, the process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the account information matches, the confidential box management unit 45 refers to the opening setting information included in the printing notification information stored in the printing notification storage unit 42, and the opening setting information is newly set as the confidential information. It is determined whether a new opening setting for opening a box or an existing use setting for using an existing confidential box is indicated (step 425).

  As a result, if it is determined that the opening setting information indicates the new opening setting, the confidential box management unit 45 newly opens (generates) the confidential box (step 426). Then, the document acquisition unit 46 acquires (receives) a PDF document from the cloud print server 50 (step 427), and stores this PDF document in the confidential box (step 428). When the PDF document is stored in the confidential box in this way, the e-mail transmission unit 48 transmits an e-mail to that effect to the e-mail address of the user who has requested printing (step 429). The e-mail address may be included in the print notification information transmitted by the terminal device 10 in association with the account information so that the e-mail transmission unit 48 can grasp the e-mail address. The e-mail transmission unit 48 may be able to grasp the information by storing them in association with each other.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the opening setting information indicates the existing usage setting, the confidential box management unit 45 determines whether or not there is a confidential box linked to the account information used in step 423 (step 423). 430). If it is determined that the confidential box associated with the account information does not exist, the setting proceeds to use the existing confidential box, but there is no confidential box that can be used, and the process proceeds to step 426. If it is determined that a confidential box associated with the account information exists, the confidential box is specified as a confidential box to be used (step 431).

  However, even if there is a confidential box associated with the account information, a document may not be stored in the confidential box because of a small free space or the like. Therefore, the confidential box management unit 45 determines whether or not the confidential box specified in step 431 can store a document (step 432). If it is determined that the document can be stored, the PDF document may be acquired from the cloud print server 50, and the process advances to step 427. If it is determined that the document cannot be stored, the document processing unit 47 refers to the reception setting information included in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42, and the reception setting information does not receive the PDF document. It is determined whether it indicates a reception rejection setting or a forced printing setting for forcibly printing a PDF document received (step 433). If it is determined that the reception setting information indicates the reception refusal setting, the process ends. If it is determined that the reception setting information indicates the forced print setting, the document processing unit 47 determines that the cloud print server 50 The PDF document is acquired (received) from the image (step 434), and the image forming unit 37 is instructed to print the PDF document (step 435). As a result, the image forming unit 37 forms an image of the PDF document on the recording medium.

Further, FIG. 11 shows an operation example of the image forming apparatus 30 after the PDF document is stored in the confidential box.
When the operation starts, in the image forming apparatus 30, first, the document processing unit 47 determines whether or not an instruction sheet is registered in the confidential box (step 441).
As a result, if it is determined that the instruction sheet is registered in the confidential box, the document processing unit 47 executes the process described in the instruction sheet for the PDF document stored in the confidential box (step 442). ).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction sheet is not registered in the confidential box, the document processing unit 47 determines whether or not a user instruction is input from the operation panel 35 (step 443). If it is not determined that the user's instruction has been input, step 443 is repeated. If it is determined that the user's instruction has been input, the document processing unit 47 inputs the PDF document stored in the confidential box. Processing based on the received instruction is executed (step 444).

  Then, after executing the process described in the instruction document at step 442 or after executing the process based on the instruction input at step 444, the confidential box management unit 45, the PDF document stored in the confidential box, Then, the print notification information (account information and various setting information) corresponding to the PDF document stored in the print notification storage unit 42 is deleted (step 445).

  Thereafter, the confidential box management unit 45 refers to the establishment setting information included in the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42, and whether the establishment setting information indicates a new establishment setting for newly opening the confidential box. It is determined whether or not the existing use setting using the confidential box is indicated (step 446). If it is determined that the establishment setting information indicates the new establishment setting, the confidential box may be deleted after use. Therefore, the confidential box management unit 45 adds the print notification information stored in the print notification storage unit 42 to the print notification information. It is determined by referring to the included erasure setting information whether the erasure setting information indicates an erasure setting for erasing the confidential box or a non-erasure setting for leaving the confidential box (step 447). If it is determined that the deletion setting information indicates the deletion setting, the confidential box management unit 45 deletes the confidential box (step 448).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 446 that the opening setting information indicates the existing usage setting, and if it is determined in step 447 that the deletion setting information indicates the non-erasing setting, the process ends.

  Note that FIG. 11 does not consider the case where there is no processing instruction for the document stored in the confidential box. However, if there is no processing instruction for the document even after a predetermined period has elapsed, first, the cloud print is performed. The user who has requested printing of the document at the service is notified of this, and if there is no instruction for the document even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the document may be deleted. At this time, if the deletion setting information indicates the deletion setting, the confidential box may be deleted.

  In FIG. 11, the process executed in step 442 is the process described in the instruction sheet, and the process executed in step 444 is the process instructed by the user. It is not necessarily the process of preventing others from seeing. For example, if the process executed in step 442 is a process of printing a document stored in a confidential box, the contents of the document may be seen by others. Also, when the process executed in step 444 is a process of facsimile transmission of the document stored in the confidential box to the image forming apparatus in another place, there is a possibility that the contents of the document can be seen by others. Therefore, the storage area referred to as “confidential box” above may be simply regarded as a storage area provided for each user.

By the way, as already described, the detailed configuration and operation of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 include the example of FIG. 4 and the example of FIG. This is an addition of further ideas for doing this.
Therefore, changes in FIGS. 6 to 11 when the example of FIG. 4 and the example of FIG. 5 are realized will be described.
When the example of FIG. 4 is realized, the configuration shown in FIG. 8 is changed so that step 203 is not executed, and the setup setting information and the erasure setting information are changed so as not to be transmitted in step 204. As for FIG. 9, the setting is changed so that the opening setting information and the erasing setting information are not received in step 401, the opening setting information and the erasing setting information are changed not to be stored in step 402, and steps 403 to 408 are not executed. change. As for FIG. 10, Step 425 and Steps 430 to 435 are not executed, and if “Yes” in Step 424, Steps 426 to 429 are changed unconditionally. As for FIG. 11, steps 441 and 442 are not executed, and when the operation is started, steps 443 and 444 are unconditionally executed, and since various setting information does not originally exist in step 445, the deletion process is not performed. In this way, Steps 446 and 447 are not executed, and Step 448 is changed unconditionally after Step 445 is executed. And according to this, the function of each apparatus shown in FIG.6 and FIG.7 is also changed.

  In the case of realizing the example of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is changed not to execute step 203, and changed to not transmit the opening setting information and the erasure setting information in step 204. As for FIG. 9, the setting is changed so that the opening setting information and the erasing setting information are not received in step 401, the opening setting information and the erasing setting information are changed not to be stored in step 402, and steps 403 to 408 are not executed. change. In FIG. 10, step 425 is not executed, and if “Yes” in step 424, step 430 is changed unconditionally, steps 432 to 435 are not executed, and step 431 is not executed. Change the condition to execute step 427. In FIG. 11, steps 441, 443, 444 are not executed, and when the operation is started, step 442 is unconditionally executed, and since various setting information does not originally exist in step 445, the deletion process is not performed. So that steps 446 to 448 are not executed. And according to this, the function of each apparatus shown in FIG.6 and FIG.7 is also changed.

  The program for realizing the present embodiment can be provided not only by communication means but also by storing it in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Terminal device, 21 ... Print request detection part, 22 ... Print notification transmission part, 30 ... Image forming apparatus, 41 ... Print notification reception part, 42 ... Print notification memory | storage part, 43 ... Inquiry part, 44 ... Account information collation part 45 ... Mailbox management unit 46 ... Document acquisition unit 47 ... Document processing unit 48 ... E-mail transmission unit

Claims (10)

When generation of print instruction information for instructing printing of a document is requested by a requester, the identification information is transmitted to a service for generating the print instruction information in association with the identification information of the requester, and generation of the print instruction information Receiving means for receiving the identification information from the print requesting device that requested
Specifying means for specifying a storage area associated with the identification information when the print instruction information is generated in the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving means;
When the print instruction information is generated in the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving unit, a document image obtained from the service and imaged the document based on the print instruction information, Storage means for storing in the storage area specified by the specifying means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: processing means for performing processing using the document image stored in the storage area by the storage means.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the storage area by newly generating the storage area in association with the identification information.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit prints the document image stored in the storage unit in response to the input of the identification information.   4. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the storage area by selecting the storage area associated with the identification information from a plurality of storage areas that already exist. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processing unit performs the processing registered in advance in the selected storage area. The receiving unit is configured to select one of a first generation setting for newly generating the storage area and a second generation setting for selecting the storage area from among a plurality of existing storage areas. Further receiving the generation setting information shown,
In the case where the generation setting information indicates the first generation setting, the specifying unit is configured to identify the specific storage area associated with the identification information in a plurality of already existing storage areas. By newly generating the storage area in association with information, the storage area is specified, and when the generation setting information indicates the second generation setting, the storage area already includes a plurality of storage areas. 6. If there is a specific storage area associated with identification information, the storage area is specified by selecting the specific storage area as the storage area. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit does not store the document image in the storage area when there is a defect in storage in the storage area specified by the specifying unit. An image processing apparatus according to 1. The receiving means further receives deletion setting information indicating either a first deletion setting for deleting the storage area and a second deletion setting for leaving the storage area;
When the deletion setting information indicates the first deletion setting, the specifying unit deletes the storage area after the processing unit performs processing using the document image, and the deletion setting information 8. The storage area according to claim 1, wherein when the second deletion setting is indicated, the storage area is not deleted after the processing unit performs processing using the document image. The image processing apparatus described. A print requesting device that requests printing of the document;
An image processing device that processes a document image obtained by imaging the document,
The print request device includes:
When generation of print instruction information for instructing printing of the document is requested by the requester, the identification information is transmitted to a service for generating the print instruction information in association with the identification information of the requester, and the print instruction information Detecting means for detecting an operation of the requester requesting generation;
Transmission means for transmitting the identification information to the image processing apparatus in response to detection of the operation by the detection means,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the identification information from the print requesting device;
Specifying means for specifying a storage area associated with the identification information when the print instruction information is generated in the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving means;
When the print instruction information is generated in the service in association with the identification information received by the receiving unit, a document image obtained from the service and imaged the document based on the print instruction information, Storage means for storing in the storage area specified by the specifying means;
An image processing system comprising: processing means for performing processing using the document image stored in the storage area by the storage means. On the computer,
When generation of print instruction information for instructing printing of a document is requested by a requester, the identification information is transmitted to a service for generating the print instruction information in association with the identification information of the requester, and generation of the print instruction information A function of receiving the identification information from the print requesting device that requested
A function of specifying a storage area associated with the identification information when the print instruction information is generated in the service in association with the received identification information;
When the print instruction information is generated in the service in association with the received identification information, the document image obtained from the service and imaged the document based on the print instruction information is identified. A function to store in a storage area;
A program for realizing a function of performing processing using the document image stored in the storage area.

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