JP5751302B2 - Information processing apparatus, method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driver technique for controlling an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, as an operation mode when executing printing on paper based on print data, a normal mode in which printing is performed as soon as print data is acquired. Printing is performed when print data is acquired and a predetermined user authentication is successful. There is known a printing system including an image forming apparatus having at least a secure mode for executing the image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus.

  In this type of printing system, setting of paper (for example, paper size) and setting of characters to be printed (for example, font) are performed each time print data is supplied from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, every time printing is performed, the information is received via the setting screen displayed on the information processing apparatus. Similarly, the secure mode setting is accepted via a setting screen displayed on the information processing apparatus every time printing is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, the print system described in Patent Document 1 is referred to as a conventional apparatus.

That is, in the conventional apparatus, when the user wants to execute printing in the secure mode, it is necessary to set the secure mode every time printing is executed.
JP 2005-310029 A

  By the way, for example, when a user who frequently prints confidential information uses a conventional apparatus so that a plurality of information processing apparatuses including the information processing apparatus used by the user share the same image forming apparatus (the former The secure mode is desirably set in advance so that the image forming apparatus operates with the secure mode as a default operation mode.

  Also, when the image processing apparatus of the user is used exclusively by the user information processing apparatus (referred to as the latter case), the confidentiality of the information to be printed is maintained without printing in the secure mode. Since it is possible, it is desirable that the normal mode is set in advance so that the image forming apparatus operates with the normal mode as a default operation mode.

  However, in the conventional apparatus, when the user does not know the procedure for setting the default operation mode for operating the image forming apparatus, the operation is inappropriate for the former case or the latter case. If the mode is set as a default, it may be necessary to input the operation mode every time printing is performed, which increases the burden on the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a technique capable of reducing a user's burden on setting an operation mode.

An information processing apparatus made to achieve the above object provides secure printing that executes image formation upon successful user authentication as a print setting of an image forming apparatus when executing image formation on a recording medium based on print data A secure print setting having a setting capable of executing the secure print and a setting incapable of executing the secure print, a display unit for displaying a setting input screen for selecting the secure print setting on the information processing apparatus, and the secure print An accepting unit that accepts a selection of a setting, and a driver for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the accepted selection by accepting an input from the user to the setting input screen displayed on the display unit . A writing unit for writing to the setting file, and performing installation according to the contents of the setting information written by the writing unit.

The accepting unit accepts input of identification information necessary for user authentication in a setting capable of executing the secure printing , and the writing unit writes the identifying information accepted by the accepting unit into the setting file. But you can.

The accepting unit may be configured to accept an input of the identification information when accepting a selection for setting that allows execution of the secure printing .

In addition, when the driver is executed, the information processing apparatus describes the identification information written in the setting file if the setting information written in the setting file is a setting capable of executing the secure printing . A creation unit for creating print data may be provided.

In addition, the creation unit accepts the setting information written in the setting file via the user interface screen if the secure printing can be executed and the identification information is not written in the setting file. The print data describing the identification information may be created.

  The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various modes such as an information processing apparatus, a method, a program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print system. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an installation package. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating print data. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence of the installation process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a secure printing setting screen. It is the figure which illustrated the screen displayed on a display panel at the time of secure printing.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<About the printing system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system including an information processing apparatus in which a device driver is installed by an installation program to which the present invention is applied.

  The print system 1 includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses 20 that generate print data, and at least one image forming apparatus 30 that forms an image on a recording medium based on the print data generated by the information processing apparatus 20. The information processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 are connected to a local area network (a LAN, that is, a LAN cable or a wireless LAN). The print system 1 may be one in which one information processing apparatus 20 and one image forming apparatus 30 are connected by a USB cable.

In the print system 1, the information processing apparatus 20 executes a device driver to be described later, thereby generating print data and transmitting the generated print data to the image forming apparatus 30. Then, the image forming apparatus 30 that has acquired (received) the print data forms an image on a recording medium based on the print data.
<Image forming device>
Among these, the image forming apparatus 30 is connected to a recording unit 31 that prints an image based on print data on a recording medium such as paper, an external information processing apparatus 20 via a USB cable, and an external device such as a digital camera. A USB interface (I / F) 33 for inputting / outputting information and a bidirectional communication interface (I / F) 35 for inputting / outputting information to / from the information processing apparatus 20 via a local area network. Further, the image forming apparatus 30 includes an operation unit 38 including a cursor key and switches for inputting various settings and commands, various menu screens, a display panel for displaying contents input by the user, error display, and the like. And a control unit 36 that controls each unit of the apparatus (that is, the recording unit 31, the USB I / F 33, the bidirectional communication I / F 35, etc.) in accordance with settings and commands input via the unit 38.

  The control device 36 includes a ROM that stores a program, a RAM that temporarily stores data, an NVRAM that stores data that needs to be retained even when the power is turned off, and a CPU that executes processing according to the program. ing.

  Among these, the ROM determines an operation mode indicating the operation formation of the image forming apparatus 30 according to the print data acquired from the information processing apparatus 20, and an image based on the print data in the determined operation mode is recorded on the recording medium. A print processing program for executing image forming processing to be printed is stored.

  In this embodiment, as the operation mode, when print data is acquired, a normal mode in which a sender (user) who transmits print data from the information processing apparatus 20 to the image forming apparatus 30 forms an image without being authenticated. (Corresponding to the normal mode of the present invention) and a secure mode (corresponding to the secure mode of the present invention) for forming an image when print data is acquired and the sender of the print data is authenticated. In other words, the image forming apparatus 30 is a well-known printer having at least two of a normal mode and a secure mode as operation modes when executing printing on a recording medium based on print data.

  The authentication of print data will be described later.

  By the way, the print data is generated when the information processing apparatus 20 executes a device driver. As shown in FIG. 3, a header portion in which information for controlling the image forming apparatus 30 is described; It is composed of a data portion in which an image (that is, print content) formed on a recording medium is represented by a well-known page description language or the like.

  Among these, in the header part, a flag area in which an operation flag for specifying the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 30 (that is, whether the image is formed in the normal mode or the secure mode) and the secure mode are specified. An ID area in which a user ID representing the sender of the print data is described, and a password area in which identification information (password) for identifying the sender of the print data is described when the secure mode is designated And are set.

That is, in the image forming apparatus 30, if the operation flag in the print data acquired from the information processing apparatus 20 designates the normal mode, printing is performed immediately after the print data is acquired (hereinafter, normal mode printing is normally printed). Is called). On the other hand, if the operation flag in the print data acquired from the information processing apparatus 20 specifies the secure mode, the image forming apparatus 30 (control apparatus 36) displays a display screen as shown in FIG. When the sender of the print data is authenticated according to the information displayed on the display panel and received via the operation unit 38 (for example, selection of a print job or input of a password), it is stored in the NVRAM of the control device 36. Printing based on the print data that has been printed (hereinafter, printing in secure mode is referred to as secure printing) is executed. Note that when the sender is authenticated here, the password described in the header portion of the print data selected by the user of the image forming apparatus 30 matches the information input via the operation unit 38. It shows that.
<Configuration of information processing device>
Next, the information processing apparatus will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 20 includes a data reading device 6 that reads programs and data stored in a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and the like, and an auxiliary storage device 5 that stores programs, data, and the like. The operation unit 7 for inputting various kinds of information necessary for operating the information processing apparatus 20 and the display unit 8 for displaying an image are provided. Further, the information processing apparatus 20 connects the information processing apparatus 20 to the local area network, and the control unit 10 that controls each unit (for example, the data reading apparatus 6 and the operation unit 7) constituting the information processing apparatus 20. Network interface (network I / F) 9 and a USB interface (I / F) 14 for inputting / outputting information to / from an external device via a USB cable. That is, the information processing apparatus 20 is a well-known computer configured as a so-called personal computer (here, used in a broad sense including the operation unit 7 and the display unit 8).

  Among these, the operation unit 7 includes a known external input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and is connected to the control unit 10 via a connection unit such as a USB I / F 14 in order to input various information.

  The display unit 8 includes a known display device such as a liquid crystal display, and is connected to the control unit 10 via a connection unit such as a video board (not shown) in order to display an image output from the control unit 10. Has been. The display unit 8 displays a user interface screen on which various information is input, a mouse pointer, and the like by a known graphical user interface (GUI) function of the personal computer.

  Further, the control unit 10 stores the ROM 12 that stores data that needs to retain the stored contents even when the power is turned off, the data (program) transferred from the auxiliary storage device 5, or temporarily generated during the processing. A RAM 13 for storing data and a CPU 11 for executing a program stored in the ROM 12 or the RAM 13 are provided.

  The auxiliary storage device 5 is a known hard disk drive (HDD) in which a high-capacity disk and a reading device are integrally formed. The auxiliary storage device 5 includes a system folder in which various system files necessary for the operation of the OS and application programs are stored, a registry in which information for operating the OS and application programs stored in the system folder is stored. Is provided at least.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 20 is installed with a well-known operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) having a multitask function for executing a plurality of processes simultaneously. Application programs such as an image processing program, device drivers, and installation programs (so-called installers) operate.
<About device drivers and installation programs>
Next, an installation package in which a device driver for controlling the image forming apparatus 30 and an installation program for installing the device driver in the information processing apparatus 20 will be described.

  Here, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the installation package.

  In addition to generating print data in conjunction with an application program, the installation package 60 includes a device driver 61 for controlling the image forming apparatus 30 and a device driver 61 for personal computers such as the information processing apparatus 20. And an installation program 65 for installation.

  Note that the installation package 60 in the present embodiment is distributed from a software provider in a state of being stored in one portable storage medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM), and the data reading of the information processing apparatus 20 is performed. The data is read from a reading device corresponding to each storage medium such as the device 6.

  Incidentally, the installation of the device driver 61 referred to here is a well-known process for performing the following.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus 30 is controlled (that is, when the device driver 61 is operating), a setting file to be referred to by the information processing apparatus 20 is created, and the created setting file and the device driver 61 include the setting file. A driver configuration file for controlling the forming apparatus 30 is stored in a specific location (for example, a system folder) of the auxiliary storage device 5 managed by the OS. At the same time, device information including the correspondence between these files and the image forming apparatus 30 (for example, the file reference destination) is registered in the registry.

  The setting file includes a language setting file that stores settings for the display language in the user interface screen that is output to the display unit 8 when the device driver 61 is executed, and the device driver 61 that executes the print data header. And a secure setting file for storing information to be referred to when creating a copy.

  Among these, in the secure setting file, an operation setting in which an operation setting flag representing the operation mode set by default (that is, determining the specified content of the operation flag) is stored, and a change in the operation mode set by default is set. Is described in the header portion of the print data for switching setting for storing a switching flag indicating whether or not the device driver 61 can be received, and for identifying the user when the device driver 61 is executed. And password settings to be referred to.

  In addition to these files, the setting file includes an output port based on the IP address of the image forming apparatus 30, control settings when the image forming apparatus 30 is used, and the like.

That is, in the present embodiment, when the device driver 61 corresponding to the image forming apparatus 30 is installed, as shown in FIG. 2, the driver configuration file and the setting file that configure the device driver 61 are stored in the system folder. Device information is registered in the registry.
<About the installation process>
Next, an installation process executed by the CPU 11 according to the installation program will be described.

  Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the installation process.

  This installation process is executed by the CPU 11 when the data reading device 6 reads the installation package. As shown in FIG. 4, when the installation process is executed, first, in S110, a setting input screen for selecting a display language in the user interface screen is displayed on the display unit 8. And if selection of the display language by a user is received via a setting input screen, it will progress to S120.

  The setting input screen is a user interface screen displayed on the display unit 8 in order to accept an input via the operation unit 7. Examples of display languages that can be selected in S110 include Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, and the like.

  In subsequent S <b> 120, a setting input screen for selecting a connection form between the image forming apparatus 30 and the information processing apparatus 20 is displayed on the display unit 8. And if selection of the connection form by a user is received via a setting input screen, it will progress to S130. Specifically, in the present embodiment, selectable connection forms include a connection via a local area network (hereinafter referred to as network connection) and a connection via a USB cable (hereinafter referred to as local connection). is there.

  Then, in S130, it is determined whether or not the connection form selected in S120 is network connection. If the result of determination is network connection, the process proceeds to S140.

  In S140, a folder for installing the device driver 61 (so-called installation folder) is created in the system folder, and the driver configuration file acquired from the portable storage medium is stored in the created installation folder. Further, an area for storing the setting file is secured in the auxiliary storage device 5, and the output port and the control setting in the setting file are stored in the setting file.

  In subsequent S150, a setting input screen (hereinafter referred to as a secure print setting screen) for causing the user of the information processing apparatus 20 to select an operation mode for operating the image forming apparatus 30 by default is displayed on the display unit 8. . When the operation mode selected by the user is accepted via the secure print setting screen, the process proceeds to S160.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the secure print setting screen according to the present embodiment includes an operation mode selection field 51 for accepting selection of whether the default operation mode is the normal mode or the secure mode, When the secure mode is selected in the mode selection column 51, the decision whether to always use the secure mode or the secure mode is executed (hereinafter, this printing is referred to as the selected secure mode). An execution selection field 52 that accepts a selection as to whether to accept (hereinafter, this selection is selected as an execution mode), and a password input field 53 that accepts identification information when the always secure mode is selected in the execution selection field 52; , And at least a “Next” button 54 indicating that the input has been completed.

  The operation mode selection field 51 is configured to accept selection of the normal mode (“Secure Print OFF” in the figure) and the secure mode (“Secure Print ON” in the figure) by inputting into the check box. . When the secure mode setting is selected in the operation mode selection field 51, the execution selection field 52 can accept selection of an execution form (that is, selection of the always secure mode and the selected secure mode) by inputting a radio button. It is configured as follows. Further, the password input field 53 is configured to accept input of numbers and characters via the operation unit 7 when the always secure mode is selected in the execution selection field 52.

  In the present embodiment, when the “next” button 54 is pressed, the contents input (selected) into the respective columns 51, 52, 53 are received.

  In the subsequent S160, it is determined whether or not the content (that is, the operation mode) input to the operation mode selection column 51 among the contents received in S150 is the secure mode. As a result of the determination, the selected operation mode is determined. If it is the secure mode, the process proceeds to S170.

  In S170, it is determined whether or not the content input in the execution selection field 52 among the contents received in S150 is the always secure mode, and if the selected execution form is the always secure mode as a result of the determination. The process proceeds to S180.

  In S180, the operation setting flag is set to the high level and the switching flag is set to the low level in accordance with the contents received in S150.

  When the operation setting flag is at a high level, the default operation mode is the secure mode, and when the operation setting flag is at a low level, the default operation mode is the normal mode. If the switching flag is high level, it is possible to accept the change of the operation mode set by default when the device driver is executed. If the switching flag is low level, the change of the operation mode set by default is accepted. Represents that it cannot be accepted (that is, change is prohibited).

  In the subsequent S190, it is determined whether or not the identification information (password) is input in the password input field 53 among the contents received in S150. If the identification information is input as a result of the determination, the process proceeds to S200. .

  In S200, a password setting in which the input identification information is stored in a file is created so that the identification information input in the password input field 53 is always fixed, and the generated password setting is set in the setting file. Store in. Then, the process proceeds to S250.

  On the other hand, if the identification information is not input in the password input field 53 as a result of the determination in S190, the identification information is input every time the header portion of the print data is generated (that is, printing is executed by secure printing). As a result, the process proceeds to S250 without executing S200, that is, without creating a password setting.

  As a result of the determination in S170, if the execution mode selected in S150 is not always in the secure mode, that is, if it is determined that the selected secure mode is selected, the process proceeds to S210.

  In S210, the switching flag is set to the high level and the operation setting flag is set to the high level according to the contents received in S150, and then the process proceeds to S250.

  If it is determined in S160 that the operation mode accepted in S150 is not the secure mode, that is, the normal mode, the process proceeds to S220.

  In S220, the switching flag is set to the high level and the operation setting flag is set to the low level according to the contents received in S150, and then the process proceeds to S250.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S130, if the connection form selected in S120 is local connection, the process proceeds to S230.

  In S230, an installation destination folder is created in the system folder, and the driver configuration file acquired from the portable storage medium is stored in the created installation folder. At the same time, an area for storing the setting file is secured in the auxiliary storage device 5, and other than the secure setting file in the setting file such as the language setting file and the control setting are stored.

  In subsequent S240, the switching flag is set to the low level, the operation setting flag is set to the low level, and the process proceeds to S250.

  In S250, the contents of the switching flag and the operation setting flag set at the time of proceeding to S250 are written in the switching setting and the operation setting, respectively. Furthermore, device information is registered in the registry.

  That is, when the process proceeds to S250 via S180, the low level switching flag is stored as the switching setting, and the high level operation setting flag is stored as the operation setting. When the process proceeds to S250 via S210, the high level switching flag is stored as the switching setting, and the high level operation setting flag is stored in the operation setting.

  Further, when the process proceeds to S250 via S220, a high level switching flag is stored in the switching setting, and a low level operation setting flag is stored in the operation setting. When the process proceeds to S250 via S240, the low level switching flag is stored in the switching setting, and the low level operation setting flag is stored in the operation setting.

  Then, the installation process ends.

  In other words, when the installation process of the present embodiment is executed, if the process goes through S180 (that is, the network connection and the always secure mode is selected), the information processing apparatus 20 in which the device driver 61 is installed is the default. The secure mode is set as the operation mode.

  In addition, when the installation process is executed and the process goes through S240 (that is, local connection), the information processing apparatus 20 in which the device driver 61 is installed sets the normal mode as the default operation mode. Become.

  On the other hand, when the installation process is executed, the information processing apparatus 20 in which the device driver 61 is installed via S210 and S220 (that is, the network driver is connected but the always-secure mode is not set) is the image forming apparatus. As the operation mode is selected every time printing at 30 is executed, the operation mode set by default can be changed.

  Therefore, when the device driver 61 is executed in the information processing apparatus 20 in which the device driver 61 is installed in this way, the information processing apparatus 20 first checks the switching flag stored in the switching setting.

  As a result of the confirmation, if the switching flag is low level, the operation setting flag stored in the operation setting is confirmed. If the operation setting flag is low level, the operation flag specifying the normal mode is described in the header part. The generated print data is generated, and the generated print data is output to the image forming apparatus 30.

  On the other hand, if the operation setting flag is at a high level, print data in which the operation flag specifying the secure mode and the user ID assigned in advance to the information processing apparatus 20 that has executed the device driver 61 are described in the header portion is generated. . Further, if identification information is stored in the password setting, the stored identification information is described in the header portion as a password, and if the identification information is not stored in the password setting, the device driver 61 is executed. Sometimes, for example, print data in which the identification information received via the user interface screen or the like is described in the header portion as a password is created. Then, the generated print data is output to the image forming apparatus 30.

  As a result of the confirmation of the switching flag, if the switching flag is at a high level, for example, an operation flag specifying the operation mode received via the user interface screen, a user ID, and a password are described in the header part. Print data is created, and the created print data is output to the image forming apparatus 30.

  As described above, in the installation process of the present embodiment, the connection form between the information processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 is a network in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses 20 may share the same image forming apparatus 30. In the case of connection, the user selects the default operation mode via the user interface screen. On the other hand, when the connection form is a local connection in which the information processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 are connected one-to-one, the confidentiality of the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming apparatus 30 is maintained. Since it is easy, the default operation mode is automatically set to the normal mode.

Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 20 in which the device driver 61 is installed by executing the installation program of the present embodiment, either the normal mode or the secure mode is selected according to the connection form between the information processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 30. Will be set by default.
[Effect of the embodiment]
As described above, according to the installation program of the present embodiment, an appropriate operation mode can be set as a default operation mode according to the usage status of the print system 1.

  As a result, according to the installation program of the present embodiment, every time printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 30, it is not necessary to input settings necessary for the operation in each operation mode. ) Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the installation program of the present embodiment, if the connection form is a local connection, the normal mode is automatically set, so that the secure mode can be prevented from being set unnecessarily, and image formation can be executed. Sometimes it is possible to save the trouble of authenticating.

  In the installation program of this embodiment, when the secure mode is selected as the default operation mode, the user is allowed to select between fixed setting and sequential setting.

  For this reason, for example, a user who prints an image having a high necessity for maintaining confidentiality such as a salary statement, selects images sequentially and inputs identification information once, thereby forming an image formed by the image forming apparatus. It is possible to maintain the confidentiality of

  On the other hand, when the fixed setting is selected, it is possible to save the user from inputting identification information described in the print data in the information processing apparatus 20 when executing printing in the secure mode.

  Furthermore, in the installation program of the present embodiment, when the driver is installed, a setting input screen for selecting an operation mode to be set by default is displayed, and the user is allowed to input the default operation mode.

For this reason, according to the installation program of this embodiment, the user can be surely recognized that the secure mode exists as one of the operation modes.
[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it is possible to implement in various aspects.

  For example, in S150 and S160 in the installation process of the above embodiment, the user is prompted to select an operation mode. However, if the connection form is a network connection, the default operation mode is automatically set to the secure mode. May be. That is, S150 and S160 in the installation process may be omitted.

  Thus, by automatically setting the default operation mode to the secure mode, the confidentiality of the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming apparatus 30 can be more reliably maintained.

  This is because it is difficult to maintain confidentiality of an image formed on a recording medium when image formation is performed in the normal mode in a network connection in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses are likely to share one image forming apparatus. This is because there is a high possibility of printing in the secure mode.

  In the printing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the operation mode set by default can be changed by setting the switching flag. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the operation set by default. You may make it fix permanently in a mode. That is, the switching flag may be omitted.

  In the installation process in the above embodiment, the selection result selected by the user in S120 is detected as the connection form. However, the connection form detection method is not limited to this, and the LAN cable is connected to the network I / F 9. Is connected to the USB I / F 14 and the USB cable is connected to the network I / F 9. If it is determined that there is a USB cable or the like connected to the USB I / F 14, it may be determined that the connection form is a local connection.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a secure mode for executing image formation upon successful user authentication as an operation mode for executing image formation on a recording medium based on print data acquired from an information processing apparatus. This is an installation method in which a driver for controlling an image forming apparatus having at least a normal mode for executing image formation without performing mode and user authentication is installed in the information processing apparatus.

  In the installation method, in the installation procedure, when the connection form between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus is such that a plurality of information processing apparatuses may share the same image forming apparatus, the secure mode is used. Install the driver with settings to operate the image forming apparatus.

  In the information processing apparatus in which the driver is installed by the installation method of the present invention, the operation mode is set (fixed) when the driver is installed according to the connection mode between the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. .

  Therefore, according to the installation method of the present invention, after the driver is installed in the information processing apparatus, it is necessary to input selection of whether the operation mode is the normal mode or the secure mode every time image formation is executed. And the burden on the user can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the installation program of the present invention, the operation mode is set when the driver is installed. For example, even a user who does not know how to set the operation mode or the existence of the secure mode itself. Therefore, it is possible to reliably set the operation mode according to the use situation.

  The installation referred to here is to install software such as a driver into the information processing apparatus and set the installed software to be operable.

  By the way, according to the present invention, as an operation mode when performing image formation on a recording medium based on print data, a secure mode in which image formation is performed when user authentication is successful and image formation is performed without performing user authentication. For an image forming apparatus having at least the normal mode, an information processing apparatus that supplies print data may be provided as an installation program for installing a driver for controlling the image forming apparatus.

  In this case, the installation program of the present invention can detect either the normal mode or the secure mode based on the connection form detection procedure for detecting the connection form between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus and the detection result in the connection form detection procedure. An operation mode setting procedure for setting these as a mode setting for operating the image forming apparatus (that is, an operation mode), and an installation procedure for installing the driver in the information processing apparatus with the mode setting set in the operation mode setting procedure. The information processing apparatus needs to be executed.

  When the information processing apparatus executes such an installation program of the present invention, an operation mode is set according to the connection form between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is operated in the set operation mode. The driver is installed.

  Therefore, according to the installation program of the present invention, it is not necessary to input settings necessary for the operation in each operation mode every time image formation is executed in the image forming apparatus, and the burden on the user can be reduced. .

  Furthermore, in the installation program of the present invention, since the operation mode is set according to the connection mode at the time of driver installation, for example, a user who does not know the existence of the secure mode or a user who does not know how to set the operation mode. Even in such a case, the operation mode is set depending on the use environment of the image forming apparatus. In other words, according to the installation program of the present invention, regardless of the knowledge amount of the image forming apparatus or information processing apparatus possessed by the user, an appropriate operation mode according to the connection form between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus. Can be set.

  By the way, if the connection form is a local connection where there is a high possibility that one information processing apparatus occupies the image forming apparatus, it is easy to maintain confidentiality of the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the image forming apparatus is highly likely to be used in the normal mode.

  For this reason, the operation mode setting procedure in the installation program of the present invention causes the information processing apparatus to execute processing for setting the mode setting to the normal mode if the connection mode is a local connection as a result of the detection in the connection mode detection procedure. It is desirable to be created as follows.

  According to the installation program of the present invention thus created, it is possible to prevent the secure mode from being set unnecessarily, and to save the user's trouble at the time of executing image formation.

  The local connection referred to here is a one-to-one connection between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus, for example, a connection via a cable such as a USB cable or a SCSI cable.

  In addition, if the connection form is a network connection in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses are likely to share one image forming apparatus, an image formed on a recording medium when image formation is performed in the normal mode. Therefore, the image forming apparatus is likely to be used in the secure mode.

  For this reason, the operation mode setting procedure in the installation program of the present invention causes the information processing apparatus to execute processing for setting the mode setting to the secure mode if the connection mode is a network connection as a result of the detection in the connection mode detection procedure. It may be created as follows.

  Therefore, according to the installation program of the present invention, the confidentiality of the image formed on the recording medium can be more reliably maintained.

  Further, the installation program according to the present invention selects the secure mode or the normal mode if the connection form is a network connection as a result of the detection in the connection form detection procedure in the setting input procedure. It is created to cause the information processing apparatus to execute the process to be input by the user, and further to cause the information processing apparatus to execute the process of setting the selection input in the setting input procedure as the mode setting in the operation mode setting procedure. May be.

  According to the installation program of the present invention thus created, the user can select an operation mode according to the use environment of the image forming apparatus, and the convenience can be further improved.

  In particular, according to the installation program of the present invention, since the operation mode is selected by the user, the user can be surely recognized that the secure mode is included as one of the operation modes of the image forming apparatus. it can.

  When the image forming apparatus acquires print data to which identification information for identifying the user who supplied the print data is added, and the input information, which is information input from the outside, matches the identification information, When configured so that user authentication is successful, the installation program of the present invention supplies print data from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus when the secure mode is set in the operation mode setting procedure. Fixed identification information that is previously set identification information is added to the print data, or identification information entered by the user of the information processing apparatus every time print data is supplied from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Causing the information processing apparatus to execute an identification setting input procedure for allowing the user to input any one of the sequential settings for adding certain input identification information to the print data. It is desirable that have been created sea urchin.

  According to the installation program of the present invention thus created, the user can select between fixed setting and sequential setting. For this reason, for example, a user who forms an image having a high necessity for maintaining confidentiality such as a salary statement selects the sequential setting and changes the identification information once to form the image on the image forming apparatus. The confidentiality of the image can be more reliably maintained.

  Further, the installation program of the present invention causes the information processing apparatus to execute a process of allowing the user to input identification information when a fixed setting is input in the identification setting input procedure in the identification information input procedure. The procedure may be created so that the driver is installed in the information processing apparatus while being fixed to the identification information input in the identification information input procedure.

  According to the installation program of the present invention thus created, it is possible to save the user from inputting identification information when executing image formation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Print system 5 ... Auxiliary storage device 6 ... Data reading device 7 ... Operation part 8 ... Display part 9 ... Network I / F 10 ... Control part 11 ... CPU 12 ... ROM 13 ... RAM 14 ... USB I / F 20 ... Information processing Device 30 ... Image forming device 31 ... Recording unit 36 ... Control device 38 ... Operation unit 60 ... Installation package 61 ... Device driver 65 ... Installation program

Claims (9)

If the user authentication is successful as a print setting of the image forming apparatus when performing image formation on the recording medium based on the print data, a setting capable of executing secure printing for executing the image formation and execution of the secure printing are performed. Secure print settings with settings that are not possible;
A display unit that displays a setting input screen for selecting the secure print setting on the information processing apparatus;
A reception unit for receiving selection of the secure print setting;
A writing unit that receives an input from a user on the setting input screen displayed on the display unit, and writes setting information in a setting file of a driver for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the received selection; An information processing apparatus that performs installation according to the content of the setting information written by the writing unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit receives input of identification information necessary for user authentication with a setting capable of executing the secure printing,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the writing unit writes the identification information received by the receiving unit into the setting file.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reception unit is configured to be able to receive an input of the identification information when receiving a selection for setting that allows execution of the secure printing. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
When the driver is executed, if the setting information written in the setting file is a setting capable of executing the secure printing, a creation unit that creates print data describing the identification information written in the setting file An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 4,
If the setting information written in the setting file is a setting capable of executing the secure printing, and the identification information is not written in the setting file, the creating unit receives the identification received via the user interface screen. An information processing apparatus that creates print data describing information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the setting file includes a switching setting that stores a switching flag indicating whether or not an operation mode change can be accepted when the driver is executed. If the user authentication is successful as a print setting of the image forming apparatus when performing image formation on the recording medium based on the print data, a setting capable of executing secure printing for executing the image formation and execution of the secure printing are performed. Secure print settings with settings that are not possible;
A display step for displaying a setting input screen for selecting the secure print setting on the information processing apparatus;
An accepting step for accepting selection of the secure print setting;
A writing step of accepting an input from a user to the setting input screen displayed in the display step in the accepting step, and writing setting information in a setting file of a driver for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the accepted selection; And a control step of performing installation according to the content of the setting information written in the writing step. A program executed by an information processing apparatus,
If the user authentication is successful as a print setting of the image forming apparatus when performing image formation on the recording medium based on the print data, a setting capable of executing secure printing for executing the image formation and execution of the secure printing are performed. Secure print settings with settings that are not possible;
Display processing for displaying a setting input screen for selecting the secure print setting on the information processing apparatus;
A reception process for receiving selection of the secure print setting;
A writing process for receiving an input from a user for the setting input screen displayed by the display process in the receiving process, and writing setting information in a setting file of a driver for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the received selection; And a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute control processing for performing installation according to the content of the setting information written in the writing processing. If the user authentication is successful as a print setting of the image forming apparatus when performing image formation on the recording medium based on the print data, a setting capable of executing secure printing for executing the image formation and execution of the secure printing are performed. Secure print settings with settings that are not possible;
Display processing for displaying a setting input screen for selecting the secure print setting;
A reception process for receiving selection of the secure print setting;
A writing process for receiving an input from a user for the setting input screen displayed by the display process in the receiving process, and writing setting information in a setting file of a driver for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the received selection; And a storage medium for storing a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a control process for executing installation according to the content of the setting information written in the writing process.

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