JP5962801B2 - Printing system, printing method, and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing method, and an information processing apparatus.

  Today, in an organization such as a company, a plurality of computer terminals and an image reading apparatus such as a scanner are connected via a network, and the image reading apparatus may be shared. In such an environment, in order to ensure the confidentiality of image data, a technique is disclosed in which a password or the like is set and authenticated for each destination to which image data is transmitted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for each destination, a user name, a password, distribution destination information, and destination information that can be used by other destination users are set and registered in the destination information storage unit. Then, a user who has succeeded in user authentication at one destination can use another destination that can be used by the user by omitting the password input for each destination. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved.

However, technology described in Patent Document 1 is intended to security when transferring image data of the document read by the scanner to the destination, is said about the security when user prints Not.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, its object is the use of devices with a printing function such as a multifunction machine, a printing system capable of efficiently processing while maintaining the security, printing method and It is to provide an information processing apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, a printing system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. A print system connected to a print control apparatus that transmits print data via a network, medium identification information for identifying an IC card, user identification information for identifying a user, and permission to use the user a function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus, stores the user information to associate a user information storage unit provided in the authentication control device, the print data received via a network, association with the user identification information The print data storage means provided in the print control apparatus and the reader connected to the image forming apparatus. Acquires medium identification information read from the over-de, said with the medium identification information based on the user information, to perform user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, the user authentication unit included in the authentication control unit And the user information acquisition means provided in the authentication control device for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information , and when user authentication is successful, Print data acquisition means provided in the print control device for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means among the print data stored in the print data storage means; The print data acquisition is performed within the function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means. It controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the means, and having a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus. Is a printing system connected via a network, and includes medium identification information unique to a medium for identifying a storage medium, user identification information for identifying a user, and a function of the image forming apparatus that permits the user to use the medium. a function identification information identifying stores user information to associate a user information storage unit provided in the authentication control device, the print data received via the network, in association with the user identification information, the print Print data storage means provided in the control device and read from the storage medium by a reader connected to the image forming apparatus Acquires body identification information, the with the medium identification information based on the user information, to perform user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, the authentication
User authentication means provided in the control device, user information acquisition means provided in the authentication control device for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information , and user authentication The print control apparatus is provided for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means from among the print data stored in the print data storage means when the print data is successfully stored. Control to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition means within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the print data acquisition means and the user information acquisition means And a control means provided in the image forming apparatus .

An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus. , Is a printing system connected via a network, medium identification information that is unique information given to each mobile terminal, user identification information for identifying a user, and permission to use the user a function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus, stores the user information to associate a user information storage unit provided in the authentication control device, the print data received via a network, association with the user identification information The print data storage means provided in the print control apparatus and the reader connected to the image forming apparatus store the portable data. Acquires medium identification information read from the terminal, the with the medium identification information based on the user information, to perform user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, a user authentication unit included in the authentication control unit A user information acquisition unit provided in the authentication control device for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information , and when the user authentication is successful, the printing Print data acquisition means provided in the print control apparatus for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means among the print data stored in the data storage means, and the user The print data acquisition is performed within the function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the information acquisition means. It controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the means, and having a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus. Is a printing method using a printing system connected via a network, the medium identification information for identifying the IC card, the user identification information for identifying the user, and the image forming apparatus permitting the user to use the medium. a function identification information function for specifying the stores user information to associate a user information storing step included in the authentication control device, the print data received via the network, in association with the user identification information, The IC card can be stored by a print data storage step provided in the print control device and a reading device connected to the image forming device. A user authentication step that the user authentication of the user, the authentication control unit executes to obtain and read the medium identification information, based on said user information and the medium identification information, using said image forming apparatus, the user Based on the information , the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information are acquired by the authentication control device, and when the user authentication is successful, the print data storage step Among the stored print data, the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition step is acquired by the print control apparatus and the user information acquisition step. The print data is acquired within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information. A control step of the image forming apparatus is controlled to execute printing of the print data acquired by step, characterized by the execution.

An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus. , Is a printing method using a printing system connected via a network, and includes medium-specific medium identification information for identifying a storage medium, user identification information for identifying a user, and the image permitted to be used by the user a function identification information identifying the function of the forming device, and stores the user information to associate a user information storing step included in the authentication control device, the print data received via the network, in association with the user identification information The print data storage step provided in the print control device for storage and the storage by the reading device connected to the image forming device Acquires medium identification information read from the body, and a user authentication step that the user authentication of the user, the authentication control unit executes said with the medium identification information based on the user information, to use the image forming apparatus, Based on the user information , a user information acquisition step in which the authentication control apparatus acquires the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information, and when the user authentication is successful, the print data storage Among the print data stored in the step, the print control apparatus acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired in the user information acquisition step, and the user information acquisition step The print data within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the To execute printing of the print data acquired by the acquisition step, and executes a control step of the image forming apparatus is controlled.

An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus. Is a printing method using a printing system that is connected via a network, and includes medium identification information that is unique information given to each individual mobile terminal, user identification information that identifies a user, and a function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit the use, stores user information to associate a user information storing step included in the authentication control device, the print data received via the network, the A print data storage step provided in the print control apparatus and stored in association with user identification information, and a reading connected to the image forming apparatus. It acquires medium identification information read from the portable terminal by the apparatus, wherein with the medium identification information based on the user information, user authentication of the user who uses the image forming apparatus, the authentication control device performs user Based on the authentication step , based on the user information , the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information are acquired by the authentication control device, and when the user authentication is successful, Among the print data stored in the print data storage step, the print data acquisition step in which the print control device acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired in the user information acquisition step; Functions that are allowed to be used based on the function identification information acquired in the user information acquisition step In囲内, to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition step, and executes a control step of the image forming apparatus is controlled.

A printing system according to the present invention is a printing system in which an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network, and identifies an IC card. storing the medium identification information, the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate a provided in the image forming apparatus The user information storage means, the print data storage means provided in the print control apparatus for storing the print data received via the network in association with the user identification information, and the reader connected to the image forming apparatus. The medium identification information read from the card is acquired, and the image is obtained based on the medium identification information and the user information. Performing user authentication of the user using the formed device, a user authentication means provided in the image forming apparatus, based on the user information, attaches associated with the medium identification information, and acquires the user identification information and the function identification information A user information acquisition unit provided in the image forming apparatus; and the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit among the print data stored in the print data storage unit when user authentication is successful. Print data acquisition means for acquiring the associated print data, and the print acquired by the print data acquisition means within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means Control means provided in the image forming apparatus for controlling to execute printing of data. .

A printing system according to the present invention is a printing system in which an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network, and identifies a storage medium. storing a medium unique medium identification information, the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the said image forming User information storage means provided in the apparatus, print data received via the network, stored in association with the user identification information, print data storage means provided in the print control apparatus, and reader connected to the image forming apparatus To obtain the medium identification information read from the storage medium, and based on the medium identification information and the user information, Obtaining executes user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, a user authentication means provided in the image forming apparatus, based on the user information, attaches associated with the medium identification information, the user identification information and the function identification information And the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means among the print data stored in the print data storage means when the user authentication is successful. The print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data associated with the print data acquisition means, and the print data acquisition means acquired within the function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means Control means provided in the image forming apparatus for controlling to execute printing of print data. To.

A printing system according to the present invention is a printing system in which an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network, and each individual mobile terminal and medium identification information which is unique information assigned to the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the User information storage means provided in the image forming apparatus for storing; print data storage means provided in the print control apparatus for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information; and the image formation The medium identification information read from the portable terminal is acquired by a reader connected to the apparatus, and the medium identification information and the user are acquired. Based on the information, to perform user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, a user authentication means provided in the image forming apparatus, based on the user information, attaches associated with the medium identification information, the user identification information And the user information acquisition means provided in the image forming apparatus for acquiring the function identification information, and the user information acquisition means among the print data stored in the print data storage means when the user authentication is successful. Print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data associated with the acquired user identification information, and the print data within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means A control unit provided in the image forming apparatus, which controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the acquisition unit; And having a, the.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes medium information acquisition means for acquiring medium identification information read from an IC card, and user information stored in advance in a user information storage means, wherein the medium identification for identifying an IC card information and the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information for identifying the printing function that allows use to the user, and the user information to associate, with the medium information corresponding medium identification information acquired by the acquisition means User authentication means for performing user authentication based on the user information , user information acquisition means for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information, and user authentication succeeded If the user information is acquired, the user information is acquired from the print data stored in the print data storage means in association with the user identification information. Print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the stage, and within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means, Control means for controlling to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition means.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes medium information acquisition means for acquiring medium identification information read from a storage medium, and user information stored in advance in user information storage means, which is unique to the medium for identifying the storage medium. and medium identification information, the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information for identifying the printing function that allows use to the user, and the user information to associate a said medium acquired by the medium information acquiring means User authentication means for executing user authentication based on the identification information, user information acquisition means for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information , and a user When the authentication is successful, the user information among the print data stored in the print data storage means in association with the user identification information. A print data acquisition unit that acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a function range that is permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit; Control means for controlling to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition means.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes medium information acquisition means for acquiring medium identification information read from a mobile terminal, and user information stored in advance in a user information storage means, which is assigned to each mobile terminal. and medium identification information which is unique information, the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information for identifying the printing function that allows use to the user, and the user information to associate the said medium information acquisition User authentication means for performing user authentication based on the medium identification information acquired by the means, and a user who acquires the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information When the information acquisition means and user authentication are successful, the print data stored in the print data storage means in association with the user identification information. Of these, use is permitted based on the print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means, and the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means. Control means for controlling printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition means within a functional range.

According to the present invention can be carried out in the use of equipment with a printing function such as a multifunction machine, efficiently processed while maintaining security.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system in an embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the data recorded on the print data storage part. Explanatory drawing of the data recorded on the authentication master data storage part. Explanatory drawing of the data recorded on the log data storage part. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral and a control terminal that controls the multifunction peripheral. The flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence in embodiment. Screen displayed on the touch panel in the function display stage. The flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence in embodiment. Screen displayed on the touch panel in the summary display stage.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The system according to the present embodiment includes a client terminal 10, a print server 20 as a print data storage unit, a management server 30, a plurality of multifunction devices 40, and a control terminal 50 provided for each multifunction device 40. Connected through.

  In this embodiment, when using the multi-function device 40, a non-contact type IC card is used. This IC card is an information storage medium of a multi-purpose common card technology system, for example, FeliCa (registered trademark) system, and is used as a user's commuter pass or employee card, or attached to a mobile phone terminal owned by the user. ing. As is known, this IC card includes an IC chip, and card identifier data unique to the card is stored in the IC chip.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the client terminal 10 used in the system according to the present embodiment is a computer terminal used by a user to generate print data. The client terminal 10 includes a display for displaying a print instruction and a print file, a keyboard and a mouse for selecting the instruction and the file. Further, the client terminal 10 includes a built-in memory (data storage unit) such as a hard disk. This built-in memory has a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like (not shown), and temporarily stores the generated print job data.

  The print server 20 includes a print data storage unit 21 that stores print job data 210. The print job data 210 is generated when data is received from the client terminal 10, and is deleted when the result data that has been printed is received. As shown in FIG. 2, the print job data 210 includes a print job identifier, a user identifier, an outline, and data related to printing.

In the print job identifier data area, identifier data for specifying the print job is stored.
In the user identifier data area, identifier data for specifying the user who has instructed execution of the print job is stored.

  Summary data for this print job is recorded in the summary data area. This summary data is data displayed as a summary of a print job when the user selects the print job as will be described later. In the present embodiment, the summary data includes data relating to the file name, execution instruction time, capacity, and the like.

Print data of this print job is recorded in the print data area. Based on the data recorded in the print data area, the multi-function device 40 performs printing.
The management server 30 includes an authentication master data storage unit 31 as a storage medium authentication storage unit and usable function range data storage unit, and a log data storage unit 32 as a log data storage unit.

  The authentication master data storage unit 31 stores authentication master data 310 and manages later-described authentication data stored in each control terminal 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the authentication master data 310 is recorded when user registration is performed, and is updated when there is a change. The authentication master data 310 includes data relating to a user identifier, usable function identifier, login user identifier, login password, and card identifier as a storage medium identifier.

Data relating to an identifier for identifying a user is recorded in the user identifier data area.
In the usable function identifier data area, data relating to an identifier for specifying a function range that can be used by the user in the multi-function device 40 is recorded.

In the login user identifier data area, user identifier data used when the user logs in to the client terminal 10 is recorded.
In the login password data area, login password data used when the user logs in to the client terminal 10 is recorded. A user is specified by the login user identifier data and the login data, and the client terminal 10 can be used in a state corresponding to the user.

  In the card identifier data area, the card identifier of the IC card held by the user is recorded. Here, in this embodiment, it is possible to register an information storage medium using a plurality of multipurpose common card technology schemes owned by the user. For example, if the user has a commuter pass or mobile phone equipped with FeliCa (registered trademark), the FeliCa (registered trademark) card identifier of these commuter passes or the FeliCa (registered trademark) of the mobile phone A plurality of card identifiers can be registered as card identifiers.

  The log data storage unit 32 records log data 320 regarding processing performed in each multifunction device 40. The log data 320 is recorded when some processing is performed in the multi-function device 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the log data 320 includes data related to a multifunction machine identifier, a processing time, a processing identification flag, a user identifier, and a processing status.

In the MFP identifier data area, data relating to an identifier for specifying the MFP 40 that has performed the processing is recorded.
In the processing time data area, data relating to the time at which processing is performed in the multi-function device 40 is recorded.

In the process identification flag data area, a flag for identifying a process performed in the multi-function device 40 is recorded.
In the user identifier data area, a flag for specifying a user who has performed processing in the multi-function device 40 is recorded.

  In the processing status flag data area, flag data for identifying the status of processing performed in the multi-function device 40 is recorded. From this flag data, it is possible to grasp the situation such as the completion of the process or the stop of the process.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the multi-function device 40 includes a scanner function unit 42, a copy function unit 43, a facsimile function unit 44, a print function unit 45, a display unit 46, an instruction input unit 47, and the like. The scanner function unit 42 causes the scanner to function. The copying function means performs copying. The facsimile function means 44 reads characters and images written on a paper medium, converts them into electronic data, and transmits them through a communication line. The print function unit 45 performs printing based on the print data. The display means 46 performs display for instruction selection or the like for the user, and the instruction input means 47 accepts the user's instruction. In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 40 is provided with a touch panel, and the touch panel serves as the display unit 46 and the instruction input unit 47. Specifically, the display unit 46 displays a predetermined screen on the touch panel, and the instruction input unit 47 specifies the item selected by the user on the touch panel as an instruction from the user.

  The control terminals 50 are provided in one-to-one correspondence for each multifunction device 40, and control the corresponding multifunction device 40 from the outside. The control terminal 50 is directly connected to each multifunction device 40 and is connected to the multifunction device 40, the client terminal 10, the print server 20, and the management server 30 via the network N. The control terminal 50 includes control means 51. The control means 51 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like (not shown), and performs processing described later (processing including a specific stage, a display stage, and a printing process execution stage). Thereby, the control unit 51 functions as a specifying unit, a display unit, a print processing execution unit, and the like.

  Here, the specifying unit specifies the user identifier stored in the storage medium authentication storage unit based on the storage medium identifier acquired via the storage medium identifier reading unit, and the MFP can be used based on the user identifier. The function range is specified using the data stored in the usable function range data storage means. The display means outputs to the display means an operation screen for operating a function of the multifunction device corresponding to the specified usable function range of the user. The print processing execution unit specifies a user identifier of a user who uses the printing function of the multifunction device, acquires print data associated with the user identifier from the print data storage unit, and stores the print data in the multifunction device based on the print data. Execute print processing.

  Further, the control terminal 50 includes an authentication data storage unit 52. The authentication data storage unit 52 stores authentication data for specifying the usable function range of the user's multifunction device 40 in association with the card identifier. Specifically, the authentication data includes data related to the user identifier, usable function identifier, and card identifier in the authentication master data storage unit 31. This authentication data is updated when the data of the authentication master data 310 in the authentication master data storage unit 31 is updated or periodically.

  The control terminal 50 is connected to a card reader device 55 as a storage medium identifier reading unit. The card reader device 55 reads the card identifier data of the IC card by holding the IC card over the reading unit. Then, the card reader device 55 transmits the read card identifier data to the control terminal 50.

Next, processing in the management system described above will be described with reference to FIG.
First, registration processing of card identifier data performed by the user prior to use of the multifunction device 40 will be described. In this registration process, first, a user identifier is given to a user who wishes to use the system. Then, the login data and login password data used by the user are recorded in the authentication master data storage unit 31 in association with the user identifier.

  Next, the card identifier data of the IC card held by the user is read. In this case, any medium such as a commuter pass or a mobile phone terminal may be used as long as the medium uses the multipurpose common card technology method. Then, the management server 30 records the read card identifier data in the authentication master data storage unit 31 in association with the user identifier.

  Furthermore, the management server 30 records usable function identifier data corresponding to the user in the authentication master data storage unit 31. Then, the management server 30 receives an instruction to set the function of the multifunction device 40 that can be used by the user via the client terminal 10, and records a flag of the usable function identifier corresponding to the usable function.

  Thereafter, when the user acquires a device or card equipped with the multi-purpose common card technology method, additional registration is also possible. Specifically, the management server 30 reads the card identifier data of the IC card from the device or card newly acquired by the user, associates the card identifier data of the IC card with the user identifier, and creates the new IC card of the user. Is added as card identifier data.

  Then, the authentication data stored in the authentication data storage unit 52 of the control terminal 50 is updated. Specifically, when the data in the authentication master data storage unit 31 is changed, the management server 30 newly changes the authentication data stored in the authentication data storage unit 52 of the control terminal 50 of the multifunction device 40. The authentication master data 310 is updated. Note that the control terminal 50 can update the authentication data stored in the authentication data storage unit 52 every predetermined time based on the authentication master data 310. Thus, the card identifier data registration process is completed.

Next, processing of the multi-function device 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the multifunction device 40 is on standby, the control terminal 50 displays an initial screen on the display means 46 of the multifunction device 40 (step S1-1). Specifically, the control means 51 of the control terminal 50 displays an instruction to hold the user's IC card over the card reader device 55 of the control terminal 50 on the touch panel of the display means 46 of the multifunction device 40.

  The user holds the user's card over the multifunction device 40. Specifically, the user holds a commuter pass or a mobile phone with an IC card attached to the card reader device 55 of the control terminal 50 corresponding to the multifunction device 40. When the card reader device 55 detects that a non-contact type IC card has reached a predetermined range, the card reader device 55 reads the card identifier data from the memory of the IC card and transmits it to the control terminal 50. The control terminal 50 reads the received card identifier data (step S1-2).

  Next, the control terminal 50 performs an authentication process (step S1-3). Specifically, the control terminal 50 searches the authentication data storage unit 52 for card identifier data that matches the read card identifier data. If there is matching card identifier data, the user is specified and the authentication process is completed.

  Next, the control terminal 50 performs function display (step S1-4). Specifically, the control terminal 50 identifies the usable function identifier of the identified user, and generates operation screen data including function operation buttons corresponding to the usable function identifier. Then, the control terminal 50 displays a screen based on the generated operation screen data on the display unit 46 of the multifunction device 40.

  For example, when the user can use the scanner function unit 42, the copy function unit 43, the facsimile function unit 44, and the print function unit 45, the display unit 46 of the multi-function device 40 is operated as shown in FIG. An operation screen 500 including a facsimile button 501, a copy button 502, a print button 503, and a scanner button 504 is displayed. If the user can use only the facsimile function means 44, an operation screen including a facsimile button 501 for operating the copy function shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Here, for example, the user selects a button displayed on the operation screen 500 shown in FIG. 7, and causes the multi-function device 40 to perform a desired process.

  Specifically, the control terminal 50 performs normal processing based on an instruction from the user acquired via the display unit 46 of the multifunction device 40 (step S1-5). For example, when the user uses a facsimile, the facsimile button 501 is selected, so that the control means 51 of the control terminal 50 operates the facsimile function means 44 of the multifunction device 40. Thereby, the multi-function device 40 scans the document and generates electronic data.

  When the normal process ends, the control terminal 50 transmits the process result data to the management server 30 (step S1-6). For example, when the facsimile processing is completed, the control terminal 50 authenticates the identifier of the multifunction device 40, the processing time when the processing is performed, a flag indicating that the processing is a facsimile, and the processing. A user identifier and a flag indicating that the process is completed are transmitted to the management server 30 via the network N. If the process is interrupted halfway, process result data including a process flag indicating that the process is interrupted is transmitted to the management server 30. The management server 30 records the received data as log data 320 in the log data storage unit 32.

(Printing process)
Next, for example, processing for executing printing using the multifunction device 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the user generates print data in the client terminal 10. At this time, the user uses the client terminal 10 after logging in using his login data and login password. Then, the user instructs execution of printing for the file to be printed. Thereby, the client terminal 10 converts the selected file data into print data and generates it. Subsequently, the client terminal 10 transmits the generated print data and login data of the user who has instructed printing execution to the print server 20. The print server 20 assigns a print job identifier to the received print data, and records the print data in the print data storage unit 21 together with the print job identifier data. Then, the print server 20 identifies user identifier data that has been printed from the authentication master data storage unit 31 based on the received login data, and records it in the print data storage unit 21. Further, the print data file name, size, and the like are recorded in the print data storage unit 21 as summary data.

  Thereafter, when outputting print data instructed to execute printing, the user goes to the installation location of the multi-function device 40. During standby, an initial screen is displayed on the display means 46 of the multi-function device 40 (step S2-1). Therefore, the user holds a commuter pass or a mobile phone with an IC card over the card reader device 55 of the control terminal 50. Thereby, the control terminal 50 acquires card identifier data from the card reader device 55, reads the card data (step S2-2), and performs an authentication process (step S2-3).

When the user authentication is completed in the authentication process, the control terminal 50 displays an operation screen 500 as shown in FIG. 7 on the touch panel to display a function (step S2-4).
Here, when the user selects the print button 503 for performing printing on the operation screen 500, the control terminal 50 receives a print output instruction from the multi-function device 40 (step S2-5). Thereby, the control terminal 50 displays a summary of the user's print data (step S2-6). Specifically, the control terminal 50 specifies unprinted print job data 210 having user identifier data of the authenticated user in the print data storage unit 21. Then, the control terminal 50 generates print waiting list data in which the specified print job is listed together with the outline. Based on the print data, the control terminal 50 displays a user job list screen 600 as shown in FIG. 9 on the touch panel of the display unit 46 of the multi-function device 40.

  On the job list screen 600, a button 610 corresponding to each print job is displayed. This button 610 displays a summary of the print job (file name, size, etc.) and is associated with a print job identifier. Therefore, when the user selects one job from the job list screen 600, the multi-function device 40 transmits print job identifier data of the selected print job to the control terminal 50. As a result, the control terminal 50 receives an output job instruction (step S2-7).

  The control terminal 50 acquires print data from the print server 20 based on the print job identifier of the selected output job (step S2-8). Specifically, the control terminal 50 acquires the print data attached with the print job identifier data of the output job that has received the instruction from the print server 20 via the network N. The control terminal 50 transmits the acquired print data to the multi-function device 40, and causes the multi-function device 40 to execute printing (step S2-9).

  Thereafter, when printing is completed in the multi-function device 40, the multi-function device 40 transmits a signal indicating completion of printing to the control terminal 50. The control terminal 50 transmits processing result data indicating that the print processing result is completed to the management server 30. Here, the control terminal 50 identifies the MFP 40 that has performed printing, the processing time at which printing has been performed, a flag indicating that the processing is printing, the user identifier that has been authenticated when performing the processing, and the print job identifier. And a flag indicating that the process is completed. Then, the management server 30 records the received data as log data 320 in the log data storage unit 32. Further, the management server 30 transmits this print job identifier data to the print server 20. The print server 20 deletes the print job data 210 having the received print job identifier data.

Thus, the printing process is completed.
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
In the present embodiment, the control terminal 50 includes an authentication data storage unit 52 that records authentication data. The authentication data includes data related to the user identifier, usable function identifier, and card identifier. When the multifunction device 40 is on standby, the control terminal 50 displays an initial screen including an instruction to hold the user's IC card on the display unit 46 of the multifunction device 40 (step S1-1). When the user holds the card, the control terminal 50 performs an authentication process based on the received card identifier data (step S1-3), and displays a display screen including function operation buttons corresponding to the identified usable function identifier of the user. And displayed on the display means 46 of the multi-function device 40. Accordingly, since the functions used by the multifunction device can be limited in correspondence with the user, the security of processing in the multifunction device can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the authentication data recorded in the control terminal 50 is updated when the data of the authentication master data 310 in the authentication master data storage unit 31 is updated or periodically. For this reason, the information related to the user identifier data can be centrally managed in the authentication master data storage unit 31 and the authentication data can be updated at any time, so that the processing management of the multi-function device 40 can be performed more appropriately.

  In the present embodiment, the control terminals 50 are provided on a one-to-one basis for each multifunction device 40. The control terminal 50 uses the authentication data recorded in the authentication data storage unit 52 to specify the user. For this reason, even when the multifunction device 40 cannot connect to the management server 30 via the network N or when the management server 30 is stopped, processing according to the user can be performed.

  ○ In this embodiment, as an IC card used to identify a user, a multi-purpose common card technology system (for example, FeliCa (registered trademark)) attached to a mobile phone terminal, a commuter pass, an employee card, etc. owned by the user The information storage medium is used. Since this versatile common card technology method is widely used such as commuter passes and mobile phones, it is not necessary to separately use a dedicated IC card in order to identify the user. In addition, the information storage medium of the multi-purpose common card technology method is widely used for commuter pass, mobile phone, etc., so it is highly likely that the user always possesses the information storage medium of the multi-purpose common card technology method. . Therefore, the user is less likely to be unable to use the multifunction peripheral due to non-carrying of the IC card, and convenience is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the control terminal 50 transmits the processing result data to the management server 30 when the normal processing ends (step S1-6). The management server 30 records the received data as log data 320 in the log data storage unit 32. That is, since the history of processing in the multifunction device 40 is recorded in the log data storage unit 32, the processing performed in the multifunction device 40 can be grasped later.

  In this embodiment, after the user logs in using the login data and the login password, the client terminal 10 uses the client terminal 10 to issue a print execution instruction, and the client terminal 10 converts the selected file data into the print data. The print data and the login data of the user who has instructed printing are transmitted to the print server 20. The print server 20 records the print data together with the print job identifier data in the print data storage unit 21. Then, the print server 20 identifies user identifier data that has been printed from the authentication master data storage unit 31 based on the received login data, and records it in the print data storage unit 21. For this reason, since the user can be specified using the login data and the user identifier of the user and the print data can be stored in association with each other, the convenience of the user can be improved and the security of the print data can be increased. . Further, the control terminal 50 acquires the print data from the print server 20 storing the print data (step S2-8), and causes the multi-function device 40 to execute printing (step S2-9). For this reason, since the multi-function device 40 only needs to be acquired from the print server 20 when printing, printing can be performed from any multi-function device 40 as long as it is connected to the system. In other words, after transmitting the print data, the user can select and appropriately output the multifunction device 40 to be printed according to the congestion status or error status of the multifunction device 40.

  In the present embodiment, the print data generated in the client terminal 10 is recorded in the print data storage unit 21 of the print server 20. For this reason, each control terminal 50 can specify the print data of the user from the print data storage unit 21 and execute printing. Accordingly, the user can output printing based on the print data from any multifunction device 40.

  In this embodiment, when printing is completed in the multifunction device 40, the control terminal 50 transmits processing result data indicating that the printing processing result is completed to the management server 30. The management server 30 records the received data as log data 320 in the log data storage unit 32 and transmits the print job identifier data to the print server 20. The print server 20 deletes the print job data 210 having the received print job identifier data. For this reason, when printing is completed, the print job data 210 is deleted, so that the memory of the print server 20 can be used effectively.

Moreover, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the above-described embodiment, the control terminal 50 performs display using the display unit 46 of the multifunction device 40 or receives a user instruction from the instruction input unit 47 of the multifunction device 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a display unit or an instruction input unit may be provided in the control terminal 50 to display on the control terminal 50 or receive an instruction from the user.

In the above embodiment, the control terminal 50 is provided separately from the multifunction device 40. Not limited to this, the control terminal 50 may be provided integrally with the multifunction device 40.
In the above embodiment, an FeliCa (registered trademark) technology type information storage medium is used as an IC card. The IC card is not limited to this, and other IC cards may be used.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Client terminal, 20 ... Print server as print data storage means, 30 ... Management server, 31 ... Storage medium authentication storage means and authentication master data storage part as usable function range data storage means, 32 ... Log data storage means Log data storage unit, 40... MFP, 46... Display means, 51... Control means, 55... Card reader device as storage medium identifier reading means.

JP 2004-222141 A (pages 2 to 4)

Claims (20)

An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. A printing system,
Storing the medium identification information for identifying the IC card, and the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the said User information storage means provided in the authentication control device;
Print data storage means provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
The medium identification information read from the IC card is acquired by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus is executed based on the medium identification information and the user information. User authentication means provided in the authentication control device ;
User information acquisition means provided in the authentication control device for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
The print control apparatus that acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit among the print data stored in the print data storage unit when user authentication is successful and print data acquisition means provided in,
The image forming apparatus that controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The control means provided in the
A printing system comprising: An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. A printing system,
Storage medium unique medium identification information for identifying the storage medium, and user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the User information storage means provided in the authentication control device;
Print data storage means provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
Media identification information read from the storage medium is acquired by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus is executed based on the medium identification information and the user information User authentication means provided in the authentication control device ;
User information acquisition means provided in the authentication control device for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
The print control apparatus that acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit among the print data stored in the print data storage unit when user authentication is successful and print data acquisition means provided in,
The image forming apparatus that controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The control means provided in the
A printing system comprising: An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. A printing system,
Medium identification information that is unique information given to each individual mobile terminal, user identification information that identifies a user, and function identification information that identifies the function of the image forming apparatus that is allowed to be used by the user. a user information storage means for storing user information, included in the authentication controller to associate,
Print data storage means provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
The medium identification information read from the portable terminal is acquired by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and user authentication of the user who uses the image forming apparatus is executed based on the medium identification information and the user information. User authentication means provided in the authentication control device ;
User information acquisition means provided in the authentication control device for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
The print control apparatus that acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit among the print data stored in the print data storage unit when user authentication is successful and print data acquisition means provided in,
The image forming apparatus that controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The control means provided in the
A printing system comprising:   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the IC card is Felica (registered trademark).   The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the mobile terminal is a mobile phone terminal.   6. The user authentication unit according to claim 1, wherein the user authentication unit searches the medium identification information read by the reading device from the user information and executes user authentication. Printing system.   The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the user authentication unit authenticates the user when the medium identification information that matches the user information exists by the search.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays an operation screen on which the user cannot instruct use of a function that is not permitted. A user who specifies the user identification information recorded in the user information based on the received user identification information in response to the print control apparatus receiving print data and user identification information from the client terminal via the network. Have information identification means,
9. The print data storage unit stores the print data received via a network in association with the user identification information specified by the user information specifying unit. The printing system according to item. An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. A printing method using a printing system,
Storing the medium identification information for identifying the IC card, and the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the said A user information storage step provided in the authentication control device;
A print data storage step provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
Acquiring medium identification information read from the IC card by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and based on the medium identification information and the user information, user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus , A user authentication step executed by the authentication control device ;
A user information acquisition step in which the authentication control device acquires the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
When the user authentication is successful , the print control apparatus acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition step among the print data stored in the print data storage step. A print data acquisition step to perform,
The image forming apparatus controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition step within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition step. A control step to
The printing method characterized by performing. An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. A printing method using a printing system,
Storage medium unique medium identification information for identifying the storage medium, and user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the A user information storage step provided in the authentication control device;
A print data storage step provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
Media identification information read from the storage medium by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus is acquired, and user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus is performed based on the medium identification information and the user information . A user authentication step executed by the authentication control device ;
A user information acquisition step in which the authentication control device acquires the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
When the user authentication is successful , the print control apparatus acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition step among the print data stored in the print data storage step. A print data acquisition step to perform,
The image forming apparatus executes printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition step within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition step. Control steps to control;
The printing method characterized by performing. An image forming apparatus having a printing function, an authentication control apparatus that controls user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. A printing method using a printing system,
Medium identification information that is unique information given to each individual mobile terminal, user identification information that identifies a user, and function identification information that identifies the function of the image forming apparatus that is allowed to be used by the user. stores user information to associate the user information storing step included in the authentication control device,
A print data storage step provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
Acquiring medium identification information read from the portable terminal by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and based on the medium identification information and the user information, user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus , A user authentication step executed by the authentication control device ;
A user information acquisition step in which the authentication control device acquires the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
When the user authentication is successful , the print control apparatus acquires the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition step among the print data stored in the print data storage step. A print data acquisition step to perform,
The image forming apparatus executes printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition step within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition step. Control steps to control;
The printing method characterized by performing. A printing system in which an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network.
Storing the medium identification information for identifying the IC card, and the user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the said User information storage means provided in the image forming apparatus;
Print data storage means provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
The medium identification information read from the IC card is acquired by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus is executed based on the medium identification information and the user information. User authentication means provided in the image forming apparatus;
User information acquisition means provided in the image forming apparatus for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
Print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means among the print data stored in the print data storage means when user authentication is successful; ,
The image forming apparatus that controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The control means provided in the
A printing system comprising: A printing system in which an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network.
Storage medium unique medium identification information for identifying the storage medium, and user identification information identifying the user, the function identification information identifying the function of the image forming apparatus to permit use to the user, the user information to associate the User information storage means provided in the image forming apparatus;
Print data storage means provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
Media identification information read from the storage medium is acquired by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus is executed based on the medium identification information and the user information User authentication means provided in the image forming apparatus;
User information acquisition means provided in the image forming apparatus for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
Print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means among the print data stored in the print data storage means when user authentication is successful; ,
The image forming apparatus that controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The control means provided in the
A printing system comprising: A printing system in which an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a print control apparatus that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network.
Medium identification information that is unique information given to each individual mobile terminal, user identification information that identifies a user, and function identification information that identifies the function of the image forming apparatus that is allowed to be used by the user. a user information storage means for storing user information, provided in the image forming apparatus to associate,
Print data storage means provided in the print control device for storing print data received via a network in association with the user identification information;
The medium identification information read from the portable terminal is acquired by a reading device connected to the image forming apparatus, and user authentication of the user who uses the image forming apparatus is executed based on the medium identification information and the user information. User authentication means provided in the image forming apparatus;
User information acquisition means provided in the image forming apparatus for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
Print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means among the print data stored in the print data storage means when user authentication is successful; ,
The image forming apparatus that controls to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The control means provided in the
A printing system comprising: Medium information acquisition means for acquiring medium identification information read from the IC card;
User information preliminarily stored in the user information storage means, medium identification information for identifying an IC card, user identification information for identifying a user, and function identification information for specifying a print function permitted to the user When, with the user information to associate a, based on the obtained the medium identification information by the medium information acquiring unit, a user authentication means for performing user authentication,
User information acquisition means for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
When the user authentication is successful, the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit among the print data stored in the print data storage unit in association with the user identification information is Print data acquisition means to acquire;
Control means for controlling to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition means within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Medium information acquisition means for acquiring medium identification information read from the storage medium;
User information preliminarily stored in the user information storage means, which is medium identification information unique to the medium for identifying the storage medium, user identification information for identifying the user, and a print function permitted to the user the function identification information, and the user information to associate the said based on the said medium identification information acquired by the medium information acquiring unit, a user authentication means for performing user authentication,
User information acquisition means for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
When the user authentication is successful, the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit among the print data stored in the print data storage unit in association with the user identification information is Print data acquisition means to acquire;
Control means for controlling to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition means within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Medium information acquisition means for acquiring medium identification information read from the mobile terminal;
User information stored in advance in the user information storage means, which is unique information given to each mobile terminal, medium identification information for identifying the user, user identification information for identifying the user, and permission for use by the user a function identification information for identifying the printing function of, said user information to associate the said based on the said medium identification information acquired by the medium information acquiring unit, a user authentication means for performing user authentication,
User information acquisition means for acquiring the user identification information and the function identification information associated with the medium identification information based on the user information;
When the user authentication is successful, the print data associated with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit among the print data stored in the print data storage unit in association with the user identification information is Print data acquisition means to acquire;
Control means for controlling to execute printing of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition means within a function range permitted to be used based on the function identification information acquired by the user information acquisition means;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a printing unit that prints the print data.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the information processing apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that performs printing of the print data via a network.