JP6476950B2 - Print system print management device program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a print management apparatus, and a program that can output with security.

  As a method for printing confidential documents, generally, after throwing a print job to a printing device, control is performed so that printing is started when the user actually performs user authentication (or password input) on the printing device. There is so-called security printing. By receiving user authentication at the output printing device at the start of printing, it is ensured that the user is in front of the printing device and prevents the printed matter from being leaked by peeping at others. .

  So-called ubiquitous printing, in which a print job is sent to a print server and the print job is output by authenticating with an arbitrary printing apparatus, is also a kind of security printing described above.

  One technique for ensuring that the user is actually in front of the printing apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Specifically, when a predetermined button operation is received, the printing apparatus displays authentication information (QR code (registered trademark)) on the operation panel. When the user takes a picture with the mobile terminal, the content of the authentication information taken and the information of the mobile terminal are transmitted to the server. When the transmission source of the received information is a portable terminal registered in advance, the server permits use by the user and transmits a print job to the printing apparatus.

  In addition, there is a printing method called so-called distributed printing, in which a large amount of output is shared by a plurality of printing apparatuses, thereby shortening the time until printing is completed. In distributed printing, when a print job is thrown to a server, the server automatically divides the print job and distributes it to a plurality of printing apparatuses so as to shorten the time until completion of printing as much as possible. For example, print jobs are distributed equally or according to the performance and additional functions of the respective printing apparatuses.

  Since existing security printing is performed only by a printing apparatus to which the user has entered authentication information, it takes a long time to print during mass printing.

  In Patent Document 2 below, one job is divided into a plurality of jobs having the same authentication information and distributed to a plurality of printing apparatuses, and the user inputs the authentication information on one of the printing apparatuses. Then, there is disclosed a printing system that not only starts printing of a job sent to the printing apparatus but also simultaneously starts printing of a job having the same authentication information sent to another printing apparatus.

JP 2006-31368 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-140184

  For example, when a user wants to perform security printing by distributed printing to reduce time, for example, a user divides a target job into a plurality of jobs in advance and sends it to a server, and then authenticates each of the plurality of printing apparatuses. Can be considered.

  However, it takes time to divide the job and to authenticate each printing apparatus. In addition, since a plurality of printing apparatuses as output destinations can be arbitrarily selected, for example, it is possible to perform distributed printing on a plurality of printing apparatuses at remote locations. For this reason, the environment in which the user can monitor all the printing devices at the distributed printing destinations is not necessarily secured, and output is performed without considering the possibility of being seen by other users, so that the original purpose of security printing can be achieved. Disappear.

  In the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 2, printing is started by a plurality of printing apparatuses by performing authentication with one printing apparatus, so that the trouble of performing authentication with each printing apparatus is reduced. However, since a plurality of printing apparatuses as distribution destinations can be arbitrarily set, if a plurality of printing apparatuses at remote locations are set as job distribution destinations, security cannot be ensured.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a printing system, a print management apparatus, and a program that enable distributed printing with security ensured.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A plurality of printing apparatuses including light emitting units that blink with different blink patterns;
A print management device that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing devices;
An execution instruction receiving unit that receives an execution instruction for the print job;
A mobile device with a camera,
A specification that identifies one or a plurality of printing devices photographed by the camera of the portable terminal as a simultaneously visible printing device group by analyzing a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit reflected in an output image of the camera of the portable terminal And
With
When the execution instruction receiving unit receives an execution instruction for the first print job,
The specifying unit specifies one or a plurality of printing apparatuses photographed by a mobile terminal linked to a user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job as a first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group. ,
The print management apparatus determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group, and the first printing job is assigned to the determined printing apparatus. A printing system that distributes and executes jobs.

  In the invention described above and the inventions described in [14], [15], [16], [19], [20], and [21] below, when the execution instruction for the print job is received, the execution instruction is received. It is possible to perform distributed printing of the print job by restricting the sharing destination to only the printing apparatuses that are photographed by the camera of the portable terminal linked to the input user. Since the printing apparatus reflected in the camera of the user's mobile terminal that has input the execution instruction is considered to be visible to the user, distributed printing with security can be performed.

[2] In the print management apparatus, during execution of the first print job, the camera of the portable terminal linked to the user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job is used for the first print job. The printing system according to [1], wherein it is confirmed whether or not all the printing apparatuses that share the execution of the function are photographed, and if not, a predetermined security preservation measure is taken.

  In the above invention, it is confirmed whether or not the user is in a place where the user can look over all the printing apparatuses to which the print job is assigned even during execution of the print job. That is, during the execution of a print job, all the printing apparatuses that are responsible for the execution of the print job appear in the output image of the camera of the mobile terminal linked to the user who has input the print job execution instruction. Security preservation measures are taken such as interrupting printing when the assigned printing device is not shown.

[3] a plurality of printing apparatuses equipped with cameras for photographing the surroundings;
A print management device that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing devices;
An execution instruction receiving unit that receives an execution instruction for the print job;
A mobile device with a light emitting part that flashes in a flashing pattern unique to its own terminal,
Analyzing the blinking pattern of the light emitting unit shown in the output image of the camera of the printing device, one portable terminal simultaneously converts one or more printing devices included in the output image to the one portable terminal. A specific unit that identifies the visible printing device group;
With
When the execution instruction receiving unit receives an execution instruction for the first print job,
The specifying unit includes a first simultaneous printing device group in which one or a plurality of printing devices in which an output image includes a portable terminal associated with a user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job. Identified as
The print management apparatus determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group, and the first printing job is assigned to the determined printing apparatus. A printing system that distributes and executes jobs.

  In the above invention and the inventions described in [17], [18], [22], and [23] below, when a camera for photographing the periphery of each printing apparatus is provided and an instruction to execute a print job is received The light emitting unit of the mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is allowed to emit light, the sharing destination is limited only to the printing device in which the light emitting unit is reflected in the output image of the camera, and the print job Can be distributed printed. If the output image of the camera provided in the printing device shows the light emitting part of the mobile terminal of the user who has input the execution instruction, the printing device is considered to be in a location that can be seen by the user. Is possible.

[4] In the print management apparatus, during execution of the first print job, the portable terminal associated with the user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job executes the first print job. The printing system according to [3], wherein it is confirmed whether or not it is included in the output images of the cameras of all the printing apparatuses that share the same, and if not, a predetermined security preservation measure is taken .

  In the above invention, it is confirmed whether or not the user is in a place where the user can look over all the printing apparatuses to which the print job is assigned even during execution of the print job. That is, during execution of a print job, the light emission of the mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction of the print job to the output images of the cameras of all the printing apparatuses that are responsible for the execution of the print job If there is a printing apparatus that does not show the light emitting part of the portable terminal among the printing apparatuses that are assigned, security preservation measures such as interrupting printing are taken.

[5] Obtain a distance between each printing apparatus belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group and a portable terminal linked to a user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job, and the distance The printing system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein a printing apparatus having a predetermined value or more is excluded from a share destination of the first print job.

  In the above-described invention, even if the light-emitting unit is within the range that can be seen by the user (when the light emitting unit is reflected in the output image of the camera), the printing apparatus that is more than a certain distance from the user is excluded from the job assignment destination.

[6] From the printing apparatus belonging to the first simultaneous visible printing apparatus group, designation of a printing apparatus to be assigned to the first print job is received from a user, and the designated printing apparatus is designated as the first printing apparatus. The print system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the print job is assigned to a print job.

  In the above invention, the user can select a print job sharing destination from among the printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group.

[7] The printing apparatus notifies the print management apparatus that the user is about to log in,
The print management apparatus is a printing apparatus other than a printing apparatus belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group by a user who has input an instruction to execute the first print job during execution of the first print job. The printing system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein a predetermined security preserving measure is taken when it is detected that an attempt to log in to is performed.

  In the above invention, when a user tries to log in to a printing apparatus that does not belong to the simultaneously visible printing apparatus group, it is considered that the user has looked away from the printing apparatus group sharing the printing. Therefore, security preservation measures are implemented to prevent the printed material from being seen or taken away by others.

[8] The print management apparatus is a predetermined obstruction that may cause a third party to see a printed matter related to the first print job among the printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group. The printing system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein a printing apparatus that matches a condition is excluded from a share destination of the first print job.

  In the above invention, even if the printing device belongs to the simultaneously visible print group, the printed material is a third party such as another person's job being executed, the operation panel being operated, or the previous printed material not being collected. If there is a possibility that it is seen in the case (when it matches the inhibition condition), it is excluded from the sharing destination.

[9] The print management apparatus instructs the printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneous-viewable printing apparatus group to prohibit accepting operations from the user,
The printing system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the printing apparatus that has received the prohibition instruction prohibits acceptance of an operation from a user.

  In the above-described invention, reception of an operation in a printing apparatus that is a printing sharing destination (or a sharing destination candidate) is prohibited. This prevents another user from submitting a new job.

[10] When the printing management apparatus determines the designated printing apparatus as a share destination of the first print job, the printing management apparatus instructs the printing apparatus not designated to cancel the prohibition,
The printing system according to [9], which quotes [6], wherein the printing apparatus that has received the instruction to cancel the prohibition cancels the prohibition of accepting an operation from a user.

  In the above-described invention, the prohibition of accepting the operation is canceled for a printing apparatus that is not designated as a sharing destination by the user.

[11] The printing system according to [9] or [10], wherein the print management apparatus cancels the prohibition when the execution of the first print job is completed.

[12] The predetermined security preservation measure includes at least one of warning to the user, interruption of execution of the print job, and storing the printed matter of the print job so as not to be visible to the user. The printing system according to [2], [4], or [7].

[13] The print management apparatus detects that a user who has input an instruction to execute the first print job logs in to any of the printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group. The printing system according to [7], wherein the security preservation measure is canceled.

  In the above invention, when the user logs in to the simultaneously visible printing apparatus group again, it is considered that the user has returned to a place where the printing apparatus group that is responsible for printing can be simultaneously viewed. Therefore, security preservation measures are released.

[14] A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including light emitting units that blink in different blink patterns,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the flashing pattern of the light emitting unit that is associated with the user who has input the execution instruction and is reflected in the output image of the camera of the mobile terminal is displayed. An information acquisition unit that receives notification of the simultaneously visible printing device group from a portable terminal having a function of analyzing and identifying one or more printing devices captured by the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing apparatuses belonging to the simultaneously visible printing apparatus group acquired by the information acquisition unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

  In the above-described invention and the invention described in [19] below, the mobile terminal identifies the simultaneously visible printing device group and notifies the print management device, and the print management device is based on the notified simultaneously visible printing device group. Determine the assignment destination of the print job.

[15] A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including light emitting units that blink in different blink patterns,
A function of detecting a blinking pattern reflected in an output image of a camera of a mobile terminal associated with a user who has input the execution instruction when receiving an execution instruction for the first print job; An information acquisition unit for receiving notification of the detected one or more blinking patterns from a mobile terminal provided;
One or a plurality of printing devices corresponding to the one or a plurality of blinking patterns acquired by the information acquisition unit is specified as a simultaneously visible printing device group, and the first one of the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group is selected. An assignment determination unit for determining an assignment destination of the print job of
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

  In the above invention and the invention described in [20] below, the mobile terminal detects the blink pattern and notifies the print management apparatus, and the print management apparatus recognizes the corresponding printing apparatus from the notified blink pattern and simultaneously recognizes it. Identify possible printing device groups.

[16] A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including light emitting units that blink in different blink patterns,
When receiving an execution instruction for the first print job, an image acquisition unit that acquires an output image of the camera of the mobile terminal from a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction;
A specifying unit that identifies one or a plurality of printing devices photographed by the camera of the mobile terminal as a group of simultaneously visible printing devices by analyzing a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit reflected in an image acquired by the image acquisition unit When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

  In the above-described invention and the invention described in [21] below, an image is acquired from a portable terminal, and the print management apparatus specifies a simultaneously visible printing apparatus group.

[17] A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including a camera that captures surroundings,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the result of identifying the portable terminal shown in the output image of the camera based on the specific blink pattern of the light emitting unit of the portable terminal is acquired from each printing apparatus. A specifying unit that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices in which a portable terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is reflected in an output image of the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

  In the above invention and the invention described in [22] below, each printing device analyzes the image and recognizes the blinking pattern of the light emitting unit, and the print management device acquires the recognition result of each printing device, and based on this A group of printing devices that can be viewed simultaneously is specified.

[18] A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including a camera that captures surroundings,
When an execution instruction for the first print job is received, an output image of the camera is acquired from each of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is selected from these images. A specifying unit that extracts an output image in which a light emitting unit flashing in a flashing pattern unique to the portable terminal is extracted, and that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices from which the extracted output image is acquired as a simultaneously visible printing device group When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

  In the above-described invention and the invention described in [23] below, the print management apparatus acquires the output image of the camera from each printing apparatus and identifies the simultaneously visible printing apparatus group.

[19] An information processing apparatus
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blink patterns,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the flashing pattern of the light emitting unit that is associated with the user who has input the execution instruction and is reflected in the output image of the camera of the mobile terminal is displayed. An information acquisition unit that receives notification of the simultaneously visible printing device group from a portable terminal having a function of analyzing and identifying one or more printing devices captured by the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing apparatuses belonging to the simultaneously visible printing apparatus group acquired by the information acquisition unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

[20] An information processing apparatus
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blink patterns,
A function of detecting a blinking pattern reflected in an output image of a camera of a mobile terminal associated with a user who has input the execution instruction when receiving an execution instruction for the first print job; An information acquisition unit for receiving notification of the detected one or more blinking patterns from a mobile terminal provided;
One or a plurality of printing devices corresponding to the one or a plurality of blinking patterns acquired by the information acquisition unit is specified as a simultaneously visible printing device group, and the first one of the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group is selected. An assignment determination unit for determining an assignment destination of the print job of
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

[21] An information processing apparatus
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blink patterns,
When receiving an execution instruction for the first print job, an image acquisition unit that acquires an output image of the camera of the mobile terminal from a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction;
A specifying unit that identifies one or a plurality of printing devices photographed by the camera of the mobile terminal as a group of simultaneously visible printing devices by analyzing a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit reflected in an image acquired by the image acquisition unit When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

[22] An information processing device
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having a camera for photographing the surroundings,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the result of identifying the portable terminal shown in the output image of the camera based on the specific blink pattern of the light emitting unit of the portable terminal is acquired from each printing apparatus. A specifying unit that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices in which a portable terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is reflected in an output image of the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

[23] An information processing apparatus
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having a camera for photographing the surroundings,
When an execution instruction for the first print job is received, an output image of the camera is acquired from each of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is selected from these images. A specifying unit that extracts an output image in which a light emitting unit flashing in a flashing pattern unique to the portable terminal is extracted, and that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices from which the extracted output image is acquired as a simultaneously visible printing device group When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit.

[24] A mobile terminal equipped with a camera, the mobile terminal associated with a user who has issued a print job execution instruction to the print management apparatus,
An output image of the camera is output to the print management apparatus that causes a print job to be shared and executed by one or a plurality of printing apparatuses determined from a plurality of printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blinking patterns. Analyzing one or more printing devices photographed by the camera by analyzing the flashing pattern of the light emitting unit being shown, and notifying the specified printing device as a candidate for a share destination of the print job; A program characterized by being operated.

  In the above invention, the mobile terminal that operates according to the program analyzes the blinking pattern shown in the output image of the camera, specifies the printing device shown in the output image, and assigns the specified printing device to the print job. The print management apparatus is notified as the previous candidate.

[25] A mobile terminal equipped with a camera, the mobile terminal associated with the user who has issued a print job execution instruction to the print management apparatus,
An output image of the camera is output to the print management apparatus that causes a print job to be shared and executed by one or a plurality of printing apparatuses determined from a plurality of printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blinking patterns. A program characterized by detecting a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit being displayed and notifying one or more of the detected blinking patterns.

  In the above invention, the mobile terminal operating according to the program detects the blinking pattern shown in the output image of the camera (detects a plurality of blinking patterns when there are a plurality of pictures) and notifies the print management apparatus of this. . The print management apparatus identifies a printing apparatus corresponding to the notified one or more blinking patterns, and designates the identified one or more printing apparatuses as the assignment destination of the print job.

  The printing system, print management apparatus, and program according to the present invention enable distributed printing using a plurality of printing apparatuses while ensuring security.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of a plurality of MFPs managed by a print management server and MFPs that are reflected in a captured image of a mobile terminal at each location. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus included in a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal contained in the printing system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print management server. It is a figure which shows the whole flow at the time of performing security printing with the printing system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a share destination designation | designated screen. 10 is a diagram showing a sharing destination designation screen when MFP 6 is removed from the sharing destination candidates. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a collection confirmation screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print result screen. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing management server which concerns on control of a security maintenance measure. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing management server which controls implementation of a security maintenance measure based on a picked-up image. It is the flowchart which showed collectively the process which a printing management server performs regarding security printing. 14 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 13. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing performed by the MFP regarding security printing. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 15. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the MFP in response to a request from the print management server. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the MFP regarding transmission of MFP information. It is a flowchart which shows the visually recognizable group identification process which a portable terminal performs. It is a figure which shows the whole flow at the time of performing security printing with the printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sharing destination designation | designated screen displayed on a portable terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole flow at the time of performing security printing with the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a printing system 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 5 is configured by connecting a plurality of printing apparatuses 10, mobile terminals 30, and a print management server 40 to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The portable terminal 30 is connected to the network 2 by wireless communication via the access point 3. The portable terminal 30 is an information terminal process owned by the user. Connected to the network 2 is a PC (personal computer) 4 that transmits a print job to the print management server 40.

  The printing apparatus 10 has a copy function for optically reading a document and printing a duplicate image on a recording sheet, a scan function for saving the read image data of the document as a file, and transmitting the file to an external terminal via the network 2, This is a so-called multi-function machine having a printing function for printing a document or an image on a recording sheet based on a print job received from the print management server 40 via the network 2 and outputting it. Hereinafter, the printing apparatus 10 is referred to as an MFP.

The printing apparatus 10 includes a light emitting unit 21 configured by a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Each printing apparatus 10 causes the light emitting unit 21 of the own apparatus to blink in a blinking pattern unique to the own apparatus while the power is on. The blinking pattern is identification information that can uniquely identify each printing apparatus 10.

  Note that it may be configured to blink only when instructed by the print management server 40. For example, when receiving a security print execution request, the print management server 40 transmits a light emission request of the light emitting unit 21 to each printing device 10, and each printing device 10 receives a predetermined time after receiving the light emission request. During this period, the light emitting unit 21 of the own apparatus is blinked.

  The portable terminal 30 is a small information processing terminal having a camera 33 (see FIG. 3). The portable terminal 30 analyzes the output image of the camera 33 when the user takes a picture of the blinking printing apparatus 10 of the light emitting unit 21 with the camera 33 of the portable terminal 30, and the printing apparatus shown in the output image 10 has a function of identifying the printing apparatus 10 reflected in the output image from the blinking pattern of the ten light emitting units 21. When a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 are reflected in the image output from the camera 33, the portable terminal 30 selects the plurality of printing apparatuses 10 reflected in the image from a blinking pattern unique to each printing apparatus 10. Identify.

  For example, a registration table indicating the correspondence between the printing apparatus 10 and the blinking pattern is stored in the print management server 40 in advance, and the portable terminal 30 acquires the registration table from the print management server 40 and refers to the registration table. Then, the printing apparatus 10 corresponding to each blinking pattern is specified. In the registration table stored in the storage unit 42 of the print management server 40, for each printing apparatus 10, identification information of the printing apparatus 10, address information (such as an IP address) for communication, and a blinking pattern correspond to each other. It is registered with it.

  The printing system 5 has a function of performing security printing, which is controlled so that printing is executed in a state where the user can monitor the output destination printing apparatus 10 at the time of output, by distributed printing in which a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 share jobs. I have.

  Conventional security printing starts printing on the condition that authentication information such as a password is input from the operation panel of the printing apparatus 10 at the time of output, so that the user is near the output destination printing apparatus 10 at the time of output. This guarantees that information is not leaked when the printed material is peeped or taken away by others. However, in this method, the output destination is limited to one printing apparatus 10 that has received an input operation such as a password.

  In order to secure the information leakage prevention function of security printing with distributed printing, the printing system 5 exists in a range where a user who has instructed output can view the assignment destination of a print job when performing security printing with distributed printing at a time. Restrict to printing devices only. Specifically, only the printing apparatus that is simultaneously reflected in the image being output by the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30 associated with the user who has input the print job execution instruction can be set as the assignment destination of the print job. To be limited.

  That is, when a user who has input a print job execution instruction causes one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 to be assigned to the print job to be photographed by his / her portable terminal 30, the image is reflected in the output image of the camera of the portable terminal 30. It is considered that the printing device 10 is in a range that the user can see at once. Therefore, the printing system 5 restricts the assignment destination of the print job to the printing apparatus 10 that is reflected in the output image of the camera 33 of the user's portable terminal 30 that has instructed the execution of the print job. Ensure that the user instructing the execution is near all the printing apparatuses 10 that share the execution of the print job at the time of execution of the print job, and the printed matter is peeped or taken away by others. To prevent information leakage.

  Here, when the printing system 5 receives an instruction to execute the first print job for which security printing has been set from the user, the image output from the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30 associated with the user. And the one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 reflected in the image are specified as a simultaneously visible printing apparatus group (hereinafter referred to as a visible group). Then, the printing device that shares the execution of the first print job is determined automatically or selected from the printing devices that belong to the identified viewable group, and the determined printing device 10 is assigned to the determined printing device 10. The first print job is distributed and executed.

  Thereby, in the printing system 5, the function of security printing can be secured by distributed printing. The portable terminal 30 associated with the user who has input the print job execution instruction may be specified by an appropriate method. For example, the following methods (1), (2), and (3) are used. There is.

(1) For each user ID, the corresponding mobile terminal 30 is registered in advance, and when a print job execution instruction is received, the user ID is requested to be associated with the user who has input the execution instruction. The mobile terminal 30 is identified. For example, when a print job execution instruction is received from the operation panel of the printing apparatus 10 after logging in to the printing apparatus 10, the user who has input the print job execution instruction to the portable terminal 30 associated with the logged-in user It recognizes that it is the portable terminal 30 linked | related.

(2) When an execution instruction for a print job is received, the authentication information is requested to be input, and the mobile terminal 30 is also requested to input the same authentication information, thereby identifying the mobile terminal 30 associated with the user who has input the execution instruction. .

(3) Login to the printing apparatus 10 by bringing the portable terminal 30 having a function of transmitting identification information (for example, an IP address) of the portable terminal 30 and user authentication information by short-range wireless communication close to the reader of the printing apparatus 10. In the configuration, when a print job execution instruction is received from the operation panel of the printing apparatus 10 after login, or when a login user print job is automatically executed after login, the portable terminal 30 used for login is connected to the print job. The mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is specified.

  FIG. 2 shows an arrangement example of a plurality of MFPs (printing apparatuses 10) managed by the print management server 40, and MFPs that appear in the captured image of the portable terminal 30 at each location. In this example, MFP 1 to MFP 3 are arranged side by side inside an L-shaped partition 51. In addition, MFP 4 to MFP 8 are arranged outside the partition 51. The MFP 6 is disposed at the corner of the L shape, the MFP 4 and the MFP 5 are disposed along one side of the L shape, and the MFP 7 and the MFP 8 are disposed along the other side of the L shape. Further, the MFP 9 is installed in a far away place.

  When the mobile terminal 30 takes a picture from the location (P1) ahead of the MFP 1 facing the partition 51, the MFP 1, MFP 2, and MFP 3 appear in the image. Therefore, in this case, MFP1, MFP2, and MFP3 are specified as the viewable group.

  When the portable terminal 30 takes a picture from the location (P4) in front of the MFP 4 and faces the corner of the partition 51, the MFP 4, the MFP 5, and the MFP 6 appear in the image. Therefore, in this case, MFP4, MFP5, and MFP6 are specified as the viewable group.

  When the mobile terminal 30 takes a wide-angle image from the location (P6) in front of the MFP 6 facing the corner of the partition 51, the MFP 4, the MFP 5, the MFP 6, the MFP 7, the MFP 8, and the MFP 9 are reflected in the image. In this case, since the distance from the portable terminal 30 to the MFP 9 is a certain distance or more, the MFP 9 is excluded, and the MFP 4, MFP 5, MFP 6, MFP 7, and MFP 8 are specified as the viewable group.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 10. The printing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11 that comprehensively controls the operation of the printing apparatus 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like as main components. A storage unit 12, an image processing unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an operation panel 15, a printer unit 18, a network communication unit 19, a light emitting unit 21, and the like are connected to the control unit 11.

  The CPU of the control unit 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes programs such as middleware and application programs.

  The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and stores various programs and data. The storage unit 12 stores a program for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, a program for controlling the blinking operation of the light emitting unit 21, and the like. The function of the printing apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU of the control unit 11 executing various processes according to these programs.

  The image processing unit 13 performs processes such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation, as well as rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The image reading unit 14 functions to optically read a document and acquire image data. The image reading unit 14 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and sequentially reads the reading position in line units in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data And so on.

  The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 16 and an operation unit 17. The display unit 16 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 17 includes various operation switches such as a start button and a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 16. The touch panel detects a coordinate position pressed with a touch pen or a finger. In addition, a flick operation, a drag operation, an operation on a scroll bar, and the like are detected. The operation panel 15 receives an operation such as input of authentication information related to security printing from a user.

  The printer unit 18 functions to form an image corresponding to print data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. The printer unit 18 may be another type.

  The network communication unit 19 performs a function of communicating with the print management server 40 and other external devices via the network 2.

  The light emitting unit 21 includes a light emitting element such as an LED and a driver element thereof. The light emitting unit 21 may be provided on the operation panel 15. The light emitting unit 21 may include a plurality of color light emitting elements in order to give intuitive visual information to the user. It is desirable that the light emitting unit 21 irradiates light in all surrounding directions. The blinking of the light emitting unit 21 is performed at a cycle that allows the blinking to be accurately identified by an image captured by the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30 and that it does not appear to blink with the naked eye. For example, when the camera 33 is 30 frames / second, it blinks with 1/30 seconds to 1/15 seconds as the minimum on period / off period. In addition, you may make it blink with the period which can be seen with the naked eye. The blinking pattern represents a code such as “10110100101” when “1” is turned on and “0” is turned off.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 30. The portable terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a camera 33, a display unit 34, an operation unit 35, a network communication unit 36, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 30. The CPU of the control unit 31 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware and application programs thereon.

  The storage unit 32 includes a RAM, a non-volatile flash ROM, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage unit 32 recognizes the blinking pattern of the light emitting unit 21 reflected in the image output from the camera 33, and identifies one or a plurality of printing devices 10 reflected in the image as a viewable group, Various programs such as a program for notifying the specified visible group to the print management server 40 are stored, and the function of the portable terminal 30 is realized by the control unit 31 executing various processes according to these programs.

  The camera 33 is configured by an image sensor, an optical lens, and the like, and fulfills a function of converting information of an image projected on the image sensor by the optical lens into an electric signal and outputting it.

  The display unit 34 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and fulfills a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 35 includes a small number of operation switches, a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 34, and the like.

  The network communication unit 36 connects to the network 2 via the access point 3 by wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, and fulfills a function of communicating with the server 40 and other external devices.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the print management server 40. The print management server 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a network communication unit 43, and the like.

  The control unit 41 includes a CPU that controls the operation of the print management server 40. The CPU of the control unit 41 is based on the OS program and executes middleware and application programs thereon.

  The storage unit 42 includes a RAM, a nonvolatile flash ROM, a hard disk device, and the like. Various programs are stored in the storage unit 42, and the function of the print management server 40 is realized by the control unit 41 executing various processes according to these programs. In the storage unit 42, a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 that can be selected by the print management server 40 as the assignment destination of the print job are registered in advance.

  More specifically, the control unit 41 executes the program stored in the storage unit 42, so that the sharing destination determination unit 44 and the sharing destination determination unit 44 that determine the printing apparatus 10 that is a sharing destination of the print job are shared. A distribution unit 45 that distributes and executes a print job to the previously determined printing apparatus 10, when the user leaves the output destination printing apparatus 10 during execution of security printing, or when the output destination printing apparatus 10 is the mobile terminal 30. Security confirmation unit 46 that performs control to execute a predetermined security preservation measure for preventing information leakage due to the printed matter being seen by others when confirmation that it is reflected in the captured image cannot be taken for a certain period of time. Also, it functions as an operation prohibition unit 47 that instructs the printing apparatus 10 to prohibit the reception of operations on the operation panel 15 or to cancel the prohibition.

  The storage unit 42 further stores received print jobs and the like. The storage unit 42 is used as a work memory or the like that temporarily stores various data when the control unit 41 executes a program. The registration table described above is also stored.

  The network communication unit 43 performs a function of communicating with the PC 4 and the printing apparatus 10 through the network 2. The network communication unit 43 functions as an information acquisition unit that receives notification from the mobile terminal 30 such as a viewable group.

  Next, the overall flow when performing security printing in the printing system 5 will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows an overall flow when security printing is performed by the printing system 5. In this example, it is assumed that the confidential document 1 is security-printed. Further, it is assumed that the user is at the position P4 in FIG.

  First, the user transmits a print job (a print job of the confidential document 1) in which the security print setting is made from the PC 4 or the like to the print management server 40. The print management server 40 receives the print job and stores it in the storage unit 42 (step S201).

  Thereafter, the user logs in to the MFP 4 and inputs a print instruction for the confidential document 1 (print job execution instruction) from the operation panel 15 of the MFP 4. Here, the portable terminal 30 of the user who has input the print job execution instruction is linked by the method (3) described above. That is, when the user's portable terminal 30 is held over the card reader of the MFP 4 or when the user's portable terminal 30 approaches within a predetermined distance of the MFP 4, the MFP 4 and the portable terminal 30 communicate with each other, and the user logs in to the MFP 4. Processing is performed. As a result, the MFP 4 associates the login user with the portable terminal 30 used for the login.

  Upon receiving the print instruction for the confidential document 1 (step S101), the MFP 4 transmits a print job execution request related to the confidential document 1 to the print management server 40 (step S102), and the portable terminal associated with the login user. 30 is instructed to start the visually recognizable group identification process (step S103).

  At this time, the user who has input the print instruction holds the portable terminal 30 so that one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 to which the confidential document 1 is to be output are displayed simultaneously. In this example, it is assumed that the portable terminal 30 is set so that the MFP 4, MFP 5, and MFP 6 are projected from the position P4 in FIG.

  The mobile terminal 30 that has received the start instruction of the viewable group identification process starts the viewable group identification process. Specifically, the mobile terminal 30 activates the camera 33 and analyzes one or more printing apparatuses 10 shown in the image by analyzing the blinking pattern of the light emitting unit 21 shown in the image output from the camera 33. The identified printing apparatus 10 is set as a viewable group.

More specifically, the output image of the camera 33 is analyzed, a blinking pattern that matches the blinking pattern registered in the registration table acquired from the print management server 40 is detected, and the detected blinking pattern is associated with the detected blinking pattern. The MFP ID and IP address registered in the registration table are specified as information of the MFP shown in the output image. In this example, MFP4, MFP5, and MFP6 are set as a viewable group. Then, the viewable group is notified to the print management server 40 (step S301).
In addition, even if it is reflected in the image output by the camera 33. Printing devices 10 that are more than a certain distance from the mobile terminal 30 are excluded from the viewable group. The distance between the mobile terminal 30 and the printing apparatus 10 is the radio field intensity of short-range wireless communication, the light reception intensity of the light from the light emitting unit 21, the light source size on the image, and presence / absence of a human sensor response in the printing apparatus 10 The human sensor does not react when the user is far from the printing apparatus 10), the distance between the light emitting units 21 on the image, the number of identified light emitting units, and the like.

  In the method of determining based on the distance between the light emitting units 21 on the image, the threshold value is changed according to the angle of view of the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30. In this method, when two printing apparatuses 10 are arranged closest to each other at a predetermined upper limit distance from the portable terminal 30, the distance between the light emitting units 21 of the printing apparatuses 10 is the number of dots on the image. This value is used as a threshold value, and when the number of dots in the interval between the two light emitting units 21 detected from within the image is less than the threshold value, the two printing apparatuses 10 are separated from the portable terminal 30 by the upper limit distance. Judge that it is farther away.

  The print management server 40 that has received the notice of the viewable group inquires of each of the printing apparatuses 10 whether or not distributed printing can be executed for each of the printing apparatuses 10 belonging to the notified viewable group. Check (step S202). Specifically, in a certain printing apparatus 10, another user's job that matches the obstruction condition such as the existence of another user's job being executed, the presence sensor reacting, the operation panel being operated, etc. However, if there is a possibility that the printer 10 is operating in front of the printing apparatus 10 or the printed product is approaching to be taken, the printing apparatus 10 determines that the distributed printing cannot be performed. The printing apparatus 10 that does not match the inhibition condition and does not have the above-described possibility determines that it is in a state in which distributed printing can be performed.

  Next, the print management server 40 instructs each printing apparatus 10 that has been determined to be able to execute distributed printing in step S202 to prohibit the operation panel 15 from accepting operations (locking the operation panel). (Step S203). Locking the operation panel prevents new start of use. The reason (for example, that distributed printing is being executed) is displayed on the display unit 16 of the locked operation panel. Then, among the printing devices 10 belonging to the viewable group, the printing device 10 determined in step S202 to be in a state in which distributed printing can be performed is set as an assignment request candidate for distributed printing of the confidential document 1 as an execution request. Is notified to the MFP 4 that is the transmission source of the message (step S204).

  Upon receiving the above notification, the printing apparatus 10 (MFP 4) displays a sharing destination designation screen for receiving designation of a sharing destination from the notified sharing destination candidates from the user on the operation panel 15 (step S104).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the sharing destination designation screen 60. This example shows an example in which all of MFP 4, MFP 5, and MFP 6 belonging to the viewable group notified from the mobile terminal 30 are candidates for sharing. On the assignment destination designation screen 60, for each assignment destination candidate, a selection button 61 for specifying the assignment destination candidate as the assignment destination is displayed. In addition, an OK button 62 for confirming the selection content is displayed. Each selection button 61 displays the name of the printing apparatus 10 corresponding to the selection button 61. When the selection button 61 is pressed, the printing device 10 corresponding to the selection button 61 is selected as a distributed printing assignment destination. When the selection button 61 in that state is pressed again, the printing device corresponding to the selection button 61 is selected. 10 is released from the sharing partner. By pressing the OK button 62, the selection content is confirmed.

  FIG. 8 shows a sharing destination designation screen 60 when the MFP 6 is excluded from the sharing destination candidates by the check in step S202. The selection button 61c corresponding to the MFP 6 is displayed in an inoperable state such as gray out. The selection button 61c displays the reason for exclusion from the sharing destination candidates.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. The printing apparatus 10 (MFP 4) receives the assignment destination designation on the assignment destination designation screen 60, and notifies the print management server 40 of the assignment destination designated by the user (step S105).

  When the print management server 40 receives the above notification (step S205), the print management server 40 unlocks the operation panel for the printing apparatuses 10 that are not designated as the sharing destination among the printing apparatuses 10 that have locked the operation panel in step S203. An instruction is given (step S206). As a result, the printing apparatus 10 that is not designated as a sharing destination can accept a new use. The printing apparatus 10 designated as the sharing destination continues to be prevented from being newly used.

  Next, the print management server 40 distributes the print job of the confidential document 1 to the printing apparatus 10 that is the assignment destination, and instructs execution of printing (step S207). The print management server 40 distributes the print job so that the time until the printing is completed is as short as possible. The distribution of print jobs takes into account the performance of each printing apparatus 10, the remaining amount of paper, the number of waiting jobs of other users, etc., in units of jobs (in the case of simultaneous output of multiple jobs), copies, pages, paper quality, etc. Is taken into consideration so that printing can be performed in an optimal manner. As a distribution method, a method generally used in the existing distributed printing, such as a method of dividing for each number of copies or a method of dividing at an arbitrary position among a large number of pages, can be used.

  The printing device 10 that shares the printing of the confidential document 1 locks the operation panel to maintain a state where a new job input operation cannot be performed, and displays that the distributed printing is being executed, while the print management server 10 The printing distributed from 40 is executed (step S106).

  When printing is completed, a collection confirmation screen 65 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15. When the collection button 66 in the screen 65 is pressed, it is confirmed that the printed material has been collected by the user. The print management server 40 is notified (step S107). When the user collects the printed matter output on the output tray of the printing apparatus 10 that is the sharing destination, the user presses the collection button 66 on the collection confirmation screen 65 displayed on the display unit 16 of the printing apparatus 10.

  In addition, the print management server 40 notifies the distribution device and the collection status of the printed matter to each of the printing apparatuses 10 that are assigned (Step S208). Upon receiving this, the printing apparatus 10 displays a print result screen 68 as shown in FIG. 10 (step S108). The print result screen 68 displays information indicating how the print job is distributed to which printing apparatus, the collection status of printed matter at each sharing destination, and the like. If the printed material has not been collected by the own machine, a collection button 66 may be further displayed on the print result screen 68.

  When printing is completed in all the printing apparatuses 10 that are assigned (or printing is completed and the collection button 66 is pressed), the operation panel of each printing apparatus 10 that is assigned is unlocked (step S209). This process ends.

  In this way, in the printing system 5, the range of the printing apparatus that can be assigned to when performing security printing by distributed printing can be simultaneously viewed from the location of the user who issued the printing execution instruction (the user's location). Since it is limited to the printing apparatus 10 existing in the shooting range of the camera of the portable terminal 30, the output time can be shortened by distributed printing while achieving the original purpose of security printing (preventing information leakage).

  In addition, since the viewable group is specified based on the output image of the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30, the printing device 10 that is within the range that can be seen from the place where the user is actually at the time of printing is set as the viewable group. Can do. Therefore, even if the installation position of the printing apparatus 10 is changed, the viewable group is not mistaken.

  In the above example, the sharing destination designation is received from the user from among the sharing destination candidates, but the print management server 40 automatically determines the sharing destination of the print job without receiving the designation from the user. You may make it carry out distributed printing. For example, among the printing apparatuses 10 belonging to the viewable group, the allocation destination and the job distribution are determined in consideration of the processing capabilities and functions of the distributed printing capable printing apparatuses 10 that do not match the inhibition conditions. Also good.

  In the printing system 5, even when security printing is performed by distributed printing, only the first login is required (input of authentication information), and printing is performed without logging in to the other printing apparatuses 10 in the viewable group. Can be executed. In this way, since it is sufficient to input the authentication information with one printing apparatus 10, the convenience is improved compared with the case where the authentication information needs to be input with all the printing apparatuses 10 that are assigned to, and the information can be simultaneously viewed. Distributed printing that secures security can be easily performed using a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 existing in the range.

  Even after the security printing is started, it is monitored whether or not each printing apparatus 10 belonging to the viewable group is in a state where distributed printing is possible, and the printing apparatus 10 which is not in a state where distributed printing is possible (in the inhibition condition) At the timing when the matching printing apparatus 10) changes to a state where distributed printing is possible (a state that does not match the inhibition condition), the printing apparatus 10 is added to the sharing destination candidate and the sharing destination is redesignated from the user. Good. The timing of changing to a state in which distributed printing is possible is when another user leaves the printing apparatus 10 such as when another user's job is finished, another user has logged out, or is no longer detected by the human sensor. Yes, at that timing, the printing device is added as a candidate for the sharing destination.

  For example, after the assignment destination designation screen 70 in FIG. 8 is displayed and the designation of the assignment destination is received, and the MFP 6 changes to a state capable of distributed printing, the assignment destination designation screen 70 in FIG. The user may receive a re-designation or display that the MFP 6 can be selected as a sharing destination and receive a selection from the user as to whether to add the MFP 6 to the sharing destination.

  The operation panel is unlocked by, for example, logging out after all the printing is completed and the user collects the printed material from each printing device 10 and performs the collected operation on the operation panels of all the printing devices 10 with the printed material. Alternatively, it may be performed at the timing when all the security printing is completed. At the time of logout, if a printing apparatus 10 that has not been collected remains, a warning may be displayed to prompt collection.

  Next, security preservation measures during printing will be described.

  When the print management server 40 detects that the user performing security printing attempts to log in to the printing apparatus 10 that does not belong to the viewable group that is responsible for the printing, the user moves to a different location. Since it is considered that the information has been moved, in order to prevent information leakage, predetermined security preservation measures are implemented. For example, a warning that alerts the user to keep an eye on the printing apparatus 10 that is performing security printing is displayed, security printing is paused, and a printed matter related to security printing is stored. Take security precautions such as keeping the user from seeing.

  The print management server 40 cancels the security preservation measure when the user who has performed the security printing logs in again to any printing apparatus 10 belonging to the viewable group that has performed the security printing. That is, it is possible to confirm that the user who performed security printing has returned to the place where any printing apparatus 10 belonging to the viewable group that has performed security printing by the login, so the security preservation measure is released. .

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print management server 40 related to the control of security preservation measures. When the security printing is started in the printing device 10 belonging to the viewable group (step S221), the printing management server 40 communicates with all the printing devices 10 under management and the login status of the user in each printing device 10 Is monitored (step S222). Each printing apparatus 10 notifies the print management server 40 when the user attempts to log in to the printing apparatus 10.

  The print management server 40 notifies each printing apparatus 10 whether or not the user who has logged in when starting the security printing in step S221 is attempting to log in (input authentication information) in the printing apparatus 10 other than the viewable group. (Step S223). If the user does not attempt to log in to the printing apparatus 10 that does not belong to the viewable group (step S223; No), it is checked whether the security printing started in step S221 has been completed (step S224). If (Step S224; No), the process returns to Step S222 and the process is continued. If completed (step S224; Yes), this process is terminated.

  When it is detected that the user tries to log in to the printing apparatus 10 that does not belong to the viewable group (step S223; Yes), security preservation measures are implemented (step S225). Specifically, the print management server 40 transmits an instruction to execute security preservation measures to each printing apparatus 10 that is responsible for printing, and the printing apparatus 10 that receives the instruction displays a warning and temporarily performs printing. Take security precautions, such as interrupting or storing the printed material in an invisible place. Note that the printing apparatus 10 that does not belong to the viewable group that has received the login operation performs control so as not to accept the login.

  Thereafter, it is monitored whether or not the logged-in user logs in to any printing device 10 belonging to the viewable group when starting the security printing in step S221 (step S226; No), and when logged in (step S226; Yes). ) The security preservation measure is canceled (step S227), and the process proceeds to step S224.

  Next, a case will be described in which it is detected from the output image of the mobile terminal 30 that the user has moved to a location away from the printing apparatus that is the sharing destination, and security preservation measures are implemented.

  During execution of security printing, an image output from the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30 associated with the user who has instructed execution of the security printing is analyzed, and all printing apparatuses that are assigned to the shooting range of the camera 33 are analyzed. Check if 10 exists. When at least one of the assigned printing apparatuses 10 does not appear in the image output from the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30 continues for a certain period of time, security preservation measures are implemented.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print management server 40 that controls the execution of security preservation measures based on the photographed image. When the security printing is started by the printing apparatus 10 that is assigned to the viewable group (step S241), the print management server 40 is linked to the user (login user) who has input the security printing execution instruction. The portable terminal 30 is instructed to recognize the viewable group based on the current photographed image, and the recognition result is acquired (step S242).

  The print management server 40 determines whether or not all the printing apparatuses 10 that share security printing in step S221 are included in the current viewable group acquired in step S242 (step S243). If all the printing apparatuses 10 sharing security printing are included in the viewable group acquired in step S242 (step S243; Yes), whether or not the security printing started in step S241 is completed. If it is checked (step S244) and incomplete (step S244; No), the process returns to step S242 to continue the processing. If completed (step S244; Yes), this process ends.

  If any of the printing apparatuses 10 that share security printing is acquired in step S242 and is not included in the viewable group (step S243; No), security preservation measures are implemented (step S245).

  Thereafter, the portable terminal 30 associated with the user (login user) who has input the security printing execution instruction is again instructed to recognize the viewable group based on the current photographed image, and the recognition result is obtained. (Step S246). Then, it is determined whether all the printing apparatuses 10 that share security printing in step S221 are included in the viewable group acquired in step S246 (step S247).

  If any of the printing apparatuses 10 sharing security printing is not included in the viewable group acquired in step S246 (step S247; No), the process returns to step S246.

  If all the printing apparatuses 10 sharing security printing are included in the viewable group acquired in step S246 (step S247; Yes), the security preservation measure is canceled (step S248), and step S244 is performed. Migrate to

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts collectively showing the processing performed by the print management server 40 regarding the security printing described so far. The print management server 40 receives a print job in which security printing is set from the PC 4 or the like, and stores it in the storage unit 42 (step S401). Next, an output instruction for the print job and an input operation for authentication information (for example, a user login operation) are performed in any MFP, and the MFP waits for an instruction to execute the print job from the MFP ( Step S402).

  Next, the print management server 40 receives connection information from the portable terminal 30 associated with the user who has instructed execution of the print job (step S403), and obtains viewable group information from the portable terminal 30. (Step S404). Further, MFP information is acquired from each MFP belonging to the viewable group. The MFP information includes information on a job being executed in the MFP, information indicating whether or not the operation panel 15 of the MFP is in use, information indicating a detection status of a user by a human sensor, and a sharing destination designation screen 60 In this case, when the assignment destination is additionally specified in the middle, information indicating the assignment destination additionally specified is provided.

  The print management server 40 determines whether or not each MFP belonging to the viewable group can be used as a distributed printing assignment destination (whether or not the inhibition condition is met), and the result of the determination and the viewable group Information indicating the MFP is notified to the MFP that has transmitted the execution instruction as viewable group information (step S405).

  Thereafter, an answer to the notification (information indicating the MFP designated as a sharing destination) is received (step S406), and a print job in which a job is appropriately allocated to each sharing destination indicated by the answer is divided (step S407). ). Then, a print job for each assigned MFP is transmitted to each assigned MFP, and a lock request for the operation panel 15 is sent to each assigned MFP (step S408).

  Next, the print management server 40 acquires MFP information from all managed MFPs (step S409), and determines the following based on the acquired MFP information (step S410).

  When an additional assignment destination is designated (step S410: addition of assignment destination), the job is reassigned, and a print job for each assignment assignment and a lock request for the operation panel 15 are transmitted to each assignment destination (step S411). ), The process proceeds to step S417.

  If it is detected that the user who has instructed execution of the print job is logging in to an MFP that does not belong to the viewable group (step S410: login detection to a non-viewable MFP), each of the assigned MFPs A security preservation measure execution request is transmitted to the server (step S412), and the process proceeds to step S417.

  When the user who has instructed execution of the print job logs in again to any MFP belonging to the viewable group (step S410: re-authentication to the viewable in-MFP), security preservation is performed for each of the assigned MFPs. A measure release request is transmitted (step S413), and the process proceeds to step S417.

  When a collection completion notification is received from the assigned MFP (step S410: collection completion), the collection status of each MFP is updated, and the updated collection status is transmitted to each MFP for display (step S414). The process proceeds to step S417.

  If at least one of the assigned MFPs does not appear in the captured image of the mobile terminal 30 associated with the user who has instructed execution of the print job for a certain period or longer (step S410: If it is not detected for a long period of time, a security maintenance measure execution request is transmitted to each of the assigned MFPs (step S412), and the process proceeds to step S417.

  When all the sharing destination MFPs return to the state shown in the captured image of the portable terminal 30 associated with the user who has instructed execution of the print job (step S410: restart detection), each of the sharing destination MFPs is restored. A request to cancel the security preservation measure is transmitted (step S416), and the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S417, it is determined whether or not the printed matter has been collected in all of the assigned MFPs. If there is an MFP that has not been collected (step S417; No), the process returns to step S404 to continue the processing. If the printed matter has been collected by all the MFPs of the sharing destination (step S417; Yes), a request to unlock the operation panel 15 is transmitted to each sharing destination (step S418). This completes the processing for the current print job. Thereafter, the process returns to step S401 to continue the processing for the next print job.

  15 and 16 show details of processing performed by the MFP for security printing. First, input of authentication information (login) is received from the user (step S501). Further, the mobile terminal 30 receives authentication (step S502). If the input authentication information is not valid (step S503; No), a warning is displayed (step S504), and the process returns to step S5401.

  If the input authentication information is valid (step S503; Yes), a login process is performed (step S405). Here, the connection information is transmitted to the print management server 40 and the portable terminal 30. A list of print jobs submitted by the logged-in user is acquired from the print management server 40 and displayed, and receives an instruction to execute any print job.

  It is checked whether or not security printing is set for the print job that has received the execution instruction. If security printing is not set (step S506; No), normal printing processing is performed (step S507), and step S507 is performed. Return to S501.

  If the print job that has received the execution instruction is security printing (step S506; Yes), it instructs the associated portable terminal 30 to start the visually recognizable group identification process (step S508). Thereafter, viewable group information indicating candidates for sharing destinations when the print job is distributedly printed is received from the print management server 40, and a sharing destination designation screen 60 corresponding to this information is created to display the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15. (Step S509). Then, designation of the sharing destination is received from the user (step S510), and the MFP designated as the sharing destination is notified to the print management server 40 (step S511).

  Thereafter, a print job for which the apparatus is in charge is received from the print management server 40 and printing based on the print job is executed. If printing has not been completed (step S512; No), the process returns to step S508. When the printing is completed (step S512; Yes), it waits for the printed matter to be collected (step S513). When the printed matter is collected (when the collection button 66 is pressed), the print management server 40 is notified of the collection (step S514). ).

  Information indicating the collection status of printed matter in each of the assigned MFPs is acquired from the print management server 40 (step S515). If there is an uncollected MFP (step S516; No), the process returns to step S515. If all MFPs of the sharing destination have collected (step S516; Yes), logout processing is performed (step S517), and the process returns to step S501.

  FIG. 17 shows processing performed by the MFP in response to a request from the print management server 40. When the MFP receives any request from the print management server 40 (steps S521 and S522), the MFP performs processing corresponding to the requested content.

  That is, when a security preservation measure execution request is received (step S522: security integrity request), security integrity measures such as printing are suspended (step S523). When a request to cancel the security preservation measure is received (step S522: security integrity release), the security integrity measure is released by restarting the interrupted printing (step S524).

  When a lock request for the operation panel 15 is received (step S522: panel lock), the operation panel 15 is set (locked) so as not to accept an operation from the user (step S525). When a request for unlocking the operation panel 15 is received (step S522: panel lock release), the operation panel 15 is unlocked (step S526). If a print job is received (step S522: print job), printing based on the print job is started (step S527).

  FIG. 18 shows processing performed by the MFP regarding transmission of MFP information. The printing apparatus 10 waits for an MFP information acquisition request to be received from the print management server 40 (step S541; No). When the MFP apparatus receives an MFP information acquisition request (step S541; Yes), the printing apparatus 10 corresponds to the current state of the apparatus. MFP information to be created is created and transmitted to the print management server 40 (step S542).

  FIG. 19 shows the visually recognizable group identification process performed by the mobile terminal 30. The camera 33 is activated and connection information is received from the MFP (step S311). Next, the image output from the camera 33 is analyzed to recognize the blinking pattern of the light emitting unit 21, and the MFP shown in the image is specified (step S312). Next, the distance from the portable terminal 30 to each MFP is determined, MFPs that are more than a certain distance are excluded (step S313), and MFPs that remain without being excluded are determined as viewable groups (step S314). The determined visible group is notified to the print management server 40 (step S315).

  If the printing is not completed (step S316; No), the image being shot is sequentially analyzed to update the viewable group (steps S312 to S315). If printing is complete (step S316; Yes), this process is terminated.

  Next, the case where the portable terminal 30 receives an operation for receiving designation of a sharing destination from among the sharing destination candidates will be described. The operation flow in this case will be described with reference to FIG. Assume that the confidential document 1 is security-printed.

  First, the user transmits a print job (a print job of the confidential document 1) in which security printing is set from the PC 4 or the portable terminal 30 to the print management server 40. The print management server 40 receives the print job and stores it in the storage unit 42 (step S261).

  Thereafter, the user logs in to the mobile terminal 30. The portable terminal 30 receives a print instruction (print job execution instruction) for the confidential document 1 from the user (step S341), and transmits a print job execution request for the confidential document 1 to the print management server 40 (step S342). Since this mobile terminal 30 receives the execution instruction of the print job related to the confidential document 1 at the mobile terminal 30, it is a terminal associated with the user who has issued the execution instruction.

  Thereafter, the mobile terminal 30 executes a viewable group identification process, and notifies the print management server 40 of the viewable group recognized by the process (step S343).

  The print management server 40 that has received the notice of the viewable group inquires of each MFP whether or not each MFP belonging to the notified viewable group is in a state where distributed printing can be executed (step). S262). Specifically, it is determined that an MFP that matches the inhibition condition described above is in a state where distributed printing cannot be performed, and an MFP that does not match the inhibition condition is determined to be in a state where distributed printing can be executed.

  Next, the print management server 40 instructs each MFP determined to be capable of executing distributed printing in step S262 to lock the operation panel 15 (step S263). Locking the operation panel prevents new start of use. The reason (for example, that distributed printing is being executed) is displayed on the display unit 16 of the locked operation panel. Then, among the MFPs belonging to the viewable group, the MFP that is determined to be capable of executing the distributed printing in step S262 is set as the sharing destination candidate for the distributed printing of the confidential document 1 by the transmission source of the execution request. A certain portable terminal 30 is notified (step S264).

  The portable terminal 30 that has received the above notification displays a sharing destination designation screen 70 for receiving designation of a sharing destination from the notified sharing destination candidates from the user on the display unit 34 (step S344).

  FIG. 21 shows an example of the sharing destination designation screen 70. The sharing destination designation screen 70 in this example selects a document name to be printed, a guidance message for prompting the user to select a printing sharing destination, and a sharing destination MFP for an image output from the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30. A selection frame 71, an OK button 72, and the like are displayed in an overlapping manner. Each selection frame 71 is displayed over the MFP corresponding to the selection frame 71. When the inside of the selection frame 71 is pressed, the MFP corresponding to the selection frame 71 is selected as a distributed printing assignment destination. When the selection frame 71 in that state is pressed again, the MFP corresponding to the selection frame 71 is selected. Will be released from the shareholder.

  Returning to FIG. 19, the description will be continued. The portable terminal 30 receives the assignment destination designation on the assignment destination designation screen 70, and notifies the print management server 40 of the assignment destination designated by the user (step S345).

  Upon receiving the above notification (step S265), the print management server 40 instructs the MFP that has not been designated as a sharing destination among the MFPs that have locked the operation panel in step S263 (step S265). S266). As a result, a new use can be accepted in the MFP that is not designated as the sharing destination. The MFP designated as the sharing destination continues to be prevented from being newly used.

  Next, the print management server 40 distributes the print job of the confidential document 1 to the MFPs to which the confidential document 1 is assigned and instructs execution of printing (step S267).

  The MFPs that share the printing of the confidential document 1 each lock the operation panel to maintain a state in which a new job input operation cannot be performed, and display that the distributed printing is being performed from the print management server 40. The distributed printing is executed (step S121).

  When the printing is finished, the MFP displays a collection confirmation screen 65 as shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15. When the collection button 66 in the screen 65 is pressed, the printed material is collected by the user. This is notified to the print management server 40 (step S122). When the user collects the printed matter output on the output tray of the printing apparatus 10 that is the sharing destination, the user presses the collection button 66 on the collection confirmation screen 65 displayed on the display unit 16 of the printing apparatus 10.

  In addition, the print management server 40 notifies the distribution device and the collection status of the printed matter to each printing apparatus and the portable terminal 30 that are the sharing destination (step S268). Receiving this, the printing apparatus 10 or the portable terminal 30 displays, for example, a printing result screen 68 as shown in FIG. 10 (steps S123 and S346).

  When printing is completed for all the MFPs of the sharing destination (or when printing is completed and the collection button 66 is pressed), the operation panel of each MFP of the sharing destination is unlocked (step S269), and this process is terminated. To do.

  As described above, when a print job execution instruction is input on the portable terminal 30, the user can perform secure printing without logging in to the MFP. Therefore, the print job can be viewed from a position where a plurality of MFPs can be simultaneously viewed. Can be instructed, and there is no need to go to any one MFP for login. Note that the print job may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 to the print management server 40 instead of from the PC 4.

  As described above, in the printing system 5 according to the first embodiment, the user can perform security printing by distributed printing without dividing the job in advance. In addition, since only the printing apparatus 10 within the range where the camera 33 of the portable terminal 30 of the user instructing execution of the print job can be photographed at one time is restricted to the distributed printing share destination, security is improved during ubiquitous printing. Distributed output can be performed while maintaining the output time. Further, by receiving designation of a sharing destination from among the sharing destination candidates from the user, it is possible to perform distributed printing by using the printing device 10 desired by the user among the printing devices 10 in the simultaneously viewable range. it can.

  The user logs in to the printing apparatus 10 at a place away from a place where all the printing apparatuses 10 that are performing security printing can be viewed at the same time, or the printing apparatus 10 that is assigned to the output image of the camera 33 of the portable terminal 30. Security security measures such as alerting the user or pausing printing when there is a situation in which the eyes are separated from the security printing, such as when the Decline can be prevented.

  By locking the operation panel 15 of the printing apparatus 10 that is executing the printing from the start to the end of the security printing by the distributed printing, it is possible to prevent other users from interrupting, so that the printed matter may be mixed, It is possible to avoid a situation that is undesirable in terms of security, such as a situation where another user is present for a long time.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 21 of each printing apparatus 10 blinks with a unique blinking pattern, and the light emitting unit 21 is photographed with the camera of the portable terminal 30 so that the user who owns the portable terminal 30 can simultaneously One or a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 that can be visually recognized are specified as a visually recognizable group. In the second embodiment, the relationship between the camera and the light emitting unit is reversed. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 22, each printing apparatus 10 </ b> B includes a camera 22 that captures the surroundings. The portable terminal 30B has a light emitting unit 37, which blinks in a unique blink pattern. Then, one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 </ b> B that are photographing the light emitting unit 37 of the same mobile terminal 30 are specified as a viewable group.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus 10B according to the second embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The point which has the camera 22 is different from the printing apparatus 10 of FIG. FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mobile terminal 30B according to the second embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The point which has the light emission part 37 is different from the portable terminal 30 of FIG.

  FIG. 25 shows a flow of operations when performing security printing in the printing system 5B according to the second embodiment. Here, a case will be described in which an operation for receiving designation of a sharing destination from the sharing destination candidates is received by the mobile terminal 30B. Assume that the confidential document 1 is security-printed. The same processes as those in FIG. 19 are denoted by the same step numbers.

  First, the user transmits a print job (a print job for the confidential document 1) in which the security printing is set to the print management server 40 from the PC 4 or the portable terminal 30B. The print management server 40 receives the print job and stores it in the storage unit 42 (step S261).

  Thereafter, the user logs in to the mobile terminal 30B. The portable terminal 30 receives a print job execution instruction related to the confidential document 1 from the user (step S341), and transmits a print job execution request related to the confidential document 1 to the print management server 40 (step S342). Furthermore, the portable terminal 30B causes the light emitting unit 37 to blink with a blinking pattern unique to the terminal itself (step S381). Further, the print management server 40 is notified of the blinking pattern specific to the terminal itself.

  Upon receiving the print job execution request related to the confidential document 1, the print management server 40 instructs each MFP (printing apparatus 10B) to analyze the output image of the camera 22 and detect the portable terminal 30B. Here, the printing management server 40 notifies each MFP of the blinking pattern notified from the mobile terminal 30B that is the transmission source of the execution request. Each MFP detects the light emitting unit 37 blinking in the notified blinking pattern from the image, and returns the detection result to the print management server 40. Note that the distance from the MFP to the mobile terminal 30B is determined based on the light source size of the light emitting unit 37, the radio wave intensity, the light intensity, and the like in short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal 30B. Exclude from

  The print management server 40 identifies a viewable group based on the detection result returned from each MFP (step S282). That is, one or a plurality of MFPs that have normally detected the notified blinking pattern are set as a viewable group.

  Next, the print management server 40 makes an inquiry to each MFP to check whether or not distributed printing can be executed for each MFP belonging to the viewable group (step S262). The subsequent processing is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Note that the method for recognizing the viewable group is not limited to the above. For example, each MFP (printing apparatus 10B) recognizes the blinking pattern of the light emitting section shown in the output image of the camera 22 of its own apparatus (recognizes each blinking pattern when there are a plurality of images), and recognizes the recognized blinking pattern. Is notified to the print management server 40. The print management server 40 may be a method in which one or a plurality of MFPs that detect the same blinking pattern as the blinking pattern of the mobile terminal 30B that is the transmission source of the execution request are specified as a viewable group.

  Also in the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration example is shown in which the image output from the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30 is analyzed by the mobile terminal 30 and the viewable group is identified on the mobile terminal 30 side. To the print management server 40, and the image can be analyzed by the print management server 40 to identify a viewable group.

  That is, the mobile terminal 30 associated with the user who has input the print job execution instruction transmits the image output from the camera 33 to the print management server 40. The print management server 40 receives and acquires this image, analyzes the blinking pattern of the light emitting unit 21 reflected in the acquired image, and prints one or more prints taken by the camera 33 of the mobile terminal 30 Identify the device as a viewable group.

  Further, the mobile terminal 30 detects a flashing pattern reflected in an image output from the camera (a plurality of flashing patterns are detected when a plurality of light emitting units 21 are displayed), and the detected flashing pattern is detected from the mobile terminal 30. The print management server 40 may be notified, and the print management server 40 may refer to the registration table to recognize the printing device 10 corresponding to each notified blinking pattern and specify the visually recognizable group.

  Similarly, in the second embodiment, each printing apparatus 10 </ b> B analyzes the image output from the camera 22 to detect a blinking pattern, and transmits the detected blinking pattern to the print management server 40. The print management server 40 may be configured to identify the portable terminal 30 corresponding to the blinking pattern received from the printing apparatus 10 and obtain a viewable group.

  Further, the function of analyzing the image and identifying the visually recognizable group may be performed at any place in the printing system 5. For example, a dedicated server may be provided to recognize the viewable group. That is, the image is transmitted from the portable terminal 30 to the dedicated server, the image is analyzed by the dedicated server, the visible group (or the blinking pattern) is specified, and the specified result is notified from the dedicated server to the print management server 40. Can be configured.

  In the second embodiment, an image output from the camera 22 of each printing apparatus 10B is transmitted to the print management server 40. The print management server 40 acquires an output image of the camera 22 of each printing apparatus 10, and from among these, a light emitting unit that blinks in a blinking pattern unique to the mobile terminal 30 associated with the user who has input the execution instruction An output image showing 37 can be extracted, and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 from which the extracted output image is acquired can be specified as a viewable group. In addition, the image output from the camera 22 of each printing apparatus 10B is transmitted to a dedicated server, the image is analyzed by the dedicated server to identify a viewable group (or blink pattern), and the identified result is transmitted from the dedicated server. It can be configured to notify the print management server 40.

  The print management server 40 does not need to exist alone, and a plurality of servers may jointly realize the function of the print management server 40. Further, the printing management server 40 may be configured such that the printing apparatus 10 jointly handles the functions of the printing management server 40 in any one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 10.

  Further, it may be possible to make reservations for MFPs that are excluded from the candidates for the sharing destination because other jobs are being executed or the like, after the job is completed. In this case, predict the time until the job execution is completed, determine how much time it will take to complete the output if the job is assigned to the MFP after the completion, and if a reduction effect over a certain time can be expected In addition, it may be possible to make a reservation. For example, as soon as execution of another job is completed, the reserved MFP locks the operation panel 15 in a state where a new job cannot be input, displays that distributed printing is in progress, and starts printing.

  When the user logs out, if a printing apparatus 10 that has not been collected remains, a warning to that effect may be displayed to prompt collection. The transmission source of the print job is not limited to the PC 4 and may be a mobile terminal or the like.

2 ... Network 3 ... Access point 4 ... PC
5, 5B ... Printing system 10, 10B ... Printing device (MFP)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Control part 12 ... Memory | storage part 13 ... Image processing part 14 ... Image reading part 15 ... Operation panel 16 ... Display part 17 ... Operation part 18 ... Printer part 19 ... Network communication part 21 ... Light emission part 22 ... Cameras 30, 30B ... Portable terminal 31 ... Control unit 32 ... Storage unit 33 ... Camera 34 ... Display unit 35 ... Operation unit 36 ... Network communication unit 37 ... Light emitting unit 40 ... Print management server 41 ... Control unit 42 ... Storage unit 43 ... Network communication unit 44 ... Allocation destination determination unit 45 ... Distribution unit 46 ... Security maintenance unit 47 ... Operation prohibition unit 51 ... Partition 60 ... Allocation destination designation screen 61, 61c ... Selection button 62 ... OK button 65 ... Recovery confirmation screen 66 ... Recovery button 68 ... Printing result Screen 70 ... Sharing destination designation screen 71 ... Selection frame 72 ... OK button

Claims (25)

A plurality of printing apparatuses having light-emitting portions that blink in different blink patterns;
A print management device that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing devices;
An execution instruction receiving unit that receives an execution instruction for the print job;
A mobile device with a camera,
A specification that identifies one or a plurality of printing devices photographed by the camera of the portable terminal as a simultaneously visible printing device group by analyzing a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit reflected in an output image of the camera of the portable terminal And
With
When the execution instruction receiving unit receives an execution instruction for the first print job,
The specifying unit specifies one or a plurality of printing apparatuses photographed by a mobile terminal linked to a user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job as a first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group. ,
The print management apparatus determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group, and the first printing job is assigned to the determined printing apparatus. A printing system that distributes and executes jobs. In the print management apparatus, during execution of the first print job, the camera of the portable terminal linked to the user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job causes the first print job to be executed. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein it is confirmed whether or not all the printing apparatuses assigned to the camera are photographed, and in the case of being not, predetermined security preservation measures are taken. A plurality of printing devices equipped with cameras for photographing the surroundings;
A print management device that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing devices;
An execution instruction receiving unit that receives an execution instruction for the print job;
A mobile device with a light emitting part that flashes in a flashing pattern unique to its own terminal,
Analyzing the blinking pattern of the light emitting unit shown in the output image of the camera of the printing device, one portable terminal simultaneously converts one or more printing devices included in the output image to the one portable terminal. A specific unit that identifies the visible printing device group;
With
When the execution instruction receiving unit receives an execution instruction for the first print job,
The specifying unit includes a first simultaneous printing device group in which one or a plurality of printing devices in which an output image includes a portable terminal associated with a user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job. Identified as
The print management apparatus determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group, and the first printing job is assigned to the determined printing apparatus. A printing system that distributes and executes jobs. In the print management apparatus, during execution of the first print job, a portable terminal associated with a user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job shares execution of the first print job. 4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein it is confirmed whether or not the image is included in an output image of a camera of all the printing apparatuses that are present, and if not, predetermined security preservation measures are taken. The distance between each printing apparatus belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group and a portable terminal linked to a user who has input an execution instruction for the first print job is acquired, and the distance is equal to or greater than a certain value. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is excluded from a share destination of the first print job. A designation of a printing device to be assigned to the first print job among printing devices belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing device group is received from a user, and the designated printing device is accepted as the first printing job. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing system is determined as a sharing destination. The printing device notifies the print management device that a user is about to log in;
The print management apparatus is a printing apparatus other than a printing apparatus belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group by a user who has input an instruction to execute the first print job during execution of the first print job. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a predetermined security preserving measure is taken when it is detected that an attempt to log in is performed. The print management device matches a predetermined obstruction condition in which a printed matter related to the first print job may be seen by a third party among the printing devices belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing device group. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a printing device to be excluded is excluded from a destination to which the first print job is assigned. The print management apparatus instructs a printing apparatus belonging to the first simultaneously visible printing apparatus group to prohibit acceptance of an operation from a user;
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the printing apparatus that has received the prohibition instruction prohibits acceptance of an operation from a user. When the printing management device determines the designated printing device as a share destination of the first print job, the printing management device instructs the printing device not designated to cancel the prohibition,
10. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the printing apparatus that has received an instruction to cancel the prohibition cancels the prohibition of accepting an operation from a user. The printing system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the print management apparatus releases the prohibition when the execution of the first print job is completed. The predetermined security preservation measure includes at least one of warning to the user, interruption of execution of the print job, and storing the printed matter of the print job so as not to be visible to the user. Item 8. The printing system according to Item 2, 4 or 7. When the print management apparatus detects that a user who has input an instruction to execute the first print job has logged in to any of the printing apparatuses belonging to the first simultaneous-viewable printing apparatus group, the security management apparatus The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the maintenance measure is canceled. A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including light emitting units that blink in different blink patterns,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the flashing pattern of the light emitting unit that is associated with the user who has input the execution instruction and is reflected in the output image of the camera of the mobile terminal is displayed. An information acquisition unit that receives notification of the simultaneously visible printing device group from a portable terminal having a function of analyzing and identifying one or more printing devices captured by the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing apparatuses belonging to the simultaneously visible printing apparatus group acquired by the information acquisition unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including light emitting units that blink in different blink patterns,
A function of detecting a blinking pattern reflected in an output image of a camera of a mobile terminal associated with a user who has input the execution instruction when receiving an execution instruction for the first print job; An information acquisition unit for receiving notification of the detected one or more blinking patterns from a mobile terminal provided;
One or a plurality of printing devices corresponding to the one or a plurality of blinking patterns acquired by the information acquisition unit is specified as a simultaneously visible printing device group, and the first one of the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group is selected. An assignment determination unit for determining an assignment destination of the print job of
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses including light emitting units that blink in different blink patterns,
When receiving an execution instruction for the first print job, an image acquisition unit that acquires an output image of the camera of the mobile terminal from a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction;
A specifying unit that identifies one or a plurality of printing devices photographed by the camera of the mobile terminal as a group of simultaneously visible printing devices by analyzing a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit reflected in an image acquired by the image acquisition unit When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses having a camera for photographing the surroundings,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the result of identifying the portable terminal shown in the output image of the camera based on the specific blink pattern of the light emitting unit of the portable terminal is acquired from each printing apparatus. A specifying unit that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices in which a portable terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is reflected in an output image of the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of printing apparatuses having a camera for photographing the surroundings,
When an execution instruction for the first print job is received, an output image of the camera is acquired from each of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is selected from these images. A specifying unit that extracts an output image in which a light emitting unit flashing in a flashing pattern unique to the portable terminal is extracted, and that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices from which the extracted output image is acquired as a simultaneously visible printing device group When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
And a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to the printing device of the sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. Information processing device
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blink patterns,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the flashing pattern of the light emitting unit that is associated with the user who has input the execution instruction and is reflected in the output image of the camera of the mobile terminal is displayed. An information acquisition unit that receives notification of the simultaneously visible printing device group from a portable terminal having a function of analyzing and identifying one or more printing devices captured by the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing apparatuses belonging to the simultaneously visible printing apparatus group acquired by the information acquisition unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. Information processing device
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blink patterns,
A function of detecting a blinking pattern reflected in an output image of a camera of a mobile terminal associated with a user who has input the execution instruction when receiving an execution instruction for the first print job; An information acquisition unit for receiving notification of the detected one or more blinking patterns from a mobile terminal provided;
One or a plurality of printing devices corresponding to the one or a plurality of blinking patterns acquired by the information acquisition unit is specified as a simultaneously visible printing device group, and the first one of the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group is selected. An assignment determination unit for determining an assignment destination of the print job of
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. Information processing device
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blink patterns,
When receiving an execution instruction for the first print job, an image acquisition unit that acquires an output image of the camera of the mobile terminal from a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction;
A specifying unit that identifies one or a plurality of printing devices photographed by the camera of the mobile terminal as a group of simultaneously visible printing devices by analyzing a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit reflected in an image acquired by the image acquisition unit When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. Information processing device
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having a camera for photographing the surroundings,
When the execution instruction for the first print job is received, the result of identifying the portable terminal shown in the output image of the camera based on the specific blink pattern of the light emitting unit of the portable terminal is acquired from each printing apparatus. A specifying unit that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices in which a portable terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is reflected in an output image of the camera as a simultaneously visible printing device group;
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. Information processing device
A print management apparatus that distributes and executes a print job to a plurality of pre-registered printing apparatuses having a camera for photographing the surroundings,
When an execution instruction for the first print job is received, an output image of the camera is acquired from each of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and a mobile terminal associated with the user who has input the execution instruction is selected from these images. A specifying unit that extracts an output image in which a light emitting unit flashing in a flashing pattern unique to the portable terminal is extracted, and that specifies one or a plurality of printing devices from which the extracted output image is acquired as a simultaneously visible printing device group When,
A sharing destination determination unit that determines a sharing destination of the first print job from among the printing devices belonging to the simultaneously visible printing device group specified by the specifying unit;
A program that functions as a print management device having a distribution unit that distributes and executes the first print job to a printing device that is a sharing destination determined by the sharing destination determination unit. A mobile terminal equipped with a camera, which is associated with a user who has issued a print job execution instruction to the print management apparatus,
An output image of the camera is output to the print management apparatus that causes a print job to be shared and executed by one or a plurality of printing apparatuses determined from a plurality of printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blinking patterns. Analyzing one or more printing devices photographed by the camera by analyzing the flashing pattern of the light emitting unit being shown, and notifying the specified printing device as a candidate for a share destination of the print job; A program characterized by being operated. A mobile terminal equipped with a camera, which is associated with a user who has issued a print job execution instruction to the print management apparatus,
An output image of the camera is output to the print management apparatus that causes a print job to be shared and executed by one or a plurality of printing apparatuses determined from a plurality of printing apparatuses having light-emitting units that blink with different blink patterns. A program characterized by detecting a blinking pattern of the light emitting unit being displayed and notifying one or more of the detected blinking patterns.