JP6481543B2 - Information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  There is a printing method called pull printing. In pull print printing, a user transmits print data to a predetermined server using a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. The server stores print data. In response to a user operation on the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus acquires (pulls) print data stored in a server set in advance as a reference destination, and executes a print job. In pull print printing, a print job is executed when the user is near the image forming apparatus. Therefore, paper on which confidential information is printed is left unattended, or paper on which confidential information is printed is referred to by others. Can be prevented. Further, according to pull print printing, a print job can be executed from any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses accessible to a predetermined server.

  However, in conventional pull print printing, it is difficult to share print data between image forming apparatuses with different reference destination servers. For example, it is assumed that the user a has registered print data in the server A that is referred to by the image forming apparatus installed in the office to which the user a belongs. In this case, the user a can cause each image forming apparatus to execute a print job related to the print data in the office. On the other hand, when the user a makes a business trip to an office whose reference destination of each image forming apparatus is the server B, the user a causes the image forming apparatus in the office to execute a print job related to the print data registered in the server A. It is difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to improve the distribution of data stored in a storage device as an output target of a device.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, in an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices connected to different networks and a first storage device, each of the information processing devices is connected to the information processing device. A receiving unit that receives output data and user identification information transmitted from a terminal connected to the first network, and stores the output data and user identification information received by the receiving unit in association with each other. A storage unit, a storage processing unit that associates the user identification information stored in the storage unit with the device identification information for identifying the information processing device and stores the associated information in the first storage device, and the first network In response to a request from a connected device, the device stored in the first storage device is associated with the user identification information included in the request. A first acquisition unit that acquires, from the first storage device, authentication information for receiving permission to connect to a second network to which another information processing apparatus related to the identification information is connected; Based on the authentication information acquired by the acquisition unit, a connection unit that receives permission to connect to the second network, and the other unit that is connected to the second network where the connection unit receives connection permission A second acquisition unit for acquiring output data stored in association with user identification information included in the request in the storage unit of the information processing device; and output data acquired by the second acquisition unit, And a transmission unit that transmits the request to the request source device.

  It is possible to improve the distribution of data stored in the storage device as an output target of the device.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system in 1st Embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a print control server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a printing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the print control server according to the first embodiment in response to reception of print data. It is a figure which shows the structural example of job information. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process sequence which the external management server in 1st Embodiment performs according to reception of preserve | saved information. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the preservation | save information storage part in 1st Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment in response to an operation by a user. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed in response to a job list acquisition request by the print control server according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a server information storage part. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed in response to a print data acquisition request by the print control server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by a printing system according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the preservation | save information storage part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence which the printing system in 4th Embodiment performs.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment.

  In the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, each base such as the base A and the base B is an activity base such as a business office or office of a certain company, for example. For example, the base A may be an office in the region A, and the base B may be a fist in the region B. Region A and region B may have different prefectures or different countries. Three or more bases may exist. Note that “a” is added to the end of the code of the device belonging to the site A, and “b” is added to the end of the code of the device belonging to the site B. When the devices at the base A and the base B are not distinguished from each other, “a” or “b” at the end of the code is omitted.

  Each base includes a VPN server 40, a print control server 10, one or more job input devices 30, and one or more image forming devices 20. Within each base, the print control server 10, each job input device 30, and each image forming device 20 are communicably connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The devices belonging to the site A and the devices belonging to the site B are connected to different networks.

  The VPN server 40 is one or more computers that implement a virtual private network (VPN) in order to extend a private network at each site across a wide area network N1 such as the Internet. In other words, requests from the outside of each base are blocked by the firewall, for example. Alternatively, in each base network, each apparatus is assigned a private IP address based on the address system in the base, and cannot be accessed from other bases. The VPN server 40 is installed to alleviate such a state. That is, the VPN server 40 allows the print control server 10 at each site to be accessed from the print control servers 10 at other sites. However, the VPN server 40 permits only access based on the authentication information set in the VPN server 40. In the present embodiment, the VPN server 40 also functions as a firewall. However, a firewall may be installed separately from the VPN server 40.

  The job input device 30 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) used by each user who performs business at a base. In the present embodiment, the job input device 30 transmits print data to the print control server 10 belonging to the same base as the job input device 30. Note that a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like may be used as the job input device 30.

  The print control server 10 is a computer that receives print data transmitted from the job input device 30 and stores the print data and bibliographic information of the print data. In the present embodiment, one print control server 10 is installed at one base. However, a plurality of print control servers 10 may be installed at one base. Hereinafter, the bibliographic information of the print data is simply referred to as “job information”.

  The image forming apparatus 20 is a device having a printing function, such as a multifunction machine or a printer. The image forming apparatus 20 transmits a job information and print data acquisition request to the print control server 10 belonging to the same base as the image forming apparatus 20 in response to an operation by the user, and a print job based on the returned print data Execute. That is, the address information of the print control server 10 belonging to the same base as the image forming apparatus 20 is set in advance in each image forming apparatus 20 as the acquisition destination of job information and print data.

  Note that the print control server 10 may store image data scanned by any of the image forming apparatuses 20. In this case, information including the image data stored in the print control server 10 may be acquired from the image forming apparatus 20 as print data.

  An external management server 50 and an authentication server 60 are connected to each site via a network N1. The external management server 50 is one or more computers that execute processing for enabling distribution of print data and job information across the print control servers 10 (between sites). That is, the external management server 50 can execute a print job based on the print data stored in the print control server 10b at the site B, for example, at the image forming apparatus 20a at the site A. The external management server 50 does not have to be unique. For example, the external management server 50 may be installed for each set of a predetermined number of bases. Further, the external management server 50 may belong to any one of the bases. For example, any print control server 10 may function as the external management server 50.

  The authentication server 60 is, for example, one or more computers that authenticate the user of the job input device 30 and the user of the image forming apparatus 20 at each site. Note that the external management server 50 may also serve as the authentication server 60.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the print control server according to the first embodiment. The print control server 10 in FIG. 2 includes a drive device 100, an auxiliary storage device 102, a memory device 103, a CPU 104, an interface device 105, and the like that are mutually connected by a bus B.

  A program for realizing processing in the print control server 10 is provided by a recording medium 101 such as a CD-ROM. When the recording medium 101 storing the program is set in the drive device 100, the program is installed from the recording medium 101 to the auxiliary storage device 102 via the drive device 100. However, the program need not be installed from the recording medium 101 and may be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 102 stores the installed program and also stores necessary files and data.

  The memory device 103 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 102 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program. The CPU 104 executes functions related to the print control server 10 in accordance with a program stored in the memory device 103. The interface device 105 is used as an interface for connecting to a network.

  Each print control server 10 may be realized by a plurality of computers each having a configuration as shown in FIG. The external management server 50, the VPN server 40, the authentication server 60, and the like may also have the same hardware configuration as that of the print control server 10.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printing system according to the first embodiment. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes an input control unit 21, a display control unit 22, a login control unit 23, a list acquisition unit 24, a data acquisition unit 25, a job execution unit 26, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the image forming apparatus 20 cause the CPU of the image forming apparatus 20 to execute.

  For example, the input control unit 21 interprets a user instruction input via the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 20. The display control unit 22 causes the operation panel to display information generated during the progress of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 20. The login control unit 23 controls user login processing for the image forming apparatus 20.

  The list acquisition unit 24 acquires a list of job information related to the login user (hereinafter referred to as “job list”) from the print control server 10 set as a reference destination for the image forming apparatus 20.

  The data acquisition unit 25 acquires (downloads) print data related to job information selected by the user from the job list displayed on the operation panel. The job information includes print data identification information related to the job information. The data acquisition unit 25 acquires print data based on the identification information. The print data is data used for drawing a print image in a print job, such as PDL (Page Description Language) format data. Generally, print data has a larger amount of data than job information. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the print data selected as the print target is downloaded to the image forming apparatus 20. However, together with the job list, print data relating to each job information included in the job list may be distributed on the network.

  The job execution unit 26 controls printing of the print data acquired by the data acquisition unit 25.

  The print control server 10 includes a server information transmission unit 121, a data reception unit 122, a data analysis unit 123, a storage information transmission unit 124, a list request reception unit 125, a storage destination inquiry unit 126, a job information collection unit 127, and a list reply unit 128. A data management unit 129, a VPN client unit 130, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the print control server 10 cause the CPU 104 to execute. The print control server 10 also includes a job information storage unit 131, a data storage unit 132, and the like. Each of these storage units can be realized using the auxiliary storage device 102, for example. Alternatively, these storage units may be realized using a storage device connected to the print control server 10 via a network.

  The server information transmission unit 121 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as “server information”) for the other print control server 10 to access the print control server 10 to the external management server 50. The server information includes, for example, information (hereinafter referred to as “VPN connection information”) that needs to be presented to receive permission to connect to the network of the site to which the print control server 10 belongs, and the print control server. 10 IP addresses and the like are included. The VPN connection information includes, for example, the IP address of the VPN server 40 and authentication information (account name, password, etc.).

  The data receiving unit 122 receives print data from the job input device 30 or the like. The data receiving unit 122 stores the received print data in the data storage unit 132. The data analysis unit 123 analyzes the print data and generates job information. The data analysis unit 123 stores the generated job information in the job information storage unit 131 in association with the print data. The saved information transmission unit 124 sends the user name of the user related to the print data received by the data reception unit 122 and the identification information (hereinafter referred to as “server ID”) of the print control server 10 to the external management server 50. Send to. That is, the storage information transmission unit 124 notifies the external management server 50 that the print data and job information of the user relating to the user name are stored in the print control server 10. The saved information transmission unit 124 also includes the user name of the user related to the deleted job information in response to the deletion of the job information and print data stored in the job information storage unit 131 or the data storage unit 132, and the print control. The server ID of the server 10 is transmitted to the external management server 50. That is, the storage information transmission unit 124 notifies the external management server 50 that the user's print data and job information relating to the user name have been deleted. Hereinafter, the information notified by the storage information transmission unit 124 is referred to as “storage information”.

  The list request receiving unit 125 receives a job list acquisition request related to the login user of the image forming apparatus 20 from the image forming apparatus 20. The storage destination inquiry unit 126 inquires the external management server 50 about the print control server 10 that stores the job information corresponding to the user related to the job list acquisition request. That is, the external management server 50 knows the print control server 10 that stores job information and print data corresponding to each user based on the stored information from each print control server 10. The job information collection unit 127 collects job information corresponding to the user related to the job list acquisition request from the print control server 10 or another print control server 10 based on the inquiry result by the storage destination inquiry unit 126. The list reply unit 128 returns the job list collected by the job information collection unit 127 to the image forming apparatus 20 that is the transmission source of the job list acquisition request.

  In response to a print data acquisition request relating to job information selected from the job list, the data management unit 129 acquires the print data from the data storage unit 132 or the print control server 10 at another location. The data management unit 129 returns the acquired print data to the image forming apparatus 20 that has transmitted the acquisition request.

  The VPN client unit 130 is used when the job information collection unit 127 acquires print data from the print control server 10 at another site, or when the data management unit 129 acquires print data from the print control server 10 at another site. Permission of connection to the network of the other base is received from the VPN server 40 of the other base. By permitting such a connection, a VPN connection (hereinafter referred to as “VPN connection”) is established between the bases. The job information collection unit 127 and the data management unit 129 can acquire job information or print data from the print control server 10 at another base using the VPN connection.

  The external management server 50 includes a server information reception unit 51, a storage information reception unit 52, a storage information update unit 53, a storage destination response unit 54, a server information response unit 55, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the external management server 50 cause the CPU of the external management server 50 to execute. The external management server 50 also includes a server information storage unit 56, a saved information storage unit 57, and the like. Each of these storage units can be realized by using an auxiliary storage device included in the external management server 50, for example. Alternatively, each of these storage units may be realized using a storage device connected to the external management server 50 via a network.

  The server information receiving unit 51 receives server information transmitted from the print control server 10 at each site, and stores the received server information in the server information storage unit 56. Accordingly, server information is stored in the server information storage unit 56 for each print control server 10.

  The storage information receiving unit 52 receives the storage information transmitted from the storage information transmission unit 124 of each print control server 10. The saved information update unit 53 updates the information stored in the saved information storage unit 57 based on the received saved information. The storage information storage unit 57 stores the job information corresponding to the user associated with the user name and the server ID of the print control server 10 that stores the print data in association with the user name.

  The storage destination response unit 54 is a server stored in the storage information storage unit 57 in association with the user name included in the inquiry request in response to the inquiry request from the storage destination inquiry unit 126 of each print control server 10. Returns a list of IDs. In response to a server information inquiry request related to any server ID included in the list of server IDs returned by the storage destination response unit 54, the server information response unit 55 is associated with the server ID and associated with the server information storage unit 56. The server information stored in is returned.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure executed in the printing system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the print control server according to the first embodiment in response to reception of print data. In FIG. 4, for the sake of convenience, the processing procedure executed for the site A will be described. When the processing of FIG. 4 is executed for another site, the job input device 30a and the print control server 10a may be replaced with the job input device 30 and the print control server 10 at the other site.

  In step S101, the data receiving unit 122 of the print control server 10a receives print data transmitted from any of the job input devices 30a. Subsequently, the data receiving unit 122 stores the received print data in the data storage unit 132 (S102). Subsequently, the data analysis unit 123 generates job information related to the print data (S103).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of job information. In FIG. 5, job information includes user name, document name, driver name, client machine name, input date / time, data size, server ID, file path, number of printed pages, duplex information, color information, consolidated information, number of copies information, punch Includes settings and stable settings.

  The user name is the user name of the user who instructed printing in the job input device 30a. The document name is the name of document data related to print data. The driver name is the name of the printer driver that generated the print data. The client machine name is the name (host name) of the job input device 30a that is the transmission source of the print data. The input date / time is the date / time when the print data is received. The data size is the data size of the print data. The server ID is the server ID of the print control server 10a. The file path name is a path name of a print data storage destination in the print control server 10a. Note that print data can be specified across sites based on the server ID and file path name.

  The number of print pages is the setting information related to the print job of the print data. For example, the number of print surfaces is the number of surfaces to be printed. The double-sided information is information indicating single-sided printing or double-sided printing. The color information is information indicating monochrome printing or color printing. Aggregation information is information relating to aggregation. The number of copies information is information indicating the number of copies to be printed. The punch setting is setting information regarding the punch. The staple setting is setting information regarding staples.

  Other than the input date / time, server ID, and file path name are extracted from the print data, for example. The file path name is specified by executing step S102. However, the user name may be received together with the print data or separately from the print data, for example.

  Subsequently, the data analysis unit 123 stores the generated job information in the job information storage unit 131 (S104). In the present embodiment, the association between the print data and the job information is realized by a file path name included in the job information. However, the print data and the job information may be associated by other methods.

  Subsequently, the storage information transmission unit 124 transmits storage information including the user name included in the job information, the server ID of the print control server 10a, and information indicating “storage” to the external management server 50 (S105). ). Note that the storage information transmission unit 124 stores the storage information in step S104 even if the storage information is transmitted when the print data that has been received in the past and is still stored is transmitted for the user name. May be sent. That is, the storage information transmission unit 124 may transmit the storage information without checking the storage information duplication.

  Subsequently, a processing procedure executed by the external management server 50 in response to reception of storage information from each print control server 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the external management server according to the first embodiment in response to reception of stored information.

  In step S <b> 201, the storage information receiving unit 52 receives storage information transmitted from any print control server 10. Subsequently, the saved information update unit 53 determines whether the saved information indicates “save” or “delete” such as job information based on the content of the saved information (S202). ). When the storage information indicates “save” (Yes in S202), the storage information update unit 53 has not registered the record corresponding to the user name included in the storage information in the storage information storage unit 57. It is determined whether or not there is (S203).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the saved information storage unit in the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, the saved information storage unit 57 stores the server ID of the print control server 10 that stores job information and print data corresponding to the user associated with the user name in association with the user name.

  In FIG. 7, the job information and print data relating to the user “a” includes two print control servers 10 including a print control server 10 having a server ID “server A” and a print control server 10 having a server ID “server B”. Is stored. The numbers in parentheses added after each server ID indicate the number of print data and job information stored by the user associated with the user name in the print control server 10 associated with the server ID. For example, it is shown that “server A” stores two pieces of print data of user a and the like.

  When there is no record corresponding to the user name included in the received storage information (Yes in S203), the storage information update unit 53 adds a record corresponding to the user name to the storage information storage unit 57. (S204). Subsequently, the storage information update unit 53 stores the server ID included in the storage information in the record (S205). Subsequently, the saved information update unit 53 adds 1 to the number of saved server IDs in the record (S206). When step S206 is executed after step S205, the value of the number of preservation is set to “1”.

  Further, when there is a record corresponding to the user name included in the received storage information (No in S203), the storage information update unit 53 determines that the server ID included in the storage information corresponds to the record. It is determined whether it is unregistered (S207). When the server ID is not stored in the record (Yes in S207), the saved information update unit 53 stores the server ID in the record (S205). Subsequently, step S206 is executed. When the server ID is stored in the record (No in S207), the stored information update unit 53 adds 1 to the number of stored server IDs in the record (S206).

  On the other hand, when the received storage information indicates “delete” (No in S202), the storage information update unit 53 corresponds to the user name included in the storage information among the records in the storage information storage unit 57. In the record, 1 is subtracted from the number of stored server IDs included in the stored information (S208). Subsequently, the storage information update unit 53 determines whether or not the storage number has become 0 (S209). When the storage number becomes 0 (Yes in S209), the storage information update unit 53 deletes the server ID from the record (S210). Note that the deletion of print data and job information may be performed, for example, when a print job based on the print data is executed. Alternatively, the job information and print data may be deleted by a management tool or the like. When the job information and the print data are deleted in this way, the storage information transmission unit 124 of the print control server 10 transmits storage information indicating “deletion” to the external management server 50.

  In step S105 in FIG. 4, the storage information transmission unit 124 may not transmit duplicate storage information. That is, the saved information transmission unit 124 stores, in the job information storage unit 131 and the data storage unit 132, print data and the like having the same user name as the print data newly stored in the job information storage unit 131 and the data storage unit 132. In such a case, the stored information may not be transmitted. When the print data and the job information are deleted, the saved information transmission unit 124 stores other print data and the like in the job information storage unit 131 and the data storage unit 132 with respect to the user name related to the print data and the like. If it is, the saved information indicating “delete” need not be transmitted. When no other print data or the like is stored in the job information storage unit 131 and the data storage unit 132 for the user name, the storage information transmission unit 124 may transmit storage information indicating “delete”. Good.

  Thus, when duplication of storage information is eliminated in the print control server 10, the storage information storage unit 57 of the external management server 50 does not have to store the number of storage for each server ID. In this case, if storage information indicating “storage” is received, the storage information update unit 53 associates the server ID included in the storage information with the user name included in the storage information, and stores the storage ID 57 You can memorize it. Further, when the storage information indicating “delete” is received, the storage information update unit 53 may delete the server ID included in the storage information from the record corresponding to the user name included in the storage information.

  Subsequently, a processing procedure executed in response to an operation of the image forming apparatus 20 by the user will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment in accordance with a user operation. In FIG. 8, for the sake of convenience, the processing procedure executed for the site A will be described.

  For example, a login screen is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 20a. When authentication information such as a user name and a password is input by the user a via the login screen, for example, the login control unit 23 performs an authentication process on the authentication information (S301). For example, an authentication request including authentication information is transmitted from the login control unit 23 to the authentication server 60. The authentication server 60 executes authentication processing by comparing authentication information included in the authentication request with authentication information stored in the authentication server 60. The authentication server 60 returns the authentication result to the login control unit 23.

  If the authentication is successful (Yes in S302), the list acquisition unit 24 designates a user name that has been successfully authenticated (hereinafter referred to as “login user name”), and sends a job list acquisition request to the print control server 10a. Transmit (S303). In response to the request, the print control server 10a returns a job list related to the login user name. Note that the job list may include job information related to the login user name stored in the print control server 10 at a base other than the base A. The list acquisition unit 24 receives the job list (S304). Subsequently, the display control unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 20a displays a job list display screen including the received job list on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 20a (S305).

  When one or more pieces of job information are selected by the user a and a job execution instruction is input via the job list display screen (Yes in S306), the data acquisition unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 20a selects the selected job. A print data acquisition request including the server ID of the information and the file path name is transmitted to the print control server 10a (S307). When the data management unit 129 of the print control server 10a receives the acquisition request, the data management unit 129 receives the print data specified by the file path name included in the acquisition request, the data storage unit 132 of the print control server 10a, or another Obtained from the print control server 10. The data management unit 129 returns the acquired print data.

  When the data acquisition unit 25 receives the returned print data (S308), the job execution unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 20a causes the image forming apparatus 20a to execute a print job related to the acquired print data (S309).

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the print control server 10a in response to the job list acquisition request transmitted in step S303 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed in response to a job list acquisition request by the print control server according to the first embodiment.

  In step S410, the list request receiving unit 125 of the print control server 10a receives a job list acquisition request. The job information collection unit 127 of the print control server 10a acquires job information including the user name specified in the acquisition request from the job information storage unit 131 of the print control server 10a (S420). Subsequently, the job information collection unit 127 determines whether the transmission source of the acquisition request is any one of the image forming apparatuses 20a (S430). The determination of the transmission source may be performed based on the IP address of the transmission source.

  When the acquisition source of the acquisition request is the image forming apparatus 20a (Yes in S430), the storage destination inquiry unit 126 sets the storage destination of the job information related to the user name specified in the acquisition request to the external management server 50. An inquiry is made (S440). For example, an inquiry request including the user name is transmitted to the external management server 50. The storage destination response unit 54 of the external management server 50 returns a server ID group stored in the storage information storage unit 57 (FIG. 7) in association with the user name specified in the inquiry request.

  Subsequently, the job information collection unit 127 determines whether or not the server IDs of the print control servers 10 other than the print control server 10a are included in the returned server ID group (S450).

  If the server ID of another print control server 10 is not included (No in S450), the process proceeds to step S490. If the server ID of another print control server 10 is included (Yes in S450), the job information collection unit 127 acquires server information for the server ID of the other print control server 10 from the external management server 50. (S460). Specifically, the job information collection unit 127 transmits a server information inquiry request including the server ID to the external management server 50. When the server information response unit 55 of the external management server 50 receives the inquiry request, the server information response unit 55 acquires the server information related to the server ID included in the inquiry request from the server information storage unit 56 and returns the acquired server information. To do.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server information storage unit. As shown in FIG. 10, the server information storage unit 56 stores server information including an IP address and VPN connection information in association with the server ID for each print control server 10. Each server information is transmitted in advance from the server information transmission unit 121 of each print control server 10 and received by the server information reception unit 51 of the external management server 50. The server ID may be assigned to each print control server 10 by the server information receiving unit 51 in response to reception of the server information, for example. In this case, the server information receiving unit 51 may return the server ID to the print control server 10 that is the transmission source of the server information.

  The IP address is a private address at each site. The VPN connection information includes the IP address of the VPN server 40 at each site, the account name and password for the VPN server 40, and the like.

  The job information collection unit 127 stores the acquired server information in, for example, the memory device 103.

  Subsequently, based on the VPN connection information included in each acquired server information, the VPN client unit 130 establishes a VPN connection with the VPN server 40 at each site related to each server information ( S470). Subsequently, the job information collection unit 127 obtains a job list via the VPN from the print control server 10 at another site related to the server information (S480). Specifically, the job information collection unit 127 transmits a job list acquisition request to the print control server 10 at the other base via the VPN. That is, the acquisition request is transmitted to the print control server 10 related to the IP address included in the server information. The acquisition request includes the user name included in the acquisition request received in step S410. Each print control server 10 that has received the acquisition request executes the process of FIG. In this case, No in step S430. Accordingly, each print control server 10 that has received the acquisition request returns job information relating to the user name included in the acquisition request stored in the job information storage unit 131 of the print control server 10. The The job information collection unit 127 of the print control server 10a receives the returned job information.

  Subsequently, the list reply unit 128 returns a job list to the image forming apparatus 20a (S490). The job list includes the job list acquired in step S420. In addition, when step S480 is executed, the job list acquired in step S480 is also included.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the print control server 10a in response to the print data acquisition request transmitted in step S307 in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the print control server according to the first embodiment in response to a print data acquisition request.

  In step S510, the data management unit 129 of the print control server 10a receives a print data acquisition request. The acquisition request includes identification information (server ID and file path name) of the storage destination of the print data to be acquired. Subsequently, the data management unit 129 determines whether or not the server ID included in the acquisition request is the server ID of the print control server 10a (S520). That is, it is determined whether the storage destination of the print data to be acquired is the print control server 10a.

  When the server ID included in the acquisition request is the server ID of the print control server 10a (Yes in S520), the data management unit 129 displays the print data relating to the file path name included in the acquisition request. And obtained from the data storage unit 132 (S530). Subsequently, the data management unit 129 returns the acquired data to the transmission source (image forming apparatus 20a) of the acquisition request (S570).

  On the other hand, when the server ID included in the acquisition request is a server ID of a print control server 10 different from the print control server 10a (No in S520), the VPN client unit 130 of the print control server 10a A VPN connection is established with the VPN server 40 at the site to which another print control server 10 belongs (S540). At this time, VPN connection information included in server information related to the other print control server 10 is used. The VPN connection information is acquired in step S460 in FIG. However, the server information may be acquired from the external management server 50 again.

  Subsequently, the data management unit 129 transfers the acquisition request received in step S510 via the VPN to the print control server 10 related to the server information (S550). That is, the acquisition request is transmitted to the print control server 10 related to the IP address included in the server information. The print control server 10 that has received the acquisition request executes the process of FIG. In this case, Yes in step S520. Therefore, each print control server 10 that has received the acquisition request returns print data relating to the file path name included in the acquisition request, which is stored in the data storage unit 132 of the print control server 10. The The data management unit 129 of the print control server 10a receives the returned print data (S560). Subsequently, the data management unit 129 returns the received print data to the transmission source (image forming apparatus 20a) of the acquisition request received in step S510 (S570).

  When the acquisition request received in step S510 includes the server ID and file path name of each of a plurality of print data (that is, when a plurality of job information is selected in step S306 in FIG. 8). ), Steps S520 to S560 are executed for each print data. In step S570, a plurality of print data are returned together. However, steps S520 to S570 may be executed for each print data. That is, each print data may be returned individually.

  When automatically deleting print data and job information for which a print job has been executed, the print data returned in step 570 and the job information related to the print data are stored in the data storage unit 132 or the job information storage unit. It may be deleted from 131. In this case, storage information indicating such deletion may be transmitted to the external management server 50.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, each user in the common external management server 50 (the external management server 50 shared or shared by the plurality of print control servers 10) with respect to the plurality of print control servers 10. In addition, related information between the user and the job information is stored in the saved information storage unit 57. Accordingly, each print control server 10 can specify a storage destination other than the print control server 10 for the storage destination of job information related to the login user of the image forming apparatus 20 by making an inquiry to the external management server 50. The corresponding job information can be acquired from the specified storage destination. As a result, the user can also use job information and print data stored at a site different from the site where the image forming apparatus 20 operated by the user is located. That is, the distribution of job information and print data stored in each print control server 10 can be improved.

  Further, the external management server 50 stores information related to the user and the print control server 10, and does not store job information and print data. Therefore, the communication load between each print control server 10 and the external management server 50 can be reduced as compared with the case where job information and print data are managed in a centralized manner.

  The external management server 50 stores VPN connection information for connecting to the VPN server 40 at the site to which each print control server 10 belongs. Therefore, each print control server 10 acquires VPN connection information related to the VPN server 40 at the site to which the other print control server 10 belongs from the external management server 50 and makes a VPN connection with the VPN server 40. Even when a firewall is interposed between the bases, various requests can be transmitted to the other print control server 10.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, points not particularly mentioned may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the VPN connection information for each print control server 10 is encrypted with the encryption key of the external management server 50 and stored in the server information storage unit 56. For example, when receiving the server information from each print control server 10, the server information receiving unit 51 encrypts the VPN connection information included in the server information and stores it in the server information storage unit 56.

  In step S460 of FIG. 9, the job information collection unit 127 of the print control server 10 includes the public key of the print control server 10 in the server information inquiry request of the other print control server 10. When the server information response unit 55 of the external management server 50 receives the inquiry request, the server information response unit 55 acquires the server information related to the server ID included in the inquiry request from the server information storage unit 56 and includes the server information in the acquired server information. The VPN connection information is decrypted with the encryption key of the external management server 50. The server information response unit 55 encrypts the decrypted VPN connection information with the public key included in the inquiry request, and returns server information including the encrypted VPN connection information. Note that the public key of the print control server 10 may be stored in the external management server 50 in advance. When the job information collection unit 127 receives the server information, the job information collection unit 127 decrypts the VPN connection information included in the server information with the secret key of the print control server 10 stored in the print control server 10. Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the external management server 50, the VPN connection information of the VPN server 40 at each site is encrypted. Further, when the VPN connection information is distributed on the wide area network N1, the VPN connection information is encrypted. Therefore, the possibility of leakage of VPN connection information can be reduced, and the possibility of an attack from the outside avoiding the firewall at each site can be reduced.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, points not particularly mentioned may be the same as those in the first embodiment. The third embodiment is also intended to improve security related to VPN connection information.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the printing system according to the third embodiment. Each step in FIG. 12 is given a step number given a branch number to the step number of the step corresponding to the step among the steps described in the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, each print control server 10 stores a common encryption key (hereinafter referred to as “common key K”) in advance.

  In 3rd Embodiment, step S105-1-S105-5 of FIG. 122 are performed regarding step S105 of FIG. However, if the stored information has already been transmitted for the user (here, “user a”) included in the job information generated in step S103, steps S105-1 to S105-5 are executed. It doesn't have to be done.

  In step S105-1, the storage information transmission unit 124 of the print control server 10a generates a temporary encryption key unique to the user a. Hereinafter, a unique encryption key for each user is referred to as a “user key”, and a user key for the user a generated in the print control server 10a is referred to as a “user key Aa”. That is, in “user key Aa”, “A” indicates that it is generated by the print control server 10a, and “a” indicates that it is the encryption key of user a.

  Subsequently, the storage information transmitting unit 124 encrypts VPN connection information (hereinafter referred to as “VPN connection information A”) related to the VPN server 40a with the user key Aa (S105-2). Hereinafter, the VPN connection information A encrypted with the user key Aa is referred to as “Aa [VPN connection information A]”. Note that the VPN connection information A may be acquired from the VPN server 40a at the time of step S105-2, or may be stored in advance in the print control server 10a.

  Subsequently, the saved information transmission unit 124 encrypts the user key Aa with the common key K (S105-3). Hereinafter, the user key Aa encrypted with the common key K is referred to as “K [user key Aa]”. Subsequently, in addition to the user name included in the job information generated in step S103, the server ID of the print control server 10a, and the information indicating “save”, the save information transmission unit 124 adds Aa [VPN connection information A ] Is further transmitted to the external management server 50 (S105-4).

  When receiving the stored information, the external management server 50 executes the processing procedure described with reference to FIG. At this time, in step S205 of FIG. 6, [VPN connection information A] is stored together with the server ID.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the saved information storage unit in the third embodiment. In FIG. 13, the value in the second parenthesis following the server ID indicates the VPN connection information encrypted with the user key stored when the server ID is saved. As shown in FIG. 13, in the third embodiment, VPN connection information encrypted for each user and for each print control server 10 with the user key generated by the print control server 10 for the user. Is memorized. In the third embodiment, the VPN connection information may not be stored in the server information storage unit 56.

  Subsequently, the storage information transmission unit 124 of the print control server 10a transmits a registration request for the user name of the user a, the server ID of the print control server 10a, and K [user key Aa] to the authentication server 60 ( S105-5). The authentication server 60 stores the user name of the user a, the server ID of the print control server 10a, and K [user key Aa] in association with each other.

  Thereafter, when the user a moves to the base B and operates the image forming apparatus 20b to execute printing, steps S460-1 to S460-6 are executed with respect to step S460 in FIG.

  In step S460-1, the job information collection unit 127 of the print control server 10b includes server information including the server ID of the other print control server 10 and the user name of the user a acquired in step S440 of FIG. Is sent to the external management server 50. When the server information response unit 55 of the external management server 50 receives the inquiry request, the server information response unit 55 acquires server information (here, an IP address) related to the server ID included in the inquiry request from the server information storage unit 56. In addition, the server information response unit 55 acquires VPN connection information encrypted by the user key corresponding to the user ID and server ID included in the inquiry request from the saved information storage unit 57. Therefore, when the server ID is “server A”, Aa [VPN connection information A] is acquired. The server information response unit 55 returns the acquired IP address and Aa [VPN connection information A] (S460-2).

  Subsequently, the job information collection unit 127 of the print control server 10b transmits a user key acquisition request including the server ID and the user name to the authentication server 60 (S460-3). The authentication server 60 returns K [user key Aa] stored in association with the server ID and the user name (S460-4).

  When the job information collection unit 127 receives K [user key Aa], the job information collection unit 127 decrypts K [user key Aa] with the common key K stored in advance in the print control server 10b (S460-5). As a result, the user key Aa is obtained. Subsequently, the job information collection unit 127 decrypts Aa [VPN connection information A] received in step S460-2 with the user key Aa (S460-3). As a result, VPN connection information A is obtained. Thereafter, VPN connection information A is used, and step S460 and subsequent steps in FIG. 9 are executed.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the opportunity for the VPN connection information to be distributed on the network in plain text. Therefore, the possibility of leakage of VPN connection information can be reduced, and the possibility of an attack from the outside avoiding the firewall at each site can be reduced.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, points not particularly mentioned may be the same as those in the first embodiment. The fourth embodiment is also intended to improve security related to VPN connection information.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the printing system according to the fourth embodiment. Each step in FIG. 14 is given a step number in which a branch number is given to the step number corresponding to the step among the steps described in the first embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, steps S105-1 to S105-4 in FIG. 14 are executed with respect to step S105 in FIG. However, if the storage information has already been transmitted for the user (here, “user a”) included in the job information generated in step S103, steps S105-1 to S105-4 are executed. It doesn't have to be done.

  In step S105-1, the save information transmission unit 124 of the print control server 10a adds the user name included in the job information generated in step S103, the server ID of the print control server 10a, and information indicating “save”. Then, the storage information further including VPN connection information (hereinafter referred to as “VPN connection information A”) related to the VPN server 40 a is transmitted to the external management server 50. The VPN connection information A may be acquired from the VPN server 40a at the time of step S105-1, or may be stored in advance in the print control server 10a.

  When receiving the stored information, the external management server 50 executes the processing procedure described with reference to FIG. At this time, in step S205 of FIG. 6, the storage information update unit 53 of the external management server 50 sends the VPN connection information included in the storage information to the auxiliary storage device of the external management server 50 or the external management server 50. The data is stored in an arbitrary storage location (hereinafter referred to as “storage location”) of a storage device connected via a network. The storage location may be determined randomly. Further, the association between the storage location and the user name need not be maintained. The storage information update unit 53 returns information indicating the storage location (storage location) (hereinafter referred to as “storage location information”) (S105-2). The storage location information is, for example, a path name, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), or the like.

  Subsequently, the stored information transmission unit 124 of the print control server 10a refers to the public key for the user a (hereinafter referred to as “user public key a”) among the public keys for each user (hereinafter referred to as “user public key”). ) Encrypts the server ID of the print control server 10a and the returned storage location information (S105-3). The server ID and the storage location information may be encrypted separately or may be encrypted together. Hereinafter, the server ID (= server A) and storage location information encrypted by the user public key a will be referred to as “a [server A, storage location information]”. The user public key a may be received together with the print data in step S101, for example, or may be stored in advance in the print control server 10a. The user public key is a public key that is paired with a different private key (hereinafter referred to as “user private key”) stored in the IC card 80 distributed to each user. .

  Subsequently, the storage information transmitting unit 124 transmits the user name included in the job information generated in step S103 and a [server A, storage location information] to the authentication server 60 (S105-4). The authentication server 60 stores a [server A, storage location information] in association with the user name.

  In the fourth embodiment, the VPN connection information does not have to be stored in the server information storage unit 56.

  Thereafter, when the user a moves to the base B and operates the image forming apparatus 20b to execute printing, steps S460-1 to S460-8 are executed with respect to step S460 in FIG. When the user a operates the image forming apparatus 20b, the IC card 80 of the user a is set to the IC card 80 reader provided in the image forming apparatus 20b. The IC card 80 is set in a state in which the IC card 80 reader can read the IC card 80 when the IC card 80 is inserted into or inserted into the IC card 80 reader (that is, the image forming apparatus 20b and the IC card 80). To be able to communicate with each other). The image forming apparatus 20b may perform authentication based on a card ID or the like stored in the IC card 80. In other words, the IC card 80 may be an IC card used for receiving authentication by the image forming apparatus 20.

  In step S460-1, the job information collection unit 127 of the print control server 10b transmits a storage location information acquisition request including the user name of the user a to the authentication server 60. The authentication server 60 returns a [server A, storage location information] stored in association with the user name (S460-2). For example, when the user a is transmitting print data from the user PCb at the base B, a [server B, storage location information] may be returned. That is, the authentication server 60 returns all of the encrypted server ID and storage location information associated with the user name of the user A. Here, the storage location information included in a [server A, storage location information] is different from the storage location information included in a [server B, storage location information].

  Subsequently, the job information collection unit 127 of the print control server 10b requests the image forming apparatus 20b that is the transmission source of the job list acquisition request to decode a [server A, storage location information] or the like (S460-). 3). a [server A, storage location information] and the like are, for example, a [server B, storage location information] and the server ID and storage location encrypted by the user key a received in step S460-2. Means all sets of information.

  Subsequently, the login control unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20b acquires the user secret key a that is the secret key of the user A from the IC card 80 set in the IC card 80 reader (S460-4), and the user secret key. a [server A, storage location information] and the like are decrypted by a (S460-5). Subsequently, the login control unit 23 returns the decryption result to the job information collection unit 127 (S460-6). The decryption of a [server A, storage location information] and the like may be performed by the IC card 80. In this case, the login control unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20b transmits a [server A, storage location information] and the like to the IC card 80. The IC card 80 decrypts a [server A, storage location information] and the like with the user secret key a stored in the IC card 80 and returns the decryption result to the login control unit 23.

  The job information collection unit 127 extracts storage location information corresponding to the server ID acquired in step 440 of FIG. 9 from the decryption result, and includes server information and the storage location information including the server ID and the storage location information. An inquiry request is transmitted to the external management server 50 (S460-7). When the server information response unit 55 of the external management server 50 receives the inquiry request, the server information response unit 55 acquires server information (here, an IP address) related to the server ID included in the inquiry request from the server information storage unit 56. The server information response unit 55 acquires VPN connection information from the storage location indicated by the storage location information included in the inquiry request. The server information response unit 55 returns the acquired IP address and VPN connection information (S460-8).

  Thereafter, the VPN connection information is used, and step S460 and subsequent steps in FIG. 9 are executed.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the VPN connection information is stored for each user and for each print control server 10 to which the user has uploaded print data. The storage location information indicating the storage location is encrypted and managed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the storage location of the VPN connection information is leaked, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the VPN connection information is leaked.

  In each of the above embodiments, print data has been described as an example of data to be output to a device. However, any data that can be stored in a storage device and acquired and used by the device from the storage device. For example, the present embodiment may be applied to other types of data and other types of devices. For example, the present embodiment may be applied to a projector and image data to be projected on the projector.

  In each of the above embodiments, the print control server 10 is an example of an information processing apparatus. The external management server 50 is an example of a first storage device. The authentication server 60 is an example of a second storage device. The print data is an example of output data. The data receiving unit 122 is an example of a receiving unit. The job information storage unit 131 and the data storage unit 132 are an example of a storage unit. The stored information transmission unit 124 is an example of a storage processing unit. The VPN client unit 130 is an example of a connection unit. The job information collection unit 127 and the data management unit 129 are an example of a second acquisition unit. The data management unit 129 is an example of a transmission unit. The server ID is an example of device identification information. The user name is an example of user identification information. VPN connection information is an example of authentication information. The storage location information is an example of stored information. The job input device 30 is an example of a terminal. The IC card 80 is an example of a portable recording medium. A recording medium other than the IC card may be used in place of the IC card 80 as long as the secret key can be safely stored.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to such specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation・ Change is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 10 Print control server 20 Image forming apparatus 21 Input control part 22 Display control part 23 Login control part 24 List acquisition part 25 Data acquisition part 26 Job execution part 30 Job input apparatus 40 VPN server 50 External management server 51 Server information reception Unit 52 storage information receiving unit 53 storage information updating unit 54 storage destination response unit 55 server information response unit 56 server information storage unit 57 storage information storage unit 60 authentication server 80 IC card 100 drive device 101 recording medium 102 auxiliary storage device 103 memory device 104 CPU
105 interface device 121 server information transmission unit 122 data reception unit 123 data analysis unit 124 storage information transmission unit 125 list request reception unit 126 storage destination inquiry unit 127 job information collection unit 128 list reply unit 129 data management unit 130 VPN client unit 131 job Information storage unit 132 Data storage unit B bus

JP 2014-149870 A

Claims (7)

An information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices connected to different networks and a first storage device,
Each of the information processing devices
A receiving unit that receives output data and user identification information for a device transmitted from a terminal connected to a first network to which the information processing apparatus is connected;
A storage unit for storing the output data and user identification information received by the reception unit in association with each other
A storage processing unit that associates the user identification information stored in the storage unit with the device identification information for identifying the information processing device and stores the associated information in the first storage device;
In response to a request from a device connected to the first network, another information processing device related to the device identification information stored in the first storage device in association with the user identification information included in the request. A first acquisition unit that acquires authentication information for receiving permission to connect to the second network to be connected from the first storage device;
A connection unit that receives permission to connect to the second network based on the authentication information acquired by the first acquisition unit;
Acquire output data stored in association with the user identification information included in the request in the storage unit of the other information processing apparatus connected to the second network to which the connection unit is permitted to connect. A second acquisition unit;
A transmission unit that transmits the output data acquired by the second acquisition unit to a device that has transmitted the request;
An information processing system comprising: The authentication information is encrypted and stored in the first storage device.
The information processing system according to claim 1. The authentication information is encrypted and stored with an encryption key of the first storage device,
The first acquisition unit acquires the authentication information decrypted with the encryption key and encrypted with the public key of the information processing apparatus, and decrypts the acquired authentication information with the secret key of the information processing apparatus ,
The information processing system according to claim 2. The information processing system further includes a second storage device,
The storage processing unit includes output data and user identification information received by the receiving unit, and authentication information for receiving permission to connect to the first network, and receiving the output data by the receiving unit. The authentication key encrypted in response to the encryption key generated in response is stored in the first storage device, and the encryption key encrypted with the common key common to the plurality of information processing devices is stored. , Store the second storage device in association with the user identification information,
In response to a request from a device connected to the first network, the first acquisition unit is associated with user identification information included in the request and stored in the first storage device. The encryption key encrypted with the common key, acquired from the first storage device, and stored in the second storage device in association with the user identification information, obtained from the first storage device Is obtained from the second storage device, the encryption key is decrypted with the common key, and the authentication information is decrypted with the decrypted encryption key.
The information processing system according to claim 2. The information processing system further includes a second storage device,
The storage processing unit causes the first storage device to store output data and user identification information received by the receiving unit, and authentication information for receiving permission to connect to the first network, and The storage information indicating the storage location of the authentication information in the first storage device is encrypted with the public key corresponding to the user identification information, and the encrypted storage information is associated with the user identification information and the second Stored in the storage device,
In response to a request from a device connected to the first network, the first acquisition unit is associated with user identification information included in the request and stored in the second storage device Obtaining the stored information, requesting the device to decrypt the stored information, obtaining the authentication information stored in the storage position indicated by the decrypted stored information,
The device decrypts the storage information requested to be decrypted with a secret key for each of the user identification information stored in a portable recording medium in a state where it can communicate with the device.
The information processing system according to claim 1. Each of a plurality of information processing devices connected to different networks
Receives output data for the device and user identification information transmitted from a terminal connected to the first network to which the information processing apparatus is connected, and stores the output data and the user identification information in association with each other in the storage unit And receiving procedure to
A storage procedure for storing the user identification information stored in the storage unit and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus in association with each other in the first storage device;
In response to a request from a device connected to the first network, another information processing device related to the device identification information stored in the first storage device in association with the user identification information included in the request. A first acquisition procedure for acquiring, from the first storage device, authentication information for receiving permission to connect to the connected second network;
A connection procedure for receiving permission to connect to the second network based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition procedure;
The output data stored in association with the user identification information included in the request in the storage unit of the other information processing apparatus connected to the second network for which the connection procedure has been permitted to connect is acquired. A second acquisition procedure;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the output data acquired in the second acquisition procedure to the request source device;
The information processing method characterized by performing. For each of multiple information processing devices connected to different networks,
Receives output data for the device and user identification information transmitted from a terminal connected to the first network to which the information processing apparatus is connected, and stores the output data and the user identification information in association with each other in the storage unit And receiving procedure to
A storage procedure for storing the user identification information stored in the storage unit and the device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus in association with each other in the first storage device;
In response to a request from a device connected to the first network, another information processing device related to the device identification information stored in the first storage device in association with the user identification information included in the request. A first acquisition procedure for acquiring, from the first storage device, authentication information for receiving permission to connect to the connected second network;
A connection procedure for receiving permission to connect to the second network based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition procedure;
The output data stored in association with the user identification information included in the request in the storage unit of the other information processing apparatus connected to the second network for which the connection procedure has been permitted to connect is acquired. A second acquisition procedure;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the output data acquired in the second acquisition procedure to the request source device;
A program characterized by having executed.

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