JP6589573B2 - Image output device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for ensuring traceability of output image data.

  Conventionally, methods for ensuring traceability of output image data have been proposed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 determines whether a user who is going to print a document has a print authority by an authentication processing apparatus, and if the authentication processing apparatus can authenticate and the user has a print authority, biometric information such as a face photograph of the user Describes a printing system that outputs a document by assigning to the print data.

JP 2008-134818 A

  According to Patent Document 1, printing is prohibited when the authentication processing apparatus does not authenticate. For this reason, even if the user is registered in the authentication processing apparatus and has the printing authority, for example, the authentication operation does not proceed well for some reason, and the image data is output while the authentication processing apparatus is not authenticated. It is inconvenient.

  The present application has been proposed in view of the above-described problems, and provides an image output apparatus capable of improving the convenience when outputting image data and ensuring the traceability of the output image data. With the goal.

  (1) An image output apparatus according to the present invention includes an image output unit that outputs target data, an operation unit that receives an operation, a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user, and a control unit. The determination unit executes a determination process for determining whether the requesting user instructing output through the operation unit is a registered user in which the user and the specific information for specifying the user are associated with each other. When the result indicates that the requesting user is not a registered user, the first output process is performed in which the biometric information of the requesting user acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit is associated with the target data and output from the image output unit. To do.

  Thereby, when the requesting user is a registered user, the requesting user can be specified by the specifying information. On the other hand, when the requesting user is not a registered user, the requesting user can be identified by outputting the requesting user's biometric information in association with the target data. Traceability of the output target data can be ensured. Even if the requesting user is a registered user, the registered user can retrieve the target data even when the control unit determines that the requesting user is not a registered user in the determination process due to, for example, a malfunction. Therefore, convenience can be improved. The biometric information may be, for example, a face image, a voiceprint, a fingerprint, a vein, a glow, a retina, or the like.

  (2) In the first output process, the control unit synthesizes biometric information with target data and outputs the synthesized data. Thereby, since the biometric information for specifying the requesting user is synthesized with the data output by the requesting user who is not a registered user, the requesting user who has output based on the output data can be specified. A requesting user who is not a registered user is expected to disseminate data in which biometric information that identifies him / herself is synthesized. For example, when the target data includes confidential information, the confidential information is inadvertently spread. It is suppressed.

  (3) The control unit executes a second output process for outputting the target data from the image output unit when the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is a registered user. Thereby, since the registered user can obtain the target data in which the biometric information is not synthesized, the uncomfortable feeling of synthesizing the biometric information is reduced.

  (4) When the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is a registered user, the control unit executes the third output process of combining the specific information with the target data and outputting the specific data from the image output unit. Features. Thereby, the requesting user who output based on the output data can be specified. Since the registered user can obtain the target data in which the specific information is synthesized, the registered user can clearly indicate that the data is the data output by the registered user. The registered user can synthesize specific information confirmed in advance, not the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit.

  (5) Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet as an image output unit, communication means, comprising at least one of scanner means for reading an image, communication means capable of communicating with a storage medium or electronic device, and FAX means , Comprising at least one of storage means for storing in memory or FAX means, and the target data is any of data read by scanner means, data received by communication means, or data received by FAX means The output from the image output unit is one of image formation by the image forming unit, transmission by the communication unit, storage by the storage unit, or transmission by the FAX unit. The image output unit may be realized by any of image forming means, communication means, storage means, and FAX means.

  (6) The control unit executes a determination process in response to the requesting user's login request, and sets the requesting user in the login state in response to determining that the requesting user is a registered user. As a result, the requesting user who is a registered user can log in to the image output apparatus by a login request.

  (7) The case where the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is not a registered user is a case where the requesting user is not logged in. The control unit can use the determination result of the determination process as to whether or not the user is in the login state.

  (8) The specific information includes biometric information. In the determination process, when the biometric information of the requesting user acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit matches the biometric information that is the specific information, the control unit determines that the requesting user is a registered user. It is judged that it is. As a result, the registered user can obtain the target data only by obtaining the biometric information in the biometric acquisition unit.

  (9) The biometric information acquisition unit is a camera that captures the face of the requesting user, and the biometric information is face image information. As a result, the registered user can obtain the target data simply by photographing with the camera. Since a requesting user who is not a registered user is encouraged to disseminate data in which his / her face image is synthesized, the data is prevented from being inadvertently spread. The output requesting user can be easily specified by the face image combined with the output data.

  (10) The specific information includes identification information given in advance to the registered user, and the control unit determines that the requesting user is the registered user when the authentication information input by the requesting user matches the identification information in the determination process. It is characterized by judging. Thereby, the control part can perform a judgment process based on the identification information which is not biometric information.

  (11) The authentication information is information input by the requesting user via the operation unit. Thereby, the registered user can obtain information by inputting information via the operation unit. The authentication information is preferably a password, for example.

  (12) A reception unit that receives authentication information is provided, and the authentication information is device information of an information device owned by the requesting user. Accordingly, the registered user can obtain the target data by causing the reception unit to receive the device information. For example, the information device may be an IC card, an electronic tag, a portable terminal, and the device information may be a user name, an ID number, or the like.

  (13) The specific information includes biometric information and identification information previously given to the registered user, and the control unit causes the requesting user to select whether to synthesize biometric information or identification information with the target data. And the second selection process in which the requesting user selects which of the biometric information and the identification information is to be combined when the synthesis is selected by the first selection process. Thus, the registered user can select whether to synthesize biometric information or identification information with the target data, and can select which of biometric information or identification information to synthesize.

  (14) When the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is not a registered user, the control unit executes an approval confirmation process that requests the requesting user to consent to the first output process prior to the first output process, In the acceptance confirmation process, a registration prompting process for urging the requesting user to make a login request in response to the requesting user not accepting is performed. The requesting user can recognize that the image output apparatus determines that he / she is not a registered user by the registration prompting process. The requesting user who is a registered user can accept the first output process or request a login.

  (15) A first storage means for storing specific information is provided. Thereby, the control part can perform a judgment process with reference to the specific information memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage means.

  (16) In the first output process, the control unit outputs the target data, and performs a notification process of associating the biological data with the target data or the output history and notifying an administrator who manages the specific information. And Thereby, the requesting user who is not a registered user can obtain target data in which biometric information is not synthesized. Further, the administrator can recognize that the output of the target data has been executed by the requesting user who is not a registered user, and can specify the requesting user who executed the output. For example, the output history may be a print job, an output date and time, and the like.

  (17) A second storage unit that stores the image data is provided, and the control unit outputs the target data in the first output process, and associates the biological information with the target data or the output history and stores the target data in the second storage unit. The storage process is performed. Thereby, the requesting user who is not a registered user can obtain target data in which biometric information is not synthesized. Further, based on the information stored in the second storage unit, for example, an administrator who manages the specific information can specify the requesting user who executed the output.

  According to the image output apparatus according to the present application, it is possible to provide an image output apparatus capable of improving the convenience when outputting image data and ensuring the traceability of the output image data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the login process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the Copy process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the printed sheet | seat. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the Copy process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the Copy process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the Copy process which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the Copy process which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

<Configuration of MFP>
The multi-function device 1 is a multi-function device having a printing function for forming an image on a sheet, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 90, an image forming unit 12, an image reading unit 14, a FAX communication unit 15, a network I / F 16, a USB I / F 17, an operation display unit 18, a camera 19, and a reception. The unit 20 is provided. The control unit 90 includes a CPU 91, a RAM 92, a ROM 93, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 94. The ROM 93 stores a program for executing processing such as login processing described later. The CPU 91 stores each processing result in the RAM 92 according to the program read from the ROM 93 and is connected by the bus 96. Control. The NVRAM 94 stores a user database (hereinafter referred to as user DB) 95.

  The user DB 95 stores biometric information and identification information related to registered users. The biological information is, for example, a face image. The identification information is, for example, a user name, a user ID, a mail address, a telephone number, or the like. The user ID is, for example, a serial number. For example, biometric information and identification information are stored in the user DB 95 by an administrator who manages the multi-function device 1.

  For example, according to a print job, the image forming unit 12 prints a color or monochrome image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method, for example. The image reading unit 14 reads a document image placed on a document table (not shown) included in the multifunction machine 1 and generates read data.

  The FAX communication unit 15 transmits / receives FAX data to / from other FAX communication devices via a connected telephone line (not shown). The network I / F 16 performs wireless LAN communication, for example, and communicates with a PC and a server (not shown) connected to the wireless LAN. The USB I / F 17 is a USB standard interface. Data is read from and written to the USB storage medium connected to the USB I / F 17 in accordance with the USB standard. The USB compatible storage medium is, for example, a USB flash memory, a USB compatible HDD, or the like.

  The operation display unit 18 includes, for example, operation buttons such as a touch panel and a power button, and displays various setting screens, operation states of the apparatus, and the like. Further, the user can input various instructions through the operation display unit 18.

  For example, the camera 19 is arranged at a position where the face of the user who operates the operation display unit 18 can be photographed, and photographs the face of the user. The control unit 90 acquires the captured face image data. The reception unit 20 acquires authentication information such as a user name and a user ID stored in the IC card. The control unit 90 acquires the authentication information acquired by the receiving unit 20.

  The print function includes, for example, a print job transmitted from a PC via the network I / F 16, recording data read from a storage medium via the USB I / F 17, and FAX reception data received via the FAX communication unit 15. Are printed on the sheet by the image forming unit 12. The copy function is a function for printing the read data generated by the image reading unit 14 on a sheet by the image forming unit 12, for example. The scan function is, for example, a function of transmitting read data generated by the image reading unit 14 to, for example, a PC via the network I / F 16 or writing to a storage medium via the USB I / F 17. is there. The FAX function refers to printing FAX reception data received via the FAX communication unit 15 on a sheet by the image forming unit 12, transmitting to a PC via the network I / F 16, for example, to a storage medium via the USB I / F 17 A function for writing, for example, reading data generated by the image reading unit 14, transmission data transmitted from a PC via the network I / F 16, recording data read from a storage medium via the USB I / F 17, This is a function of transmitting via the communication unit 15 or via the network by the network I / F 16.

<Login process>
The login process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power is turned on, the control unit 90 executes a program stored in the ROM 93 every predetermined time. First, the control unit 90 determines whether or not authentication information has been accepted every predetermined time (S3). When the user wants to log in to the multifunction device 1, for example, the IC card owned by the reception unit 20 is brought close to the information to read the IC card information. In response to determining that the authentication information is not received (S3: NO), the control unit 90 repeatedly executes step S3 until the authentication information is received. In response to determining that the authentication information has been accepted (S3: YES), the authentication information is checked against the user DB 95 to determine whether the authentication information matches the information stored in the user DB 95 (S5). In response to determining that the authentication information does not match the information stored in the user DB 95 (S5: NO), a message indicating that login cannot be performed is displayed on the operation display unit 18 (S17). On the other hand, in response to determining that the authentication information matches the information stored in the user DB 95 (S5: YES), since the user is determined to be a registered user, the user is set in the login state (S7). . Next, the control unit 90 determines whether or not a logout request has been accepted every predetermined time (S11). In response to determining that a logout request has not been accepted (S11: NO), step S11 is repeatedly executed until a logout request is accepted. On the other hand, in response to determining that a logout request has been accepted (S11: YES), a logout state is set for the accepted user (S13). Next, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off (S15). If it is determined that the power is turned off (S15: YES), the process is terminated, and if it is determined that the power is not turned off (S15: NO), the process returns to step S3.

<Copy Processing of First Embodiment>
Next, the copy process will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 90 determines whether or not a copy execution request has been accepted every predetermined time (S23). In response to determining that the copy execution request has not been received (S23: NO), step S23 is repeatedly executed until the copy execution request is received. In response to determining that the copy execution request has been received (S23: YES), it is determined whether or not the requesting user is in a login state (S25). In response to determining that the requesting user is in the login state (S25: YES), since the user is a registered user, the original placed on the image reading unit 14 is read to form output image data ( S27). Next, the image forming unit 12 is caused to form an image based on the output image data (S29). Next, it is determined whether or not the power of the multi-function device 1 has been turned off (S31), and in response to determining that the power has been turned off (S31: YES), the processing ends. On the other hand, in response to determining that the power of the multifunction device 1 is not turned off (S31), the process returns to step S23 to accept the next Copy request.

  On the other hand, in response to determining that the requested user is not logged in (S25: NO), the user is determined not to be a registered user, and the camera 19 is photographed to form the generated face image data. (S33), for example, stored in the NVRAM 94. Next, the image placed on the image reading unit 14 is read to form output image data (S35). Next, the face image data is synthesized with the output image data (S37). In step S29, the combined output image data is printed on the image forming unit 12.

  The method for synthesizing face image data in step S37 is shown in FIG. The control unit 90 instructs printing in accordance with one preset synthesis method among the page images 100 to 103. In the page image 100, the face image 104 is arranged outside the arrangement area of the output image data. The page image 101 is arranged so that the face image 105 is translucent and overlapped with the output image data. In the page image 102, the output image data is reduced, and the face image 106 is arranged outside the output image data arrangement region. In the page image 103, the face image 107 is arranged outside the arrangement area of the output image data, and a message for calling attention such as “prohibit distribution to a third party” is arranged in the area 108, for example. As a result, a user who is not logged in prints his / her face image data combined with the output image data.

  Next, the Scan process will be described. The control unit 90 executes the scan process in the same way as the copy process. The control unit 90 determines whether or not a scan execution request has been accepted every predetermined time, and in response to determining that the scan execution request has been received, determines whether or not the requested user is in a logged-in state. In response to determining that the user is in the logged-in state, the user reads the document placed on the image reading unit 14 and forms output image data. Next, the output image data is transmitted to, for example, a PC via the network I / F 16 or written to a storage medium via the USB I / F 17 in accordance with a user instruction. On the other hand, in response to determining that the requesting user is not in the logged-in state, the camera 19 is caused to photograph the user's face, and the generated face image data is formed. Next, an image placed on the image reading unit 14 is read to form output image data. Next, the face image data is combined with the output image data, and the combined output image data is transmitted via the network I / F 16 or written to the storage medium via the USB I / F 17 as described above.

  Next, the fax process will be described. The control unit 90 executes the fax process in the same way as the copy process. The control unit 90 determines whether or not a Fax execution request has been received every predetermined time, and in response to determining that the Fax execution request has been received, determines whether or not the requested user is in a login state and requested In response to determining that the user is in the logged-in state, the user reads the document placed on the image reading unit 14 and forms output image data. Next, the output image data is transmitted via the FAX communication unit 15 in accordance with a user instruction. On the other hand, in response to determining that the requesting user is not in the logged-in state, the camera 19 is caused to photograph the user's face, and the generated face image data is formed. Next, an image placed on the image reading unit 14 is read to form output image data. Next, the face image data is combined with the output image data, and the combined output image data is transmitted via the FAX communication unit 15.

  Here, the image forming unit 12, the FAX communication unit 15, the network I / F 16, and the USB I / F 17 are examples of an image output unit, the operation display unit 18 is an example of an operation unit, and the camera 19 is a biological information acquisition unit. The NVRAM 94 is an example of a first storage unit. The read data, print job, recording data, and FAX reception data are examples of target data. Steps S5 and S25 are examples of determination processing. Steps S37 and S29 executed in response to determination of NO in step S25 are examples of first output processing. In response to determination of YES in step S25. Step S29 to be executed is an example of the second output process.

As described above, according to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are provided.
When the user who gives the copy instruction is a registered user, the user can be specified by the user DB 95. On the other hand, when the user who gives the copy instruction is not a registered user, the user can be specified by combining the output image data with the user's face image data and outputting the synthesized image. Traceability of the output image data that has been output can be ensured. Even a user who is not a registered user can print, and the convenience can be ensured.
Users who are not registered users are encouraged to disseminate data in which facial image data that identifies themselves is disseminated. For example, when output image data contains confidential information, confidential information is inadvertently spread. Is suppressed. On the other hand, since the registered user can obtain output image data in which the face image data is not synthesized, the discomfort associated with the synthesis of the face image data is reduced. Further, the control unit 90 can execute step S5 based on identification information that is not face image data stored in the NVRAM 94.

<Modification of login process>
Next, a modification of the login process will be described.
Although the processing by the IC card has been described above, the case where the authentication information is a password will be described. A user who wants to log in inputs his / her user name and password via the operation display unit 18. In step S5, the control unit 90 compares the user name and password input by the user with the user name and password in the user DB 95 in step S5. Next, a case where authentication information is a face image will be described. For example, the control unit 90 displays a “login” menu on the menu screen of the operation display unit 18. The user who wants to log in selects “Login” displayed on the operation display unit 18. The control unit 90 causes the camera 19 to capture the user's face in response to the selection of “login”. In step S5, the control unit 90 collates the face image data of the user taken by the camera 19 with the face image data of the user DB 95, and if they match, sets the user in the login state. When a password is used for the login process, the user may forget the password and cannot log in. Thus, even when the user is a registered user and cannot log in, the output image data can be printed in the copy process.

<Copy Processing of Second Embodiment>
Next, the Copy process according to the second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the same steps as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The control unit 90 executes steps S21, S23, S25, S33, and S35 as in the first embodiment. Next, the face image data and the output image data or output history are associated with each other and notified to the administrator by e-mail, for example (S39). Next, data relating the face image data to the output image data or the output history is stored in the NVRAM 94 (S41). Here, the output history is, for example, a print job, an output date and time, and the like. Next, the process proceeds to S29. Since the subsequent steps when NO is determined in step S25 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Here, the NVRAM 94 is an example of a second storage unit.

As described above, according to the above-described second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
A user who gives a copy instruction that is not a registered user can obtain output image data in which face image data is not synthesized. Further, the administrator can recognize that the output image data has been output by a user who is not a registered user, and can specify the user who executed the output. Further, based on the information stored in the NVRAM 94, the administrator can specify the user who executed the output.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, it has been described that steps S39 and S41 are executed. However, any one of steps S39 and S41 may be executed. If it is set as the structure which performs any one of step S39 and S41, the administrator can identify the user who was not a registered user based on the notified information or the preserve | saved information. In addition, although it has been described that the data is stored in the NVRAM 94 in step S41, it may be stored in a storage medium connected to the USB I / F 17 or a server connected via the network I / F 16, for example.

<Copy Processing of Third Embodiment>
Next, the Copy process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 90 executes steps S23 and S25 as in the first embodiment. In response to determining that the requesting user is not in the logged-in state (S25: NO), the user is not a registered user. Therefore, before compositing and printing the face image data, for example, “synthesize” “Yes” or “Yes” or “No” selection buttons are displayed, and the user is inquired whether or not the face image data can be combined and printed (S43). Next, when “Yes” is selected and it is determined that an instruction to synthesize is received (S45: YES), the camera 19 is photographed by the user, and the generated face image data is formed (S49). Next, steps S35 and S37 are executed. On the other hand, when “NO” is selected and it is determined that an instruction not to combine is accepted (S45: NO), a message prompting the user to log in is displayed (S47), and the process returns to step S23.

  Here, step S45 is an example of a consent confirmation process, and step S47 is an example of a registration prompting process.

  As described above, according to the above-described third embodiment, the user can recognize that he / she is not in the login state in step S45. When the user is a registered user, it is possible to obtain output image data in which face image data is synthesized, and it is also possible to obtain output image data in which face image data is not synthesized after entering the login state.

<Copy Processing of Fourth Embodiment>
Next, the Copy process according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 90 executes steps S23, S25, S49, S35, and S37 in the same manner as in the third embodiment. Next, the output image data is displayed on the operation display unit 18 (S51). Next, for example, “Yes” or “No” selection buttons are displayed together with a message “Can I print?” (S53). When the user determines that the “Yes” selection button has been selected and the print permission is accepted for the displayed image (S55: YES), the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user selects the “No” selection button and receives an instruction not to print the displayed image (S55: NO), the process proceeds to step S47.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment described above, the user can check the output image data on the operation display unit 18.

<Copy Processing of Fifth Embodiment>
Next, the Copy process according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 90 executes steps S23 and S27. Next, the image placed on the image reading unit 14 is read to form output image data (S27). Next, the user is photographed by the camera 19, and the generated face image data is formed (S49). Next, the face image data is collated with the data stored in the user DB 95 (S61). Next, in response to determining that the face image data matches the data stored in the user DB 95 (S63: YES), “Please select information to be combined”, for example, “face image” “user name” And other selection buttons are displayed on the operation display unit 18 (S65). Next, it is determined whether or not the identification information is to be combined (S67). For example, “user name” as the identification information is selected, and in response to determining that the identification information is to be combined (S67: YES), the output image The selected identification information is combined with the data (S69), and the process proceeds to step S29. In response to determining that the identification information is not combined (S67: NO), it is determined whether or not the face image data is combined with the output image data (S71). When “face image” which is biometric information is selected and it is determined that the face image data is to be combined with the output image data (S71: YES), the face image data is combined with the output image data (S73), and step S29. Proceed to In response to determining that the face image data is not combined with the output image data (S71: NO), the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, in response to determining that the face image data does not match the data stored in the user DB 95 (S63: NO), it is determined that the user is not a registered user, so the face image data is combined with the output image data. (S75), the process proceeds to step S29.

  Here, step S63 is an example of the determination process, step S69 and step S29, and step S73 and step S29 are an example of the third output process, and steps S65, S67, and S71 are the first selection process and the second process. It is an example of a selection process.

As described above, according to the above-described fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
It is possible to specify a user who has output based on face image data or output image data in which identification information is combined. Since the registered user can obtain the output image data in which the identification information or the face image data is combined, the registered user can clearly indicate that the output image data is the data output by the registered user. The registered user can synthesize the face image data stored in the user DB 95 confirmed in advance, not the face image data captured by the camera 19. The registered user can obtain output image data simply by taking a face image with the camera 19. The registered user can select whether to synthesize face image data or identification information, and can select whether to synthesize face image data or identification information. Further, although the user is a registered user, for example, the control unit 90 may determine whether the face angle of the face image captured by the camera 19 is different from the face image stored in the user DB 95. Even if it is determined that the requesting user is not a registered user, the registered user can retrieve the target data, so that convenience can be improved.

Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In the above description, in the copy process illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 90 has been described as executing step S <b> 33 in response to determining NO in step S <b> 25. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Step S33 may be executed in response to the start of the operation, in response to the user approaching, such as in front of the operation display unit 18, or in response to a login request. The multifunction device 1 may include a detector such as an infrared sensor, for example, and may be configured to detect that the user has approached the operation display unit 18 using the detector.

  In the modification of the login process and the fifth embodiment, the so-called face authentication using the face image photographed by the camera 19 has been described. However, other biometric authentication may be used. Other biometric authentication is, for example, an authentication method that uses a voice print, fingerprint, vein, glow, retina, or the like. In this case, the multifunction device 1 may include a biological information acquisition unit that acquires the exemplified biological information, and the user DB 95 may include the exemplified biological information. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can perform a some authentication method. In this case, when biometric information that is not included in the user DB 95 is acquired, the information may be added to the user DB 95. In the second embodiment, the information stored in the NVRAM 94 that identifies a user who is not a registered user may be deleted when the user becomes a registered user.

  Further, the user DB 95 has been described as being stored in the NVRAM 94, but may be configured to be stored in a server connected via the network I / F 16. In step S5, it has been described that the control unit 90 collates the authentication information with the information in the user DB 95. However, the authentication information is transmitted to the server that stores the user DB 95, the server collates, and whether or not the user is a registered user. Such a determination result may be transmitted to the control unit 90, and the control unit 90 may determine that the user is a registered user when the transmitted determination result indicates that the user is a registered user.

  Further, in step S33 of the copy process shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the generated face image data is clear to the extent that the user can be specified. Further, it may be configured to add a step for prohibiting printing.

  In addition to the above, the identification information may include a barcode and a two-dimensional barcode. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which contains one part instead of all the above-mentioned information.

  Moreover, although the case where the control part 90 was provided with CPU91 was demonstrated to the example, it is not limited to this. A plurality of CPUs may be provided, or a plurality of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) may be included. Furthermore, it may be configured by any combination of a CPU and an ASIC.

  In the embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. An apparatus having at least one of a print function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function may be used.

1 MFP 90 Controller 94 NVRAM
95 User database 12 Image forming unit 14 Image reading unit 18 Operation display unit 19 Camera 20 Reception unit

Claims (17)

An image output unit for outputting target data;
An operation unit for receiving an operation;
A biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of the user;
A control unit,
The controller is
Executing a determination process for determining whether or not the requesting user instructing output through the operation unit is a registered user in which the user and specific information for specifying the user are associated;
When the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is not the registered user, the biometric information of the requesting user acquired by the biometric information acquiring unit is associated with the target data and output from the image output unit An image output apparatus that executes a first output process. The controller is
In the first output process,
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biological information is combined with the target data and output. The controller is
The determination result of the determination process, to indicate that the requesting user is the registered user, claim 1, characterized in that performing the second output processing for outputting the target data from the image output unit or The image output apparatus according to claim 2. The controller is
When the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is the registered user, a third output process is performed in which the specific information is combined with the target data and output from the image output unit. The image output apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . Comprising at least one of scanner means for reading an image, communication means capable of communicating with a storage medium or an electronic device, or FAX means;
The image output unit includes at least one of an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, the communication unit, a storage unit that stores in a memory, or the FAX unit.
The target data is any of data read by the scanner means, data received by the communication means, or data received by the FAX means,
2. The output from the image output unit is any one of image formation by the image forming unit, transmission by the communication unit, storage by the storage unit, or transmission by the FAX unit. The image output apparatus according to claim 4. The controller is
In response to the request user's login request, execute the determination process,
6. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the requesting user is set in a login state in response to determining that the requesting user is the registered user. When the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is not the registered user,
The image output apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the requesting user is not in the login state. The specific information includes biological information,
The controller is
In the determination process,
The request user is determined to be the registered user when the biometric information of the requesting user acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit matches the biometric information as the specific information. The image output device according to claim 1. The biometric information acquisition unit is a camera that captures the face of the requesting user,
The image output apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the biological information is face image information. The specific information includes identification information given in advance to the registered user,
The controller is
In the determination process,
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein if the authentication information input by the requesting user matches the identification information, the requesting user is determined to be the registered user. Output device.   The image output apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the authentication information is information input by the requesting user via the operation unit. A reception unit for receiving the authentication information;
The image output apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the authentication information is device information of an information device owned by the requesting user. The specific information includes biometric information and identification information given in advance to the registered user,
The controller is
A first selection process for causing the requesting user to select whether to synthesize the biological information or the identification information with the target data;
And performing a second selection process in which the requesting user selects which of the biological information or the identification information is to be combined when the combination is selected by the first selection process. The image output device according to claim 4. The controller is
When the determination result of the determination process indicates that the requesting user is not the registered user,
Prior to the first output process, an approval confirmation process for requesting the requesting user to approve the first output process is executed.
The image output apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, in the approval confirmation process, a registration prompting process is executed to urge the requesting user to make the login request in response to the requesting user not accepting.   15. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first storage means for storing the specific information. The controller is
In the first output process,
Outputting the target data;
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a notification process is performed in which the biological information is associated with the target data or the output history, and notification is made to an administrator who manages the specific information. Second storage means for storing image data;
The controller is
In the first output process,
Outputting the target data;
17. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a storage process in which the biological information is associated with the target data or the output history and stored in the second storage unit is executed.

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