JP6710587B2 - Information processing system and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method, and more particularly to an information processing system and an information processing method in which an information processing terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected.

An example of this type of background art is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In a network system using the biometric authentication system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a client creates a print job, the client acquires biometric information of a user who instructs execution of the print job by a biometric sensor of a terminal device. And add it and send it to the server. The server acquires information indicating which user has the authority to request the execution of the print job based on the biometric information added to the received print job, and stores the information in association with the print job. .. Then, when a print job execution request is issued to the server, the biometric information sensor of the image forming apparatus acquires biometric information of the user who requests execution of the print job, and outputs the biometric information and the previous information. If it is determined that the user has the right to request the execution of the print job based on this, the job is executed.

JP, 2008-077190, A

In this conventional network system, a user who requests execution of a print job based on biometric information acquired by a biometric information sensor of a terminal device and biometric information acquired by a biometric information sensor of an image forming apparatus different from the terminal device. In order to determine whether the user has the authority to request the execution of the print job, the user who registered the print data and the print data correspond to each other due to factors such as non-uniformity in detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric sensor of each device. It may not be possible to authenticate that the user who prints the image is the same person.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing system and information processing method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and an information processing method capable of improving the accuracy of user authentication.

A first invention is an information processing system in which an information processing terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected. The information processing terminal is a portable information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a tablet PC or a notebook (laptop) PC, and includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a first transmission unit. The first acquisition unit includes a biometric sensor that acquires biometric information of the user. For example, the biometric information is a user's vein pattern, fingerprint, iris pattern, voiceprint, or the like. The second acquisition unit acquires the device identification information of the image forming device. For example, the second acquisition unit acquires the device identification information by reading a barcode (displayed) or a QR code (registered trademark) provided on the image forming apparatus or by communicating with the image forming apparatus. The first transmission unit transmits the biometric information for authentication acquired by the first acquisition unit and the device identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit to the server. The server includes a storage unit, a first reception unit, an authentication unit, and a second transmission unit. The storage unit stores the print data registered by the information processing terminal and the biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal in association with each other. The first receiving means receives the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information transmitted by the first transmitting means. The authentication means determines whether or not the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received by the first receiving means is stored in the storage means. The second transmitting unit, when it is determined that the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received by the first receiving unit is stored in the storage unit, performs the printing. The data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information. The image forming apparatus includes a second receiving unit and an image forming unit. The second receiving unit receives the print data transmitted by the second transmitting unit. The image forming unit executes print processing based on the print data received by the second receiving unit.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, both the biometric information for registration and the biometric information for authentication are acquired by the first acquisition means of the information processing terminal, so the detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric information sensor is uniform, and The accuracy of authentication can be improved.

A second invention is an information processing system according to the first invention, wherein the information processing terminal is acquired by a selection means for selecting print data to be registered in the server and a first acquisition means according to a user's operation. The biometric information for registration and the print data selected by the selecting means are further transmitted to the server, and the server receives the biometric information for registration and the print data transmitted by the third transmitting means. further comprising a third receiving means, the print data received by the third receiving means in the storage means in association with the biometric information for registration received by those third receiving means.

According to the second invention, similarly to the first invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

A third invention is an information processing system according to the first invention, wherein the server is an information processing terminal corresponding to the identification information and the identification information for identifying the user of the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal stores the biometric information acquired in advance for each user, and the information processing terminal selects the print data to be registered in the server according to the user's operation, and the identification information of another user and the print data selected by the selection means. Is further provided to the server, and the server is further provided with fourth receiving means for receiving the identification information of the other user and the print data transmitted by the fourth transmitting means, and the server is receiving by the fourth receiving means. the print data, stored in the storage means in association with the biometric information for registering a previously registered biometric information corresponding to the identification information of other users received by those fourth receiving means.

According to the third invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved as in the first invention.

A fourth invention is an information processing system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the information processing terminal and the image forming apparatus perform near field communication.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since communication is performed only with an image forming apparatus that is relatively close, such as a range in which short-range wireless communication is possible, print processing is performed when the user is away from the image forming apparatus. Never executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from being taken away by another person.

A fifth invention is an information processing system according to the fourth invention, wherein the second acquisition means acquires the device identification information by performing near field communication.

According to the fifth aspect, the second acquisition unit acquires the device identification information by performing the short-range wireless communication, so that the user operates the information processing terminal to input the password or activates the camera. There is no need to do so, and the user's operation is simple.

A sixth invention is an information processing system according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the image forming apparatus, when the print data is received by the second receiving means, the information processing terminal and the image forming apparatus. Further comprises first determining means for determining whether or not the short-range wireless communication can be performed, and the image forming means is determined by the first determining means to be able to perform the short-range wireless communication with the information processing terminal. In this case, the print processing is executed based on the print data.

According to the sixth aspect, the printing process is executed when it is determined by the first determining unit that the short-range wireless communication can be performed with the information processing terminal. Therefore, when the user leaves the image forming apparatus. In addition, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from being taken away by another person.

A seventh invention is an information processing terminal including a biometric information sensor, a server including a storage unit that stores print data registered by the information processing terminal and biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal in association with each other, And an information processing method of an information processing system in which an image forming apparatus is communicatively connected, wherein (a) the information processing terminal acquires biometric information of a user with a biometric information sensor, and obtains device identification information of the image forming apparatus. (B) The information processing terminal transmits the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information acquired in (a) to the server, and (c) the server transmits the biometric information for authentication transmitted in (b). Upon receiving the information and the device identification information, (d) the server determines whether print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received in (c) is stored in the storage unit. (E) The server determines in (d) that the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received in (c) is stored in the storage means. In this case, the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information, (f) the image forming apparatus receives the print data transmitted in (e), and (g) receives in (f). The print processing is executed based on the print data that has been printed.

Also in the seventh invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved as in the first invention.

An eighth invention is an information processing terminal used in an information processing system and communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system. The information processing terminal includes a first acquisition unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, a second acquisition unit, a first authentication unit, a first transmission unit, a third acquisition unit, a fourth acquisition unit, a second authentication unit, and an instruction unit. Prepare The first acquisition unit includes a biometric sensor that acquires biometric information of the user. For example, the biometric information is a user's vein pattern, fingerprint, iris pattern, voiceprint, or the like. The storage unit stores the biometric information of the user acquired by the first acquisition unit. The selection unit causes the user to select print data. The second acquisition unit acquires the biometric information of the user when the print data is selected by the selection unit. The first authentication means determines whether the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means. The first transmission means, when the first authentication means determines that the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means, outputs the print data selected by the selection means. Send to server. The third acquisition unit acquires the device identification information of the image forming device. The fourth acquisition unit acquires the biometric information of the user when the device identification information is acquired by the third acquisition unit. The second authentication means determines whether the biometric information acquired by the fourth acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means. The instruction unit prints the print transmitted to the server by the first transmission unit when the second authentication unit determines that the biometric information acquired by the fourth acquisition unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit. The data is transmitted from the server to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information acquired by the third acquisition unit.

According to the eighth invention, since the biometric information for registration and the biometric information for authentication are both acquired by the first acquisition means of the information processing terminal, the detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric information sensor is uniform, and The accuracy of authentication can be improved.

A ninth invention is an information processing program used in an information processing system, communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system, and executed by an information processing terminal including a biometric sensor. , A computer of an information processing terminal, a first acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of the user with a biometric sensor, a storage unit that stores the biometric information of the user acquired by the first acquisition unit, and a selection that causes the user to select print data Second acquisition means for acquiring the biometric information of the user when the print data is selected by the selection means and the selection means, and whether the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means Selected by the selection unit when the first authentication unit that determines whether or not the first authentication unit determines that the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit A first transmitting unit that transmits print data to a server, a third acquiring unit that acquires device identification information of an image forming device, and a first acquiring unit that acquires biometric information of a user when the device identifying information is acquired by the third acquiring unit. 4 acquisition means, 2nd authentication means for determining whether the biometric information acquired by the 4th acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means, and 2nd authentication means, acquired by the 4th acquisition means When it is determined that the obtained biometric information matches the biometric information stored in the storage means, the print data transmitted to the server by the first transmission means is identified by the device obtained by the third acquisition means from the server. It functions as an instructing unit that causes the image forming apparatus corresponding to the information to transmit.

A tenth invention is an information processing method of an information processing terminal which is used in an information processing system, is communicatively connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system, and includes a biometric information sensor, comprising : ) The biometric information of the user is acquired by the biometric sensor, the biometric information of the user acquired in (b) and (a) is stored, (c) the user is made to select print data, and the print is performed in (d) and (c). When data is selected, the biometric information of the user is acquired, and it is determined whether the biometric information acquired in (e) and (d) matches the biometric information stored in (b), (f) When it is determined in (e) that the biometric information acquired in (d) matches the biometric information stored in (b), print data is transmitted to the server, and (g) device identification information of the image forming apparatus. When the device identification information is acquired in (h) and (g), the biometric information of the user is acquired, and the biometric information acquired in (i) and (h) is stored in (b). If it is determined whether the biometric information acquired in (h) in (j)(i) matches the biometric information stored in (b), it is determined in (f). The print data transmitted to the server is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information acquired in (g) from the server.

In the ninth and tenth inventions as well, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved as in the eighth invention.

According to the present invention, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 4A is an illustrative view showing an example of a case where a user terminal acquires a vein pattern, and FIG. 4B is an illustrative view showing another example of a case where a user terminal acquires a fingerprint. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM of the server shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of print data registration processing of the CPU of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the print processing of the CPU of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU of the server shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system in the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing user information stored in the server in the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system in the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of print data registration processing of the CPU of the user terminal in the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another part of the print data registration processing of the CPU of the user terminal in the third embodiment, which is a sequel to FIG. FIG. 19 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system in the fourth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 10 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a server 12, and the server 12 includes an image forming apparatus 14 and an information processing terminal (through an network 16 such as the Internet). A user terminal) 200 is communicably connected. The image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 are also communicatively connected via the network 16. However, the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 can also directly communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication.

Although FIG. 1 shows one image forming apparatus 14 and one user terminal 200, two or more image forming apparatuses 14 and user terminals 200 may be provided.

The server 12 is a general-purpose server and includes components such as a CPU 12a, a RAM 12b, and a communication module. For example, the user uses the user terminal 200 to register print data in the server 12 in advance, and performs a predetermined operation on the image forming apparatus 14 to acquire the print data registered in advance from the server 12. An image corresponding to this print data can be printed on paper. However, the print data is data including an image and/or a document, and is data to be printed by a printing device such as the image forming device 14.

The image forming apparatus 14 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. For example, the image forming apparatus 14 is arranged in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and the user mainly makes a copy or/and a print with the image forming apparatus 14. However, in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 14 may have at least a printer function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 14 includes a CPU 142. A RAM 144, a touch panel control circuit 146, a display control circuit 148, an image reading unit 154, an image forming unit 156, and a communication circuit 158 are connected to the CPU 142 via the bus 140. The touch panel control circuit 146 is connected to the touch panel 150, and the display control circuit 148 is connected to the display 152. As the display 152, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used. In the first embodiment, a capacitive touch panel is used as the touch panel 150, and the touch panel 150 is provided on the display surface of the display 152. However, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 150 and the display 152 are integrally formed may be used. Further, the touch panel 150 is not limited to the capacitance type, and any type such as an electromagnetic induction type, a resistance film type, an infrared type can be used. The touch panel 210 of the user terminal 200 described later is also the same.

The CPU 142 controls the entire image forming apparatus 14. The RAM 144 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 142.

The touch panel control circuit 146 gives a necessary voltage and the like to the touch panel 150, and when the touch operation (touch input) within the touch effective range is detected on the touch panel 150, indicates the position of the detected touch input. The touch coordinate data is output to the CPU 142.

The display control circuit 148 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU 142, the GPU uses the image generation data 344a (see FIG. 8) stored in the RAM 144 to display various screens on the display 152. The display image data is generated in the VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to the display 152.

The image reading unit 154 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 154 exposes the surface of the document with a light source, and guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to an imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the brightness and chromaticity of the reflected light formed on the light receiving element, and generates read print data based on the image on the surface of the document.

The image forming unit 156 is a general-purpose laser printer, includes a photoconductor, a charger, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like, and records an image corresponding to the print data processed by the image processing circuit on a recording paper. Print on (paper), etc. In the first embodiment, the print data is print data transmitted (downloaded) from the server 12.

However, the image forming unit 156 (printing device) may be configured by an inkjet printer instead of the laser printer.

The communication circuit 158 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet (the network 16 in the first embodiment). The communication circuit 158 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit based on the Wi-Fi standard, and communicates with external computers such as the server 12 and the user terminal 200 via the network 16 according to an instruction from the CPU 142. However, as described above, the communication circuit 158 (image forming apparatus 14) can also directly communicate with the user terminal 200.

The electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication circuit 158 may be a wireless communication circuit such as an infrared type, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) type, or an NFC (Near Field Communication) type.

Further, the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is a portable information processing terminal such as a general-purpose smartphone, a future phone, a tablet PC or a notebook (laptop) PC, and has a call function, an email function, a browser. It has various functions such as functions.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. However, the electrical configuration of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in FIG. 3, components related to a call are omitted for simplicity.

With reference to FIG. 3, the user terminal 200 of the first embodiment includes a CPU 202. A RAM 204, a touch panel control circuit 206, a display control circuit 208, a biometric information acquisition unit 214, and a communication circuit 216 are connected to the CPU 202 via a bus 230. A touch panel 210 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 206, and a display 212 is connected to the display control circuit 208.

The CPU 202 controls the entire user terminal 200. The RAM 204 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 202. The communication circuit 216 is a communication circuit for connecting to the network 16. The communication circuit 216 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit based on the Wi-Fi standard, and communicates with an external computer such as the server 12 and the image forming apparatus 14 via the network 16 according to an instruction from the CPU 202. However, as described above, the communication circuit 216 (user terminal 200) can also directly communicate with the communication circuit 158 (image forming apparatus 14).

When the touch panel control circuit 206 applies a necessary voltage or the like to the touch panel 210 and detects a touch operation (touch input) within the touch effective range of the touch panel 210, it outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input. Output to the CPU 202. As described above, the touch panel 210 is a touch panel of any type such as a capacitance type.

The display control circuit 208 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU 202, the GPU uses the image generation data 304a (see FIG. 6) stored in the RAM 204 to display various screens on the display 212. Display image data is generated in the VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to the display 212.

The biometric information acquisition unit 214 includes a sensor for detecting biometric information (hereinafter referred to as “biometric information sensor”) and acquires biometric information of a user who operates the user terminal 200. For example, the biometric information is a vein pattern of a user's palm, a fingerprint, an iris pattern, a voiceprint, or the like.

FIG. 4A is an illustrative view showing an example when the user terminal 200 acquires a vein pattern, and FIG. 4B is an illustrative view showing another example when the user terminal 200 acquires a fingerprint. ..

A configuration and method for acquiring biometric information such as a palm vein pattern, a fingerprint, an iris pattern, or a voiceprint of a user is already known, and this point is not an essential content of the present invention. The detailed description of is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the user terminal 200 is provided with a camera 214a, and this camera 214a functions as a biometric sensor. Further, when acquiring a vein pattern, the biometric information acquisition unit 214 also includes an image processing unit for processing an image captured by the camera 214a. For example, a camera 214a is provided on the surface of the user terminal 200 on which the display 212 is provided, and the backlight of the display 212 illuminates the palm of the user. At this time, the camera 214a captures an image of the palm. Then, the vein pattern is extracted from the captured palm image, and the palm vein pattern of the user who operates the user terminal 200 is acquired.

Further, when acquiring a user's fingerprint as biometric information, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user terminal 200 is provided with a fingerprint sensor 214b, and this fingerprint sensor 214b functions as a biometric information sensor. In addition, when acquiring a fingerprint, the biometric information acquisition unit 214 also includes a detection unit for detecting the strength of the electric field detected by the fingerprint sensor 214b. For example, the fingerprint sensor 214b is a sweep type having a sensor surface that can be traced by a finger (slides the finger), and an electric field detection type sensor can be used. In the electric field detection method, an electric field is generated between the inside of the user's finger (dermis) and the sensor, and the undulations (unevenness) of the fingerprint are read from the strength of the electric field. Therefore, when the sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor 214b is traced with a finger, the user's fingerprint can be read.

However, the fingerprint sensor 214b is not limited to the electric field detection type sensor, and may be another type of sensor such as a capacitance type, an optical type, a heat sensitive type, or a pressure sensitive type. Further, the fingerprint sensor 214b does not have to be limited to the sweep type, and may be a flat type for pressing a finger.

Although not shown, in the case of acquiring an image of the iris of the user as biometric information, the user terminal 200 is provided with an infrared irradiation unit in addition to the camera 214a and the image processing unit. For example, infrared light from the infrared irradiator is applied to the user's eye, at which time an image of the eye is captured by the camera 214a, and an iris image is acquired from the captured image of the eye.

Further, although not shown, in the case of acquiring a voiceprint of the voice of the user as the biometric information, the user terminal 200 is provided with a microphone and a voice processing unit. For example, when the user utters a predetermined word (predetermined keyword), the voice is detected by the microphone, and the voiceprint of the user's voice is acquired by analyzing the frequency of the detected voice.

Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, a case where a vein pattern of the palm of the user is acquired and used as biometric information will be described.

In the information processing system 10 having such a configuration, an image corresponding to the print data registered by the user in the server 12 in advance by the user using the user terminal 200 is installed in a store such as a convenience store when going out. The forming device 14 can be used to print on paper.

In this case, according to the network system using the conventional biometric authentication system, for example, at the time of printing, the biometric information sensor of the image forming apparatus 14 acquires the biometric information of the user. Then, based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 214 of the user terminal 200 and the biometric information acquired by the biometric information sensor of the image forming apparatus 14, the user who requests execution of the print job executes the print job. Is authorized (authenticated).

That is, in the conventional network system, the biometric information for registration that is associated with the print job and registered in the server 12, and the biometric information for authentication that is acquired when the server 12 is requested to execute the print job. Information is acquired by a different device.

Therefore, due to factors such as non-uniform detection accuracy or characteristics of the biometric sensors of the user terminal 200 and the image forming apparatus 14, the user who registered the print data and the image corresponding to this print data are printed (print data is It may not be possible to correctly authenticate that the user is the same person.

Therefore, in order to avoid such an inconvenience, the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment uses the biometric information for registration (at the time of registration) registered in the server 12 in association with the print data and the server 12 The biometric information acquisition unit 214 of the user terminal 200 acquires both biometric information for authentication (at the time of authentication or printing) acquired when print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 and print processing is executed. Is done.

For example, the user terminal 200 stores an information processing program (application program) for registering print data in the server 12 and printing an image corresponding to the print data registered in the server 12 on paper by the image forming apparatus 14. Has been done. When this information processing program is executed by a user operation, although not shown, print data is registered in the server 12 or an image corresponding to the print data registered in the server 12 is printed by the image forming apparatus 14. A screen (main menu screen) for selecting whether or not is displayed on the display 212 of the user terminal 200.

When the user selects to register the print data in the server 12 on the main menu screen, the process of registering the print data in the server 12 (hereinafter referred to as “print data registration process”) is started, and although not shown, the user A screen (selection screen) for selecting print data is displayed on the display 212 of the terminal 200.

When the user selects print data on the selection screen, a screen (notification screen) for notifying acquisition of biometric information is displayed on the display 212 of the user terminal 200. Then, the vein pattern is acquired. As described above, the backlight of the display 212 is turned on, and in response to this, the user holds the palm over the display 212 and the camera 214a captures an image of the palm. Then, the vein pattern is extracted (acquired) from the captured image of the palm.

Although the vein pattern is acquired after selecting the print data in the first embodiment, the print data may be selected after acquiring the vein pattern.

Further, in the first embodiment, the notification screen is displayed, but instead of displaying the notification screen, or together with the display of the notification screen, a notification sound (melody) or a voice for notification is output. You may do it.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system 10. As shown in FIG. 5, when the print data is selected and the vein pattern is acquired by the user terminal 200, the user terminal 200 accesses the server 12 via the network 16 and selects the selected print data and the acquired print data. The created vein pattern (hereinafter referred to as “biological information for registration”) is associated and transmitted to the server 12, and the print data registration process ends (1). In order to execute the print data registration process, it is sufficient that the user terminal 200 can connect to the network 16. For example, the print data registration process is executed at the user's home or office.

When the server 12 receives the print data and the biometric information for registration associated with the print data, the server 12 stores the received print data and the biometric information for registration associated with the print data in a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD, a flash memory, or an EEPROM. Store (register) in.

Although the user terminal 200 associates the print data with the biometric information for registration in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The server 12 may associate the print data with the biometric information for registration. In such a case, the user terminal 200 only needs to transmit the selected print data and the acquired biometric information for registration to the server 12.

When the user selects to print the image corresponding to the print data registered in the server 12 on the image forming apparatus 14 (execute the print process) on the main menu screen, the process for printing the image corresponding to the print data (print process) Then, as shown in FIG. 5, identification information of the image forming apparatus 14 (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus identification information”) is acquired (A).

The method by which the user terminal 200 acquires the apparatus identification information of the image forming apparatus 14 is not limited to a particular method. For example, the user terminal 200 acquires the device identification information from the image forming device 14 by communicating with the image forming device 14 directly or via the network 16. For example, the device identification information is a unique identification number (such as a manufacturing number) assigned to the image forming apparatus 14 or a MAC address of a communication module (communication circuit 158) provided in the image forming apparatus 14.

When the user terminal 200 acquires the device identification information of the image forming device 14, the user terminal 200 displays a notification screen on the display 212 to notify the acquisition of the biological information. The method for acquiring the biometric information is the same as that for registering print data in the server 12. However, in order to distinguish the biometric information acquired in the printing process from that at the time of registration, it will be referred to as authentication biometric information.

When the biometric information for authentication is acquired, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 200 transmits the device identification information and the biometric information for authentication associated with this device identification information to the server 12 (a).

The server 12 determines whether the received biometric information for authentication matches the biometric information for registration associated with the stored print data. However, when a plurality of print data are stored, the server 12 executes the determination process for each print data.

When the biometric information for authentication matches the biometric information for registration, as shown in FIG. 5, the print data associated with the biometric information for registration is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 indicated by the apparatus identification information. Do (c). Upon receiving the print data, the image forming apparatus 14 executes the print processing according to the received print data. However, when the biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration, the server 12 notifies the image forming apparatus 14 of an error. However, when the biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration, this also includes the case where print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication is not stored (registered). .. In this case, an error message is displayed on the display 152 of the image forming apparatus 14.

Although detailed description is omitted, the server 12 manages, in a table or the like, the fixed IP address (information of the transmission destination) of the image forming apparatus 14 indicated by the apparatus identification information, corresponding to the apparatus identification information. , The fixed IP address of the image forming apparatus 14 corresponding to the received apparatus identification information is acquired from the table or the like. However, when the fixed IP address of the image forming apparatus 14 is used as the apparatus identification information, the management of the above table and the like is unnecessary.

In the first embodiment, the server 12 notifies the image forming apparatus 14 of an error when the biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You don't have to. The server 12 may notify an error to the user terminal 200 that has transmitted the biometric information for authentication together with the device identification information. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 14 notified of the error from the server 12 may notify the user terminal 200 of the error.

Further, although the error message is displayed in the first embodiment, a sound (melody) or voice for notifying an error may be output instead of or together with the display of the error message.

In the above-described operation of the information processing system 10, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 executes the information processing program for the user terminal 200 stored in the RAM 204, and the CPU 12a of the server 12 stores the information for the server 12 stored in the RAM 12b. It is realized by executing the processing program, and the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 executing the information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 stored in the RAM 144. Specific processing will be described later using a flow chart.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map 300 of the RAM 204 of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 204 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. In the program storage area 302 of the RAM 204, as described above, the information processing program for the user terminal 200 is stored. The information processing program for the user terminal 200 includes a communication program 302a, a display program 302b, a registration program 302c, a print data selection program 302d, a print program 302e, a device detection program 302f, a biometric information acquisition program 302g, and a transmission program 302h.

The communication program 302 a is a program for communicating (transmitting/receiving) data with other computers or devices such as the server 12 and the image forming apparatus 14 directly or via the network 16.

The display program 302b is a program for generating display image data, that is, screen data such as the main menu screen, the selection screen, and the notification screen described above, by using image generation data 304a described later, and outputting the screen data to the display 212. ..

The registration program 302c is a program for registering (transmitting) print data and biometric information for registration (biometric information data) associated with the print data in the server 12.

The print data selection program 302d is a program for selecting print data according to a user operation. At this time, the selection screen is displayed on the display 212 according to the display program 302b.

The print program 302e is a program for causing the image forming apparatus 14 to print (image formation) an image corresponding to the print data registered in the server 12 on a sheet in accordance with a user operation.

The device detection program 302f is a program for acquiring the device identification information of the image forming device 14 when the printing process is executed according to the print program 302e.

The biometric information acquisition program 302g is the biometric of the user who operates the user terminal 200 by the above-described method when the print data registration process is executed according to the registration program 302c or the print process is executed according to the print program 302e. This is a program for acquiring information (here, vein pattern).

The transmission program 302h is a program for transmitting the print data and the biometric information for registration associated with the print data to the server 12 when the print data registration process is executed. The transmission program 302h is also a program for transmitting the device identification information and the biometric information for authentication associated with the device identification information to the server 12 when the printing process is executed. However, at the time of transmission, the communication program 302a is executed.

Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 302 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions of the user terminal 200.

Further, the data storage area 304 of the RAM 204 stores image generation data 304a, biometric information data 304b, device identification information data 304c, print data 304d, and the like.

The image generation data 304a is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens displayed on the display 212. The biometric information data 304b is data corresponding to the vein pattern (biological information) of the user. The device identification information data 304c is data corresponding to the device identification information acquired according to the device detection program 302f. The print data 304d is data including an image and/or a document, and is data to be printed by a printing device such as the image forming device 14.

Although illustration is omitted, the data storage area 304 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the user terminal 200, such as operation data from the touch panel 210 and operation buttons (not shown), or the user. A timer (counter) or a register necessary for executing the information processing program for the terminal 200 may be provided.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 320 of the RAM 12b of the server 12 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 12b includes a program storage area 322 and a data storage area 324. As described above, the information processing program for the server 12 is stored in the program storage area 322 of the RAM 12b. The information processing program for the server 12 includes a communication program 322a, a reception program 322b, a registration program 322c, an authentication program 322d, and a transmission program 322e.

The communication program 322 a is a program for communicating with other computers or devices such as the user terminal 200 and the image forming apparatus 14 directly or via the network 16.

The reception program 322b is a program for receiving print data transmitted from the user terminal 200 and biometric information for registration (biometric information data) associated with the print data. The reception program 322b is also a program for receiving the device identification information and the biometric information for authentication transmitted from the user terminal. However, the communication program 322a is executed at the time of reception.

The registration program 322c is a program for storing (registering) print data received according to the reception program 322b and biometric information for registration associated with the print data in a nonvolatile memory.

The authentication program 322d refers to a non-volatile memory, and registers the biometric information for registration (biometric information data) associated with the print data in which the received biometric information for authentication (biometric information data) is registered (stored). It is a program for judging whether the authentication is successful or not depending on whether they match. Here, if the received biometric information for authentication matches the biometric information for registration associated with the stored print data, it is determined that the authentication is successful. On the other hand, if the received biometric information for authentication does not match the biometric information for registration associated with the stored print data, it is determined that the authentication has failed.

The transmission program 322e is a program for transmitting, to the image forming apparatus 14, print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication when the authentication success is determined according to the authentication program 322d. .. The transmission program 322e is also a program for transmitting (notifying) error information to the image forming apparatus 14 when the authentication failure is determined according to the authentication program 322d. However, at the time of transmission, the communication program 322a is executed. Further, the information (the fixed IP address in this first embodiment) of the image forming apparatus 14 of the transmission destination is known by referring to the table data 324a described later based on the apparatus identification information associated with the biometric information for authentication. be able to.

Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 322 also stores programs and the like for selecting and executing various functions of the server 12.

Further, table data 324a and the like are stored in the data storage area 324 of the RAM 12b. The table data 324a is data regarding a table in which a fixed IP address is described corresponding to the device identification information. The table data 324a is referred to when the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14, and the fixed IP address described corresponding to the apparatus identification information is acquired.

Although illustration is omitted, the data storage area 324 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the server 12, and a timer (counter required for executing the information processing program for the server 12). ) Or a register is provided.

Although illustration is omitted, as described above, the print data and the biometric information associated with the print data are stored in a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD. However, the print data and the biometric information associated with the print data may be stored in a database accessible by the server 12, instead of the non-volatile memory.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of the memory map 340 of the RAM 144 of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM 144 includes a program storage area 342 and a data storage area 344. The program storage area 342 of the RAM 144 stores the information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 as described above. The information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 includes a communication program 342a, an image forming program 342b, and an operation detecting program 342c.

The communication program 342a is a program for communicating with other computers or devices such as the user terminal 200 and the server 12 directly or via the network 16.

The image forming program 342b is a program for executing a print job (image forming process) for forming a multicolored or monochromatic image on a recording medium (paper) according to the print data transmitted from the server 12.

The operation detection program 342c acquires the touch coordinate data output from the touch panel control circuit 146, and detects that various icons included in various screens such as the operation screen displayed on the display 152 are operated. It is a program of. The operation detection program 342c is also a program for detecting an operation (instruction) according to operation data output from an operation button (not shown).

Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 342 also stores programs and the like for selecting and executing various functions executable by the image forming apparatus 14.

Further, in the data storage area 344 of the RAM 144, image generation data 344a which is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens displayed on the display 152 is stored.

Although illustration is omitted, in the data storage area 344, other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14 is stored, or necessary for executing the information processing program for the image forming apparatus 14. There are various timers (counters) and registers.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of print data registration processing of the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. When the user terminal 200 is instructed to execute the information processing program in accordance with the user's operation, the main menu screen is displayed on the display 212. When registration of print data in the server 12 is selected on the main menu screen, the CPU 202 starts print data registration processing, as shown in FIG.

When the print data registration processing is started, the CPU 202 displays a selection screen for the print data 304d in step S1. In the next step S3, it is determined whether or not any print data 304d is selected on the selection screen of the print data 304d by the user's operation.

If "NO" in the step S3, that is, if the print data 304d is not selected, the process returns to the step S1. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S3, that is, if the print data 304d is selected, a notification screen for notifying acquisition of the biometric information is displayed in a step S5, and the biometric information of the biometric information is displayed in a step S7. Perform the acquisition process. In step S7, the CPU 202 controls the display control circuit 208 to turn on the backlight of the display 212, controls the biometric information acquisition unit 214 to execute the photographing process of the camera 14a, and at the image processing unit. The vein pattern is extracted (obtained) from the image captured by the camera 14a.

Then, in step S9, it is determined whether biometric information has been acquired. If “NO” in the step S9, that is, if the biometric information is not acquired, the process returns to the step S7. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S7, that is, if the biometric information is acquired, the biometric information data 304b corresponding to the acquired biometric information is associated with the selected print data 304d in the server in a step S11. Then, the print data registration process is completed.

Although illustration is omitted, the print data 304d and the biometric information data 304b transmitted from the user terminal 200 in the print data registration process are received by the server 12, and the server 12 receives them in a nonvolatile storage means such as an HDD. The print data 304d and the biometric information data 304b are stored (registered). However, the biometric information data registered here is biometric information data corresponding to the biometric information for registration, as described above.

Next, the print processing will be described. The print process is started when the user selects execution of the print process on the main menu screen displayed on the display 212 of the user terminal 200. However, the print process is sequentially (in cooperation) executed by the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200, the CPU 12a of the server 12 and the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14.

First, the print processing executed by the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the print process of the CPU 202 will be described, but the same process as the process already described will be briefly described.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 starts the print process, the device identification information is acquired in step S31. Specifically, the CPU 202 communicates with the image forming apparatus 14, requests transmission of the apparatus identification information, and receives (acquires) the apparatus identification information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 14 in response to the request.

In the next step S33, it is determined whether or not the device identification information has been acquired. If “NO” in the step S33, that is, if the device identification information is not acquired, the process returns to the step S31. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S33, that is, if the device identification information is acquired, a notification screen is displayed in a step S35, and a biometric information acquisition process is executed in a step S37. In the next step S39, it is determined whether biometric information has been acquired.

If “NO” in the step S39, the process returns to the step S37. On the other hand, if “YES” in step S39, in step S41, the biometric information data 304b corresponding to the biometric information acquired in step S37 is added to the device identification information data 304c corresponding to the device identification information acquired in step S31. The data is associated and transmitted to the server 12, and the printing process ends. However, the biometric information data 304b transmitted here is biometric information data corresponding to the biometric information for authentication, as described above.

Next, the print processing executed by the CPU 12a of the server 12 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the CPU 12a of the server 12 shown in FIG. The printing process is started when the device identification information data 304c and the biometric information data 304b transmitted from the user terminal 200 are received.

As shown in FIG. 11, when starting the printing process, the CPU 12a of the server 12 executes the authentication process in step S51, and determines whether the authentication is successful in step S53. Here, the CPU 12a refers to the HDD and determines whether or not there is print data associated with the received biometric information for registration that matches the received biometric information for authentication.

If “YES” in the step S53, that is, if there is print data associated with the registered biometric information that matches the received biometric information for authentication, it is determined that the authentication is successful, and in step S55, The print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14, and the print processing ends.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S53, that is, if there is no print data associated with the registered biometric information that matches the received biometric information for authentication, it is determined that the authentication fails, and in a step S57. , The error information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14, and the printing process ends.

Next, the print processing executed by the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing of the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 shown in FIG. This print processing is started when print data or error information transmitted from the server 12 is received.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the print processing is started, the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 determines in step S71 whether print data has been received. That is, the CPU 142 determines whether the data received from the server 12 is print data or error information.

If “YES” in the step S71, that is, if print data is received, the print process is executed according to the received print data in a step S73, and the print process is ended.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S71, that is, if the error information is received, the user is notified of the error in a step S75, and the printing process is ended. In step S75, CPU 142 displays an error message on display 152 of image forming apparatus 14.

According to the first embodiment, the biometric information for registration that is associated with the print data and is registered in the server 12, and the authentication that is acquired when the server 12 transmits the biometric information to the image forming apparatus 14 to execute the print processing. Since the biometric information for use in both is acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 214 of the user terminal 200, it is possible to reduce variations in devices that acquire biometric information as much as possible. Therefore, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the registration biometric information is acquired when the print data is registered, the authentication biometric information is acquired when the print process is executed, and it is determined whether or not they match. Since it is not necessary to perform user registration with the server 12, the user's labor can be reduced as much as possible.
[Second Embodiment]
When the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12, the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment determines whether the user is near, and determines that the user is near. In this case, the printing process is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the printing process is executed. Therefore, only the contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the duplicate description will be omitted.

In this way, it is necessary to determine whether or not the user is near the image forming apparatus 14 at the time of printing, even if the user authentication is performed, if another user takes away the printed matter, the print data or the This is because the confidentiality of the printed matter is lost. In other words, this is to ensure the security of the print data or the printed matter.

As an example, whether or not the user is near is determined based on whether or not the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 can perform communication connection by short-distance wireless communication. However, since short-distance wireless communication such as Wi-Fi can be communicated over a relatively long distance, it can be applied to a relatively small store such as a convenience store, but it can be applied to a shopping mall or mass-market electronics. In a large store such as a store, it may not be said that they are close to each other. Therefore, each of the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 should be provided with a wireless communication circuit having a relatively short communication distance, such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) system or an NFC system, and it is better to determine whether communication is possible. ..

Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12, the image forming apparatus 14 determines whether or not short-distance wireless communication can be performed with the user terminal 200, and the short-distance wireless communication is performed. When it is determined that communication can be performed, printing is executed using the received print data. However, when the device identification information is transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 14 and the user terminal 200 at the start of the printing process, the image forming apparatus 14 acquires the terminal identification information of the user terminal 200 and prints the print data. When determining whether to execute printing using the terminal identification information, the terminal identification information is acquired from the user terminal 200 that has determined whether short-range wireless communication is possible, and it is also determined whether the terminal identification information matches. ..

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12 and determines that the short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200 cannot be performed, the printing using the print data is stopped. Then, an error message is displayed on the display 152.

In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not the user is near by another method. For example, the image forming apparatus 14 is provided with a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as “person detection sensor”) for determining whether a person (user) exists, and the front side of the image forming apparatus 14 is based on the output of the person detection sensor. It is determined whether or not the user exists within the predetermined range. For example, a distance sensor using infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, or laser can be used as the human detection sensor.

For example, when the user instructs the execution of the printing process and acquires the device identification information from the image forming device 14, it is determined whether or not a person exists within a predetermined range based on the output of the person detection sensor. Then, until the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data from the server 12, when the person continues to exist in a predetermined range on the front side of the image forming apparatus 14, the image forming apparatus 14 uses the received print data. To print.

However, the image forming apparatus 14 may not have a person in a predetermined area on the front side of the image forming apparatus 14 between the time when the apparatus identification information is transmitted to the user terminal 200 and the time when the print data is received from the server 12. If it is even once, the printing (image forming process) using the print data is stopped and an error message is displayed on the display 152.

Although not shown, in the second embodiment, the user can refer to the communication state with the user terminal 200, the detection result of the human detection sensor, etc. in the program storage area 342 of the RAM 144 of the image forming apparatus 14. A determination program for determining whether or not the user is nearby is further stored.

Hereinafter, the print processing on the image forming apparatus 14 side in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart, but the same reference numerals will be used for the same processing as the print processing on the image forming apparatus 14 side described in the first embodiment. A duplicate description will be omitted or simply described. The print data registration processing and the print processing for each of the user terminal 200 and the server 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus duplicated description will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the print processing of the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, if “YES” in the step S71, that is, if print data is received, the CPU 142 of the image forming apparatus 14 determines whether or not the user is nearby in a step S91. Here, it is determined whether or not short-distance wireless communication can be performed with the user terminal 200, and based on the output of the person detection sensor, a person can enter the apparatus identification information in a predetermined range on the front side of the image forming apparatus 14. It is judged whether it continues to exist after outputting.

If "YES" in the step S91, that is, if it is determined that the user is near, printing is executed using the received print data in a step S73. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S91, that is, if it is determined that the user is not near, the printing using the received print data is stopped in a step S93, and an error is given to the user in a step S75. Is notified, and the printing process ends.

According to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved and the user's labor can be reduced as much as possible.

Further, according to the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 14 receives the print data transmitted from the server 12, the user is not near, that is, the user leaves the front of the image forming apparatus 14. In this case, printing using the received print data can be stopped. By doing so, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as another person taking away the printed matter, and it is possible to secure the security of the print data or the printed matter.
[Third Embodiment]
The information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the print data registered by the other user in the server 12 is transmitted from the server 12 to the image forming apparatus 14 so that the print processing can be executed. Since they are the same, only the contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 in the third embodiment. The information processing system 10 of the third embodiment includes at least two user terminals 200, and as described above, the print data registered using one user terminal 200 is printed using another user terminal 200. It Hereinafter, a user who registers print data in the server 12 may be referred to as a registered user, and a user who executes print processing may be referred to as an executing user. Further, for convenience of description, the user terminal 200 operated by the registered user may be referred to as a user terminal 200A, and the user terminal 200 operated by the executing user may be referred to as a user terminal 200B. The user terminal 200A operated by the registered user is not limited to a smartphone, a future phone, a tablet PC or a notebook (laptop) PC, and may be a desktop PC or the like.

Further, in the third embodiment, the user information of the user who uses the information processing system 10 is registered in the server 12 in advance. FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing one example of user information registered (stored) in the server 12. For example, the server 12 stores data about user information in a nonvolatile memory provided therein.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the user information, biometric information and authorized user information are described corresponding to the user identification information. The user identification information is unique identification information assigned to the user, and is the user's name (including nickname) in the third embodiment. However, in FIG. 15, the user identification information is shown using three capital letters.

The biometric information is the biometric information of the user corresponding to the user identification information. The biometric information is obtained by the user using his/her own user terminal 200 when registering the user information. In the example shown in FIG. 15, biometric information is shown using three lowercase alphabets, but in reality, biometric information data is described. However, the biometric information data may be stored in another memory (storage area), and the user information may describe the identification information (file name or the like) assigned to the biometric information data as the biometric information.

Further, the permitted user information is information about other users (execution users) who are permitted to execute printing using the print data registered by the user corresponding to the user identification information. As shown in FIG. 15, the authorized user information describes the user identification information assigned to the other user.

In addition, in FIG. 15, a plurality of user identification information is described in the column of permitted user information, but this is an example, and one user identification information may be described.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system 10 in the third example. In the information processing system 10 of the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the user A operates the user terminal 200A and selects to register the print data in the server 12 on the main menu screen, the print data registration process is performed. Is started. However, in the third embodiment, when the print data registration process is started, although not shown, printing is executed using the print data registered by the registered user itself (executed by the user) or another executing user executes it. A screen (execution content selection screen) for selecting whether to execute printing (execution by another person) using the print data is displayed.

When the registered user selects the actual execution on the execution content selection screen, as shown in the first embodiment, the print data is selected, the biometric information of the registered user is acquired, and the selected print is performed. The biometric information acquired by the data is associated and registered in the server 12 ((1) in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when the registered user selects the execution by another person on the execution content selection screen, the user terminal 200A requests the transmission of the permitted user information after selecting the print data as shown in the first embodiment. Send to the server 12. The server 12 acquires the permitted user information described in association with the user identification information of the user of the user terminal 200A (here, the registered user) by referring to the user information of the registered user, and obtains the acquired permitted user information. It is transmitted to the user terminal 200A (I).

Then, although not shown, a screen (execution user selection screen) for selecting the execution user using the received permitted user information is displayed on the display 212 of the user terminal 200A. The registered user operates the user terminal 200A and selects an executing user who is permitted to execute printing using the print data on the executing user selection screen. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the executing user is the user of the user terminal 200B. However, a plurality of execution users may be selected. When the executing user is selected, the selected print data is transmitted to the server 12 in association with the user identification information corresponding to the selected executing user (II).

When the server 12 receives the print data and the user identification information associated with the print data, the server 12 acquires the biometric information described in association with the user identification information from the user information, and acquires the biometric information acquired in the received print data. Is stored (registered) in a nonvolatile memory in association with biometric information as registration biometric information.

As described above, when a plurality of executing users are selected, print data and biometric information associated with the printing data are registered in the nonvolatile memory for each executing user.

After the print data is registered, the executing user can print the image corresponding to the print data on the paper by performing the same operation as in the case shown in the first embodiment.

In addition, in order for the execution user different from the registered user to perform printing using the print data registered by another registered user, the executing user needs to know that the registered user has registered the print data. For example, the registered user may notify the executing user that the print data has been registered by e-mail or telephone, or in the user information, the mail address set in the user terminal 200 corresponding to the user identification information may be registered. In advance, when the server 12 registers print data to be printed by another executing user, an e-mail for notifying that the print data is registered to the user terminal 200 of the other executing user is created and transmitted. You can

Although illustration is omitted, in the third embodiment, the user identification information acquisition program and the execution user selection program are further stored in the program storage area 302 of the RAM 204 of the user terminal 200.

The user identification information acquisition program transmits a transmission request of permitted user information to the server 12 when execution of another person is selected in the print data registration process, and receives the permitted user information transmitted from the server 12 in response thereto. It is a program for (acquiring).

The execution user selection program is a program for selecting an execution user according to a user's operation. At this time, the execution user screen is displayed on the display 212 according to the display program 302b.

The print data registration process in the third embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart. The same processes as those in the print data registration process described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping contents will be described. The description will be omitted or simply explained. Note that the print processing executed in each of the user terminal 200, the server 12, and the image forming apparatus 14 is the same as that in the first embodiment, so duplicated description will be omitted.

17 and 18 are flowcharts showing an example of the print data registration process of the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 of the registered user in the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, when the print data registration process is started, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 displays an execution content selection screen on the display 212 in step S111. In the next step S113, it is determined whether or not the person's execution is selected on the execution content selection screen.

If “YES” in the step S113, that is, if execution by the person is selected, steps S1 to S11 are executed as described in the first embodiment, and the print data registration process ends. On the other hand, if "NO" in the step S113, that is, if the in-person execution is not selected, it is determined in a step S115 whether or not the in-person execution is selected on the execution content selection screen.

If “NO” in the step S115, that is, if the execution by another person is not selected, the process returns to the step S111. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S115, that is, if execution by another person is selected, a selection screen of the print data 304d is displayed in a step S117 as shown in FIG. 18, and the print data 304d is displayed in a step S119. Determine if was selected.

If “NO” in the step S119, the process returns to the step S117, and if “YES” in the step S119, a transmission request of the permitted user information is transmitted to the server 12 in a step S121. Although illustration is omitted, at this time, the CPU 202 also transmits the terminal identification information of its own user terminal 200.

Succeedingly, in a step S123, it is determined whether or not the authorized user information is acquired (received). If “NO” in the step S123, that is, if the permitted user information is not acquired, the process returns to the same step S123. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S123, that is, if the permitted user information is acquired, the executing user selection screen is displayed based on the acquired permitted user information in a step S125.

In the next step S127, it is determined whether or not the executing user is selected on the executing user selection screen. If “NO” in the step S127, that is, if the executing user is not selected, the process returns to the step S125. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S127, that is, if the executing user is selected, in a step S129, the selected print data 304d is associated with the user identification information of the selected executing user, and is then transmitted to the server 12. The print data registration process is completed.

In this print data registration process, the print data 304d and the user identification information transmitted from the user terminal 200 are registered in the server 12. However, as described above, when the server 12 receives the print data and the user identification information, the biometric information described corresponding to the user identification information is associated with the print data as the biometric information for registration, and is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Register with.

According to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved and the user's labor can be reduced as much as possible.

Further, according to the third embodiment, the print data registered by the other user in the server 12 can be transmitted from the server 12 to the image forming apparatus 14 for printing without impairing the accuracy of user authentication. it can.

Although the user information stored in the server 12 includes the permitted user information in the third embodiment, each permitted user information may be stored in the corresponding user terminal 200. In such a case, it is possible to omit the process of transmitting the transmission request for the permitted user information to the server 12 and acquiring the permitted user information transmitted from the server 12 in response thereto.

The third embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the second embodiment.
[Fourth Embodiment]
The information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment acquires and stores the biometric information of the user in the user terminal 200 in advance, and compares the biometric information acquired and stored in advance with the biometric information acquired at the time of authentication. Therefore, since the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the user authentication is performed in the user terminal 200, the contents different from the first embodiment will be described, and the duplicated description will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, the user terminal 200 includes a non-volatile memory (storage unit) such as an HDD, a flash memory or an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory of the user terminal 200 stores biometric information of the user acquired in advance.

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view for explaining an operation example of the information processing system in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, when the print data registration process is started, the print data is selected as in the first embodiment. At this time, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 acquires biometric information from the user terminal 200. Then, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 determines whether the biometric information acquired in the print data registration process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200. That is, user authentication is performed by the user terminal 200. When the biometric information acquired in the print data registration process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200 (when the authentication is successful), as shown in FIG. At the same time, the identification information of the user terminal 200 (hereinafter, referred to as “terminal identification information”) is transmitted to the server 12 in association with the print data, and the print data registration process ends (1). Upon receiving the print data and the terminal identification information associated with the print data, the server 12 registers the print data and the terminal identification information associated with the print data. However, the terminal identification information is a unique identification number (production number or telephone number) assigned to the user terminal 200, a MAC address assigned to the communication circuit 216, or the like.

On the other hand, when the printing process is started, the device identification information of the image forming device 14 is acquired as in the first embodiment (A). When the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 acquires the device identification information of the image forming device 14, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 acquires biometric information from the user terminal 200. Then, the CPU 202 of the user terminal 200 determines whether the biometric information acquired in the print process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200. When the biometric information acquired in the printing process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200 (when the authentication is successful), the user terminal 200 associates the device identification information with the device identification information. And transmits the terminal identification information of the user terminal 200 to the server 12 (a).

Upon receiving the device identification information and the terminal identification information associated therewith, the server 12 determines whether there is print data associated with the terminal identification information that matches the terminal identification information associated with the device identification information, The print data associated with the matching terminal identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 corresponding to the apparatus identification information (c). The other processing is the same as the content shown in the first embodiment.

Although not shown, in the fourth embodiment, the authentication program is further stored in the program storage area 302 of the RAM 204 of the user terminal 200. This authentication program refers to the memory of the user terminal 200, and determines whether the authentication is successful depending on whether the biometric information acquired in the print data registration process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200. It is a program for judging. The authentication program is also a program for determining whether the authentication is successful depending on whether the biometric information acquired in the printing process matches the biometric information stored in the memory of the user terminal 200.

According to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the accuracy of user authentication can be improved and the user's labor can be reduced as much as possible.

The fourth embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the second and third embodiments.

Furthermore, the specific configurations and the like mentioned in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. In addition, the steps of the flowcharts shown in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately changed in processing order as long as the same result can be obtained.

10... Information processing system 12... Server 14... Image forming apparatus 16... Network 200... User terminal 214... Biometric information acquisition unit

Claims (10)

An information processing system in which an information processing terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are communicatively connected,
The information processing terminal,
First acquisition means including a biometric sensor for acquiring biometric information of the user,
A second acquisition unit that acquires device identification information of the image forming device, the biometric information for authentication acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the device identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit, by the server. A first transmitting means for transmitting to
The server is
A storage unit that stores the print data registered by the information processing terminal and the biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal in association with each other,
First receiving means for receiving the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information transmitted by the first transmitting means,
An authentication unit that determines whether the print data associated with the registration biometric information that matches the authentication biometric information received by the first reception unit is stored in the storage unit; 1 When it is determined that the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit, A second transmission unit for transmitting to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information,
The image forming apparatus,
An information processing system including: a second receiving unit that receives the print data transmitted by the second transmitting unit; and an image forming unit that executes a print process based on the print data received by the second receiving unit. .. The information processing terminal is selected by the selection unit that selects the print data to be registered in the server, and the biometric information for registration acquired by the first acquisition unit and the selection unit according to the operation of the user. Further comprising third transmitting means for transmitting print data to the server,
The server further includes a third reception means for receiving the print data and biometric information for the registration that is transmitted by the third transmission means, the the print data received by said third receiving means, those wherein The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the biometric information for registration received by the third receiving unit is associated and stored in the storage unit. The server stores identification information for identifying a user of the information processing terminal and biometric information previously acquired for the user of the information processing terminal in the information processing terminal in association with the identification information,
The information processing terminal transmits, to the server, a selection unit that selects the print data to be registered in the server, and the identification information of another user and the print data selected by the selection unit according to the operation of the user. Further comprising a fourth transmitting means,
The server further includes a fourth receiving unit that receives the identification information of the other user and the print data transmitted by the fourth transmitting unit, and applies the print data received by the fourth receiving unit to the print data. fourth storing pre-registered biometric information corresponding to the identification information of another user that is received by the receiving means in the storage means in association with the biometric information for the registration, processing system of claim 1, wherein .. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing terminal and the image forming apparatus perform near field communication. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the device identification information by performing the short-range wireless communication. The image forming apparatus further includes a first determining unit that determines whether the short-range wireless communication with the information processing terminal can be performed when the print data is received by the second receiving unit.
The image forming unit executes a printing process based on the print data when the first determining unit determines that the short-range wireless communication with the information processing terminal can be performed. 5. The information processing system according to item 5. An information processing terminal including a biometric information sensor, a server including a storage unit that stores print data registered by the information processing terminal and biometric information for registration acquired by the information processing terminal in association with each other, and an image forming apparatus. An information processing method for an information processing system communicatively connected, comprising:
(A) The information processing terminal acquires biometric information of the user with the biometric information sensor, acquires device identification information of the image forming apparatus,
(B) The information processing terminal transmits the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information acquired in (a) to the server,
(C) The server receives the biometric information for authentication and the device identification information transmitted in (b),
(D) The server determines whether or not the print data associated with the biometric information for registration that matches the biometric information for authentication received in (c) is stored in the storage means,
(E) In the server (d), the print data associated with the registration biometric information that matches the authentication biometric information received in (c) is stored in the storage unit. If it is determined that the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information,
(F) The image forming apparatus receives the print data transmitted in (e), and (g) executes print processing based on the print data received in (f). .. An information processing terminal used in an information processing system and communicatively connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system,
First acquisition means including a biometric sensor for acquiring biometric information of the user,
Storage means for storing the biometric information of the user acquired by the first acquisition means,
Selection means for allowing the user to select print data,
Second acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user when the print data is selected by the selection means,
First authentication means for determining whether or not the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means;
The print data selected by the selection unit when the first authentication unit determines that the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit Transmitting means for transmitting to the server,
Third acquisition means for acquiring device identification information of the image forming device,
Fourth acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user when the device identification information is acquired by the third acquisition means,
A second authenticating unit that determines whether the biometric information acquired by the fourth acquiring unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit, and the second authenticating unit allows the fourth acquiring unit. When it is determined that the biometric information acquired in step 1 corresponds to the biometric information stored in the storage means, the print data transmitted to the server by the first transmitting means is transferred from the server to the print data. 3 An information processing terminal, comprising: an instruction unit that causes the image forming apparatus corresponding to the apparatus identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to be transmitted. An information processing program used in an information processing system, communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system, and executed by an information processing terminal including a biometric sensor ,
The computer of the information processing terminal,
First acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user with the biometric sensor ,
Storage means for storing the biometric information of the user acquired by the first acquisition means,
Selection means for allowing the user to select print data,
Second acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user when the print data is selected by the selection means,
First authentication means for determining whether or not the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition means matches the biometric information stored in the storage means;
The print data selected by the selection unit when the first authentication unit determines that the biometric information acquired by the second acquisition unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit Transmitting means for transmitting to the server,
Third acquisition means for acquiring device identification information of the image forming device,
Fourth acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user when the device identification information is acquired by the third acquisition means,
A second authenticating unit that determines whether the biometric information acquired by the fourth acquiring unit matches the biometric information stored in the storage unit, and the second authenticating unit allows the fourth acquiring unit. When it is determined that the biometric information acquired in step 1 corresponds to the biometric information stored in the storage means, the print data transmitted to the server by the first transmitting means is transferred from the server to the print data. 3 An information processing program that causes the image forming device corresponding to the device identification information acquired by the acquisition device to function as an instruction device. An information processing method of an information processing terminal used in an information processing system, communicably connected to a server and an image forming apparatus included in the information processing system, and including a biological information sensor ,
(A) The biometric information sensor acquires the biometric information of the user,
(B) storing the biometric information of the user acquired in (a),
(C) Let the user select print data,
(D) When the print data is selected in (c), the biometric information of the user is acquired,
(E) It is determined whether the biometric information acquired in (d) matches the biometric information stored in (b),
(F) When it is determined in (e) that the biometric information acquired in (d) matches the biometric information stored in (b), the print data is transmitted to the server,
(G) acquiring device identification information of the image forming device,
(H) When the device identification information is acquired in (g), the biometric information of the user is acquired,
(I) determining whether the biometric information acquired in (h) matches the biometric information stored in (b), and (j) acquiring in (h) in (i) above. When it is determined that the performed biometric information matches the biometric information stored in (b), the print data transmitted to the server in (f) is transferred from the server in (g). An information processing method of causing the image forming apparatus corresponding to the acquired apparatus identification information to transmit.

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