JP7103005B2 - Printing system and printing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method.

For example, by once registering your own printed matter in a print server or a similar management function environment and authenticating the output, you can output the printed matter from the target multifunction peripheral (MFP). The mechanism is commonly used.

For the purpose of printing a document for a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device identifies a nearby printer using short-range wireless communication and notifies the print server, so that the document stored in the print server is transmitted to the mobile communication. A printing system for printing from a printer notified from a device has been conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In a conventional printing system, a mobile communication device identifies a nearby printer using short-range wireless communication and notifies the print server, so that the document stored in the print server is notified from the mobile communication device. I was printing from. Therefore, if the data size of the document to be printed is large, it takes time to download the document from the print server to the printer, and it takes time to start printing the document.

An embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of shortening the time required to start printing a print job for receiving and printing.

In order to achieve the above object, claim 1 of the present application includes a first authentication means associated with one or more image forming devices and a second authentication means associated with one or more image forming devices. A printing system comprising a storage means for storing a print job received from a user and an image forming apparatus for printing a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the second authentication means. A transmission means for transmitting a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the authentication means to the one or more image forming devices associated with the first authentication means, and the user in the one or more image forming devices. The print preparation means for performing the print preparation process of the print job before the successful authentication by the second authentication means and the print job of the user who succeeds in the authentication by the second authentication means are subjected to the print preparation process. Later, it has a printing means for printing with the one image forming apparatus associated with the second authentication means, and the transmitting means has a data amount of a predetermined range in the print job of the user. It is characterized in that other than the print job of the user is transmitted to the one image forming apparatus associated with the second authentication means after the authentication by the second authentication means is successful .

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing system capable of shortening the time until the start of printing of a print job for receiving and printing.

It is a block diagram of an example of the printing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of a computer. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of an example of an authentication management server device. It is a functional block diagram of an example of a job management server device. It is a functional block diagram of an example of a terminal detection device. It is a functional block diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart of an example of the process of registering a print job from a client device to a print management system. It is a flowchart of an example of the process at the time of receiving a print job in a print management system. It is a block diagram of an example of the authentication information of a print job stored in the authentication information storage part. It is a flowchart of an example of the first-stage authentication processing using an authentication terminal. It is a flowchart of an example of the process of the image forming apparatus which received the target print job associated with the information of the target authentication terminal in advance. It is a flowchart of an example of the second-step authentication process using a password. It is explanatory drawing of an example which shows the overall processing flow of the printing system concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram of an example of the printing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of an example of an authentication device. It is a functional block diagram of an example of a reading device. It is a flowchart of an example of the first-stage authentication processing using an authentication device. It is a flowchart of an example of the second-step authentication processing using an IC card. It is explanatory drawing of an example which shows the overall processing flow of the printing system concerning this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus compatible with location-free printing is used. Location-free printing is printing in which an image forming apparatus for printing a print job can be freely selected even after a print instruction is given on the client side.
[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of a printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system 1 of FIG. 1 has a printing management system 10, a client device 12, and an authentication terminal 14. In the print management system 10, the authentication management server device 20, the job management server device 22, the terminal detection device 24, and the image forming device 26 are connected via the network 28, and are treated as one system.

The terminal detection device 24 and the image forming device 26 exist as one pair at the same location. Generally, one authentication management server device 20 and a job management server device 22 manage a plurality of pairs of terminal detection devices 24 and image forming devices 26. The terminal detection device 24 may be mounted on the hardware of the image forming device 26 as one component constituting the image forming device 26.

The client device 12 is connected to the print management system 10 via a network 16 such as the Internet. The client device 12 generates a print job, and registers the print job in the job management server device 22 of the print management system 10. In addition to print data and print information, the client device 12 registers the information of the authentication terminal 14 as print management information and the authentication information for performing authentication by the image forming device 26 together as a print job in the authentication management server device 20. ..

As a specific example, the MAC address information of the authentication device is registered as the information of the authentication terminal 14. As the authentication information of the image forming apparatus 26, for example, a password with a 4-digit number is registered. These print management information are sent together as job information when the print job is generated. The above specific example is an example, and other information may be used as long as the information of the authentication terminal 14 can be understood. If the authentication information can be confirmed by the image forming apparatus 26, the other information may be used. It may be.

The authentication terminal 14 is connected to the terminal detection device 24 by wireless communication 18. The terminal detection device 24 acquires the information of the authentication terminal 14. The information of the authentication terminal 14 acquired by the terminal detection device 24 is used for the authentication process in the authentication management server device 20. The wireless communication 18 assumes a communication standard in which communication is automatically started at a very short distance and when the distance is close to a certain distance, and the information of the authentication terminal 14 can be acquired.

Specifically, for example, class 2 of Bluetooth (registered trademark) that enables wireless communication 18 at a distance of about 10 m between the authentication terminal 14 and the terminal detection device 24 is assumed, but class 2 of Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used. It is not limited. The information of the authentication terminal 14 may be information generated by software installed on the hardware, in addition to the hardware-specific information such as the MAC address of the authentication terminal 14 itself. Further, the transmission of the information of the authentication terminal 14 from the authentication terminal 14 to the terminal detection device 24 by the wireless communication 18 may be continuously performed at predetermined time intervals, or may be terminated when the authentication process is successful. May be good.

The configuration of the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, the authentication management server device 20 and the job management server device 22 may be realized on one server environment. The client device 12 is realized by a computer such as a smartphone or a mobile phone in addition to a personal computer. In the first embodiment, the detection of the authentication terminal 14 and the input of the password are used as the authentication method for the image forming apparatus 26 installed in a store or the like represented by a convenience store or the like.

<Hardware configuration>
"Computer"
The client device 12, the authentication terminal 14, the authentication management server device 20, the job management server device 22, and the terminal detection device 24 are realized by, for example, a computer having a hardware configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer. The computer 500 of FIG. 2 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I / F 503, a RAM 504, a ROM 505, a CPU 506, a communication I / F 507, an HDD 508, and the like, and each of them is connected to each other by a bus B. The input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used when necessary.

The input device 501 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and is used for the user to input each operation signal. The display device 502 includes a display and the like, and displays the processing result by the computer 500.

The communication I / F 507 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to various networks. As a result, the computer 500 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 507.

The HDD 508 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS, which is basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and application software (hereinafter, simply referred to as an application) that provides various functions on the OS. The computer 500 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 508.

The external I / F 503 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 503a and the like. As a result, the computer 500 can read and / or write to the recording medium 503a via the external I / F 503. The recording medium 503a includes a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, and the like.

The ROM 505 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) capable of holding programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 505 stores programs and data such as BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 500 starts up. The RAM 504 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

The CPU 506 is an arithmetic unit that realizes control and functions of the entire computer 500 by reading a program or data from a storage device such as a ROM 505 or an HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executing processing. The client device 12, the authentication terminal 14, the authentication management server device 20, the job management server device 22, and the terminal detection device 24 can realize various processes described later by, for example, the hardware configuration of the computer 500 as shown in FIG.

<< Image forming device >>
The image forming apparatus 26 of FIG. 1 is realized by, for example, a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 26 shown in FIG. 3 includes a controller 601, an operation panel 602, an external I / F 603, a communication I / F 604, a printer 605, a scanner 606, and the like.

The controller 601 includes a CPU 611, a RAM 612, a ROM 613, an NVRAM 614, an HDD 615, and the like. The ROM 613 stores various programs and data. The RAM 612 temporarily holds programs and data. NVRAM 614 stores, for example, setting information and the like. Further, the HDD 615 stores various programs and data.

The CPU 611 reads a program, data, setting information, etc. from the ROM 613, NVRAM 614, HDD 615, etc. onto the RAM 612, executes processing, and realizes control and functions of the entire image forming apparatus 26.

The operation panel 602 includes an input unit for receiving input from the user and a display unit for displaying. The external I / F 603 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 603a and the like. As a result, the image forming apparatus 26 can read and / or write to the recording medium 603a via the external I / F 603. The recording medium 603a includes an IC card, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, and the like.

The communication I / F 604 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 26 to the network 28. As a result, the image forming apparatus 26 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 604. The printer 605 is a printing device for printing print data on an object to be transported. For example, the object to be transported is not limited to paper such as paper, coated paper, thick paper, OHP, plastic film, prepreg, and copper foil. Further, the scanner 606 is a scanning device for reading image data (electronic data) from a document.

<Software configuration>
<< Authentication management server device >>
FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the authentication management server device. In the functional configuration of FIG. 4, configurations unnecessary for the description of the present embodiment are appropriately omitted. The authentication management server device 20 of FIG. 4 has a configuration including an authentication analysis unit 32, an authentication information storage unit 34, and an authentication processing unit 36. The authentication management server device 20 of FIG. 4 manages the authentication information of the print job generated by the client device 12. The authentication analysis unit 32 analyzes the authentication information of the print job transmitted from the client device 12. The authentication information storage unit 34 stores the authentication information for performing authentication by the terminal detection device 24 and the image forming device 26 analyzed by the authentication analysis unit 32. The authentication processing unit 36 performs authentication processing based on the authentication information for performing authentication by the terminal detection device 24 and the image forming device 26 stored in the authentication information storage unit 34.

<< Job management server device >>
FIG. 5 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the job management server device. In the functional configuration of FIG. 5, configurations unnecessary for the description of the present embodiment are appropriately omitted. The job management server device 22 of FIG. 5 has a print data analysis unit 42, a print data storage unit 44, and a printer output management unit 46. The job management server device 22 of FIG. 5 manages the print job generated by the client device 12.

The print data analysis unit 42 analyzes the print job received from the client device 12, and stores the print data, print information, and the like of the print job in the print data storage unit 44. The printer output management unit 46 manages the print data stored in the print data storage unit 44, such as transmission and deletion of the print job stored in the print data storage unit 44 to the image forming apparatus 26.

《Terminal detector》
FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the terminal detection device. In the functional configuration of FIG. 6, configurations unnecessary for the description of the present embodiment are appropriately omitted. The terminal detection device 24 of FIG. 6 has a configuration including a detection unit 50, an authentication information communication unit 52, an authentication information analysis unit 54, a wireless I / F unit 56, and a network I / F unit 58. The detection unit 50 uses the wireless I / F unit 56 to perform detection processing for the authentication terminal 14.

When the authentication terminal 14 exists within the range of the wireless communication 18, the authentication information communication unit 52 establishes the wireless communication 18 with the authentication terminal 14 and acquires the information of the authentication terminal 14. The authentication information analysis unit 54 analyzes the information of the authentication terminal 14, acquires the authentication information, and transmits the authentication information to the authentication management server device 20 via the network I / F unit 58.

<< Image forming device >>
FIG. 7 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus. In the functional configuration of FIG. 7, configurations unnecessary for the description of the present embodiment are appropriately omitted. The image forming apparatus 26 of FIG. 7 includes a control unit 60, an image analysis unit 62, an image storage unit 64, an image forming unit 66, an image processing unit 68, an input operation unit 70, an authentication processing unit 72, and a network I / F unit 74. It is a composition.

The image forming apparatus 26 receives a print job via the network I / F unit 74. After analyzing the print information of the print job, the image analysis unit 62 stores the print data and the print information of the print job in the image storage unit 64. The image processing unit 68 performs image processing on the print data of the image storage unit 64 based on the print information. The image forming unit 66 prints the image of the image processing result by the image processing unit 68 on paper or the like. These processes are managed by the control unit 60.

The print data that has been image-processed by the image processing unit 68 may be once held in the image storage unit 64. Further, for the print job received by the image forming apparatus 26, if the image processing is performed in advance on the print server, the processing performed in advance can be skipped.

The printing execution trigger is when the authentication information is input to the input operation unit 70 and the authentication based on the authentication information is approved. The authentication processing unit 72 causes the authentication management server device 20 to execute the authentication processing via the network I / F unit 74. The input operation unit 70 may be an IC card reader or the like as long as it can accept the input of the authentication information from the user like the operation panel 602.

<Processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example of a process of registering a print job from the client device to the print management system. In step S11, the client device 12 accepts the user to select the data to be printed. In step S12, the client device 12 receives information from the user on the authentication terminal 14, authentication information for performing authentication on the image forming device 26, and print information represented by double-sided setting and color setting at the time of printing. Accept input. The authentication information may refer to the information recorded in the client device 12 in advance, or may automatically refer to the information recorded in the environment other than the client device 12. Further, the information of the authentication terminal 14 may be acquired by the program mounted on the client device 12 from the application mounted on the authentication terminal 14.

Proceeding to step S13, the client device 12 is represented by data to be printed, information on the authentication terminal 14, authentication information for performing authentication on the image forming device 26, double-sided setting and color setting at the time of printing, and the like. Create a print job from the print information. The print data included in the print job may be any data that can be finally recognized by the image forming apparatus 26, and may be either RAW data or intermediate data. Proceeding to step S14, the client device 12 transmits the created print job to the print management system 10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of processing at the time of receiving a print job in the print management system. In step S21, the print management system 10 receives a print job from the client device 12.

Proceeding to step S22, the job management server device 22 of the print management system 10 performs the acceptance registration process of the print job from the client device 12. Proceeding to step S23, the job management server device 22 analyzes the print data and the print information from the print job.

Proceeding to step S24, the job management server device 22 stores and stores the analyzed print data and print information in the print data storage unit 44. If a problem occurs in any of the analyzes, the analysis may be interrupted, the acceptance of the print job may be refused, or the client device 12 may be notified of the error.

Proceeding to step S25, the authentication management server device 20 performs the acceptance registration process of the print job from the client device 12. Proceeding to step S26, the authentication analysis unit 32 analyzes the information of the authentication terminal 14 given to the print job by the client device 12 and the authentication information for performing authentication by the image forming device 26. The analyzed information of the authentication terminal 14 and the authentication information for performing authentication by the image forming apparatus 26 are stored in the authentication information storage unit 34 as a part of the authentication information of the print job in step S27.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an example of the authentication information of the print job stored in the authentication information storage unit. The print job authentication information is stored in association with print data, print information, information of the authentication terminal 14 as print management information, and authentication information for performing authentication by the image forming apparatus 26. In the authentication information of FIG. 10, the "user name" and the "password" are examples of the authentication information for performing authentication by the image forming apparatus 26. The "authentication device", "device ID", and "key" are examples of information on the authentication terminal 14.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example of the first-stage authentication process using the authentication terminal. In step S31, the terminal detection device 24 detects the terminal in a certain range where the wireless communication 18 can be performed, and confirms the existence of the authentication terminal 14 capable of the wireless communication 18. The terminal detection device 24 acquires a list of authentication terminals 14 capable of wireless communication 18.

Proceeding to step S32, the terminal detection device 24 compares the list of authentication terminals 14 capable of wireless communication 18 acquired in step S31 with the list of authentication terminals 14 capable of wireless communication 18 acquired last time. The terminal detection device 24 confirms whether or not there is an authentication terminal 14 in which the wireless communication 18 has been established and the wireless communication 18 is out of the range of the wireless communication 18 and the wireless communication 18 is discarded.

If there is a target authentication terminal 14 for which the wireless communication 18 has been discarded, the terminal detection device 24 proceeds to step S43 to the image forming device 26 in which the print job associated with the authentication information of the target authentication terminal 14 is paired. Check if it exists. If the print job associated with the authentication information of the target authentication terminal 14 exists in the paired image forming device 26, the process proceeds from step S44 to step S45, and the terminal detection device 24 uses the authentication information of the target authentication terminal 14 as the authentication information. The associated print job is deleted from the paired image forming apparatus 26. If the print job associated with the authentication information of the target authentication terminal 14 does not exist in the paired image forming device 26, the terminal detection device 24 returns to step S31.

In this way, even if the authentication terminal 14 for which the wireless communication 18 has been established moves out of the range of the wireless communication 18, the print job associated with the authentication information of the authentication terminal 14 is paired with the image forming apparatus. Can be deleted from 26.

If there is no target authentication terminal 14 for which the wireless communication 18 has been discarded, the terminal detection device 24 proceeds to step S34, and is within the range of the wireless communication 18 other than the authentication terminal 14 for which the wireless communication 18 has already been established. Check if the authentication terminal 14 exists.

If the target authentication terminal 14 exists within the range of the wireless communication 18 other than the authentication terminal 14 for which the wireless communication 18 has already been established, the process proceeds to step S36, and the wireless communication between the target authentication terminal 14 and the terminal detection device 24 The communication 18 is established. In the process of establishing the wireless communication 18 between the target authentication terminal 14 and the terminal detection device 24, the information of the target authentication terminal 14 is queried with the authentication information of the authentication management server device 20, and the connection information of the matching authentication information is used. This is a process for trying to establish the wireless communication 18.

If the wireless communication 18 is not established, the process proceeds to step S42, and the target authentication terminal 14 is ignored. If the wireless communication 18 is established, the process proceeds to step S38, and the terminal detection device 24 acquires the information of the target authentication terminal 14 by the wireless communication 18. If the information of the target authentication terminal 14 can be acquired without establishing the wireless communication 18, the processes of steps S36 and S37 may be omitted.

Proceeding to step S39, the authentication management server device 20 inquires the information of the target authentication terminal 14 with, for example, the authentication information of FIG. 10, and confirms whether there is a print job associated with the information of the target authentication terminal 14. If there is a target print job associated with the information of the target authentication terminal 14, the authentication management server device 20 sends the target print job to the image forming device 26 paired with the terminal detection device 24. Instruct 22.

In step S41, the job management server device 22 transmits the target print job to the image forming device 26 paired with the terminal detection device 24. If the target print job associated with the information of the target authentication terminal 14 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S42, and the target authentication terminal 14 is ignored. The process of step S39 is a process of determining in advance whether to transmit the target print job associated with the information of the target authentication terminal 14 to the image forming apparatus 26.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example of processing of the image forming apparatus that has received the target print job associated with the information of the target authentication terminal in advance. After the first-stage authentication process shown in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 26 receives a print job from the job management server apparatus 22. The image forming apparatus 26 temporarily holds the print job received from the job management server apparatus 22.

In step S52, the image forming apparatus 26 confirms whether or not the print job held by the image forming apparatus 26 includes the print job after the first-stage authentication process. If the retained print job has a print job after the first-stage authentication process, the image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S53, and a deletion request comes to the existing print job after the first-stage authentication process. Check if.

If a deletion request comes to the existing print job after the first-stage authentication process, the image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S58 and deletes the print job. If the deletion request does not come to the existing print job after the first-stage authentication process, the image forming apparatus 26 confirms whether the print job has been processed so that it can be printed immediately as a preprocess for printing.

If the print job has been processed so that it can be printed immediately as a preprocess for printing, the image forming apparatus 26 returns to step S51. If the print job has not been processed so that it can be printed immediately as a preprocess for printing, the image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S57 and processes the print job so that it can be printed immediately as a preprocess for printing. ..

As an example, the image forming apparatus 26 renders the print data in the PDL format included in the print job and converts it into a bitmap format that can be expanded on the RAM 612. The print job, which has been processed so that it can be printed immediately as a pre-processing for printing, is stored again in the image storage unit 64 of the image forming apparatus 26 in a form that can be immediately called up on the RAM 612 when it is needed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example of the second stage authentication process using the password. The image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S61, accepts the selection of the print job to be output from the user, then accepts the input of the authentication information required for the second stage authentication, and executes the voluntary authentication process by the user. ..

Specifically, when creating a print job, a password set as authentication information for performing authentication by the image forming apparatus 26 corresponds to the authentication information required for the second stage authentication. The user inputs from the input operation unit 70 and authenticates. In addition to the password, authentication using an IC card using a card reader, authentication using an authentication terminal 14, or the like may be substituted as long as authentication can be performed by the user's intention.

When the second-stage authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S63 and confirms whether the target print job can be output immediately. This means that when the second-stage authentication is performed, the image forming apparatus 26 has already received the print job by the first-stage authentication, and is ready to print immediately before the second-stage authentication is performed. This is because the print job may have been processed.

If the target print job can be output immediately, the image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S65 to output the print job. If the target print job cannot be output due to the output processing of another print job, the target print job is output after the output processing of the other print job is completed.

If the target print job cannot be output immediately, the image forming apparatus 26 waits in step S64 until the target print job can be output, and then proceeds to step S65 after the target print job can be output. Output.

After that, the image forming apparatus 26 feeds back the output completion to the job management server apparatus 22 after the output of the target print job is completed. At this time, the job management server device 22 may delete the target print job from the image forming device 26 that outputs the target print job and the image forming device 26 that has received the target print job. Further, in order to speed up the re-output, the job management server device 22 may delete the target print job after the authentication terminal 14 goes out of the range of the wireless communication 18.

If it takes time to preprocess printing to make the target print job ready for printing immediately, the second stage of authentication may be performed during the preprocessing. In that case, as shown in step S64, the process waits until the target print job can be output. However, since the pre-processing for printing is started earlier by the time taken from the first-stage authentication to the second-stage authentication, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment prints the target print job. The time to start can be shortened.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example showing the overall processing flow of the printing system according to the present embodiment. In step S71, the user outputs a print job from the client device 12 and registers it in the job management server device 22 of the print management system 10. At that time, the information of the authentication terminal 14 of the print job, the authentication information for performing the authentication by the image forming apparatus 26, and the like are also registered and managed in the authentication management server device 20.

In step S72, the terminal detection device 24a paired with the image forming device 26a of the print management system 10 and the terminal detecting device 24b paired with the image forming device 26b detect the user authentication terminal 14. When the authentication terminal 14 exists within the range of the wireless communication 18, the terminal detection devices 24a and 24b acquire the information of the authentication terminal 14 from the target authentication terminal 14 existing within the range of the wireless communication 18 and authenticate. Make an inquiry to the management server device 20 (first stage authentication).

In step S73, when there is a target print job that matches the information of the target authentication terminal 14 from the terminal detection devices 24a and 24b, the authentication management server device 20 pairs the target print job with the terminal detection devices 24a and 24b. The job management server device 22 is instructed to transmit to the image forming devices 26a and 26b. The job management server device 22 transmits the target print job to the image forming devices 26a and 26b paired with the terminal detection devices 24a and 24b based on the instruction from the authentication management server device 20.

In step S74, the image forming apparatus 26a and 26b process the print job so that it can be printed immediately as a preprocess for printing, and save the print job until the second-stage authentication is performed.

In step S75, the image forming apparatus 26a to be output receives the input of the authentication information required for the second-stage authentication from the user, and performs the second-stage authentication. Then, when the second stage authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus 26a to be output outputs the target print job. When the print job is not reused, the output target image forming apparatus 26a deletes the target print job. Further, the image forming device 26a to be output gives an instruction to delete the target print job from the job management server device 22 and to delete the target print job transmitted from the job management server device 22 from the image forming device 26b. This is performed, and the target print job is deleted from all the image forming devices 26.

As described above, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the printing user registers the printing job in the print management system 10 in advance. The registered user carries an authentication terminal 14 such as a smartphone or tablet that can provide the information of the authentication terminal 14 by wireless communication 18. The first step of authentication detects that the user has approached the image forming apparatus 26. Further, the second stage authentication is performed in order to output the print job by designating the image forming apparatus 26 of the output target to be output by the user.

In the first stage of authentication, it is confirmed that the user exists near the image forming apparatus 26 by confirming whether the information can be read from the authentication terminal 14 by the wireless communication technique. Further, in the first stage authentication, the position information representing GPS may be used to grasp the approach of the authentication terminal 14 to the image forming device 26.

When the first-stage authentication is performed, the print job of the target user is transmitted from the job management server device 22 to the target image forming device 26. At this time, the print job transmitted from the job management server device 22 to the image forming apparatus 26 may be a print job before being immediately processed into a printable state, or may be processed into an immediately printable state. It may be a print job after it is done. If it is a print job that has not been processed into a printable state immediately, the image forming apparatus 26 processes the received print job into a printable state immediately. Then, the image forming apparatus 26 outputs a print job after the second stage authentication is performed by the user.

The second step of authentication may be any method that allows the user to perform authentication by his / her own will, such as reading IC card information with an IC card reader and inputting a password from the operation panel 602 of the image forming apparatus 26.

As described above, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 26 of the output target candidate at the time of the first-stage authentication, so that the output can be prepared without any particular consciousness. You can. Then, the user voluntarily performs the second-stage authentication on the image forming apparatus 26 of the output target, so that when the image forming apparatus 26 of any output target candidate outputs the image, the processing by the output preparation in advance is performed. Expected to speed up. In addition, since it is necessary to perform the second stage authentication that the user voluntarily performs before the print job is output, the print job is not output from the image forming apparatus 26 that the user does not intend, and security is provided. Can also be guaranteed.

After the first-stage authentication, when the user leaves the range of the wireless communication 18 such as when the user leaves the image forming device 26 of the output target candidate, the image forming device 26 of the output target candidate moves to the output target candidate. The processing of the transmitted print job is stopped, and the print job is deleted from the image forming apparatus 26 of the output target candidate. In addition, when the print job is deleted after the print job is output by the second stage authentication, and there are a plurality of image forming devices 26 as output target candidates, such as when a plurality of image forming devices 26 are nearby. , The target print job is deleted from all the image forming devices 26 of the output target candidates.

As described above, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user registers the print job in the print management system 10 and then moves without outputting the print job, the image forming apparatus in which the first stage authentication is performed is performed. The print job is sent to 26 as if it were chasing the user.

Since the transmission of the print job to the image forming apparatus 26 in which the first stage authentication is performed is not intended by the user, the print job is output from the image forming apparatus 26 when the user leaves a certain distance. When the possibility of doing so decreases, the print job is automatically deleted.

As described above, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time until the output start (print start) of the print job that receives and outputs the target print job from the job management server device 22.
[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a part. Therefore, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

<System configuration>
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an example of the printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system 1 of FIG. 15 has a configuration in which the terminal detection device 24 of the printing management system 10 of FIG. 1 is replaced with the reading device 100. Further, there is one or a plurality of image forming devices 26 with respect to the reading device 100. The reading device 100 and the image forming device 26 are associated with each other at the same location. Generally, one authentication management server device 20 and a job management server device 22 manage a plurality of reading devices 100 and an image forming device 26.

The client device 12 is connected to the print management system 10 via a network 16 such as an in-house LAN. The client device 12 generates a print job, and registers the print job in the job management server device 22 of the print management system 10. In addition to print data and print information, the client device 12 registers the information of the authentication device 102 as print management information and the authentication information for performing authentication by the image forming device 26 together as a print job in the authentication management server device 20. ..

As a specific example, the information of the authentication device 102 may be any information that can be identified by the authentication device 102, such as the ID number of the authentication card. The reading device 100 reads information from the authentication device 102. The information read from the authentication device 102 by the reading device 100 is used for the authentication process in the authentication management server device 20.

The authentication management server device 20 supports the same operation as the authentication management of the second-stage print job in the image forming device 26 of the first embodiment, as well as the first-stage authentication from the reading device 100. However, in addition to the advance transmission of the print job, entry / exit management to the section where the image forming apparatus 26 exists can be performed at the same time. Information management for entry / exit management may be managed after a component other than the authentication management server device 20 exists and is connected to the component.

Specifically, there is a reading device 100 for each layer of the company, and the authentication management server device 20 performs authentication processing on the information read from the authentication device 102, and if there is registration, the entry / exit management is such that the information is entered into the target section. It is assumed that the function of is linked with the function of print job management.

<Software configuration>
《Authentication device》
FIG. 16 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the authentication device. In the functional configuration of FIG. 16, configurations unnecessary for the description of the present embodiment are omitted as appropriate. The authentication device 102 of FIG. 16 has a configuration including a storage unit 110 and an I / F unit 112. The storage unit 110 stores unique information indicating that it is the authentication device 102, and is read by the reading device 100 via the I / F unit 112. Specifically, the authentication device 102 is assumed to be an IC card or the like for entering / exiting a company employee ID card, and may be contacted or non-contacted.

<< Reader >>
FIG. 17 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a reading device. In the functional configuration of FIG. 17, configurations unnecessary for the description of the present embodiment are omitted as appropriate. The reading device 100 of FIG. 17 has a reading I / F unit 120, a display unit 122, and a network I / F unit 124.

The reading I / F unit 120 is a part that reads the authentication device 102, and transmits the read information to the authentication management server device 20 via the network I / F unit 124. The reading device 100 receives the authentication result from the authentication management server device 20 via the network I / F unit 124, and causes the display unit 122 to display the authentication result.

Specifically, a card reader that manages the entry and exit of a company is assumed. The entry information, exit information, and the like are managed by the authentication management server device 20. The reading device 100 assumes a component necessary for managing the existence of a target user (person) at a corresponding location.

<Processing>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an example of the first-stage authentication process using the authentication device. In step S101, the authentication management server device 20 confirms whether or not a user who manages the print job exists in the area associated with the reading device 100. Proceeding to step S102, the authentication management server device 20 confirms whether the user who existed at the time of the previous confirmation of the same area also exists in step S101.

If it exists, the authentication management server device 20 proceeds to step S104 and confirms whether or not there is an untransmitted print job of the target user. If there is an untransmitted print job of the target user, the process proceeds from step S105 to step S106 to check the size of the untransmitted print job.

If the size of the untransmitted print job is smaller than the minimum size of the pre-transmission, the process returns from step S107 to step S101. If the size of the untransmitted print job is not smaller than the minimum size of the pre-transmission, the process proceeds to step S108. If the size of the untransmitted print job is larger than the maximum size of the pre-transmission, the authentication management server device 20 proceeds from step S108 to step S109 to see if the image forming device 26 specified at the time of registering the print job exists in the target area. Confirm.

If the image forming apparatus 26 specified at the time of registering the print job exists in the target area, the authentication management server apparatus 20 proceeds from step S110 to step S112 and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 26 specified at the time of registering the print job. do. Further, if the size of the untransmitted print job is not larger than the maximum size of the pre-transmission, or the image forming apparatus 26 specified at the time of registering the print job does not exist in the target area, the authentication management server apparatus 20 moves to step S111. Proceeding, the untransmitted print job is transmitted to all the image forming devices 26 associated with the target reading device 100.

In steps S106 to S112, the method of pre-sending the print job is changed depending on the size of the print job that has not been sent. Further, if the user who existed at the time of the previous confirmation of the area associated with the reading device 100 does not exist in step S101, the process proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the authentication management server device 20 confirms whether or not an unoutput print job of the target user exists in the image forming device 26 in the same area. If it exists, the process proceeds from step S114 to step S115, and the authentication management server device 20 deletes the unoutput print job of the target user from the image forming device 26 in the same area.

Specifically, in steps S106 to S112, when there is an unsent print job of the target user, the size of the print job is compared with the pre-send minimum size and the pre-send maximum size of the print job to be pre-sent. The method of pre-sending the print job is changed according to the comparison result.

If it is smaller than the minimum size for pre-transmission, the authentication management server device 20 determines that it does not take much time to transmit the print job, and does not pre-transmit the print job, but transmits it after the second stage authentication. If the size is larger than the maximum size in advance, the authentication management server device 20 will occupy the network bandwidth when transmitted to a plurality of image forming devices 26. Therefore, the authentication management server device 20 should be transmitted only to the image forming device 26 specified at the time of registering the print job. .. However, if the image forming apparatus 26 other than the area managed by the reading device 100 is specified, the speed cannot be increased, so the print job is transmitted to all the image forming apparatus 26s in the target area.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an example of the second stage authentication process using the IC card. The image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S121, accepts the selection of the print job to be output from the user, then accepts the input of the authentication information required for the second stage authentication, and executes the voluntary authentication process by the user. ..

Specifically, a card reader is attached to the image forming apparatus 26, and the information readable from the IC card corresponds to the authentication information required for the second-stage authentication. The user holds the IC card over the card reader to perform the second stage of authentication. In addition to the IC card, as long as the user can authenticate at his / her will, authentication using a password may be used instead as in the first embodiment.

If the second-stage authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S123 and confirms whether the target print job can be output immediately. This is because when performing the second-step authentication, in the second embodiment, the print job may have been received by the first-step authentication, but the print job data is smaller than the minimum size for pre-transmission and has not been received. Because there is a possibility.

If the target print job can be output immediately, the image forming apparatus 26 proceeds to step S127 to output the print job. If the target print job cannot be output immediately, it is determined whether the output process of another print job is in progress or the target print job has not been received. If the target print job has not been received, the image forming apparatus 26 receives the unreceived print job in step S125. The image forming apparatus 26 waits until the target print job can be output, and then proceeds to steps S126 to S127 after the output becomes possible, and outputs the target print job. Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an example showing the overall processing flow of the printing system according to the present embodiment. In step S151, the user outputs a print job from the client device 12 and registers it in the job management server device 22 of the print management system 10. At that time, the information of the authentication device 102 of the print job, the authentication information for performing the authentication by the image forming apparatus 26, and the like are also registered and managed in the authentication management server device 20.

In step S152, the reading device 100a performs the authentication process when the user's authentication device 102 is detected. In FIG. 20, the authentication at the time of entering the room is defined as the first stage authentication in conjunction with the reading device 100a or 100b for managing the entry of each layer.

In step S153, the job management server device 22 determines whether or not the untransmitted print job has been pre-transmitted in accordance with the processing of the flowchart of FIG. Specifically, when the first stage authentication is successful and the user exists in the controlled area (1F) of the reader 100a, and the size of the unsent print job is larger than the minimum size of the pre-sent. The untransmitted print job of the target user is sent to the image forming devices 26a and 26b of the area. The image forming devices 26a and 26b that have received the print job proceed with preprocessing for printing, which processes the print job so that it can be printed immediately.

In step S154, the user performs the second step of authentication in the image forming apparatus 26a to be output. If the size of the print job is smaller than the specified size (minimum size for pre-transmission), the print job in step S153 is transmitted at this point. The image forming apparatus 26a waits until the target print job can be output, and then outputs the target print job after the output becomes possible.

When the print job is not reused, the output target image forming apparatus 26a deletes the target print job. Further, the image forming device 26a to be output gives an instruction to delete the target print job from the job management server device 22 and to delete the target print job transmitted from the job management server device 22 from the image forming device 26b. This is performed, and the target print job is deleted from all the image forming devices 26.

As described above, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the printing user registers the printing job in the print management system 10 in advance. The registered user carries an authentication device 102 such as an IC card that can read the information of the authentication device 102 by the reading device 100. The first step of authentication detects that the user has entered the area where the image forming apparatus 26 is installed. The second stage authentication is performed in order to output the print job by designating the image forming apparatus 26 that the user wants to output.

In the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time until the output start (print start) of the print job that receives and outputs the target print job from the job management server device 22.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment disclosed specifically, and various modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of claims. The first-stage authentication is an example of the first authentication means. The second stage authentication is an example of the second authentication means. The print data storage unit 44 of the job management server device 22 is an example of storage means. The printer output management unit 46 of the job management server device 22 is an example of a transmission means and a deletion means. The image processing unit 68 is an example of print preparation means. The image forming unit 66 is an example of printing means.

1 Printing system 10 Printing management system 12 Client device 14 Authentication terminal 16, 28 Network 18 Wireless communication 20 Authentication management server device 22 Job management server device 24 Terminal detection device 26 Image forming device 32 Authentication analysis unit 34 Authentication information storage unit 36 Authentication processing Unit 42 Print data analysis unit 44 Print data storage unit 46 Printer output management unit 50 Detection unit 52 Authentication information communication unit 54 Authentication information analysis unit 56 Wireless I / F unit 58 Network I / F unit 60 Control unit 62 Image analysis unit 64 Image Storage unit 66 Image formation unit 68 Image processing unit 70 Input operation unit 72 Authentication processing unit 74 Network I / F unit 100 Reader 102 Authentication device 110 Storage unit 112 I / F unit 120 Reading I / F unit 122 Display unit 124 Network I / F part

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-325182

Claims (4)

A first authentication means associated with one or more image forming devices, a second authentication means associated with one or more image forming devices, and a storage means for storing a print job received from a user. A printing system comprising an image forming apparatus for printing a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the second authentication means.
A transmission means for transmitting a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the first authentication means to the one or more image forming devices associated with the first authentication means, and a transmission means.
A print preparation means for performing a print preparation process for a print job of the user in the one or more image forming devices before the authentication by the second authentication means is successful.
A printing means that prints a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the second authentication means by the one image forming apparatus associated with the second authentication means after the print preparation process.
Have,
The transmission means associates a print job of the user other than the print job of the user whose data amount is within a predetermined range with the second authentication means after succeeding in authentication by the second authentication means. To transmit to the one image forming apparatus
A printing system featuring . The first authentication means authenticates by communicating with a device or an article carried by the user regardless of the intention of the user.
The second authentication means is characterized in that, at the will of the user, authentication by communication with a device or article carried by the user or authentication by authentication information input by the user is performed. Described printing system. The first or second aspect of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a deletion means for deleting a print job of the user transmitted to the one or more image forming apparatus by the transmission means after printing by the printing means. Printing system. A first authentication means associated with one or more image forming devices, a second authentication means associated with one or more image forming devices, and a storage means for storing a print job received from a user. A printing method executed in a printing system including an image forming apparatus for printing a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the second authentication means.
A transmission step of transmitting a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the first authentication means to the one or more image forming devices associated with the first authentication means, and a transmission step.
A print preparation step in which the print preparation process of the user's print job is performed in the one or more image forming devices before the authentication by the second authentication means is successful.
A printing step of printing a print job of the user who has succeeded in authentication by the second authentication means with the one image forming apparatus associated with the second authentication means after the print preparation process.
Have,
The transmission step associates a print job of the user other than the print job of the user whose data amount is within a predetermined range with the second authentication means after succeeding in authentication by the second authentication means. To transmit to the one image forming apparatus
A printing method characterized by.

Images