WO2019151587A1

WO2019151587A1 - Protecting user's information in apparatus used by a plurality of users

Info

Publication number: WO2019151587A1
Application number: PCT/KR2018/007005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyuk Jin Gwon; Byung Yue KIM; Sung Joon Park
Original assignee: Hp Printing Korea Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2018-02-05
Filing date: 2018-06-21
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Also published as: KR20190094742A

Abstract

An image forming apparatus including a communication device, a processor, a memory, and a user interface device is provided. By executing instructions stored in the memory and based on an operation sensed by the image forming apparatus, the processor detects a first event corresponding to a start of use of the first image forming apparatus by a first user, performs, based on the first event, at least one image forming job requested by the first user, detects a second event corresponding to an end of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user, and deletes, based on the second event, information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus during a usage period from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected.

Description

PROTECTING USER'S INFORMATION IN APPARATUS USED BY A PLURALITY OF USERS

An image forming apparatus may be used by multiple users. In this case, an account may be assigned to each of the users by the image forming apparatus. Each user may use the image forming apparatus by logging in to the image forming apparatus with an account assigned to the respective user.

The image forming apparatus may manage user information according to each account of a plurality of users and may allow a user to access their information only when the user has logged into the image forming apparatus with an assigned account.

The present disclosure will be more apparent based on the combination of the detailed description of examples below and the accompanying drawings, where reference numerals indicate structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an example;

FIG. 2 illustrates an image forming apparatus that is connected to a user terminal or a server according to an example;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation between an image forming apparatus and an external apparatus according to an example;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an example;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation of an image forming apparatus according to an example;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation of an image forming apparatus according to another example;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation of an image forming apparatus according to another example;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views for explaining an operation of providing a customized service for a user, in an image forming apparatus, based on the user's information, according to an example;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views for explaining a method of protecting user information in an image forming apparatus located in a hotel according to an example; and

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a method of protecting user information in an image forming apparatus according to an example.

The term "image forming apparatus" refers to any type of apparatus capable of performing an image forming job, such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, a fax machine, a multi-function printer (MFP), or a display apparatus. In addition, the term "print data" may refer to data converted into a printable format for a printer. The term "scan file" may refer to a file generated by using a scanner by scanning an image.

Hereinafter, examples of the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of the disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily execute the disclosure. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 may include a user interface device 110, a controller 120, a communication unit 130, a memory 140, and an image forming job unit 150. Also, although not illustrated, the image forming apparatus 100 may further include a power supply for supplying power to each component.

The user interface device 110 may include an input unit for receiving an input for performing an image forming job from a user, and an output unit for displaying information, such as a result of performing an image forming job or a state of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the user interface device 110 may include an operation panel for receiving a user input and a display panel for displaying a screen.

In more detail, the input unit may include a device for receiving various types of user inputs, such as a keyboard, a physical button, a touch screen, a camera, or a microphone. Also, the output unit may include, for example, a display panel or a speaker. However, the user interface device 110 is not limited thereto, and may include any device supporting various inputs and outputs.

The controller 120 may control overall operations of the image forming apparatus 100, and may include at least one processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The controller 120 may control the components included in the image forming apparatus 100 to perform an operation corresponding to a user input received through the user interface device 110. The controller 120 may include at least one specialized processor for each function or may be an integrated processor.

For example, the controller 120 may execute a program stored in the memory 140, read data or a file stored in the memory 140, store a new file in the memory 140, or the like.

The communication unit 130 may communicate with another device or a network via wired or wireless communication. In this regard, the communication unit 130 may include a communication module supporting at least one of various wired/wireless communication methods. For example, the communication module may be in a form of a chipset or may be a sticker/barcode (for example, a sticker including a near field communication (NFC) tag) containing information for communication.

The wireless communication may include at least one of, for example, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, ultra wideband (UWB), NFC, or the like. The wired communication may include at least one of, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or the like.

The communication unit 130 may be connected to an external apparatus located outside the image forming apparatus 100 so as to transmit or receive a signal or data. As will be explained with reference to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 may be connected to a user terminal through the communication unit 130. The communication unit 130 may transmit a signal or data received from the user terminal to the controller 120, or transmit a signal or data generated by the controller 120 to the user terminal. For example, when the communication unit 130 receives a print command signal and print data from the user terminal, the controller 120 may output the received print data through a printer 151.

FIG. 2 illustrates an image forming apparatus that is connected to a user terminal or a server according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 2, a user terminal 200 may include an input/output (I/O) unit 210, a controller 220, a communication unit 230, and a memory 240. The controller 220 may control an image forming job by executing a program stored in the memory 240 and transmitting a signal or data generated as a result to the image forming apparatus 100 through the communication unit 230. The user terminal 200 may include, for example, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a PC, a home appliance, a medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or the like.

The communication unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be directly connected to a server 250 to transmit or receive signal or data. Also, the communication unit 130 may be connected to the user terminal 200 through the server 250. In other words, the communication unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 may transmit or receive a signal or data to and from the communication unit 230 of the user terminal 200 through the server 250.

Referring back to FIG. 1, various types of data, such as programs (for example, applications) and files, may be installed or stored in the memory 140. The controller 120 may access and use the data stored in the memory 140 or store new data in the memory 140. Also, the controller 120 may execute a program stored in the memory 140. Also, the controller 120 may install an application received from an external source through the communication unit 130 in the memory 140.

The image forming job unit 150 may perform an image forming job, such as printing, copying, scanning, or faxing.

The image forming job unit 150 includes the printer 151, a scanner 152, and a facsimile machine 153, but the image forming job unit 150 may include only some of them or may further include a component for performing another type of image forming job according to needs.

The printer 151 may form an image on a recording medium via any one of various printing methods, such as an electro-photography method, an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a thermo-sensitive method, or the like.

The scanner 152 may irradiate light onto a recording medium such as paper and read an image recorded on the paper by receiving light reflected from the paper. A charge-coupled device (CCD) or a contact type image sensor (CIS) may be employed as an image sensor to read the image from the paper. The scanner 152 may have a flatbed structure, a document feed structure, or a combination thereof, wherein, in the flatbed structure, the paper is located at a fixed location and the image is read while the image sensor moves, and in the document feed structure, the image sensor is located at a fixed location and the paper is fed.

In the facsimile machine 153, a component for scanning an image may be shared with the scanner 152, and a component for printing a received file may be shared with the printer 151. The facsimile machine 153 may transmit a scan file to a destination or receive a file from an external source.

Names of the components of the image forming apparatus 100 may be changed. Also, the image forming apparatus 100 may include at least one of the above components, may not include some of the above components, or may further include an additional component.

The user interface device 110 of FIG. 1 may include an independent control system. In other words, in addition to the controller 120 of the image forming apparatus 100, the user interface device 110 may include a control system (e.g., a controller and a memory) for controlling a user interface (UI) provided by the user interface device 110. Also, an operating system (OS) for providing a UI and programs, such as applications, for supporting various functions may be installed in the control system of the user interface device 110.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation between an image forming apparatus and an external apparatus according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 3, an image forming apparatus 10 may detect a first event corresponding to the start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by a user. The image forming apparatus 10 may perform an image forming job according to an input instruction of the user. The image forming apparatus 10 may detect a second event corresponding to the end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the user. When the second event is detected, the image forming apparatus 10 may delete the user's information stored in the image forming apparatus 10 during a period during which the user was using the image forming apparatus 10. Before deleting the user's information, the image forming apparatus 10 may generate billing information based on an image forming job performed during the period during which the user has used the image forming apparatus 10, and may transmit the billing information and the user's information to an external apparatus 20. Thereafter, when the user uses the image forming apparatus 10 again, the image forming apparatus 10 may receive the user's information from the external apparatus 20. Here, "user's information" may include, without limitation, information about at least one of a name of the user, an e-mail address used during an image forming job, a telephone number, a document name, a name of the other party, a type of image forming job, and an application used while performing the image forming job. In addition, "user's information" may include at least one of an application, a program, a work form storing a work flow, used during an image forming job, or the like. Further, "user's information" may include information about functions used in an application, program, or work form used during an image forming job.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 may receive, from the external apparatus 20, information indicating that use of the image forming apparatus 10 is permitted, information indicating that use of the image forming apparatus 10 is prohibited, or information indicating that use of the image forming apparatus 10 is restricted. The image forming apparatus 10 may control, based on the received information, initiation, stoppage, or limitation of an operation of the image forming apparatus 10.

For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may receive, from the external apparatus 20, a message indicating permission to use the image forming apparatus 10 and may perform an image forming job requested by a first user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 10. When the first user finishes using the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 may delete the information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus 10.

The image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 through 10.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 10 may include a communication device 410, a user interface device 420, a memory 430, and a processor 440. However, the image forming apparatus 10 may be implemented by more components or fewer components than the number of the illustrated components. Hereinafter, the above-described components will be described.

The communication device 410 illustrated in FIG. 4 may correspond to the communicator 130 illustrated in FIG. 1, the user interface device 420 illustrated in FIG. 4 may correspond to the user interface device 110 illustrated in FIG. 1, the memory 430 illustrated in FIG. 4 may correspond to the memory 140 illustrated in FIG. 1, and the processor 440 illustrated in FIG. 4 may correspond to the controller 120 illustrated in FIG. 1. In the description of FIG. 4, descriptions that overlap with descriptions provided with reference to FIG. 1 will be omitted.

The communication device 410 may communicate with the external apparatus 20. For example, the communication device 410 may receive, from the external apparatus 20 that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus 10, a message indicating that use of the image forming apparatus 10 is permitted, prohibited, or restricted. In addition, the communication device 410 may receive information of a user who is going to use the image forming apparatus 10 from the external apparatus 20. Here, the user's information may include, without limitation, an e-mail address used during an image forming job, a telephone number, a document name, a name of a user, a name of another party, a type of image forming job, an application used during the image forming job, or the like.

The user interface device 420 may receive a user input and display information associated with the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the user interface device 420 may display a screen requiring a user input in accordance with an operation of the processor 440, a screen via which a result according to an operation of the processor 440 is output, a screen displaying a state of the image forming apparatus 10, a screen displaying information of applications installed on the image forming apparatus 10, or the like.

The memory 430 may store programs, data, files, etc. related to the image forming apparatus 10. The processor 440 may read data or files stored in the memory 430, or store new files in the memory 430. The memory 430 may store program instructions, data files, data structures, or the like, individually or in combination. The memory 430 may store instructions executable by the processor 440.

For example, the memory 430 may store, based on an operation sensed using the image forming apparatus 10, without logging in by a first user, instructions for detecting a first event corresponding to the start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user, instructions for performing at least one image forming job requested by the first user based on the first event, instructions for detecting a second event corresponding to the end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user, instructions for deleting, based on the second event, information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus 10 during a period of use from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected, or the like.

The processor 440 may detect a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user based on an operation sensed by using the image forming apparatus 10. Here, the processor 440 may detect a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus 10, based on an operation sensed using the image forming apparatus 10, without performing a login process of the first user. For example, a login process of a user may be a process in which the user is authenticated by directly inputting user ID information, password information, or the like. The login process of the user may also be a process in which user authentication is performed through other methods such as indirectly inputting user ID information, or the like.

For example, the processor 440 may detect a first event corresponding to the start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by a first user, based on one of an event via which connection to the image forming apparatus 10 by a terminal of the first user is attempted by using the communication device 410 and an event via which execution of an application in the image forming apparatus 10 is attempted by using the user interface device 420.

The processor 440 may perform at least one image forming job requested by the first user based on the first event. In addition, the processor 440 may obtain function setting information regarding a function in at least one application used as at least one image forming job requested by the first user is performed. The processor 440 may map the function setting information to information of the first user and store the mapped information of the first user in the memory 430. In addition, the processor 440 may map information that is generated as at least one image forming job requested by the first user is performed, to the first user's information and store the mapped information in the memory 430. For example, the generated information may include, without limitation, information on at least one of a title of a printout, a delivery path of the printout, a method in which a scan file is transmitted to the external apparatus 20, an e-mail address of a recipient, an internet protocol (IP) address, a fax number, or the like.

In addition, the processor 440 may generate an encoding key of the first user based on a time at which the first event is detected. The processor 440 may encode information of the first user by using the encoding key of the first user and store the encoded information of the first user in the memory 430. In addition, the processor 440 may encode information generated through an image forming job requested by the first user, by using the encoding key of the first user, and store the encoded information. In addition, before deleting the information of the first user and the information generated through the image forming job requested by the first user, the processor 440 may transmit the information of the first user and the information generated through the image forming job requested by the first user, to the external apparatus 20 by using the communication device 410.

The processor 440 may detect a second event corresponding to an end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 of the first user. For example, the processor 440 may detect a second event corresponding to an end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user based on one of an event via which a first application corresponding to a first image forming job is terminated, an event via which a second image forming job performed using a second application performing a different function from that of the first application is performed, an event via which a message indicating that use of the image forming apparatus 10 is prohibited is received, via the communication device 410, from the external apparatus 20 that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus 10, or the like.

The processor 440 may delete information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus 10 during a period from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected, based on the second event. Further, when the second event is detected, the processor 440 may transmit, via the communication device 410, the information of the first user to the external apparatus 20 that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The processor 440 may delete the information of the first user after transmitting the information of the first user to the external apparatus 20.

When the use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user is finished, the processor 440 of the image forming apparatus 10 may delete the information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus 10. Thus, the image forming apparatus 10 may protect the information of the first user from a second user who is to use the image forming apparatus 10 next. That is, by completely removing the information of the first user from the image forming apparatus 10, exposure of the information of the first user to other users who use the image forming apparatus 10 may be prevented.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform an image forming job requested by the first user based on an event detected in the image forming apparatus 10, without using an authentication method in which ID information, password information, or the like of the first user are input by the first user.

When an event corresponding to the start of reuse of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user in the image forming apparatus 10 is detected, the processor 440 may receive information of the first user from the external apparatus 20, via the communication device 410. The processor 440 may control, based on the information of the first user, such that a customized service for the first user is provided in the image forming apparatus 10. For example, as a first event corresponding to the start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user is detected in the image forming apparatus 10, the user interface device 420 of the image forming apparatus 10 may modify an execution screen provided by the user interface device 420, based on the information of the first user.

As another example, the image forming apparatus 10 may configure an execution screen displayed on the user interface device 420 based on setting information that the first user has set last, based on the information of the first user.

As another example, the processor 440 may modify a function setting in at least one application previously used by the first user, based on the information of the first user.

An operation of providing a customized service for the first user in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

In addition, the processor 440 may generate billing information with respect to at least one image forming job performed during the first user's usage time. The processor 440 may transmit the billing information to the external apparatus 20 via the communication device 410.

The image forming apparatus 10 may obtain, based on an operation detected in the image forming apparatus 10, a start time and an end time of use by the first user. When the use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user is ended, the image forming apparatus 10 deletes the information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus 10 during the time of use by the first user, thereby protecting the information of the first user from other users.

Hereinafter, various operations or applications performed by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. Without specifying any of the communication device 410, the user interface device 420, the memory 430, or the processor 440 of the image forming apparatus 10, content regarding the technical field of the present disclosure that is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art may be interpreted as general implementations, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited by names of specific features or physical/logical structures.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user, based on an operation detected in the image forming apparatus 10, in operation 510.

For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a first event, corresponding to the start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user, by sensing one of an event, via which connection to the image forming apparatus 10 by a terminal of the first user is attempted, and an event, via which execution of an application in the image forming apparatus 10 is attempted, by using the user interface device 420.

In operation 520, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform at least one image forming job requested by the first user based on the first event. The image forming apparatus 10 may map information generated as the at least one image forming job requested by the first user is performed, onto information of the first user, and store the mapped information in the memory 430.

In operation 530, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a second event corresponding to an end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user.

For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may sense a second event corresponding to an end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user by sensing one of an event via which a first application corresponding to a first image forming job is terminated, an event via which a second image forming job performed using a second application performing a different function from that of the first application is performed, an event via which a message prohibiting use of the image forming apparatus 10 is received from the external apparatus 20 that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus 10, or the like.

In operation 540, the image forming apparatus 10 may delete, based on the second event, information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus 10 during a usage period from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected.

The image forming apparatus 10 may transmit the information of the first user to the external apparatus 20 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and delete the information of the first user.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation of an image forming apparatus according to another example.

Referring to FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user, based on an operation sensed in the image forming apparatus 10, in operation 610.

In operation 620, as the first event corresponding to the start of the use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user is detected, the image forming apparatus 10 may generate an encoding key of the first user based on a time when the first event is detected.

In operation 630, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform at least one image forming job requested by the first user based on the first event.

In operation 640, the image forming apparatus 10 may encode information of the first user that was used while performing the image forming job, by using the encoding key of the first user.

In operation 650, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a second event corresponding to an end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user.

In operation 660, the image forming apparatus 10 may transmit the encoded information of the first user to the external apparatus 20.

In operation 670, the image forming apparatus 10 may decode the encoded information of the first user by using the encoding key of the first user and delete the decoded information of the first user.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation of an image forming apparatus according to another example.

Referring to FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect an event corresponding to a start of reuse of the image forming apparatus 10 of the first user in the image forming apparatus 10 in operation 710.

In operation 720, the image forming apparatus 10 may receive information of the first user from the external apparatus 20.

In operation 730, the image forming apparatus 10 may provide a customized service of the first user in the image forming apparatus 10, based on the information of the first user.

For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may modify an execution screen provided by the user interface device 420 to an execution screen optimized for the first user, based on the information of the first user.

As another example, the image forming apparatus 10 may change a function setting in at least one application previously used by the first user based on the information of the first user.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views for explaining an operation of providing a customized service for a user, in an image forming apparatus based on the user's information, according to an example.

As a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user is detected in the image forming apparatus 10, the user interface device 420 of the image forming apparatus 10 may modify an execution screen provided by the user interface device, based on the information of the first user.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the user interface device of the image forming apparatus 10 may display a list 820 in which icons of applications are arranged on a "home screen." The list 820 may include only icons of certain applications based on a usage frequency of applications used by a plurality of users. For example, the list 820 may include a "copy" application, a "scan & transmit" application, a "box" application, a "job status" application, a "settings" application, a "help" application, or the like. In addition, the user interface device 420 may display a button 810 for quick execution of the "copy" application placed in an upper left end within the list 820.

In order to provide a customized service to the first user, the user interface device 420 of the image forming apparatus 10 may display a pop-up window requesting a response to whether the user would "consent to receiving a customized service." As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the user interface device 420 may display a pop-up window 830 with a question such as "Would you like to receive a customized service?"

Referring to FIG. 8B, the image forming apparatus 10 may receive information of the first user from the external apparatus 20, and may control, based on the information of the first user, such that a customized service for the first user is provided within the image forming apparatus 10.

The user interface device 420 of the image forming apparatus 10 may display applications that are frequently used by the first user at the top of the list 820 based on the information of the first user. That is, the user interface device 420 may alter the list 820 that has been previously provided to the first user by displaying a list 850 optimized for the first user, based on job history information of the first user. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, based on job history information of the first user, the user interface device 420 may display icons of the "scan & transmit" application and the "quick copy" application, which have been frequently used by the first user, at the top end in the list 850. In addition, the user interface device 420 may display a button 840 for quick execution of the "scan & transmit" application placed in an upper left end within the list 850. That is, the user interface device 420 may change the button 810 for quick execution of the "copy" application, which was provided previously, to the button 840 for quick execution of the "scan & transmit" application.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views for explaining a method of protecting user information in an image forming apparatus located in a hotel according to an example.

FIG. 9A is a view for explaining a method of protecting a user's information in an image forming apparatus 10 according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 9A, an external apparatus 20 may transmit, to the image forming apparatus 10, which may be used by a first user, a message notifying that the first user has checked in to the hotel in operation 905. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be located in a room that the first user is going to use. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 may be located in a public space in the hotel. Upon receiving the message notifying that the first user has checked in, the image forming apparatus 10 may prepare itself such that the first user may use the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives the message informing of the check-in of the first user, the image forming apparatus 10 may determine whether the first user's information stored in the image forming apparatus 10 is deleted, and initialize the first user's information.

In operation 910, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform an image forming job according to an input of the first user. The image forming apparatus 10 may obtain function setting information regarding a function in at least one application used as at least one image forming job requested by the first user is performed. The image forming apparatus 10 may map the function setting information to information of the first user and store the mapped information of the first user in a memory.

In operation 915 of FIG. 9A, the external apparatus 20 may transmit, to the image forming apparatus 10 that has been used by the first user, a message notifying that the first user has checked out from the hotel.

In operation 920 of FIG. 9A, based on an image forming job performed in the image forming apparatus 10 during a period of time from the time when the first user was checked in to the time when the first user was checked out, the image forming apparatus 10 may generate billing information of the first user. The image forming apparatus 10 may transmit the information of the first user and the billing information of the first user according to the image forming job, to the external apparatus 20.

In operation 925, after transmitting the information of the first user and the billing information to the external apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 10 may delete the information of the first user.

In operation 930 of FIG. 9A, when the first user visits the hotel again, the external apparatus 20 may transmit a message informing that the first user has checked in to the hotel and the information of the first user, to the image forming apparatus 10.

In operation 935, the image forming apparatus 10 may provide a customized service of the first user in the image forming apparatus 10, based on the information of the first user.

In operation 940, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform an image forming job according to an input of the first user.

In operation 945, the external apparatus 20 may transmit, to the image forming apparatus 10, a message notifying that the first user has checked out of the hotel.

In operation 950, the image forming apparatus 10 may generate billing information of the first user based on an image forming job performed in the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 may transmit the information of the first user and the billing information of the first user according to the image forming job, to the external apparatus 20.

In operation 955, after transmitting the information of the first user and the billing information to the external apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 10 may delete the information of the first user.

FIG. 9B is a view for explaining a method of protecting a user's information in two or more image forming apparatuses according to an example.

A first image forming apparatus 10-1 illustrated in FIG. 9B may correspond to the image forming apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 9A. In the example of FIG. 9B, repeated description with respect to operations illustrated in FIG. 9A will be omitted.

In operation 960, when a first user visits the hotel again to stay, the external apparatus 20 may transmit a message informing that the first user has checked in the hotel and information of the first user, to a second image forming apparatus 10-2.

In operation 965, the second image forming apparatus 10-2 may provide a customized service for the first user in the image forming apparatus 10, based on the information of the first user.

In operation 970, the second image forming apparatus 10-2 may perform an image forming job according to an input of the first user.

In operation 975, the external apparatus 20 may transmit, to the second image forming apparatus 10-2, a message notifying that the first user has checked out of the hotel.

In operation 980, the second image forming apparatus 10-2 may generate billing information of the first user based on the image forming job performed in the second image forming apparatus (10-2). The second image forming apparatus 10-2 may transmit the information of the first user and the billing information of the first user according to the image forming job, to the external apparatus 20.

In operation 985, after transmitting the information of the first user and the billing information, to the external apparatus 20, the second image forming apparatus 10-2 may delete the information of the first user.

Referring to FIG. 10, the external apparatus 20 may transmit, to the image forming apparatus 10, a message notifying that use of the image forming apparatus 10 is permitted in operation 1005.

In operation 1010, the image forming apparatus 10 may determine whether information of a user stored in the image forming apparatus 10 has been deleted. If the user's information is not deleted from the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 may delete the user's information and initialize the information.

In operation 1015, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user, based on an operation sensed by the image forming apparatus 10.

In operation 1020, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform an image forming job requested by the first user.

In operation 1025, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect a second event corresponding to an end of use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user.

In operation 1030 of FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 10 may transmit the information of the first user according to the image forming job, to the external apparatus 20.

In operation 1035, the image forming apparatus 10 may delete the information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus 10 during a usage period from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected.

In operation 1040, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect an event corresponding to the start of reuse of the image forming apparatus 10 of the user. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 10 may transmit a message to the external apparatus 20 notifying that the first user is reusing the image forming apparatus 10.

In operation 1045 of FIG. 10, the external apparatus 20 may transmit the information of the first user to the image forming apparatus 10 based on history information about the previous use of the image forming apparatus 10 by the first user.

In operation 1050, the image forming apparatus 10 may provide a customized service for the first user in the image forming apparatus 10, based on the information of the first user.

While the examples have been described with reference to limited examples and drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, appropriate results may also occur when the described techniques are performed in an order different from a described one or elements such as systems, structures, devices, circuits, or the like are coupled or combined in a different manner from that described or replaced or substituted by other elements or equivalents.

The present disclosure may be embodied as a recording medium including instructions that may be executed in one or more computers, e.g., a program module executed in one or more computers. A computer-readable recording medium may be an arbitrary available medium accessible by a computer, and examples thereof include any volatile or non-volatile media and separable or non-separable media. Further, examples of the computer-readable recording medium may include a computer storage medium and a communication medium. Examples of the computer storage medium include any volatile or non-volatile media and separable or non-separable media, which have been implemented by an arbitrary method or technology, for storing information such as computer-readable commands, data structures, program modules, and other data. The communication medium typically includes a computer-readable command, a data structure, a program module, other data of a modulated data signal, or another transmission mechanism, and an example thereof includes an arbitrary information transmission medium.

Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the described examples, but by the appended claims and any equivalent ranges thereto.

Claims

An image forming apparatus comprising:

a communication device;

a processor;

a memory to store instructions executable by the processor; and

a user interface device to receive a user input and display information related to the image forming apparatus,

wherein the processor, by executing the instructions:

detects, based on an operation sensed in the image forming apparatus, a first event corresponding to the start of use of the image forming apparatus by a first user;

performs, based on the first event, at least one image forming job requested by the first user;

detects a second event corresponding to an end of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user; and

based on the second event, deletes information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus during a usage period from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected.
The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions:

receives a message, notifying that use of the image forming apparatus is permitted, from an external apparatus controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus; and

upon receiving the message notifying that use of the image forming apparatus is permitted, determines whether the information of the user stored in the image forming apparatus is deleted, and initializes the information of the user in the image forming apparatus based on the determination.
The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions, detects the first event, corresponding to the start of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user, based on one of an event via which connection to the image forming apparatus by a terminal of the first user is attempted by using the communication device and an event via which execution of an application in the image forming apparatus is attempted by using the user interface device.
The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions, detects the second event corresponding to the end of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user, based on one of:

an event via which a first application corresponding to a first image forming job is terminated;

an event via which a second image forming job performed using a second application performing a different function from a function of the first application is performed; or

an event via which a message prohibiting use of the image forming apparatus is received from an external apparatus controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions:

transmits, via the communication device, the information of the first user to an external apparatus controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus; and

deletes the information of the first user after transmitting the information of the first user to the external apparatus.
The image forming apparatus of claim 5, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions:

receives the information of the first user from the external apparatus when an event corresponding to a start of reuse of the image forming apparatus by the first user is detected in the image forming apparatus; and

controls, based on the information of the first user, provision of a customized service for the first user in the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus of claim 6, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions, modifies a function setting in at least one application that the first user has previously used, based on the information of the first user.
The image forming apparatus of claim 5, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions:

generates an encoding key of the first user based on a time when the first event is detected;

encodes the information of the first user by using the encoding key of the first user; and

transmits the information of the first user to the external apparatus via the communication device.
The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions:

obtains function setting information regarding a function in at least one application used while the at least one image forming job requested by the first user is performed;

maps the function setting information to the information of the first user; and

stores the mapped information of the first user in the memory.
The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions, generates billing information regarding the at least one image forming job performed during the usage period.
A method of operating an image forming apparatus, the method comprising:

detecting, based on an operation sensed by the image forming apparatus, a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus by a first user;

performing, based on the first event, at least one image forming job requested by the first user;

detecting a second event corresponding to an end of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user; and

based on the second event, deleting information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus during a usage period from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected.
The method of claim 11, wherein the detecting of the first event corresponding to the start of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user comprises detecting the first event corresponding to the start of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user based on one of an event via which connection to the image forming apparatus by a terminal of the first user is attempted and an event via which execution of an application in the image forming apparatus is attempted.
The method of claim 11, wherein the detecting of the second event corresponding to the end of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user comprises detecting the second event corresponding to the end of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user based on one of:

an event via which a first application corresponding to a first image forming job is terminated;

an event via which a second image forming job performed using a second application performing a different function from a function of the first application is performed; or

an event via which a message prohibiting use of the image forming apparatus is received from an external apparatus controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus.
The method of claim 11, wherein the deleting of the information of the first user comprises:

transmitting the information of the first user to an external apparatus controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus; and

deleting the information of the first user after the transmitting of the information of the first user to the external apparatus,

wherein the method further comprises:

receiving the information of the first user from the external apparatus when an event corresponding to a start of reuse of the image forming apparatus by the first user is detected by the image forming apparatus; and

providing a customized service for the first user in the image forming apparatus, based on the information of the first user.
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions executable by a computer, the computer-readable recording medium comprising:

instructions to detect, based on an operation sensed in an image forming apparatus, a first event corresponding to a start of use of the image forming apparatus by a first user;

instructions to perform, based on the first event, at least one image forming job requested by the first user;

instructions to detect a second event corresponding to an end of the use of the image forming apparatus by the first user; and

instructions to delete, based on the second event, the information of the first user stored in the image forming apparatus during a usage period from a time when the first event is detected to a time when the second event is detected.