JP5104573B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus terminal apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus terminal apparatus that sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus and a program that can be executed in the image forming apparatus terminal apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that requests user authentication at the start of the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus terminal apparatus that sends an image forming instruction to the image forming apparatus, and a program executed in the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus terminal apparatus.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of information processing apparatuses (image forming apparatus terminal apparatuses) via a network, and is shared by a plurality of users who use the plurality of image forming apparatus terminal apparatuses. Here, the image forming apparatus is, for example, a digital multifunction peripheral (MultiFunction Peripheral (MFP), Scan Print Copy (SPC), or All In One) having at least two functions such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, and a scanner. (AIO)). The image forming apparatus terminal device is, for example, a personal computer (PC). The image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus terminal device are communicably connected to each other via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet (Internet), and constitute an image forming system. In the minimum configuration, the image forming system can be configured by connecting one image forming apparatus and one image forming apparatus terminal device on a one-to-one basis. However, in recent years, a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of image forming apparatus terminal devices are often connected to each other to construct a large-scale image forming system.

  In the above-described image forming system, when a user tries to output a desired printed document from the image forming apparatus, the user operates the image forming apparatus terminal device to specify a data file of the document, and An image forming apparatus for executing print output is designated, and finally an execution instruction for print output is input to the image forming apparatus terminal device. The document data file is, for example, a data file stored in a storage area in the image forming system.

  The image forming apparatus terminal device transmits print data including various setting data related to the print output process and the contents of the document data file to the designated image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives the transmitted print data, creates job data from the print data, and executes print output processing based on the job data. Then, the printed matter of the document is discharged from the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus. The user goes to the image forming apparatus and collects the printed matter of the discharged document.

  In the image forming system having the above-described form, the user is not necessarily in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus when the printed matter of the document is discharged from the image forming apparatus. Rather, since the image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of users, it is conceivable that there are other users near the image forming apparatus. For this reason, in the image forming system as described above, it is a problem to ensure information security regarding the document printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus.

  For an image forming apparatus connected to a network and shared by a plurality of users, in order to ensure information security regarding the printed matter of a document discharged from the image forming apparatus, the user is required to start execution of the document print output process. However, an image forming apparatus has been proposed in which the user authentication is performed in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus and the execution of the document printout process is started only after the user authentication is successfully completed. In such an image forming apparatus, even when print data requesting execution of print output processing is received, job data based on the print data is not immediately put into a queue, but instead the job Keep data temporarily on hold. When the user authentication is successfully completed, the job registered by the user for the user authentication is put in the queue among the jobs in the temporarily suspended state, and the print output process is appropriately started. Such print output processing is known as “authentication print” or “confidential print”.

  In addition, a plurality of proposals have already been made regarding specific methods of user authentication. For example, a method of inputting a user name and password to the apparatus via an input means, a method of using an IC card and an IC card reader that holds information for specifying a user as data, a user's behavioral or physical Techniques using biometric authentication for identifying users using features have already been proposed. Biometrics authentication is a collective term for authentication methods for identifying and confirming an individual using physical characteristics or behavioral characteristics such as a pattern of an individual's fingerprint, vein, or iris.

  Examples of documents disclosing the prior art related to the present invention are shown below.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-099294 discloses a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus receives print output data via a network and executes print output. In addition, the printing apparatus executes print output for other data that is associated (linked) with the print output data together with the print output. At this time, when acquiring other data, the entity that provides the data may request the image forming apparatus to present authentication information. In such a case, the printing apparatus of Patent Document 1 acquires information necessary for presenting the authentication information by a predetermined method, acquires the other data using the information, and executes print output.

  By doing so, when executing the print output based on the received print output data, the printing apparatus of Patent Document 1 also executes the print output for other data associated with the print output data. can do.

  Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-015900) discloses a password authentication method, a password authentication system, and the like. In the password authentication method disclosed in Patent Document 2, an authentication device that accepts a password includes each character constituting the password character string in addition to the process of collating the input character string with the password character string registered in advance. Password authentication is performed in consideration of the time interval between the input of.

By doing so, the password authentication method of patent document 2 prevents the person who obtained the password illegally from succeeding in authentication easily.
JP 2000-099294 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-015900

  The authentication print output process is an effective processing technique for ensuring information security of printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus.

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when a plurality of authentication print jobs for one user are held in the image forming apparatus, the plurality of authentication print jobs are processed in batch immediately after the user authentication is completed. The

  In such an image forming apparatus, often printed materials that are unnecessary for the time being for the user are collectively printed out and discharged. Executing the print output process collectively including the printed matter that is unnecessary for the user for the time being leads to a prolonged execution time of the authentication print job and waste of resources.

  Therefore, in a conventional image forming apparatus different from the above, when a plurality of authentication print jobs for one user are held in the image forming apparatus, after the user authentication is completed, the image forming apparatus Requests selection of an authentication print job to be printed out. However, in such an image forming apparatus, the user must select an authentication print job corresponding to a desired document via the user interface input unit of the image forming apparatus after user authentication. Therefore, the user cannot obtain a desired printed matter related to the authentication print job only by an operation related to user authentication.

  For example, after user authentication, the user displays a list of boxes (folders) on the user interface, → selects a desired box from the list of boxes (folders), → selects a desired job, → and finally, The printed matter cannot be obtained unless a procedure involving a complicated operation such as pressing the start button is performed. Moreover, many of the user interfaces of recent image forming apparatuses have a structure having many hierarchies, and the operation that the user is forced to perform in such a case is still more complicated.

  As described above, in the conventional authentication print printing process, there is a problem that the user is sometimes required to perform a very complicated operation. This is the operability of the image forming apparatus and / or It was also a factor that deteriorated productivity.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming system having an operation system capable of outputting a printed matter related to an authentication print job that the user desires to output by performing only an operation related to user authentication, for example, by a simple operation. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus terminal device capable of sending an image forming instruction to the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In one aspect, the present invention executes an authentication print job, which is a print job in which user authentication using a predetermined authentication device is performed and start of print output processing is determined based on a result of the user authentication An image forming apparatus that has a communication interface unit for receiving print data related to an authentication print job and a plurality of folders, and that provides job data based on the print data to the user for the authentication print job A job data holding unit for each corresponding folder, a job execution unit for executing processing related to an authentication print job based on job data, an authentication unit which is a predetermined authentication device, and user authentication using the authentication unit It is related to the user authentication unit that outputs the result, user data, and user data. The content of the authentication operation in the user authentication data, and a user authentication operation management unit for managing management data including data of a folder that is related to the contents of the authentication operation, the job data held in the job data storage unit The content of the authentication operation in the user authentication is determined based on the display unit capable of displaying information and the output of the user authentication unit, and the content of the authentication operation is referred to the user authentication operation management unit based on the result of the determination. As a result of the inquiry, an authentication print job relating to all job data in the folder corresponding to the contents of the authentication operation of the authenticated user is determined as a process to be executed by the job execution unit, and the job execution unit executes the process. instructs the, if not found data corresponding to the contents of the authentication operation in the management data has been authenticated on the display unit the user Display information of the job data, and a control unit for instructing the job execution unit to execute the selected job in response to the selection of a job by the user, an image forming apparatus.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the authentication unit is preferably an IC card reader.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the authentication unit is preferably a fingerprint reader.

In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit determines the content of the authentication operation in the user authentication based on the number of times the IC card has touched the IC card reader and the duration of each touch.

In one aspect of the present invention, the control unit preferably determines the content of the authentication operation in the user authentication based on the number of times the user's finger has touched the fingerprint reading device and the duration of each touch.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an authentication print is a print job in which user authentication using a predetermined authentication device is performed and start of execution of print output processing is determined based on a result of the user authentication An image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of executing a job and an image forming apparatus terminal device that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute a print output process. The image forming apparatus performs an authentication print job A communication interface unit for receiving print data, a job data holding unit that has a plurality of folders and holds job data based on print data for each folder corresponding to the user for an authentication print job, and job data A job execution unit that executes processing related to an authentication print job based on the authentication device, and a predetermined authentication device Authentication unit, a user authentication unit that outputs a result of user authentication using the authentication unit, user data, data of authentication operation content in user authentication associated with user data, and content of each authentication operation Based on the output of the user authentication unit, the user authentication operation management unit that manages the management data including the folder data related to the job, the display unit that can display the job data information held in the job data holding unit, The contents of the authentication operation in user authentication are discriminated, the contents of the authentication operation are inquired to the user authentication operation management unit based on the result of the discrimination, and the result of the inquiry corresponds to the contents of the authentication operation of the authenticated user. Authenticated print jobs for all job data in the folder to be executed are determined as processing to be executed by the job execution unit, and the job execution unit It instructs the line, if not found data corresponding to the contents of the authentication operation in the management data, displays the information of the user of the job data is authenticated on the display unit of its own, depending on the selection of a job by the user A control unit that instructs the job execution unit of the own apparatus to execute the selected job , and the image forming apparatus terminal device receives an authentication print job setting selection input; Image formation having a print data generation unit that generates print data including authentication print job setting data and a communication interface that transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus based on an input of authentication print job setting selection System.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the authentication is a print job in which user authentication using a predetermined authentication device is performed and start of execution of print output processing is determined based on a result of the user authentication An image forming program executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus capable of executing a print job, having a function for causing a communication interface unit to receive print data relating to an authentication print job, and holding job data having a plurality of folders A function for holding job data based on print data for an authentication print job for each folder corresponding to a user, and a function for causing a job execution unit to execute processing related to an authentication print job based on job data, The user authentication unit uses a user authentication unit that is a predetermined authentication device. The user authentication operation management unit, the user authentication operation management unit, and the user authentication operation management unit, the user authentication data in the user authentication associated with the user data, and the contents of each authentication operation. A function to manage management data including the data of the selected folder, a function to display information of job data held in the job data holding unit on the display unit, and a user authentication based on the output of the user authentication unit on the control unit The folder corresponding to the content of the authentication operation of the authenticated user as a result of the inquiry is made to determine the content of the authentication operation in the user, inquire the content of the authentication operation to the user authentication operation management unit based on the determination result The authentication print job for all the job data is determined as the process to be executed by the job execution unit, and the job execution unit is instructed to execute the process. That together with, if not found data corresponding to the content of the authentication operation in the management data, display the information of the job data of the user authenticated in the display unit, the job selected according to the selection of the job by the user An image forming program having a function of instructing the job execution unit to execute .

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has an operation system capable of outputting a printed matter related to an authentication print job that the user desires to output by a simple operation. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, operability and productivity are improved with respect to the authentication print job.

  The embodiment according to the present invention is a program executed in any one of an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus terminal device, an image forming system having these, and an apparatus constituting the image forming system.

  The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of executing “authentication print” print output processing.

<Regarding “Authentication Print (Authentication & Print)” Print Output Processing>
Prior to specific description of the embodiment of the present invention, “authentication print (authentication & print)” print output processing will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The “authentication (&) print” print output process means that when the image forming apparatus executes a job involving the print output process, the image forming apparatus performs user authentication using a predetermined authentication unit. It refers to a print output form in which the print output for the job is started only after successful completion.

  FIG. 1 shows an authentication print created in an image forming apparatus terminal apparatus (information processing apparatus (personal computer (PC))) 5 and transmitted to an image forming apparatus (digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 1) via a network 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation where the image forming apparatus (digital multi-function peripheral (MFP)) 1 executes an authentication print output process based on print data relating to a job. In FIG. 1, the MFP 1 roughly divides the execution state of the authentication print output process into four phases along the flow, and these four phases are shown as I, II, III, and IV. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the process for the print data of the MFP 1 after the time point when the print data is received. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface 11 of printer driver software used for creating print data to be transmitted to the MFP 1 in the PC 5.

  The user uses the user interface 11 of the printer driver software shown in FIG. The user interface 11 includes a user name and a password as items for user authentication. The user can give the user name to the print data by inputting the user name in the user name text box 13. In addition, the user can enter a password in the password text box 15 as needed. Thereafter, the user presses the OK button 17. Referring to FIG. 1, the PC 5 recognizes that the OK button 17 has been pressed, and transmits print data related to the authentication print job to the MFP 1 (phase I in FIG. 1). Note that authentication data necessary for user authentication in the image forming apparatus such as the MFP 1 is stored in advance in a predetermined storage area as part of information about the user in a state where the MFP 1 can access.

  Phase I (FIG. 1) relates to step S101 of FIG. In step S101 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 receives print data transmitted from the PC 5 via the network.

  In step S103 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 analyzes the received print data and determines whether or not the setting relating to the authentication print is an on setting. If the MFP 1 determines that the setting for the authentication print of the print data is ON (“YES” in step S103), the process proceeds to step S105. If the MFP 1 determines that the setting for the authentication print of the print data is not on setting (off setting) (“NO” in step S103), the process proceeds to step S121. Since the processing executed by the MFP 1 in steps S121 and S123 includes only extremely general processing contents related to normal (that is, not authentication printing) print output processing, description thereof will be omitted here.

  In step S105 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 creates job data (authentication print job data) based on the received print data, and puts the authentication print job data in a temporarily suspended state. In this way, in the authentication print output process, even if the MFP 1 accepts job registration, it does not immediately put job data relating to the job into the queue.

  In step S107 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 stores the job data in a predetermined box (so-called folder) of the authentication print job that is temporarily held until the user performs user authentication using a predetermined authentication device. Stored as job data. Here, the box is a storage area for storing job data and various data. This storage area is physically set in a hard disk drive provided in the MFP 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 21 of the user interface of the MFP 1. The job data of the authentication print job is held in, for example, the touch & print box 23 shown in FIG. A user having a predetermined authority selects the touch & print box 23 and presses an OK button 25 to refer to a list of authentication print jobs held in the box 23 or select a job. can do.

  Refer to FIG. 1 again. The user performs user authentication by touching the authentication IC card in which the authentication data is stored on the authentication unit 9 of the MFP 1 (phase II in FIG. 1). Phase II (FIG. 1) is related to step S109 in FIG. In step S109 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 executes user authentication processing. Here, the user authentication is, for example, user authentication for the user who registered the job. The user authentication process includes a process of reading authentication data from the authentication IC card, a process of comparing authentication data held in advance with authentication data read from the IC card using a user name as a key, and user authentication This includes the determination processing related to the success / failure.

  Phase III in FIG. 1 shows a situation where the user authentication has been successfully completed. The phase III (FIG. 1) is related to step S111 (FIG. 2). In step S111, the MFP 1 determines whether the result of the user authentication is success or failure. If the MFP 1 determines that the result of the user authentication is successful (“YES” in step S111), the process proceeds to step S113. If the MFP 1 determines that the result of the user authentication is failure (“NO” in step S111), the process returns to step S109. Phase III (FIG. 1) corresponds to “YES” in step S111 (FIG. 2).

  In step S113 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 displays information on the authentication print job of the user related to the user authentication on the display unit 21 of the user interface. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a display example of the display unit 21 in step S113. As described above, the display unit 21 displays the information of the authentication print job to which the user name of the user who has been successfully authenticated is attached. (In this example, the thumbnails 27a and 27b of the documents related to the two authentication print jobs are displayed.) In addition to the thumbnails 27a and 27b, the display unit 21 performs processing for the authentication print job. Buttons for the user to select (delete button 29a and print button 29b), an OK button 31 and the like are displayed.

  In step S115 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 receives an input from the user via the input unit of the user interface. In this example, the display unit 21 shown in FIG. 5 is configured by a liquid crystal touch panel, and also serves as an input unit. In this step, the user selects a document to be printed, presses the print button 29b, and finally presses the OK button 31.

  Instead of steps S113 and S115, the MFP 1 may be configured to collectively print out the authentication print jobs to which the user names related to user authentication are assigned.

  In step S117 (FIG. 2), the MFP 1 executes print output processing for the selected authenticated print job. Phase IV (FIG. 1) shows a situation in which the printed matter of the document is discharged as a result of MFP 1 executing step S117 (FIG. 2).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (MFP) 1 continues to hold the authentication print job data in the temporarily suspended state, confirms the success of the user authentication, and then shifts the data to the execution state or the execution standby state (the data Execute the queue entry process).

  As described above, the authentication print print output process is different from the “normal” print output process in that the print output process is not started until the user authentication using a predetermined authentication unit is successful. The authentication print is also referred to as touch & print.

  The present invention mainly relates to processing performed by the image forming apparatus in a period between processing for confirming success of user authentication and processing for shifting authentication print job data to an execution state or an execution standby state. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration necessary for processing unique to the present invention within the above period. The configuration will be clarified in the description of the embodiment below. The image forming apparatus terminal device according to the present invention transmits data unique to the present invention to the image forming device according to the present invention. The unique data is included in the print data or is associated with the print data and transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is subjected to processing unique to the present invention.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
In the image forming apparatus (MFP 1a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with regard to user authentication using a predetermined authentication device for starting execution of an authentication print job, a specific authentication operation is performed for each user. Simple operation procedures can be registered.

  In addition, in the image forming apparatus (MFP 1a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of specific operation procedures for the authentication operation can be registered for each user. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can register the details of the processing while associating the details of the specific processing for the authentication print job with each authentication operation procedure registered for each user. By doing so, the user can arbitrarily select various processes for the authentication print job simply by executing user authentication using a predetermined authentication device for starting the execution of the authentication print in a predetermined operation procedure. Can be executed. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, regarding the authentication print job, the user selects various processes for the image forming apparatus without using the user interface provided in the image forming apparatus. Can be executed automatically.

  As a matter of course, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can execute a print output process that is not “authentication print”, that is, a “normal” print output process. In the “normal” print output process, the image forming apparatus creates job data for the input print data and immediately executes the print output process. Switching between “authentication print” print output processing and “normal” print output processing can be performed on a job-by-job basis based on setting parameter values included in the print data. The switching may be performed based on information separately input to the image forming apparatus instead of / in addition to the setting parameter value included in the print data.

  In the embodiment exemplified below, print data is input from an external image forming apparatus terminal device (information processing apparatus) to the image forming apparatus via a network. The parameter setting for causing the image forming apparatus to “authenticate print” the job relating to the print data is performed by the user setting a predetermined parameter in the image forming apparatus terminal device. Further, the contents of other settings are also set in the print data by the user setting in an external information processing apparatus or following the contents of preset settings.

  However, in the present invention, the form in which the print data is input to the image forming apparatus is not limited to the input form via the network as described above. As another input form, for example, a form in which the user directly registers a job in the image forming apparatus, or a form in which the user registers a job in the image forming apparatus using a portable storage medium or the like , Etc. are possible.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<Image forming system>
The image forming system 100 includes a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 1 as an image forming apparatus and a plurality of information processing apparatuses (personal computers (PC)) 5 and 7 as terminal devices of the image forming apparatus 1. The MFP 1 and the plurality of PCs 5 and 7 are connected via the network 3 so that they can communicate with each other. Here, the network 3 is, for example, the Internet (Internet) or a local area network (LAN). In addition, the network 3 may be any one of a network using a dedicated line, a network using a general line, and a network using a wireless communication path, or a network configured by a combination of at least two of them.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 constitutes an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) is an image forming apparatus that collectively has a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a mail transmission function. The MFP 1 forms a document image scanned by the MFP 1 and an image generated from print data received via the network 3 on a print medium such as paper. Here, the print data is a drawing command that is generated by a printer driver processing a drawing command issued by an operating system or an application program executed on a terminal device such as the PC 5 and can be processed or printed by the MFP 1. Data including document data. The drawing command included in the print data may be described in a page description language that can be processed by the MFP 1. The document data may be a document data file having a file format such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), or XML Paper Specification (XPS). In addition, the MFP 1 can provide image data obtained by scanning an image in the MFP 1 to other devices via the network 3. The MFP 1 also includes an authentication unit 9 as a predetermined authentication unit for performing user authentication in the authentication print printing process.

  However, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be an image forming apparatus that can receive job data based on print data sent from a terminal device via a network and execute print output processing. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be capable of generating job data from the received print data. In this case, the terminal device may transmit either the print data itself or job data based on the print data to the image forming apparatus. Further, the authentication unit 9 is not necessarily built in the MFP 1 main body. The authentication unit 9 may be connected to the MFP 1 and disposed in the vicinity thereof.

  The specific configuration of the authentication unit 9 may be appropriately selected so as to suit the user authentication method implemented in the MFP 1. The authentication unit 9 is, for example, an IC card reader. Moreover, the authentication unit 9 is a touch panel which can input a user name and a password, for example. In this case, the user interface of the MFP 1 can also have the function of the authentication unit. Alternatively, the authentication unit 9 is, for example, a biometric authentication device. The biometric authentication device measures individual physical features such as fingerprints, palm prints, vein patterns, irises, retinas, voice prints, face shapes, ear shapes, or individual behavioral features such as handwriting, keystrokes, etc. It is a device for comparing individuals with registered information to identify individuals.

  Each of the personal computers 5 and 7 constitutes an image forming apparatus terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The personal computers 5 and 7 are general computer devices each having a central processing unit (CPU), a main storage device (ROM, RAM), an auxiliary storage device (HDD), and input / output devices (display, keyboard, mouse). It is. The user can create print data using the PC 5 and transmit it to the MFP 1 via the network 3.

  However, the image forming apparatus terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention does not have to be a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer. Any device capable of instructing the image forming apparatus to print out a document is sufficient as the terminal device of the present embodiment.

  In addition, the image forming system 100 can also include a server device (not shown).

  The server device here is, for example, an authentication server. The authentication server refers to user identification information (for example, user ID) and user authentication information (for example, password, authentication data) sent from a client (for example, MFP 1 or PC 5), and user information or user authentication information provided in the server device. The server has a function of collating, determining success / failure of user authentication, and returning the determination result to the client. The authentication server implements the function of the user authentication unit 77 (FIG. 10) of the MFP 1. In this case, in the MFP 1, the user authentication unit 77 (FIG. 10) can be omitted.

  The server device is, for example, a data server. The data server holds a document data file, job data (print data) transmitted to the MFP 1, job data held in the MFP 1, etc., and in response to a request from the client, a document data file, A server device having a function of transmitting print data, job data, and the like.

  However, the server device (not shown) is not an essential element for the image forming system 100. Further, if necessary, the MFP 1 or the PC 5 or 7 constituting the image forming system may have the function of the server.

<Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP 1.

  The MFP 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 33, a read only memory (ROM) 35, a random access memory (RAM) 37, a flash memory 39, a nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) 41, an encryption / decryption unit 45, Hard disk drive (HDD) 47, box 49 in HDD 47, printer unit 51, scanner unit 53, facsimile unit 55, user interface 57, display unit 21 and input unit 59 of user interface 57, communication interface 61, and It has an authentication unit 9. These are connected to each other in the MFP 1 via a data bus.

  The CPU 33 executes an image forming program stored in the ROM 35, RAM 37, flash memory 39, NVRAM 41, or HDD 47, or an image forming program provided via the communication interface 61, and the ROM 35, RAM 37, flash memory 39. The data held in the NVRAM 41 or the HDD 47 can be processed. The CPU 33, ROM 35, RAM 37, flash memory 39, and NVRAM 41 constitute a computer main part 43 that can execute the image forming program. The image forming program is executed in the main unit 43, and the main unit 43 has a function of controlling the MFP 1, a function of executing arithmetic processing, and a function of holding data. In this way, the image forming program is executed on the MFP 1 to realize the technical idea of the present invention. The image forming program may be installed in advance in the flash memory 39 of the MFP 1. Alternatively, the image forming program may be provided to the MFP 1 through a storage medium such as a flexible disk (FD), an optical disk, or a USB memory, or communication means such as the Internet.

  The main unit 43 has a function of controlling the entire MFP 1 and realizes functions such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile. Therefore, the CPU 33 can execute various control programs as needed in addition to the image forming program according to the present invention.

  The ROM 33, RAM 35, flash memory 39, NVRAM 41, and HDD 47 are storage devices that hold data and programs. The MFP 1 retains data and programs that need to be properly used by appropriately storing these storage device groups.

  In the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment, various MFP control programs and image forming programs are held in the flash memory 39. The flash memory 39 also stores message data in various languages displayed on the display unit 21 in response to input from the input unit 59 and the communication interface 61, and an operating system (OS) for embedded devices such as VxWorks. To do.

  The RAM 35 constitutes a so-called working memory of the MFP 1. The RAM 35 may be composed of SRAM, SDRAM, DRAM or the like.

  The NVRAM 41 is a storage device that holds various settings related to image formation. The NVRAM 41 holds various data necessary for the operation of the MFP 1 (network setting value data such as an IP address, setting value data such as an image quality adjustment function).

  The encryption / decryption unit 45 encrypts data to be written to the HDD 47 and decrypts encrypted data read from the HDD 47. The encryption / decryption unit 45 may be configured by a dedicated integrated circuit board.

  The MFP 1 according to the first embodiment includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 47 that is a fixed storage device as an auxiliary storage device. The HDD 47 uses the large capacity storage area to hold image data and job data. Further, the HDD 47 includes an area where data is swapped for data exceeding the capacity of the RAM 37. In the MFP 1, a password can be set for reading and writing data to the HDD 47 (password protection function (HDD lock function)). Further, the HDD 47 has an area (box 49) for storing various data such as received print data and job data created from the print data by the MFP 1. Job data relating to the authentication print job is also held in the box 49. In addition, the box 49 includes a personal box to which usage authority is given for each user. In addition, the HDD 47 can also hold authentication information necessary for user authentication.

  The printer unit 51 receives image data and executes print output. The printer unit 51 forms an image on a print medium such as paper. The print medium on which the image is formed is discharged from the printer unit 51 as a printed matter. The printer unit 51 can include a finisher (not shown) that performs finishing processing such as sorting processing, punching processing, and stapling processing on the printed matter to be discharged.

  The scanner unit 53 can photoelectrically read (scan) information recorded on a paper medium or the like and output image data of the information. The scanner unit 53 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) for automatically and continuously scanning a plurality of documents, and a device having a Duplex function that is a function related to double-sided scanning. it can.

  The facsimile unit 55 transmits and receives facsimile data via a public line.

  The user interface 57 is a part for inputting and outputting information between the MFP 1 and the user, and is a device for the user to operate the MFP 1.

  The user interface 57 includes a display unit 21 that presents information to the user, and an input unit 59 that receives input of information from the user. The user interface 57 of the MFP 1 has a liquid crystal touch panel, and the display unit 21 and the input unit 59 are integrally configured. The input unit 59 includes software keys displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel, and hardware keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, and a screen display switching key. When executing user authentication for authentication printing based on information that can be input via the user interface 57 (for example, key input of a user name and a password), the user interface 57 performs authentication print printing processing. A predetermined authentication means is configured.

  The communication interface 61 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the MFP 1 and an external device.

  The communication interface 61 is an interface for connecting the MFP 1 to a network such as a LAN via Ethernet (registered trademark), for example. In this case, the communication interface 61 supports standards such as 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T.

  For example, the communication interface 61 is a USB port. It is also possible to connect the authentication unit 9 to the USB port. Further, the MFP 1 and the PC 5 can be locally connected via the USB port.

  In addition, the communication interface 61 may be an interface that connects the MFP 1 and the PC 5 by a serial communication method (RS-232C standard). The communication interface 61 can also connect the MFP 1 and the authentication unit 9 by a serial communication method.

  Furthermore, the communication interface 61 can also have a Centronics interface (parallel port). The MFP 1 and the PC 5 can be locally connected via the Centronics interface.

  The authentication unit 9 is an information input device used for user authentication for starting execution of print output in the authentication print print output process. The authentication unit 9 constitutes a predetermined authentication means for authentication print print output processing in the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the authentication unit 9 provided in the MFP 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The authentication unit 9 is an IC card reader 9 for reading out information recorded on an IC card (smart card) 65 possessed by the user 67, as is apparent from the partial enlarged area 63. The IC card 65 and the IC card reader 9 can be configured using, for example, a well-known RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technique. The user 67 can cause the MFP 1 to start executing the user authentication process by touching the IC card 65 with the IC card reader 9 (the interval between the two is set to a predetermined interval or less).

  However, the predetermined authentication means applicable to the present invention is not limited to the authentication unit 9 (IC card reader 9). As described above, the user interface 57 can be used as a predetermined authentication means. In the present invention, a single MFP 1 can include a plurality of types of devices as the predetermined authentication means.

  The MFP 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a biometric authentication device as the authentication unit 9. The biometric authentication device can quantify a biometric amount such as a user's fingerprint. In that case, the user can cause the MFP 1 to start executing the user authentication process by touching (touching) the biometric authentication device with his / her finger.

<Software configuration of image forming apparatus>
Now, the configuration of various control programs and the like of the MFP 1 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example (m1 to m9) of various control programs held in the flash memory 39 of the MFP 1. The various control programs are composed of a plurality of modules (m1 to m9) that can be executed by the computer main part 43 of the MFP 1. Of the plurality of modules, the main control module m1 is a module that forms the core of overall control of the MFP1. The remaining modules m2 to m9 are modules that control hardware components of the MFP 1.

  Each of the modules (m1 to m9) has an interface with the hardware components shown in FIG. 7, and executes control of the hardware components, data transmission / reception, and data processing.

  The main control module m1 comprehensively controls the generation of job execution instructions in the remaining modules (m2 to m9). For example, in the copy job execution control, the main control module m1 controls all of the processes of each module such as the scan operation process and the print operation process, such as start, stop, restart, discard, and interrupt of the copy job. The main control module m1 can execute processing when the MFP 1 is started, accepts registration requests for each job such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile, and assigns a unique job ID to each job. It has a function of executing a process of assigning and appropriately allocating jobs. The main control module m1 can accept a job deletion instruction from the user, and in this case, deletes job data and the like. Furthermore, the main control module m1 also controls access to the storage devices (RAM 37 and HDD 47). Still further, when the HDD 47 is handled as a storage area for the file system by the function of the operating system (OS, for example, VxWorks, XFS), the main control module m1 also executes access control for the file system. . For example, when the user submits an authentication print job to the MFP 1, the data is input to the main control module m 1 via the network processing module m 5 and the PCPrint application module m 6, and the main control module m 1 Is stored in a predetermined storage area in the HDD 47. For example, when the user inputs an instruction to delete or move data in the HDD 47, the main control module m1 similarly deletes or moves data in the HDD 47.

  The printer control module m2 is a module having a function of controlling the printer unit 51. The printer control module m2 causes the printer unit 51 to execute a print output process based on the set printing conditions (print mode: single-sided / double-sided, stamp printing, etc.). The printer control module m2 also controls the printer unit 51 in print output processing at the time of facsimile reception.

  The scanner control module m3 is a module having a function of controlling the scanner unit 53. The scanner control module m3 performs scanning operation processing in accordance with a predetermined scanning form (using ADF, using a document reading glass surface, etc.) based on the set scanning conditions (character / photo mode, etc.) This is executed by the unit 53. The scanner control module m3 controls the scanner unit 53 also in document reading processing at the time of facsimile transmission.

  The facsimile processing module m4 is a module having a function of controlling the facsimile unit 55. When receiving the facsimile data, the facsimile processing module m4 receives a notification of the incoming call from the facsimile unit 55, thereby sending a registration request for the facsimile data reception job to the main control module m1, Instruct the start of execution. In the transmission / reception of facsimile data, the form of using a public line using a modem (not shown) provided in the facsimile unit 55 and the form of Internet fax using the communication interface 61 coexist.

  The network processing module m5 is a module having a function of executing network processing via the communication interface 61. In the MFP 1, a network processing module m5 that supports a communication protocol such as TCP / IP is connected to the communication interface 61 and used as a front end. A request from the outside received through the communication interface 61 is taken in through a message queue provided by an OS (VxWorks). The network processing module m5 sends the result of processing executed based on the contents of the fetched request to the communication interface 61. The network processing module m5 supports TCP / IP, IPX / SPX, SNMP, etc., and can receive print data from the PC 5 (FIG. 6) connected to the external network 3 (FIG. 6) via the Internet. The received print data can be sent to the PCPrint application module m6. By doing so, the MFP 1 realizes print output processing based on data received via the Internet. Similarly for the print data for which the authentication print (touch & print) setting is on, the network processing module m5 sends the received print data to the PCPrint application module m6. After that, the main control module m1 stores the print data or job data created based on the print data in a predetermined area (touch & print box 23 (FIG. 4)) of the HDD 47. Further, the network processing module m5 receives the authentication data or the like (authentication data or the like) in the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) received by the authentication unit 9 (FIG. 8), and the received authentication data or the like is an authentication data management module. Send to m8. As described above, the network processing module m5 has a function of executing interface processing between the communication interface 61 and the authentication unit 9 and the module group (m1, m4, m6, m7, m8).

  The PCScan application module m6 is a module having a function of executing a scanning process based on an instruction from the PC 5 (FIG. 6) connected to the MFP 1 via the network 3. Upon receiving the scan execution instruction from the PC 5, the PCScan application module m6 executes a scan job in accordance with the instruction, creates an image data file, and passes through the network processing module m5, the communication interface 61, and the network 3 (FIG. 6). The image data file is transmitted to the PC 5 (FIG. 6). When the user inputs a scan execution instruction to the MFP 1 via the user interface 57, a scan job execution instruction is sent by the user interface control module m9 and the main control module m1.

  The PCPrint application module m7 is a module having a function of executing print output processing based on an instruction from the PC 5 (FIG. 6) connected to the MFP 1 via the network 3. For example, when the user submits an authentication print job from the PC 5 to the MFP 1, the PCPrint application module m 7 receives print data via the network processing module m 5, creates bitmap image data from the print data, and performs main control. The job data including the bitmap image data is sent to the module m1. Then, the main control module m1 stores job data related to the authentication print job in a predetermined box (touch & print box 23) in the HDD 47.

  The authentication data management module m8 is a module having a function related to user authentication processing. For example, when the authentication data management module m8 receives authentication data or the like from the network processing module m5 in connection with the authentication print job, the authentication data management module m8 checks the user authentication information previously stored in the HDD 47 or the like to determine success / failure of the user authentication. . If the determination is successful, the authentication data management module m8 notifies the main control module m1 that the user authentication has been successfully completed. The main control module m1 transmits the job data held in the HDD 47 as a temporary hold state to the PCPrint application module m7, and the PCPrint application module m7 sends an instruction to execute print output processing to the printer unit 51. By doing so, the printed matter related to the authentication print job is discharged from the printer unit 51.

  The user interface control module m9 is a module having a function of controlling input / output of information via the user interface 57. The user interface control module m9 executes processing of signals sent from the input unit 59 of the user interface 57 as event processing, and generates screen content that is displayed on the display unit 21 (liquid crystal touch panel). Run the program. The screen processing program occurs in pre-processing when a screen to be displayed is determined, screen display processing on the display unit 21, hard keys, soft keys, etc. when a specific screen is displayed. Contains programs related to event processing. Here, as processing of the event, for example, in order to execute the operation of the MFP 1 specified by the user via the input unit 59, the main control module m1 is notified of information related to the specification, or the following should be performed: By executing the transition to the screen display, a response from the MFP 1 is notified to the user. When executing an authentication print job, a job list is displayed as necessary.

  The image forming program according to the present invention is realized by the above-described module group (m1 to m9) and other various module groups (not shown) operating cooperatively. However, the image forming program according to the present invention can be installed in the MFP 1 as a single module. In other words, the image forming program according to the present invention has no limitation on the expression form.

<Functional configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus and MFP 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the MFP 1a. Some of the following blocks are realized by the CPU 33 (FIG. 7) executing the image forming program according to the present embodiment. That is, the functional block group shown in FIG. 10 is realized by the hardware components shown in FIG. 7 and the modules shown in FIG.

  The MFP 1 a includes a control unit 69. The control unit 69 is connected to each block of the MFP 1 so that data can be transmitted and received, grasps the state of each block, and appropriately controls the operation of each block.

  As described above, the communication interface 61 receives print data from the PC 5 or the like via the network 3.

  The print data has a data structure including, for example, data (setting parameter data) related to setting of print output processing and data (document data) of a document to be printed out. The setting parameter data includes a parameter (authentication print setting parameter or authentication print setting flag) indicating whether or not to execute print output processing as authentication print, user name and password data input by the user, print mode (Single side / double side, etc.) parameters, data of setting contents of job data processing (save, delete, etc.) of the job after the authentication print job is completed. The password data is used to prove that the print data is created by a genuine user. In addition, the data for authentication may be used for user authentication for authentication printing. The print data received by the communication interface 61 is sent to the job registration unit 81.

  The job registration unit 81 refers to the setting parameter data of the received print data, and obtains information (user name) of the owner of the print output process (print job) related to the print data from the user identification code (user name). get. Then, the job registration unit 81 expands the print data into bitmap image data, and generates job data from the bitmap image data and setting parameter data. When the print data includes a password, the job registration unit 81 can refer to data (registered user information data) indicating the correspondence between the user name and the password stored in the HDD 47 in advance. However, if the registered user information data is held in an apparatus outside the MFP 1 and the MFP 1 can access the registered user information data, the MFP 1 does not need to hold the registered user information data inside.

  Further, the job registration unit 81 refers to the print data setting parameter / authentication print setting parameter of the data, and determines whether or not to print out the job related to the print data as an authentication print. If the job registration unit 81 determines that the job is to be executed as an authentication print job, the job data of the job is sent to the job holding unit 75 and held as authentication print job data in the job holding unit 75. Here, the MFP 1 recognizes the authentication print job data held in the job holding unit 75 as the job data in the temporary hold state (hold state) until the user authentication for the authentication print is completed.

  On the other hand, when the job registration unit 81 determines that the job is to be executed as a normal print output process that is not an authentication print, the job data of the job is immediately sent to the job execution unit 79, and the job is It is executed immediately or put into the queue 79a.

  The job holding unit 75 holds the authentication print job data until the user who owns the job data successfully completes user authentication. In the job holding unit 75, the authentication print job data is held in a predetermined box (touch & print box 49a).

  The job execution unit 79 executes a job based on the received job data. However, when the job relating to the job data cannot be immediately executed when the job data is received, the MFP 1 inputs the job data into the queue 79a. Here, the MFP 1 recognizes the job data being executed as job data in the execution state, and recognizes the job data in the queue 79a as job data in the execution standby state.

  The user authentication unit 77 monitors input authentication data from the authentication unit 9. When the user authentication unit 77 receives input authentication data from the authentication unit 9, the user authentication unit 77 collates the input authentication data thus input with user authentication data stored in advance for authentication. Then, the success / failure of the user authentication is determined, and the determination result is output. Here, the data structure of the input authentication data may be appropriately selected according to the authentication method used for user authentication. The input authentication data may include, for example, a user identification code (user name) and user authentication data. The user authentication data is, for example, a password character string input by the user, user authentication data held in the IC card, a biometric feature unique to the user, and the like. In addition, depending on the authentication method used for user authentication (for example, in biometric authentication), the input authentication data may be only the user authentication data, and the user name may be omitted. In the present specification, a device that acquires biometric features and the like for performing biometric authentication is referred to as a biometric authentication device. The MFP 1 uses user authentication data (password, user authentication data held on an IC card, biometric feature (user fingerprint feature) associated with a user identification code (user name) as data for user authentication of the authentication print. Volume data) etc.).

  Further, the user authentication unit 77 touches the authentication unit 9 with a feature quantity (IC card or the like) related to the contents of the authentication operation actually performed by the user based on the input authentication data input from the authentication unit 9. And the number of times touched and the duration of each touch can be generated and output.

  The user authentication operation management unit 73 indicates a correspondence relationship between the content of the user authentication operation performed by the user in the user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job and the content of the process executed on the authentication print job data. Store and manage for each user. For example, the user authentication operation management unit 73 can store the correspondence as a predetermined table (authentication operation management table 73a). The correspondence data stored and managed by the user authentication operation management unit 73 can be appropriately output to the execution processing determination unit 71 described later. Note that the user authentication operation management unit 73 may hold the correspondence relationship in a format different from the table format. The user authentication operation management unit 73 only needs to hold the correspondence relationship for each user and can output it appropriately.

  From the user authentication unit 77, the execution process determination unit 71 receives information about the success / failure of user authentication, information about the user related to the user authentication, information about the feature amount about the operation contents performed by the user related to the user authentication, and the like. be able to. Based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77, the execution process determination unit 71 determines the content of the user authentication operation actually performed by the user for user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job. In addition, the execution process determination unit 71 requests the user authentication operation management unit 73 to inquire about the content of the user authentication operation based on the determination regarding the content of the user authentication operation based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77. To do. When the content of the user authentication operation is stored in the authentication operation management table 73a for the corresponding user, the user authentication operation management unit 73 stores the authentication print associated with the content of the user authentication operation. The contents of the process for the job data are returned to the execution process determination unit 71. Alternatively, if the content of the user authentication operation is not stored in the authentication operation management table 73a for the corresponding user, the user authentication operation management unit 73 returns to the execution process determination unit 71 that there is no corresponding operation content. . Then, the execution process determination unit 71 determines the content of the process for the authentication print job data of the user who has performed user authentication based on the content of the response from the user authentication operation management unit 73, and controls the information of the process content. To the unit 69.

  The control unit 69 instructs the job execution unit 79 to process the authentication print job data based on the processing content information for the authentication print job data received from the execution processing determination unit 71. The job execution unit 79 executes processing for the authentication print job of the user who executed user authentication based on the instruction.

<Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Device Terminal Device>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5) according to the present invention.

  The PC 5 may be a general personal computer. As is well known, the PC 5 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 87, a read only memory (ROM) 89, a random access memory (RAM) 91, a hard disk drive (HDD) 93, a compact disc / A drive (CD-ROM drive) 95, a flexible disk drive (FDD) 97, a display unit (display) 11, an input unit (keyboard, mouse, etc.) 99, and a communication interface 101 are provided. Are connected to each other.

  The CPU 87 executes an image forming apparatus control program stored in the ROM 89, RAM 91, HDD 93, CD-ROM drive 95, or FDD 97, or an image forming apparatus control program provided via the communication interface 101. Data stored in the RAM 91, HDD 93, etc. is processed. The CPU 87 configures a control unit of the PC 5 (image forming apparatus terminal device) by executing the above program, and realizes the image forming apparatus terminal device of the present embodiment.

  The ROM 89, RAM 91, HDD 93, CD-ROM drive 95, and FDD 97 are storage devices that hold data and programs. The PC 5 retains data that needs to be retained by appropriately using these storage device groups appropriately.

  The display unit 11 is, for example, a display device. The display unit 11 displays information necessary for operating the MFP 1a and the like to the user.

  The input unit 99 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The user uses the input unit 99 to input information necessary for operating the MFP 1 a and the like to the PC 5.

  The communication interface 101 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the PC 5 and an external device.

<Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Terminal Device>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device and the PC 5a according to the first embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the PC 5a. Some of the following blocks are realized by the CPU 87 (FIG. 11) executing the image forming apparatus control program according to the present embodiment. That is, the functional blocks shown in FIG. 12 are realized by the hardware components shown in FIG. 11 operating cooperatively according to the image forming apparatus control program executed by the CPU 87.

  The PC 5 a has a control unit 103. As described above, the control unit 103 is realized by the CPU 87 (FIG. 11) executing the image forming apparatus control program according to the present embodiment. The control unit 103 is connected to each block of the PC 5a so as to be able to transmit and receive data, and has a function of grasping the state of each block and appropriately controlling the operation of each block.

  The authentication print setting determination unit 105 receives authentication print setting selection information input by the user via the input unit 99, and based on the information, the job (print output process) is set as an authentication print print output process. Or a normal print output process, and the result of the determination is sent to the print data generation unit 107.

  The print data generation unit 107 generates print data to be transmitted to the printer (MFP 1a). The print data has a data structure including, for example, data (setting parameter data) relating to setting of print output processing and data (document data) of a document to be printed out. The print data generation unit 107 generates setting parameter data, and generates print data using the document data file stored in the HDD 93 or the like and the generated setting parameter data. At this time, the print data generation unit 107 describes the authentication print setting parameter (authentication print setting flag) included in the setting parameter data in accordance with the authentication print setting output from the authentication print setting determination unit 105.

  The print data generated by the print data generation unit 107 is sent to the selected printer (for example, MFP 1a) via the communication interface 101. The selected printer receives the print data, and executes the authentication print output or the normal print output according to the authentication print setting parameter included in the setting parameter data of the print data.

<Flow of image forming process>
<< Processing flow in image forming apparatus terminal apparatus >>
Accordingly, the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device when the user instructs printing output using the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system in the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5a) according to the present embodiment. Will be explained.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device PC5a.

  In relation to step S201, the user inputs selection of whether or not to execute document printing as authentication printing to the PC 5a via the input unit 99 (FIG. 12).

  In step S201, the PC 5a receives an input of selection related to ON / OFF of the authentication print setting. The authentication print setting determining unit 105 (FIG. 12) determines the authentication print setting for printing the document based on the input of the selection. The determined authentication print setting is output to the print data generation unit 107 as authentication print setting information.

  In step S <b> 203, the print data generation unit 107 determines whether the authentication print setting information indicates an on setting or an off setting. If the selected authentication print setting is the on setting (“YES” in step S203), the process proceeds to step S205. If the selected authentication print setting is an off setting (“NO” in step S203), the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S205, the print data generation unit 107 sets the print output method to authentication print output processing (authentication print setting ON), and creates print data. For example, the print data generation unit 107 may set the authentication print setting flag of the setting parameter / data included in the print data to “True” and create the print data.

  In step S207, the print data generation unit 107 sets the print output method to normal print output processing (authentication print setting OFF), and creates print data. For example, the print data generation unit 107 may set the authentication print setting flag of the setting parameter / data included in the print data to “False” to create the print data.

  In step S209, the PC 5a transmits the print data created by the print data generation unit 107 to the MFP 1a via the communication interface 101.

  In this way, the print data is sent from the PC 5a to the MFP 1a via the network 3.

<Processing flow in image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, in the image forming apparatus (MFP 1a) according to the present embodiment, a flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus from when print data is received until print output processing is executed based on the print data will be described. .

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the image forming process executed by the MFP 1a. Of the steps shown in FIG. 14, steps already described with reference to FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  A series of processing from step S101 to step S107 is as described with reference to FIG.

  In relation to step S109, the user 67 (FIG. 8) performs a user authentication operation for causing the MFP 1a to start executing the authentication print job. In the present embodiment, the operation for user authentication involves touching the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) with the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) which is the authentication unit 9 (FIG. 10) of the MFP 1a (touch). Operation). However, in this specification, “touch” means that data can be transmitted between the IC card 65 and the IC card reader 9, and the IC card 65 and the IC card reader 9 are not necessarily connected. Is not meant to be in physical contact.

  Further, although different from the configuration of the authentication unit 9 of the MFP 1a according to the present embodiment, when the authentication unit 9 is realized as a biometrics authentication unit (fingerprint reader) capable of reading a fingerprint, the user is associated with step S109. The user authentication operation performed by includes the operation of holding (touching) the user's finger over the biometrics authentication unit. However, in this case as well, the user touching the biometrics authentication unit means that the biometrics authentication unit is ready to read the user's fingerprint, and the user's finger is not necessarily biometrics authentication. It is not meant to be in physical contact with the unit.

  In the MFP 1a according to the present embodiment, the user 67 (FIG. 8) relates to the user authentication operation (touch operation) for starting the execution of the authentication print job related to step S109, and the number of touch operations and the touch operation state. The user authentication operation can be configured by various combinations of durations and the like, and the user authentication process can be executed.

For example, the user authentication operation includes the following series of touch operations.
Example 1 Variation on the number of touch operations.
Example 1-1: The user 67 (FIG. 8) causes the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) to touch the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) once.
Example 1-2: The user 67 causes the IC card 65 to touch the IC card reader 9 twice.
Example 1-3: The user 67 causes the IC card 65 to touch the IC card reader 9 three times.
Example 2 Variation regarding the time for which the touch operation state is continued.
Example 2-1: The user 67 causes the IC card 65 to touch the IC card reader 9 for 1 second.
Example 2-2: The user 67 causes the IC card 65 to touch the IC card reader 9 for 2 seconds.
Example 2-3: The user 67 causes the IC card 65 to touch the IC card reader 9 for 3 seconds.
Example 3 A variation consisting of a combination of the number of touch operations and the touch operation state duration.
Example 3-1: The user 67 performs an operation of touching the IC card 65 with the IC card reader 9 once for 1 second, and then performs an operation of touching the IC card 65 for 2 seconds twice.
Example 3-2: The user 67 performs an operation of touching the IC card 65 with the IC card reader 9 once for 3 seconds, and then touches it twice (regardless of the duration).

  The number of touch operations for user authentication and the duration of each touch operation may be determined by the user authentication unit 77 (FIG. 10) based on the operation clock of the authentication unit 9, for example. For example, after the IC card reader 9 reads the authentication data recorded on the IC card 65, the IC card reader 9 does not read the authentication data for a time longer than a predetermined number of operation clocks. When the card reader 9 reads the authentication data recorded on the IC card 65 again, the user authentication unit 77 determines that a total of two touch operations have been received. In addition, when the authentication data is read a plurality of times within a time interval less than the predetermined number of operation clocks, the user authentication unit 77 continues the IC card 65 over the time interval for reading the authentication data a plurality of times. In other words, it is determined that the user has been held over the IC card reader 9, and the touch operation is determined as a single touch operation continuously performed during the time interval.

  In step S109, the user authentication unit 77 of the MFP 1a receives the input authentication data from the authentication unit 9 and executes user authentication processing.

  In step S <b> 111, the user authentication unit 77 collates the input authentication data that has been input with data for user authentication for authentication print that is stored in advance, and determines success / failure of user authentication. When it is determined that the user authentication is successful, the user authentication unit 77 includes information on the user who has performed the user authentication and the contents of the operation performed by the user for the user authentication. Information (information such as the number of touch operations and the duration of each touch operation) is sent to the execution process determining unit 71. When the user authentication unit 77 determines that the result of user authentication is successful (“YES” in step S111), the process proceeds to step S313. When the user authentication unit 77 determines that the result of the user authentication is failure (“NO” in step S111), the process returns to step S109.

  In step S313, the execution processing determination unit 71 of the MFP 1a receives the information about the user who has performed the user authentication and the information on the contents of the operation performed by the user for the user authentication received from the user authentication unit 77. Based on this, the user authentication operation management unit 73 is inquired about the user authentication operation performed by the user in relation to step S109. The user authentication operation management unit 73 searches for user authentication operations in items recorded in association with the corresponding user in the authentication operation management table 73a.

  FIG. 15 is an example diagram of an authentication operation management table 73 a held by the user authentication operation management unit 73. The authentication operation management table 73a includes a user name column Cu, an authentication operation content column Co, and a processing content column Cp for each record. For example, in the user authentication related to step S109, when the user A causes the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) to touch the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) for about 3 seconds, the user authentication operation management unit 73 Then, the processing content “display a list of authentication print jobs” is returned to the execution processing determination unit 71. Further, when the user A touches the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) twice with the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) in the user authentication related to step S109, the user authentication operation management unit 73 indicates “corresponding “No operation content” is returned to the execution process determination unit 71.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the authentication operation management table 73a is a table in which the content (Co) of the user authentication operation and the processing content (Cp) are related and registered in advance for each user. . However, the user authentication operation management unit 73 does not necessarily have to hold the content of the user authentication operation and the processing content in a table format. The format for the holding may be changed as appropriate.

  In step S315, the execution process determining unit 71 determines whether the user authentication operation content performed in association with step S109 by the user matches any one of the operation content registered in the authentication operation management table 73a for the user. It is determined based on a response from the user authentication operation management unit 73. When the execution process determining unit 71 determines that the user authentication operation content performed by the user matches one of the operation content registered in the table 73a ("YES" in step S315), the process proceeds to step The process proceeds to S317. When the execution process determining unit 71 determines that the operation content of the user authentication performed by the user does not match any of the operation content registered in the table 73a ("NO" in step S315), The process proceeds to S113. In addition to the determination in step S315, the execution process determination unit 71 sends the contents of the process to be executed for the authentication print job to the control unit 69. When the process proceeds to step S317, the content only needs to match the processing content searched from the authentication operation management table 73a. When the result of the search is “no corresponding operation”, a predetermined normal The processing content of Based on the input from the execution process determination unit 71, the control unit 69 sends an instruction to execute a process for the authentication print job to the job execution unit 79 or the like.

  The processes in steps S113, S115, and S117 are as described above, and are “predetermined normal processes” in the previous stage. That is, if the content of the user authentication operation performed by the user in connection with step S109 is not registered in the authentication operation management table 73a, the MFP 1a executes a normal process set in advance.

  In step S317, the MFP 1a executes the process determined by the execution process determining unit 71 based on the contents of the user authentication operation and the authentication operation management table 73a. That is, when the content of the user authentication operation performed in association with step S109 by the user is the operation content registered in the authentication operation management table 73a, the MFP 1a executes a process that is not a predetermined normal process. can do.

  As described above, the MFP 1a according to the first embodiment performs processing different from the processing flow of the normal authentication print job according to the content of the authentication operation performed by the user as user authentication for starting execution of the authentication print job. Can be executed. Therefore, as long as the user associates the desired process with the content of the user authentication operation and registers it in the MFP 1a in advance, the MFP 1a performs a process different from the predetermined normal process flow. The user can instruct his / her authentication print job by a user authentication operation. The user performs user authentication in a predetermined series of operation procedures, that is, by simply touching the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) with the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) according to the predetermined procedure, the user can perform desired processing on the MFP 1a. Can be executed. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, even when the user desires the MFP 1a to execute a process different from the predetermined normal process for the authentication print job, the user interface 57 is not displayed. There is no need to change the processing content, which is a complicated procedure. Therefore, the MFP 1a according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that is very convenient for the user.

  Note that the process that can be registered in the process content column Cp of the authentication operation management table 73a is not limited to the operation illustrated in FIG. In the MFP 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention, almost any processing content can be registered in the processing content column Cp.

(Second Embodiment)
Also in the image forming apparatus (MFP 1b) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, regarding user authentication using a predetermined authentication device for starting execution of an authentication print job, the specific authentication operation is performed for each user. Multiple operation procedures can be registered. Unlike the MFP 1a according to the first embodiment, the MFP 1b registers the folder while associating a box (folder) holding the authentication print job data with each authentication operation procedure registered for each user. be able to.

  By doing so, the user can arbitrarily select a folder only by executing user authentication using a predetermined authentication device for starting execution of authentication print in a predetermined operation procedure. The MFP 1b can selectively execute the authentication print job for the authentication print job data held in the folder related to the selection. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, regarding the authentication print job, the user does not use a user interface provided in the image forming apparatus, but in units of folders that hold the authentication print job data. The authentication print job can be selectively executed. Therefore, the user can selectively execute an authentication print job held by the image forming apparatus without using a user interface.

  In connection with the configuration of the MFP 1b according to the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5b) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is generated based on the print data when creating the print data. It is possible to specify a folder in which authenticated print job data is held.

  In the image forming system having the MFP 1b and the PC 5b, the user can arbitrarily select a folder in which the authentication print job data is held for each print data by a simple operation on the PC 5b, and a simple operation on the MFP 1b. Thus, the MFP 1b can selectively execute the authentication print job for each folder.

  In the following description, portions common to the contents described in connection with the previous embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in each drawing of the accompanying drawings, common reference numerals are assigned to components and processes of the present invention common to a plurality of embodiments.

<Image forming system>
The configuration of the image forming system using the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be the same as that of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the description of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus>
The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be the same as that of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 7 referred to in the description related to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Software configuration of image forming apparatus>
The software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be the same as the software configuration shown in FIG. 9 referred to in the description related to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Functional configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus and MFP 1b according to the second embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the MFP 1b.

  The communication interface 61 receives print data from the PC 5 or the like via the network 3.

  The print data includes, for example, data (setting parameter data) relating to setting of print output processing, and document data (document data) to be printed out. The setting parameter data includes data of data holding area designation information. The data holding area designation information is information relating to a storage area (for example, a box (folder)) in which job data generated by the job registration unit 81 based on the print data is to be held. The data holding area designation information data may be received from the PC 5 or the like together with the data indicating the association with the print data separately from the print data.

  The job registration unit 81 refers to the data of the data holding area designation information of the received print data, and acquires information (data holding area information) related to a storage area in which job data generated based on the print data is to be held. To do.

  Then, the job registration unit 81 sends job data of the authentication print job to the job holding unit 75 by designating a data holding area. The job holding unit 75 holds the received authentication print job data in a designated data holding area.

  The job holding unit 75 includes a plurality of boxes (folders) 49b and 49c in addition to the touch & print box 49a as a data storage area for holding the authentication print job data. The folders 49b and 49c may be folders that can hold the authentication print data. As the folders 49b and 49c, a storage area outside the MFP 1b and a network folder 85 may be used. The folders 49b and 49c are more preferably personal boxes (personal folders) to which usage rights are given for each user.

  The user authentication operation management unit 73 indicates a correspondence relationship between the contents of the user authentication operation executed by the user in the user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job and the folder holding the authentication print job data to be executed. Store and manage for each user. For example, the user authentication operation management unit 73 can store the correspondence relationship as a predetermined table (authentication operation management table 73b).

  Based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77, the execution process determination unit 71 determines the content of the user authentication operation actually performed by the user for user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job. In addition, the execution process determination unit 71 requests the user authentication operation management unit 73 to inquire about the content of the user authentication operation based on the determination regarding the content of the user authentication operation based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77. To do. When the content of the user authentication operation is stored in the authentication operation management table 73b for the corresponding user, the user authentication operation management unit 73 stores data associated with the content of the user authentication operation. Information on the area (folder) (process execution target folder information) is returned to the execution process determination unit 71. Alternatively, the user authentication operation management unit 73 sets the process execution target folder information indicating that there is no corresponding data storage area if the content of the user authentication operation is not stored in the authentication operation management table 73b for the corresponding user. It returns to the execution process determination unit 71. Then, the execution process determination unit 71 determines a data storage area in which authentication print job data of a user who has performed user authentication to be executed is held based on the content of the response from the user authentication operation management unit 73, and Information on the data storage area is output to the control unit 69.

  The control unit 69 instructs the job execution unit 79 to process the authentication print job data based on the process execution target folder information received from the execution process determination unit 71. The job execution unit 79 executes processing for the authentication print job of the user who executed user authentication based on the instruction. That is, the job execution unit 79 executes the print output process for the authentication print job data of the user who has executed user authentication included in the folder indicated by the process execution target folder information.

<Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Device Terminal Device>
The configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5b) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be the same as that of the PC 5 shown in FIG. 11 referred to in the description relating to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Terminal Device>
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device and the PC 5b according to the second embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the PC 5b.

  The PC 5b includes a data holding area selection receiving unit 109. The data holding area selection accepting unit 109 accepts selection of a storage area in which authentication print job data generated in the MFP 1b based on the print data input by the user via the input unit 99 is held. The data holding area selection reception unit 109 sends information (data holding area selection information) indicating which storage area (box (folder)) the user has selected to the print data generation unit 107.

  The print data generation unit 107 generates print data to be transmitted to the printer (MFP 1b). The print data generation unit 107 of the PC 5b can include the data holding area designation information data in the setting parameter data of the print data to be generated. The print data generation unit 107 generates setting parameter data including data of the data holding area designation information, and generates print data using the document data file stored in the HDD 93 and the generated setting parameter data. To do.

<Flow of image forming process>
<< Processing flow in image forming apparatus terminal apparatus >>
As a result, in the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5b) according to the present embodiment, the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device when instructing print output using the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system. Will be explained.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device PC5b.

  In connection with step S405, the user inputs to PC 5b selection related to the storage area in which the authentication print job data generated in MFP 1b based on the print data is held via input unit 99 (FIG. 17). To do. FIG. 19 is an example diagram of a user interface 11a of printer driver software used for creating print data in the PC 5b. In relation to steps S201 and S405, the user selects the authentication print setting on setting by checking the check box 111 of the user interface 11a, and also selects the storage area from the pull-down menu 113, thereby performing the authentication print. A storage area for holding job data can be selected. The functions of the OK button 17 and the cancel button 115 are well-known matters and will not be described.

  In step S405, the PC 5b receives a selection input relating to a storage area in which the authentication print job data is held. The data holding area selection accepting unit 109 (FIG. 17) of the PC 5b determines a storage area in which the authentication print job data is held based on the selection input. The determined storage area information is output to the print data generation unit 107 as data holding area selection information data.

  In step S407, the print data generation unit 107 sets the print output method to authentication print output processing (authentication print setting ON), and creates print data. Further, the print data generation unit 107 includes the print data in the setting parameter data so as to include data holding area designation information which is information for designating a storage area for holding job data generated from the print data for the MFP 1b. create.

  In step S209, the PC 5b transmits the print data created by the print data generation unit 107 to the MFP 1b via the communication interface 101.

  In this way, the print data is sent from the PC 5b to the MFP 1b via the network 3.

<Processing flow in image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, in the image forming apparatus (MFP 1b) according to the present embodiment, a flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus from when print data is received until print output processing is executed based on the print data will be described. .

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the image forming process executed by the MFP 1b. Of the steps shown in FIG. 20, steps already described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 14 are given the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 and FIG. .

  A series of processing from step S101 to step S105 is as described with reference to FIG.

  In step S507, the job registration unit 81 (FIG. 16) of the MFP 1b acquires the data holding area information by referring to the data holding area designation information included in the setting parameter / data of the print data. The job registration unit 81 holds the authentication print job data generated from the received print data in the storage area indicated by the data holding area information (for example, the folder 49b of the job holding unit 75 (FIG. 16)).

  The contents of the process performed by the MFP 1b in steps S109 and S111 are as already described with reference to FIG.

  In step S313, the execution process determination unit 71 of the MFP 1b receives the information about the user who has performed the user authentication and the information on the contents of the operation performed by the user for the user authentication received from the user authentication unit 77. Based on this, the user authentication operation management unit 73 is inquired about the user authentication operation performed by the user in relation to step S109. The user authentication operation management unit 73 searches for user authentication operations in items recorded in association with the corresponding user in the authentication operation management table 73b.

  FIG. 21 is an example of an authentication operation management table 73b held by the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1b. The authentication operation management table 73b includes a user name column Cu, an authentication operation content column Co, and a folder column Cf for each record. For example, when the user A makes the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) touch the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) twice in the user authentication related to step S109, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1b performs the process The execution target folder information “folder 2” is returned to the execution process determination unit 71. For example, when the user B touches the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) twice with the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) in the user authentication related to step S109, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1b The process execution target folder information “No corresponding folder” is returned to the execution process determination unit 71.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the authentication operation management table 73b can be registered in advance for each user by associating the content (Co) of the user authentication operation with the storage area (folder) (Cf). It is a table. However, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1b is not necessarily required to hold the content of the user authentication operation and the processing content in a table format. The format for the holding may be changed as appropriate.

  In step S315, the execution process determining unit 71 confirms whether the user authentication operation content performed in association with step S109 by the user matches any one of the operation content registered in the authentication operation management table 73b for the user. It is determined based on a response from the user authentication operation management unit 73. When the execution process determining unit 71 determines that one of the user authentication operation contents performed by the user and the operation contents registered in the table 73b are matched (“YES” in step S315), The process proceeds to S517. When the execution process determining unit 71 determines that the operation content of the user authentication performed by the user does not match any of the operation content registered in the table 73b ("NO" in step S315), the process The process proceeds to S113. In addition to the determination in step S315, the execution process determination unit 71 sends information on the folder holding the authentication print job data to be subjected to the print output process to the control unit 69. The content of this information may be the same as the content of the process execution target folder information when the process proceeds to step S517. If the result of the search is “no corresponding operation”, the content of the information is a predetermined content. Good. Based on the input from the execution process determination unit 71, the control unit 69 sends an instruction to execute a process for the authentication print job to the job execution unit 79 or the like.

  The processes in steps S113, S115, and S117 are as already described. That is, when the content of the user authentication operation performed by the user in connection with Step S109 is not registered in the authentication operation management table 73b, the MFP 1b executes a predetermined normal process.

  In step S517, the MFP 1b determines whether or not there is authentication print job data of the user who executed user authentication in relation to step S109 in the designated folder. If the MFP 1b determines that the corresponding authentication print job data exists in the designated folder (“YES” in step S517), the process proceeds to step S519. If the MFP 1b determines that the corresponding authentication print job data does not exist in the designated folder (“NO” in step S517), the process proceeds to step S113. Thereafter, the MFP 1b is determined in advance. Perform normal processing.

  In step S519, the MFP 1b automatically and collectively executes print output processing for the authentication print job data of the user who has executed user authentication in relation to step S109, which is included in the designated folder.

  As described above, the MFP 1b according to the second embodiment performs processing different from the normal authentication print job processing flow according to the content of the authentication operation performed by the user as user authentication for starting execution of the authentication print job. Can be executed. In the present embodiment, the different processing is batch print output processing for the authentication print job data held in a predetermined folder. Therefore, if the user associates the desired folder with the content of the user authentication operation and registers it in the MFP 1b in advance, the user collects only the authentication print job data held in the desired folder. A typical print output process can be instructed by a user authentication operation. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus MFP1b according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the user does not need to perform an operation to select an execution target job configured in a complicated procedure on the user interface 57. Only the authentication print job data held in the folder can be collectively executed for print output processing. Therefore, the MFP 1b according to the present embodiment is also an image forming apparatus that is very convenient for the user.

  Note that the folders registered in the folder column Cf of the authentication operation management table 73b may overlap between different users. Even in such a case, the MFP 1b can collectively execute only the authentication print job of the user who executed the user authentication in relation to step S109.

(Third embodiment)
In the image forming apparatus (MFP 1c) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, user authentication using a predetermined authentication apparatus for starting execution of an authentication print job is performed for each user and for each authentication print job. In addition, a specific operation procedure of the authentication operation for the authentication apparatus can be registered. The MFP 1c differs from the MFPs 1a and 1b according to the first and second embodiments in that when the user registers the authentication print job in the MFP 1c for each user and for each authentication print job, the MFP 1c The user authentication operation procedure for starting execution of the print output process can be registered. Data necessary for registration of the user authentication operation procedure is generated in the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5c) according to the third embodiment of the present invention based on the user's selection, and print data relating to the authentication print job. Or is transmitted from the PC 5c to the MFP 1c and registered in the MFP 1c.

  By doing so, the user can perform printing by executing a predetermined operation procedure registered at the time of transmission of print data in user authentication using a predetermined authentication device for starting execution of the authentication print job. It is possible to select an authentication print job for executing output processing. If the same or different user authentication operation procedures are registered in advance for a plurality of authentication print jobs, the user can group a plurality of groups of authentication print jobs executed by the same authentication operation into a plurality of groups. It is possible to form in the MFP 1c, or to form such a group in a plurality of MFPs 1c. In the MFP 1c, the user can group a plurality of documents, and can instruct the MFP 1c to perform print output processing of the documents only by a user authentication operation in units of groups.

  For example, for an authentication print job that frequently instructs the MFP 1c to perform print output processing, the user registers a relatively simple authentication operation (for example, “one touch once” or “one touch per second”). For an authentication print job that rarely instructs print output processing or an authentication print job with high confidentiality, a relatively complicated authentication operation (for example, “two touches for one second and one after that”). Can be grouped in advance.

  In connection with the configuration of the MFP 1c according to the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5c) according to the third embodiment of the present invention performs an authentication print job relating to the print data when creating the print data. It is possible to set an operation procedure of user authentication for starting execution of.

  In the image forming system having the MFP 1c and the PC 5c, when the user transmits print data from the PC 5c to the MFP 1c, the user authentication operation procedure for the MFP 1c to start executing an authentication print job for the print data is as follows. Each print data can be arbitrarily selected by a simple operation on the PC 5c. Further, by doing so, the user can selectively cause the MFP 1c to execute one or a plurality of desired authentication print jobs only by a user authentication operation on the MFP 1c.

  In the following description, portions common to the contents described in connection with the previous embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in each drawing of the accompanying drawings, common reference numerals are assigned to components and processes of the present invention common to a plurality of embodiments.

<Image forming system>
The configuration of the image forming system using the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the description relating to the first and second embodiments. Good. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus>
The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be the same as that of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 7 referred to in the description of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Software configuration of image forming apparatus>
The software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be the same as the software configuration shown in FIG. 9 referred to in the description relating to the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Functional configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus and MFP 1c according to the third embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the MFP 1c.

  The communication interface 61 receives print data from the PC 5 or the like via the network 3.

  The print data includes, for example, data (setting parameter data) relating to setting of print output processing, and document data (document data) to be printed out. The setting parameter data includes authentication operation content setting information data. The authentication operation content setting information is information relating to the operation content of user authentication executed by the user in order to start execution of print output processing for job data generated by the job registration unit 81 based on the print data. The data of the authentication operation content setting information may be received from the PC 5 or the like together with the data indicating the association with the print data separately from the print data.

  The job registration unit 81 refers to the authentication operation content setting information of the received print data, and sets the authentication operation content setting information together with the data for identifying the authentication print job related to the job data generated based on the print data. This is sent to the user authentication operation registration unit 117.

  Based on the information received from the user registration unit 81, the user authentication operation registration unit 117 registers the operation contents of the user authentication in association with the authentication print job in the authentication operation management table 73c held by the user authentication operation management unit 73. .

  Here, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the present embodiment associates the content of the user authentication operation performed by the user with the user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job and the authentication print job to be executed. Is stored and managed for each user. For example, the user authentication operation management unit 73 can store the correspondence relationship as a predetermined table (authentication operation management table 73c).

  Based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77, the execution process determination unit 71 determines the content of the user authentication operation actually performed by the user for user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job. In addition, the execution process determination unit 71 requests the user authentication operation management unit 73 to inquire about the content of the user authentication operation based on the determination regarding the content of the user authentication operation based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77. To do. When the content of the user authentication operation is stored in the authentication operation management table 73c for the corresponding user, the user authentication operation management unit 73 stores the authentication print stored in association with the content of the user authentication operation. The job information (processing execution target job information) is returned to the execution processing determination unit 71. Alternatively, the user authentication operation management unit 73 sets processing execution target job information indicating that there is no corresponding authentication print job unless the content of the user authentication operation is stored in the authentication operation management table 73c for the corresponding user. It returns to the execution process determination unit 71. Then, the execution process determination unit 71 determines an authentication print job of the user who has performed user authentication to be executed based on the content of the response from the user authentication operation management unit 73, and sends information on the authentication print job to the control unit Output to 69.

  Based on the process execution target job information received from the execution process determination unit 71, the control unit 69 instructs the job execution unit 79 to process the authentication print job data. The job execution unit 79 executes processing for the authentication print job of the user who executed user authentication based on the instruction. That is, the job execution unit 79 executes print output processing for the job data of the authentication print job indicated by the processing execution target job information.

<Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Device Terminal Device>
The configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5c) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be the same as that of the PC 5 shown in FIG. 11 referred to in the description related to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Terminal Device>
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device and the PC 5c according to the third embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the PC 5c.

  The PC 5c includes an authentication operation content selection receiving unit 119. The authentication operation content selection accepting unit 119 accepts selection of operation content for user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job based on the print data, which is input by the user via the input unit 99. The authentication operation content selection receiving unit 119 sends information (authentication operation content selection information) indicating which operation content the user has selected to the print data generation unit 107.

  The print data generation unit 107 generates print data to be transmitted to the printer (MFP 1c). The print data generation unit 107 of the PC 5c can include authentication operation content setting information data in the print parameter setting parameter data to be generated. The print data generation unit 107 generates setting parameter data including authentication operation content setting information data, and generates print data using the document data file stored in the HDD 93 and the generated setting parameter data. To do.

<Flow of image forming process>
<< Processing flow in image forming apparatus terminal apparatus >>
As a result, in the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5 c) according to the present embodiment, the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device when instructing print output using the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system. Will be explained.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device PC5c.

  In connection with step S605, the user inputs to PC 5c selection of user authentication operation contents for starting execution of the authentication print job related to the authentication print job data generated in MFP 1c based on the print data. It inputs via the part 99 (FIG. 23). FIG. 25 shows an example of a user interface 11b of printer driver software used for creating print data in the PC 5c. In connection with steps S201 and S605, the user selects the authentication print setting ON setting by checking the check box 111 of the user interface 11b, and selects the user authentication operation content from the pull-down menu 121. The user authentication operation content for starting the execution of the authentication print job related to the authentication print job data can be selected.

  In step S605, the PC 5c receives an input for selecting a user authentication operation for starting execution of the authentication print job related to the authentication print job data. Then, the authentication operation content selection receiving unit 119 (FIG. 23) of the PC 5c determines the user authentication operation content for starting the processing of the authentication print job data based on the input of the selection. The determined operation content information is output to the print data generation unit 107 as authentication operation content selection information data.

  In step S607, the print data generation unit 107 sets the print output method to authentication print output processing (authentication print setting ON), and creates print data. Further, the print data generation unit 107 is information that sets, in the setting parameter data, the user authentication operation content for starting the execution of the authentication print job related to the job data generated from the print data for the MFP 1c. Print data is created so as to include operation content setting information.

  In step S209, the PC 5c transmits the print data created by the print data generation unit 107 to the MFP 1c via the communication interface 101.

  In this way, the print data is sent from the PC 5c to the MFP 1c via the network 3.

<Processing flow in image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, in the image forming apparatus (MFP 1c) according to the present embodiment, a flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus from when print data is received until print output processing is executed based on the print data will be described. .

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the image forming process executed by the MFP 1c. Of the steps shown in FIG. 26, the steps already described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 2 and 14, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. .

  A series of processing from step S101 to step S111 is as described with reference to FIG.

  In step S313, the execution processing determination unit 71 of the MFP 1c receives the information about the user who has performed the user authentication and the information on the contents of the operation performed by the user for the user authentication, received from the user authentication unit 77. Based on this, the user authentication operation management unit 73 is inquired about the user authentication operation performed by the user in relation to step S109. The user authentication operation management unit 73 searches for user authentication operations in items recorded in association with the corresponding user in the authentication operation management table 73c.

  FIG. 27 is an example of an authentication operation management table 73c held by the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1c. The authentication operation management table 73c includes a user name column Cu, an authentication operation content column Co, and an authentication print job column Cj for each record. For example, when the user A makes the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) touch the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) twice in the user authentication related to step S109, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1c performs the process The execution target job information “job A2, job A3, job A4” is returned to the execution process determination unit 71. Further, for example, when the user B touches the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) twice in the user authentication related to step S109, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1c The process execution target job information “no corresponding job” is returned to the execution process determination unit 71.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the authentication operation management table 73c is a table in which the user authentication operation content (Co) and the authentication print job (Cj) can be associated and registered for each user. . However, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1c does not necessarily have to hold the contents of the user authentication operation and the processing contents in a table format. The format for the holding may be changed as appropriate.

  In step S315, the execution process determining unit 71 confirms whether the user authentication operation content performed in association with step S109 by the user matches any one of the operation content registered in the authentication operation management table 73c for the user. It is determined based on a response from the user authentication operation management unit 73. If the execution process determining unit 71 determines that one of the user authentication operation content performed by the user and the operation content registered in the table 73c match ("YES" in step S315), the process proceeds to step The process proceeds to S717. When the execution process determining unit 71 determines that the operation content of the user authentication performed by the user does not match any of the operation content registered in the table 73c (“NO” in step S315), The process proceeds to S113. In addition to the determination in step S <b> 315, the execution process determination unit 71 sends information on the authentication print job to be subjected to the print output process to the control unit 69. When the process proceeds to step S517, the content of this information only needs to match the content of the process execution target job information. If the result of the search is “no corresponding operation”, the content of the information is a predetermined content. Good. Based on the input from the execution process determination unit 71, the control unit 69 sends an instruction to execute a process for the authentication print job to the job execution unit 79 or the like.

  The processes in steps S113, S115, and S117 are as already described. That is, if the content of the user authentication operation performed by the user in relation to step S109 is not registered in the authentication operation management table 73c, the MFP 1c executes a predetermined normal process.

  In step S717, the MFP 1c automatically and collectively executes print output processing for the designated authentication print job among the authentication print jobs of the user who has performed user authentication in relation to step S109.

  As described above, the MFP 1c according to the third embodiment performs processing different from the normal authentication print job processing flow according to the content of the authentication operation performed by the user as user authentication for starting execution of the authentication print job. Can be executed. In the present embodiment, the different processing is batch print output processing for predetermined authentication print job data. Therefore, if the user registers the desired one or more authentication print jobs in the MFP 1c in advance in relation to the contents of the user authentication operation, only the desired authentication print job data is sent to the MFP 1c. Can be instructed by a user authentication operation. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus MFP1c according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the user does not need to perform an operation for selecting an execution target job configured in a complicated procedure with respect to the user interface 57. It is possible to execute print output processing for only authenticated print job data in a batch. Therefore, the MFP 1c according to the present embodiment is also an image forming apparatus that is very convenient for the user.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the image forming apparatus (MFP 1d) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, user authentication using a predetermined authentication device for starting execution of an authentication print job can be set for each user and for each user. A specific operation procedure of the authentication operation for the authentication apparatus can be registered for each authentication print job security level. The MFP 1d differs from the MFPs 1a, 1b, and 1c according to the first, second, and third embodiments when the user registers the authentication print job in the MFP 1d for each user and for each authentication print job. The security level of the authentication print job is set. Data necessary for setting the security level is generated in the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5d) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention based on the user's selection, and is included in the print data related to the authentication print job. Alternatively, it is transmitted from the PC 5d to the MFP 1d in association with the print data and registered in the MFP 1d.

  By doing so, the user can set a higher security level (level “confidential document”) when transmitting print data for an authentication print job related to a highly confidential document among the authentication print jobs. The authentication operation different from the user authentication operation for starting the execution of the authentication print job in which the normal confidential level (level “general document”) is set is started to execute the authentication print job of the “confidential document” level. Can be used for.

  Therefore, even if a person who obtained the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) illegally attempts to execute the authentication print job by impersonating the user, the authentication print job in which the “confidential document” level is set is not executed. . Therefore, the MFP 1d according to the present embodiment can protect a job with particularly high confidentiality without requiring a complicated operation.

  In connection with the configuration of the MFP 1d according to the fourth embodiment, the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5d) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention performs an authentication print job relating to the print data when creating the print data. You can set the secret level.

  In the image forming system having the MFP 1d and the PC 5d, when the user transmits print data from the PC 5d to the MFP 1d, the MFP 1d arbitrarily sets the security level for the print data for each print data by a simple operation on the PC 5d. Is possible. In addition, by doing so, the user can selectively cause the MFP 1d to execute one or a plurality of desired authentication print job groups with different security levels by performing a user authentication operation on the MFP 1d.

  In the following description, portions common to the contents described in connection with the previous embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in each drawing of the accompanying drawings, common reference numerals are assigned to components and processes of the present invention common to a plurality of embodiments.

<Image forming system>
The configuration of the image forming system using the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the description relating to the first and second embodiments. Good. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus>
The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be the same as that of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 7 referred to in the description regarding the first, second, and third embodiments. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Software configuration of image forming apparatus>
The software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be the same as the software configuration shown in FIG. 9 referred to in the description regarding the first, second, and third embodiments. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Functional configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus and MFP 1d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the MFP 1d.

  The communication interface 61 receives print data from the PC 5 or the like via the network 3.

  The print data includes, for example, data (setting parameter data) relating to setting of print output processing, and document data (document data) to be printed out. The setting parameter data includes confidential document setting information data. The confidential document setting information is information relating to the confidentiality level of the authentication print job relating to the job data set by the user and generated by the job registration unit 81 based on the print data. The confidential document setting information data may be received from the PC 5 or the like together with the data indicating the association with the print data separately from the print data.

  The confidential document setting detection unit 81a of the job registration unit 81 detects the confidential document setting information from the received print data, and extracts the confidential level set for the authentication print job related to the job data generated based on the print data. The security level is recorded in association with the authentication print job.

  Here, the user authentication operation management unit 73 according to the present embodiment includes the content of the user authentication operation performed by the user in the user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job, and the security level of the authentication print job to be executed. Are stored and managed for each user. For example, the user authentication operation management unit 73 can store the correspondence relationship as a predetermined table (confidential document display operation management table 73d).

  Based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77, the execution process determination unit 71 determines the content of the user authentication operation actually performed by the user for user authentication for starting the execution of the authentication print job. In addition, the execution process determination unit 71 requests the user authentication operation management unit 73 to inquire about the content of the user authentication operation based on the determination regarding the content of the user authentication operation based on the information received from the user authentication unit 77. To do. When the content of the user authentication operation is stored in the confidential document display operation management table 73d for the corresponding user, the user authentication operation management unit 73 is stored in association with the content of the user authentication operation. The confidential level information (process execution target confidential level information) is returned to the execution process determining unit 71. Alternatively, the user authentication operation management unit 73 determines that there is no corresponding security level if the content of the user authentication operation is not stored in the confidential document display operation management table 73d for the corresponding user. Is returned to the execution process determination unit 71. Then, the execution process determination unit 71 determines the security level of the authentication print job of the user who has performed user authentication to be executed based on the content of the response from the user authentication operation management unit 73, and information on the authentication print job Is output to the control unit 69.

  The control unit 69 instructs the job execution unit 79 to process the authentication print job data based on the processing execution target confidential level information received from the execution processing determination unit 71. Based on the instruction, the job execution unit 79 executes a process for an authenticated print job in which a corresponding security level is set by a user who has performed user authentication. That is, the job execution unit 79 executes the process only for the job data of the authentication print job with the security level indicated by the process execution target security level information.

<Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Device Terminal Device>
The configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5d) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be the same as that of the PC 5 shown in FIG. 11 referred to in the description related to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

<Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Terminal Device>
FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus terminal device and PC 5d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention using functional blocks. However, illustration of functions that are not related to the present embodiment is omitted even if they are functions of the PC 5d.

  The PC 5d has a confidential document setting selection receiving unit 123. The confidential document setting selection receiving unit 123 receives a selection of the confidential level of the authentication print job based on the print data input by the user via the input unit 99. The confidential document setting selection receiving unit 123 sends information (security level selection information) indicating which security level the user has selected to the print data generation unit 107.

  The print data generation unit 107 generates print data to be transmitted to the printer (MFP 1d). The print data generation unit 107 of the PC 5d can include confidential document setting information data in the setting parameter data of the print data to be generated. The print data generation unit 107 generates setting parameter data including data of confidential document setting information, and generates print data from the document data file stored in the HDD 93 and the generated setting parameter data. .

<Flow of image forming process>
<< Processing flow in image forming apparatus terminal apparatus >>
Accordingly, the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device when the user instructs print output using the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system in the image forming apparatus terminal device (PC 5d) according to the present embodiment. Will be explained.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus terminal device PC5d.

  In relation to step S805, the user selects the authentication print job security level for the authentication print job data generated in the MFP 1d based on the print data, via the input unit 99 (FIG. 29). input. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface 11c of printer driver software used for creating print data in the PC 5d. In connection with steps S201 and S805, the user selects the authentication print setting ON setting by checking the check box 111 of the user interface 11c, and the security level (in this example, the normal level is set to normal). Of the authentication print job related to the authentication print job data by selecting “general document” indicating the confidentiality level of the document and “confidential document” of the two levels of “confidential document” indicating the higher confidentiality level. The level can be selected.

  In step S805, the PC 5d receives an input for selecting the security level of the authentication print job related to the authentication print job data. Then, the confidential document setting selection receiving unit 123 (FIG. 29) of the PC 5d determines the security level of the authentication print job data based on the selection input. The determined security level information is output to the print data generation unit 107 as security level selection information data.

  In step S807, the print data generation unit 107 sets the print output method to authentication print output processing (authentication print setting ON), and creates print data. Further, the print data generation unit 107 prints the setting parameter data so as to include confidential document setting information, which is information for setting the confidential level of the authentication print job related to the job data generated from the print data for the MFP 1d. Create data.

  In step S209, the PC 5d transmits the print data created by the print data generation unit 107 to the MFP 1d via the communication interface 101.

  In this way, the print data is sent from the PC 5d to the MFP 1d via the network 3.

<Processing flow in image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, in the image forming apparatus (MFP 1d) according to the present embodiment, a flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus from when print data is received until print output processing is executed based on the print data will be described. .

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of image forming processing executed by the MFP 1d. Of the steps shown in FIG. 32, the steps already described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 2 and 14, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. .

  The processing in steps S101 and S103 is as described with reference to FIG.

  In step S905, the confidential document setting detection unit 81a (FIG. 28) of the job registration unit 81 detects the confidential document setting information data from the received print data, and authenticates the job data generated based on the print data. The security level set for the print job is extracted, and the security level is recorded in relation to the authentication print job.

  A series of processing from step S105 to step S111 is as described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 913, the execution process determination unit 71 of the MFP 1 d receives the information about the user who has performed the user authentication and the information on the contents of the operation performed by the user for user authentication, received from the user authentication unit 77. Based on this, the user authentication operation management unit 73 is inquired about the user authentication operation performed by the user in relation to step S109. The user authentication operation management unit 73 searches for user authentication operations in items recorded in association with the corresponding user in the confidential document display operation management table 73d.

  FIG. 33 is an example of a confidential document display operation management table 73d held by the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1d. The confidential document display operation management table 73d includes a user name column Cu and an authentication operation content column Co for each record. For example, when the user A makes the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) touch the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) once in the user authentication related to step S109, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1d Execution target confidential level information “confidential document level” is returned to the execution process determination unit 71. Further, for example, when the user B touches the IC card 65 (FIG. 8) once with the IC card reader 9 (FIG. 8) in the user authentication related to step S109, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1d The process execution target security level information “No corresponding security level” is returned to the execution process determination unit 71.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the confidential document display operation management table 73d is a table in which the contents (Co) of user authentication operations for executing authentication print jobs with a high security level can be registered for each user. is there. However, the user authentication operation management unit 73 of the MFP 1d does not necessarily need to hold the content of the user authentication operation and the processing content in a table format. The format for the holding may be changed as appropriate. Further, unlike the present example, when the confidential level is classified into three or more levels, the authentication operation content and the confidential level may be held in association with each other.

  In step S315, the execution process determining unit 71 determines whether or not the user authentication operation content performed in association with step S109 by the user matches the operation content registered in the confidential document display operation management table 73d for the user. Is determined based on a response from the user authentication operation management unit 73. When the execution process determination unit 71 determines that the operation content of the user authentication performed by the user matches the operation content registered in the table 73d (“YES” in step S315), the process proceeds to step S919. . When the execution process determining unit 71 determines that the operation content of the user authentication performed by the user does not match the operation content registered in the table 73d (“NO” in step S315), the process proceeds to step S917. Transition. In addition to the determination in step S 315, the execution process determination unit 71 sends the confidential level information of the authentication print job that is to be the target of the print output process to the control unit 69. When the process proceeds to step S517, the content of this information may be the same as the content of the security level information subject to processing execution. If the result of the search is “no applicable security level”, a predetermined predetermined value is obtained. The contents of Based on the input from the execution process determination unit 71, the control unit 69 sends an instruction to execute a process for the authentication print job to the job execution unit 79 or the like.

  In step S919, the MFP 1d displays information about the authentication print job of the designated confidential level (“confidential document level”) among the authentication print jobs of the user who executed user authentication in relation to step S109. (FIG. 28).

  In step S <b> 917, the MFP 1 d displays information about the authentication print job of the designated confidential level (“general document level”) among the authentication print jobs of the user who executed user authentication in relation to step S <b> 109. (FIG. 28).

  The processes in steps S115 and S117 are as already described. That is, if the content of the user authentication operation performed by the user in relation to step S109 is not registered in the confidential document display operation management table 73d, the MFP 1d performs authentication in which the general document level is set as the confidential level. Execute processing for a print job.

  As described above, the MFP 1d according to the fourth embodiment performs processing by changing the authentication print job to be processed according to the content of the authentication operation performed by the user as user authentication for starting execution of the authentication print job. Can be executed. In this embodiment, the authentication print job to be processed is changed based on the security level setting set by the user when creating the print data. Therefore, if the user registers only one desired authentication print job in association with the contents of the user authentication operation and registers in the MFP 1d in advance, only the desired authentication print job data is sent to the MFP 1d. Can be instructed by a user authentication operation. Therefore, the MFP 1d according to the present embodiment is also an image forming apparatus that is very convenient for the user.

  Also, if a complicated operation procedure is registered as a user authentication operation for an authenticated print job with a higher security level setting, a highly confidential document printed by an unauthorized user pretending to be a genuine user Can be prevented.

  The present invention is an image forming system in which operability and productivity are improved while ensuring the security of discharged printed matter. The present invention is useful in the field of image formation.

Schematic showing the procedure for authentication printing Flowchart of authentication print printing process by image forming apparatus Example of printer driver user interface Example of user interface of image forming apparatus Example of user interface of image forming apparatus Schematic configuration of image forming system 100 Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of MFP 1 Example of authentication unit 9 Block diagram showing the software configuration of MFP 1 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an MFP 1a according to a first embodiment Hardware configuration diagram of PC5 The block diagram of the functional structure of PC5a by 1st Embodiment Flowchart of processing in PC 5a according to the first embodiment Flowchart of processing in MFP 1a according to the first embodiment Example diagram of authentication operation management table 73a according to the first embodiment FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an MFP 1b according to the second embodiment. The block diagram of the functional structure of PC5b by 2nd Embodiment Flowchart of processing in PC 5b according to the second embodiment Example of user interface 11a of printer driver software according to the second embodiment Flowchart of processing in MFP 1b according to the second embodiment Example diagram of authentication operation management table 73b according to the second embodiment Block diagram showing a functional configuration of MFP 1c according to the third embodiment The block diagram of the functional structure of PC5c by 3rd Embodiment Flowchart of processing in PC 5c according to the third embodiment Example of a user interface 11b of the printer driver software according to the third embodiment Flowchart of processing in MFP 1c according to the third embodiment FIG. 10 is an example of an authentication operation management table 73c according to the third embodiment. Block diagram showing a functional configuration of MFP 1d according to the fourth embodiment The block diagram of the functional structure of PC5d by 4th Embodiment Flowchart of processing in PC 5d according to the fourth embodiment Example of user interface 11c of printer driver software according to the fourth embodiment Flowchart of processing in MFP 1d according to the fourth embodiment Example of confidential document display operation management table 73d according to the fourth embodiment

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming apparatus (MFP)
1a: MFP according to the first embodiment
1b: MFP according to the second embodiment
1c: MFP according to the third embodiment
1d: MFP according to the fourth embodiment
3... Network 5... Image forming apparatus terminal device (PC)
5a PC according to the first embodiment
5b PC according to the second embodiment
5c: PC according to the third embodiment
5d: PC according to the fourth embodiment
7 ・ ・ ・ PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Authentication unit 11 ... Printer driver software user interface (PC5a display part) by 1st Embodiment
11a: User interface of printer driver software according to the second embodiment (PC5b display unit)
11b: User interface of printer driver software according to the third embodiment (PC5c display unit)
11c: User interface of printer driver software according to the fourth embodiment (PC 5d display unit)
13 ... User name text box 15 ... Password text box 17 ... OK button 21 ... User interface of image forming apparatus 23 ... Touch & print box icon 25 ... OK Button 27a ... Document 1 thumbnail 27b ... Document 2 thumbnail 29a ... Delete button 29b ... Print button 33 ... CPU
35 ... ROM
37 ... RAM
39: Flash memory 41: NVRAM
43 ... Computer main part 45 ... Encryption / decryption part 47 ... HDD
49 ... Box 49a ... Touch & Print Box 49b ... Box 49c ... Box 51 ... Printer Unit 53 ... Scanner Unit 55 ... Facsimile Unit 57 ... User Interface 59 ··· Input unit 61 ... Communication interface 65 ... Authentication IC card 67 ... User 69 ... Control unit 71 ... Execution process decision unit 73 ... User authentication operation management unit 73a ... Authentication operation management table 73b according to the first embodiment 73b Authentication operation management table according to the second embodiment 73c ... Authentication operation management table 73d according to the third embodiment 73d ... Confidential document display operation management Table 75 ... Job holding unit 77 ... User authentication unit 79 ... Job execution unit 79a ... -Menu 81 ... job registration unit 81a ··· confidential document setting detection unit 83 ... input section 85 ... network folder 87 ··· CPU
89 ・ ・ ・ ROM
91 ... RAM
93 ・ ・ ・ HDD
95 ... CD-ROM
97 ・ ・ ・ FDD
99 ... Input unit 100 ... Image forming system 101 ... Communication interface 103 ... Control unit 105 ... Authentication print setting determination unit 107 ... Print data generation unit 109 ... Data holding area selection Reception unit 111 ... Authentication print setting check box 113 ... Storage area selection pull-down menu 115 ... Cancel button 117 ... User authentication operation registration part 119 ... Authentication operation content selection reception part 121 ··· Operation content selection pull-down menu 123 ··· Confidential document setting selection acceptance unit 125 ··· Confidential level selection radio button Cf ··· Folder / column Cj · Authentication print job · Column Co · · Authentication operation Content column Cp ... Processing content column Cu ... User name column m1 ・ ・ ・ Main control module m2 ・ ・ ・ Printer control module m3 ・ ・ ・ Scanner control module m4 ・ ・ ・ Facsimile processing module m5 ・ ・ ・ Network processing module m6 ・ ・ ・ PCScan application module m7 ・ ・ ・ PCPrint application module m8・ ・ ・ Authentication data management module m9 ・ ・ ・ User interface control module

Claims (15)

An image forming apparatus capable of executing an authentication print job, which is a print job in which user authentication using a predetermined authentication apparatus is performed and start of print output processing is determined based on a result of the user authentication. And
A communication interface unit for receiving print data relating to the authentication print job;
A job data holding unit that has a plurality of folders and holds job data based on the print data for the authentication print job for each folder corresponding to a user;
A job execution unit that executes processing related to the authentication print job based on the job data;
An authentication unit which is the predetermined authentication device;
A user authentication unit that outputs a result of user authentication using the authentication unit;
User authentication operation management for managing management data including user data, authentication operation content data associated with the user data, and folder data associated with each authentication operation content And
A display unit capable of displaying information of job data held in the job data holding unit;
The content of the authentication operation in the user authentication is determined based on the output of the user authentication unit, the content of the authentication operation is referred to the user authentication operation management unit based on the result of the determination, the result of the inquiry, An authentication print job relating to all job data in the folder corresponding to the content of the authentication operation of the authenticated user is determined as a process to be executed by the job execution unit, and the job execution unit is instructed to execute the process In addition, when data corresponding to the contents of the authentication operation is not found in the management data, the information of the authenticated user's job data is displayed on the display unit, and is selected according to the user's job selection. A control unit for instructing the job execution unit to execute the job ,
An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit is an IC card reader.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit is a fingerprint reader.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines the content of an authentication operation in the user authentication based on the number of times an IC card has touched the IC card reader and the duration of each touch. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines the content of an authentication operation in the user authentication based on the number of times a user's finger has touched the fingerprint reader and the duration of each touch. . An image forming apparatus capable of executing an authentication print job, which is a print job for performing user authentication using a predetermined authentication apparatus and determining the start of execution of print output processing based on a result of the user authentication; An image forming system having an image forming apparatus terminal device that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute print output processing,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication interface unit for receiving print data relating to the authentication print job;
A job data holding unit that has a plurality of folders and holds job data based on the print data for the authentication print job for each folder corresponding to a user;
A job execution unit that executes processing related to the authentication print job based on the job data;
An authentication unit which is the predetermined authentication device;
A user authentication unit that outputs a result of user authentication using the authentication unit;
User authentication operation management for managing management data including user data, authentication operation content data associated with the user data, and folder data associated with each authentication operation content And
A display unit capable of displaying information of job data held in the job data holding unit;
The content of the authentication operation in the user authentication is determined based on the output of the user authentication unit, the content of the authentication operation is referred to the user authentication operation management unit based on the result of the determination, the result of the inquiry, The authentication execution job for all job data in the folder corresponding to the content of the authentication operation of the authenticated user is determined as a process to be executed by the job execution unit, and the job execution unit is instructed to execute the process In addition, if data corresponding to the contents of the authentication operation is not found in the management data, the information of the authenticated user's job data is displayed on the display unit of the own device, and the job is selected by the user. A control unit for instructing the job execution unit of the own machine to execute the selected job ,
Have
The image forming apparatus terminal device
An authentication print setting determination unit that receives an input of selection of the setting of the authentication print job;
A print data generation unit configured to generate print data including authentication print job setting data based on an input of the authentication print job setting selection;
An image forming system comprising: a communication interface that transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 6 , wherein the authentication unit of the image forming apparatus is an IC card reader. The image forming system according to claim 6 , wherein the authentication unit of the image forming apparatus is a fingerprint reader. The control unit of the image forming apparatus, the number of times the IC card touches the IC card reader, and, based on the duration of each touch, to determine the content of the authentication operation in the user authentication, to claim 7 The image forming system described. The control unit of the image forming apparatus, the number of times that the user's finger has touched the fingerprint reader, and, based on the duration of each touch, to determine the content of the authentication operation in the user authentication, to claim 8 The image forming system described. A computer of an image forming apparatus capable of executing an authentication print job, which is a print job in which user authentication using a predetermined authentication device is performed and start of execution of print output processing is determined based on a result of the user authentication Is an executable image forming program,
A function for causing the communication interface unit to receive print data relating to the authentication print job;
A function that holds job data based on the print data for the authentication print job for each folder corresponding to a user in a job data holding unit having a plurality of folders;
A function for causing the job execution unit to execute processing related to the authentication print job based on the job data;
A function for causing a user authentication unit to output a result of user authentication using the authentication unit which is the predetermined authentication device;
Management data including user data, data of the contents of the authentication operation in the user authentication associated with the user data, and data of a folder associated with the contents of each authentication operation in the user authentication operation management unit With the ability to manage
A function for displaying information of job data held in the job data holding unit on the display unit;
Let the control unit determine the content of the authentication operation in the user authentication based on the output of the user authentication unit, let the user authentication operation management unit query the content of the authentication operation based on the determination result, As a result of the inquiry, an authentication print job relating to all job data in a folder corresponding to the content of the authentication operation of the authenticated user is determined as a process to be executed by the job execution unit, and the job execution unit performs the process. If the data corresponding to the contents of the authentication operation is not found in the management data, the information of the authenticated user's job data is displayed on the display unit so that the user can select a job. A function for instructing the job execution unit to execute the job selected according to
An image forming program. The image forming program according to claim 11 , wherein the authentication unit is an IC card reader. The image forming program according to claim 11 , wherein the authentication unit is a fingerprint reader. The function of instructing the control unit to execute the process is that the control unit performs an authentication operation in the user authentication based on the number of times the IC card has touched the IC card reader and the duration of each touch. The image forming program according to claim 12 , comprising a function of discriminating contents. The function of instructing the control unit to execute the processing is the function of causing the control unit to perform an authentication operation in the user authentication based on the number of times a user's finger touches the fingerprint reading device and the duration of each touch. The image forming program according to claim 13 , comprising a function for discriminating contents.

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