JP5205578B2 - Image forming apparatus, printing system, processing method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a printing system, a processing method, and a program for switching a range of a wireless terminal for executing processing related to login of the image forming apparatus by wireless authentication.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus, there is an apparatus capable of so-called user authentication that requests input of user information for specifying a user to be used when the apparatus is used and permits the use of the apparatus according to the specified user. . Various methods have been proposed for this user authentication method.

  As one of user authentication methods, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when a wireless terminal capable of wireless communication with an image processing apparatus approaches the apparatus, user information held by the wireless terminal is displayed as an image. There is an automatic input method for transmitting to a processing device. This method also discloses a method of automatically logging out when a user who has logged in automatically leaves the image forming apparatus.

Japanese Patent No. 4232778 JP 2008-200898 A

  However, the wireless terminal authentication method as described above has the following problems.

  First, even if the user who owns the wireless terminal does not intend to authenticate, he / she logs in only by passing near the image forming apparatus.

  Secondly, even if the user who owns the wireless terminal does not intend to authenticate, he / she logs in just by passing near the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the image forming apparatus located in a busy area frequently logs in. This reduces the power saving effect when not in use.

The present invention aims to provide a mechanism capable of switching the range of the wireless terminal for performing the process according to the login user by print job.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a wireless terminal that stores identification information for identifying a user, the receiving unit receiving a print job associated with the user, and the print job received by the receiving unit A change unit that changes a range in which a process related to login of a user of the print job is executed in advance so that a process related to login is executed in a range wider than the range, and the wireless terminal uses the change unit Range determination means for determining whether or not the range is changed, and identification information obtained by communication with the wireless terminal when the range determination means determines that the wireless terminal is in the changed range And executing means for executing in advance processing relating to login of the user corresponding to the above.

In addition, the execution unit executes a process related to login in advance, and a printing instruction unit that instructs printing of a logged-in user's print job and the changing unit correspond to the user according to the printing instruction in the printing instruction unit. The range in which the process related to login is executed in advance is changed to the original range.

Further, the information processing apparatus further includes notification means for notifying that the change means has changed to the original range.

The image forming apparatus further includes logout determining means for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus is in a logout state. When the logout determination means determines that the image forming apparatus is in the logout state, the execution unit executes a process related to login in advance. It is characterized by that.

And a storage unit that stores the print job received by the receiving unit, and a print job determination unit that determines whether there is a user print job corresponding to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit. The change means, when the print job determination means determines that there is a print job, a range in which a process for login of the user of the print job is executed in advance, and a process for login in a range wider than the range. The range is changed so as to be executed in advance.

The present invention makes it possible to switch the range of the wireless terminal for performing the process according to the login user by print job.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the authentication system 1 which concerns on this invention Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the client PC 101 Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device Illustration showing the concept of login distance Process overview of authentication system 1 Flow chart showing an example of job submission processing Flow chart showing an example of login process Flow chart showing an example of job execution processing An image diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction peripheral 100 The figure which shows an example of job DB250 The figure which shows an example of authentication DB260 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction device setting 270 Flow chart showing an example of login distance acquisition processing

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an authentication system 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an authentication system 1 according to the present invention. In addition, in order to manage a print job, it can be paraphrased as a print system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, one or a plurality of multifunction peripherals 100 installed in each floor, one or a plurality of client PCs 101 (for example, one for an administrator and one for each user) are LAN (Local Area Network). 110 is connected.

  The multifunction device 100 is an image forming apparatus having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copy, and a facsimile.

  The client PC 101 is a PC for setting the multifunction peripheral 100, and has a function capable of communicating with the multifunction peripheral 100 via a network (HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol) (for example, Internet Explorer (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation). It is a mounted PC. It is also a PC for submitting a print job from the user. The user generates a print job from an application via a printer driver, and the printer driver uses an LPR (Line Printer Daemon) or other print protocol to print the print job. Can be transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The authentication system 1 may be configured to connect an authentication server (not shown). In this case, the authentication server 260 includes an authentication DB 260 shown in FIG. Then, the authentication DB 260 is searched according to the terminal ID transmitted from the multifunction device 100, and authentication is performed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the authentication DB 260 is stored in the HDD 3004.

  Next, the MFP 100 and the client PC 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client PC 101, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the client PC 101, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2001, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2002, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2003, an input controller 2005, a video controller 2006, a memory, and the like are connected via a system bus 2004. A controller 2007 and a communication I / F controller 2008 are connected.

  The CPU 2001 controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 2004 in an integrated manner.

  The ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 holds a basic input / output system (BIOS) and an operating system (OS) that are control programs of the CPU 2001, various programs executed by each server or each PC, and the like.

  A RAM 2002 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 to the RAM 2002 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 2005 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard (KB) 2009 or a mouse (not shown).

  The video controller 2006 controls display on a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 2010. The display is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  The memory controller 2007 is a hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 2011 such as a Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive) connected to the card slot via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller 2008 connects and communicates with an external device via a network such as the LAN 110, and executes communication control processing on the network. The communication I / F controller 2008 can perform communication using, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and the like.

  The CPU 2001 can display on the CRT 2010 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 2002, for example. Further, the CPU 2001 enables a user instruction using a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 2010 or the like.

Various programs operating on the hardware of the client PC 101 are recorded in the external memory 2011, loaded into the RAM 2002 as necessary, and executed by the CPU 2001. Definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are stored in the external memory 2011.
Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-function device 100 is configured to have hardware configurations of a controller unit 3020, an operation unit 3030, a wireless terminal reader 3040, a printer 3050, and a scanner 3060.

  The controller unit 3020 includes a CPU 3001, a RAM 3002, a ROM 3003, a hard disk drive (HDD) 3004, a network interface (Network I / F) 3005, a modem (MODEM) 3006, and an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F). F) 3007, image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 3008, external interface (external I / F) 3009, system bus 3010, raster image processor (RIP) 3011, printer interface (printer I / F) ) 3012, a scanner interface (scanner I / F) 3013, an image processing unit 3014, and an image bus 3015.

  The controller unit 3020 is connected to a scanner 3060 that functions as an image input device and a printer 3050 that functions as an image output device. On the other hand, the LAN (network) 110, for example, PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). ) Etc., and input / output of image data and device information.

  The CPU 3001 is a processor that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 3010 and the image bus 3015.

  A RAM 3002 is a work memory for the CPU 3001 to operate, and also has functions of a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data. For example, the terminal ID read by the wireless terminal reader 3040 is stored.

  The ROM 3003 stores a system boot program and various control programs. The HDD 3004 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. Note that the ROM 3003 or the HDD 3004 stores the MFP setting 270 in FIG. 13 and setting information for controlling the MFP. The HDD 3004 is a medium for permanently storing information, and the form is not limited to the HDD. For example, a medium such as SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used.

  A network I / F 3005 is connected to the LAN 110 and performs data input / output. The MODEM 3006 is connected to a public line network and inputs / outputs data such as transmission / reception by FAX.

  An operation unit I / F 3007 is an interface in the operation unit 3030 that is a user interface (UI), and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 3030 to the operation unit 3030. The operation unit I / F 3007 plays a role of transmitting information (for example, user information) input from the operation unit 3030 by the user of this system to the CPU 3001. Note that the operation unit 3030 includes a display unit having a touch panel corresponding to a keyboard, and performs various instructions by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button on the keyboard displayed on the display unit. Can do.

  The IMAGE BUS I / F 3008 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 3010 and an image bus 3015 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The external I / F 3009 is an interface that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In the present embodiment, the external I / F 3009 is connected to a wireless terminal reader 3040 for reading wireless terminal information necessary for wireless terminal authentication. The CPU 3001 can control reading of information from the wireless terminal by the wireless terminal reader 3040 via the external I / F 3009, and can acquire information read from the wireless terminal. Note that the wireless terminal may be a card type or a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone as long as it can communicate with the wireless terminal reader 3040.

  The above devices 3001 to 3009 are arranged on the system bus 3010 and can communicate with each other.

  For example, the RIP 3011 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

  A printer I / F 3012 connects the printer 3050 and the controller unit 3020, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner I / F 3013 connects the scanner 3060 and the controller unit 3020, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 3014 performs correction processing, processing processing, and editing processing on input image data, and performs printer correction processing, resolution conversion processing, and the like on print output image data. In addition to these processes, the image processing unit 3014 performs rotation processing of image data, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) for multi-value image data, and JBIG (Joint Bi for binary image data). -Compression / decompression processing such as level Image experts Group), MR (Modified READ), MMR (Modified Modified READ), and MH (Modified Huffman) is performed.

  The devices shown in the above 3008, 3011-3014 are arranged on the image bus 3015 and can communicate with each other. The image bus 3015 is constituted by, for example, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or IEEE1394.

  Specifically, the operation unit 3030 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD display unit to display the operation screen of the present system and the displayed operation screen. When a key (button) is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 3001 via the operation unit I / F 3007. The operation unit 3030 includes keyboard functions such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, for example, there are two colors of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) of green and red, and whether or not the start key can be used is indicated by light emission of each color. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when stopping an operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 3030 is operated when, for example, the user ID of the user (user) is input. The reset key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when initializing settings by the operation unit 3030.

  The wireless terminal reader 3040 reads the terminal identification information from the wireless terminal and acquires the distance from the object under the control of the CPU 3001. For example, a method capable of simultaneously performing wireless communication and distance acquisition may be used. Specifically, there is communication using the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) method. Moreover, the method which combined radio | wireless communication and the distance acquisition means may be used. Specifically, wireless communication includes RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The distance acquisition includes position information acquisition by GPS (Global Positioning System) and distance acquisition by using a phase difference by a laser beam. Regardless of the method, the terminal identification information read by the wireless terminal reader 3040 and the target distance are notified to the CPU 3001 via the external I / F 3009.

  The printer 3050 converts, for example, raster image data as an image on paper. The conversion method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum and a photosensitive belt, and an ink jet method in which an image is directly printed on paper by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array. It doesn't matter. Activation of the printing operation of the printer 3050 is started by an instruction from the CPU 3001. The printer 3050 includes a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and a paper cassette corresponding to each paper feed stage is provided.

  The scanner 3060 illuminates an image on paper as a document, and scans the document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor, thereby converting the image of the document into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the user of the MFP 100 issues a reading start instruction from the operation unit 3030, the CPU 3001 gives an instruction to the scanner 3060, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one. Read the original image.

  With the configuration as described above, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 3060 to the LAN 110 and print out the print data received from the LAN 110 with the printer 3050. Further, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 3060 by FAX from the MODEM 3006 to the public line network, and print out the image data received by FAX from the public line network by the printer 3050.

  Next, functions of the authentication system 1 and data to be used will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

  4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of each device in the authentication system 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a concept of a login distance, and FIG. 10 is a screen displayed on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the job DB 250, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the authentication DB 260, and FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the MFP setting 270. The authentication DB 260 in FIG. 12 is information used to search (authenticate) a user using a terminal ID. Further, the MFP setting 270 in FIG. 13 is a value set in the login distance 264.

  The function of each device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a function for executing processing of the client PC 101 will be described. Each functional unit is executed by the CPU 2001.

  The client PC 101 includes an application unit 300, a printer driver unit 301, an N / W communication unit 302, and the like.

  The application unit 300 provides a user with a GUI (Graphic User Interface), and generates image data suitable for the user's purpose.

  The printer driver unit 301 converts the image data generated by the application unit 300 into page description language (PDL) data that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral 100. Further, bibliographic information such as a job name, a user name that executed the job, and job color information is added to the PDL data to create a print job.

  The N / W communication unit 302 connects and communicates with an external device via a network such as the LAN 110 and controls communication according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP. As a result, the client PC 101 can communicate with the multifunction peripheral 100 that is also connected to the LAN 110.

  Next, functions for executing the processing of the multifunction machine 100 will be described. Each functional unit is executed by the CPU 3001.

  The MFP 100 includes a login distance switching unit 200, a print control unit 201, a screen control unit 202, an N / W communication unit 203, an authentication management unit 204, an authentication condition determination unit 205, a wireless terminal communication unit 206, and a printer driver communication unit 207. A job analysis unit 208, a job management unit 209, and the like.

  The login distance switching unit 200 switches the login distance 264 of each user stored in the authentication DB 260. Thereby, the range in which a user can log in can be widened or narrowed.

  The print control unit 201 is for controlling the printer 3050 of the multifunction peripheral 100. A print job is converted into a bitmap image, and printing is performed on a medium such as paper using a known printing technique.

  The screen control unit 202 is for displaying a screen for the user to operate the multifunction device 100 on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction device 100. For example, screens such as a wireless authentication screen 1000, a keyboard authentication screen 1100, a print screen 1200, and a dialog 1300 shown in FIG. 10 are displayed.

  The N / W communication unit 203 has a function equivalent to that of the N / W communication unit 302 included in the client PC 101.

  The authentication management unit 204 searches for user information from the authentication DB 260.

  The authentication DB 260 includes a plurality of terminal IDs 261, user names 262, passwords 263, login distances 264, and the like. The terminal ID 261 is an ID for identifying a wireless terminal. A unique ID is assigned to each wireless terminal, and an individual wireless terminal can be identified by acquiring the ID. The user name 262 is a user name used when logging in to the multifunction peripheral 100. The password 263 is information for verifying the user. A password is used when a user who has forgotten the wireless terminal performs authentication on the keyboard authentication screen 1100.

  The login distance 264 is information that defines the maximum distance at which the user can log in to the MFP, and either the login distance X10 or the login distance Y11 is set. In the embodiment, a method using two distances X and Y according to the presence or absence of a job is described, but a method using a plurality of distances according to the number of jobs may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the login distance X10 is wider than the login distance Y11. The login distance X10 is not exclusive of the login distance Y11 and includes the login distance Y11. The login distance Y11 is shorter than the login distance X10. The multi-function device 100 switches the login distance 264 for each user stored in the authentication DB 260 to the login distance X10 or the login distance Y11 according to the presence or absence of a user's print job.

  The login distance can be set freely. For example, the login distance X10 is 2 m, and the login distance Y11 is 20 cm. In this case, a user with a print job can be authenticated when approaching a radius of 2 m. On the other hand, a user who does not have a print job cannot be authenticated unless he approaches 20 cm. To approach 20 cm is an image close to proximity authentication such as IC card authentication.

  The authentication condition determination unit 205 determines whether to log in the user of the wireless terminal that has received wirelessly. In the authentication condition determination, the physical distance between the wireless terminal and the multifunction peripheral 100 is compared with the login distance 264 of the user to determine whether or not login is possible. Also, it is determined whether or not the multifunction peripheral 100 is in a logout state, whether the panel of the operation unit 3030 is being operated, and whether or not the terminal ID search has been successful.

  The wireless terminal communication unit 206 communicates with the wireless terminal, acquires a physical distance from the wireless terminal, and acquires a wireless terminal ID.

  The printer driver communication unit 207 communicates with the printer driver unit 301 of the client PC 101 by using a print protocol such as LPR (Line Printer Daemon) or RAW. As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 can accept a print job from the client PC 101.

  A job analysis unit 208 analyzes a print job input from the client PC 101. The print job includes bibliographic information such as a user name and color information. The bibliographic information is analyzed from the print job, and information necessary for application operation such as a user name is acquired.

  The job management unit 209 stores the print job and the analyzed bibliographic information in the job DB 250. Also, the job data 253 is searched using the user name 252 as a key.

  The job DB 250 includes a plurality of job IDs 251, user names 252, job data 253, document names (job names) 254, and the like. The job ID 251 is a management number for identifying a job, and is assigned a unique number by the application. The user name 252 is information included in the bibliographic information of the print job, and represents the user who submitted the print job. The document name (job name) 254 is a file name assigned to a job generated by the application. Job data 253 is print job data. In addition, although not shown, the number of pages included in the bibliographic information and the date when printing is stored.

Next, an outline of processing of the authentication system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a process outline diagram of the authentication system 1.

  FIG. 6 illustrates the distance between the MFP 100 when a user (user A) who has submitted a print job from the client PC 101 to the MFP 100 and a user (user B) who has not submitted a print job approach the MFP 100. The outline of determining whether or not to log in according to the above is shown. In FIG. 6, user A has a wireless terminal (terminal ID CA), and user B has a wireless terminal (terminal ID CB).

  First, the case of the user A who inputs a print job and logs in will be described.

The user A generates a job with an arbitrary application on the client PC 101 (1-1), and inputs a print job to the multi-function peripheral 100 using the printer driver (1-2).

  The multi-function device 100 accepts the print job and stores it in the job DB 250 (1-3). In addition, the MFP 100 switches the login distance 264 of the user A stored in the authentication DB 260 to the login distance X10 (1-4).

  Next, the user A moves from L1 to L2 (2-1). The multifunction device 100 detects a wireless terminal, communicates with the terminal, and acquires a terminal ID and a terminal distance (2-2). Further, the user name is acquired from the authentication DB 260 based on the terminal ID, and the job DB 250 is searched based on the user name to determine whether there is a user print job (2-3). At this time, since the login distance 264 of the user A is the login distance X10 and the terminal distance is within the login distance X10, the multifunction peripheral 100 logs in the user A (2-4).

  User A moves from L2 to L3 and approaches the device (3-1). Since the user A has already logged in to the multifunction device 100 in 2-4, the print screen 1200 after the login of the user A is displayed on the screen of the multifunction device 100 at this time. User A selects his print job and executes the job (3-2). The multi-function device 100 acquires the print job of the login user from the job DB 250 and prints it on paper (3-3). Since all the user jobs have been printed, the multi-function device 100 switches the user login distance 264 from the login distance X10 to the login distance Y11 (3-4).

  Next, the case of user B who logs in without submitting a print job will be described.

  User B moves from L4 to L5 (4-1). The multifunction device 100 detects the wireless terminal, communicates with the terminal, and acquires the terminal ID and the terminal distance (4-2). Also, a user name is acquired from the authentication DB 260 based on the terminal ID, and the job DB 250 is searched based on the user name to determine whether there is a user print job (4-3). At this time, since the login distance 264 of the user B is the login distance Y11 and the terminal distance is outside the login distance Y11, the multifunction peripheral 100 does not log in the user A.

  User B moves from L5 to L6 as it is (5-1). The multifunction device 100 detects a wireless terminal, communicates with the terminal, and acquires a terminal ID and a terminal distance (5-2). Also, the user name is acquired from the authentication DB 260 based on the terminal ID, and the job DB 250 is searched based on the user name to determine whether there is a user print job (5-3). At this time, since the login distance 264 of the user B is the login distance Y11 and the terminal distance is within the login distance Y11, the multi-function device 100 logs in the user B (5-4).

  Next, detailed processing of the authentication system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  7 is a flowchart showing an example of job input processing of the authentication system 1, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of login processing of the authentication system 1, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of job execution processing of the authentication system 1. is there.

  First, the job input process of the authentication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that each step from step S100 to step S101 is executed by the CPU 2001, and each step from step S102 to step S1006 is executed by the CPU 3001.

  In FIG. 7, the client PC 101 generates a print job and inputs it to the multifunction device 100. The multifunction device 100 receives, analyzes, and stores a print job. At the same time, the login distance of the user who submitted the job is switched.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the client PC 101 generates a print job using an application (step S100), and inputs the print job to the multifunction peripheral 100 using a printer driver (step S101).

  The multi-function device 100 receives a print job from the client PC 101 (receives a print job) (step S102). The accepted print job is stored in the RAM 3002.

  The bibliographic information of the stored print job is analyzed (step S103). Specifically, the user name, job name, job color information, and the like that executed the job are analyzed.

  The multi-function device 100 stores the analyzed print job in the job DB 250 (step S104). At this time, since there can be a plurality of print jobs for a plurality of users in the job DB 250, a job ID 251 is assigned to identify each print job. A user name acquired by analyzing the print job is a user name 252. The received print job is assumed to be job data 253.

  The multi-function device 100 searches the authentication DB 260 for user information that matches the acquired user name 252 (step S105), and changes the login distance 264 of the corresponding user information from the login distance Y11 (first login distance) to the login distance X10 ( Switching to the second login distance) (step S106). If the login distance 264 is already the login distance X10, the switching is not performed.

  The login distance 264 sets a range for permitting login to the multifunction device 100 (distance between the wireless terminal and the multifunction device).

  By switching the login distance, a user who has submitted a print job has a wider range for logging in to the multifunction device 100. In other words. The login distance X10 (second login distance) is a value farther (wider) than the login distance Y11 (first login distance).

  Next, the login process of the authentication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the CPU 3001 executes each of steps S200 to S208.

  In FIG. 8, when the multifunction peripheral 100 recognizes the wireless terminal, the multifunction peripheral 100 determines whether or not the login is possible. If the user can log in, the distance from the wireless terminal and the login distance of the user are compared, and if the user can log in, the user logs in.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the multi-function device 100 receives information from the wireless terminal (step S200). The multifunction device 100 switches the user login distance 264 according to the distance from the wireless terminal and the user's print job status.

  The multi-function device 100 determines whether or not it has received wireless reception from the wireless terminal (step S200). Wireless communication is roughly classified into an active type in which information is transmitted from a wireless terminal and a passive type in which the wireless terminal responds by notifying the wireless terminal of information from the wireless terminal reader 3040. Here, either method may be used to receive radio.

  When receiving the wireless reception from the wireless terminal, the multifunction peripheral 100 acquires the terminal ID and the terminal distance from the wireless terminal (Step S201) (identification information acquisition). The terminal distance is a physical distance between the wireless terminal and the wireless terminal reader 3040. If the terminal ID acquired here is a wireless terminal associated with the user who has recently logged out of the multifunction peripheral 100, communication with the wireless terminal is not performed. This is to prevent the user from logging in accidentally by recognizing the wireless terminal while logging out and moving away from the multifunction device 100.

  Note that a user ID serving as a user name may be stored in advance in an arbitrary storage area of the wireless terminal, and the wireless terminal reader 3040 may read the user ID. That is, since both the terminal ID and the user ID are used for specifying the user, it can be said that the identification information for identifying the user.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that a terminal distance may be acquired by methods other than acquiring from a wireless terminal. For example, the distance is determined in the multifunction device 100 by communication between the wireless terminal and the wireless terminal reader 3040 and stored in the RAM 3002 of the multifunction device 100. The stored distance is acquired from the RAM 3002. That is, step S201 only needs to acquire at least the terminal ID.

  The multi-function device 100 compares the terminal distance and the login distance X10 (step S202), and if the terminal distance is longer than the login distance X10, it again waits for the wireless terminal. A user at a position farther than the login distance X10 cannot log in regardless of whether there is a print job or the state of the multifunction peripheral 100. Therefore, the terminal distance and the login distance X10 are first compared before making other determinations.

  If the terminal distance is shorter than the login distance X10 as a result of the determination in step S202, the multi-function device 100 determines whether the state of the multi-function device 100 is the current logout state (logout determination) (step S203). If any user is logged in to the multifunction device 100 and authentication is performed because another user approaches, there is a security problem. This security problem is avoided by determining whether or not the user is logged out.

  As a result of the determination in step S203, if the state of the multifunction device 100 is the logout state, the multifunction device 100 determines whether another user is using (operating) the operation unit of the multifunction device 100 or the panel of the operation unit 3030. (Operation determination) (step S204). For example, when the user forgets the wireless terminal, it is conceivable that the keyboard authentication screen 1100 is displayed on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction peripheral 100 and authentication is performed by inputting the user name and password. When a user enters a user name and password and another user can log in at the timing when another user approaches the MFP 100, the former user is not user-friendly and there is a security problem. . In order to avoid this problem, the operation status of the operation unit 3030 is determined.

  If the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction device 100 is not in use as a result of the determination in step S204, the multifunction device 100 searches the authentication DB 260 for the terminal ID 261 acquired in step S201 (step S205). The login distance 264 of information is acquired (step S206).

  The multi-function device 100 determines whether the acquired login distance 264 is the login distance X10 or the login distance Y11 (step S207).

  If the result of determination in step S207 is that the login distance 264 is the login distance X10, the multifunction peripheral 100 performs login processing (step S208).

  In this embodiment, whether or not there is a wireless terminal within the login distance X10 is determined in step S202. However, if it is determined in step S207 that the login distance is X, step S202 is processed after step S207. Is also possible.

  That the login distance 264 of the user is the login distance X10 means that there are one or more user print jobs. Since it is already known in step S202 that the wireless terminal is within the login distance X10, the login is performed without particularly determining the distance.

  The login process is a process for making the multifunction device 100 available to the user, and can execute various functions of the multifunction device 100 (for example, a print function, a copy function, and a scan function). These various functions can be restricted when logging in according to the user's authority.

  Then, after the login process is performed when the login distance is X10, the job DB 250 is searched using the user name as a key in order to acquire information (for example, a document name) of the logged-in user's print job. Then, print job information is acquired, and a print job list (print job list) is displayed as in the print screen 1200.

  In this case, a list is displayed on the print screen 1200 when the logged-in user's wireless terminal reaches the login distance Y11.

  Even if the login distance Z is longer than the login distance Y11 and shorter than the login distance X10 in addition to the login distance Y11, the MFP 100 holds the login distance Z (for example, 1 meter). Good.

  Thereby, when there is a print job of the user, it is possible to log in even at a long distance (login distance X10). This is because when the user passes the vicinity of the multifunction peripheral 100 after submitting a print job, it is unlikely that the user has accidentally passed the vicinity of the multifunction peripheral 100, and the possibility of passing the vicinity of the multifunction peripheral 100 is high. It is.

  As a result of the determination in step S207, if the login distance 264 is the login distance Y11, the multi-function device 100 compares the terminal distance with the login distance Y11 (step S209). That the login distance 264 of the user is the login distance Y11 means that there is no user print job. In other words, step S209 is processing for determining whether or not the wireless terminal is within the login distance (within the login distance Y11).

  As a result of the determination in step S209, if the login distance 264 is longer than the login distance Y11, the multi-function device 100 transitions to the wireless standby state again.

  As a result, when there is no user print job, the user is not logged in unless it is within a certain distance (login distance Y11). Accordingly, since a user who happens to log in without passing through the MFP 100 does not automatically log in, a security problem can be avoided.

  Even if there is no print job, it is possible to log in as long as it is within a short distance (login distance Y11). Therefore, it is possible to log in even when a print job has not been submitted but the MFP 100 is desired to be used for scanning or the like.

  Next, job execution processing of the authentication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the CPU 3001 executes each of steps S300 to S305.

  In FIG. 9, upon receiving a print instruction from the user, the multifunction peripheral 100 executes the instructed print job. If the user's print job does not remain after execution of the print job, the multifunction peripheral 100 switches the user's login distance.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the multi-function device 100 determines whether or not a print instruction has been given by the user (step S300). For example, the print instruction means that a user selects a desired print job from the print job list displayed on the print screen 1200 and presses the print button 1201.

  If it is determined that the user has instructed printing as a result of the determination in step S300, the multifunction peripheral 100 executes the instructed print job (step S301). Specifically, the job is searched from the job DB 250 using the job ID as a key, and printed on a medium such as paper using a known technique. In addition, the executed print job is deleted from the job DB 250.

  The multi-function device 100 searches for a user print job from the job DB 250 (step S302), and determines whether a print job exists (step S303). Since the print job has already been executed in the previous step S301, in many cases, it is determined that the user's print job is not found here. An example of finding a print job here is a case where a plurality of print jobs have been submitted, but only a portion of the submitted print jobs could be printed because there is no time to print all the jobs.

  If it is determined in step S303 that there is no print job, the multi-function peripheral 100 changes the login distance 264 of the corresponding user information from the login distance X10 (second login distance) to the login distance Y11 (first login). (Distance) (second change) (step S304).

  By switching the login distance, a user who has submitted a print job can narrow the range in which the user can log in to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The multifunction device 100 notifies the user that the login distance has been switched (step S305). Specifically, a dialog 1300 is displayed on the print screen 1200 of the multifunction device 100.

  According to the above configuration, the login security by wireless authentication is increased by switching the login distance depending on whether or not the user has a print job.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the authentication system 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail.

  In the first embodiment, the user login distance is switched between when a print job is input and when the print job is executed. In the second embodiment, the login distance is set both when the print job is input and when the print job is executed. Is configured not to switch. Instead, when the user approaches the multi-function device 100, the login distance is switched by determining whether the user has a job.

  As described above, the second embodiment implements a mechanism for switching the login distance depending on whether or not a user has a print job, as in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 14.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of job input processing, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of login processing, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of job execution processing, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing login distance acquisition processing.

  Other drawings are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  First, the job input process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the client PC 101 generates a print job and inputs it to the multifunction device 100. The multifunction device 100 receives, analyzes, and stores a print job.

  In FIG. 7, the processes from step S100 to step S105 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that the process of step S106 is not performed in the second embodiment.

  Next, the wireless login process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 8, when the multifunction peripheral 100 recognizes the wireless terminal, the multifunction peripheral 100 determines whether or not the login is possible. If the user can log in, the distance from the wireless terminal and the login distance of the user are compared, and if the user can log in, the user logs in.

  In FIG. 8, the processes from step S200 to step S208 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that a login distance acquisition process shown in FIG. 14 is performed between step S205 and step S206.

  Next, job execution processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, upon receiving a print instruction from the user, the multifunction peripheral 100 executes the instructed print job.

  In FIG. 9, the processes from step S300 to step S302 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that the processes in steps S303 to S305 are not performed in the second embodiment.

  Next, a login distance acquisition process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the CPU 3001 executes each of steps S400 to S404.

  In FIG. 14, the multifunction peripheral 100 switches the login distance 264 depending on whether or not the user has a print job.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the multi-function device 100 acquires the user name 262 from the information acquired from the authentication DB 260 in step S205 of FIG. 8 (step S400).

  The multi-function device 100 searches for a user print job from the job DB 250 using the user name 262 as a key (step S401).

  The multi-function device 100 determines whether one or more user print jobs have been found (step S402). In other words, step S402 is processing for determining whether or not there is a user print job corresponding to the terminal ID (identification information) (print job determination).

  If one or more user print jobs are found as a result of the determination in step S402, the multifunction peripheral 100 switches the login distance 264 of the user from the login distance Y11 to the login distance X10 (first change) (step S403). If the login distance 264 is already the login distance X10, this process is not performed.

  By switching the login distance, a user who has submitted a print job has a wider range for logging in to the multifunction device 100.

  If no user print job is found as a result of the determination in step S402, the multifunction peripheral 100 switches the login distance 264 of the user from the login distance X10 to the login distance Y11 (step S404). If the login distance 264 is already the login distance Y11, this process is not performed.

  By switching the login distance, a user who has submitted a print job can narrow the range in which the user can log in to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  According to the above configuration, the login distance can be switched by determining whether or not there is a print job of the user attempting to log in before logging in.

  Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the login security by wireless authentication can be increased by switching the login distance depending on whether or not the user has a print job.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the job DB 250 and the authentication DB 260 are configured to be in the multifunction peripheral 100. However, in the third embodiment, the job DB 250 is particularly different from the multifunction peripheral 100. Realized by managing with a chassis.

  By managing authentication information and job information in a separate case collectively, when there are multiple MFPs 100, the user can authenticate with any MFP, and jobs can be executed with any MFP. Can be executed.

  In the third embodiment, a print job output from the client PC 101 is transmitted to a print management server (not shown) having a job DB 250, and the print management server stores and manages the print job.

  Taking the first embodiment as an example, the MFP 100 having the authentication DB 260 or an authentication server (not shown) so as to switch the login distance of the user name obtained by analyzing the job with the print management server to the login distance X10. A switching command is transmitted to switch the login distance 264 corresponding to the user name to the login distance X10.

  Taking the second embodiment as an example, the job search in step S401 is performed by the print management server, and it is determined whether there is a job in step S402 according to the result from the print management server.

  As described above, the third embodiment implements a mechanism for switching the login distance depending on whether or not a user has a print job, as in the first and second embodiments.

  In addition, since only apparatuses for managing information are different, the drawings and flowcharts are the same in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  According to the above configuration, similarly to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the login security by wireless authentication can be improved by switching the login distance depending on whether or not the user has a print job. .

  As described above, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment have been described. According to the above-described embodiment, by switching the distance when logging in to the multifunction peripheral according to the user's print job, Login security by wireless authentication can be increased.

  Further, since the distance at the time of login is switched (changed), unnecessary login is not performed, and the power saving function of the multifunction peripheral can be maintained.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Further, the program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 and 14, and the storage medium of the present invention uses the processing methods of FIGS. 7 to 9 and 14. A computer executable program is stored. Note that the program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIGS. 7 to 9 and 14.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 MFP 101 Client PC
110 LAN
2001 CPU
2002 RAM
2011 External memory 3001 CPU
3002 RAM
3004 HDD
3040 Wireless terminal reader

Claims (10)

A communication an image forming apparatus and a wireless terminal that stores identification information for identifying the user,
Receiving means for receiving a print job associated with the user ;
According to the print job received by the receiving means, the range for executing the processing to the user login of the print job in advance, and change means for range changing so as to execute the processing according to the log in a range wider than the range in advance ,
Range determining means for determining whether or not the wireless terminal is a range changed by the changing means;
Execution means for executing in advance processing related to login of the user corresponding to the identification information obtained by communication with the wireless terminal when the range determination means determines that the wireless terminal is in the changed range When
An image forming apparatus comprising: It executes processing according to the sign in the execution unit in advance, a print instruction unit that instructs the printing of the print job of the user who logged in,
The changing means in accordance with the print instruction in the print instruction unit, the image formation according to claim 1, characterized in that to change the range for executing the processing to log corresponding to the user in advance based on the range Equipment . The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification means for notifying that it has been changed to the original range by the change means. Further comprising the image forming apparatus Logout determination means for determining whether the logged-out state,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the logout determination unit determines that the user is in a logout state, the execution unit executes a process related to login in advance . 5. Storage means for storing a print job received by the receiving means;
Print job determination means for determining whether or not there is a user print job corresponding to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means;
The change means, when the print job is determined that in the print job determination unit, such a range for executing such processing to the user login of the print job in advance, the log in a range wider than the range processing The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the range is changed so as to be executed in advance . A printing system including an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a wireless terminal that stores identification information for identifying a user,
Receiving means for receiving a print job associated with the user;
A changing unit that changes a range in which a process for login of a user of the print job is executed in advance according to a print job received by the receiving unit, so that a process for login is executed in a wider range than the range;
Range determining means for determining whether or not the wireless terminal is a range changed by the changing means;
  Execution means for executing in advance processing related to login of the user corresponding to the identification information obtained by communication with the wireless terminal when the range determination means determines that the wireless terminal is in the changed range When
A printing system comprising: There processing method definitive in the image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a wireless terminal that stores identification information for identifying the user,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving step for receiving a print job associated with the user ;
According to the print job received in said receiving step, a change step of the range for executing the processing to the user login of the print job in advance and range change so as to execute the processing according to the log in a range wider than the range in advance ,
A range determination step for determining whether or not the wireless terminal is the range changed in the change step;
An execution step of executing in advance a process related to login of the user corresponding to the identification information obtained by communication with the wireless terminal when the range determining step determines that the wireless terminal is in the changed range When
The processing method characterized by performing . A printing system processing method including an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a wireless terminal that stores identification information for identifying a user,
The printing system is
A receiving step for receiving a print job associated with the user;
According to the print job received in the reception step, a change step for changing a range in which a process for login of a user of the print job is executed in advance so that a process for login in a range wider than the range is executed in advance.
A range determination step for determining whether or not the wireless terminal is the range changed in the change step;
  An execution step of executing in advance a process related to login of the user corresponding to the identification information obtained by communication with the wireless terminal when the range determining step determines that the wireless terminal is in the changed range When
The processing method characterized by performing. A program executable by the communication an image forming apparatus and a wireless terminal that stores identification information for identifying the user,
The image forming apparatus
Receiving means for receiving a print job associated with the user ;
According to the print job received by the receiving means, the range for executing the processing to the user login of the print job in advance, and change means for range changing so as to execute the processing according to the log in a range wider than the range in advance ,
Range determining means for determining whether or not the wireless terminal is a range changed by the changing means;
Execution means for executing in advance processing related to login of the user corresponding to the identification information obtained by communication with the wireless terminal when the range determination means determines that the wireless terminal is in the changed range
A program characterized by functioning as A program executable by a print system including an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a wireless terminal that stores identification information for identifying a user,
The printing system
Receiving means for receiving a print job associated with the user;
A changing unit that changes a range in which a process for login of a user of the print job is executed in advance according to a print job received by the receiving unit, so that a process for login is executed in a wider range than the range;
Range determining means for determining whether or not the wireless terminal is a range changed by the changing means;
  Execution means for executing in advance processing related to login of the user corresponding to the identification information obtained by communication with the wireless terminal when the range determination means determines that the wireless terminal is in the changed range
A program characterized by functioning as

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