JP5354666B2 - Image forming system, management server, image forming apparatus, processing method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer print data stored in an image forming apparatus to an appropriate image forming apparatus in response to the entering/leaving of a user. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming system, a management server is communicably connected to image forming apparatuses arranged in a plurality of areas and including storage means for storing print data transmitted from an external device, in association with user identification information. The management data receives the user identification information and entering information including entering area information when the user enters the area, and transmits a print data transfer request, including the user identification information and first specified information for specifying the image forming apparatus of the entering area, to the image forming apparatus which is arranged in another area and stores the print data, in response to the received entering information. Each image forming apparatus receives the print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request which is transmitted from another image forming apparatus in response to the first specified information included in the transmitted print data transfer request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, a management server, an image forming apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program capable of being printed by an image forming apparatus in an entered area.

  In recent years, with the heightened awareness of security in offices, security related to multifunction devices and printers, which are information output parts, has been required.

  To realize a secure printing environment, print jobs are stored in the print server, print job management information is centrally managed by the management server, and the print data stored in the print server is printed according to user instructions from the desired multifunction device A mechanism to make this happen has been introduced to companies.

  However, depending on the company, there is a case where the above-described mechanism is not preferred because the labor for managing the print server and the management server for centrally managing print jobs increases. For this reason, a print job is transmitted from the client terminal to the multifunction device, the print job is registered in the hard disk of the multifunction device, and the print job of the logged-in user among the print jobs registered in the multifunction device is printed (for example, Patent documents 1) are introduced by some companies.

JP 2007-251279 A

  However, although the mechanism of Patent Document 1 saves the trouble of managing a print server that accumulates print jobs and a management server that centrally manages print jobs, the print jobs are not managed centrally, so that print jobs are stored. It was possible to print only on existing multifunction devices.

  In view of this, there has been a demand for a mechanism that saves the labor of managing the server and a mechanism that prints a print job output from a client terminal from a desired multifunction peripheral (printer). In addition, since companies generally perform entrance / exit management, there has been a demand to cooperate with an entrance / exit management server to delete unnecessary print jobs.

The present invention is transmitted print data from an external device to the image forming apparatus, as the print data stored in the image forming apparatus is tracked according to the entry of the user, the image forming apparatus print data is stored The image data is appropriately transferred to the image forming apparatus in the area in which the user has entered the room, and when it is determined that the room does not enter another area, the print data is deleted so that the user can print from the desired image forming apparatus. The purpose is to do.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of print data storage means are provided for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to an image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information. And an image forming system in which the image forming apparatus and a management server that manages entry into an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed are communicably connected, and the management server includes: The image forming apparatus is installed by determining entrance / exit status for each area of the user according to the entrance / exit information, and entrance / exit management means for managing entrance / exit information relating to the entrance / exit for the area of the user. Whether the user has entered another area, or the user has left the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed. Further, the state determination means for determining whether the image forming apparatus is not in another room where the image forming apparatus is installed, and the state determination means store print data to move to another area. When it is determined that the user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus is installed and enters another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, the printing of the area where the user leaves the room is performed. A user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus provided with the data storage means, and the image forming apparatus is further installed. When it is determined that the room does not enter another area, the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area, The print data deletion request transmission unit that transmits a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user and the state determination unit determine that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When the user enters the room, the print data stored in the image forming apparatus installed in the area where the user leaves is stored in the area where the user leaves. User identification information and entry of the user who entered the room so that the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed is transferred to the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user entered. An image forming apparatus that is a transfer source of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered in accordance with room entry information including area information of the area that has been entered Identify, printing for the image forming apparatus is the specified, and a first identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus as the transfer destination of the print data in said user identification information and the entry to the area A transfer request transmitting means for transmitting a data transfer request; and an area where the print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request is entered according to the first specific information included in the print data transfer request Print data transmission means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus, print data deletion request reception means for receiving a print data deletion request including the user identification information, and the print data deletion request received by the print data deletion request reception means. And deleting means for deleting print data corresponding to the included user identification information from the print data storage means. An image forming system.

The second invention is capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses having print data storage means for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to the image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information. A management server for managing the connected image forming apparatus and entry into an area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, and entrance / exit management for managing entry / exit information related to entry / exit of each area of the user According to the means and the entry / exit information, print data is stored to determine whether the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining the entry / exit state of each area of the user. The user may leave the area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and may not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. A state determination unit that determines whether the image is in a state in which the image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored is moved to another area by the state determination unit; If it is determined that the room may enter another area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, printing can be performed without deleting print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. When it is determined that the user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which the data is stored is installed and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, Print data for transmitting a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user to the image forming apparatus including the print data storage means in the area where the user leaves the room. A deletion request sending unit, in the state determining means, when said image forming apparatus by the user is judged to a state in which entered the other areas that are installed, it tracks the entry of the user, the user has left the room area The print data stored in the image forming apparatus installed in the user, the print data of the user entering the room from the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user leaves the user, Different from the entered area according to the entry information including the user identification information of the entered user and the area information of the entered area so as to be transferred to the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the entered area. specifies an image forming apparatus as a transfer source of the print data area, for the image forming apparatus is the specified, the user identification information Management server; and a transfer request transmitting unit that transmits the print data transfer request including the first identification information for identifying the transfer destination to become the image forming apparatus of the print data in the entry the area and It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an entry / exit management unit that manages entry into and exit from the area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and manages entry / exit information related to entry / exit of the user with respect to each area. By determining the entrance / exit state for each area of the user, whether the user has entered the other area where the image forming apparatus is installed or an image forming apparatus storing print data is installed. The state determination means for determining whether the user leaves the area and the user does not enter the other area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and the state determination means. A user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored to be moved is installed, and another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user may enter the room, an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. The image forming apparatus includes the print data storage unit for the area where the user leaves the area when it is determined that the user leaves the area and the room does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. A print data deletion request transmission unit that transmits a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user to the apparatus, and the state determination unit allows the user to enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user has entered the room, the user is tracked in the room and stored in the image forming apparatus installed in the area where the user leaves. Print data storage means installed in the area where the user entered from the image forming apparatus provided with print data storage means installed in the area where the user has left the room. An image forming apparatus serving as a transfer source of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered, in accordance with room entry information including user identification information of the user who entered the room and area information on the area to be entered, so that the image forming apparatus is provided. Print data including the user identification information and first specifying information for specifying the image forming apparatus that is a transfer destination of the print data in the area where the user has entered the specified image forming apparatus It is connected to be capable of communicating with the management server Ru and a transfer request transmitting means for transmitting a transfer request, sent from the external device to the image forming apparatus Print data storage means for acquiring received print data and storing the print data in association with user identification information; transfer request receiving means for receiving a print data transfer request; and a print data transfer request Print data transmission means for transmitting print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus in the area in which the print data transfer request is entered, and a print data deletion request including the user identification information An image forming apparatus comprising: a print data deletion request receiving unit that deletes; and a deletion unit that deletes print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print data deletion request from the print data storage unit, wherein the transfer request transmission unit A transfer request receiving means for receiving the print data transfer request transmitted in the step, and before being included in the print data transfer request Print data transmission means for transmitting print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus in the area that has entered according to the first specific information, and print data including the user identification information Print data deletion request receiving means for receiving a deletion request, and deletion means for deleting print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print data deletion request received by the print data deletion request receiving means from the print data storage means And an image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, is transmitted print data from an external device to the image forming apparatus, as the print data stored in the image forming apparatus is tracked according to the entry of the user, the image forming print data is stored By appropriately transferring the image from the apparatus to the image forming apparatus in the area where the room has been entered and deleting the print data when it is determined that the room does not enter the other area, the user can delete the print data from the desired image forming apparatus. Printing can be performed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print system according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of client PC100, IC card authentication server 200, and entrance / exit management server 300 Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 400 Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the NIC 500 Block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 900 Functional block diagram showing the functions of each device in the print system A flowchart showing an example of job output processing from the client PC 100 A flowchart showing an example of job output instruction processing from a printer A flowchart showing an example of job output instruction processing from a printer A flowchart showing an example of processing of a parent printer when the printer receives an output request from a child printer The flowchart which shows an example of the job movement process at the time of a user entering / leaving a room A flowchart showing an example of job deletion processing when the printer 400 receives a job deletion request from the IC card authentication server 200 A flowchart showing an example of job transfer processing when the printer 400 receives a job transfer request from the IC card authentication server 200 The figure which shows an example of an entrance / exit management table Figure showing an example of a job deletion setting file Figure showing an example of an authentication table Figure showing an example of a job transfer table The figure which shows an example of the operation mode setting file The figure which shows an example of a job information list

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an authentication system 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 a print system (image forming system) according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, one or a plurality of printers 400 or multifunction peripherals 900 installed in each floor (a plurality of areas) are connected to the IC card authentication server 200 and entrance / exit management via a LAN (Local Area Network) 520. The server 300 is communicably connected. Further, a card reader is connected to the printer 400 and the multifunction device 900.

  The card reader is connected to the printer 400 and the multifunction device 900 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable (not shown). When an IC card (for example, FeliCa (registered trademark) of Sony (registered trademark)) is held over the card reader, the card reader reads information in the card and notifies the printer 400 or the multifunction device 900 of the information.

  The printer 400 and the multifunction machine 900 are grouped by the same model.

  The multifunction machine 900 is an image forming apparatus having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copy, and a facsimile. The printer 400 is an image forming apparatus having a print function, and print data (job data) transmitted from the client PC 100 (external device). ) Can be stored and printed, print data transmitted from other image forming apparatuses (external devices) can be stored and printed, and the print data can be transmitted to other image forming apparatuses according to the user's entrance and exit. is there.

  A USB HUB 600 is connected to the printer 400 via a USB cable 510, and a USB mass storage 800 that stores print data and a card reader 700 are connected to the USB HUB 600. Further, a card reader 700 similar to the printer 400 is connected to the multi-function device 900 via USB.

  The IC card authentication server 200 is a server for performing user authentication for logging in to the printer 400 or the multifunction device 900. The authentication table of FIG. 16 is stored, the presence / absence (search) of the user is performed in response to the authentication request including the card information (card number) from the authentication printer 400 or the multifunction machine 900, and the user name is returned as the search result. If there is no user name corresponding to the card information (card number) by the search, a search result not including the user name is returned.

  The entrance / exit management server 300 is a server that manages each floor and entrance / exit of each floor. The entrance / exit management table (FIG. 14) managed by the entrance / exit management server 300 is provided with a card reader (not shown) at each floor and at the entrance of each floor, and the user holds the card over the entrance / exit. As a result, the management information is updated. Further, when the user leaves the floor, when the card is held over the card reader, the door can be opened and exited when the user enters the entrance / exit management table. Note that when the user leaves the room without holding the card, the room entry management table is in the room entry state, so that the door is not opened even if the card is held over, and the room entry control table is controlled not to enter the room.

  The client PC 100 has a printer driver installed, converts document data generated by various applications into print data, and transmits the print data to the port-destination printer 400 or MFP 900 set in the printer driver. Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the IC card authentication server 200 (management server) and the entrance / exit management server 300 (management server) are separated from each other, but may be configured as the same enclosure.

  In the present embodiment, authentication is performed by holding the IC card over the card reader of the printer 400 or the multifunction machine 900, and print data is acquired and printed according to the authentication result. Although the configuration is such that the entrance / exit is controlled by performing authentication by holding the card reader over the card reader, the present invention can also be realized by using authentication using biometric information such as fingerprints and veins.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the IC card authentication server 200, and the entrance / exit management server 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2001 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 2004. Further, the ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS) which is a control program of the CPU 2001, and a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs are stored.

  Reference numeral 2002 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 implements various operations by loading a program or the like 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 keyboard (KB) 2009 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 2006 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 2010. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT2010, the display may be not only a CRT but also other display such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by clients as needed.

  A memory controller 2007 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 2011 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 2008 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 520 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 2001 enables 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 with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 2010.

  Various programs (for example, a printer driver) operating on hardware are recorded in the external memory 2011, and are executed by the CPU 2001 by being loaded into the RAM 2002 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 2011.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus applicable to the printer 400 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The input unit 3000 connects the printer 400 and the NIC 500 and manages data communication with the NIC 500.

  A CPU 3001 governs overall control of the printer 400, and performs print control of the print processing unit 3003 and display control on the display unit 3007. In addition, various operations are realized by reading a program or the like necessary for executing the processing from the storage unit 3004 and executing the program.

  The operation unit 3002 provides an I / F when the user directly touches the printer 400.

  The print processing unit 3003 performs analysis of commands received by the input unit 3000, analysis of print data (PDL), and the like.

  The storage unit 3004 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) for operating the printer 400, a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown), a secondary storage device (not shown), and the like. The RAM is an unrestricted data storage area, and is an area used for receiving data in the input unit 3000 or data expansion in the print processing unit 3003.

  The output unit 3005 transfers print data received via the input unit 3000, which has been developed into image information that can be printed by the print processing unit 3003, onto paper. The paper cassette 3006 supplies appropriate paper in accordance with the processing of the output unit 3005.

  The NIC 500 is a network interface card. The NIC 500 receives data received from other devices via the LAN 520 as a window, and then passes the data to a program inside the NIC (not shown) or to the input unit 3000 of the printer 400. The NIC OS can control the transfer of received data.

  Hereinafter, a hardware configuration applicable to the NIC 500 shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, a CPU 4001 controls the NIC and controls devices connected internally by a system bus or the like.

  A RAM 4002 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 4001. The CPU 4001 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 4007 or the internal memory 4005 into the RAM 4002 and executing the loaded program.

  The communication I / F controller 4003 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 520 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP is possible. When receiving print data from the outside, the communication I / F controller 4003 is started, and the received print data (job data) is analyzed by the CPU 4001 to obtain job information serving as print data (job data) management information. And stored in the job information list (FIG. 19) of the RAM 4002. In addition, print data (job data) is stored in the USB mass storage 800. Thereby, the print data (job data) can be stored in association with the user name (user identification information).

  In the present embodiment, the job information list is stored in the RAM 4002, but a configuration in which the job information list is stored in the USB mass storage 800 is also possible.

  The USB I / F controller 4004 connects and communicates with a USB device such as the card reader 700 and the NIC 500, and executes USB communication control processing.

  The internal memory 4005 is an area in which a program (OS) for controlling the NIC 500 is mounted, and an application program operating on the OS and setting information thereof are stored.

  A memory controller 4006 controls access to the internal memory 4005 that stores various applications and various data.

  The ROM 4007 is a read-only semiconductor memory, and the contents are not lost even when the power is turned off.

  A device I / F controller 4008 connects and communicates the NIC 500 and the printer 400.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 900 as the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the multifunction machine 900.

  In FIG. 5, a controller unit 5000 is connected to a scanner 5015 that functions as an image input device and a print unit 5014 that functions as an image output device, and a local area network such as the LAN 520 shown in FIG. Alternatively, image data and device information are input / output by connecting to a public line (WAN) such as ISDN.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the controller unit 5000 includes a CPU 5001, a RAM 5006, a ROM 5002, an external storage device (hard disk drive (HDD)) 5007, a network interface (Network I / F) 5003, a modem (Modem) 5004, an operation unit interface ( Operation unit I / F) 5005, external interface (external I / F) 5009, image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 5008, raster image processor (RIP) 5010, printer interface (printer I / F) 5011, scanner interface (Scanner I / F) 5012, an image processing unit 5013, and the like.

  A CPU 5001 is a processor that controls the entire system.

  A RAM 5006 is a system work memory for the CPU 5001 to operate, and is a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily storing image data.

  The ROM 5002 stores a system boot program and various control programs.

  An external storage device (hard disk drive HDD) 5007 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. In addition, print data received by the network interface (Network I / F) 5003 is stored, and job information that is management information of the print data is stored as a job information list (FIG. 14).

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 5005 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 5018, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 5018 to the operation unit 5018.

  The operation unit I / F 5005 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 5018 to the CPU 5001. Note that the operation unit 5018 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 5003 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data.

A modem (MODEM) 5004 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  An external interface (external I / F) 5009 is an interface unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In the present embodiment, a card reader for reading an IC card required for authentication is used. 700 is connected.

The CPU 5001 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 700 via the external I / F 5009, and can acquire information read from the IC card. Note that the storage medium is not limited to an IC card, and any storage medium that can identify a user may be used. In this case, identification information for identifying the user is stored in the storage medium. This identification information may be a production number of the storage medium or a user code given by the user within the company.
The above devices are arranged on the system bus.

  On the other hand, an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 5008 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 5016 and an image bus 5017 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure.

  The image bus 5017 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 5017.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 5010 develops, for example, vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

  A printer interface (printer I / F) 5011 connects the print unit 5014 and the controller unit 5000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 5012 connects the scanner 5015 and the controller unit 5000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 5013 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 5013 performs rotation of image data and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for binary image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  A scanner 5015 connected to the scanner I / F 5012 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 5018, the CPU 5001 gives an instruction to the scanner, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  A printing unit 5014 connected to the printer I / F 5011 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on a sheet. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, or ink from a micro nozzle array. There is an ink jet method that prints an image directly on a sheet by discharging the ink, but any method may be used. The printing operation is started in response to an instruction from the CPU 5001. Note that the print unit 5014 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  An operation unit 5018 connected to the operation unit I / F 5005 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit. A touch panel sheet is affixed on the LCD and displays a system operation screen. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 5001 via the operation unit I / F 5005. The operation unit 5018 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 5018 is used when starting a document image reading operation. There are green and red LEDs in the center of the start key, and indicates whether or not the start key can be used depending on the color. The stop key of the operation unit 5018 serves to stop the operation being performed. The ID key of the operation unit 5018 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit 5018.

  A card reader 700 connected to the external I / F 5009 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Felica (registered trademark) of Sony Corporation) under the control of the CPU 5001, and reads the read information into the external I / F 5009. The CPU 5001 is notified via F5009.

  Next, functions of the client PC 100, the IC card authentication server 200, the entrance / exit management server 300, the printer 400 as the image forming apparatus, and the multifunction machine 900 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print data generation unit 150 of the client PC 100 can generate print data (job) based on data received from various application programs, and can transmit the print data to the printer 400 or the multifunction device 900. The print data generation unit 150 may be a printer driver, for example.

  The authentication unit 251 of the IC card authentication server 200 sends an authentication request including the card information (card number) received by the printer communication unit 250 from the authentication server communication unit 551 of the printer 400 (hereinafter, including the multifunction machine 900) to the IC card authentication. The authentication table (FIG. 16) managed by the server 200 is accessed, and the user name associated with the card information (card number) requested for authentication is searched. The authentication result including the user name obtained as a result of the search is returned to the authentication server communication unit 551 of the printer 400 that has transmitted the authentication request from the printer communication unit 250.

  Further, the entrance / exit management server communication unit 252 receives an entrance / exit event command including the user name and the entrance state flag from the authentication server communication unit 352 of the entrance / exit management server 300. The job operation management unit 253 transfers job data to the corresponding printer based on the entrance / exit flag and user name included in the entrance / exit event command, the job transfer table (FIG. 17) managed by the IC card authentication server 200. Issue a request. When the entry / exit flag is “−1”, it indicates that the employee has left the company. “0” indicates that the user has left the floor, and “1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B...” Indicates that the user has entered the floor. In addition, “1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B...” Indicates a floor or a room that has entered.

  The entrance / exit authentication unit 350 of the entrance / exit management server 300 receives an authentication request from an existing entrance / exit management terminal (for example, a card reader) (not shown), and is managed on the entrance / exit management server (see FIG. 14) Determine whether or not to enter the room. The entrance state change detection unit 351 detects that the entrance is permitted by the entrance / exit authentication unit 350 and the entrance state flag in the entrance / exit management table (FIG. 14) has changed, and the IC card authentication is performed via the authentication server communication unit 352. The server 200 is notified of an entry / exit event command.

  The card reader control unit 550 of the printer 400 acquires card information (manufacturing number) held over the card reader 700. The authentication server communication unit 551 transmits an authentication request to the IC card authentication server 200 using the card information (card number), and receives an authentication result returned from the IC card authentication server 200.

  The print data monitoring unit 552 detects that print data is sent from the client PC 100. If the print data is data from the client PC, the job is hooked (obtained).

  The job management unit 553 analyzes the job hooked by the print data monitoring unit 552 and manages the bibliographic information (job information) of the job. Bibliographic information is stored and managed in the job information list of FIG. In job analysis, a user name, a job name, and the like included in a job header are acquired.

  The main body communication unit 554 performs LED control of the printer and transmits / receives commands to / from the USB device to the USB I / F controller.

  The USB control unit 555 communicates with a USB device connected to the NIC 500 connected via the USB I / F controller 4004 on the NIC 500 to control the USB device. In the present invention, the USB mass storage 800 and the card reader 700 can be controlled.

  Further, the print control unit 450 acquires a job managed by the job management unit 553 and stored in the USB mass storage 800 in response to a print instruction, and delivers the job to the input unit 3000.

  The card reader control unit 550, the authentication server communication unit 551, the print data monitoring unit 552, the job management unit 553, and the main body communication unit 554 function by executing a print control program stored in the internal memory 4005 of the NIC 500. The USB control unit 555 and the print control unit 450 function by the OS stored in the internal memory 4005 of the NIC 500.

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

  First, a job output process from the client PC 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S100, the print data generation unit 150 (for example, a printer driver) of the client PC 100 generates data (job data) that can be analyzed by the printer from the data generated by the application program of the client PC 100.

  In step S101, the print data generation unit 150 of the client PC 100 transmits the job data created in step S100 to the printer 400. Note that the job data includes the name of the user who has logged into the client PC 100, the job name, and the like.

  In step S <b> 102, the communication I / F controller of the printer 400 receives job data from the client PC 100. In addition to receiving job data from the client PC 100, step S102 receives job data transferred from another printer 400 (a parent printer on the same floor or a printer on another floor) described later (print data reception).

  In step S103, the print data monitoring unit 552 of the NIC 500 acquires (hooks) the job data received by the communication I / F controller. This is because the print data monitoring unit 552 acquires (hooks) the job data before the NIC OS acquires the job data.

  In step S104, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the operation mode setting file (FIG. 18) held in the ROM 4007 of the NIC 500.

  In step S105, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the operation mode described in the operation mode setting file (FIG. 18) acquired in step S104. If the operation mode is parent, the process proceeds to step 106, and if it is a child, the process proceeds to step 111. If the operation mode is a parent, the printer 400 is a parent printer, and if the operation mode is a child, the printer 400 is a child printer.

  In step S106, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 analyzes the job data acquired in step S103. Here, the user name (printing instructor) and job name are acquired from the header information of the job data, and the time stamp at the time of job acquisition is acquired. At the same time, a file name is also generated, which is a unique file name in a system that combines time stamps and the like.

  In step S107, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the job information list (FIG. 19) held in the RAM 4002 of the NIC 500.

  In step S108, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 adds (records) the information analyzed in step 106 to the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step 107.

  In step S109, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 transmits the job data storage request received in step S102 to the USB mass storage 800 to which the job data acquired in step S103 is connected via the main body communication unit 554. This save request allows job data to be saved in the USB mass storage 800.

  In step S <b> 110, the USB mass storage 800 stores the job data received from the main body communication unit 554 of the printer 400 in the USB mass storage 800. In the case of the multifunction machine 900, it is stored in the HDD 5007.

  In step S111, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the parent printer IP address (Internet Protocol Address) described in the operation mode setting file (FIG. 18) acquired in step 104. If the IP address can be acquired, the process proceeds to step 113. If the IP address cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step S112, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 deletes the job data acquired in step S103.

  In step S113, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 determines the transmission source of the job acquired in step S103. If the transmission source is the same as the IP address of the parent printer 400 acquired in step S111, the process proceeds to step S114. If the transmission source is different (for example, the transmission source is the client PC 100), the process proceeds to step S115. That is, the process proceeds to step S115 when the printer 400 is a child printer and the child printer 400 receives print job data from the client PC 100.

  In step S114, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 determines that the job is a job sent from the parent printer by its own print request (step S216 in FIG. 8 described later) because the job transmission source is the parent printer. The print control unit 450 outputs the job to the input unit 3000 so that the output unit 3005 can print the job. The output unit of the printer 400 receives the job data and prints it on a sheet.

  In step S115, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 determines that the job is a print execution request (step S101) from the client PC 100 because the job transmission source is not the parent printer, and the parent acquired in step S111. The job data is transferred to the parent printer 400 according to the IP address of the printer. Note that the processing after the job data reception of the parent printer 400 is after step S106 described above.

  With this processing, when job data related to printing is received by the printer 400 or the multifunction device 900, the job data can be managed by the appropriate printer 400 or multifunction device 900.

  Further, since job data is received and printed from the parent printer 400 or multifunction device 900, even when no job data is stored in the printer 400 or multifunction device 900, printing is performed (at the time of authentication). Can print job data.

  Next, job output instruction processing from the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In step S200, it is detected that a card is held over the card reader, and a card detection event including card information (for example, a card number such as a manufacturing number) is issued to the printer 400.

  In step S201, the NIC 500 card reader control unit 550 receives the card detection event issued in step S200.

  In step S202, the NIC 500 card reader control unit 550 acquires card information (card number such as a manufacturing number) of the IC card included in the card detection event received in step S201.

  In step S203, an authentication request command is transmitted to the IC card authentication server 200 by the authentication server communication unit of the NIC 500. The authentication request command includes the card information acquired in step 202.

  In step S204, the printer communication unit 250 of the IC card authentication server 200 receives the authentication request command sent from the printer 400.

  In step S205, the card information (manufacturing number) included in the authentication request acquired in step S204 by the authentication unit 251 of the IC card authentication server 200 exists in the authentication table (FIG. 16) stored and managed by the IC card authentication server 200. Search for what to do. If the card information exists in the authentication table after the search, the user name corresponding to the card information is acquired, and the authentication is successful. If the card information does not exist in the authentication table after the search, the authentication is failed.

  In step S206, the printer communication unit 250 of the IC card authentication server 200 transmits an authentication result command to the printer 400. The authentication result command includes an authentication result flag (authentication success or authentication failure) and, if authentication is successful, the user name (user identification information) acquired in step S205.

  In step S207, the authentication server communication unit of the NIC 500 receives an authentication result command transmitted from the IC card authentication server 200 (user identification information input).

  In step S208, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 analyzes the authentication result command acquired in step S207.

  In step S209, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 determines the authentication result in step S208. If the authentication result flag is authentication success, the process proceeds to step S221. If the authentication result flag is authentication failure, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the main body communication unit 554 of the NIC 500 issues an LED display command to the display unit (not shown) of the printer 400. In response to this command, characters are displayed on the display unit of the printer 400. Here, the display unit displays “Ninsha error”.

  In step S211, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the user name of the authentication result command analyzed in step S208.

  In step S212, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the operation mode setting file (FIG. 18) held in the ROM 4007 on the NIC 500.

  In step S213, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the operation mode described in the operation mode setting file (FIG. 18) acquired in step S212. If the operation mode is a parent, the process proceeds to step S217, and if it is a child, the process proceeds to step S214. In other words, according to the acquisition (acceptance) of the user name, it is determined whether the printer 400 is a parent printer that stores print data (print data storage determination).

  In step S214, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the IP address of the parent printer described in the operation mode setting file (FIG. 18) acquired in step S212. If the IP address can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S216. If the IP address cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S215, the main body communication unit 554 of the NIC 500 issues an LED display command to the display unit of the printer 400. The display unit receives this command and displays characters on the display unit. In this case, “Oya printer pear” is displayed on the display unit.

  In step S216, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 uses the parent printer IP address (second specific information of the parent printer storing print data) acquired in step S214 to store the job data. A print request command including the user name (user identification information) acquired in step S211 is transmitted to the printer. The processing after the print request command is transmitted will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S217, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the job information list (FIG. 19) held in the RAM 4002 of the NIC 500.

  In step S218, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 searches the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step S217 for a job output by the user name acquired in step S211.

  In the case of the MFP 900, a job list as a result of the search can be displayed on the operation unit 5018, and the user can designate a job to be printed. In this case, the processes in steps S220 to S226 are repeated for the designated job.

  In step S219, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 determines whether a job corresponding to the user name exists in the job information list (FIG. 19) as a result of the search in step S218. When it exists, it progresses to step S220, and a process is complete | finished when it does not exist.

In step S220, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the file name of the job obtained as a result of the search in step S218, and sends a job acquisition request including this file name to the USB mass storage 800 via the main body communication unit 554. Send to.
In step S221, a job acquisition request is received.

  In step S222, the file name is acquired from the job acquisition request acquired in step S221, and the job data file stored in the USB mass storage 800 is acquired. The job data file and the file name are associated with each other and stored in the USB mass storage 800.

  In step S223, the job data file acquired in step S222 is transmitted to the printer 400.

  In step S224, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 receives the job data file transmitted in step S223 via the main body communication unit 554 (print data acquisition). This job data file is print data acquired from a USB mass storage (storage unit) connected to the printer 400 corresponding to the user name.

  In step S225, the print control unit 450 outputs the job data received in step S224 to the input unit 3000 for printing by the output unit 3005.

  In step S226, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 deletes the job information (record) printed in step S225 from the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step S217.

  Next, the processing of the parent printer when the printer of the embodiment of the present invention receives an output request from the child printer will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S300, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 receives the print request command including the user name transmitted from the child printer in step S216.

  In step S301, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 analyzes the print request command acquired in step S300, and acquires the user name.

  In step S302, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the job information list (FIG. 19) held in the RAM 4002 of the NIC 500.

  In step S303, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 searches for a job corresponding to the user name acquired in step S301 in the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step S302.

  In step S304, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 determines whether the job of the user exists in the job information list (FIG. 19). When it exists, it progresses to step 305, and when it does not exist, a process is complete | finished.

In step S305, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the file name of the job obtained as a result of the search in step S304, and sends a job acquisition request including this file name to the USB mass storage 800 via the main body communication unit 554. Send to.
In step S306, a job acquisition request is received.

  In step S307, the file name is acquired from the job acquisition request received in step S306, and the job data file stored in the USB mass storage 800 is acquired. The job data file and the file name are associated with each other and stored in the USB mass storage 800.

  In step S308, the job data file acquired in step S307 is transmitted to the printer 400.

  In step S309, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 receives the job data file transmitted in step S308 via the main body communication unit 554.

  In step S310, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 transmits the job data file acquired in step S309 to the printer 400 (child printer) that transmitted the print request received in step S300. When the print request is received in step S300, the IP address of the printer 400 to which the print request is transmitted is obtained from the TCP / IP protocol and stored in the RAM 4002. The job data file is transmitted according to the stored IP address.

  In step S311, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 deletes the job information (record) transmitted in step S310 from the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step 302.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a description will be given of job movement processing when the user according to the embodiment of the present invention enters and exits (when the entrance / exit management server 300 detects an entrance / exit event).

  In step S400, whether or not there has been a change in the entry state flag of the entry / exit management table (FIG. 14) stored and managed in the external memory 2011 of the entry / exit management server 300 by the entry state change detection unit 351 of the entry / exit management server 300. Determine. When a card is placed over a card reader installed on the floor, information indicating which floor has been entered is transmitted from the card reader to the entry / exit management server 300, and when the user leaves the floor, the fact that the user has left the room is confirmed. The information shown is transmitted from the card reader to the entrance / exit management server 300. Thereby, the room entry state flag of the room entry / exit management table (FIG. 14) is updated. By updating, it is possible to determine a change in the flag of the entrance / exit state.

  In step S401, the entry state flag of a predetermined user in the entry / exit management table (FIG. 14) managed on the entry / exit management server 300 by the entry state change detection unit 351 of the entry / exit management server 300 has changed. Is detected, the authentication server communication unit 352 transmits an entry / exit event command to the IC card authentication server 200. This command includes the user name of the event occurrence and the room entry state flag after the event.

  In step S <b> 402, the entry / exit event command sent from the entry / exit management server 300 is received by the entry / exit management server communication unit 252 of the IC card authentication server 200. In other words, when the user enters the room, the room entry / exit event command (room entry information) is received (room entry information reception).

  In step S403, the entrance / exit event management command received in step S402 is analyzed by the entrance / exit management server communication unit 252 of the IC card authentication server 200, and the user name (user identification information) and the entrance state flag (entrance area information) are acquired. To do.

  In step S404, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 acquires a job deletion setting file (FIG. 15) managed by the ROM 2003 of the IC card authentication server 200.

  In step S405, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 uses the entry status flag of the entry / exit event acquired in step S403 and the exit from the job deletion setting file (FIG. 15) acquired in step S404. Determine whether the flags are the same. If they are the same, that is, if the user leaves the company (outside the office), the process proceeds to step S406. If not, for example, if the user moves to another floor in the company, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In the present embodiment, the case of leaving the job has been described as the timing for deleting the job data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the job may be deleted when it leaves the floor (exit) to increase security. In this case, the exit flag is changed to an exit flag, and the exit flag is set. Set to “0”. And, it is configured to delete when the room entry state flag obtained when leaving is “0”. It is also possible to configure so that job data is deleted at a timing when a predetermined (predetermined) time has passed since leaving.

  In step S406, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 determines whether the leaving deletion function described in the job deletion setting file (FIG. 15) acquired in step S404 is ON. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S407, and if it is OFF, the process ends.

  In other words, the processing of step S405 and step S406 determines whether or not the user has left the company and will not enter the room (state determination).

  In step S407, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 acquires a job transfer table (FIG. 17) managed by the ROM 2003 of the IC card authentication server 200.

  In step S408, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 uses the job deletion request transmitted in step S409, which will be described later, in the IP address stored in the job transfer table (FIG. 17) acquired in step S407. Determines whether there is an untransmitted IP address. When it exists, it progresses to step S409, and when it does not exist, a process is complete | finished. In the present embodiment, the printer to be transmitted by the IP address is specified, but a host name other than the IP address may be used.

  In step S409, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 uses the job name including the user name acquired in step S403 for each IP address stored in the job transfer table (FIG. 17) acquired in step S408. Send a delete request command. Processing after the job deletion request command (print data deletion request) is transmitted will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, a job deletion request command is transmitted to the printer 400 (multifunction device 900) corresponding to the IP address stored in the job transfer table (FIG. 17). It is also possible to store a room entry state flag of the floor that has been used and transmit a job deletion request command to the printer 400 (multifunction device 900) having an IP address corresponding to the room entry state flag. In this case, it is desirable that the configuration of the printer 400 (multifunction device 900) on each floor (the configuration of the type of printer installed on each floor) is the same.

  As a result, job data can be deleted when leaving the office, so unnecessary job data is not left, and a high-security printing system can be provided.

  Further, since a job deletion request command is transmitted to a necessary printer in which job data is stored among many printers, an unnecessary network load can be reduced.

  In particular, in a configuration in which the USB mass storage 800 is connected as in the printer 400, the USB mass storage can be easily extracted. For this reason, by deleting a job when leaving the office, unnecessary job data does not exist in the USB mass storage, the risk of information leakage when it is extracted is reduced, and a printing system with higher security can be provided.

  In step S410, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 acquires a job transfer table (FIG. 17) managed by the ROM 2003 of the IC card authentication server 200.

  In step S411, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 has acquired all the IP addresses of each model (column) in the row of the job transfer table (FIG. 17) corresponding to the room entry state flag acquired in step S403. Determine whether or not. When the IP address stored for each model is not acquired, that is, when the process for the IP address stored for each model is not performed, the process proceeds to step S412 and is acquired and processed Ends the process. For example, when the user enters 2B, the IP addresses stored for each model are three, 192.168.21.34, 192.168.21.101, and 192.168.21.59.

  The job transfer table (FIG. 17) will be described. The row indicates the room entry status flag, the column indicates the model of the printer 400, and the row describes the IP address of the parent printer in the printer group of the same model on the floor in the corresponding room entry status flag. For example, the IP address of the parent printer in the printer group which is the model of the printer 2 in the room entry state flag IC is “192.168.12.42”. In addition, it is desirable that the job data transfer (tracking job data according to the user's entry / exit) in the entrance / exit is performed between the same models. This is to prevent incorrect printing due to language differences between different models. If different models can be printed correctly, they can be configured as the same group regardless of the model.

  In step S412, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 acquires the IP address of the parent printer 400 of the same model stored on the other floor, which is stored in correspondence with the IP address acquired in step S411.

  In step S413, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 determines whether the IP address acquired in step S412 includes an IP address to which a job transfer request transmitted in step S414, which will be described later, has not yet been transmitted. If there is an untransmitted IP address, the process proceeds to step S414, and if not, the process ends. In the present embodiment, the printer to be transmitted by the IP address is specified, but a host name other than the IP address may be used.

  In step S414, the job operation management unit 253 of the IC card authentication server 200 determines that the IP address that has not been transmitted in step S413 (192.168.10.10 taking IC as an example), that is, another area. For the printer 400 that has been set, the user name (user identification information) and the IP address of the transfer destination printer 400 that transfers job data (first specification information for specifying the printer in the entrance area) (1C is taken as an example) , 192.168.12.10), a job transfer request command (print data transfer request) is transmitted. The processing after the job transfer request command is transmitted will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a job deletion process when the printer 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a job deletion request from the IC card authentication server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The process of FIG. 12 is executed by each printer that has received the job deletion request command transmitted in step S409 of FIG.

  In step S500, the authentication server communication unit 551 of the NIC 500 receives a job deletion request command including the user name transmitted from the IC card authentication server 200 in step S409 (print data deletion request reception).

  In step S501, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires the job information list (FIG. 19) held in the RAM 4002 of the NIC 500.

  In step S502, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 searches the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step 501 for a job corresponding to the user name acquired from the job deletion request command received in step S500. Get job information corresponding to the user name.

  In step S503, the job corresponding to the user name (job information acquired in step S502) in the job information (FIG. 19) acquired in step S502 by the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 is the job in step S504 described later. It is determined whether there is a job for which a deletion request has not been transmitted. If there is an unsent job, the process proceeds to step S504. If there is no corresponding job, the process ends.

  In step S504, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 transmits a job deletion request including the file name of the job for which the job deletion request has not been transmitted to the USB mass storage 800 via the main body communication unit 554. This job deletion request is transmitted for the job information corresponding to the user name acquired in step S502.

  Thereby, when the user leaves the office, unnecessary job data files stored in the respective parent printers can be deleted, so that a printing system with high security can be provided.

  In step S505, a job deletion request including a file name is received from the main body communication unit 554.

  In step S506, the file name is acquired from the job deletion request acquired in step S505, and the job data file having the file name stored in the USB mass storage 800 is deleted.

  In step S507, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 deletes the job information corresponding to the job data file deleted in step S506 from the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step S501.

  Next, job transfer processing when the printer 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a job transfer request from the IC card authentication server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The process of FIG. 13 is executed by each printer that has received the job transfer request command transmitted in step S414 of FIG.

  In step S600, the job transfer request command including the user name and the IP address of the transfer destination printer 400 transmitted from the IC card authentication server 200 in step S414 is received by the authentication server communication unit of the NIC 500.

  In step S601, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 acquires a job information list (FIG. 19) held in the RAM 4002 of the NIC 500.

In step S602, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 searches the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step S601 for a job corresponding to the user name included in the job transfer request command received in step S600. Get job information.

  In step S603, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 has not yet transmitted the job acquisition request in step S604 described later with the job corresponding to the user name (job information acquired in step S602) in the job information (FIG. 19). It is determined whether or not a job exists. If there is an unsent job, the process proceeds to step S604. If there is no corresponding job, the process ends.

  In step S <b> 604, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 transmits a job acquisition request including the file name of a job whose job acquisition request has not been transmitted to the USB mass storage 800 via the main body communication unit 554. This job acquisition request is transmitted for the job information corresponding to the user name acquired in step S602.

  In step S605, a job acquisition request including a file name is received from the main body communication unit 554.

  In step S606, a file name is acquired from the job acquisition request acquired in step S605, and a job data file corresponding to the file name stored in the USB mass storage 800 is acquired.

  In step S607, the job data file acquired in step S606 is transmitted to the printer 400.

  In step S608, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 receives the job data file transmitted in step S607 via the main body communication unit 554.

  In step S609, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 transmits the job data file received in step S608 to the IP address of the transfer destination printer 400 included in the job transfer request command received in step S600.

  Thus, when the user moves on the floor, the job data file can be stored in the parent printer on the floor, so that his / her printed matter can be output from the desired printer. In addition, by transferring the job data file to the printer on the floor where the user has entered the room, the job data file is not stored in the printer that is not expected to print, so that the storage capacity can be prevented from being compressed.

  In step S610, the job management unit 553 of the NIC 500 deletes the job information corresponding to the job data file transmitted in step S609 from the job information list (FIG. 19) acquired in step S601.

  Next, data used in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an entrance / exit management table stored in the external memory 2011 of the entrance / exit management server 300.

  The entry management table stores card information, user names, and entry / exit states in association with each other. The entry / exit is transmitted from the card reader when the user holds the IC card over the card reader installed at the entrance of the floor. Updated according to the event command.

  In this embodiment, the entry / exit flag included in the entry / exit event command is stored in the entry / exit state. As described above, regarding the entrance / exit flag, “-1” indicates that the employee has left the company. “0” indicates that the user has left the floor, and “1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B...” Indicates that the user has entered the floor. Also, “1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B...” Is identification information indicating the floor or room that has entered.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job deletion setting file stored in the ROM 2003 of the IC card authentication server 200.

  The job deletion setting file has an exit deletion function and an exit flag. The leaving / deleting function stores a value (ON or OFF) for determining whether or not to delete job data when leaving the company, and the leaving flag is stored in the entry / exit management table in FIG. 14 when leaving the company. It holds a value (-1) that defines a flag.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an authentication table stored in the external memory 2011 of the IC card authentication server 200.

  The authentication table is referred to for authentication when the IC card is held over the card reader of the printer 400 or the multifunction machine 900, and the card information and the user name are stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job transfer table (print data transfer table) stored in the ROM 2003 of the IC card authentication server 200.

  As described above, in the job transfer table, a row indicates an entry state flag corresponding to a value stored in the entry state of FIG. 14, and a column indicates a model of the printer 400. In the row, the IP address of the parent printer in the printer group of the same model installed on the floor is described for each corresponding entry state flag. For example, in the entry state flag 1C, the IP address of the parent printer in the printer group that is the model of the printer-2 is “192.168.12.42”. The IP address of the parent printer in the printer group which is the model of the printer-2 on the other floor (1B) is “192.168.11.67”. In other words, in the job transfer table, IP addresses of printers that can transfer job data for each floor (area) are grouped and stored by model.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode setting file stored in the ROM 4007 of the NIC 500 of the printer 400 or the HDD 5007 of the multifunction machine 900.

  The operation mode setting file has an operation mode and a parent printer. In the operation mode, information (parent or child) is stored (stored) for determining whether the printer 400 or the multifunction peripheral 900 itself holding the operation mode setting file is a parent printer or a child printer. )doing. Further, when the printer is a child printer, it holds (stores) the IP address of the printer that is the parent of the printer.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job information list held in the RAM 4002 of the NIC 500 of the printer 400 or the HDD 5007 of the multifunction machine 900.

  The job information list includes the name of the user who output the job (for example, the name of the user who logged in to the client PC 100), the file name of the job data (file) itself, the job name (document name) when printing, and the client PC 100 A time stamp given when the transmitted job data is received by the printer 400 is stored. The user name, job name, and file name can be obtained by analyzing the header file of job data and stored in the job list.

  The job information list is provided for each parent printer that stores job data files, and holds job information of job data stored in its own printer.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, print data stored in the printer 400 or the multifunction peripheral 900 (image forming apparatus) is transferred to the appropriate printer 400 or multifunction peripheral 900 (image forming apparatus) according to the user's entry / exit. , The user can perform printing from the desired printer 400 or multifunction device 900 (image forming apparatus).

  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.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing method shown in FIGS. 7 to 13. The storage medium according to the present invention stores a program that allows the computer to execute the processing method shown in FIGS. ing. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIGS.

  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 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 by 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 client PC
200 IC card authentication server 300 Entrance / exit management server 400 Printer 500 NIC
510 USB cable 520 LAN
600 USB HUB
700 IC card reader 800 USB mass storage 900 MFP

Claims (13)

A plurality of image forming apparatuses including print data storage means for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to the image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information, the image forming apparatus, and the image forming An image forming system in which a management server that manages entry into an area where the apparatus is installed is connected to be communicable,
The management server
Entry / exit management means for managing entry / exit information related to entry / exit for each area of the user;
An image in which print data is stored as to whether the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining the user's entry / exit state according to the entry / exit information. A state determination unit that determines whether the user leaves the area where the forming apparatus is installed and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed;
A user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored to move to another area is installed by the state determination means, and further to another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user may enter the room, an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. The image forming apparatus includes the print data storage unit for the area where the user leaves the area when it is determined that the user leaves the area and the room does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. Print data deletion request transmission means for transmitting a print data deletion request including user identification information of the user to the apparatus;
When the state determination means determines that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, the image is installed in the area where the user has left after tracking the user's room. Print data stored in the forming apparatus, and the print data of the user who has entered the room is installed in an area where the user has entered from an image forming apparatus provided with print data storage means installed in an area where the user has left the room. Transfer of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered according to the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the area to be entered , so that the image forming apparatus is provided with the print data storage means. specifies an image forming apparatus which is the source, for the image forming apparatus is the specified, and the entry with the user identification information area And a transfer request transmitting unit that transmits the print data transfer request including the first identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus to forward the definitive print data,
A plurality of image forming apparatuses provided with the print data storage means,
Transfer request receiving means for receiving the print data transfer request transmitted by the transfer request transmitting means;
According to the first specific information included in the print data transfer request, to the transfer destination image forming apparatus installed in the area where the print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request is entered. Print data transmission means for transmitting;
A print data deletion request receiving means for receiving a print data deletion request including the user identification information;
An image forming system comprising: a deletion unit that deletes print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print data deletion request received by the print data deletion request reception unit from the print data storage unit. The management server
Specific information storage means for storing the area information and specific information for specifying an image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area in association with each other;
Specific information acquisition means for acquiring second specific information corresponding to area information different from the area information of the area that has entered from the specific information storage means;
It said transfer request means transmits the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus having the pre-Symbol print data storing means as the transfer source of the print data is specified according to the second specific information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit The image forming system according to claim 1. The image forming system is communicably connected to an image forming apparatus that stores information for specifying an image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit.
An image forming apparatus that stores information for specifying an image forming apparatus that includes the print data storage unit,
In response to user authentication, in accordance with information for specifying an image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit, a print request transmitting unit that transmits a print request including user identification information obtained by the user authentication to the image forming apparatus. With
An image forming apparatus comprising the print data storage means
Print request receiving means for receiving a print request including the user identification information;
The print data transmission unit that transmits print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print request received by the print request reception unit to the image forming apparatus that has made the print request. 3. The image forming system according to 1 or 2. The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage determining means for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus stores print data transmitted from an external apparatus in association with user identification information in the image forming apparatus;
Print data transfer for transferring print data transmitted from an external device according to information for specifying an image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means when the storage determination means determines that the image forming apparatus is not stored The image forming system according to claim 3, further comprising: means.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the management server includes an authentication server and an entrance / exit management server. The image formation connected to be communicable with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including print data storage means for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to the image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information A management server that manages the apparatus and the entrance to the area where the image forming apparatus is installed;
Entry / exit management means for managing entry / exit information related to entry / exit for each area of the user;
An image in which print data is stored as to whether the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining the user's entry / exit state according to the entry / exit information. A state determination unit that determines whether the user leaves the area where the forming apparatus is installed and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed;
A user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored to move to another area is installed by the state determination means, and further to another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user may enter the room, an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. The image forming apparatus includes the print data storage unit for the area where the user leaves the area when it is determined that the user leaves the area and the room does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. Print data deletion request transmission means for transmitting a print data deletion request including user identification information of the user to the apparatus;
When the state determination means determines that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, the image is installed in the area where the user has left after tracking the user's room. Print data stored in the forming apparatus, and the print data of the user who has entered the room is installed in an area where the user has entered from an image forming apparatus provided with print data storage means installed in an area where the user has left the room. Transfer of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered according to the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the area to be entered , so that the image forming apparatus is provided with the print data storage means. specifies an image forming apparatus which is the source, for the image forming apparatus is the specified, and the entry with the user identification information area Management server; and a transfer request transmitting unit that transmits the print data transfer request including the first identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus to forward the definitive print data. An entrance / exit management means for managing entry into an area where the image forming apparatus is installed and managing entry / exit information related to the user's entry / exit to each area, and according to the entry / exit information, the user's entry into each area. By determining whether the user has left the room, the user can enter the other area where the image forming apparatus is installed or the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed. The state determination means for determining whether the user leaves the room and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and the print data is transferred to the other area by the state determination means. A user leaves the area where the stored image forming apparatus is installed, and further enters another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. If it is determined that there is, the area where the image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means in the area that has left the room. When it is determined that the user leaves the room and does not enter another area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the left area A print data deletion request transmission unit that transmits a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user, and the state determination unit that determines that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed Print data stored in the image forming apparatus installed in the area where the user has left the room, following the user's entry. Then, the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user entered from the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user exited the user's print data. In accordance with the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the entered area, the image forming apparatus that is the transfer source of print data in an area different from the entered area is specified, A print data transfer request including the user identification information and first specifying information for specifying the image forming apparatus that is a transfer destination of the print data in the entered area is transmitted to the specified image forming apparatus. transfer request sending means is communicably connected with a management server that Ru comprising a printing de sent from an external device to the image forming apparatus Acquires over data, a plurality of image forming apparatus including a print data storage means for storing the print data in correspondence with the user identification information,
Transfer request receiving means for receiving the print data transfer request transmitted by the transfer request transmitting means;
Print data transmission means for transmitting print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus in the room that has entered according to the first specific information included in the print data transfer request; ,
A print data deletion request receiving means for receiving a print data deletion request including the user identification information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a deletion unit that deletes print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print data deletion request received by the print data deletion request reception unit from the print data storage unit. A plurality of image forming apparatuses including print data storage means for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to the image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information, the image forming apparatus, and the image forming A processing method of an image forming system in which a management server that manages entry into an area where an apparatus is installed is communicably connected,
The management server is
An entrance / exit management step for managing entrance / exit information related to the entrance / exit for each area of the user,
An image in which print data is stored as to whether the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining the user's entry / exit state according to the entry / exit information. A state determination step of determining whether a user leaves the area where the forming apparatus is installed and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed;
In the state determination step, the user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored to move to another area is installed, and further to another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user may enter the room, an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. The image forming apparatus includes the print data storage unit for the area where the user leaves the area when it is determined that the user leaves the area and the room does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. A print data deletion request transmission step for transmitting a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user to the apparatus;
In the state determination step, when it is determined that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, the image is installed in the area where the user leaves after tracking the user's room. Print data stored in the forming apparatus, and the print data of the user who has entered the room is installed in an area where the user has entered from an image forming apparatus provided with print data storage means installed in an area where the user has left the room. Transfer of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered according to the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the area to be entered , so that the image forming apparatus is provided with the print data storage means. specifies an image forming apparatus which is the source, for the image forming apparatus is the specified, and the entry with the user identification information d Perform the transfer request transmitting step of transmitting the print data transfer request including the first identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus as the transfer destination of the print data in the A,
A plurality of image forming apparatuses provided with the print data storage means,
A transfer request receiving step for receiving the print data transfer request transmitted in the transfer request transmitting step;
A print data transmission step of transmitting print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus in the room that has entered according to the first specific information included in the print data transfer request; ,
A print data deletion request receiving step for receiving a print data deletion request including the user identification information;
And a deletion step of deleting the print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data deletion request received in the print data deletion request reception step from the print data storage unit. The image formation connected to be communicable with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including print data storage means for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to the image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information A management server processing method for managing an apparatus and an entrance to an area where the image forming apparatus is installed,
The management server is
An entrance / exit management step for managing entrance / exit information related to the entrance / exit for each area of the user,
An image in which print data is stored as to whether the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining the user's entry / exit state according to the entry / exit information. A state determination step of determining whether a user leaves the area where the forming apparatus is installed and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed;
In the state determination step, the user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored to move to another area is installed, and further to another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user may enter the room, an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. The image forming apparatus includes the print data storage unit for the area where the user leaves the area when it is determined that the user leaves the area and the room does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. A print data deletion request transmission step for transmitting a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user to the apparatus;
In the state determination step, when it is determined that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, the image is installed in the area where the user leaves after tracking the user's room. Print data stored in the forming apparatus, and the print data of the user who has entered the room is installed in an area where the user has entered from an image forming apparatus provided with print data storage means installed in an area where the user has left the room. Transfer of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered according to the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the area to be entered , so that the image forming apparatus is provided with the print data storage means. specifies an image forming apparatus which is the source, for the image forming apparatus is the specified, and the entry with the user identification information d Processing method characterized by performing a transfer request transmitting step of transmitting the print data transfer request including the first identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus as the transfer destination of the print data in the store. An entrance / exit management means for managing entry into an area where the image forming apparatus is installed and managing entry / exit information related to the user's entry / exit to each area, and according to the entry / exit information, the user's entry into each area. By determining whether the user has left the room, the user can enter the other area where the image forming apparatus is installed or the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed. The state determination means for determining whether the user leaves the room and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and the print data is transferred to the other area by the state determination means. A user leaves the area where the stored image forming apparatus is installed, and further enters another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. If it is determined that there is, the area where the image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means in the area that has left the room. When it is determined that the user leaves the room and does not enter another area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the left area A print data deletion request transmission unit that transmits a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user, and the state determination unit that determines that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed Print data stored in the image forming apparatus installed in the area where the user has left the room, following the user's entry. Then, the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user entered from the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user exited the user's print data. In accordance with the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the entered area, the image forming apparatus that is the transfer source of print data in an area different from the entered area is specified, A print data transfer request including the user identification information and first specifying information for specifying the image forming apparatus that is a transfer destination of the print data in the entered area is transmitted to the specified image forming apparatus. transfer request sending means is communicably connected with a management server that Ru comprising a printing de sent from an external device to the image forming apparatus Acquires over data, a method of processing a plurality of image forming apparatus including a print data storage means for storing the print data in correspondence with the user identification information,
A transfer request receiving step in which the image forming apparatus receives the print data transfer request transmitted from the management server;
A print data transmission step of transmitting print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus in the room that has entered according to the first specific information included in the print data transfer request; ,
A print data deletion request receiving step for receiving a print data deletion request including the user identification information from the management server;
And a deletion step of deleting the print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data deletion request received in the print data deletion request reception step from the print data storage unit. A plurality of image forming apparatuses including print data storage means for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to the image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information, the image forming apparatus, and the image forming A program of an image forming system in which a management server that manages entry into an area where the apparatus is installed is connected to be communicable,
The management server
Entry / exit management means for managing entry / exit information related to entry / exit for each area of the user;
An image in which print data is stored as to whether the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining the user's entry / exit state according to the entry / exit information. A state determination unit that determines whether the user leaves the area where the forming apparatus is installed and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed;
A user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored to move to another area is installed by the state determination means, and further to another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user may enter the room, an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. The image forming apparatus includes the print data storage unit for the area where the user leaves the area when it is determined that the user leaves the area and the room does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. Print data deletion request transmission means for transmitting a print data deletion request including user identification information of the user to the apparatus;
When the state determination means determines that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, the image is installed in the area where the user has left after tracking the user's room. Print data stored in the forming apparatus, and the print data of the user who has entered the room is installed in an area where the user has entered from an image forming apparatus provided with print data storage means installed in an area where the user has left the room. Transfer of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered according to the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the area to be entered , so that the image forming apparatus is provided with the print data storage means. specifies an image forming apparatus which is the source, for the image forming apparatus is the specified, and the entry with the user identification information area To function as a transfer request transmitting unit that transmits the print data transfer request including the first identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus to forward the definitive print data,
A plurality of image forming apparatuses including the print data storage unit,
Transfer request receiving means for receiving the print data transfer request transmitted by the transfer request transmitting means;
Print data transmission means for transmitting print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus in the room that has entered according to the first specific information included in the print data transfer request; ,
A print data deletion request receiving means for receiving a print data deletion request including the user identification information;
A program that causes print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print data deletion request received by the print data deletion request reception unit to function as a deletion unit that deletes from the print data storage unit. The image formation connected to be communicable with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including print data storage means for acquiring print data transmitted from an external apparatus to the image forming apparatus and storing the print data in association with user identification information A management server program for managing the apparatus and entering the area where the image forming apparatus is installed,
The management server
Entry / exit management means for managing entry / exit information related to entry / exit for each area of the user;
An image in which print data is stored as to whether the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining the user's entry / exit state according to the entry / exit information. A state determination unit that determines whether the user leaves the area where the forming apparatus is installed and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed;
A user leaves the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored to move to another area is installed by the state determination means, and further to another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. When it is determined that the user may enter the room, an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the exited area. The image forming apparatus includes the print data storage unit for the area where the user leaves the area when it is determined that the user leaves the area and the room does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. Print data deletion request transmission means for transmitting a print data deletion request including user identification information of the user to the apparatus;
When the state determination means determines that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, the image is installed in the area where the user has left after tracking the user's room. Print data stored in the forming apparatus, and the print data of the user who has entered the room is installed in an area where the user has entered from an image forming apparatus provided with print data storage means installed in an area where the user has left the room. Transfer of print data in an area different from the area in which the room has been entered according to the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the area to be entered , so that the image forming apparatus is provided with the print data storage means. specifies an image forming apparatus which is the source, for the image forming apparatus is the specified, and the entry with the user identification information area Program for causing to function as a transfer request transmitting unit that transmits the print data transfer request including the first identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus to forward the definitive print data. An entrance / exit management means for managing entry into an area where the image forming apparatus is installed and managing entry / exit information related to the user's entry / exit to each area, and according to the entry / exit information, the user's entry into each area. By determining whether the user has left the room, the user can enter the other area where the image forming apparatus is installed or the area where the image forming apparatus in which print data is stored is installed. The state determination means for determining whether the user leaves the room and does not enter another area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and the print data is transferred to the other area by the state determination means. A user leaves the area where the stored image forming apparatus is installed, and further enters another area where the image forming apparatus is installed. If it is determined that there is, the area where the image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored is installed without deleting the print data from the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means in the area that has left the room. When it is determined that the user leaves the room and does not enter another area in which the image forming apparatus is installed, the image forming apparatus including the print data storage unit in the left area A print data deletion request transmission unit that transmits a print data deletion request including the user identification information of the user, and the state determination unit that determines that the user has entered another area where the image forming apparatus is installed Print data stored in the image forming apparatus installed in the area where the user has left the room, following the user's entry. Then, the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user entered from the image forming apparatus provided with the print data storage means installed in the area where the user exited the user's print data. In accordance with the entry information including the user identification information of the user who entered the room and the area information of the entered area, the image forming apparatus that is the transfer source of print data in an area different from the entered area is specified, A print data transfer request including the user identification information and first specifying information for specifying the image forming apparatus that is a transfer destination of the print data in the entered area is transmitted to the specified image forming apparatus. transfer request sending means is communicably connected with a management server that Ru comprising a printing de sent from an external device to the image forming apparatus Acquires over data, a program of a plurality of image forming apparatus including a print data storage means for storing the print data in correspondence with the user identification information,
The image forming apparatus;
Transfer request receiving means for receiving the print data transfer request transmitted by the transfer request transmitting means;
Print data transmission means for transmitting print data corresponding to the user identification information included in the print data transfer request to the image forming apparatus in the room that has entered according to the first specific information included in the print data transfer request; ,
A print data deletion request receiving means for receiving a print data deletion request including the user identification information;
A program that causes print data corresponding to user identification information included in the print data deletion request received by the print data deletion request reception unit to function as a deletion unit that deletes from the print data storage unit.

Images