JPH11146118A - Data processing system, data processing method for the data processing system and storage medium storing program readable by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print service to users in which the print service using a portable terminal is available for the users at an optional installation location while imposing a charge on the users. SOLUTION: While a CPU of a server 4 authenticates a user by collating the user with registered user information, a portable terminal 1 is used to register print data to a storage means 5 connecting with the server 4, after an authentication means 7 authenticates whether or not a user visiting an installed location of an image forming device 6 is the registered user, registered print data are read from the storage means 5 of the server 4 based on a print data output request from the user and an image forming device 10 prints out the data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a data processing system capable of communicating with a server, a portable terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, a data processing method of the data processing system, and a computer readable program. It relates to a storage medium that stores the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, mobile phones and mobile terminals have become widespread due to the development of communication technology, semiconductor technology and the like, and various data processing systems have been proposed.

[0003] On the other hand, the communication infrastructure such as the Internet has been steadily improved. Even when you are out of the office, you can connect to a website or your own personal computer (PC) from a portable terminal via a public telephone or a mobile phone to go out. It is becoming possible to freely perform various data processing from a destination by acquiring or transferring data from the Internet.

[0004]

However, in the above data processing system, for example, when going out,
Even when trying to print mobile device information on paper, there is often no device that can print it, and usually you can not output it unless you return to your company or home, and the output destination is limited, There is a problem in that it is not possible to acquire the output of the acquired data at a desired destination and create the material required by the customer at an arbitrary destination.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable communication between a server having a storage medium, a portable terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. In a simple data processing system or a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium, the user is authenticated by collating the user with registered user information. While registering the print data from the mobile terminal in the storage medium connected to the server, or registering the print data from the mobile terminal in advance in the storage medium connected to the image forming apparatus via the server, the installation location of the image forming apparatus After authenticating whether the user who went to is a registered user, the storage medium of the server or the image forming apparatus based on a print data output request from the user. By controlling the reading process of print data registered from the storage medium and the billing process, the user can receive a print service using the portable terminal at an arbitrary installation location equipped with the image forming apparatus with a bill. An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing system, a data processing method of the data processing system, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, which provide a service to a user and can greatly improve the convenience of a portable terminal.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server having a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium,
A data processing system capable of communicating with a portable terminal and an image forming apparatus, wherein a user who requests user to input print data by comparing user information input from the portable terminal with user information registered in the server. A first authentication unit for authenticating, based on an authentication result by the first authentication unit,
First control means for controlling registration of print data, to which user information is added and transferred from the portable terminal, to a storage medium, and registration of the user information input by the image forming apparatus and the storage medium of the server A second authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus by collating with the user information obtained, and based on an authentication result of the second authentication unit, Second control means for acquiring the registered print data from the storage medium and controlling execution of image output by the image forming apparatus.

A second invention according to the present invention has a billing means for billing a user for a calculated image output usage fee after the image is output by the image forming apparatus and performing a settlement process.

In a third aspect according to the present invention, when the first authentication unit issues a password based on character string data input from the portable terminal, the second authentication unit is input. The password and character string data are compared with the password and character string data registered in the storage medium to authenticate a user who requests output of the print data.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the user information is user identification information stored in a credit card.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the second authentication means authenticates a user who requests output of the print data by reading user identification information stored in a credit card.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the first control means automatically erases the print data registered in the storage medium after a lapse of a data holding time designated by the portable terminal. It is.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium. A first authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests input of print data by comparing input user information with user information registered in the server, and based on an authentication result by the first authentication unit, First control means for controlling execution of transfer registration of print data to which user information received from the mobile terminal is added to a storage medium of one of the image forming apparatuses designated via the server, and the image forming apparatus And authenticating a user who requests output of the print data by comparing user information inputting an image output request with user information registered in the storage medium. And authentication means for, based on the authentication result by the second authentication means, and has a second control means for controlling the output execution of the print data read from the storage medium.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the image forming apparatus further comprises a billing means for billing the user for a calculated image output usage fee after the image is output by the image forming apparatus and performing a settlement process.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the first authentication unit issues a password based on a character string data input from the portable terminal, the second authentication unit is input. The password and character string data are compared with the password and character string data registered in the storage medium to authenticate a user who requests output of the print data.

[0015] In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the user information is user identification information stored in a credit card.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the second authentication means authenticates a user who requests output of the print data by reading user identification information stored in a credit card.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, the second control means automatically deletes the print data registered in the storage medium after a lapse of a data holding time designated by the portable terminal. It is.

A thirteenth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method of a data processing system capable of communicating with a server having a storage medium, a portable terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A first authentication step of comparing user information input from a terminal with user information registered in the server to authenticate a user who requests input of print data, and based on an authentication result of the first authentication step. A registration step of registering print data to which user information is added and transferred from the portable terminal to a storage medium; and a step of registering the user information input by the image forming apparatus and the user information registered in the storage medium of the server. And a second authentication step of authenticating a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus, based on an authentication result obtained by the second authentication step. An output step of outputting an image by acquiring the print data registered from the storage medium of the serial server,
After the image is output in the output step, a charging step is performed in which the user is charged for the calculated image output usage fee and the payment processing is performed.

A fourteenth invention according to the present invention is a data processing method of a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium, A first authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests input of print data by comparing user information input from the mobile terminal with user information registered in the server;
The print data to which the user information received from the portable terminal is added, based on the authentication result of the first authentication step, with respect to the storage medium of one of the image forming apparatuses designated via the server. A registration step of performing transfer registration, and a user requesting output of the print data by comparing user information inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus with user information registered in the storage medium. A second authentication step of authenticating the image, an output step of outputting print data read from the storage medium based on the authentication result of the second authentication step, and an image calculated after the image is output by the output step. And a billing step of billing the user for an output usage fee and performing a settlement process.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer readable program for controlling a data processing system capable of communicating with a server having a storage medium, a portable terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium is provided. A first authentication step of comparing the user information input from the portable terminal with the user information registered in the server to authenticate a user requesting input of print data, wherein the first authentication step includes: A registration step of registering, in a storage medium, print data to which user information is added and transferred from the portable terminal on the basis of an authentication result of the first authentication step; and a user information input by the image forming apparatus and the server A second authentication method that authenticates a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus by collating with user information registered in the storage medium of When an output step of the second based on the authentication result by the authentication process, to the image output acquires print data registered from the storage medium of the server,
After the image is output in the output step, a computer-readable program including a charging step of charging a user for a calculated image output usage fee and performing a payment process is stored in a storage medium.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer that controls a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium is readable. A first storage medium storing a program, the first storage medium authenticating a user who requests print data input by comparing user information input from the mobile terminal with user information registered in the server.
The print data to which the user information received from the portable terminal is added, based on the authentication result of the first authentication step, with respect to the storage medium of one of the image forming apparatuses designated via the server. A registration step of performing transfer registration, and a user requesting output of the print data by comparing user information inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus with user information registered in the storage medium. A second authentication step of authenticating the image, an output step of outputting print data read from the storage medium based on the authentication result of the second authentication step, and an image calculated after the image is output by the output step. A computer-readable program including a charging step of charging a user for an output usage fee and performing a settlement process is stored in a storage medium.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a portable terminal possessed by a user, and 2 denotes a portable telephone such as a PHS. The mobile terminal 1 and the mobile phone 2 are connected by a communication cable 3.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a server, which includes a control unit having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, performs data processing in accordance with instructions from a keyboard or the like (not shown), and controls the entire information processing system. The storage means 5 functioning as the next storage device is connected. The storage device 5 stores user authentication information registered in advance.

Reference numeral 6 denotes an image forming apparatus which includes an authentication means 7 for performing a user authentication process, and is configured to be able to communicate with the server 4 through a telephone line 8 by a predetermined protocol. The authentication unit 7 includes a reader unit that reads authentication information stored in various memory media such as a magnetic card, a prepaid card, and an IC card, and outputs read data to the image forming apparatus 6 via an interface (not shown). It is configured to be.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A data processing system capable of communicating with a server 4, a portable terminal 1, and an image forming apparatus 6 having a storage medium (storage means 5) via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above. A first authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests input of print data by comparing user information input from the mobile terminal 1 with user information registered in the server 4 (the CPU of the server 4 is a ROM, Execute the control program stored in the memory resource to perform authentication processing)
And a first control unit (a server 4 of the server 4) for controlling execution of registration of print data, to which user information is added and transferred from the portable terminal 1, on a storage medium based on an authentication result by the first authentication unit. The CPU executes the control program stored in the ROM and other memory resources to perform registration processing);
A second authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus 6 by comparing user information input by the image forming apparatus 6 with user information registered in a storage medium of the server 4. And the print data registered from the storage medium of the server 4 based on the authentication result of the second authentication means. (The CPU of the image forming apparatus 6 executes the control program stored in the ROM and other memory resources to perform the printing process) so that the registration of the print data can be performed. The print data input from the portable terminal 1 of the user who is authenticated is registered in the server 4 and goes to the communicable destination image forming apparatus 6, and the user authenticated in cooperation with the server 4 It can be constructed freely input and output processing environment of printing read at any time based on the print output request.

Further, after the image is output by the image forming apparatus 6, the user is charged for the calculated image output usage fee and the payment processing is performed (the CPU of the server 4 is a ROM,
Since there is charging processing means for executing a control program stored in another memory resource and performing charging processing (details will be given in accordance with a plurality of examples described later), a service business which includes the image forming apparatus 6 and performs print output processing is provided. Can be easily expanded, the print data can be flexibly responded to the output request of the user, the print data can be printed at any time in a nearby print shop, and the desired print result can be obtained. The convenience of the user who uses is greatly improved.

Further, when the CPU of the server 4 issues a password based on the input of the character string data from the portable terminal 1, the authentication means 7 registers the input password, character string data and the storage means 5 with the password. The user who requests the output of the print data is authenticated by collating the password and the character string data, so that even a user who does not register data necessary for the authentication processing in advance can easily use the data processing system. The user can be authenticated.

Further, since the user information is the user identification information stored in the credit card, the user identification information stored in the card generally used in the existing system can be used. The data processing system can be easily used.

Further, the authentication means 7 reads the user identification information stored in the credit card and authenticates the user requesting the output of the print data, so that the user identification information stored in the card generally used in the existing system is read. Since authentication processing using information is also possible, a card user can easily use the data processing system.

Further, the CPU of the server 4 automatically deletes the print data registered in the storage means 5 after the elapse of the data holding time designated by the portable terminal 1, so that
The situation in which the print data registration area of the storage medium provided on the server 4 side is completely occupied by the print data of the registered user can be automatically released, and the print data from the user can be continuously registered. The state can be automatically shifted to a state in which the system becomes inoperable.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure of the data processing system according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (12) indicate each step.

In step (1), the server 4 monitors whether there is an incoming call on the public line. If there is an incoming call, in step (2), the server 4 presents a service that can be used to the user and provides the user with the service. Select a menu. The menu includes
This includes input of print data (data storage), output of print data (data printing), and other inquiries.

In FIG. 1, when a user who wants to print data carries the portable terminal 1 and the portable telephone 2 together with the cable 3, the user dials the telephone number of the server 4 from the portable telephone 2. Then, the user connects to the server 4 through a public line and selects data input from the menu.

If the input of the print data is selected by the user in step (2), the user is authenticated in step (3). As the authentication means, there are a method of inputting the number of the credit card by a key, a method of registering as a user in advance and inputting the number by a key, and the like. In addition, there is a method in which a user who cannot perform the above method is required to input a name by a key, issue a password at the time of printing from the server 4, and have the user input the password at the time of printing. The various numbers, names, passwords, and the like described above are stored in the storage unit 5 of the server 4 as user information.

In step (3), when the user authentication processing is completed, the user is next asked to designate a retention time for storing data to be printed in the server 4. This is to allow the user to print out the data by setting in advance by what time the printout is to be made, and at the same time, if the data is not printed after the specified time, a certain amount of This is because the data is erased after allowing for the extra time so that the data is not excessively stored in the storage unit 5.

Next, in step (4), after inputting and confirming the data holding time, that is, the time until the data is erased, in step (5), the user is sent the data to be printed, and the server 4 stores the data. The print data is stored in the means 5 together with the user information and the data holding time. Next, the above steps (3) to (3) are performed by a determination process (not shown).
When the process of (5) is correctly completed, the user is notified of the normal completion, the communication state is disconnected, and the process returns to step (1) to wait for the next incoming call.

Next, the user temporarily stores the information in the storage unit 5 of the server 4.
In order to print the data after transmitting the print data, the function of the present system is incorporated and the user goes to one of the image forming apparatuses 6 which can be connected to the server 4 and connects to the server 4 by operating the apparatus. Select print data output (data print).

When the user selects print data output (data printing) in step (2), first, in step (6), a user authentication process is performed. In this user authentication process, as in step (3), when the user inputs a credit card number, the authentication means 7 inserts the credit card and reads the number.

Similarly, in the case of a member, the card is inserted into the authentication means 7 and the number is read. Enter your name,
The user who has been issued the password inputs the name and the password by the key.

Then, the server 4 determines in step (7)
The input user information is compared with the authentication information for each user registered in the storage means 5 to determine whether or not they match, and when it is determined that there is a match,
At step (8), the corresponding print data is read, and at step (9), the data is printed.

Next, the server 4 calculates the fee for printing the data, displays a request to the user on the display screen of the image forming apparatus 6 and selects a payment method. After the determination, the communication with the server 4 is cut off, and the process returns to step (1) to wait for the next incoming call.

As a payment method, there are settlement by a credit card, account withdrawal in the case of a member, and payment by cash.

On the other hand, if the server 4 determines in step (7) that there is no matching authentication information, the process proceeds to step (1).
Proceeding to 2), for example, a user information re-input instruction is performed. If that is not the case, an error process for rejecting the reception is executed, and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if an inquiry is selected by the user in step (2), in step (11), for example, information on the usage fee, information provision such as the location of the printable image forming apparatus 6, and printing by name are performed. I registered the data,
Inquiry processing for individual correspondence such as when the password is forgotten or when the registered content is changed is executed, and the process returns to step (1).

The location of the image forming apparatus 6 where printing can be performed is provided in the inquiry menu.
A list or search may be made in the data input menu.

Hereinafter, the features of this embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG.

A data processing method of a data processing system capable of communicating with a server 4 having a storage medium, a portable terminal 1, and an image forming apparatus 6 via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above, or A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing system capable of communicating with a server 4, a portable terminal 1, and an image forming apparatus 6 having a storage medium via the communication medium. A first authentication step (step (1) in FIG. 2) of authenticating a user requesting input of print data by comparing user information input from the server 1 with user information registered in the server 4; A registration step of registering print data to which user information is added and transferred from the portable terminal 1 on a storage medium based on the authentication result of the first authentication step (see FIG. 2) Step (5)), and requests the output of the print data from the image forming apparatus 6 by comparing the user information input by the image forming apparatus 6 with the user information registered in the storage medium of the server 4. A second authentication step (step (6) in FIG. 2) for authenticating the user to be performed, and acquiring the registered print data from the storage medium of the server 4 based on the authentication result of the second authentication step. An output step (step (9) in FIG. 2) for outputting an image by
After the image is output in the output step, the user is charged for the calculated image output usage fee, and the charging step (FIG.
(10)), the print data input from the portable terminal 1 of the user who is authenticated to be able to register the print data is registered in the server 4 and the image forming apparatus 6 at a communicable destination. And an input / output processing environment for reading and printing at any time based on a print output request from a user who is authenticated in cooperation with the server 4 can be freely constructed.

[Second Embodiment] In the above-described embodiment, the print data received from the portable terminal 1 is stored in the storage unit 5 connected to the server 4, and the print data received from any image forming apparatus 6 capable of communicating with the server 4 is stored. The case where the print data stored in the storage unit 5 is acquired from the server 4 and the printing process is performed has been described, but the user designates a specific image forming apparatus 6 from the mobile terminal 1 and is connected to the image forming apparatus 6. The storage means connected to the image forming apparatus 6 can store the print data individually by storing the data in the storage means via the server so as to prevent the storage means of the server 4 from being occupied by the print data. You may comprise. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes a server, and the CPU, RA
A control unit including an M, a ROM, and the like is provided. The control unit performs data processing according to instructions from a keyboard or the like (not shown) and controls the entire information processing system. An image forming apparatus 10 includes an authentication unit 7 for performing a user authentication process and a storage unit 11, and is configured to be able to communicate with a server 9 via a telephone line 8 by a predetermined protocol.

The authentication means 7 includes a reader section for reading authentication information stored in various memory media such as a magnetic card, a prepaid card, an IC card, etc., and reads the authentication information to the image forming apparatus 10 via an interface (not shown). It is configured to output data. Although only the designated image forming apparatus 10 is shown in the figure, a plurality of image forming apparatuses (not shown) can be designated as output destinations.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The server 9, the portable terminal 1, and the storage medium (storage means 1) via the predetermined communication medium configured as described above.
1) A data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 including: 1) collating user information input from the portable terminal 1 with user information registered in the server 9 to obtain print data; First authentication means for authenticating a user who requests input (the CPU of the server 9 executes an authentication process by executing a control program stored in a ROM, a memory resource not shown), and an authentication result by the first authentication means; A first control for controlling execution of transfer registration of a print data to which user information received from the portable terminal 1 is added to a storage medium of one of the image forming apparatuses 10 specified via the server 9 based on the Means (CP of server 9)
U executes a control program stored in a ROM, a memory resource (not shown) to perform control processing), and user information inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus 10 and registered in the storage medium. A second authentication unit (authentication unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 10) that authenticates a user who requests output of the print data by comparing the user information with the user information that is present.
A second control unit that controls execution of output of print data read from the storage medium based on an authentication result by the second authentication unit (the CPU of the image forming apparatus
M, which executes a control program stored in a memory resource (not shown) to perform print processing), so that a user authenticated to be able to register print data without having a large-capacity storage medium on the server 9 side. Print data input from the portable terminal 1 of the specific image forming apparatus 10 via the server 9
An input / output process for individually registering and specifying individual recording media connected to a specific image forming apparatus 10, going to a specific image forming apparatus 10, and reading and printing as needed based on a print output request from a user who is authenticated in cooperation with the server 9. The environment can be freely constructed.

Further, after the image is output by the image forming apparatus 10, charging processing means (CPU of the image forming apparatus 10) for charging the calculated image output usage fee to the user and performing a settlement process.
To execute a control program stored in a ROM or a memory resource (not shown) to perform billing processing). Therefore, it is possible to easily expand the number of bases that are provided with the image forming apparatus 10 and operate a service business for print output processing. It is possible to flexibly respond to a user's output request, print data at any time in a nearby print shop to obtain a desired print result, and greatly enhance the convenience of the user using the mobile terminal 1. Can be improved.

Further, when the CPU of the server 9 issues a password based on the input of the character string data from the portable terminal 1, the authentication means 7 registers the input password and the character string data with the storage medium. The user who requests the output of the print data is authenticated by collating the password and the character string data, so that even a user who does not register data necessary for the authentication processing in advance can easily use the data processing system. The user can be authenticated.

Further, since the user information is the user identification information stored in the credit card, the user identification information stored in the card generally used in the existing system can be used. The data processing system can be easily used.

Further, the authentication means 7 reads the user identification information stored in the credit card and authenticates the user requesting the output of the print data, so that the user identification information stored in the card generally used in the existing system is read. Since authentication processing using information is also possible, a card user can easily use the data processing system.

The CPU of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided in the server 9 because the print data registered in the storage medium is automatically erased after the elapse of the data holding time designated by the portable terminal 1. Automatically cancels the situation where the print data registration area of the storage medium is completely occupied by the registered user's print data, and automatically transitions to a state where print data from the user can be continuously registered And the situation in which the system becomes inoperable can be avoided.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure of the data processing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

In step (1), the server 9 monitors whether there is an incoming call on the public line. If there is an incoming call from the user, in step (2), the server 9 presents a service that can be used to the user, and To select a menu.

The menu includes input of print data (data storage), output of print data (data print), and other inquiries.

In FIG. 3, when the user who wants to print data has the portable terminal 1 and the portable telephone 2 together with the cable 3, the user dials the telephone number of the server 9 from the portable telephone 2. Then, the user connects to the server 9 through a public line and selects data input from the menu.

If it is determined in step (2) that the input of print data has been selected, a user authentication process is performed in step (3). As the authentication means, there are a method of inputting a credit card number by a key and a method of registering the user as a user in advance and inputting the number by a key.

For a user who cannot use the above method,
Key in the name and enter the password for printing on the server 9
There is a method in which the password is issued by the user at the time of printing.

Further, the above-mentioned various numbers, names, passwords and the like are temporarily stored in a storage buffer (not shown) of the server 9 as user information.

When the user authentication processing is completed in step (3), the user is prompted in step (4) to select a print output destination indicating which image forming apparatus 10 is to perform print processing.

In this embodiment, the information on the image forming apparatus 10 which can be connected to the system and has a communication function includes information on its installation location, optional components such as a sorter and double-sided printing, and printing capability. It is registered in the server 9 in advance, and in step (4), the user is searched according to the location as the print output destination, the function to be used, etc., and the candidates are narrowed down, the user is selected, and the selected output is selected. The destination is temporarily stored in the storage buffer of the server 9.

Next, in step (5), the user is caused to designate a holding time for storing data to be printed in the server 9. This is to allow the user to print the data by setting in advance by what time the printout is to be made, and at the same time, when the data is not printed after the specified time, a certain degree of This is because the data is erased after allowing for the extra time so that the data is not accumulated in the storage unit 11 too much.

Next, in step (5), after confirming the input of the data retention time, that is, the time until the data is erased, the user is caused to transmit the data to be printed in step (6). 8, the storage unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 which is the designated output destination
Then, the print data is stored together with the user information and the data holding time once stored in the storage buffer of the server 9 described above. Next, step (3) is performed by a step not shown.
If it is determined that the processing of (6) has been correctly performed, the user is notified that the data has been normally received, the communication state is disconnected, and the process returns to step (1) to wait for the next incoming call.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the inquiry has been selected, the process proceeds to step (7),
For example, information on the usage fee, provision of information such as the location of the image forming apparatus 10 capable of printing, registration of print data by name, but forgetting the password, or changing the registered content once, for example, Inquiry processing for making an individual response such as a change is performed, and the process returns to step (1).

Next, a case where the user transmits print data to the present system and then prints the data will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure of the data processing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step. Further, the user goes to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present system designated as the output destination for printing, and selects the output (data printing) of the print data stored in the storage unit 11 by operating the apparatus.

First, in step (1), the mode change of the operation means (operation panel) of the image forming apparatus 10 is checked, and when the change from the normal copy mode to the printer mode is detected, the process proceeds to step (2). To display the menu on the display section of the operation panel, and prompt the user to select the menu.

If it is determined that data output (data printing) has been selected, a user authentication process is performed in step (3). The authentication of the user is performed by asking the user to insert a credit card and reading the number in accordance with the same authentication method as in step (3) shown in FIG. Similarly, in the case of a member, the card is inserted into the authentication means 7 and the number is read. Then, the user who entered the name and was issued a password,
Key in the password you just entered.

In step (4), the image forming apparatus 10 stores the input user information in the storage unit 11
It is determined whether or not there is a match by comparing with the authentication information. If it is determined that there is a match, the corresponding print data is read out in step (5), and the data is read out in step (6). Print.

Next, in step (7), the image forming apparatus 1
0 calculates the fee for printing the data, executes a fee billing process including a display for billing the user on the display screen of the image forming apparatus 10, and returns to step (1).

The payment methods include credit card settlement, account withdrawal for members, and cash payment.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that there is no matching authentication information, the process proceeds to step (9), for example, an instruction for re-inputting user information is given. (9), and returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the inquiry has been selected, then in step (8), for example, a usage charge is presented, information such as the location of the printable image forming apparatus 10 is provided, and printing is performed by name. When the data is registered, but the password is forgotten, or when the registered content is changed, an inquiry process such as performing individual correspondence such as changing an output destination is executed, and the process returns to step (1). .
These processes are performed via the server 9 and the communication line 8.

Hereinafter, the features of this embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS.

The server 9, the portable terminal 1, and the storage medium (storage means 1) via the predetermined communication medium configured as described above.
1) A data processing method of a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 including: a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server 9, a portable terminal 1, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium 10 is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing system capable of communicating with the user, and collates user information input from the portable terminal 1 with user information registered in the server 9. A first authentication step (step (3) in FIG. 4) for authenticating a user requesting input of print data, and a user receiving from the portable terminal 1 based on an authentication result of the first authentication step. A registration step of performing transfer registration of print data to which information is added to a storage medium of one of the image forming apparatuses 10 designated via the server 9 (see FIG. 4). Step (6)) and a user requesting output of the print data by comparing user information inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus 10 with user information registered in the storage medium. A second authentication step (step (3) in FIG. 5) for authenticating the
An output step (step (6) in FIG. 5) of outputting print data read from the storage medium based on the authentication result of the authentication step, and
Since there is a charging step (step (7) in FIG. 5) for billing the user for the calculated image output usage fee and performing the settlement processing, the server 9 does not have a large-capacity storage medium.
The print data input from the portable terminal 1 of the user who is authenticated to be able to register the print data is individually designated and registered in a recording medium connected to the image forming apparatus via the server, and the communicable destination image formation is performed. It is possible to freely construct an input / output processing environment for reading and printing at any time based on a print output request from a user who goes to the apparatus and is authenticated in cooperation with the server 9.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the user connects to the system servers 4 and 9 from the mobile terminal 1 using the mobile phone 2 has been described. However, instead of the mobile phone 2, there are in the city,
The same applies when using a public telephone on an ISDN line.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the data processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by the data processing system according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

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

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

According to the above-described embodiment, the print proxy service can be received from the image forming apparatus disposed at the point intended by the user without requiring any dedicated operator. The image processing service using both the copy service and the print service can be developed using the digital copying machine without bothering the user. This allows the user to
The output can be obtained at any time by a simple operation such as going to the base of the image forming apparatus selected by the user at his / her designated time or requesting print data from an arbitrary image forming apparatus to the user at any time for 4 hours.

Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a so-called mobile computer but also to a portable notebook personal computer capable of communicating with a server via a telephone line, so that the present invention is applicable to the specifications of the image forming apparatus. Since the user can arbitrarily select the base, printing can not be performed with a so-called personal device level printer,
Prints with edited images and high-speed print processing can be easily performed.

[0100]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a data processing system capable of communicating with a server having a storage medium, a portable terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the user information input from the portable terminal and the server A first authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests print data input by comparing the registered user information, and user information is added from the portable terminal based on an authentication result by the first authentication unit. Control means for controlling execution of registration of the print data transferred to the storage medium, and collating user information input by the image forming apparatus with user information registered in the storage medium of the server. Second authentication means for authenticating a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus;
A second control unit that acquires print data registered from the storage medium of the server based on an authentication result of the second authentication unit and controls execution of image output by the image forming apparatus. The print data input from the mobile terminal of the user who is authenticated to be able to register the data is registered in the server, and the user goes to a communicable destination image forming apparatus and prints from the authenticated user in cooperation with the server. An input / output processing environment for reading and printing at any time based on an output request can be freely constructed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the image is output by the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes the accounting processing means for charging the calculated image output usage fee to the user and performing the settlement processing. It is possible to easily expand the service business base that handles print output processing, flexibly respond to user output requests, print print data at any time in a nearby print shop, and obtain desired print results The convenience of the user using the portable terminal, which can be obtained, can be remarkably improved.

According to the third invention, when the first authentication means issues a password based on character string data input from the portable terminal, the second authentication means sets the input password, Since the user who requests output of the print data is authenticated by collating the character string data with the password and the character string data registered in the storage medium, the user who has not registered in advance the data necessary for the authentication process. However, it is possible to easily authenticate as a user who uses the data processing system.

According to the fourth aspect, since the user information is the user identification information stored in the credit card,
The user identification information stored in a card generally used in the existing system can also be used, and a card user can easily use the data processing system.

According to the fifth aspect, the second authentication means reads the user identification information stored in the credit card and authenticates the user who requests the output of the print data. Since the authentication process using the user identification information stored in the card to be performed is also possible, the card user can easily use the data processing system.

According to the sixth aspect, the first control means automatically deletes the print data registered in the storage medium after the elapse of a data holding time designated by the portable terminal. Automatically cancels the situation in which the print data registration area of the storage medium provided on the side is completely occupied by the print data of the registered user, so that the print data from the user can be continuously registered. The transition can be performed automatically, and a situation in which the system becomes inoperable can be avoided.

According to the seventh aspect, there is provided a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium. A first authentication unit that authenticates a user requesting input of print data by comparing user information registered in the server with user information registered in the server, and based on an authentication result by the first authentication unit, First control means for controlling execution of transfer registration of a print data to which user information received from a terminal is added to a storage medium of one of the image forming apparatuses designated via the server;
A second authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests output of the print data by comparing user information inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus with user information registered in the storage medium; And a second control unit for controlling execution of print data read from the storage medium based on an authentication result by the second authentication unit, so that the server has a large-capacity storage medium. Print data input from a portable terminal of a user who is authenticated to be able to register print data, is individually designated and registered in a recording medium connected to a specific image forming apparatus via a server, and the specific image formation is performed. It is possible to freely construct an input / output processing environment in which the user goes to the apparatus and reads and prints at any time based on a print output request from a user authenticated in cooperation with the server.

According to the eighth aspect, after the image is output by the image forming apparatus, there is provided a billing processing means for billing a user for a calculated image output usage fee and performing a settlement process. It is possible to easily expand the service business base that handles print output processing, flexibly respond to user output requests, print print data at any time in a nearby print shop, and obtain desired print results The convenience of the user using the portable terminal, which can be obtained, can be remarkably improved.

According to the ninth aspect, when the first authentication unit issues a password based on the character string data input from the portable terminal, the second authentication unit sets the password, Since the user who requests output of the print data is authenticated by collating the character string data with the password and the character string data registered in the storage medium, the user who has not registered in advance the data necessary for the authentication process. However, it is possible to easily authenticate as a user who uses the data processing system.

According to the tenth aspect, since the user information is the user identification information stored in the credit card, the user identification information stored in the card generally used in the existing system can be used. In addition, a card user can easily use the data processing system.

According to the eleventh aspect, the second authentication unit reads the user identification information stored in the credit card and authenticates the user who requests the output of the print data. Since the authentication process using the user identification information stored in the card to be performed is also possible, the card user can easily use the data processing system.

According to the twelfth aspect, the second control means automatically deletes the print data registered in the storage medium after a lapse of a data holding time designated by the portable terminal. Automatically cancels the situation in which the print data registration area of the storage medium provided on the side is completely occupied by the print data of the registered user, so that the print data from the user can be continuously registered. The transition can be performed automatically, and a situation in which the system becomes inoperable can be avoided.

The thirteenth and fifteenth inventions are data processing methods of a data processing system capable of communicating with a server having a storage medium, a portable terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing system capable of communicating with a server having a storage medium, a mobile terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a communication medium, wherein the program is input from the mobile terminal. A first authentication step of authenticating a user who requests input of print data by comparing user information with user information registered in the server; and the mobile terminal based on an authentication result of the first authentication step. A registration step of registering the print data to which the user information is added and transferred in the storage medium, and the user information input by the image forming apparatus and A second authentication step of authenticating a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus by comparing user information registered in a storage medium of the server with an authentication result obtained by the second authentication step. An output step of acquiring print data registered from the storage medium of the server and outputting an image based on the image processing, and, after outputting the image in the output step, invoking a user for an image output usage fee calculated and performing a settlement process The print data input from the portable terminal of the user who is authenticated to be able to register the print data is registered in the server, the user goes to a communicable destination image forming apparatus, and cooperates with the server. It is possible to freely construct an input / output processing environment for reading and printing at any time based on a print output request from a user who is authenticated.

According to the fourteenth and sixteenth aspects, there is provided a data processing method for a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium, A first authentication step of comparing user information input from a mobile terminal with user information registered in the server to authenticate a user requesting input of print data; and an authentication result obtained by the first authentication step. On the basis of,
A registration step of performing transfer registration of print data to which user information received from the mobile terminal is added to a storage medium of any of the image forming apparatuses designated via the server;
A second authentication step of comparing user information inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus with user information registered in the storage medium to authenticate a user requesting output of the print data; An output step of outputting print data read from the storage medium based on the authentication result of the second authentication step; and charging the user for an image output usage fee calculated after the image is output by the output step. And a charging step for performing payment processing without using a large-capacity storage medium on the server side, and forming print data input from a portable terminal of a user who is authenticated to be able to register print data via the server. A print output request from a user who is individually designated and registered on a recording medium connected to the apparatus, goes to a communicable destination image forming apparatus, and is authenticated in cooperation with the server. Output processing environment of printing read at any time on the basis can be constructed freely.

Therefore, the user is provided with a print service that allows the user to receive a print service using the portable terminal at an arbitrary installation site equipped with the image forming apparatus, while charging the user, thereby greatly improving the convenience of the portable terminal. It has effects such as being able to do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the data processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the data processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the data processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium storing various data processing programs that can be read by the data processing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 mobile terminal 2 mobile phone 4 server 5 storage means 6 image forming device 7 authentication means 8 communication line

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/34 G06F 15/21 340A

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A data processing system capable of communicating with a server having a storage medium, a mobile terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the user information input from the mobile terminal and registered in the server A first authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests input of print data by collating with the obtained user information, and wherein the user information is added from the portable terminal based on an authentication result by the first authentication unit. A first control unit for controlling execution of registration of the transferred print data in a storage medium, and comparing the user information input in the image forming apparatus with the user information registered in the storage medium of the server, A second authentication unit for authenticating a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus; and a storage unit of the server, based on an authentication result of the second authentication unit. Data processing system comprising: the second control means obtains the print data registered to control the image output execution by the image forming apparatus. 2. The data processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a billing processing unit that bills a user for a calculated image output usage fee after the image is output by the image forming apparatus and performs a payment process. 3. When the first authentication unit issues a password based on a character string data input from the portable terminal, the second authentication unit outputs the password,
Character string data and a password registered in the storage medium,
2. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein a user who requests output of the print data is authenticated by collating with character string data. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is user identification information stored in a credit card.
Data processing system as described. 5. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein said second authentication unit authenticates a user who requests output of said print data by reading user identification information stored in a credit card. . 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit automatically deletes the print data registered in the storage medium after a lapse of a data holding time designated by the portable terminal. Data processing system. 7. A data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a mobile terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the user information input from the mobile terminal and the server First authentication means for authenticating a user requesting input of print data by collating with user information registered in user information, and user information received from the portable terminal based on an authentication result by the first authentication means A first control unit for controlling execution of transfer registration of the print data to which the print data to be added to the storage medium of one of the image forming apparatuses specified via the server is input, and an image output request to the image forming apparatus is input. A second authentication unit that authenticates a user who requests output of the print data by comparing user information registered in the storage medium with user information registered in the storage medium; Data processing system, characterized in that the authentication means based on the authentication result by, having a second control means for controlling the output execution of the print data read from the storage medium. 8. The data processing system according to claim 7, further comprising a billing processing unit that bills a user for a calculated image output usage fee after the image is output by the image forming apparatus and performs a payment process. 9. When the first authentication unit issues a password based on a character string data input from the mobile terminal, the second authentication unit sets the password,
Character string data and a password registered in the storage medium,
8. The data processing system according to claim 7, wherein a user who requests output of the print data is authenticated by collating with character string data. 10. The data processing system according to claim 7, wherein the user information is user identification information stored in a credit card. 11. The data processing system according to claim 7, wherein the second authentication unit reads user identification information stored in a credit card and authenticates a user who requests output of the print data. . 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second control means automatically deletes the print data registered in the storage medium after a lapse of a data holding time designated by the portable terminal. Data processing system. 13. A data processing method for a data processing system capable of communicating with a server, a mobile terminal, and an image forming apparatus having a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the user information input from the mobile terminal is A first authentication step of authenticating a user requesting input of print data by collating with user information registered in the server; and user information from the portable terminal based on an authentication result of the first authentication step. A registration step of registering the print data to which the print data is added and transferred in a storage medium, and comparing the user information input in the image formation apparatus with the user information registered in the storage medium of the server, in the image formation apparatus A second authentication step of authenticating a user who requests output of the print data from above, and the storage medium of the server based on an authentication result of the second authentication step. An output step of acquiring print data registered from the server and outputting an image, and a charging step of invoking a user for a calculated image output usage fee and performing a settlement process after outputting the image in the output step. Data processing method of the data processing system. 14. A data processing method of a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a mobile terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a user input from the mobile terminal is provided. A first authentication step of verifying information and user information registered in the server to authenticate a user requesting input of print data; and, based on an authentication result of the first authentication step, A registration step of registering transfer of print data to which the received user information is added to a storage medium of any of the image forming apparatuses designated via the server; and inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus. A second authentication step of verifying a user requesting output of the print data by comparing user information registered in the storage medium with user information registered in the storage medium; An output step of outputting print data read from the storage medium based on the authentication result of the second authentication step; and, after outputting the image in the output step, invoking the user for the calculated image output usage fee and performing a settlement process. A data processing method for a data processing system, comprising: a charging step. 15. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing system capable of communicating with a server having a storage medium, a portable terminal, and an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, A first authentication step of comparing user information input from the mobile terminal with user information registered in the server to authenticate a user requesting input of print data; and an authentication result by the first authentication step. A registration step of registering print data to which user information is added and transferred from the portable terminal to a storage medium based on the user information, a user information input by the image forming apparatus and a user registered in a storage medium of the server A second authentication step of authenticating a user who requests output of the print data from the image forming apparatus by comparing information with the information, An output step of obtaining print data registered from the storage medium of the server based on the authentication result by the server and outputting an image, and after outputting the image in the output step, charging an image output usage fee calculated to the user. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: 16. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing system capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a server, a portable terminal, and a storage medium via a predetermined communication medium. A first authentication step of collating user information input from the portable terminal with user information registered in the server to authenticate a user requesting input of print data;
A registration step of performing transfer registration to a storage medium of any one of the image forming apparatuses designated via the server, the print data to which the user information received from the portable terminal is added, based on the authentication result of the authentication step of A second authentication step of comparing user information inputting an image output request to the image forming apparatus with user information registered in the storage medium to authenticate a user requesting output of the print data; An output step of outputting print data read from the storage medium based on the authentication result of the second authentication step; and charging the user for an image output usage fee calculated after the image is output by the output step. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: