JP2010125710A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding the leakage of secret information without putting excessive burdens on the user. <P>SOLUTION: When an operating situation whether the printing job of the image forming apparatus is usable or not is acquired through an operating situation acquisition part 73, a determination part 74 for determining the necessity/unnecessity of private-printing determines the necessity/unnecessity of setting private-printing with respect to the new printing job based on the acquired operating situation. When the determination part 74 determines the necessity of setting the private-printing with respect to the new printing job, a printing control part 81 sends a permission to perform the new printing job to an engine part 41 in accordance with the authentication operation with respect to the job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a confidential printing function capable of executing a print job related to a document while maintaining confidentiality, and particularly when the user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding leakage of confidential information without imposing an excessive burden on a user even when a print job of the apparatus is being used.

  In recent image forming apparatuses having a printing function, in order to meet various needs of users, those having a confidential printing function have appeared.

  An example of an image forming apparatus having such a confidential printing function is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. Here, the confidential printing function refers to a function that enables a print job related to a document to be performed while maintaining confidentiality. Specifically, for example, in a system in which a plurality of client PCs and an image forming apparatus serving as a print server are connected via a network such as a LAN, a confidential document or a confidential document is transmitted from a certain client PC. When an image forming apparatus is instructed to print confidential documents such as confidential printing, the confidential printing job is temporarily processed without being immediately processed. After being accumulated and subjected to an authentication operation such as a password input of the user who came to the apparatus, the user operates to permit output of a job related to confidential printing of the user. According to this confidential printing function, it is possible to prevent mistakes in taking documents from the stack of output materials and information leakage from documents that are left on the stack tray being exposed to third parties. A document printing environment with a security function can be constructed.

  By the way, when a user performs a print job related to a confidential document through a panel operation of the image forming apparatus while a print job is performed via a network such as a LAN, the print job related to the confidential document ends. If the user continues to be on the image forming apparatus side, confidential information will not be leaked without enjoying the benefits of the confidential printing function.

  However, for example, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, in order to avoid leakage of confidential information, the user may be burdened excessively. That is, when an attempt is made to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, for example, when another user is using the device, when the use of the device by the other user ends, Since the user does not know when the print job related to the document is output, the user cannot leave the periphery of the apparatus at any time. Therefore, as a result of significantly constraining the user's behavior, there is a possibility that an excessive burden is placed on the user.

The above-described problem also exists when a print job related to a confidential document is performed to the image forming apparatus via a remote operation via a network such as a LAN. That is, when attempting to execute a new print job related to a confidential document via remote operation, for example, when another user is using the device, as in the case via the panel operation described above, It is not known when the other user's use of the apparatus ends and when the print job related to his / her confidential document is executed and output. Therefore, as a result of significantly constraining the user's behavior, there is a possibility that an excessive burden is placed on the user.
JP 2005-335281 A

  The problem to be solved is that, in the prior art, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, if another user is using the device, leakage of confidential information may occur. If it tries to avoid, there is a possibility that an excessive burden is placed on the user.

  In the present invention, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, even if the print job of the apparatus is in use, confidential information is leaked without imposing an excessive burden on the user. For the purpose of providing an image forming apparatus that can be avoided in advance, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires various types of operation information related to image formation, an engine unit that performs a print job, and printing related to a document to be confidentially printed A print control unit that waits for an authentication operation related to the job and sends the job execution permission to the engine unit, and a new print job via the operation information acquisition unit Each time operation information related to the execution command is acquired, an operation status acquisition unit that acquires an operation status related to whether or not a print job of the image forming apparatus can be used, and the image via the operation status acquisition unit form A confidential printing necessity determining unit that determines whether or not confidential printing on setting is required for the new print job based on the acquired operating state when the operating status of the apparatus is acquired, and the printing control unit includes: When the confidential print necessity determination unit determines that the confidential print on setting is required for the new print job, the execution permission of the new print job is waited for the authentication operation related to the job and is sent to the engine unit. The most important feature is to send to.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the operation status acquisition unit can use the print job of the image forming apparatus every time operation information related to a new print job execution command is acquired via the operation information acquisition unit. Get the operating status related to the failure. When the operating status of the image forming apparatus is acquired via the operating status acquisition unit, the confidential printing necessity determination unit determines whether confidential printing on setting is required for the new print job based on the acquired operating status. judge. When the confidential print necessity determination unit determines that the confidential print on setting is required for the new print job, the print control unit permits the execution of the new print job and performs an authentication operation related to the job. Wait and send it to the engine section. That is, in the present invention, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, if the print job of the apparatus is being used, the user who acts to avoid leakage of confidential information in advance. On the other hand, in such a case, the initial job setting may not be set to ON for confidential printing so as not to place an excessive burden such as being unable to leave the periphery of the device at any time. The confidential printing necessity determination unit determines whether the confidential printing on setting related to the new print job is necessary by determining whether the confidential printing on setting is necessary for the new printing job based on the operation status of the apparatus. It was decided that additional and dynamic control was possible. Therefore, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, even if the print job of the device is being used, leakage of confidential information can be prevented without imposing an excessive burden on the user. An avoidable image forming apparatus can be obtained.

  When a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, leakage of confidential information can be avoided without imposing an excessive burden on the user even if the print job of the device is in use. For the purpose of obtaining a secure image forming apparatus, when the confidential print necessity determination unit determines that confidential print on setting is required for the new print job, the execution permission of the new print job is related to the job. This is realized by a print control unit waiting for an authentication operation and sending it to the engine unit.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Schematic configuration around the image forming apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external view of an operation panel unit in the image forming apparatus.

  This device can use various functions including, for example, a copy job, a fax transmission job, a print job, or a network transmission (email transmission or data transmission) job, and includes a microcomputer and a dedicated hardware circuit. It is controlled by the main control unit 11. As an input / output device connected to the main control unit 11 and responsible for various functions, this apparatus includes a scanner unit 21, an image processing unit 31, an engine unit 41, an operation panel unit 51, a facsimile communication unit 61, and an HDD (hard disk drive) 63. A network I / F (interface) unit 65, and an IC card communication unit 67.

  The main control unit 11 includes a scanner controller 13 that performs operation control for realizing a scanner function, a facsimile controller 15 that performs operation control for realizing a facsimile function, and a printer controller that performs operation control for realizing a printer function. 17 and a copy controller 19 for controlling the operation for realizing the copy function are incorporated, and the overall operation of the apparatus is controlled.

  The scanner unit 21 includes an image irradiation lamp 23 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 25 constituting a scanner (not shown). The scanner unit 21 irradiates the document with the image irradiation lamp 23, receives the reflected light with the CCD sensor 25, reads an image from the document, and outputs image data corresponding to the read image to the image processing unit 31. .

  The image processing unit 31 includes a correction unit 33, an image processing unit 35, and an image memory 37. The image processing unit 31 processes the image data read by the scanner unit 21 with the correction unit 33 and the image processing unit 35 as necessary, and stores the processed image data in the image memory 37, the engine unit 41, Output to the facsimile communication unit 61 or the like. The correction unit 33 performs predetermined correction processing such as level correction and gamma correction on the image data read by the scanner unit 21. The image processing unit 35 performs various types of processing such as image data compression or expansion processing and enlargement or reduction processing.

  The engine unit 41, which plays a role in performing a print job in the present invention, is composed of a paper transport unit 43 including a paper cassette and paper feed roller (not shown), a photosensitive drum (not shown), an exposure device, a developing device, and the like. The image forming unit 45 includes a transfer unit 47 including a transfer roller (not shown), and a fixing unit 49 including a fixing roller (not shown). The engine unit 41 includes image data read by the scanner unit 21, document or image data transmitted from a client PC (personal computer) or the like via a LAN (Local Area Network) via the network I / F unit 65, facsimile communication An image is printed on a sheet using image data such as fax data received from an external facsimile machine using the unit 61. Specifically, the paper transport unit 43 transports the paper to the image forming unit 45, the image forming unit 45 forms a toner image corresponding to the image data, the transfer unit 47 transfers the toner image to the paper, The fixing unit 49 fixes the toner image on a sheet to form an image.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation panel unit 51 includes a touch panel unit 53 and a function key unit 55. The operation panel unit 51 is used for a user to perform operations related to a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and the like, and gives an operation command and the like by the user to the main control unit 11.

  The touch panel unit 53 serving as a display unit in the present invention includes a touch panel unit that combines a touch panel and a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and the like, and various operation screens, for example, when executing a copy function, Information related to the copy size, the number of copies, etc. is displayed, and operation buttons for inputting various operation commands by the user touching the corresponding part are displayed. The touch panel unit 53 displays a notification screen indicating that confidential print on setting has been automatically performed for a new print job when the confidential print necessity determination unit 74 described below determines that the confidential print on setting is necessary. Or, when operation information related to an execution command for a new print job for which confidential printing is set to ON is acquired, a prompt screen for prompting an authentication operation related to the new print job is displayed on the display screen. .

  The operation key unit 55 includes a plurality of operation keys for receiving user operation inputs. Specifically, for example, a start key 57 and a numeric keypad that are operated when performing an instruction operation related to execution of a copy function or a scanner function are provided. The plurality of operation keys are used when the user selectively executes a key input operation of a required function from various functions such as a facsimile function, a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function. Specifically, for example, it is used when a user performs a numeric key input operation for selecting a key related to a password when using the confidential printing function.

  The facsimile communication unit 61 includes an encoding / decoding unit (not shown), a modem unit (not shown), and an NCU (Network Control Unit) (not shown). The facsimile communication unit 61 transmits image data of a document read by the scanner unit 21 to a facsimile apparatus or the like via a telephone line, or receives image data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus or the like.

  An HDD (hard disk drive) 63 serving as a document storage unit in the present invention relates to image data read by the scanner unit 21 or a document transmitted from a client PC via the network I / F unit 65. Electronic data is temporarily stored. The image data stored in the HDD or the electronic data related to the document is not only used in the image forming apparatus, the program, and the recording medium, but also if necessary, via a network I / F unit 65, a client PC, etc. Or may be transferred to a predetermined folder such as a client PC or FTP server.

  The network I / F unit 65 uses a network interface (10 / 100Base-TX) or the like to control transmission / reception of various data to / from a user terminal such as a client PC connected via a LAN.

  The IC card communication unit 67 has a function of detecting the access of the card key 69 such as an IC tag possessed by the user, reading the user identification information stored in the card key 69, and transferring it to the main control unit 11. I have.

  By the way, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, even if the print job of the device is being used, leakage of confidential information is not caused without imposing an excessive burden on the user. In order to avoid this, the main control unit 11 acquires the operation information acquisition unit 71 that acquires various operation information related to image formation, and the operation information related to the execution instruction of the new print job via the operation information acquisition unit. Each time, the operating status acquisition unit 73 that acquires the operating status related to whether or not the print job of the image forming apparatus can be used, and the operating status of the image forming apparatus is acquired via the operating status acquisition unit 73. At this time, based on the acquired operation status, a confidential print necessity determination unit 74 that determines whether or not confidential print on setting is necessary for the new print job, and a command related to execution of the new print job according to confidential print on setting An authentication information storage unit 75 for storing authentication information for authenticating whether or not the operation has been performed by a user having a legitimate access authority in association with each new print job related to confidential print on setting, and an operation When operation information related to a new print job for which confidential printing is set to ON is acquired via the information acquisition unit 71, the storage contents of the authentication information storage unit 75, the operation information acquired via the operation information acquisition unit 71, and Based on the above, control is performed to display on the display screen of the touch panel unit 53 an authentication unit 77 that performs authentication related to the legitimacy of the access user and a notification screen indicating that confidential print on setting for a new print job has been automatically performed. When the display control unit 79 to perform and the confidential printing necessity determination unit 74 make a determination regarding the confidential printing on setting necessity for the new print job, The execution permission of Tadashi print job waiting for authentication operation according to the job is configured to include a print control unit 81 performs control for sending addressed engine unit 41, a. The display control unit 79 displays a prompt screen for prompting an authentication operation related to the new print job when the operation information related to the execution command for the new print job for which confidential printing is set on has been acquired. It also has a function to be displayed above.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus According to Embodiment of Present Invention]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen related to confidential printing on, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a password input prompting screen. It is.

  Prior to the description of this operation, the presupposed configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described. When the image forming apparatus permits execution of a print job related to confidential print on setting, the image forming apparatus executes the print job related to confidential print on setting through data exchange related to authentication information with the card key 69 possessed by the user. A card key authentication mode that permits user authentication, and a panel authentication mode that permits execution of a print job related to confidential print on setting by requesting the user to perform a key input operation of user identification information and a personal identification number (authentication information). There are two types, and in principle, it operates in the card key authentication mode. In the following embodiment, the operation of the image forming apparatus in the card key authentication mode, which is a process according to the principle, will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a user who wishes to execute a new print job related to a confidential document that has been transferred to a document box in advance relates to the execution instruction of the corresponding print job via the operation panel unit 51. When the operation input is performed, the main control unit 11 receives the new print job (step S11). At the time of accepting a new print job in step S11, confidential printing is not set to ON for the new print job. In the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which a new print job is received via the operation panel unit 51 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and a new print job is received via a remote operation from a user terminal. The technical idea according to the present invention can be applied as it is to an aspect of receiving a print job.

  In response to the print job execution command in step S11, the operation status acquisition unit 73 acquires an operation status related to whether or not the print job of the image forming apparatus can be used through monitoring a print queue (not shown). The acquisition result is sent to the confidential printing necessity determination unit 74. In response to this, the confidential printing necessity determination unit 74 determines whether confidential printing on setting is necessary for the new print job based on the acquired operation status (step S13), and the determination result is sent to the main control unit 11. Send to Specifically, in step S <b> 13, the confidential print necessity determination unit 74 receives the operation status indicating that the print job of the apparatus can be used via the operation status acquisition unit 73. While it is determined that the confidential print on setting for the job is unnecessary, when the operation status indicating that the print job of the apparatus is unavailable is acquired, the confidential print on setting for the new print job is determined to be necessary.

  As a result of the determination in step S13, the main control unit 11 jumps the process flow to step S16 when a determination is made that confidential printing on setting is not required for a new print job (“No” in step S13). When a determination relating to the need for confidential print on setting for a new print job is made (“Yes” in step S13), the user is notified that the confidential print on setting has been automatically performed (step S14). Specifically, for example, when the user performs a print job related to the confidential document through the panel operation of the image forming apparatus, the display control unit 79 relates to the new print job as shown in FIG. Control is performed to display on the display screen in the touch panel unit 53 a notification screen 91 indicating that confidential print on setting has been automatically performed. In this notification screen 91, in addition to the notification content that “confidential printing is set to ON”, a “new print job is started after waiting for the user's authentication operation after the waiting preceding print job is completed”. An explanation message related to confidential printing to the effect that "there is no problem" may be displayed in a confirming manner.

  Next, the main control unit 11 sets a confidential printing flag indicating confidential printing ON setting. Further, the main control unit 11 prompts the user to perform an authentication operation similar to user authentication in steps S19 to S20 described later in order to associate the new print job with the user related to the new print job. As a result, the authentication information storage unit 75 stores association information for associating the user identification information transferred from the IC card communication unit 67 with the new print job. This association information is utilized in the authentication step in step S20 related to whether or not the access user has a valid authority. If user authentication has already been performed when a new print job is received in step S11, the authentication operation described above is omitted by associating the authenticated user with the new print job. be able to.

  The operation status acquisition unit 73 acquires the operation status related to whether or not the print job of the image forming apparatus can be used through monitoring the print queue, and sends the acquisition result to the main control unit 11. In response to this, the main controller 11 determines whether or not the print job is available (step S16).

  As a result of the determination in step S16, when it is determined that the print job can be used (“Yes” in step S16), the main control unit 11 notifies the notification that all the preceding print jobs are completed. The user is notified via an appropriate means such as e-mail (step S17). As a result, the relevant user can know in real time that his / her new print job can be executed, which is particularly convenient for users who want to output their new print job as soon as possible. Can be provided.

  Next, the main control unit 11 determines whether or not confidential printing for the new print job is set to ON by checking whether or not the confidential printing flag is set in step S15 (step S18).

  As a result of the determination in step S18, when it is determined that confidential printing for the new print job is not set on ("No" in step S18), the main control unit 11 moves the process flow to step S21. On the other hand, when it is determined that confidential printing for the new print job is set to ON ("Yes" in step S18), the fact is sent to the display control unit 79. Receiving this, the display control unit 79 displays a prompt screen related to the authentication operation on the display screen in the touch panel unit 53 (step S19). Here, as described above, since the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment employs the card key authentication mode, the IC card key 69 possessed by the user is displayed on the prompting screen in step S19 in the image forming apparatus. A message prompting the user to set the IC card reader / writer (not shown) is displayed. When the panel authentication mode is adopted, a message screen 93 that prompts the user to perform a key input operation of a password (authentication information) is displayed in addition to the user identification information (see, for example, FIG. 5). . The user who viewed the prompting screen in step S19 sets the card key 69 possessed by the user in the IC card reader / writer according to the instruction on the prompting screen.

  The IC card communication unit 67 constantly monitors the access of the IC card key 69. At this time, when the user viewing the prompting screen in step S19 sets the card key 69 possessed by the user in the IC card reader / writer according to the instruction on the prompting screen, the IC card communication unit 67 accesses the IC card key 69. And the user identification information stored in the IC card key 69 is read, and the read user identification information of the IC card key 69 is transferred to the authentication unit 77.

  In response to this, the authentication unit 77 collates the user identification information transferred from the IC card communication unit 67 with the user identification information registered in advance in the authentication information storage unit 75 (see step S15). User authentication relating to whether or not the user who has accessed via card key authentication is a valid user is performed (step S20). Note that a login management function based on a password may be added for user authentication.

  As a result of the user authentication in step S <b> 20, if the access user is approved as an authorized user, the authentication unit 77 transfers the fact to the print control unit 81. In response to this, the print control unit 81 sends permission to perform the new print job to the engine unit 41. As a result, a new print job is started after an authorized user authentication operation (step S21).

  During the processing of the new print job in step S21, the operation status acquisition unit 73 acquires the standby status related to the print queue and sends the acquisition result to the main control unit 11. In response to this, the main control unit 11 determines whether or not the new print job has been completed (step S22). As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the new print job has ended ("Yes" in step S22), the main control unit 11 ends the flow of all processing.

  By the way, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which data related to a document to be confidentially printed temporarily stored in the HDD (document storage unit) 63 is deleted after a print job related to the document is executed. it can. If such a configuration is adopted, a document for which output has been completed is deleted immediately thereafter, so that compared with a case where a document that has finished a predetermined role continues to remain in the document storage unit 63 indefinitely. Can be guaranteed.

[Effect of Example]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, each time the operation status acquisition unit 73 acquires operation information related to a new print job execution instruction via the operation information acquisition unit 71, An operation status relating to whether or not a print job of the image forming apparatus can be used is acquired. When the operating status of the image forming apparatus is acquired via the operating status acquisition unit 73, the confidential printing necessity determination unit 74 needs to set confidential printing on for the new print job based on the acquired operating status. Determine no. Then, when the confidential print necessity determination unit 74 determines that the confidential print on setting is required for the new print job, the print control unit 81 grants the execution permission of the new print job to the authentication operation related to the job. Is sent to the engine unit 41. That is, in the present invention, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document, if the print job of the apparatus is in use, the user who acts to avoid leakage of confidential information in advance. On the other hand, in such a case, the initial job setting may not be set to ON for confidential printing so as not to place an excessive burden such as being unable to leave the periphery of the device at any time. The confidential printing necessity determination unit 74 determines whether the confidential printing on setting related to the new print job is necessary by determining whether the confidential printing on setting is necessary for the new printing job based on the operation status of the apparatus. It was decided that additional and dynamic control was possible. Therefore, for example, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document through a panel operation, the periphery of the device may be left at any time even if the print job of the device is in use. It is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding leakage of confidential information without incurring an excessive burden of being impossible. In addition, when a user tries to execute a new print job related to a confidential document through a remote operation from the user terminal, even if the print job of the device is in use, regardless of the operation status of the device Without setting an excessive burden such as always setting confidential printing on (in order to set confidential printing on, for example, an operation such as authentication registration may be separately required, but the operation is complicated). An image forming apparatus that can avoid leakage of confidential information can be obtained.

[Others]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the invention read from the claims and the entire specification or the technical idea, and image formation accompanied by such changes The apparatus is also included in the scope of the technical scope of the present invention.

  That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus operating in the card key authentication mode has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the user identification information and the password The present invention is also applicable to an image forming apparatus that is operating in a panel authentication mode that permits use of the apparatus by requesting a user to perform a key input operation.

  Finally, the “user” in the present invention naturally includes an individual user, and it is needless to say that, for example, a department user that comprehensively means a member of a certain department is included in the concept.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of an operation panel unit in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a notification screen which concerns on confidential printing ON setting completed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a password input prompting screen.

Explanation of symbols

11 Main control part 41 Engine part 53 Touch panel part (display part)
63 HDD (document storage unit)
71 Operation Information Acquisition Unit 73 Operation Status Acquisition Unit 74 Confidential Printing Necessity Determination Unit 75 Authentication Information Storage Unit 77 Authentication Unit 79 Display Control Unit 81 Print Control Unit

Claims (5)

An operation information acquisition unit that acquires various operation information related to image formation, an engine unit for executing a print job, and permission for execution of a print job related to a confidential print target document are waited for an authentication operation related to the job. An image forming apparatus configured to include a print control unit that sends to the engine unit,
An operation status acquisition unit that acquires an operation status related to whether or not a print job of the image forming apparatus can be used each time operation information related to a new print job execution command is acquired via the operation information acquisition unit; ,
When the operating status of the image forming apparatus is acquired via the operating status acquisition unit, a confidential printing necessity determination unit that determines whether confidential printing on setting is required for the new print job based on the acquired operating status. When,
Further comprising
The print control unit
When the confidential print necessity determination unit determines that the confidential print on setting is required for the new print job, the execution permission of the new print job is waited for an authentication operation related to the job and is sent to the engine unit send,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The confidential printing necessity determination unit
When the operation status indicating that the print job of the image forming apparatus is available is acquired via the operation status acquisition unit, it is determined that confidential print on setting for the new print job is unnecessary, while the image formation When the operation status indicating that the print job of the apparatus is unavailable is acquired, it is determined that confidential print on setting is necessary for the new print job.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The print control unit
When the confidential printing necessity determination unit determines that confidential printing on setting is unnecessary for the new print job, the execution permission of the new print job is sent to the engine unit.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The authentication operation related to the document is
A user authentication operation, or the user authentication operation and password input operation.
An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the confidential print necessity determination unit determines that confidential print on setting is required for the new print job, the user is notified that the confidential print related to the new print job is set on.
An image forming apparatus.