JP2011020389A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for improving the convenience of a user and to provide a program. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a storage part (32) storing a job related to the user; an information obtaining part (40) reading the information of an IC card possessed by the user; an authentication determination part (52) determining whether the use of the apparatus by the user is right or wrong based on the information read by the information obtaining part; and a processing performing part (56) printing the job related to the user, without waiting for the operation of the user, when the determination of the authentication determination part is right. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and program capable of performing personal authentication using an IC card.

Some image forming apparatuses of this type include a storage device (for example, an HDD). Data transmitted from a client PC can be stored in the HDD, and the stored data can be printed.
This HDD is configured to be able to store a large amount of data for a long period of time, and with the increase in the amount of information in recent years, cases of storing data in the HDD are increasing.

On the other hand, there is an image forming apparatus having functions such as user restriction and private printing, and security is enhanced.
Specifically, the user restriction function restricts the use of the image forming apparatus according to the department or job title, and the private printing function prevents forgetting to take a printed matter and prevents information leakage.

  In order to use an image forming apparatus having these functions, personal authentication using an IC card is required (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, when an IC card holder is authenticated by inserting the card into a card reader, the image forming apparatus can be used for items permitted for each individual, and desired data can be selected on the operation panel. Then, the selected data can be printed.

JP 2002-240398 A

However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem in that the user of the image forming apparatus is forced to perform a complicated operation.
This is because, after personal authentication, unless the desired data is selected on the operation panel, this data cannot be printed. In particular, when there are a plurality of desired data, the user uses one finger for all desired data. This is because touching operations must be performed one by one.

As described above, in this technique, there is still a problem with respect to reducing the burden on the user.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program that solve the above-described problems and improve user convenience.

  A first invention for achieving the above object is based on a storage unit for storing a job related to a user, an information acquisition unit for reading information on an IC card possessed by the user, and information read by the information acquisition unit. An authentication determination unit that determines whether the user uses the device, and a processing execution unit that prints a job related to the user without waiting for the user's operation when the determination of the authentication determination unit is right It comprises.

According to the first invention, the image forming apparatus includes the storage unit, and the storage unit can store a job related to the user. On the other hand, this apparatus is also provided with an information acquisition unit, and personal authentication using an IC card is possible by reading information on the IC card possessed by the user.
Specifically, the authentication determination unit determines whether or not the user who has the IC card can use the image forming apparatus.

If it is determined that the user can use the apparatus, the processing execution unit prints a job related to the user without requiring selection of desired data on the panel as in the prior art.
In this way, since the job can be forcibly printed at the timing of personal authentication, the user is required to perform an operation of selecting all desired data one by one on the panel after personal authentication. Improved convenience.

According to a second invention, in the configuration of the first invention, the process execution unit deletes the printed job from the storage unit.
According to the second invention, in addition to the operation of the first invention, the process execution unit forcibly deletes the job from the storage unit at the timing of personal authentication. As a result, the capacity of the storage unit can be reliably ensured, which contributes to obtaining the optimum performance of the apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first or second aspect, when the determination by the authentication determination unit is right, the stored number of jobs related to the user is predetermined without waiting for the user's operation. Only when the job threshold value is exceeded, it further includes an area release determination unit that determines to print the exceeding job.
According to the third invention, in addition to the operation of the first and second inventions, an area release determination unit is further provided, and the determination unit is such that the number of stored jobs exceeds a predetermined job threshold. Only in this case, a job for forcibly printing is determined at the timing of personal authentication. In other words, if the number of stored items does not exceed the job threshold, the process does not shift to job printing, so that an opportunity to perform only personal authentication can be secured.

According to a fourth invention, in the configuration of the third invention, the job threshold value is a first threshold value that can simulate that a job requiring complicated selection is stored in the storage unit.
According to the fourth invention, in addition to the action of the third invention, the job to be printed can be determined based on the number of jobs that require complicated selection and stored in the storage unit. Thus, it is possible to reliably eliminate troublesome operations for the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the configuration of the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the area release determination unit prints the exceeding job only when the retention period of the job related to the user exceeds a predetermined job threshold. It is characterized by further determining to do.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the third and fourth aspects, the area release determination unit can perform the personal authentication only when the job storage period exceeds a predetermined job threshold. Determine the job to forcibly erase. Therefore, if the retention period does not exceed the job threshold value, the process does not shift to job deletion. In this case as well, an opportunity to perform only personal authentication can be secured.

According to a sixth invention, in the configuration of the fifth invention, the job threshold value is a second threshold value that can pretend that an unnecessary job is left in the storage unit.
According to the sixth invention, in addition to the action of the fifth invention, if the job to be deleted is determined based on a period during which it is possible to assume that an unnecessary job is left in the storage unit, the memory is stored. It is possible to prevent the deletion of a highly important job while ensuring the capacity of the copy.

A seventh invention is a program for an image forming apparatus capable of personal authentication using an IC card.
The program is provided in the computer of the apparatus. In the computer, a procedure for saving a job related to the user in the storage unit, a procedure for reading the information of the IC card possessed by the user, and the read information Based on the procedure for determining whether or not to use the device based on the user, and determining that the user can use the device, the number of stored jobs related to the user is determined without waiting for the user's operation. Procedure for determining whether or not the job threshold is exceeded, a procedure for printing a job that exceeds the job threshold only when the number of stored jobs exceeds the job threshold, and a procedure for deleting the printed job from the storage unit And execute.

According to the seventh invention, a job to be forcibly processed is determined at a timing when it is determined that the user can use the apparatus by personal authentication using an IC card. In other words, if the number of stored items does not exceed the job threshold, the process does not shift to job processing, so that an opportunity to perform only personal authentication can be secured.
In addition, since this job is forcibly printed at the time of personal authentication, it is more convenient for the user than the conventional method that requires the operation of selecting all desired data one by one after personal authentication. Improves.

  Further, since the job is forcibly deleted, the capacity of the storage unit can be surely ensured, which contributes to obtaining the optimum performance of the image forming apparatus having this program.

  According to the present invention, since the act of performing personal authentication is a job printing operation, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and a program that improve user convenience.

It is a block diagram of the system using the card | curd authentication which concerns on a present Example. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the MFP of FIG. 2. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the card | curd authentication by the controller of FIG. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the card | curd authentication which concerns on another Example.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to the present embodiment. The system can use an image forming apparatus by a plurality of users (users) such as a company office, and is configured using a network 2 such as a LAN. Is done. An image forming apparatus 4, a server 6, and a client PC 8 are connected to the network 2.

  FIG. 2 shows a digital multifunction peripheral, which is an example of the image forming apparatus 4, a so-called multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as MFP) from the upper right front. In the figure, the front surface of the MFP 4 facing the user and the right side surface of the MFP 4 can be seen. The MFP 4 includes an in-body discharge type apparatus main body 10, and a discharge tray 15 is formed inside the main body 10.

  An automatic document feeder (Auto Document Feeder, hereinafter referred to as ADF) 17 is mounted on the upper side of the paper discharge tray 15. When the MFP 4 is used as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a network scanner, a document is transported from the ADF 17. The image surface is optically read by the optical scanner unit 22.

  An operation panel 28 is installed on the front side of the scanner unit 22. A plurality of operation keys and switches for various user operations are arranged on the panel 28, and an operation screen 29 for displaying various information such as character information and guidance images is displayed at the center of the panel 28. Is provided. The contents of these operations are notified to the controller 50 in FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a front loading type paper supply device is disposed below the apparatus main body 10. This supply device is provided with two upper and lower sheet feed cassettes 11 along the height direction of the main body 10, and each cassette 11 is configured to be detachable from the main body 10. An openable manual feed tray 13 is also provided on the right side surface of the main body 10.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the MFP 4. The MFP 4 is connected to the network 2 via a network interface (IF) 26 and further connected to a public line. The MFP 4 executes various operations in accordance with program instructions.
The MFP 4 has, for example, a print function (Copy function), a transmission function (Send function), and a storage function (Box function).

Specifically, the HDD (storage unit) 32 includes a box area 34, and includes various jobs such as a print job transmitted from the client PC 8, a scan job read by the scanner unit 22, and a facsimile job received by the FAX communication unit 24. Are sequentially stored and have a Box function.
Further, the MFP 4 includes a memory 30. The memory 30 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like. In this embodiment, a processing operation program based on personal authentication using an IC card is stored.

The above-described FAX communication unit 24 also has a Send function, and transmits a facsimile job stored in the HDD 32 to the other party.
The print engine 20 is connected to the ADF 17 that transports the document to the image reading position of the scanner unit 22, the paper feed cassette 11 that stores the paper, the manual feed tray 13, and the image forming unit that transfers the image to the paper, and is stored in the HDD 32. The printed job is output to the paper discharge tray 15 and has a Copy function.

The print engine 20 can also be connected to a post-processing device that performs sorting, punching, stapling, and the like on the transferred paper.
Here, a card reader (information acquisition unit) 40 is installed in the MFP 4 of this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the reader 40 is formed in a box shape, for example, and is disposed on the right side surface of the apparatus main body 10 having the manual feed tray 13, and faces the IC card held by the user. It has an antenna and a lamp that can display the authentication result.

The IC card possessed by the user is, for example, a passive type that does not have a power source, and an IC chip is embedded therein. The IC chip has a function of rewriting and appending data to the memory, and further has a function of communicating with the antenna of the card reader 40.
Specifically, the user operates the client PC 8 to create a print job, inputs a password, and transmits the print job from the PC 8 to the MFP 4 via the network 2.

Thereafter, this user leaves the PC 8 and stands in front of the MFP 4 in order to receive the previously created print job. Then, in order to prevent information leakage due to misplacement of printed matter using, for example, a private printing function, the held IC card is held over the card reader 40. The password may be input on the panel 28.
The antenna of the card reader 40 transmits radio waves, and when the IC card receives the radio waves, it generates necessary power therein, and a request signal from the card reader 40 is supplied to the IC chip to perform signal modulation or Demodulation, logical operation, memory access, etc. are executed.

On the other hand, the answer signal from the IC chip is received by the antenna and supplied to the card reader 40. Thereby, non-contact wireless communication is possible between these IC cards and the card reader 40, and the card reader 40 can read information such as the IC card number of the IC card.
The card reader 40 is connected to the controller 50 (FIG. 3), and information on the IC card is output to the controller 50.

  The controller 50 also controls various operations of the MFP 4. The controller 50 is an element that functions as a computer and has hardware resources such as a CPU. The controller 50 uses the hardware resources to execute a predetermined program, and operates the print engine 20, the scanner unit 22, and the FAX communication unit 24 described above. In this example, private printing is executed by operating the engine 20.

Incidentally, the controller 50 according to the present embodiment includes an authentication determination unit 52, an area release determination unit 54, and a process execution unit 56.
Upon receiving the reading result from the card reader 40, the authentication determination unit 52 compares the received information with, for example, an IC card number stored in the server 6 and user restriction information, and the user who possesses this IC card. Whether to use the MFP 4 is determined.

The authentication determination unit 52 can also acquire the user ID, log, and the like of the user from the server 6, and the above-described determination results and acquisition results are output to the area release determination unit 54.
When the user can use the MFP 4, the area release determination unit 54 determines job processing related to the user without waiting for the user's operation on the operation screen 29.

Specifically, the area release determination unit 54 determines to print a print job stored in the HDD 32 or to delete the printed job from the HDD 32 in this embodiment. The determination result is output toward the process execution unit 56.
The process execution unit 56 outputs to the print engine 20 that the print job determined by the area release determination unit 54 is to be printed. Subsequently, when the processing execution unit 56 receives a print completion signal from the engine 20, the job is deleted from the HDD 32.

More specifically, FIG. 4 shows processing that the program causes the controller 50 to execute. Hereinafter, the operation of the MFP 4 configured as described above according to the present invention will be described.
When a user who has sent a print job from the PC 8 to the MFP 4 to use the private print function holds the IC card over the card reader 40 in order to receive the previously created print job, the authentication determination unit 52 authenticates the IC card. Start.

  Then, in step S401 in the figure, the authentication determination unit 52 determines whether the user who possesses the IC card should use the MFP 4, and when the MFP 4 can be used, that is, when it is determined YES, the process proceeds to step S402. If it is determined in step S401 that the MFP 4 cannot be used, the authentication wait state is entered.

  In step S402, the area release determination unit 54 immediately determines whether there is a print job transmitted by the user without waiting for the user to operate the operation screen 29. When there is a print job for the user stored in the HDD 32, that is, when it is determined YES, the process proceeds to step S403, and the area release determination unit 54 determines that the number of stored print jobs is a predetermined job threshold value (first job). It is determined whether or not there is more than one threshold value N.

Specifically, the job threshold value N in this embodiment is the number (for example, 5 to 10) that can be used to simulate that a print job requiring complicated selection is stored in the HDD 32, and this threshold value N is stored in the memory 30. Stored.
Then, the area release determination unit 54 determines that the number of stored print jobs exceeds the threshold value N, that is, YES, as in the case where the number of stored print jobs of the user is 20. If so, a print job exceeding the threshold value N is specified, the process execution unit 56 is instructed, and the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S404, the process execution unit 56 instructs the print engine 20 to forcibly print the corresponding print job in the area release determination unit 54 in addition to the previously created print job.
The engine 20 outputs signals to the paper feed cassette 11 and the image forming unit described above, and outputs these print jobs to the paper discharge tray 15. In this way, forced printing is executed following private printing.

Thereafter, the process execution unit 56 deletes the corresponding print job from the HDD 32 by the area release determination unit 54 and exits a series of routines.
On the other hand, when the user's print job stored in the HDD 32 does not exist in step S402 described above, or if the number of stored print jobs is two in step S403, as shown in FIG. When the number of print jobs stored by the user does not exceed the threshold value N, only private printing is executed, and a series of routines are quickly exited. This is because it cannot be assumed that a print job requiring complicated selection is stored in the HDD 32. As a result, the normal authentication operation, that is, only whether the MFP 4 is used by the user possessing the IC card is determined by the authentication determination unit 52.

If two print jobs according to the above example are to be printed, they can be selected on the operation screen 29 after this normal authentication operation.
By the way, in the above-described embodiment, when personal authentication is performed, the print job stored in the HDD 32 is switched between forcible printing / erasing of the print job and the normal authentication operation based on the threshold value N regarding the stored number. However, other threshold values may be considered.

Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5, as in the above example, when the user holds the IC card over the reader 40, the authentication determination unit 52 starts authenticating the IC card and possesses the IC card. Whether the user uses the MFP 4 is determined (step S501).
If the authentication determination unit 52 allows the user having the IC card to use the MFP 4, the area release determination unit 54 immediately determines whether there is a print job transmitted by the user (step S502). Further, when the print job of the user exists in the HDD 32, it is determined whether or not the number of stored print jobs is larger than a predetermined first threshold value N (step S503).

  The first threshold value N in the example of FIG. 5 is set as a number in which, for example, a range of 3 to 5 can simulate a complicated selection, and the area release determination unit 54 temporarily stores the print job of the user. If the number is 10, that is, if it is determined as YES, the print job exceeding the first threshold value N is specified, and the process proceeds to step S504.

In step S <b> 504, the area release determination unit 54 determines whether the retention period of the user's print job in the HDD 32 is longer than a predetermined second threshold T.
Specifically, the second threshold value T in this example is based on the fact that the load on the HDD 32 increases as the print job retention period is longer.

In other words, the number of print jobs stored by the user in this example is 10, and the burden on the HDD 32 is small compared to the examples up to FIG. 4 (the number of stored jobs is 20), but is not necessary when the period is long. This is because there is a high possibility that a simple print job is left in the HDD 32.
The second threshold T according to this example is set in a range of, for example, 2 weeks to 1 month and stored in the memory 30.

  Then, the area release determination unit 54 determines that if the storage period of the print job exceeds the second threshold T, that is, if the storage period of the print job of the user is 40 days, that is, YES When the determination is made, a print job exceeding the second threshold value T is specified, the process execution unit 56 is instructed, and the process proceeds to step S505.

  In addition to the print job that the user really wanted to receive (private printing), the process execution unit 56 includes print jobs (forced printing) that exceed the number of the first threshold N and also exceed the period of the second threshold T. Instructs the print engine 20 to perform forced printing. Thereafter, the process execution unit 56 deletes the printed print job specified by the thresholds N and T from the HDD 32 and exits the series of routines.

  On the other hand, when the user's print job stored in the HDD 32 does not exist in step S502 described above, or if the number of stored print jobs does not exceed the first threshold N in step S503. Furthermore, when the storage period of the print job does not exceed the second threshold T, a series of routines are quickly exited and normal authentication operation is performed.

Note that the size of the print job may be considered in addition to the number of stored images and the storage period. This is because the size also affects the capacity of the HDD 32.
As described above, according to this embodiment, the MFP 4 includes the HDD 32, and the HDD 32 can store a print job created by the user of the client PC 8. On the other hand, the MFP 4 is also provided with a card reader 40. By reading information on the IC card possessed by the user, personal authentication using the IC card is possible.

Specifically, the authentication determination unit 52 determines whether or not the user who has the IC card can use the MFP 4. If it is determined that the user can use the MFP 4, the processing execution unit 56 prints a print job related to the user without requiring selection of desired data on the panel as in the prior art.
In this way, the act of holding the IC card becomes a processing operation, and a print job can be forcibly printed at the timing of personal authentication. Therefore, after personal authentication, all desired data is selected one by one on the panel. Compared with the prior art that required the user, the user's convenience is improved without bothering the user.

Further, the process execution unit 56 forcibly deletes the job from the HDD 32 at the timing of personal authentication. As a result, the capacity of the HDD 32 can be assured and contributes to the acquisition of the optimum performance of the MFP 4.
Furthermore, an area release determination unit 54 is further provided. This determination unit 54 is for forcibly printing at the timing of personal authentication only when the number of stored print jobs exceeds a predetermined job threshold N. Determine the print job. In other words, when the stored number does not exceed the threshold value N, the process does not shift to printing of the print job, so that an opportunity to perform only personal authentication can be secured.

  This can be classified into two modes: when the user performs personal authentication using an IC card, the MFP 4 receives the previously created print job, or operates the operation screen 29 to transmit a facsimile, for example. In view of the latter aspect, there is a case where the user may only expect to perform a normal authentication operation.

  Furthermore, if a job to be printed is determined on the basis of the number of print jobs that require complicated selection stored in the HDD 32, a complicated operation for the user is triggered by personal authentication using an IC card. Can be reliably eliminated.

  In addition, the area release determination unit 54 is only for the case where the number of print jobs stored exceeds the first threshold N and the storage period of the print jobs exceeds the second threshold T. A job to be forcibly deleted at the authenticated timing can be determined. Therefore, if the storage period does not exceed the threshold T, the process does not shift to erasing the print job. In this case as well, an opportunity to perform only personal authentication can be secured.

Furthermore, if a print job to be deleted is determined based on a period in which it can be assumed that an unnecessary print job is left in the HDD 32, the capacity of the HDD 32 can be ensured by using personal authentication by an IC card as a trigger. At the same time, it is possible to prevent erasing of a highly important print job.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the job is forcibly printed and then deleted. However, the fact that the forcible printing has been executed, the fact that the print job has been deleted, and the details thereof are displayed on the panel 28 and displayed to the user. You may let me know. Furthermore, in view of not bothering the user, this job may be executed only without being erased from the HDD 32.
In addition to the print job created by the user, the job of the present invention may be a scanner unit 22 read by the user or a facsimile job addressed to the user. This is because any of them can contribute to improving the convenience of the user, and the capacity of the HDD 32 can be compressed.

Finally, the above-described MFP 4 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and the present invention can naturally be applied to a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or the like that can perform personal authentication using an IC card.
And in any of these cases, as described above, there is an effect that the convenience of the user can be improved.

4 MFP (image forming device)
8 Client PC
32 HDD (storage unit)
40 Card reader (information acquisition unit)
50 controller (computer)
52 Authentication Determination Unit 54 Area Release Determination Unit 56 Process Execution Unit

Claims (7)

A storage unit for storing jobs related to users;
An information acquisition unit for reading information of an IC card possessed by the user;
An authentication determination unit that determines whether the user uses the device based on information read by the information acquisition unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a processing execution unit that prints a job related to a user without waiting for the user's operation when the determination of the authentication determination unit is right. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the processing execution unit erases the printed job from the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
When the determination by the authentication determination unit is right, the job that has exceeded the job is not exceeded until the number of stored jobs related to the user exceeds a predetermined job threshold without waiting for the user's operation. An image forming apparatus, further comprising an area release determination unit that determines printing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job threshold is a first threshold that can simulate that a job requiring complicated selection is stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area release determination unit further determines to print the exceeding job only when a storage period of the job related to the user exceeds a predetermined job threshold. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
The image forming apparatus, wherein the job threshold value is a second threshold value that can simulate that an unnecessary job is left in the storage unit. An image forming apparatus program capable of personal authentication using an IC card,
The program is provided in the computer of the apparatus,
A procedure for storing jobs related to users in the storage unit;
A procedure for reading information of an IC card possessed by the user;
A procedure for determining whether or not to use the device based on the read information;
When it is determined that the user can use the apparatus, a procedure for determining whether or not the number of stored jobs related to the user exceeds a predetermined job threshold without waiting for the user's operation When,
Only when the number of stored jobs exceeds the job threshold, a procedure for printing the exceeding job;
A program for executing a procedure for deleting the printed job from the storage unit.

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