JP5917904B2 - Image output method and image output apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image output method and an image output apparatus that cause an image output apparatus to execute image output using an information processing apparatus .

  In recent years, information terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals are rapidly spreading, and the demand for print processing of data such as photographs or documents stored in the information terminal devices is also increasing rapidly. The information terminal device has a communication function for connecting to a network, and data can be easily printed by transmitting data to the multifunction peripheral via the network.

  However, in order to transmit data to the multifunction device, specific information for identifying the destination multifunction device is required. For example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address assigned to the multifunction device can be used as the specific information for identifying the multifunction device, but it is not easy to know such information. There is also a method of posting the IP address assigned to the multifunction device on the multifunction device, but this method has a security problem.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, specific information of each multifunction device is converted into a code pattern and displayed on each multifunction device, and the user captures and decodes this code pattern with the camera function of the information terminal device, A system that can acquire specific information of a multifunction peripheral has been proposed. As a result, it is possible to acquire the specific information of the MFP that the user wants to use while maintaining security.

JP 2004-274520 A

By the way, for multifunction devices used in offices, an authentication system that authenticates users when using multifunction devices is introduced for the purpose of preventing information leakage from multifunction devices and monitoring usage information. It has become common.
Such a system includes, for example, a computer used by the user, a multifunction peripheral, and an authentication server, and the user makes an authentication request to the authentication server using the computer. Further, the authentication server receives a print request to a desired multifunction device together with an authentication request from the user (computer), and transmits the print request to the multifunction device designated by the user when the user can be authenticated. Has been. In such a configuration, the identification information of the MFP is transmitted together with the authentication request from the computer to the authentication server, and communication identification information (specific information) such as an IP address is on the communication path from the computer to the authentication server. Is transmitted. Therefore, there is a problem that confidential information such as communication identification information may be illegally acquired.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to prevent the user from knowing information related to the image output device in advance and to prevent unauthorized acquisition of confidential information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible image output method and image output apparatus .

In the image output method according to the present invention, an information processing device acquires a code pattern image obtained by encoding device information for specifying an image output device, and acquires the device information from the code pattern image. Performing a step, acquiring user information for specifying a user, and transmitting the device information and the user information to the outside, and authenticating the user based on the user information by an authentication unit And executing an image output instructed by the authenticated user by the image output device specified based on the device information.

An image output method according to the present invention is an image output method using an information processing apparatus that instructs an image output apparatus to execute image output, and includes a code pattern in which apparatus information for specifying the image output apparatus is encoded. A step of acquiring an image, a step of acquiring the device information from the image of the code pattern, a step of acquiring user information for specifying a user, and a step of transmitting the device information and the user information to the outside. It is characterized by including.

In the image output method according to the present invention, the code pattern is a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark).

In the image output method according to the present invention, the device information is an IP address.

An image output device according to the present invention is an image output device instructed to execute image output using an information processing device, and the information processing device encodes device information for specifying the image output device. The acquired device information is acquired from the image of the code pattern, the user information for specifying the user is acquired, the user information is transmitted to the authentication unit, and the acquired device information is acquired. If specified based on the user information, the authentication unit executes image output designated by the user authenticated based on the user information.

In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, the code pattern is a bar code or a QR code.

In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus information is an IP address.

  According to the present invention, in an image output system in which a user (instructor) instructs execution of image output by an image output device via an information processing device, the information processing device includes device information and user information (instructions) of the image output device. And the information is sent to the authentication device. The authentication device authenticates the user based on the acquired user information, identifies the image output device based on the device information, and enables the authenticated user to execute image output instructed to the identified image output device. When the information processing apparatus sends authentication information to the authentication apparatus, the authentication apparatus can also specify the image output apparatus that the authenticated user wants to use by sending the apparatus information of the image output apparatus.

  In the present invention, an authentication device that authenticates a user who uses an image output device acquires device information of the image output device together with user information, and specifies the image output device based on the acquired device information. Since the image output device can be specified on the authentication device side, the user does not need to know information related to the image output device (destination information such as an IP address) in advance. Further, when the destination information of the image output device is specified on the authentication device side without including the destination information such as the IP address of the image output device in the device information acquired from the outside by the authentication device, Since no information is transmitted, unauthorized acquisition of confidential information can be prevented.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a multifunctional device, an authentication server, and an information processing terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of an authentication server. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of multifunction machine information DB and user information DB. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by the image output system. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by the image output system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a printing request | requirement screen. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a code pattern of MFP information. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of code pattern generation processing by the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by the image output system according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of code pattern generation processing by the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure performed by the image output system according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of code pattern generation processing by the multifunction machine according to the fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process procedure performed by the image output system according to the fourth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a printing request | requirement screen.

  Hereinafter, an authentication apparatus and an image output system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a multifunction peripheral, an authentication server, and an information processing terminal. The image output system according to the first embodiment includes a multifunction peripheral (image output device) 1, an authentication server (authentication device) 2, and an information processing terminal (information processing device) 3. Each of them is connected to a network N such as the Internet. Connectable. In the following, a system including one each of the multifunction device 1, the authentication server 2, and the information processing terminal 3 will be described as an example. However, any one or all of the multifunction device 1, the authentication server 2, and the information processing terminal 3 may be provided in plurality. You may prepare.

The multifunction device 1 is a digital multifunction device or an analog multifunction device, and is installed in, for example, a convenience store. The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 10, an operation panel 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a communication unit 14, and the like.
The operation panel 11 is a touch panel in which an input unit 11a and a display unit 11b are integrated. The input unit 11 a includes various input keys necessary for the user to operate the multifunction device 1, receives information based on the input keys operated by the user, and sends the received information to the control unit 10. The display unit 11b is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL panel, or the like, and displays information to be notified to the user, information necessary for operation, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 10. In addition, you may provide the input part 11a and the display part 11b separately, without using a touch panel.

  The image reading unit 12 is, for example, a scanner having a CCD (Charged Coupled Device), and reads characters, images, and the like printed on a document as image data. Further, the image reading unit 12 may include a document transport function for sequentially transporting a plurality of documents placed on a predetermined document placement table to a reading position by a scanner.

  The image forming unit 13 is an image forming unit such as an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or a thermal transfer method, and image data read from a document by the image reading unit 12 or printing received from the outside via the network N by the communication unit 14. Print processing (image output) is performed based on the data. The image forming unit 13 forms an image (character / photo / graphic) on a recording sheet such as recording paper based on the image data or printing data.

The communication unit 14 includes a network card or a modem, and can be connected to a communication network N such as a public network, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the Internet. The authentication server 2 and the information processing terminal 3 are connected via the network N. It communicates with external devices such as. The communication unit 14 may be an interface for performing wired communication or an interface for performing wireless communication. The communication unit 14 may be directly connected to the authentication server 2 via a physical cable.
In addition, the communication unit 14 may have a function of transmitting / receiving e-mails, and may be configured to be able to transmit / receive e-mails via the network N.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (MicroProcessor Unit), or the like, and controls the operation of each unit included in the multifunction machine 1. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 10 loads the control program stored in advance in the ROM (not shown) into the RAM (not shown) and executes it, so that the multifunction device 1 is The image output system of the invention is operated as an image output apparatus.
The multi-function device 1 includes a storage device (not shown) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data (print data) received from the external device as a print processing target.

The authentication server 2 is a server computer, and performs authentication processing of a user who uses the multifunction device 1 in cooperation with the multifunction device 1. The authentication server 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, and the like.
The storage unit 21 is a storage device such as an HDD, and stores various control programs and various data necessary for processing executed by the authentication server 2. The storage unit 21 includes an electronic data database (hereinafter referred to as electronic data DB) 21a, a multifunction device information database (hereinafter referred to as multifunction device information DB) 21b, and a user information database (hereinafter referred to as user information DB) 21c (FIG. 3). Reference) is stored.

The communication unit 22 has the same configuration as the communication unit 14 of the multifunction machine 1. Accordingly, the communication unit 22 communicates with an external device such as the multifunction machine 1 or the information processing terminal 3 via the network N.
The control unit 20 includes a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and controls the operation of each unit provided in the authentication server 2. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 20 loads a control program stored in advance in the storage unit 21 or ROM (not shown) into a RAM (not shown) and executes it, thereby enabling the authentication server. 2 is operated as an authentication apparatus of the image output system according to the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the authentication server 2. The control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 is configured such that the CPU or MPU executes a control program stored in advance in the storage unit 21 or the ROM, so that the function control unit 23, the storage processing unit 24, the multifunction machine management unit 25, and the user Each function of the authentication unit 26 is realized. The function control unit 23 controls operations of the storage processing unit 24, the multifunction device management unit 25, and the user authentication unit 26.

The storage processing unit 24 stores the printing data (electronic file data to be printed by the multifunction device 1) received from the outside by the communication unit 22 via the network N in the electronic data DB 21a. The communication unit 22 receives print data not only from the information processing terminal 3 but also from a personal computer (not shown) that can be connected to the network N. Further, the printing data is transmitted together with user information of a user who performs a printing process in the multifunction device 1 using a print service provided by the image output system. Note that a user who wants to use the print service provided by the image output system needs to perform user registration in advance, and the user information transmitted together with the print data is the registered user ID at the time of user registration.
Accordingly, when receiving the print data from the outside, the storage processing unit 24 stores the received print data in the electronic data DB (data storage unit) 21a in association with the user ID received together with the print data.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine information DB 21b and the user information DB 21c.
In the multifunction device information DB 21b, a multifunction device ID for identifying each multifunction device 1, an IP address (network identification information) assigned to each multifunction device 1, and setting conditions usable in each multifunction device 1 are associated with each other. It is registered. In the authentication server 2, when the communication unit 22 receives a change or addition of registration information in the MFP information DB 21 b via the network N or an operation unit (not shown), the MFP management unit 25 The registration information in the multifunction device information DB 21b is updated. The MFP management unit 25 manages information on the MFP 1 that should be managed by its own authentication server 2 based on the registration information in the MFP information DB 21b.

Note that the multifunction device information DB (destination storage unit) 21b stores multifunction device information (device information) for specifying the multifunction device 1 and destination information of the multifunction device 1 in association with each other and is registered. The information is not limited to the information described above.
In the first embodiment, a multifunction machine ID (serial number) is used as multifunction machine information for specifying the multifunction machine 1, but in addition to this, a name assigned to each multifunction machine 1 and the installation location of the multifunction machine 1. Any information may be used as long as it is information that can specify each multifunction device 1 such as information for specifying (convenience store). In the first embodiment, an IP address is used as the destination information of the multifunction device 1, but network identification information such as a host name and a MAC address assigned to the multifunction device 1 may be used.

  In the first embodiment, setting conditions that can be used in each multifunction device 1 are registered in the multifunction device information DB (device condition storage unit) 21b. Such information is registered in the multifunction device information DB 21b. It does not have to be.

In the user information DB 21c, the user ID and password of the user registered as a user in the print service and the setting conditions that can be used by each user in the multifunction machine 1 are registered in association with each other. In the authentication server 2, when the communication unit 22 receives a change or addition of registration information in the user information DB 21c via the network N, the control unit 20 updates the registration information in the user information DB 21c.
When the communication unit 22 receives a user authentication request together with a user ID and a password via the network N, the user authentication unit (authentication unit) 26 performs an authentication process based on the registered content of the user information DB 21c. Specifically, the user authentication unit 26 compares the user ID and password received by the communication unit 22 with the registration information in the user information DB 21c, and determines whether or not the user ID and password are registered in the user information DB 21c.

  In the first embodiment, the setting conditions (setting conditions permitted to be used) that can be used by each user in the MFP 1 are registered in the user information DB (user condition storage unit) 21c. Such information may not be registered in the user information DB 21c.

Returning to the description of FIG. The information processing terminal 3 is a portable information terminal such as a portable computer, a portable game machine, a cellular phone, or a PDA. The information processing terminal 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, an operation panel 32, an imaging unit 33, a communication unit 34, and the like.
The storage unit 31 is a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory, and stores various control programs necessary for processing executed by the information processing terminal 3, various data, image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 33, and the like. doing.

The operation panel 32 has the same configuration as the operation panel 11 of the multifunction machine 1 and includes an input unit 32a and a display unit 32b. The input unit 32 a receives information based on the input key operated by the user, and sends the received information to the control unit 30. The display unit 32b displays information to be notified to the user, information necessary for operation, and the like in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 30.
The imaging unit 33 is a camera, and acquires image data by photoelectrically converting an optical signal input via the CCD.

The communication unit 34 has the same configuration as the communication unit 14 of the multifunction machine 1. Accordingly, the communication unit 34 communicates with an external device such as the multifunction device 1 or the authentication server 2 via the network N. Since the information processing terminal 3 is a portable terminal device, the communication unit 34 may be configured to be capable of only wireless communication.
The control unit 30 includes a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and controls the operation of each unit provided in the information processing terminal 3. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 30 loads a control program stored in advance in the storage unit 31 or ROM (not shown) into a RAM (not shown) and executes it, thereby processing the information. The terminal 3 is operated as an information processing apparatus of the image output system according to the present invention.

  In the image output system having the above-described configuration, for example, a user registered in advance creates print data such as a document using a personal computer at home. Then, the user transmits printing data from the personal computer at home to the authentication server 2 and registers it in the authentication server 2. Further, when the user actually wants the MFP 1 to execute print processing, the information processing terminal 3 is used to acquire MFP information (apparatus information) for specifying the MFP 1, and the MFP information and the user are acquired. Information (authentication information) is transmitted to the authentication server 2 and the authentication server 2 is requested to perform user authentication and print execution. The authentication server 2 performs the user authentication requested from the information processing terminal 3, and when the user can be authenticated, the print data stored in association with the user is transmitted to the multi-function device 1 to execute the printing process. Instruct. The process of registering print data in the authentication server 2 and the process of requesting user authentication and print execution from the authentication server 2 are performed, for example, via a web page provided with a print service by the image output system.

  Hereinafter, a process performed by each device when a user (user or instructor) who uses the print service instructs the execution of the printing process by the multifunction device 1 using the information processing terminal 3 will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the printing process by the image output system. It is assumed that the print data has already been registered in the electronic data DB 21a of the authentication server 2. 5 and 6, the process on the left side indicates a process by the multifunction device 1, the process at the center indicates a process by the authentication server 2, and the process on the right side indicates a process by the information processing terminal 3.

A user who uses the print service uses the information processing terminal 3 to access the authentication server 2 that provides the print service. The authentication server 2 also has a function as a web server. The information processing terminal 3 acquires a predetermined web page from the authentication server 2, and causes the display unit 32b to display a print request screen based on the acquired web page (S1).
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print request screen. In the print request screen shown in FIG. 7, an input field for inputting a user ID and a password of a user who wants to use the print service, a shooting button, and a print button are displayed. Further, in the vicinity of the shooting button, as a method for the information processing terminal 3 to acquire the MFP information of the MFP 1 in this service, the image displayed on the MFP 1 is imaged by the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3. An explanation to that effect is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a code pattern of multifunction machine information. The code pattern of the multifunction machine information is obtained by coding multifunction machine information (device information) necessary for specifying the multifunction machine 1, and is a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or the like. In the first embodiment, the MFP information is the MFP ID assigned to the MFP 1. In addition to the MFP ID, information that can identify the MFP 1 can be used as the MFP information, such as a name given to the MFP 1 and information on the installation location (convenience store) of the MFP 1. Any one or more of these pieces of information can be used. The code pattern may be displayed on the operation panel 11 (display unit 11b) of the multi function device 1, or may be printed on paper or the like and attached to an appropriate position on the multi function device 1.

  The user operates the operation panel 32 of the information processing terminal 3, inputs his / her user ID and password, and the control unit (instructor information acquisition unit) 30 is connected to the user via the operation panel 32 (input unit 32a). An ID and a password (instructor information for specifying the instructor) are acquired. Next, the user operates the shooting button, and the control unit (apparatus information acquisition unit) 30 switches to the imaging mode by the imaging unit 33, captures a code pattern as shown in FIG. ) To get. After photographing the code pattern, the user operates the print button and requests the authentication server 2 to execute printing by a desired multifunction device 1. The control unit 30 of the information processing terminal 3 transmits the acquired code pattern information, user ID and password (hereinafter collectively referred to as authentication information) to the authentication server 2 via the communication unit (sending unit) 34 ( S2).

The control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 acquires code pattern information and authentication information via the communication unit (device information acquisition unit, user information acquisition unit) 22. And the user authentication part (authentication part) 26 performs an authentication process based on the acquired authentication information (S3). Based on whether or not the acquired authentication information is registered in the user information DB 21c, the user authentication unit 26 determines (authenticates) whether or not the user has already been registered as an appropriate user (S4). When the user is not authenticated (S4: NO), that is, when the user is not an appropriate user, the control unit 20 notifies the information processing terminal 3 via the communication unit 22 of an authentication error indicating that the authentication has failed. (S5). In this case, the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 discards the code pattern information and the authentication information acquired from the information processing terminal 3.
In the information processing terminal 3 notified of the authentication error, the control unit 30 displays, for example, the authentication error on the operation panel 32 (S6) and ends the process.

When the user is authenticated (S4: YES), that is, when the user is an appropriate user, the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 decodes the code pattern information acquired from the information processing terminal 3 (S7), and combines Acquire machine information (multifunction machine ID). Then, based on the MFP information obtained by decryption and the registration information in the MFP information DB 21b, the MFP management unit (identification unit) 25 specifies the destination information (IP address) of the MFP 1 ( S8). The control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 determines whether or not the multifunction device management unit 25 has identified the destination information of the multifunction device 1 (S9). Control is performed when the destination information of the multifunction device 1 cannot be specified (S9: NO), that is, when the acquired multifunction device information is not registered in the multifunction device information DB 21b, or when the code pattern cannot be decoded. The unit 20 notifies the information processing terminal 3 of a specific error indicating that the specification of the destination information of the multifunction device 1 has failed (S10). In this case, the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 discards the code pattern information and the authentication information acquired from the information processing terminal 3.
In the information processing terminal 3 notified of the specific error, the control unit 30 displays the specific error on the operation panel 32, for example (S11), and ends the process.

  When the destination information of the MFP 1 can be identified (S9: YES), the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 prints the electronic data DB 21a stored in association with the user (user ID) authenticated in step S3. The storage data is read by the storage processing unit 24. Then, the control unit (permission unit) 20 transmits the printing data read from the electronic data DB 21a to the multifunction device 1 based on the destination information specified in step S8 (S12), and print processing is performed to the multifunction device 1. Is instructed to execute. As a result, it is possible to execute the printing process instructed by the user using the information processing terminal 3.

The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 acquires print data via the communication unit 14, and the image forming unit 13 outputs an image based on the acquired print data (S13). As a result, the authenticated user can use the multifunction device 1, and the printing process instructed to the multifunction device 1 by the authenticated user is executed.
After the end of image output, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 notifies the processing result to the authentication server 2 from the communication unit 14 (S14). The control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 notified of the processing result notifies the information processing terminal 3 of the processing result by the multifunction machine 1 from the communication unit 22 (S15). The control unit 30 of the information processing terminal 3 displays the notified processing result on, for example, the operation panel 32 (S16), and notifies the user of the information processing terminal 3 of the information. Thereby, the user who has instructed execution of the printing process (image output) by the multifunction device 1 using the information processing terminal 3 can know whether or not the printing process has been properly completed.

  As described above, in the image output system according to the first embodiment, when the user requests use authorization (user authentication) of the multifunction device 1 from the authentication server 2 using the information processing terminal 3, the multifunction device 1. There is no need to know the destination information in advance. In addition, since the user can easily acquire the multifunction machine information of the multifunction machine 1 by photographing the code pattern displayed (or pasted) on the multifunction machine 1 by the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3, the user can easily compose the multifunction machine. Machine 1 can be used.

  In addition, when the user transmits user information (user ID and password) to the authentication server 2, the code pattern information (multifunction device information) captured using the information processing terminal 3 is also transmitted to the authentication server 2. Information and multifunction peripheral information can be easily associated. Further, since the user can make a print request simultaneously with the authentication request, the operability when logging in to the authentication server 2 is improved. With this configuration, for example, even when printing is performed using the multifunction device 1 (public printer) installed in a convenience store that is used for the first time, it takes time to operate the multifunction device 1. The printed matter can be obtained quickly.

  Further, since information with low sensitivity such as information related to the MFP ID, the name of the MFP 1, and information regarding the installation location of the MFP 1 is used as the MFP information, the MFP transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2 is used. The information does not include network identification information such as the host name, IP address, and MAC address of the multifunction machine 1. Accordingly, since confidential information such as network identification information is not transmitted over the network, unauthorized acquisition of confidential information can be prevented and security risk can be reduced.

  Note that destination information (network identification information) of the multifunction device 1 may be included in the multifunction device information. In this case, since the authentication server 2 can acquire the destination information of the multifunction device 1 from information (image data) obtained by the information processing terminal 3 photographing the code pattern, the destination information of the multifunction device 1 is managed in advance. There is no need to keep it. Since the multifunction device information is displayed (or pasted) in the form of a code pattern in the multifunction device 1, confidential information such as network identification information is not included even if the multifunction device information includes the destination information of the multifunction device 1. Inadvertent leakage is suppressed and security can be maintained.

(Embodiment 2)
The image output system according to the second embodiment will be described below. Since the image output system of the second embodiment is realized by the same configuration as the image output system of the first embodiment described above, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The image output system of the second embodiment is configured such that the multifunction device 1 generates a code pattern of its own multifunction device information and displays it on the operation panel 11. When generating the code pattern, the multifunction device 1 generates a code pattern by coding not only the multifunction device information (for example, the multifunction device ID) but also the printing conditions set by the user.
Specifically, a user who wants to use the multifunction device 1 operates the operation panel 11 of the multifunction device 1 to set desired printing conditions. For example, a “code pattern generation” button (not shown) displayed on the operation panel 11 is displayed. )). When the code pattern generation button is operated, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 codes predetermined multifunction device information and the printing conditions set by the user, and displays the generated code pattern on the operation panel 11 (display unit 11b). ) To notify (present) the user. The printing conditions are setting conditions relating to processing that can be executed by the multifunction device 1 such as N-up printing, color printing, and monochrome printing.

  Note that the user inputs the user information (authentication information) via the print request screen (see FIG. 7) and the code pattern displayed on the multifunction device 1 is imaged by the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3. The operation of acquiring the code pattern information (image data) by the same method as in the first embodiment. Further, the authentication server 2 performs the user authentication based on the user information acquired from the information processing terminal 3 as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of code pattern generation processing by the multifunction machine 1 according to the second embodiment.
A user who uses the print service operates the operation panel 11 of the multifunction machine 1 to set desired printing conditions. The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 receives the printing conditions set by the user via the operation panel 11 (S21). For example, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a predetermined button such as a code pattern generation button has been operated by the user (S22). If the predetermined button has not been operated (S22: NO), for example, a cancel button is displayed. If operated, the process is terminated.

  When the predetermined button is operated (S22: YES), the control unit 10 encodes the predetermined multifunction machine information (multifunction machine ID) and the accepted printing conditions, and generates a code pattern (S23). And the control part 10 displays the produced | generated code pattern on the operation panel 11 (S24), and complete | finishes a process. Note that predetermined multifunction machine information, that is, multifunction machine information for each multifunction machine 1 is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown). The method for generating the code pattern is not particularly limited, and any method may be used.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a printing process performed by the image output system according to the second embodiment. Also in FIG. 10, the processing on the left side indicates processing by the multifunction device 1, the center processing indicates processing by the authentication server 2, and the processing on the right side indicates processing by the information processing terminal 3.
In the image output system of the second embodiment, the authentication server 2 and the information processing terminal 3 perform the same processes as steps S1 to S11 in the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S9, when the MFP management unit 25 of the authentication server 2 can identify the destination information of the MFP 1 based on the MFP information (S9: YES), the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 performs step S7. The printing conditions are specified from the information obtained by decrypting (S31). In the second embodiment, the MFP information and the printing conditions are included in the code pattern. Therefore, when the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 decrypts the code pattern in step S7, the MFP information and the printing conditions. And you can get

  The control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 reads out the printing data stored in the electronic data DB 21a in association with the user (user ID) authenticated in step S3 by the storage processing unit 24. Then, the control unit 20 transmits the printing data read from the electronic data DB 21a to the multifunction device 1 based on the destination information specified in step S8 (S12). At this time, the control unit 20 transmits an instruction to execute the printing process under the printing conditions specified in step S31 together with the printing data to the multifunction device 1. As a result, the printing process can be executed under the conditions set by the user.

  The control unit 10 of the MFP 1 acquires printing data and printing conditions via the communication unit 14, and the image forming unit 13 performs printing processing (images under the acquired printing conditions for the acquired printing data. Output) (S13). Thereafter, the multifunction machine 1, the authentication server 2, and the information processing terminal 3 perform the same processing as steps S14 to S16 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the image output system according to the second embodiment, the code pattern information transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2 includes not only the MFP information but also the printing conditions. Therefore, the user can instruct execution of printing processing under desired printing conditions by photographing the code pattern of the multifunction device 1 with the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3 and transmitting it to the authentication server 2. In the conventional apparatus, for example, a user displays a predetermined print condition setting screen on the information processing terminal 3, inputs a desired print condition to the information processing terminal 3, and the information processing terminal 3 is input. The print condition is transmitted to the authentication server 2. However, in the second embodiment, the user operates the operation panel 11 of the multifunction device 1 to set the printing conditions, the code pattern including the set printing conditions is photographed by the information processing terminal 3, and the obtained information is displayed. By transmitting to the authentication server 2, desired printing conditions can be transmitted to the authentication server 2. Therefore, since the user only has to operate the multifunction device 1, the burden of the printing condition setting operation can be reduced.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the multifunction device 1 encodes the multifunction device information and the printing conditions has been described as an example. However, the multifunction device 1 according to the first embodiment described above includes a configuration in which the multifunction device information is encoded. May be.

The authentication server 2 according to the second embodiment transmits an execution instruction for print processing under the printing conditions (printing conditions set by the user operating the multifunction device 1) acquired from the information processing terminal 3 to the multifunction device 1. Although it is a structure, it is not limited to such a structure.
For example, the authentication server 2 manages printing conditions relating to print processing that can be actually executed by each multifunction device 1 based on the multifunction device information DB 21b (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, the authentication server 2 may be configured to specify the printing conditions that are actually instructed to the multifunction device 1 based on the printing conditions acquired from the information processing terminal 3 and the registration information in the multifunction device information DB 21b.

  Specifically, the control unit (device condition specifying unit) 20 of the authentication server 2 and the printing conditions included in the information acquired from the information processing terminal 3 and the printing conditions registered in the multifunction device information DB 21b (available for use). It is determined whether or not (setting) matches. If they match, the control unit 20 specifies the printing conditions included in the information acquired from the information processing terminal 3 as the printing conditions that are actually instructed to the multifunction device 1. If they do not match, for example, if the printing condition acquired from the information processing terminal 3 is execution of color printing and the printing condition registered in the MFP information DB 21b is execution of monochrome printing, the control unit 20 Execution of printing is specified as a printing condition that is actually instructed to the multifunction device 1. Then, the control unit 20 transmits to the multifunction device 1 an instruction to execute the printing process under the specified printing conditions together with the printing data. Thus, for example, even when a printing condition that cannot be actually executed by the multifunction device 1 is transmitted from the information processing terminal 3, the authentication server 2 changes the printing condition to be actually executable by the multifunction device 1. Thus, the print processing execution instruction is transmitted to the multi function device 1, so that the print processing can be executed reliably.

  Further, the authentication server 2 manages printing conditions (usable settings) that are permitted for each user based on the user information DB 21c (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the authentication server 2 may be configured to specify the printing conditions that are actually instructed to the multifunction machine 1 based on the printing conditions acquired from the information processing terminal 3 and the registration information in the user information DB 21c.

  Specifically, the control unit (user condition specifying unit) 20 of the authentication server 2 prints the printing conditions included in the information acquired from the information processing terminal 3 and the printing registered in the user information DB 21c for this user. It is determined whether or not the conditions match. If they match, that is, if the printing conditions requested by the user are the printing conditions permitted for the user, the control unit 20 sets the printing conditions included in the information acquired from the information processing terminal 3. The printing conditions that are actually instructed to the multifunction device 1 are specified. If they do not match, for example, if the printing condition requested by the user is N-up printing, and the printing condition permitted for this user is 1-up printing, the control unit 20 sets the 1-up printing. Execution of printing is specified as a printing condition that is actually instructed to the multifunction device 1. Then, the control unit 20 transmits to the multifunction device 1 an instruction to execute the printing process under the specified printing conditions together with the printing data. Thereby, the print conditions that can be executed for each user can be limited, and the print processing can be reliably executed under the print conditions permitted for each user.

(Embodiment 3)
The image output system according to the third embodiment will be described below. Since the image output system of the third embodiment is realized by the same configuration as the image output system of the second embodiment described above, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The image output system according to the third embodiment is configured such that the multifunction device 1 generates a code pattern of its own multifunction device information. When generating the code pattern, not only the multifunction device information (for example, the multifunction device ID) The code pattern is generated including the state information (status information) related to the operation state of the multifunction device 1.
Specifically, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 monitors the operation state of the multifunction device 1 itself. For example, if there is some error such as out of ink, N-up printing cannot be performed, or a paper jam has occurred. The occurrence is monitored. When any error occurs, the control unit 10 encodes predetermined MFP information and information indicating the generated error, and displays the code pattern on the operation panel 11 (display unit 11b) to notify the user (presentation). )

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of code pattern generation processing by the multifunction machine 1 according to the third embodiment.
The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether any error has occurred in its multifunction device 1 (S41), and if no error has occurred (S41: NO), until an error occurs. , Perform other processing and wait.

  When an error occurs (S41: YES), the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 encodes predetermined multifunction device information (multifunction device ID) and information indicating the generated error, and generates a code pattern (S42). And the control part 10 displays the produced | generated code pattern on the operation panel 11 (S43), and complete | finishes a process. Note that predetermined multifunction machine information and information indicating an error are stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a printing process performed by the image output system according to the third embodiment. Also in FIG. 12, the processing on the left side indicates processing by the multifunction device 1, the center processing indicates processing by the authentication server 2, and the processing on the right side indicates processing by the information processing terminal 3.
In the image output system of the third embodiment, the authentication server 2 and the information processing terminal 3 perform the same processing as steps S1 to S11 in the flowchart shown in FIG. If the MFP management unit 25 of the authentication server 2 can identify the destination information of the MFP 1 based on the MFP information (S9: YES) in step S9, the control unit (determination unit) 20 of the authentication server 2 Determines whether or not an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1 based on the information obtained by decoding in step S7 (S51). In the third embodiment, since the MFP information and information indicating an error are included in the code pattern, the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 receives the MFP information and the information when the code pattern is decoded in step S7. Information indicating an error can be obtained.

  When the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 determines that no error has occurred in the multifunction machine 1 (S51: NO), the control unit 20 performs the same process as step S12 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Thereafter, the multifunction device 1, the authentication server 2, and the information processing terminal 3 perform the same processing as steps S13 to S16 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1 (S51: YES), the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 notifies the information processing terminal from the communication unit 22 that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1. 3 is notified (S52). In the information processing terminal 3 notified of the occurrence of the error, the control unit 30 displays, for example, on the operation panel 32 that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1 (S53), notifies the user, and ends the process. . Thereby, a user who has instructed execution of printing processing (image output) by the multifunction device 1 using the information processing terminal 3 can grasp that the multifunction device 1 has an error and cannot use the multifunction device 1. Note that the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 may also notify the information processing terminal 3 of the type of error that has occurred in the multifunction device 1.

As described above, in the image output system according to the third embodiment, the information transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2 includes the status information of the multifunction device 1, so that the authentication server 2 is connected to the information processing terminal 3. It is possible to grasp that an error has occurred in the multi-function device 1 at the time when an authentication request and a print request are made.
In the conventional system, the authentication server 2 instructs the multifunction device 1 to execute print processing, and grasps the occurrence of an error in the multifunction device 1 only when printing failure is notified from the multifunction device 1 in response to this instruction. could not. However, in the third embodiment, since the authentication server 2 can grasp the occurrence of an error in the multifunction device 1 at the time when the information acquired from the information processing terminal 3 is decrypted, it can be grasped early and the action for the error can be quickly performed. be able to.

In the third embodiment, when the authentication server 2 detects that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1, the authentication server 2 interrupts the printing process by the multifunction device 1 and indicates that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1. In this configuration, the information processing terminal 3 (user) is notified. In addition to such a configuration, for example, if there is a print process that can be executed by the multifunction device 1 even if an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1, an authentication server is instructed to instruct the multifunction device 1 to execute the printing process. 2 may be configured.
Specifically, the authentication server 2 determines the operation state of the multifunction device 1 based on the status information acquired from the information processing terminal 3. If the multifunction device 1 is out of color ink, the authentication server 2 stores the information in the multifunction device information DB 21b. Based on the registration information, it is determined whether or not the multifunction device 1 is capable of monochrome printing. If monochrome printing is possible, the authentication server 2 transmits a monochrome printing execution instruction to the multifunction device 1. As a result, even when an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1, it is possible to perform printing processing under printing conditions that can be executed by the multifunction device 1.

  In the third embodiment, the information processing terminal 3 transmits information obtained by imaging the code pattern to the authentication server 2, and the authentication server 2 decrypts the acquired information to decode the multifunction machine information and the multifunction machine 1. It was the structure which acquires state information. In addition to such a configuration, the information processing terminal 3 may have a decoding function and may decode the information obtained by photographing the code pattern. In this case, when the control unit 30 of the information processing terminal 3 decodes the code pattern, it can determine whether or not an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1 based on the state information obtained by decoding. Therefore, it is possible to detect errors and take measures for errors at an earlier stage. In this case, the information processing terminal 3 only has to transmit the decrypted MFP information and status information to the authentication server 2. In such a configuration, the processing load on the authentication server 2 can be reduced.

  Further, when the authentication server 2 detects that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 1, for example, a configuration in which an error occurrence is notified to a terminal carried by a serviceman managing the multifunction device 1 is authenticated. The server 2 may be further provided.

(Embodiment 4)
The image output system according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. Since the image output system of the fourth embodiment is realized by the same configuration as the image output systems of the first to third embodiments described above, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
In the image output systems of Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the user has to perform user registration for the print service in advance. In the image output system of the fourth embodiment, even the user who is not registered as a user can use the multifunction device 1.

  For example, the MFP 1 of the fourth embodiment displays a “trial print” button (not shown) on the operation panel 11. When a user who has not registered as a user wants to use the multifunction machine 1, the user operates the trial print button displayed on the operation panel 11. When the trial print button is operated, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 encodes and generates predetermined multifunction device information (multifunction device ID) and permission information for temporarily permitting the use of the multifunction device 1. The code pattern is displayed on the operation panel 11 (display unit 11b) and notified (presented) to the user.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of code pattern generation processing by the multifunction machine 1 according to the fourth embodiment.
The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether or not the trial print button on the operation panel 11 has been operated by the user (S61). If the trial print button has not been operated (S61: NO), Wait until the trial print button is operated and perform other processing.

  When the trial print button is operated (S61: YES), the control unit 10 encodes predetermined multifunction machine information (multifunction machine ID) and permission information, and generates a code pattern (S62). And the control part 10 displays the produced | generated code pattern on the operation panel 11 (S63), and complete | finishes a process. The predetermined multifunction machine information and permission information are stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a printing process performed by the image output system according to the fourth embodiment. Also in FIG. 14, the processing on the left side indicates processing by the multifunction device 1, the center processing indicates processing by the authentication server 2, and the processing on the right side indicates processing by the information processing terminal 3.
In the image output system according to the fourth embodiment, a user who has not registered as a user but wants to use the print service uses the information processing terminal 3 to access the authentication server 2 that provides the print service. Then, the information processing terminal 3 acquires a predetermined web page from the authentication server 2, and displays a print request screen on the display unit 32b based on the acquired web page (S71).

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print request screen. In the print request screen shown in FIG. 15, in addition to the input field for inputting the user ID and password of the user who wants to use the print service, the shooting button, and the print button, “use trial print” is selected. A check box is displayed.
A user who has not registered as a user operates the operation panel 32 of the information processing terminal 3 instead of inputting the user ID and password, and checks the check box “Use trial print”.

On the other hand, the user operates the trial print button of the multifunction device 1 and displays a code pattern in which the multifunction device ID and permission information are coded on the operation panel 11 of the multifunction device 1. Then, the user operates the shooting button on the print request screen, and the control unit 30 of the information processing terminal 3 captures the code pattern being displayed on the multi-function device 1 by the imaging unit 33, and the code pattern information (image data). To get. After photographing the code pattern, the user operates the print button and requests the authentication server 2 to execute printing by a desired multifunction device 1.
When the “Use trial print” check box is checked on the print request screen, the control unit 30 of the information processing terminal 3 does not wait for input of the user ID and password, and only acquires the acquired code pattern information. Is transmitted to the authentication server 2 via the communication unit 34 (S72).

When only the code pattern information is acquired via the communication unit 22, the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 decrypts the acquired code pattern information (S73), and obtains the MFP information (multifunction machine ID) and permission information. get. The control unit 20 determines whether or not the permission information is included in the information obtained by decryption (S74). If it is determined that the permission information is not included (S74: NO), the control unit 20 The information processing terminal 3 is notified via the communication unit 22 that use cannot be permitted (S75). In this case, the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 discards the code pattern information acquired from the information processing terminal 3.
In the information processing terminal 3 that is notified that the use of the multifunction device 1 cannot be permitted, the control unit 30 displays that fact on the operation panel 32 (S76), and ends the process.

  When permission information is included in the information obtained by decryption (S74: YES), the control unit 20 (multifunction device management unit 25) of the authentication server 2 and the multifunction device information obtained by decryption and the composite Based on the registration information in the machine information DB 21b, the destination information (IP address) of the multifunction machine 1 is specified (S8). Thereafter, the multifunction device 1, the authentication server 2, and the information processing terminal 3 perform the same processing as steps S9 to S16 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

As described above, in the image output system according to the fourth embodiment, a temporary use authority can be given to a user who is not registered in the print service and does not have the use authority for the multifunction machine 1. Therefore, it is possible to try the print service provided by the image output system.
Further, a temporary user ID and password may be given to a user who has requested the use of the multifunction device 1 by the above-described processing, and not only a single printing process but also a right to use for a certain period may be given.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the authentication server 2 may further include a configuration in which the MFP information and user information (authentication information) acquired from the information processing terminal 3 are held in a storage unit (not shown). In this case, in the storage unit, the MFP information and the user information can be managed as log information, and the stored information can be analyzed. Further, the authentication server 2 can execute billing processing according to the usage status of the image output apparatus, usage status analysis processing for the image output apparatus, and the like.

In the image output systems of Embodiments 1 to 4, since the user registers printing data in the authentication server 2 in advance, the user actually makes an authentication request (print instruction) to the authentication server 2 using the information processing terminal 3. In this case, only the code pattern information and the authentication information of the MFP information need be transmitted to the authentication server 2. Therefore, in Embodiments 1 to 4, it is not necessary to store print data in the information processing terminal 3, and the amount of data transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2 can be reduced.
In addition to such a configuration, when the user makes an authentication request (print instruction) to the authentication server 2 using the information processing terminal 3, the print data is transmitted to the authentication server 2 together with the code pattern information and the authentication information. You may make it do. In this case, since it is not necessary for the authentication server 2 to manage print data for each user, the processing load on the authentication server 2 can be reduced.

  In the first to third embodiments, when the user makes an authentication request (print instruction) to the authentication server 2 using the information processing terminal 3, the code pattern information and the authentication information are simultaneously transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2. The configuration was sent. In addition to such a configuration, for example, when only the authentication information is first transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2 and the user is authenticated as a result of the authentication processing by the authentication server 2, the authentication is performed from the information processing terminal 3. A configuration in which code pattern information is transmitted to the server 2 may also be used. Further, when the user makes an authentication request, the print data is transmitted to the authentication server 2 together with the code pattern information and the authentication information. The code pattern information is transmitted to the authentication server 2 first, and the authentication server 2 When the MFP 1 can be identified by 2, print data may be transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2.

  The information processing terminal 3 according to the first to fourth embodiments acquires the multifunction machine information by photographing the code pattern by the imaging unit 33, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the code pattern of the multifunction device information is a barcode, the information processing terminal 3 includes a code reading unit such as a barcode reader instead of the imaging unit 33, and acquires the multifunction device information by the code reading unit. May be.

  In the image output systems of the first to fourth embodiments, the multifunction device 1 notifies the authentication server 2 of the processing result, so that the authentication server 2 can grasp the processing result of the multifunction device 1. Therefore, when notified of completion of the printing process, the authentication server 2 can, for example, delete the print data held in the authentication server 2 and grasp the use status of the multifunction device 1 of each user. In addition, when the processing result includes specific usage status of each user, for example, print processing contents such as output paper size, number of output paper sheets, execution of black and white printing or color printing, based on such information. Thus, billing processing for each user becomes possible.

  The information processing terminal 3 according to the first to fourth embodiments transmits information (image data) obtained by photographing a code pattern by the imaging unit 33 to the authentication server 2, and the authentication server 2 decodes the code pattern to decode the multifunction device. It was the composition which acquires information. In addition to such a configuration, the information processing terminal 3 has a decoding function, decodes information obtained by photographing a code pattern, acquires multifunction machine information, and acquires the obtained multifunction machine information as the authentication server 2. The structure which transmits to may be sufficient. In this case, the processing burden on the authentication server 2 can be reduced.

  In the information processing terminal 3 according to the first to third embodiments, the user operates the operation panel 32 on the print request screen and inputs authentication information (user ID and password). In addition to such a configuration, for example, when the information processing terminal 3 has an IC card reader, the user ID and password are stored in advance in the IC card, and the authentication information is read from the IC card by the IC card reader. Good.

  In the image output system of the present invention, in addition to the multifunction device 1, a printer having only a printer function, a display device for displaying an image, and the like can be used.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above. However, each configuration, operation, and the like can be changed as appropriate, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

1 MFP (image output device)
2 Authentication server (authentication device)
3. Information processing terminal (information processing device)
10 control unit 11 operation panel 20 control unit (permission unit, determination unit, user condition specifying unit, device condition specifying unit)
22 Communication unit (device information acquisition unit, user information acquisition unit)
25 MFP Management Department (Specific Department)
26 User authentication part (authentication part)
30 Control unit (device information acquisition unit, instructor information acquisition unit)
34 Communication part (sending part)
11b Display unit 21a Electronic data DB (data storage unit)
21b MFP information DB (destination storage unit, device condition storage unit)
21c User information DB (user condition storage unit)

Claims (7)

  An image output method,
  A step of acquiring a code pattern image obtained by encoding device information for specifying an image output device by an information processing device; a step of acquiring the device information from the image of the code pattern; and for specifying a user Obtaining user information; and sending out the device information and the user information to the outside,
  An authentication unit executes a step of authenticating the user based on the user information,
  A step of executing an image output instructed by the authenticated user by the image output device specified based on the device information.
  An image output method characterized by the above.   An image output method using an information processing apparatus that instructs an image output apparatus to execute image output,
  Acquiring an image of a code pattern obtained by encoding device information for specifying an image output device;
  Obtaining the device information from an image of the code pattern;
  Obtaining user information for identifying a user;
  Sending the device information and the user information to the outside;
  An image output method comprising:   The image output method according to claim 1, wherein the code pattern is a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark).   The image output method according to claim 1, wherein the device information is an IP address.   An image output apparatus instructed to execute image output using an information processing apparatus,
  The information processing device acquires a code pattern image obtained by encoding device information for specifying the image output device, acquires the device information from the code pattern image, and user information for specifying a user And sending the user information to the authentication unit,
  An image output device that, when specified based on the acquired device information, executes image output designated by the user who is authenticated based on the user information by the authentication unit.   The image output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the code pattern is a bar code or a QR code.   The image output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the apparatus information is an IP address.

Images