JP6138289B2 - Image output method and image output apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output method and an image output apparatus in which a user instructs execution of image output by a desired image output apparatus 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.
The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which authentication is performed based on a PIN code shared between a communication destination terminal and a communication source terminal. However, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a mechanism for transmitting and receiving data securely, and is not a mechanism for authenticating a user. Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to set the PIN code in the multifunction device in advance, when a plurality of multifunction devices are installed, the PIN is set for each multifunction device. There is a problem that it is necessary to appropriately register and change the code, and this work requires labor.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide an image output apparatus (multi-function peripheral) that requires user authentication when using the image output apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image output method and an image output device that do not require specific information to be known in advance and can easily use a desired image output device.

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 identifying 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 The image output method executes the step of executing the image output instructed by the authenticated user by the image output device specified based on the device information, wherein the image output device perform the step of notifying the result of the image output process in the output device to the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus More, and executes the step of displaying the results of the image output processing.

The image output method according to the present invention includes a step of acquiring an image of a code pattern in which device information for specifying an image output device is encoded by an information processing device that instructs the image output device to execute image output; An image output method that executes the step of acquiring the device information from an image of a code pattern, the step of acquiring user information for specifying a user, and the step of transmitting the device information and the user information to the outside. The information processing apparatus receives the result of the image output process in the image output apparatus from the image output apparatus and displays the result.

  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 acquires a code pattern image obtained by coding device information for specifying an image output device, acquires the device information from the code pattern image, and specifies a user. When execution of image output is instructed using an information processing apparatus that acquires user information and transmits the user information to an authentication unit, and specified based on the acquired apparatus information, the authentication unit converts the user information into the user information. An image output apparatus that executes an image output designated by the user who has been authenticated based on the image output process, and is configured to notify the information processing apparatus of a result of an image output process in the image output apparatus. .

  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.

  In the present invention, in a system in which a user instructs execution of image output by an image output apparatus using an information processing apparatus, the user needs to know information about the image output apparatus (destination information such as an IP address) in advance. Absent. In particular, in a system in which user authentication is introduced when using the image output apparatus, when the user requests an authentication to the authentication apparatus using the information processing apparatus, the apparatus information of the image output apparatus is also transmitted, so that a desired The image output apparatus can be easily used.

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 print processing by the image output system according to the second embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of a printing request | requirement screen.

  Hereinafter, an image output system and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on 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, and the authentication server 2 and the information processing terminal via the network N. Communicate with an external device such as 3. 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.
Further, the communication unit 14 has an electronic mail transmission / reception function, and is capable of transmitting / receiving electronic mail via the network N.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), and 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. In addition, the communication unit 22 has an e-mail transmission / reception function, and can also transmit / receive e-mail 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 a ROM (not shown) into a RAM (not shown) and executes it, thereby allowing the authentication server 2 to The image output system according to the invention is operated as an authentication apparatus.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the authentication server 2. The control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 causes the function control unit 23, the storage processing unit 24, the multifunction device management unit 25, and the user authentication unit 26 to be executed by the CPU or MPU executing a control program stored in advance in the ROM. Implement each function. 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 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 specifying each multifunction device 1, an IP address assigned to each multifunction device 1, and setting conditions usable in each multifunction device 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 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 information registered in the multifunction machine information DB 21b is not limited to the information described above as long as the information can identify each of the plurality of multifunction machines 1.

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.

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 the control program stored in advance in the ROM (not shown) into the RAM (not shown) and executes it, thereby causing the information processing terminal 3 to The information processing apparatus of the present invention is operated as an information processing apparatus.

  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 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 (instructor) using 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. The MFP information includes network identification information such as a host name, an IP address, and a MAC address assigned to the MFP 1, a MFP ID (serial number), a name assigned to the MFP 1, and the MFP 1 Any information can be used as long as it is information that can identify the multifunction device 1, such as information on the installation location (convenience store), and any one or a plurality of these 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 22, and the user authentication unit (authentication unit) 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 Get machine information. Then, based on the MFP information obtained by decryption and the registration information in the MFP information DB 21b, the MFP management unit (specification unit) 25 specifies 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 multifunction device 1 (S9). When the MFP 1 cannot be specified (S9: NO), that is, when the acquired MFP information is not registered in the MFP information DB 21b, or when the code pattern cannot be decoded, the control unit 20 Then, a specific error indicating that the identification of the multifunction device 1 has failed is notified to the information processing terminal 3 via the communication unit 22 (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 MFP 1 can be identified (S9: YES), the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 uses the print data stored in the electronic data DB 21a in association with the user (user ID) authenticated in step S3. Reading is performed 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 identified in step S8 (S12), and instructs the multifunction device 1 to execute the printing process. As a result, it is possible to execute the printing process instructed by the user using the information processing terminal 3.
The destination of the multifunction device 1 is, for example, the authentication server 2 when the destination information (IP address) of the multifunction device 1 is included in the code pattern (multifunction device information) photographed by the image processing unit 33 by the information processing terminal 3. Can be obtained from the code pattern. Further, when the IP address is not included in the code pattern, the authentication server 2 obtains the IP address corresponding to the multifunction machine information (for example, the multifunction machine ID) obtained from the code pattern from the multifunction machine information DB 21b. The destination of the machine 1 can be obtained.

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. Further, since the multifunction device information is displayed (or pasted) in the form of a code pattern, for example, the network identification information such as the IP address of the multifunction device 1 is prevented from being inadvertently leaked, 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.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process procedure performed by the image output system according to the second embodiment. Also in FIG. 9, the process on the left indicates the process by the multifunction device 1, the process at the center indicates the process by the authentication server 2, and the process on the right indicates the process 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. If the MFP management unit 25 of the authentication server 2 can identify the MFP 1 based on the MFP information at step S9 (S9: YES), the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 decrypts at step S7. It is then determined whether or not the MFP information obtained in this way includes encryption information (S21).

  The encryption information is information on an encryption key corresponding to a decryption key used for a decryption process that can be executed by the multifunction device 1, and is included in advance in the multifunction device information. For example, in the image output system, when data is transmitted without being encrypted between the authentication server 2 and the multifunction device 1, or when the security level of communication between the authentication server 2 and the multifunction device 1 is low In addition, the encryption information is included in the MFP information.

  When determining that the encryption information is not included (S21: NO), the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 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 encrypted information is included (S21: YES), the control unit 20 of the authentication server 2 stores the electronic data DB 21a in association with the user (user ID) authenticated in step S3. Print data is read by the storage processing unit 24. Then, the control unit 20 encrypts the read print data using the encryption information included in the MFP information (S22), and transmits the encrypted data to the MFP 1 identified in Step S8 ( S23). As a result, the print data is securely transferred from the authentication server 2 to the multifunction device 1.

  The control unit 10 of the MFP 1 acquires the encrypted data via the communication unit 14, and decrypts the acquired encrypted data using the decryption information (decryption key) held by itself (S24). Based on the printed data, the image forming unit 13 outputs an image (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 print data transmitted from the authentication server 2 to the multifunction device 1 is encrypted. Therefore, even if the data being transmitted leaks, It becomes possible to prevent leakage. Further, since the encryption information corresponding to the multifunction device 1 is included in the multifunction device information in advance, the user captures the encrypted information by photographing the code pattern of the multifunction device information with the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3. Can be obtained.

In the image output systems according to the first and second embodiments, 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 the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to store printing 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 addition, when the user registers a plurality of print data in the authentication server 2 in advance, the user makes an authentication request to the authentication server 2 using the information processing terminal 3, and when the user is authenticated, the desired print data May be selected. Specifically, when a user who uses the print service accesses the authentication server 2 using the information processing terminal 3 and obtains a predetermined web page, a print request screen as shown on the upper side of FIG. It is displayed on the display unit 32b of the processing terminal 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the print request screen. In the print request screen shown on the upper side of FIG. 10, as in the print request screen shown in FIG. 7, an input field for entering a user ID and password and a login button are displayed.

  The user operates the operation panel 32 of the information processing terminal 3, inputs his / her user ID and password, and operates the login button. The information processing terminal 3 transmits the user ID and password (authentication information) acquired via the print request screen to the authentication server 2, and the authentication server 2 authenticates the acquired authentication information based on the registration contents of the user information DB 21c. To do. If the authentication is successful, the authentication server 2 transmits a web page for displaying the print request screen shown on the lower side of FIG. 10 to the information processing terminal 3, and the information processing terminal 3, based on the acquired web page, A print request screen as shown in the lower part of FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 32b.

  The print request screen shown at the bottom of FIG. 10 is a check for selecting a file name and a registration date and a print target for each of a plurality of print data registered in the authentication server 2 in advance by the logged-in user. Boxes are displayed in association with each other. The check box may be configured so that a plurality of print data can be selected. The print request screen shown at the bottom of FIG. 10 displays an explanation that the pattern displayed on the multifunction device 1 is imaged by the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3, a shooting button, and a print button. .

  The user operates the operation panel 32 of the information processing terminal 3 to check the check box of the printing data to be printed, and operates the photographing button to photograph the code pattern displayed on the multifunction device 1. 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. Thereby, the user can transmit information indicating the print data to be printed to the authentication server 2 together with the code pattern information. When configured in this manner, operability is improved because data to be printed can be selected from the plurality of print data registered in the authentication server 2 using the information processing terminal 3.

  In the first and second 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 and second 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. When the information processing terminal 3 includes an IC card reader, an IC card in which the multifunction machine information is recorded is attached to the multifunction machine 1, and the multifunction machine information is received from the IC card by the IC card reader of the information processing terminal 3. You may make it acquire. Further, when the multifunction device 1 and the information processing terminal 3 are capable of infrared communication using infrared rays, the information processing terminal 3 may acquire the multifunction device information from the multifunction device 1 by infrared communication. .

  In the image output systems of the first and second embodiments, the multifunction device 1 notifies the processing result to the authentication server 2, so that the authentication server 2 can grasp the processing result by 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 and second 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 and second 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.

  The image output system according to the first and second embodiments includes one authentication server 2, and the user accesses the predetermined authentication server 2 and acquires a web page that provides a print service. That is, there is one access-destination authentication server 2. In addition to such a configuration, a plurality of multifunction devices 1 and authentication servers 2 are provided, each managing a plurality of multifunction devices 1 to which each authentication server 2 is assigned in advance, and the user wants to use the multifunction device 1 to be used. It is also possible to access the authentication server 2 that manages the web page and acquire a web page that provides the print service from the authentication server 2.

  In this case, for example, the MFP information of the MFP 1 includes server information (authentication device information) for specifying the authentication server 2 that manages the MFP 1, and the information processing terminal 3 acquires the acquired MFP information. Based on the above, the appropriate authentication server 2 is accessed. Specifically, for example, the MFP information of the MFP 1 includes a URL for accessing the authentication server 2 (web page) that manages the MFP 1 that the user wants to use. Then, the information processing terminal 3 that has acquired the MFP information accesses the URL included in the MFP information, thereby accessing the appropriate authentication server 2 and acquiring the appropriate web page (print request screen). That is, the control unit (authentication device specifying unit) 30 of the information processing terminal 3 can specify the authentication server 2 to be accessed based on the URL included in the multifunction machine information. Accordingly, the load of the authentication process can be distributed by the plurality of authentication servers 2 and each user can capture information on the appropriate authentication server 2 (only by photographing the code pattern of the multifunction machine information with the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3). Destination information).

  The image output systems according to the first and second embodiments are configured such that the authentication server 2 transmits print data to the multifunction device 1 via the network N. Furthermore, as a method for the authentication server 2 to transmit print data to the multifunction device 1, a configuration in which any one of a plurality of communication methods such as FTP communication, HTTP communication, and e-mail transmission can be switched as appropriate may be used. Specifically, the MFP information of the MFP 1 includes a communication method that can be used by the MFP 1, and the authentication server 2 uses the MFP information acquired from the information processing terminal 3. 1 specifies the communication method that can be used, and when the print data is transmitted to the multifunction device 1, the specified method is used. For example, when printing data cannot be transmitted to the multifunction device 1 by FTP communication, the authentication server 2 may transmit the printing data to the multifunction device 1 by e-mail. Note that the email address of the multifunction device 1 may be included in the multifunction device information of the multifunction device 1 or may be registered in advance in the multifunction device information DB 21b of the authentication server 2. As a result, the authentication server 2 can reliably transmit the printing data to the multi function device 1 by an optimum method.

  The above-described configuration is particularly effective when the authentication server 2 is connected to the global network and only the private address is assigned to the multifunction device 1 in the network environment within the company. That is, in such a situation, the authentication server 2 cannot directly communicate with the multi-function device 1, but if the e-mail address of the multi-function device 1 can be acquired, data transmission to the multi-function device 1 is performed using the e-mail address. it can. For example, if the communication method used when the authentication server 2 transmits print data to the multifunction device 1 is fixed (for example, only FTP communication), the method cannot be used by the multifunction device 1 as the transmission destination. The data cannot be transmitted from the authentication server 2 to the multifunction device 1. However, as described above, if any one of a plurality of communication methods can be used, data can be transmitted using an optimal communication method in an environment where the image output system is constructed.

The image output systems according to the first and second embodiments are configured such that the authentication server 2 transmits print data to the multifunction device 1 when the user is authenticated and the multifunction device 1 can be identified. In addition to such a configuration, the authentication server 2 may transmit the corresponding print data to the multifunction device 1 when there is a transmission request from the multifunction device 1. For example, the multifunction device 1 periodically checks the print request with respect to the authentication server 2, and the control unit (request reception unit) 20 of the authentication server 2 receives this confirmation from the multifunction device 1. If there is a print request to the multifunction device 1, the corresponding print data may be transmitted to the multifunction device 1. In this case, even in an environment where data cannot be transmitted from the authentication server 2 to the multifunction device 1, if the multifunction device 1 can access the authentication server 2, the authentication server 2 responds to the request from the multifunction device 1. Accordingly, printing data can be transmitted.
Even if the authentication server 2 fails to transmit print data to the multifunction device 1, the print data can be retransmitted in response to access from the multifunction device 1, so there is no need to interrupt print processing. . In the first and second embodiments, when the authentication server 2 fails to transmit print data to the multifunction device 1, the print data may be retransmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Furthermore, setting information regarding a print function or a communication function that can be executed by the multifunction device 1 may be included in the multifunction device information of the multifunction device 1. Thus, the user can make settings related to the printing process by the multifunction device 1 only by photographing the code pattern of the multifunction device information with the imaging unit 33 of the information processing terminal 3.

  The image output systems according to the first and second embodiments have a configuration in which a code pattern of MFP information is displayed or pasted on the MFP 1 in advance. In addition to such a configuration, the authentication server 2 may generate a code pattern of multifunction device information based on registration information in the multifunction device information DB 21b. Specifically, since the authentication server 2 manages the MFP information DB 21b, the control unit 20 generates a code pattern using a part of the registration information of the MFP information DB 21b. The control unit 10 of the multifunction machine 1 acquires the code pattern generated by the authentication server 2 by the communication unit 14, displays the acquired code pattern on the display unit 11b, and notifies (presents) the user. In this case, since the authentication server 2 manages information such as the IP address of the multifunction device 1, it is not necessary to include network identification information such as an IP address in the multifunction device information. Therefore, even if the code pattern information transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the authentication server 2 is leaked, it is possible to prevent leakage of confidential information such as network identification information.

  Further, the user may instruct the execution of the process in which the authentication server 2 generates the code pattern via the operation panel 11 of the multifunction machine 1. In this case, each time the user instructs the generation of the code pattern, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 requests the authentication server 2 to generate the code pattern, and acquires the generated code pattern. When the authentication server 2 generates the code pattern, the code pattern of each multifunction device 1 can be collectively managed by the authentication server 2 and the multifunction device 1 does not need to have a code pattern generation function. When a code pattern is generated using information that can be changed as appropriate (multifunction peripheral information), the user can request execution of printing processing by the multifunction peripheral 1 using the latest code pattern.

  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)
14 communication unit 20 control unit (request receiving unit)
21 Storage Unit 22 Communication Unit 25 Multifunction Device Management Unit (Specification Unit)
26 User authentication part (authentication part)
30 control unit (device information acquisition unit, instructor information acquisition unit, authentication device identification unit)
33 Imaging unit 34 Communication unit (sending unit)
11b Display unit 21a Electronic data DB

Claims (7)

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 transmitting 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,
An image output method for executing a step of executing an image output instructed by the authenticated user by the image output device specified based on the device information,
Executing a step of notifying the information processing apparatus of a result of an image output process in the image output apparatus by the image output apparatus ;
An image output method comprising: executing a step of displaying a result of the image output process by the information processing apparatus . By an information processing apparatus that instructs the 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;
An image output method for executing the device information and the step of sending the user information to the outside,
An image output method , wherein the information processing apparatus receives and displays a result of an image output process in the image output apparatus from the image output apparatus .   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 of a code pattern obtained by encoding device information for specifying an image output device is acquired, the device information is acquired from the image of the code pattern, user information for specifying a user is acquired, and the user information When the execution of image output is instructed using the information processing device that transmits the information to the authentication unit and is specified based on the acquired device information, the user specified by the authentication unit based on the user information specified An image output device that executes image output,
An image output apparatus configured to notify the information processing apparatus of a result of an image output process in the image output apparatus.   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.