JP6233155B2 - Information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

  Conventionally, print data is not printed immediately in response to a print instruction input by a user on a PC (Personal Computer) or the like, but is associated with the user name of the user and stored in a predetermined server or a storage device in the image forming apparatus. There is a system to save. When the user inputs a user name and password via the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus executes an authentication process for the user name and password. If the authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus causes the operation panel to display a list of print data associated with the user name among the print data stored in the storage device. The image forming apparatus acquires print data selected from the list information from the storage device and executes printing.

  According to such a system, since the printed matter is output when the user is near the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from being left unattended or accidentally taken by another person. Can do. As a result, the security of the printed information can be ensured.

  However, in the system as described above, only a user who has an account for receiving authentication in advance can execute printing. Therefore, for example, a visitor or the like who does not have an account has the inconvenience of having to request printing by a person who has an account. Therefore, it may be possible to prepare a common guest account for visitors. However, in this case, since a common account is assigned to a plurality of visitors, a certain visitor can operate print data of other visitors. As a result, the characteristics of the system such as ensuring the security of printed information may be lost.

  Furthermore, it is conceivable to install an image forming apparatus for a guest. However, it is difficult to say that this is an excellent solution because an economic burden increases and an installation space is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to give an output authority even to a user who does not have an account necessary for outputting data.

  Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing system including one or more computers includes a receiving unit that receives an output request for data including a predetermined address via a network, and identification of a transmission source of the output request A identification unit that identifies user identification information stored in association with information, and authority identification information that indicates an output authority of data related to the output request when the identification unit does not identify the user identification information A first storage unit that stores output information of data related to the output request in association with the generation unit, the user identification information specified by the specification unit or the right identification information generated by the generation unit, and the right Included in the request according to a request transmitted from the device via the network and a transmission unit that transmits the identification information to the transmission source of the output request Output information associated with the user identification information or authority identification information stored in the first storage unit, a reply unit that returns the information to the device, and a transmission source for each output request received by the reception unit. When the user identification information is not specified by the second storage unit that stores the history information of the output request including the identification information and the specifying unit, the same identification information as the identification information of the transmission source of the output request is transmitted A determination unit that determines whether a set of history information satisfies a predetermined condition, and the transmission unit transmits a source of the output request when the set of history information satisfies the predetermined condition Change the information sent to.

  Even a user who does not have an account necessary for data output can be granted output authority.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the management server in 1st embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the printing system in 1st embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining a processing procedure of print data storage processing in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a user information storage part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing information storage part of 1st embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure of print information generation processing in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the log | history memory | storage part in 1st embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a login screen. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure of print information generation processing in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the printing system in 3rd embodiment. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure of print information generation processing in the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an exclusion list.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment. In the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, one or more user terminals 30, a mail server 40, a management server 10, an authentication server 50, a storage server 60, one or more image forming apparatuses 20, and the like are included in a LAN (Local Area Network). Alternatively, they are connected to be communicable via a network N1 such as the Internet. A part or all of the network N1 may be a wireless communication network. A mobile communication network may be interposed between the user terminal 30 and the network N1. Note that the printing system 1 is operated in a certain organization such as a company. In the first embodiment, the organization is referred to as “Company A”.

  The user terminal 30 is an information processing apparatus that is directly operated by a user of the printing system 1. For example, the user operates the user terminal 30 to input a print request for the printing system 1. Examples of the user terminal 30 include a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). Each of the plurality of user terminals 30 may be a different model.

  The mail server 40 is a computer that transfers e-mails transmitted from the user terminal 30 and e-mails transmitted from the management server 10. For example, the user terminal 30 transmits an e-mail including a print request to the management server 10 in response to an instruction from the user. Electronic data to be printed is attached to an electronic mail including a print request. The data format of electronic data is not limited to a predetermined format. Hereinafter, an electronic mail including a print request transmitted from the user terminal 30 is referred to as a “print request mail”.

  In the present embodiment, users of the printing system 1 are classified into “regular users” and “guest users”. The authorized user receives user information including a mail address (print request mail transmission source address) used for transmission of the print request mail to the print system 1 (strictly, a user information storage unit 52 described later). Refers to a registered user. That is, the regular user is a user who is scheduled as a user of the printing system 1. An example of a regular user is an employee of company A. On the other hand, the guest user refers to a user whose user information as a regular user is not registered. That is, the guest user is a user who does not have authority to use the printing system 1. An example of a guest user is a visitor of company A.

  The authentication server 50 is a computer that manages information (hereinafter referred to as “user information”) including the user name, password, e-mail address, and the like of the authorized user for each authorized user. For example, the authentication server 50 executes an authentication process in response to an authentication request in which a user name, a password, and the like are specified. Further, the authentication server 50 executes processing in response to a mail address existence confirmation request and a user name acquisition request corresponding to the mail address.

  The management server 10 is a computer that executes print data generation and the like for electronic data included in the print request mail in response to reception of the print request mail. The print data has a data format that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 20. The management server 10 transmits the generated print data to the storage server 60 in association with the user name of the user of the transmission request mail (sender) or the identifier generated for each print request mail. When the transmission source address of the print request mail is associated with the user name and managed by the authentication server 50, the user name is associated with the print data. When the source address of the print request mail is not associated with the user name and managed by the authentication server 50, an identifier generated for each print request mail is associated with the print data. Hereinafter, this identifier is referred to as a “PIN (Personal Identification Number) code”. The print data associated with the PIN code can be printed by inputting the PIN code to the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, it can be said that the PIN code is information for identifying the output authority regarding the print data.

  The storage server 60 is a computer that stores print data transmitted from the management server 10.

  The image forming apparatus 20 is a device having a printing function, such as a multifunction peripheral or a printer. The image forming apparatus 20 is a device that executes printing of print data associated with the user name or PIN code input to the image forming apparatus 20 by the user from among the print data stored in the storage server 60. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the management server according to the first embodiment. The management server 10 in FIG. 2 includes a drive device 100, an auxiliary storage device 102, a memory device 103, a CPU 104, an interface device 105, and the like that are mutually connected by a bus B.

  A program for realizing processing in the management server 10 is provided by a recording medium 101 such as a CD-ROM. When the recording medium 101 storing the program is set in the drive device 100, the program is installed from the recording medium 101 to the auxiliary storage device 102 via the drive device 100. However, the program need not be installed from the recording medium 101 and may be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 102 stores the installed program and also stores necessary files and data.

  The memory device 103 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 102 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program. The CPU 104 executes a function related to the management server 10 in accordance with a program stored in the memory device 103. The interface device 105 is used as an interface for connecting to a network.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes hardware such as a controller 21, a scanner 22, a printer 23, a modem 24, an operation panel 25, a network interface 26, and an SD card slot 27.

  The controller 21 includes a CPU 211, RAM 212, ROM 213, HDD 214, NVRAM 215, and the like. The ROM 213 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 212 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like. The CPU 211 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 212. The HDD 214 stores a program and various data used by the program. The NVRAM 215 stores various setting information and the like.

  The scanner 22 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 23 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 24 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data by FAX communication. The operation panel 25 is hardware including input means such as buttons for accepting input from a user, display means such as a liquid crystal panel, and the like. The liquid crystal panel may have a touch panel function. In this case, the liquid crystal panel also functions as an input unit. The network interface 26 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 27 is used for reading a program stored in the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 20, not only the program stored in the ROM 213 but also the program stored in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 212 and executed. The SD card 80 may be replaced by another recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). That is, the type of recording medium corresponding to the positioning of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 27 may be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 does not necessarily have the scanner 22 and the modem 24. In other words, the image forming apparatus 20 may be a printer instead of a multifunction peripheral.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printing system according to the first embodiment. 4, the management server 10 includes a mail receiving unit 11, an address confirmation unit 12, a history writing unit 13, a history determination unit 14, a PIN code generation unit 15, a print information generation unit 16, a response mail generation unit 17, and a mail reply. Section 18 and print information transmission section 19. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the management server 10 cause the CPU 104 to execute. The management server 10 also uses the history storage unit 121. The history storage unit 121 can be realized by using the auxiliary storage device 102 or a storage device connected to the management server 10 via a network.

  The mail receiving unit 11 receives a print request mail. The print request mail includes print target data that the user wants to print (for example, a mail text or an attached file). For example, the user transmits a mail including print target data from the user terminal 30 to a mail address (transmission destination) of a specific domain. The mail reception unit 11 recognizes that the mail is a print request mail by receiving the mail in which the specific domain is set as the destination.

  The address confirmation unit 12 confirms whether or not the transmission source address is registered in the authentication server 50 by transmitting a request for confirming the existence of the transmission source address of the print request mail to the authentication server 50. That is, the address confirmation unit 12 determines whether the user who transmitted the print request mail is a regular user or a guest user. When the transmission source address is registered in the authentication server 50 (when the transmission source is a regular user), the address confirmation unit 12 acquires a user name corresponding to the transmission source address from the authentication server 50.

  The history writing unit 13 writes history information regarding the print request mail in the history storage unit 121. That is, the history storage unit 121 stores history information regarding the print request mail. The history information includes the source address of the print request mail.

  When the sender of the print request mail received by the mail receiver 11 is determined to be a guest user by the address confirmation unit 12, the history determination unit 14 receives a print request from the sender address of the print request mail. It is determined whether or not the mail transmission status (use status of the print request mail) is appropriate. For example, the history determination unit 14 determines whether or not a set of history information stored in the history storage unit 121 regarding the same source address as the transmission source address of the print request mail satisfies an illegal condition. The fraudulent condition is a condition indicating that the print request mail from the guest user related to the transmission source address may be illegally used. For example, the condition that “the print request mail from the same sender address relating to the guest user has been received N times or more in one week has continued for M weeks” may be an illegal condition. . Alternatively, a condition such as “the accumulated number of pages of data to be printed by the print request mail from the same transmission source address relating to the guest user is equal to or more than X pages” may be an illegal condition. Other illegal conditions may be set. In the above, specific values such as N times, M weeks, and X pages may be arbitrarily set.

  In other words, the print request mail related to the guest user has anonymity because the transmission source user is not specified. Using such anonymity, there is a possibility that the print request mail is abused by an outsider who is not an employee of the company A, for example. Alternatively, the print request mail may be abused by a regular user impersonating a guest user. For example, impersonation of a guest user by a regular user is to send a print request mail from an email address different from the email address registered for the printing system 1 even though the employee is a company A employee. Is possible. That is, whether the sender of the print request mail is a regular user or a guest user is determined simply by whether or not the transmission source address of the print request mail is registered in the printing system 1. Therefore, for example, when a print request mail is transmitted from a mail address owned by a company A employee, the sender of the print request mail is determined to be a guest user. Using such a mechanism as the other hand, it is also conceivable that a user who is normally a regular user impersonates a guest user and abuses a print request mail.

  The PIN code generation unit 15 generates a PIN code when the transmission source address is not registered in the authentication server 50. The print information generation unit 16 generates print information corresponding to the print request mail. The print information includes a user name, a PIN code, and the like in addition to print data and information related to a print job of the print data.

  The response mail generation unit 17 generates an electronic mail (hereinafter referred to as “response mail”) as a response to the print request mail. The response mail includes print job identification information based on each print data. The response mail also includes the PIN code when a PIN code is generated for the print request mail. When the history determination unit 14 determines that the collection of history information related to the transmission source address of the print request mail satisfies the invalid condition, the response mail generation unit 17 changes the information included in the response mail. In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the collection of history information related to the source address of the print request mail satisfies the invalid condition, the response mail includes a warning for allowing the user to use the print request mail. A message is included.

  The mail reply unit 18 returns a response mail to the transmission source address of the print request mail. The print information transmission unit 19 stores the print information in the storage server 60 by transmitting the print information to the storage server 60.

  The authentication server 50 includes a request response unit 51, a user information storage unit 52, and the like. The user information storage unit 52 stores user information for each authorized user. The request response unit 51 executes processing according to an authentication request, a mail address existence confirmation request, a user name acquisition request corresponding to the mail address, and the like. The request response unit 51 is realized by a process that a program installed in the authentication server 50 causes the CPU of the authentication server 50 to execute. The user information storage unit 52 can be realized using an auxiliary storage device of the authentication server 50 or a storage device connected to the authentication server 50 via a network.

  The storage server 60 includes a print information receiving unit 61, a print information storage unit 62, a print information providing unit 63, and the like. The print information receiving unit 61 receives the print information transmitted from the management server 10 and stores (saves) it in the print information storage unit 62. In response to the print information acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 20, the print information providing unit 63 includes the user name specified in the acquisition request among the print information stored (saved) in the print information storage unit 62. Alternatively, print information including a PIN code is returned to the image forming apparatus 20.

  The print information receiving unit 61 and the print information providing unit 63 are realized by a process in which one or more programs installed in the storage server 60 are executed by the CPU of the storage server 60. The print information storage unit 62 can be realized by using an auxiliary storage device of the storage server 60 or a storage device connected to the storage server 60 via a network.

  The image forming apparatus 20 includes an authentication control unit 221, a print information acquisition unit 222, a print control unit 223, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing executed by the CPU 211 by one or more programs installed in the image forming apparatus 20. The authentication control unit 221 receives an input of a user name and password or a PIN code from the user. When the user name and password are input, the authentication control unit 221 requests the authentication server 50 to authenticate the user name and password. The print information acquisition unit 222 transmits a print information acquisition request to the storage server 60. In the acquisition request, at least one of the user name and the PIN code received by the authentication control unit 221 is designated. The print control unit 223 executes print processing on the print data acquired by the print information acquisition unit 222.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure executed in the printing system 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the print data storage processing in the first embodiment.

  In step S101, the user terminal 30 transmits a print request mail to a predetermined mail address in response to an instruction input from the user. Electronic data to be printed is attached to the print request mail. The predetermined mail address is, for example, a mail address determined in advance as a mail address addressed to the management server 10.

  The mail server 40 transfers the print request mail to the management server 10 in accordance with a general communication protocol for transferring electronic mail (S102).

The print request mail is received by the mail receiving unit 11 of the management server 10. Strictly speaking, the print request mail is acquired from the mail server 40 by the mail receiving unit 11. That is, a mail whose print request address is included in the To field or the Cc field is acquired from the mail server 40 by the mail receiving unit 11 as a print request mail.
In response to the reception of the print request mail, the management server 10 designates the transmission source address of the print request mail and transmits a request for confirming the existence of the address to the authentication server 50 (S103). In response to the reception of the presence confirmation request, the request response unit 51 of the authentication server 50 confirms whether or not the mail address specified in the presence confirmation request is stored in the user information storage unit 52 (S104).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user information storage unit. In FIG. 6, the user information storage unit 52 stores user information for each authorized user. The user information includes, for example, a user name, a password, and an e-mail address. A plurality of e-mail addresses may be registered for one user, such as for PCs and mobile terminals.

  In step S <b> 104, the request response unit 51 confirms whether the mail address specified in the presence confirmation request is included as the mail address of any user information stored in the user information storage unit 52. .

  Subsequently, the request response unit 51 returns a response including the confirmation result to the management server 10 (S105). The confirmation result is information indicating whether or not the mail address exists.

  In response to receiving the confirmation result, the management server 10 executes print information generation processing for the print request mail (S106). Subsequently, the mail reply unit 18 of the management server 10 returns a response mail for the print request mail to the transmission source address of the print request mail (S107). The response mail is transferred by the mail server 40 to the user terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the print request mail (S108). The response mail is generated in the print information generation process.

  On the other hand, after the response mail is returned, the print information transmission unit 19 of the management server 10 stores the print information including the print data generated in the print information generation process and the information associated with the print data. (S109).

  When receiving the print information, the print information receiving unit 61 of the storage server 60 stores (saves) the print information in the print information storage unit 62 (S110).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print information storage unit according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, the print information storage unit 62 stores print information for each print data. The print information includes a job name, a user mode, print data, a user name or a PIN code, and the like.

  The job name is identification information for each print data or each print job executed for each print data. The user mode is information indicating whether or not the transmission source address of the print request mail is managed in the user information storage unit 52. In the present embodiment, the user mode indicates whether the print request source user is a regular user or a guest user. “U” indicates a regular user, and “G” indicates a guest user. The user name is the user name of the user when the print requesting user is a regular user. The PIN code is a PIN code assigned to a print request mail from a user who is a guest user of the print request source.

  Next, details of step S106 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure of print information generation processing in the first embodiment.

  In step S210, the address confirmation unit 12 determines whether or not the confirmation result received in step S105 in FIG. 5 indicates the presence of the transmission source address of the print request mail. When the confirmation result indicates the presence of the transmission source address (Yes in S210), the address confirmation unit 12 acquires the user name corresponding to the transmission source address from the authentication server 50 (S220). That is, in the user information storage unit 52, the user name associated with the transmission source address is acquired.

  Subsequently, the print information generation unit 16 generates print data for each of the text of the print request mail and the attached electronic data (print target data) (S230). However, only the attached electronic data may be a generation target of print data. Further, when the electronic data is in an archive file format such as a zip format including a plurality of files, the print information generation unit 16 decompresses the electronic data and generates print data for each decompressed file. Accordingly, a plurality of print data (print jobs) can be generated for one print request mail.

  Subsequently, the print information generation unit 16 generates print information for each print data (S240). That is, a job name is generated for each print data and included in the print information. “U” is set in the user mode of each print information. Further, the user name acquired in step S220 is set in each print information. The print information generated here is transmitted to the storage server 60 in step S109 of FIG.

  Subsequently, the response mail generation unit 17 generates a response mail in which the job name of each print information is described in the text (S250). The response mail is transferred to the user terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the print request mail in steps S107 and S108 of FIG. The user who browses the response mail can know the job name corresponding to each print data generated in response to the print request mail. However, when the transmission source address exists in the user information storage unit 52, the response mail does not necessarily have to be returned. For example, when the job name is generated based on the file name of the electronic data, the user can grasp the contents of the print data corresponding to each job name when operating the image forming apparatus 20 described later. Because.

  Subsequently, the history writing unit 13 writes history information about the print request mail in the history storage unit 121 (S260).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the history storage unit in the first embodiment. In FIG. 9, the history storage unit 121 stores the date and time, the transmission source address, the user name, the number of pages, and the like for each print request mail. The date and time is the date and time when the mail receiving unit 11 receives the print request mail. The transmission source address is the transmission source address of the print request mail. The user name is the user name specified by the address confirmation unit 12 regarding the print request mail. For the print request mail for which the user name is not specified, the value of the user name item is empty. The number of pages is the number of pages of print data generated based on the print request mail.

  On the other hand, when the confirmation result indicates the absence of the transmission source address in step S210 (No in S210), the history determination unit 14 sets the history information including the transmission source address as the history storage unit 121. (S270). Subsequently, the history determination unit 14 determines whether or not the acquired set of history information satisfies an illegal condition (S280). For example, if it is an unfair condition that “a print request mail from the same sender address relating to a guest user has been received N or more times in one week for M weeks”, the acquired history Based on the date and time of information, it can be determined whether or not the information is satisfied. In addition, if the illegal condition is “the cumulative number of pages of data to be printed by the print request mail from the same transmission source address relating to the guest user is X pages or more”, the total number of pages acquired. It is possible to determine whether or not the satisfaction is satisfied.

  The unauthorized condition may be set based on an assumption that if it is an original guest user, it is unlikely that such printing will be performed. The original guest user refers to a user whose email address is not registered in the user information storage unit 52. In the present embodiment, the visitor of the company A corresponds to the user. For example, a visitor of company A may have the possibility of printing multiple times on the same day, but is unlikely to print multiple times over multiple days in a short period of time. It is done. In the present embodiment, based on such an assumption, “the print request mail from the same source address related to the guest user is received N times or more in one week continues for M weeks. An example in which an illegal condition “is set” is shown.

  In addition, when a plurality of fraud conditions are set, it may be appropriately selected as to whether any one of the fraud conditions is required or whether all the fraud conditions are satisfied.

  If the illegal condition is not satisfied (No in S280), the PIN code generation unit 15 generates a PIN code for each print request mail (S290). The PIN code may be generated by any method as long as it has a different value for each print request mail. However, the PIN code is preferably composed of characters that can be easily input via the operation panel 25 of the image forming apparatus 20 or a software keyboard displayed on the operation panel 25.

  Subsequently, the print information generation unit 16 generates print data for each of the text of the print request mail and the attached electronic data (print target data) (S300). The processing content of step S300 may be the same as that of step S230.

  Subsequently, the print information generation unit 16 generates print information for each print data (S310). That is, a job name is generated for each print data and included in the print information. “G” is set in the user mode of each print information. Also, the PIN code generated in step S290 is set for each print information. The print information generated here is transmitted to the storage server 60 in step S109 of FIG.

  Subsequently, the response mail generation unit 17 generates a response mail in which the PIN code is described in the text, for example, in addition to the job name of each print information (S320). The response mail is transferred to the user terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the print request mail in steps S107 and S108 of FIG. The user who has viewed the response mail can know the PIN code that is required to be input to the image forming apparatus 20 when printing the print data generated in response to the print request mail. Further, the user can know the job name corresponding to each print data. However, the job name does not necessarily have to be included in the response mail.

  Subsequently, step S260 is executed. Here, since the history information written in the history storage unit 121 is history information regarding the print request mail related to the guest user, the user name is not included.

  On the other hand, if the set of history information satisfies the illegal condition in step S280 (Yes in S280), the same processes as in steps S290 to S310 are executed in steps S330 to S350.

  Subsequently, the response mail generation unit 17 generates a push mail in which the job name, PIN code, warning message, and the like of each print information are described in the text (S360). For example, the warning message “The state where N or more print request mails are received in one week has continued for M weeks” or “The cumulative number of pages is more than X pages. Or the like based on an illegal condition. Alternatively, it may be abstract, such as “It seems that the use frequency of print request mails is high”. By including a warning message in the response mail, a psychological deterrent effect can be expected with respect to execution of a large amount of printing using anonymity.

  Subsequently, step S260 is executed. Here, since the history information written in the history storage unit 121 is history information regarding the print request mail related to the guest user, the user name is not included.

  Thereafter, the user who transmitted the print request mail goes to the installation place of the image forming apparatus 20 and operates the image forming apparatus 20. Next, a processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 20 according to a user operation will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment.

  For example, the authentication control unit 221 displays a login screen on the operation panel 25 in response to a call for a print function of print data stored in the storage server 60 (S401).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a login screen. In FIG. 11, a login screen 510 has input areas such as a user name, a password, and a PIN code.

  For example, when the operator of the image forming apparatus 20 is a regular user, a user name and a password are input to the login screen 510. On the other hand, when the operator is a guest user, the PIN code notified by the response mail is input to the login screen 510.

  In addition, even if it is a regular user, a PIN code may be input. For example, when a regular user sends a print request mail from a mail address of the private user terminal 30, that is, a mail address not stored in the user information storage unit 52, a response mail returned to the user terminal 30 Includes a PIN code. On the other hand, the regular user may separately send a print request mail from the mail address stored in the user information storage unit 52. In this case, for the regular user, the print data associated with the PIN code and the print data associated with the user name are stored in the storage server 60. For both print data, both the user name and password and the PIN code may be input at the same time in order to enable execution of print processing with a single login operation.

  When at least one of the user name, password, and PIN code is input to the login screen 510 and the OK button 511 is pressed, the authentication control unit 221 determines whether the user name and password are input on the login screen 510. It is determined whether or not (S402). When the user name and password are input (Yes in S402), the authentication control unit 221 executes an authentication process (S403). Specifically, the authentication control unit 221 transmits an authentication request specifying the input user name and password to the authentication server 50. The request response unit 51 of the authentication server 50 determines whether or not the combination of the user name and password specified in the authentication request is stored in the user information storage unit 52. If the set is stored in the user information storage unit 52, the authentication is successful. If the group is not stored in the user information storage unit 52, the authentication fails. The request response unit 51 returns information indicating whether authentication is correct or not to the authentication control unit 221 of the image forming apparatus 20 that is the authentication request source.

  If the authentication is successful (Yes in S404), the print information acquisition unit 222 adds the user name input on the login screen 510 to the designation information (S405). The designation information refers to information that is designated when a list of print information is acquired from the storage server 60 in the subsequent step S408. If the authentication fails (No in S404), step S405 is not executed.

  In step S <b> 406, the print information acquisition unit 222 determines whether a PIN code is input on the login screen 510. When the PIN code has been input (Yes in S406), the print information acquisition unit 222 adds the PIN code to the designation information (S407). If the PIN code has not been input (No in S406), step S407 is not executed.

  Subsequently, the print information acquisition unit 222 specifies the specification information and acquires a list of print information from the storage server 60 (S408). More specifically, the print information acquisition unit 222 specifies designation information and transmits a print information list acquisition request to the storage server 60. In response to the acquisition request, the print information providing unit 63 of the storage server 60 acquires print information including the designation information specified in the acquisition request from the print information storage unit 62 (FIG. 7). That is, when a user name and password are input on the login screen 510, the user mode is “U”, and print information including the user name is acquired. When a PIN code is input on the login screen 510, the user mode is “G”, and print information including the PIN code is acquired.

  When both the user name and password and the PIN code are input on the login screen 510 and the authentication is successful, the user mode is “U”, the print information including the user name and the user mode are “G”. And the print information including the PIN is acquired. When both the user name and password and the PIN code are input on the login screen 510 and the authentication fails, the user mode is “G”, and print information including the PIN is acquired.

  The print information providing unit 63 returns a list of acquired print information to the image forming apparatus 20. Note that the print data returned here does not need to include print data.

  Subsequently, the print information acquisition unit 222 of the image forming apparatus 20 displays a list of job names and the like included in each returned print information on the operation panel 25 (S409). The list is a candidate for printing. That is, the user can input a print execution instruction for the print information included in the list.

  When one or more job names are selected from the list, the print information acquisition unit 222 acquires the print data corresponding to the job name from the storage server 60 (S410). More specifically, the print information acquisition unit 222 transmits a print data acquisition request in which the job name is specified to the storage server 60. In response to the acquisition request, the print information providing unit 63 of the storage server 60 returns print data corresponding to the job name specified in the acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 20.

  Note that if only print information for one print data is acquired based on the input user name or PIN code, the print information acquisition unit 222 may acquire the print data without performing the process of S409. Further, the print information providing unit 63 may return the print data acquired based on the user name and the PIN code instead of returning the list of print information to the image forming apparatus 20.

  Subsequently, the print control unit 223 controls execution of a print job related to the print data (S411). As a result, a sheet on which the print data is printed is output.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, even a guest user whose account such as a user name and password is not registered in the authentication server 50 can be given print authority (output authority). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the necessity for the guest user to request printing from a regular user. In addition, the guest user is notified of a PIN code for each print request mail. Therefore, a pseudo and temporary account can be given for each guest user. Therefore, the print data that can be operated by each guest user is limited to the print data corresponding to the print request mail from the guest user. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which print data of other users can be easily operated between guest users.

  Furthermore, the necessity of installing a dedicated image forming apparatus 20 for guest users can be reduced.

  Further, in the first embodiment, history information regarding the print request mail is stored, and the possibility of fraud is determined for the print request mail related to the guest user based on the history information. If it is determined that there is a possibility of fraud, a warning message is sent to the sender address of the print request mail. Therefore, it can be expected that the increase in unauthorized use of the print request mail is suppressed by giving the print authority to the guest user.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. Accordingly, points not particularly mentioned may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure of print information generation processing in the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 12, the process executed when the set of history information satisfies the illegal condition is different from that in FIG. That is, Steps S330 to S360 in FIG. 8 are replaced with Step 370.

  In step S370, the response mail generator 17 generates a response mail in which the warning message is described. The content of the warning message may be the same as or different from the warning message described in the response message in step S360 of FIG. For example, “use of print request mail from your mail address (ddd @ ggg) is currently restricted” may be used.

  That is, in the second embodiment, since steps S330 to S350 are not executed, the print information is not stored in the storage server 60, and no PIN code is issued. Therefore, a user who satisfies the illegal condition cannot perform printing. As a result, unauthorized use of the print request mail using anonymity can be prevented.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be described. Therefore, the points not particularly mentioned may be the same as in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printing system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 13, the management server 10 further includes an exclusion list editing unit 111. In addition, the management server 10 further uses the exclusion list storage unit 122.

  For example, the exclusion list editing unit 111 generates or edits an exclusion list in response to a request from the user terminal 30 used by the administrator of the printing system 1. The exclusion list refers to a list of e-mail addresses and the like that are excluded from the determination target of the illegal condition. In the second embodiment, even if a user is legitimately using a print request mail, a user who happens to satisfy an illegal condition cannot use the print request mail. As a result, business inconvenience may occur. In the third embodiment, an exclusion list is used to rescue such a valid guest user.

  The exclusion list storage unit 122 stores the exclusion list generated or edited by the exclusion list editing unit 111.

  The exclusion list editing unit 111 is realized, for example, by a process that the CPU 104 causes a program installed in the management server 10 to execute. The exclusion list storage unit 122 can be realized by using the auxiliary storage device 102 or a storage device connected to the management server 10 via a network.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure of print information generation processing in the third embodiment. 14, the same steps as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 14, steps S261, S262, and S263 are added.

  In step S210, when the confirmation result indicates the absence of the transmission source address (hereinafter referred to as “target address”) (No in S210), the history determination unit 14 determines that the target address is an exclusion list storage unit. It is determined whether it is included in the exclusion list stored in 122 (S261).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the exclusion list. In FIG. 15, the exclusion list includes a source address excluded from the determination target of the illegal condition and the user name of the user related to the source address. However, the user name is registered when the user is a regular user.

  Each entry in the exclusion list may be set in advance. It may be set at any time by an application from a user whose use of the print request mail is restricted.

  When the target address is not included in the exclusion list (No in S261), Step S270 and subsequent steps described in FIG. 12 are executed.

  When the target address is included in the exclusion list (Yes in S261), the history determination unit 14 determines whether or not the user name is associated with the target address in the exclusion list (S262). When the user name is not associated with the target address in the exclusion list (No in S262), Step S290 and subsequent steps are executed. In this case, a PIN code is issued. Therefore, the user inputs the PIN code to the image forming apparatus 20 and performs printing.

  On the other hand, when the user name is associated with the target address (Yes in S262), the history determination unit 14 acquires the user name from the exclusion list storage unit 122 (S263). Subsequently, step S230 and subsequent steps are executed using the user name. That is, the print request mail in this case is treated as a print request mail from a regular user. Therefore, the print information is stored in association with the user name. Therefore, in this case, the user inputs the user name to the image forming apparatus 20 and performs printing.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the usage status of a print request mail by a legitimate user happens to satisfy an illegal condition, the user can be rescued.

  Note that the exclusion list editing unit 111, for example, in response to reception of a registration request for an entry in which a user name of a regular user is associated with a transmission source address, You may make it write a name. That is, the history information stored in the history storage unit 121 may be corrected retroactively. Registration of the entry in which the user name of the authorized user is associated with the transmission source address is, for example, by sending a print request mail using a mail address not registered in the user information storage unit 52 for a valid reason. It is done by application from a regular user. As a result, the user name is found for the mail address whose user name has been unknown so far. Accordingly, the history information may be corrected, and the billing information or the like may be corrected based on the history information.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the comparison is made with the incorrect condition is a set of history information having a common source address. However, the history information for each user terminal 30 that transmits the print request mail is described. It may be determined whether or not the set satisfies an illegal condition. In this case, the print request mail may include the identification information of the user terminal 30, and the history information may be associated with the identification information. By doing so, it is possible to detect the possibility of unauthorized use even when one user transmits a print request mail from the same user terminal 30 using a plurality of mail addresses. .

  In each of the above embodiments, printing by the image forming apparatus 20 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to printing, and can also be applied to output such as projection of image data to a projector, for example. That is, the present invention can be applied by replacing the print target data with output target data such as display by a terminal and projection by a projector.

  In each of the above embodiments, transmission of print target data by e-mail has been described as an example. However, print target data may be transmitted to the management server 10 by communication means other than e-mail. In this case, the management server 10 receives print target data or print target data and a user name from the user terminal 30. When the user name is not stored in the user information storage unit 52 or when the user name is not received, the management server 10 generates a PIN code and transmits the PIN code to the user terminal 30.

  In each of the above embodiments, the management server 10 and the storage server 60 may be realized by a single computer. The authentication server 50 may be realized by a single computer together with the management server 10 and the storage server 60. Further, the functions of the management server 10, the storage server 60, and the authentication server 50 may be implemented in the image forming apparatus 20.

  Conversely, each of the management server 10, the storage server 60, and the authentication server 50 may be realized by being distributed among a plurality of computers.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the print data is generated in the management server 10 has been described. However, the print data related to the electronic data attached to the print request mail is generated in the user terminal 30, the management server 10, It may be executed by either the server 60 or the image forming apparatus 20.

  In each of the above embodiments, in each of the above embodiments, the management server 10, the authentication server 50, and the storage server 60 are an example of an information processing system. The print request mail is an example of a data output request. The mail receiving unit 11 is an example of a receiving unit, and the address confirmation unit 12 is an example of a specifying unit. The user name is an example of user identification information. The PIN code is an example of authority identification information. The PIN code generation unit 15 is an example of a generation unit. The print information storage unit 62 is an example of a first storage unit. The print information is an example of output information. The mail reply unit 18 is an example of a transmission unit. The print information providing unit 63 is an example of a reply unit. The history storage unit 121 is an example of a second storage unit. The history determination unit 14 is an example of a determination unit. The exclusion list storage unit 122 is an example of a third storage unit.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to such specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation・ Change is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 10 Management server 11 Mail receiving part 12 Address confirmation part 13 History writing part 14 History determination part 15 PIN code generation part 16 Print information generation part 17 Response mail generation part 18 Mail reply part 19 Print information transmission part 20 Image formation Device 21 Controller 22 Scanner 23 Printer 24 Modem 25 Operation panel 26 Network interface 27 SD card slot 30 User terminal 40 Mail server 50 Authentication server 51 Request response unit 52 User information storage unit 60 Storage server 61 Print information reception unit 62 Print information storage unit 63 Print Information Providing Unit 100 Drive Device 101 Recording Medium 102 Auxiliary Storage Device 103 Memory Device 104 CPU
105 Interface Device 111 Exclusion List Editing Unit 121 History Storage Unit 122 Exclusion List Storage Unit 211 CPU
212 RAM
213 ROM
214 HDD
215 NVRAM
B bus

JP 2004-236348 A JP 2001-051915 A

Claims (7)

An information processing system including one or more computers,
A receiving unit that receives an output request of data including a predetermined address as a destination via a network;
A specifying unit that specifies user identification information stored in association with identification information of a transmission source of the output request;
A generation unit that generates authority identification information indicating an output authority of data related to the output request when user identification information is not specified by the specifying unit;
A first storage unit that stores data output information related to the output request in association with the user identification information identified by the identification unit or the authority identification information generated by the generation unit;
A transmission unit that transmits the authority identification information to a transmission source of the output request;
In response to a request transmitted from the device via the network, the output information stored in the first storage unit in association with the user identification information or authority identification information included in the request is returned to the device. Reply to
A second storage unit for storing history information of output requests including identification information of a transmission source for each output request received by the reception unit;
A determination unit that determines whether a set of history information having the same identification information as the transmission source identification information of the output request satisfies a predetermined condition when user identification information is not specified by the specification unit; Have
The information processing system, wherein the transmission unit changes information to be transmitted to a transmission source of the output request when the set of history information satisfies the predetermined condition.   The transmission unit further transmits information indicating a warning for the output request to a transmission source of the output request when the set of history information satisfies the predetermined condition. Information processing system.   The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit does not transmit the authority identification information to a transmission source of the output request when the set of history information satisfies the predetermined condition.   The determination unit, when user identification information is not specified by the specifying unit, when the identification information of the transmission source of the output request is included in a list of identification information stored in a third storage unit 4. It is not determined whether or not a set of history information having the same identification information as the identification information of the transmission source of the output request satisfies a predetermined condition. Information processing system.   The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information of the transmission source is identification information for each terminal that transmits the output request. An information processing system including one or more computers
A reception procedure for receiving an output request for data including a predetermined address as a destination via a network;
A specific procedure for identifying user identification information stored in association with identification information of the transmission source of the output request;
A generation procedure for generating authority identification information indicating an output authority of data related to the output request when user identification information is not specified in the specifying procedure;
A first storage procedure for storing the output information of the data related to the output request in a first storage unit in association with the user identification information specified in the specific procedure or the authority identification information generated in the generation procedure;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the authority identification information to a transmission source of the output request;
In response to a request transmitted from the device via the network, the output information stored in the first storage unit in association with the user identification information or authority identification information included in the request is returned to the device. Reply procedure to
A second storage procedure for storing output request history information in a second storage unit, including identification information of a transmission source for each output request received in the reception procedure;
A determination procedure for determining whether a set of history information having the same identification information as the transmission source identification information of the output request satisfies a predetermined condition when user identification information is not specified in the identification procedure; Run
The information transmission method characterized in that the transmission procedure changes information to be transmitted to a transmission source of the output request when the set of history information satisfies the predetermined condition. On the computer,
A reception procedure for receiving an output request for data including a predetermined address as a destination via a network;
A specific procedure for identifying user identification information stored in association with identification information of the transmission source of the output request;
A generation procedure for generating authority identification information indicating an output authority of data related to the output request when user identification information is not specified in the specifying procedure;
A first storage procedure for storing the output information of the data related to the output request in a first storage unit in association with the user identification information specified in the specific procedure or the authority identification information generated in the generation procedure;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the authority identification information to a transmission source of the output request;
A second storage procedure for storing output request history information in a second storage unit, including identification information of a transmission source for each output request received in the reception procedure;
A determination procedure for determining whether a set of history information having the same identification information as the transmission source identification information of the output request satisfies a predetermined condition when user identification information is not specified in the identification procedure; And execute
The transmission procedure is a program that changes information to be transmitted to a transmission source of the output request when the set of history information satisfies the predetermined condition.

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