JPH1196118A - Network device and data processing method thereof, and computer-readable storage medium storing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently manage image process requests from respective users and charging information by obtaining the confirmation result of prescribed user information requested to be inquired from a server device to judge it, and determining whether or not a prescribed image processor is allowed to be used according to the judged result. SOLUTION: An input device 24 inputs prescribed user authentication information. A network communication device 28 transfers the prescribed user information inputted from the input device 24 to the server device to request authentication. A central processor 21 obtains the authentication result of the prescribed user information requested by the network communication device 28 to be inquired from the server device and judges it. According to the judged result, it is determined whether or not the prescribed image processor is allowed to be used. Here, even if a user makes a request for image processing through an arbitrary image processor, the authentication process of the user information is centralized and manages on the server device side, so the memory resources of the image processor are saved and an increase or decrease in the number of image processors can flexibly be coped with.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an authentication process and a charge when a data processing device communicates with a plurality of image processing devices via a predetermined communication medium to execute image input / output processing. The present invention relates to a network device capable of processing, a data processing method for the network device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a network device for inputting / outputting a network device or the like having an image input device and an image output device from a data processing device via a network based on a request, use of the network device (printer, scanner, etc.) In the case of managing the image processing usage fee by charging each time, the authentication information of the user is collated, and the accounting balance data is managed on the memory in the image output apparatus.

[0003]

As described above, since the authentication information of the user when the data with the charge is output in the conventional network device is managed in the output device, for example, when there are a plurality of output devices, The authentication information of the user has to be collated for each device.

[0004] Further, when charging information according to the user's usage status is managed in each output device, the user can obtain only the charging information for each device, and the entire device used by the user can be obtained. However, there is a problem that the work efficiency is reduced because the billing information cannot be easily grasped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to enable a plurality of image processing apparatuses and a server apparatus to communicate with each other via a network, or to provide a plurality of image processing apparatuses and servers via a network. In a network device in which the image processing device, the plurality of data processing devices, and the server device can communicate, user information input at the time of an image processing request from each image processing device or each data processing device and registered authentication information Each data processing device or each image processing device acquires and determines the recognition result and controls the execution of image processing, or transfers the image processing execution result accompanying the image processing execution to the server device And updating and managing the charging information for each user, so that authentication processing and charging processing for each user who uses the image processing apparatus on the network can be unified. And management is that the data processing method and a computer network devices and network devices can be efficiently managed image processing requests and the charging information from each user to provide a storage medium storing a readable program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network device capable of communicating with a server device and a plurality of image processing devices for performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium. Input means for inputting predetermined user authentication information, first transfer means for transferring the predetermined user information input from the input means to the server device and requesting authentication, and the first transfer means A determination unit that obtains an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated from the server device and determines, and a control unit that determines whether the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on a determination result of the determination unit. Is provided in each image processing apparatus.

A second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the authentication has succeeded, the second transfer means for transferring the image processing execution result by the image processing apparatus to the server device is provided. This is provided for the image processing apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing, for each user, authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each image processing apparatus and charging information for performing image processing,
An authentication unit that authenticates by comparing the user information transferred from each image processing device with authentication information stored in the storage unit, and a notification unit that notifies an authentication result by the authentication unit to a required image processing device. And an updating unit for updating billing information for each user based on an image processing execution result transferred from each of the image processing apparatuses.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is a network device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices and a plurality of data processing devices for performing predetermined image processing with a server device via a predetermined communication medium. Input means for inputting predetermined user authentication information, first transfer means for transferring the predetermined user information input from the input means to the server device and requesting authentication, and the first transfer means A determination unit that obtains an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated from the server device and determines, and a control unit that determines whether the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on a determination result of the determination unit. Is provided in each data processing device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the determination means determines that the authentication is successful, the second transfer means for transferring the image processing execution result by the image processing apparatus to the server device is provided. This is provided for the image processing apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means for storing, for each user, authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each image processing apparatus and charging information for performing image processing,
An authentication unit that authenticates by comparing the user information transferred from each data processing device with authentication information stored in the storage unit, and a notification unit that notifies an authentication result by the authentication unit to a requested data processing device. And an updating unit for updating billing information for each user based on an image processing execution result transferred from each of the data processing devices.

A seventh invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method for a network device capable of communicating with a server device and a plurality of image processing devices performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium, An input step of inputting user authentication information, a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device, and requesting authentication, and a collation request by the first transfer step. A determination step of acquiring the authentication result of the predetermined user information obtained from the server device and determining the authentication result, and a determination step of determining whether to use the predetermined image processing apparatus based on the determination result in the determination step. Things.

An eighth invention according to the present invention includes a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result by the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. Things.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image processing apparatuses for performing predetermined image processing with a server apparatus via a predetermined communication medium and a plurality of data processing apparatuses capable of communicating with the plurality of data processing apparatuses are provided. An input step of inputting predetermined user authentication information; a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device to request authentication; A determination step of determining by acquiring from the server device an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated by the transfer step;
A determining step of determining whether or not the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on a determination result of the determining step.

[0015] A tenth invention according to the present invention comprises a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. Things.

An eleventh invention according to the present invention is directed to a computer readable program for controlling a network device capable of communicating with a server device and a plurality of image processing devices performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing the user information, a first step of inputting predetermined user authentication information, and a step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device to request authentication.
A transfer step, a determination step of obtaining and authenticating the authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated in the first transfer step from the server device, and determining the authentication result. A computer-readable program including a determining step of determining whether the image processing apparatus can be used is stored in a storage medium.

A twelfth invention according to the present invention includes a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication is determined to be successful in the determination step. A computer-readable program stored in a storage medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image processing apparatuses for performing predetermined image processing with a server apparatus and a plurality of data processing apparatuses are controlled via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, wherein the input step is for inputting predetermined user authentication information, and the predetermined user information input in the input step is transferred to the server device to request authentication. A first transfer step, a determination step of acquiring from the server device an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated in the first transfer step, and determining the authentication result, based on the determination result of the determination step And a determining step of determining whether or not the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used.

A fourteenth invention according to the present invention includes a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result by the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication is determined to be successful in the determination step. A computer-readable program stored in a storage medium. [Detailed description of the invention]

[0020]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an authentication process and a charge when a data processing device communicates with a plurality of image processing devices via a predetermined communication medium to execute image input / output processing. The present invention relates to a network device capable of processing, a data processing method for the network device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing system to which a network device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. A network device IM and a server device S for performing a charging process are connected to a network NET. This corresponds to the case where the communication is configured to be able to communicate with the user.

In the network device IM, reference numeral 21 denotes a central processing unit which controls the entire system as a whole based on a control program loaded from a storage device 25 into a main storage device 22 such as a RAM.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a display device, which displays information input from the input device 24, files, data, system status, and the like read from the external storage device 25. A printing device 26 prints various edited graphics, images, characters, and the like on a recording medium. An image reading device 27 reads a document image and outputs it to the central processing unit 21.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a network communication device, which communicates with each data processing device or another printing device via a network NET such as Ethernet.

It should be noted that the central processing unit 21 is
2, display device 23, input device 24, external storage device 25,
It controls a printing device 26, an image reading device 27, and a network communication device 28, and performs four arithmetic operations. The main storage device 22 stores information necessary for the data processing device to perform information processing, and can retrieve the information as needed. The display device 23 displays a result of processing of figures and characters, and includes a CRT, a liquid crystal, a touch panel, and the like. The input device 24 performs various inputs to the central processing unit 21 and includes a keyboard, a mouse, a card reader, and the like. , And a touch panel. The external storage device 25 stores various types of information and includes a magnetic storage device (hard disk) and a magneto-optical device (M
O). The printing device 26 prints a result of processing a figure, a character, or the like. The image reading device 27
It converts a paper document into electronic information.

In this embodiment, an image feeder 27 is provided with an auto feeder for automatically reading a plurality of originals. The network communication device 28 connects the computer network to the hardware.

In the server apparatus S, a central processing unit 31 loads a control program stored in an external storage unit 35 into a main storage unit 32 and controls each unit in a comprehensive manner. Reference numeral 33 denotes a display device which displays a result of processing a figure, a character, or the like, and is configured by a CRT, a liquid crystal, a touch panel, or the like. Reference numeral 34 denotes an input device for performing various inputs to the central processing unit 31 and includes a keyboard, a mouse, a card reader, a touch panel, and the like.

A network communication device 36 communicates with each data processing device or another printing device via a network NET such as Ethernet. In addition,
The external storage device 35 of the server device S is provided with a database that holds user authentication information and billing information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a data processing system comprising a server device having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and a plurality of network devices. For example, a plurality of data processing devices are connected via a network NET. And the server device 43 can communicate with each other, and the server device 43 manages the billing information of the image processing devices 41 and 42. It is assumed that the server device 43 and the image processing devices 41 and 42 each have the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a database holding user authentication information and billing information stored in the external storage device 35 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a copy setting screen displayed on the display device 23 shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

A network device capable of communicating with the server device 43 and a plurality of image processing devices 41 and 42 for performing predetermined image processing via the predetermined communication medium (network NET) configured as described above, Input means (input device 24) for inputting predetermined user authentication information; and first transfer means (network communication device) for transferring the predetermined user information input from the input means to the server device 43 and requesting authentication. 28) and determining means for obtaining and authenticating the authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated by the first transfer means from the server device 43 (when the central processing unit 21 is in the external storage device 25 or in a memory not shown). Executing the control program stored in the resource to perform the determination process), and using the predetermined image processing apparatus based on the determination result of the determination unit. The image processing apparatuses 41 and 42 are provided with control means for determining whether or not to perform the determination (the central processing unit 21 executes a control program stored in the external storage device 25 or a memory resource (not shown)) in each of the image processing apparatuses 41 and 42. Even if image processing is requested from any image processing apparatus, the authentication processing of the user information can be centrally managed and processed by the server apparatus 43 side, so that the memory resources on the image processing apparatus side can be saved and the number of image processing apparatuses can be increased or decreased. It is possible to construct a network system that can flexibly cope with the above.

When the central processing unit 21 determines that the authentication has been successful, the second transfer means (the central processing unit 21 transmits the image processing execution results by the image processing units 41 and 42 to the server 43). The determination processing is executed by executing a control program stored in the storage device 25 or a memory resource (not shown)) in each of the image processing devices 41 and 42, so that the user can execute image processing using any of the image processing devices. In both cases, the server device 43 can manage the charging information of each of the image processing devices 41 and 42 for each user.

Further, storage means (external storage device 35) for storing, for each user, authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each of the image processing devices 41 and 42 and accounting information for performing image processing, , 42, an authentication unit (the central processing unit 31 executes a control program stored in the external storage device 35 or a memory resource (not shown)) for performing authentication by comparing the user information transferred from the storage device with the authentication information stored in the storage device. Executing the authentication processing), notifying means for notifying the image processing apparatus requested of the authentication result by the authentication means, and each user based on the image processing execution result transferred from each of the image processing apparatuses 41 and 42. Updating means (the central processing unit 31 executes a control program stored in the external storage device 35 or a memory resource (not shown) Since the server device 43 is provided with a user management database (see FIG. 3) secured in the external storage device 35, even if the number of image processing devices increases or decreases, the number of image processing devices for each user increases. The authentication process and the management of the charging status of each image processing apparatus by each user are efficiently managed, and the charging information for each user in the entire system is always easily recognized regardless of which image processing apparatus the user uses. be able to.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure of the network device according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, a user inputs authentication information from the input device 24 of the network device IM (1). The authentication information may be configured such that the user inserts a card as a memory medium in which a user ID and a password are recorded into a card reader.

Next, the user ID and password input to the network device IM are collated with the database relating to user authentication of the server device 43 via the network NET (2). The server device 43 holds a database having fields as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and determines whether or not the user having the verified user ID has the right to use the network device IM. Here, if it is determined that the user has the right to use the network device IM, the network device IM is notified of the success of the user authentication, and otherwise, the failure of the user authentication. The network device IM that has received the notification determines whether to continue or cancel the work based on the success or failure of the user authentication (3). If the user authentication fails and it is determined that the work is to be stopped, a message is displayed. A message indicating that the user authentication has failed is displayed on the device 23 (4), and the subsequent work is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the user authentication has succeeded and the operation is to be continued, the display device 23
Then, an area (setting screen) for setting the copy is displayed (5). At this time, the setting screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device 23, for example.

Here, the user places a document on an auto feeder (not shown) of the image reading device 27 of the network device IM, and instructs a copy of the document to be output from the printing device 26 of the network device IM (6). ).

The output is set on the setting screen for setting the output specified by the display device 23 in step (5). Here, copying is started by pressing the start button SB.

At this time, the data output counter (provided in the main storage device 22) in the network device IM is set to “0”.

Then, the image is read by pulling in only one document from the auto feeder of the image reading device 27, and the read image is copied and output from the printing device 26 (7). Every time one sheet is copied and output, "1" is added to the data output counter in the network device IM (8). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a document that has not been read yet on the image reading device 27 (9). If it is determined that there is a document that has not been read, the document from which the operation from step (7) has not been read is determined. Repeat until no more.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (9) that there is no unread document, the number of output pages recorded in the data output counter is notified to the server 43 in step (8) (10). The process ends.

The server device 43 notified of the number of output pages outputs the total number of pages (for example, the network device IM) output by the user registered in the database shown in FIG. 3 in the corresponding field. Add to the number of pages and manage them centrally.

Hereinafter, the characteristic structure of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG.

A data processing method for a network device capable of communicating with the server device 43 and a plurality of image processing devices 41 and 42 for performing predetermined image processing via the predetermined communication medium (network NET) configured as described above. And
Alternatively, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a network device capable of communicating with the server device 43 and a plurality of image processing devices 41 and 42 performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium. ,
An input step of inputting predetermined user authentication information (step (1) in FIG. 5), and a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device 43 and requesting authentication. (Step (2) in FIG. 5) and a judging step (Step (3) in FIG. 5) in which the authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated in the first transfer step is obtained from the server device 43 and determined. )) And a deciding step of deciding whether or not the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on the result of the decision in the decision step (step (3) in FIG. 5).
To step (4) or step (5)), so that even if the user requests image processing from any image processing apparatus, the user apparatus authentication processing is performed by the server apparatus 43. Since the processing can be centrally managed by the image processing apparatus, the memory resources of the image processing apparatus can be saved, and a network system that can flexibly cope with an increase or decrease in the number of image processing apparatuses can be constructed.

When the authentication process determines that the authentication is successful, a second transfer process of transferring the image processing execution results of the image processing devices 41 and 42 to the server device 43 (step in FIG. 5). Since (10)) is provided in each of the image processing apparatuses 41 and 42, the server apparatus 43 uses the image processing apparatuses 41 and 42 for each user regardless of which image processing apparatus the user executes. Billing information can be managed.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the device for inputting data and the device for outputting data are the same network device IM, it is also possible to input data from a client device connected via a computer network and output data to a printing device connected via a computer network. . Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which a network device according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numerals 101 and 102 denote printing apparatuses functioning as image processing apparatuses, which are configured to be able to communicate with a client apparatus 104 and a server apparatus 103 via a network NET.

FIG. 7 shows the printing apparatuses 101 and 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of No. 02.

In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a central processing unit, which loads a control program stored in an external storage device 95 into a main storage device 92 and controls each section as a whole. Reference numeral 93 denotes a display device which displays a result of processing a figure, a character, or the like, and includes a CRT, a liquid crystal, a touch panel, and the like. 94
Is an input device for performing various inputs to the central processing unit 91, and includes a keyboard, a mouse, a card reader, a touch panel, and the like.

Reference numeral 96 denotes a printing device (printer engine).
The print data developed on the main storage device 92 is printed on a recording medium. Reference numeral 97 denotes a network communication device, for example, a server device 1 via a network NET such as Ethernet.
03, communication processing with the printing apparatuses 101, 102, etc.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a database holding user authentication information and charging information secured in the external storage device of the server device 103 shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows the client device 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page setting screen displayed on the display device on the display device 04. Note that the client device 104
It is assumed that the server device S shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration excluding the external storage device 35.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A plurality of printing apparatuses 101 and 102 for performing predetermined image processing with the server apparatus 103 via the predetermined communication medium (network NET) configured as described above, and a plurality of data processing apparatuses (including the client apparatus 104). A network device capable of communicating with another client device (not shown), and an input means (not shown, server device 103 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting predetermined user authentication information
And a first transfer unit (not shown, but not shown in FIG. 1) for transferring the predetermined user information input from the input unit to the server device and requesting authentication. And a determining unit (not shown in FIG. 1, which obtains an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be verified by the first transfer unit from the server device 103 and determines the authentication result. Provided with a central processing unit similar to that of the server device 103)
And control means for determining whether or not the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on the determination result of the determination means (not shown, but having a central processing unit similar to the server apparatus 103 shown in FIG. 1). Since the processing device is provided, even if the user requests image processing from an arbitrary data processing device, the authentication process of the user information can be centrally managed and processed by the server device side, so that the memory resources on the printing device side can be saved and In addition, a network system that can flexibly cope with an increase or decrease in the number of printing apparatuses can be constructed.

When the central processing unit of the client device 104 determines that the authentication has succeeded, a second transfer unit for transferring the image processing execution results of the printing devices 101 and 102 to the server device 103 is provided for each client device. Therefore, the server device 103 can centrally manage the charging status based on the image processing execution result executed after the user information input by the user from an arbitrary data processing device is authenticated, and the The charging status can be managed collectively, and the charging information for each user in the entire system can always be easily recognized regardless of which image processing apparatus the user uses.

Further, storage means (an external storage device in the server device 103) for storing authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each of the printing apparatuses 101 and 102 and charging information for performing image processing for each user, An authentication unit (the server device 10) that authenticates by comparing the user information transferred from the processing device with the authentication information stored in the storage unit.
3), notification means for notifying the requested data processing apparatus of the authentication result by the authentication means (by the function processing of the network device in the server device 103), and The server device 103 is provided with an updating unit (by functional processing of the central processing unit in the server device 103) for updating the billing information for each user based on the image processing execution result transferred from the device. Even if the number of printers increases or decreases, the authentication process for each user for each printing device from each data processing device and the accounting status management of each printing device for each user are efficiently managed, and the user can use any printing device. Even if used, billing information for each user in the entire system can always be easily recognized.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure of the network device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the data processing procedure by the client device 104 shown in FIG. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the user inputs authentication information from the input device 34 of the client device 104 and
Login to 04 (1). At this time, the authentication information is also checked against the database relating to the authentication of the user of the server device 103 from the client device 104 via the network NET (2).

Next, the server apparatus 103 holds a database having fields as shown in FIG. 8, and checks which printing apparatus the user having the verified user ID has the right to use. Here, if it is determined that there is a printing device that has the right to use, the authentication of the user is successful and the printing device (the printing device 101 and the printing device 102 in this embodiment) that has the right to use is sent to the client device 104. Notice. In other cases, the user is notified of authentication failure. Upon receiving the notification, the client device 104 determines whether the user authentication is successful (3),
If it is determined that the user authentication has failed, a message indicating that the user authentication has failed is displayed on the display device 33 of the client device 104 (4), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the user authentication has succeeded, the user instructs the application of the client device 104 to print data (5). The printing instruction here is performed from the input device 34.

Next, an area for making print settings when instructing data printing (page setting screen (see FIG. 9))
Is displayed on the display device 33 (6). Then, the user performs print settings on the setting screen on the display device 33 displayed in step (6) (7). Note that a list for selecting a printing apparatus for printing data (a printing apparatus which is notified when the database is collated in step (2) and has a right to use the user) is displayed on the screen for setting printing. Is also displayed.

Here, in other words, by pressing the OK button on the page setting screen shown in FIG. 9, the printing device whose printing data is selected (the printing device (printing device 101 in FIG. 6 in this embodiment) ) (8), and the process ends. At this time, the user authentication information is transmitted together with the print data.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure of the network device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the print processing procedure by the printing apparatus 101 shown in FIG. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

When print data is received by the printing apparatus 101 in accordance with the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, first, print data and user authentication information are received (1). The user authentication information includes a user ID and a password.

Next, the user ID and password input to the printing apparatus 101 are collated with a database relating to user authentication of the server apparatus 103 via a computer network (2). At this time, the server device 103
A database having the fields shown in FIG. 8 is held, and the user having the collated user ID
It is determined whether there is a right to use 01. Here, when it is determined that the user has the right to use the printing apparatus 101, the printing apparatus 101 is notified of the success of the user authentication, and otherwise, the printing apparatus 101 is notified of the failure of the user authentication.

Upon receiving the notification, the printing apparatus 101 determines whether to continue or stop the operation based on the success or failure of the user authentication (3). If the user authentication has failed and it is determined that the operation should be stopped, the client device 104 is notified of the fact (8), the subsequent operation is stopped, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the user authentication has succeeded and the operation is to be continued, the data output counter secured on the main storage device 92 in the printing apparatus 101 is set to “0”. After the setting, the print data is printed one page from the printing device 96 (4). Then, every time one page of data is output from the printing device 96 in step (4), “1” is added to the data output counter in the printing device 101 (5). Thereafter, it is determined whether there is a page that has not been printed yet in the print data (6). If it is determined that there is a page that has not been printed yet, the process returns to step (4) and the same processing is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that there is no unprinted page, the number of output pages recorded in the data output counter is notified to the server device 103 (7), and the processing is performed. finish.

The server apparatus 103 notified of the number of output pages adds the number of output pages to the field of the total number of pages (printing apparatus 1) of the user who has output the database shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the characteristic structure of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

A plurality of printing apparatuses 101 and 102 for performing predetermined image processing with the server apparatus 103 via the predetermined communication medium (network NET) configured as described above, and a plurality of data processing apparatuses (including the client apparatus 104). A method of processing data in a network device capable of communicating with another client device (not shown), or a plurality of printing devices 101 and 102 performing predetermined image processing with a server device via a predetermined communication medium and a plurality of data 10 is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a network device capable of communicating with a processing device, and an input step of inputting predetermined user authentication information (FIG. 10)
Step (1)) and a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device and requesting authentication (step (2) in FIG. 10).
A determination step (step (3) in FIG. 10) for determining from the server device the authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated in the first transfer step and determining the authentication result; (A step from step (3) to step (4) or step (5) in FIG. 10) for determining whether or not the predetermined image processing device can be used based on Even if the image processing is requested from any data processing device, the authentication process of the user information can be centrally managed and processed by the server device side, so that the memory resources on the printing device side can be saved and the number of printing devices can be increased and decreased flexibly. A network system corresponding to can be constructed.

Further, the method includes a second transfer step (step (7) in FIG. 11) for transferring the image processing execution result of the printing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. The server device can centrally manage the charging status based on the image processing execution result executed after the user information input by the user from any data processing device is authenticated, and collectively manage the charging status of each printing device for each user. And the user can always easily recognize the billing information for each user in the entire system regardless of which printing device the user uses.

Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the case where the database holding the user authentication information is held on the server device 103 has been described. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the device dedicated to the database is removed from the system by holding it in one of the devices.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by an image processing system to which the network device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by an image processing system to which the network device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

FIGS. 5, 10, and 11 in this embodiment.
The functions described in (1) and (2) may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0089]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a network device capable of communicating with a server device and a plurality of image processing devices performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium, and input means for inputting predetermined user authentication information, A first transfer unit that transfers the predetermined user information input from the input unit to the server device and requests authentication; and an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be verified by the first transfer unit. Since each image processing apparatus is provided with a determination unit obtained and determined from the server device and a control unit that determines whether or not the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on a determination result of the determination unit, the user can select any arbitrary Even if the image processing apparatus requests image processing, the authentication processing of the user information can be centrally managed and processed by the server apparatus side, so that the memory resources on the image processing apparatus side can be saved, and It is possible to construct a network system to respond flexibly to changes in the image processing apparatus.

According to the second invention, when the authentication means determines that the authentication has succeeded, the result of the image processing executed by the image processing device is transferred to the server device.
Is provided in each image processing apparatus, so that the server apparatus can manage the billing information of each image processing apparatus for each user, regardless of which image processing apparatus the user executes. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the storage means for storing, for each user, authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each image processing apparatus and billing information accompanying execution of image processing, and transferred from each image processing apparatus. An authentication unit that authenticates by comparing the user information with authentication information stored in the storage unit, a notification unit that notifies an image processing apparatus that is required of an authentication result by the authentication unit, Since the server device is provided with an updating unit for updating the charging information for each user based on the transferred image processing execution result, even if the number of image processing devices increases or decreases, authentication for each user for each image processing device is performed. The process and the charge state management of each image processing device by each user are efficiently managed, and the user always uses the image processing device regardless of the image processing device. The charging information can be easily recognized.

According to the fourth invention, there is provided a network device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices and a plurality of data processing devices for performing predetermined image processing with a server device via a predetermined communication medium. Input means for inputting the user authentication information of the user, first transfer means for transferring the predetermined user information input from the input means to the server device and requesting authentication, and requesting collation by the first transfer means. Determining means for obtaining the authentication result of the predetermined user information obtained from the server device, and determining the use of the predetermined image processing apparatus based on the determination result of the determining means; Since the data processing device is provided, even if the user requests image processing from any data processing device, the authentication process of the user information can be centrally managed and processed on the server device side. It is possible to save the memory resources of the management apparatus, to increase or decrease of the image processing apparatus can be a network system to flexibly.

[0093] According to the fifth aspect, when the authentication means determines that the authentication has succeeded, the result of the image processing executed by the image processing apparatus is transferred to the server apparatus.
Is provided in each image processing device, so that the server device can centrally manage the charging status based on the image processing execution result executed after the user information input by the user from any data processing device is authenticated, It is possible to collectively manage the charging status of each image processing apparatus for each user, and to easily recognize the charging information for each user in the entire system at all times, regardless of which image processing apparatus the user uses.

According to the sixth aspect, the storage means for storing, for each user, authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each image processing apparatus and accounting information for performing image processing, and transferred from each data processing apparatus. An authentication unit that collates and authenticates the user information with authentication information stored in the storage unit, a notification unit that notifies an authentication result by the authentication unit to a requested data processing device, The server device is provided with an updating unit for updating the billing information for each user based on the transferred image processing execution result. Therefore, even if the number of image processing devices increases or decreases, each of the image processing devices from each data processing device increases. The authentication process for each user and the charging status management of each image processing device for each user are efficiently managed so that the user always uses any image processing device. Billing information for each user in the entire system can be easily recognized.

According to the seventh and eleventh inventions, there is provided a data processing method for a network device capable of communicating with a server device and a plurality of image processing devices performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium, Alternatively, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a network device capable of communicating with a server apparatus and a plurality of image processing apparatuses performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium, An input step of inputting authentication information, and a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device and requesting authentication,
A determining step of obtaining from the server device an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be collated in the first transfer step and determining, and using the predetermined image processing apparatus based on the determination result in the determining step And a determining step of determining whether or not the authentication is possible. Even if the user requests image processing from any image processing apparatus, the authentication processing of the user information can be centrally managed and processed on the server apparatus side. A memory system can be saved, and a network system that can flexibly cope with an increase or decrease in the number of image processing apparatuses can be constructed.

According to the eighth and twelfth aspects, the second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. With this configuration, the server apparatus can manage the billing information of each image processing apparatus for each user, regardless of which image processing apparatus the user uses to execute the image processing.

According to the ninth and thirteenth aspects, a plurality of image processing apparatuses for performing predetermined image processing with a server apparatus and a plurality of data processing apparatuses can communicate with a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. A processing method, or a computer that controls a network device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices and a plurality of data processing devices that perform predetermined image processing with a server device via a predetermined communication medium is readable A storage medium storing a program,
An input step of inputting predetermined user authentication information, a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device and requesting authentication, and a collation in the first transfer step A determining step of obtaining the requested authentication result of the predetermined user information from the server device and determining, and a determining step of determining whether or not the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on the determination result of the determining step. Since even if a user requests image processing from any data processing device, authentication processing of user information can be centrally managed and processed on the server device side, so that memory resources on the image processing device side can be saved and image processing can be performed. A network system that can flexibly cope with an increase or decrease in the number of processing devices can be constructed.

According to the tenth and fourteenth aspects, the second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. The server device can centrally manage the charging status based on the image processing execution result executed after the user information input by the user from any data processing device is authenticated, and the charging status of each image processing device for each user. Can be managed collectively,
Regardless of which image processing apparatus the user uses, the billing information for each user in the entire system can always be easily recognized.

Accordingly, the authentication processing and the billing processing of each user who uses the image processing apparatus on the network are unified, and the image processing request and the billing information from each user can be efficiently managed. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image processing system to which a network device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system including a server device having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and a plurality of network devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database that stores user authentication information and billing information stored in an external storage device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a copy setting screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the network device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which a network device according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database that holds user authentication information and charging information secured in an external storage device of the server device illustrated in FIG. 6;

9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page setting screen displayed on the display device on the client device shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the network device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the network device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the network device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 21 central processing unit 22 main storage device 23 display device 24 input device 25 external storage device 26 printing device 27 image reading device 28 network communication device 31 central processing device 32 main storage device 33 display device 34 input device 35 external storage device 36 network communication Equipment NET Network

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A network device capable of communicating with a server device and a plurality of image processing devices performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: input means for inputting predetermined user authentication information; A first transfer unit that transfers the predetermined user information input from the input unit to the server device and requests authentication; and an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be verified by the first transfer unit. A network, comprising: a determination unit that obtains and determines from a server device; and a control unit that determines whether or not the predetermined image processing device can be used based on a determination result of the determination unit. apparatus. 2. An image processing apparatus comprising: a second transfer unit configured to transfer a result of image processing performed by the image processing apparatus to the server when the determination unit determines that the authentication is successful. The network device according to claim 1, wherein 3. A storage unit for storing, for each user, authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each image processing apparatus and billing information accompanying execution of image processing, and the user information and the storage transferred from each image processing apparatus. Authentication means for performing authentication by collating with authentication information stored in the means, notifying means for notifying an image processing apparatus required of the authentication result by the authentication means, and executing image processing transferred from each of the image processing apparatuses Updating means for updating the billing information for each user based on the result;
The network device according to claim 1, wherein the network device is provided in the server device. 4. A network device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices and a plurality of data processing devices for performing predetermined image processing with a server device via a predetermined communication medium, and inputting predetermined user authentication information. Input means for performing, a first transfer means for transferring the predetermined user information input from the input means to the server device, and requesting authentication, and a predetermined user requested to be collated by the first transfer means Each data processing device includes: a determination unit that obtains an information authentication result from the server device and determines the determination result; and a control unit that determines whether to use the predetermined image processing device based on the determination result of the determination unit. A network device, characterized in that: 5. Each of the image processing apparatuses includes a second transfer unit that transfers an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server device when the authentication unit determines that the authentication is successful. The network device according to claim 4, wherein 6. A storage unit for storing, for each user, authentication information for authenticating a user who uses each image processing apparatus and charging information for performing image processing, and the user information and the storage transferred from each data processing apparatus. Authentication means for collating and authenticating the authentication information stored in the means, notifying means for notifying a required data processing device of an authentication result by the authentication means, and executing image processing transferred from each data processing apparatus 5. The network device according to claim 4, wherein the server device includes: an updating unit that updates charging information for each user based on a result. 7. A data processing method for a network device capable of communicating with a server device and a plurality of image processing devices performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the input includes inputting predetermined user authentication information. A first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device and requesting an authentication; and a step of transferring the predetermined user information collated in the first transfer step. A network apparatus, comprising: a determination step of obtaining an authentication result from the server apparatus and determining the determination; and a determination step of determining whether to use the predetermined image processing apparatus based on the determination result in the determination step. Data processing method. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. A data processing method for a network device according to claim 1. 9. A data processing method for a network device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices and a plurality of data processing devices for performing predetermined image processing with a server device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: An input step of inputting authentication information, a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device and requesting authentication, and a collation request in the first transfer step A determining step of determining the authentication result of the predetermined user information by acquiring the authentication result from the server device; and a determining step of determining whether to use the predetermined image processing apparatus based on the determination result of the determining step. A data processing method for a network device, comprising: 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result by the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. A data processing method for a network device according to claim 1. 11. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a network device capable of communicating with a server apparatus and a plurality of image processing apparatuses performing predetermined image processing via a predetermined communication medium. An input step of inputting predetermined user authentication information, a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device and requesting authentication, and a first transfer step. A determining step of obtaining an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be checked from the server device and determining, and a determining step of determining whether or not the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on the determination result of the determining step. , A storage medium storing a computer-readable program. 12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to the above. 13. A computer-readable program for controlling a network device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices and a plurality of data processing devices for performing predetermined image processing with a server device via a predetermined communication medium is stored. An input step of inputting predetermined user authentication information; a first transfer step of transferring the predetermined user information input in the input step to the server device and requesting authentication; A determining step of obtaining from the server device an authentication result of the predetermined user information requested to be checked in the first transfer step, and determining whether the predetermined image processing apparatus can be used based on the determination result of the determining step A storage medium storing a computer-readable program. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising a second transfer step of transferring an image processing execution result of the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus when the authentication step determines that the authentication is successful. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to the above.