JP4978571B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, information processing program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a technique for outputting print data to which an authentication code, that is, authentication information is added, from an information processing apparatus, and particularly when print data is temporarily stored in a storage unit of the information processing apparatus and a print instruction is issued The present invention relates to a technique for outputting print data stored in a storage unit after authentication processing via an operation unit of an information processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, print data created by a terminal device or the like is printed out by an information processing device such as a printer to create distribution materials.

  In general, a printer is often shared by a plurality of users, and a plurality of users respectively create the paper discharge unit, and a printed matter instructed to be printed is left until the user comes to pick it up. .

Some printed matter instructed to be printed by the user has extremely high confidentiality.
Therefore, in such a case, the user has to go to the printer immediately after giving a print instruction and collect the printed material so that it cannot be seen by others.

  When printing a highly confidential document (confidential document) to deal with such problems, the print data of the confidential document is used to prevent the user from forgetting to remove the printed material and viewing or printing it by a third party. An authentication code is added to the information processing device, stored in the storage unit of the information processing device, and after the authentication processing is executed via the operation panel of the information processing device, if the authentication processing is successful, the user receives a print instruction A function for executing printing (so-called secure printing) is known (Patent Document 1).

The secure print has the convenience that the administrator can set the authentication code flexibly without any agreement on the authentication code by the administrator.
JP 2007-251279 A

  However, in such a secure print, the authentication code can be easily set, and there is a possibility that the authentication code overlaps with a third party.

  Therefore, regarding the print data to which the authentication code is added, if the authentication code is duplicated with a third party, even a confidential document may be viewed or printed by the third party.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and information capable of improving the confidentiality of secure print by a simple method. It is an object to provide a processing program and a recording medium.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives print data to which an authentication code is added, a storage unit, and a control unit that stores the print data received by the receiving unit in the storage unit. The control means determines whether the print data received by the receiving means is print data to which an authentication code is added, and the determination means determines that the print data to which the authentication code is added has been received. The storage area securing means for securing a certain storage area of the storage means in association with the authentication code, the authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means, and the print data received by the receiving means. An authentication code comparison unit for comparing the added authentication code, and transmission source information indicating a transmission source included in the received print data when the authentication code matches based on the comparison result of the authentication code comparison unit; Transmission source information comparing means for comparing the transmission source information included in the print data corresponding to the matched authentication code stored in the storage area of the storage means; If the transmission source information matches based on the comparison result of the information comparison means, the print data received by the receiving means is stored in the storage area of the storage means provided corresponding to the matched authentication code. Means. The storage area securing unit secures another storage area of the storage unit by associating the transmission source information with the authentication code when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit. Based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit, the storage unit stores the print data received by the reception unit in another storage area of the storage unit when the transmission source information does not match.

  Preferably, the storage area securing unit secures a certain storage area of the storage unit in association with another authentication code when print data to which another authentication code is added is received.

  Preferably, the transmission source information corresponds to at least one of a user name, an IP address indicating a transmission destination address of print data, and a computer name.

  Preferably, an operation input receiving unit that receives an input instruction for an access process for print data to which an authentication code is stored, which is stored in a storage unit, and an access process for print data to which an authentication code is added according to the input instruction of the operation input receiving unit Printing control means for executing the above. The print control means includes an authentication code input accepting means for accepting an input of an authentication code when there is an access processing input instruction for print data to which the authentication code is added, and an authentication code input by the authentication code input accepting means; An authentication unit that determines whether or not the authentication code added to the print data instructed to input the print process matches, and if the authentication in the authentication unit is successful, the authentication code that has been successfully authenticated by the storage unit If there is a plurality of storage areas secured in association with the authentication code in the judging means for judging whether or not there are a plurality of storage areas secured in association with each other, the transmission source information Source input accepting means for accepting input, source information inputted by the source input accepting means, and a copy secured in association with the authentication code. The transmission source information search means for searching for a storage area that matches the transmission source information included in the print data stored in each storage area, and the print stored in the matching storage area searched by the transmission source information search means Execution means for executing predetermined processing on the data.

  In particular, the predetermined process corresponds to a print process and / or a delete process for print data stored in the storage area.

  An information processing system according to the present invention includes a terminal that transmits print data to which an authentication code is added, and an information processing apparatus that is connected to the terminal via a network and receives print data to which the authentication code is transmitted transmitted from the terminal. With. The information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives print data to which an authentication code is added, a storage unit, and a control unit that stores the print data received by the receiving unit in the storage unit. The control means determines whether the print data received by the receiving means is print data to which an authentication code is added, and the determination means determines that the print data to which the authentication code is added has been received. The storage area securing means for securing a certain storage area of the storage means in association with the authentication code, the authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means, and the print data received by the receiving means. An authentication code comparison unit for comparing the added authentication code, and transmission source information indicating a transmission source included in the received print data when the authentication code matches based on the comparison result of the authentication code comparison unit; Transmission source information comparing means for comparing the transmission source information included in the print data corresponding to the matched authentication code stored in the storage area of the storage means; If the transmission source information matches based on the comparison result of the information comparison means, the print data received by the receiving means is stored in the storage area of the storage means provided corresponding to the matched authentication code. Means. The storage area securing means secures another storage area of the storage means by associating the transmission source information with the authentication code when the transmission source information does not match. Based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit, the storage unit stores the print data received by the reception unit in another storage area of the storage unit when the transmission source information does not match.

  An information processing method according to the present invention includes a step of receiving print data to which an authentication code is added, and a step of storing the received print data in a storage unit. The step of storing in the storage means includes a step of determining whether or not the received print data is print data to which an authentication code is added, and if it is determined that print data to which an authentication code is added has been received. A step of securing a certain storage area of the storage means in association with the authentication code, an authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means, and an authentication code added to the print data received by the receiving means. Based on the comparison step and the comparison result of the authentication code, when the authentication code matches, the transmission source information indicating the transmission source included in the received print data and the storage stored in the storage area of the storage means If the source information matches the step of comparing the source information included in the print data corresponding to the authentication code and the comparison result of the source information. To, and storing the print data received in the storage area of the storage means provided corresponding to the authorization code the match. The step of securing a certain storage area secures another storage area of the storage means by associating the transmission source information with the authentication code when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information. . The step of storing the print data stores the received print data in another storage area of the storage means when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information.

  An information processing program according to the present invention is an information processing program to be executed by a computer having storage means, the step of receiving print data to which an authentication code is added, and the received print data stored in the storage means And a step of performing. The step of storing in the storage means includes a step of determining whether or not the received print data is print data to which an authentication code is added, and if it is determined that print data to which an authentication code is added has been received. A step of securing a certain storage area of the storage means in association with the authentication code, an authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means, and an authentication code added to the print data received by the receiving means. Based on the comparison step and the comparison result of the authentication code, when the authentication code matches, the transmission source information indicating the transmission source included in the received print data and the storage stored in the storage area of the storage means If the source information matches the step of comparing the source information included in the print data corresponding to the authentication code and the comparison result of the source information. To, and storing the print data received in the storage area of the storage means provided corresponding to the authorization code the match. The step of securing a certain storage area secures another storage area of the storage means by associating the transmission source information with the authentication code when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information. . The step of storing the print data stores the received print data in another storage area of the storage means when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information.

  A recording medium according to the present invention records the information processing program.

  An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method according to the present invention receive print data to which an authentication code is added, and store the received print data in a storage unit. It is determined whether or not the received print data is print data to which an authentication code has been added. If it is determined that print data to which an authentication code has been added has been received, the storage means is associated with the authentication code. Secure a certain storage area. The authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means is compared with the authentication code added to the received print data, and if the authentication code matches based on the comparison result of the authentication code, it is received The transmission source information indicating the transmission source included in the print data is compared with the transmission source information included in the print data corresponding to the matched authentication code stored in the storage area of the storage unit. If the transmission source information matches based on the comparison result of the transmission source information, the received print data is stored in the storage area of the storage means provided corresponding to the matched authentication code. Based on the comparison result of the transmission source information, if the transmission source information does not match, the transmission source information is associated with the authentication code, and another storage area of the storage unit is secured. If the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information, the received print data is stored in another storage area of the storage unit.

  According to this method, a storage area is secured in association with an authentication code, print data is stored, and when print data having the same authentication code is received, the transmission source is confirmed, and if it matches, it is secured If the transmission source is different, the transmission source information is further associated and secured in another storage region.

  Therefore, even if the authentication code is duplicated with a third party, the sender is confirmed and the print data is stored in a separate storage area in association with the sender information. It is possible to prevent a problem that the user can freely browse or print, and improve the confidentiality of the secure print by a simple method.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100, which is a type of information processing apparatus, and a personal computer (also simply referred to as a personal computer) coupled to MFP 100 via network 800. ) 200, 250, 300.

  The MFP 100 has a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like for printing print data received from personal computers 200, 250, and 300 as user terminals.

  The MFP 100 also has a file transfer function that creates data in a specified format based on image data read by a scanner and transmits the data to a specified user terminal.

  Further, MFP 100 temporarily stores print data received from personal computers 200, 250, and 300 as user terminals, which will be described later, in a storage unit, and when a print instruction is issued via an operation unit such as a touch panel or a numeric keypad of MFP 100. In addition, a secure print function for performing print processing of print data stored in the storage unit after the authentication processing via the operation unit is further provided.

  In the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral as MFP 100 is illustrated, but a single-function printer may be used.

  Personal computers 200, 250, and 300, which are user terminals, transmit print data to MFP 100 to perform print processing. In this example, three personal computers 200, 250, and 300 are shown as an example, but the number is not limited to three, and may be any number.

  The network 800 may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) using a public line or the like. Communication via network 800 performed by MFP 100 may be wired or wireless.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an image reading unit 103 that converts a material such as a paper medium into electronic data, a storage unit 102 formed of, for example, a hard disk (HDD), and print processing. A network interface 107 for executing transmission / reception of data between the printing unit 106 that executes the above and the personal computers 200, 250, and 300 that are external devices via the network 800, and correction, processing, An image processing unit 104 that performs editing and correction, resolution conversion, and the like for output image data to the printing unit 106, an operation panel unit 105 provided with a display screen, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, and the like, and the MFP 100 as a whole. And a control unit 101 for controlling. Each unit is connected by an internal bus 111, and can exchange data with each unit.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of personal computer 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, personal computer 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is necessary for execution of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 that executes various programs including an operating system (OS) and a program portion of CPU 201. A memory unit 213 that temporarily stores data and a hard disk unit (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 211 that stores a program executed by the CPU 201 in a nonvolatile manner.

  In addition, the hard disk unit 211 stores a printer driver that is a software program for transmitting print data to the MFP 100, and the CPU 201 reads the printer driver to realize functions described later. Such a program is read from a flexible disk 217a or a CD-ROM 215a by a FD drive 217 or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drive 215, respectively.

  The CPU 201 receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 209 including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a screen output generated by executing the program to the display unit 205.

  The CPU 201 transmits print data to the MFP 100 connected to the LAN or WAN via the communication interface unit 207 including a LAN card. Further, the above-described units exchange data with each other via the internal bus 203. Since personal computers 250 and 300 have the same configuration, description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the printer driver 400 can be roughly divided into two functions by being read by the CPU 201.

  Specifically, it is divided into various print setting processing units 410 for executing various print settings and an image generating unit 405 for generating images based on these various print settings.

  The various print setting processing unit 410 includes a secure print setting processing unit 420 for setting secure printing. Further, the image generation unit 405 includes an authentication code addition processing unit 415.

  Based on the authentication code set by the secure print setting processing unit 420, the authentication code addition processing unit 415 of the image generation unit 405 generates print data in which the authentication code is added to the image data.

  Then, the CPU 201 transmits the generated print data to the MFP 100 via the communication interface unit 207.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen based on the functions of various print setting processing units 410 displayed on display unit 205 of personal computer 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 5, “basic setting screen” is shown here as an example in print setting screen 500 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the user sets “original orientation”, “original size”, “paper size”, “output method”, “number of copies”, and the like using a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown) included in the input unit 209. Is possible.

  In this example, “normal print”, “security print”, “box save”, and “confirmation print” can be selected as the “output method” setting. In this example, the output method is shown. A case where the cursor 505 is designated in “security printing” is shown.

  In a state where the cursor 505 is designated for this “security printing”, it is possible to transmit print data to which an authentication code for executing secure printing is added by pressing the “OK” button 510. It should be noted that the print setting screen 500 can be ended by pressing the “Cancel” button 515.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an authentication code setting screen 520 based on the function of the secure print setting processing unit 420 when security printing is designated on the print screen 500 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, on authentication code setting screen 520 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a screen for inputting an authentication code when executing security printing is shown.

  Specifically, input fields 530 and 535 are provided for a user ID (Identification) and a password (Password), respectively.

  The user can arbitrarily input his / her ID and password using the input unit 209 including a keyboard and a mouse.

  Then, an authentication code can be set by pressing an “OK” button 540. On the other hand, when the “Cancel” button 515 is pressed, the screen returns to the print setting screen 500.

  When the authentication code is set, as described above, the authentication code addition processing unit 415 generates print data in which the set authentication code is added to the image data.

  In this example, it is assumed that “1234” is input in the ID input field 530 and “abcd” is input in the password input field 535. In addition, as a character displayed in the password input field 535, a symbol “*” is displayed in order to increase confidentiality.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the print data 600.
Referring to FIG. 7, here, as an example, various necessary data are shown as file data in a so-called PGL (Printer Job Language) format. Specifically, print job data including an authentication code described by a PGL format command before the image data is shown.

  Specifically, as print job data, for example, job ID (JOBID), transmission time (SEND_DATETIME), job name (JOBNAME), user name (USERNAME), computer name (COMPUTERNAME), IP (Internet Protocol) In addition to the address (IP_ADDRESS), an authentication code necessary for executing secure printing is described.

  At this point, “SECUREPRINT” = “ON”, which is an instruction command for executing secure printing, is described, and the ID and password, “SECUREPRINT_ID” = “1234”, “SECUREPRINT_PASSWORD” = “abcd”, which are authentication codes. Is described.

  By setting the “SECUREPRINT” = “ON” instruction command, secure printing is executed on the print data received by the MFP 100.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing of control unit 101 of MFP 100 when secure print data is received according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 8, control unit 101 determines whether a print job has been received via network interface 107 (step S1). In this example, the print job refers to print data including print job data in which a predetermined command for printing is described. The process waits until a print job is received. If a print job is received, the process proceeds to the next step.

  If a print job is received in step S1, it is next determined whether the print job is a secure print job (step S2). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a command that is an instruction to execute secure printing is included in the print job data of the print data. That is, it is determined whether “SECUREPRINT” = “ON”. If it is “OFF”, it is determined that the print job is not a secure print job, and print processing is executed in the printing unit 106 (step S9). Then, the process ends (END).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the print job is a secure print job, specifically, if “SECUREPRINT” = “ON”, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  Next, it is determined whether there is a storage area with the same authentication code (step S3).

  Specifically, referring to an authentication code included in the print job data of the print data and a storage table described later, it is determined whether or not a storage area associated with the authentication code exists in the storage unit 102. . In this example, it is assumed that a print job is stored by associating a certain storage area of the storage unit 102 with an ID and password that are authentication codes.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the storage table.
Referring to FIG. 9, here, a case is shown in which the addresses A0 to A2 of the storage area of the storage unit 102 are associated with the authentication code (ID and password). Here, as an example, a data string in which a set ID and a password are combined is shown. In the data string, the upper 4 digits correspond to the ID, and the lower 4 digits correspond to the password.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, if it is determined in step S3 that a storage area having the same authentication code does not exist with reference to the storage table, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, a storage area newly associated with the authentication code is secured (step S7). At this time, information in which the address of the storage area secured in the storage table is associated with the authentication code is stored.

Next, the print job is stored in the reserved storage area (step S7 #).
Then, it waits until there is a print instruction for the stored print job (step S8). Then, the process ends (END).

  On the other hand, if there is a storage area with the same authentication code in step S3, it is next determined whether or not the print jobs stored in the storage area are the same transmission source user (step S4).

  Specifically, information indicating the transmission source included in the print job data of the received print data, information indicating the transmission source included in the print job data of the print data in which the authentication code is stored in the same storage area, and Compare In this example, as an example, an IP address is used as transmission source information included in print job data. The IP address included in the print job data of the received print data is compared with the IP address included in the print job data of the print data whose authentication code is stored in the same storage area. It is determined that it is a transmission source user. On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that they are different transmission source users.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the print job stored in the storage area is the same transmission source user, then the print job is stored in the storage area corresponding to the authentication code already provided in advance. (Step S6). Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the print jobs stored in the storage area are not the same transmission source user, that is, different transmission source users, the transmission source user information is newly associated with the authentication code. A storage area is secured (step S5). In this example, a new storage area in which an IP address is further associated with the authentication code is secured.

  At this time, information in which the address of the storage area secured in the storage table is associated with the authentication code and the IP address is stored.

  Next, the print job is stored in a new storage area (step S5 #). Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In this example, the example in which the IP address is used to determine whether or not the user is the transmission source in step S4 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the user name (USERNAME) or A computer name (COMPUTERNAME) can also be used. It is also possible to make a judgment by combining these.

  Further, in this example, a case has been described in which a new storage area in which an IP address is further associated with an authentication code is described. However, the present invention is not limited to an IP address, and can be identified as another source user. Anything can be used.

  Referring to FIG. 9 again, as a specific example, here, addresses A0 to A2 of storage areas respectively associated with authentication codes “1234abcd”, “1234abcd”, and “2345efgh” are shown.

  For example, first, when a print job with an authentication code = “1234abcd” is received, the storage area of the address A0 is secured and the print job is saved according to the flowchart of FIG. The

  Next, when a print job with authentication code = “1234abcd” is received, it is determined that there is a storage area with the same authentication code according to the flowchart of FIG. In step S4, it is determined whether or not they are the same transmission source user. If it is determined that they are not the same transmission source user, that is, it is reception of a print job from another transmission source user, the process proceeds to step S5, and the authentication code = “1234abcd” is further added, for example, IP address = “ A new storage area at address A1 associated with “10.128.32.100” is secured, and the print job is saved.

  Next, when a print job with an authentication code = “2345efgh” is received, it is determined that there is no storage area with the same authentication code according to the flowchart of FIG. In step S7, a new storage area at address A2 is secured and the print job is saved.

  In the above description, the method of storing in the storage area in association with the ID and password included in the authentication code has been described. However, it is also possible to correlate according to the same method based on only the ID or only the password, and send It is also possible to use in combination with other information that can authenticate the original user.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for executing a print instruction for a secure print print job according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, first, in step S10, it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction for secure printing. Specifically, although not shown, the control unit 101 determines whether a print instruction for secure printing has been executed in accordance with an operation on the touch panel or the like of the operation panel unit 105.

  If there is a print instruction for secure printing in step S10, a print job authentication code input screen is then popped up (step S11).

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a print job authentication code input screen 700.
Referring to FIG. 11, here, a case where a print job authentication code input screen 700 is displayed on a display screen included in operation panel unit 105 (not shown) is shown.

  Input fields 705 and 710 in which an ID and a password (Password) can be input as a print job authentication code using a touch panel or a numeric keypad included in the operation panel unit 105 are shown.

  Then, by pressing an “OK” button 715, authentication of the input ID and password is executed. By pressing the “Cancel” button 720, it is assumed that the secure print instruction is finished.

  Referring to FIG. 10 again, it is determined whether a print job authentication code has been input (step S12). Specifically, if there is an input in the input field of the print job authentication code and the “OK” button 715 is pressed, it is next determined whether or not the authentication is OK (step S13). On the other hand, if the “Cancel” button 720 has been pressed, the process ends in step S12 because there is no input (END).

  Whether or not the authentication is “OK” indicates whether or not there is a corresponding print job by performing an authentication process based on the ID and password input in the input fields 705 and 710 on the print job authentication code input screen 700. to decide.

  Specifically, based on whether or not the authentication codes in the storage table described with reference to FIG. If a data string that matches the input ID and password data string is stored in the storage table as an authentication code, the authentication is OK. If a matching data string is not stored in the storage table as an authentication code, Authentication failure occurs.

  If the authentication is “OK” in step S13, it is next determined whether or not there are a plurality of print jobs with different transmission source users corresponding to the print job authentication code (step S14).

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not a plurality of data strings that match the input ID and password data strings are stored as authentication codes in the storage table described with reference to FIG. If a plurality of print jobs are stored, it is determined that there are a plurality of print jobs with different transmission source users corresponding to the print job authentication code.

  If it is determined in step S14 that there are a plurality of print jobs with different transmission source users corresponding to the print job authentication code, a transmission source user confirmation screen is popped up (step S15).

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a case where the sender user confirmation screen is popped up.
Referring to FIG. 12, here, a transmission source user confirmation screen 730 is shown on a display screen included in operation panel unit 105 (not shown).

  In addition, an input field 735 in which an IP address for confirming a transmission source user can be input using a touch panel or a numeric keypad included in the operation panel unit 105 is shown.

  The user can authenticate the transmission source user by inputting an IP address in the input field 735 and pressing the “OK” button 740 using the touch panel or the numeric keypad using the operation panel unit 105. it can.

  Referring again to FIG. 10, it is next determined whether or not the transmission source user confirmation is OK (step S16).

  Whether or not the transmission source user confirmation is OK is determined based on the IP address input in the input field 735 on the transmission source user confirmation screen 730 to determine whether or not there is a corresponding print job.

  Specifically, the confirmation is OK based on whether the IP address of the print job data included in the print job stored in the address that matches the authentication code of the storage table described in FIG. 9 matches. Determine whether or not. If the confirmation is OK, the process proceeds to step S17.

  On the other hand, if they do not match, the confirmation fails and the secure print instruction is terminated. (End). It should be noted that even when the “Cancel” button 745 is pressed on the transmission source user confirmation screen 730, the confirmation fails and the secure print instruction is ended (END).

  Next, when the sender user confirmation is “OK” in step S16, only the print job of the sender user is displayed on the secure print job box screen (step S17).

  Specifically, based on the storage table described with reference to FIG. 9, a print job whose transmission source user confirmation is OK is read, and a list of print jobs is created according to the print job data included in the print job. .

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the secure print job box screen 750.
Referring to FIG. 13, here, a secure print job box screen 750 is shown, and a print job list 760 of the transmission source user is shown. The print job list shows a case where the list is displayed based on the transmission time (SEND_DATETIME), job name (JOBNAME), user name (USERNAME), etc. included in the print job data. Of course, it is possible to display other information included in the print job data.

  In this screen, a print button 762 for instructing execution of printing, an instruction for execution of printing, and a deletion button 764 after printing for instructing deletion of a print job stored in the storage unit, and a deletion button 765 for deleting a print job. Is displayed, and a predetermined process is executed by pressing the button.

  Referring to FIG. 10 again, if it is determined in step S14 that there are not a plurality of print jobs with different transmission source users corresponding to the print job authentication code, that is, only one print job is stored in the storage area. The corresponding print job is read out, and a secure print job box screen 750 similar to that described above is popped up (step S21). Then, the process proceeds to step S18.

  Next, after the secure print job box screen is displayed, it waits until there is an instruction (print, delete after print, delete) for the print job (step S18).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction (print, delete after print, delete) for the print job (step S19). If there is no instruction, the process returns to step S18.

  If there is an instruction for the print job in step S19, an instruction for the print job (printing, deletion after printing, deletion) is executed (step S20). Then, the process ends (END).

  Regarding the instruction for the print job, specifically, by pressing the print button 762, the print processing of the image data included in the print job displayed in the designated secure print job box is executed.

  Further, by pressing the delete after printing button 764, the print job stored in the storage unit 102 is deleted after the print processing of the image data included in the print job displayed in the designated secure print job box. Execute the process.

  In addition, by pressing a delete button 765, a process for deleting a print job displayed in the designated secure print job box stored in the storage unit 102 is executed.

  With this method, in the secure print according to the embodiment of the present invention, when a user sets an authentication code flexibly, if the authentication code overlaps with a third party, the transmission source user can be identified in the storage area The print job is stored in association with other information.

  If the authentication code overlaps with a third party, it is authenticated whether it is the same source user, and if the authentication is successful, the print job can be accessed. The security can be further enhanced by a simple method, and the problem of free browsing and printing by a third party in secure printing can be prevented.

  In the above description, a case has been described where, on the transmission source user confirmation screen 730, authentication processing is performed based on the IP address input in the input field 735 to determine whether there is a corresponding print job. The data is not limited to an IP address, and any data that can be identified from a third party included in print job data may be used. For example, it is possible to input the user name and perform the authentication process based on the user name.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to an MFP, and may be a printer, a facsimile machine, or the like. Note that it is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function as a controller that controls the information processing apparatus and executes control as described in the above flow. Such a program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. And can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is the schematic explaining the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a functional block diagram of MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a personal computer 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the functional block of the printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the print setting screen based on the function of the various print setting process part 410 displayed on the display part 205 of the personal computer 200 according to embodiment of this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an authentication code setting screen 520 based on the function of the secure print setting processing unit 420 when security printing is designated on the print screen 500 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating print data 600. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of control unit 101 of MFP 100 when secure print data is received according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining a storage table. It is a flowchart in the case of performing the printing instruction | indication with respect to the print job of the secure print according to embodiment of this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print job authentication code input screen 700. FIG. It is a figure explaining the case where the transmission origin user confirmation screen is popped up. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a secure print job box screen 750.

Explanation of symbols

  100 MFP, 101 control unit, 102 storage unit, 103 image reading unit, 104 image processing unit, 105 operation panel unit, 106 printing unit, 107 network interface, 200, 250, 300 personal computer, 201 CPU, 205 display unit, 207 communication Interface unit, 209 input unit, 211 HDD, 213 memory unit, 215 CD-ROM drive, 217 FDD drive.

Claims (9)

Receiving means for receiving print data to which an authentication code is added;
Storage means;
Control means for storing the print data received by the receiving means in the storage means,
The control means includes
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the print data received by the receiving means is print data to which the authentication code is added;
A storage area securing unit that secures a certain storage area of the storage unit in association with the authentication code when the determination unit determines that the print data to which the authentication code is added is received;
Authentication code comparing means for comparing the authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means and the authentication code added to the print data received by the receiving means;
Based on the comparison result of the authentication code comparison means, if the authentication codes match, the transmission source information indicating the transmission source included in the received print data matches the storage information stored in the storage area of the storage means Transmission source information comparison means for comparing transmission source information included in the print data corresponding to the authentication code;
If the transmission source information matches based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit, the print received by the reception unit in the storage area of the storage unit provided corresponding to the matched authentication code Storage means for storing data,
When the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit, the storage area securing unit associates the transmission source information with the authentication code, Secure space,
The storage unit stores the print data received by the reception unit in the other storage area of the storage unit when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit. An information processing apparatus.   2. The storage area securing unit according to claim 1, wherein, when print data to which another authentication code is added is received, a certain storage area of the storage unit is secured in association with the another authentication code. Information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission source information corresponds to at least one of a user name, an IP address indicating a transmission destination address of the print data, and a computer name. An operation input accepting means for accepting an input instruction for access processing to the print data to which the authentication code stored in the storage means is attached;
Printing control means for executing access processing to the print data to which the authentication code is added according to an input instruction of the operation input receiving means,
The print control means includes
An authentication code input receiving means for receiving an input of an authentication code when there is an input instruction of an access process for the print data to which the authentication code is added;
Authentication means for determining whether or not the authentication code input by the authentication code input receiving means and the authentication code added to the print data instructed to input the printing process match;
A determination unit that determines whether or not there are a plurality of storage areas secured in association with the authentication code that has been successfully authenticated by the storage unit when the authentication by the authentication unit is successful;
In the determination unit, when there are a plurality of storage areas secured in association with the authentication code, a transmission source input reception unit that receives input of transmission source information;
A storage area in which the transmission source information input by the transmission source input receiving means and the transmission source information included in the print data respectively stored in the plurality of storage areas secured in association with the authentication code match Source information search means for searching for,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: execution means for executing predetermined processing on the print data stored in the matched storage area searched by the transmission source information search means.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined process corresponds to a print process and / or a delete process for print data stored in the storage area. A terminal that transmits print data with an authentication code added thereto;
An information processing apparatus connected to the terminal via the network and receiving print data to which the authentication code transmitted from the terminal is added;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving print data to which the authentication code is added;
Storage means;
Control means for storing the print data received by the receiving means in the storage means,
The control means includes
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the print data received by the receiving means is print data to which the authentication code is added;
A storage area securing unit that secures a certain storage area of the storage unit in association with the authentication code when the determination unit determines that the print data to which the authentication code is added is received;
Authentication code comparing means for comparing the authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means and the authentication code added to the print data received by the receiving means;
Based on the comparison result of the authentication code comparison means, if the authentication codes match, the transmission source information indicating the transmission source included in the received print data matches the storage information stored in the storage area of the storage means Transmission source information comparison means for comparing transmission source information included in the print data corresponding to the authentication code;
If the transmission source information matches based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit, the print received by the reception unit in the storage area of the storage unit provided corresponding to the matched authentication code Storage means for storing data,
The storage area securing means secures another storage area of the storage means by associating the transmission source information with the authentication code when the transmission source information does not match,
The storage unit stores the print data received by the reception unit in the other storage area of the storage unit when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information comparison unit. Information processing system. Receiving print data to which an authentication code is added;
Storing the received print data in a storage means,
The step of storing in the storage means includes
Determining whether the received print data is print data to which the authentication code is added; and
When it is determined that the print data to which the authentication code is added has been received, securing a certain storage area of the storage means in association with the authentication code;
Comparing the authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means with the authentication code added to the print data received by the receiving means;
Based on the comparison result of the authentication code, when the authentication code is matched, the matched authentication code stored in the storage area of the storage unit and the transmission source information indicating the transmission source included in the received print data Comparing the transmission source information included in the print data corresponding to
Storing the received print data in a storage area of the storage means provided corresponding to the matched authentication code when the source information matches based on the comparison result of the source information; Including
The step of securing the certain storage area is based on the comparison result of the transmission source information, and when the transmission source information does not match, the transmission source information is associated with the authentication code, Secure storage space,
The step of storing the print data stores the print data received in the other storage area of the storage means when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information. Information processing method. An information processing program for causing a computer having storage means to execute,
Receiving print data to which the authentication code is added;
Storing the received print data in the storage means,
The step of storing in the storage means includes
Determining whether the received print data is print data to which the authentication code is added; and
When it is determined that the print data to which the authentication code is added has been received, securing a certain storage area of the storage means in association with the authentication code;
Comparing the authentication code associated with the storage area of the storage means with the authentication code added to the print data received by the receiving means;
Based on the comparison result of the authentication code, when the authentication code is matched, the matched authentication code stored in the storage area of the storage unit and the transmission source information indicating the transmission source included in the received print data Comparing the transmission source information included in the print data corresponding to
Storing the received print data in a storage area of the storage means provided corresponding to the matched authentication code when the source information matches based on the comparison result of the source information; Including
The step of securing the certain storage area is based on the comparison result of the transmission source information, and when the transmission source information does not match, the transmission source information is associated with the authentication code, Secure storage space,
The step of storing the print data stores the print data received in the other storage area of the storage means when the transmission source information does not match based on the comparison result of the transmission source information. Information processing program.   A recording medium on which the information processing program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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