JP2006164042A - Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, printing system, image forming apparatus control program, image forming apparatus program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve security and prevent a third party from referring to a printed matter printed on an image forming apparatus.
An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus via a network, and having an image forming apparatus control means for controlling the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus control means is connected to the information processing apparatus. When the image forming apparatus is installed, the above problem is solved by transmitting user authentication information used for user authentication when the image forming apparatus executes printing to the image forming apparatus.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a printing system, an image forming apparatus control program, an image forming apparatus program, and a recording medium.

  When an image forming apparatus connected to a personal computer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a PC) that requests printing via a network is installed at a location separated from the PC, for example, the image forming apparatus issues a request from the PC. In order to prevent a printed matter printed on a computer from being referred to by a third party, there is a conventional technique in which a PC adds a user ID, a password or the like to print data and transmits the print data to an image forming apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

Upon receiving such print data, the image forming apparatus stores the print data added with the user ID and password in the hard disk device or the like, acquires the user ID added to the print data, and is reserved for printing, for example. A list related to the print data is displayed on the operation panel together with the user ID. On the other hand, the user who has requested (or reserved) printing has moved from his / her own PC to the front of the image forming apparatus, and then displayed a list relating to the print data displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, a user ID, etc. For example, data in a list corresponding to print data to be printed or a user ID is selected, and a corresponding password is input. When the image forming apparatus compares the password input by the user with the password added to the print data selected by the user and determines that the passwords are the same, the image forming apparatus prints the print data.
JP 2004-46533 A

  However, in the conventional method as described above, authentication information that requires high confidentiality such as a password is added to the print data every time printing is performed from the PC to the image forming apparatus. was there.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to improve security and prevent a printed matter printed on an image forming apparatus from being referred to by a third party.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus via a network, the image forming apparatus control means for controlling the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. The apparatus control means, when installed in the information processing apparatus, transmits user authentication information used for user authentication when the image forming apparatus executes printing to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus via a network includes image forming apparatus control means for controlling the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus control means includes the information When the image forming apparatus is installed in the processing apparatus, the user authentication information used for user authentication when the image forming apparatus executes printing is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, thereby improving security and the image forming apparatus. It is possible to prevent the printed material printed in step 3 from being referred to by a third party.

  Note that the information processing apparatus corresponds to, for example, a PC 10 described later. The image forming apparatus corresponds to, for example, an image forming apparatus 20 described later. The image forming apparatus control means corresponds to, for example, an image forming apparatus driver 50 described later.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having an operation panel connected to an information processing apparatus requesting printing via a network, and storing user authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus in a storage unit. User authentication information storage means, user authentication information input via the operation panel when the user executes printing of print data, and user authentication information stored in the storage means corresponding to the user, In comparison, it has a user authentication means for authenticating a user.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus having an operation panel connected to an information processing apparatus that requests printing via a network, the user authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus is stored in a storage unit. User authentication information storage means, user authentication information input via the operation panel when the user executes printing of print data, and user authentication information stored in the storage means corresponding to the user, In comparison, by including a user authentication unit that authenticates a user, it is possible to improve security and prevent a third party from referring to a printed matter printed on the image forming apparatus.

  The storage means corresponds to, for example, a RAM 25, a ROM 24, or a hard disk device 28 described later. The user authentication information storage means corresponds to, for example, a user authentication information storage unit 63 described later. The user authentication unit corresponds to, for example, a user authentication unit 69 described later.

  Further, as means for solving the above problems, a printing system, an image forming apparatus control program, an image forming apparatus program, and a recording medium may be used.

  Note that the user authentication information registration screen described in the claims corresponds to, for example, a user authentication information registration screen 100 described later. In addition, “user authentication information used by the user when the information processing apparatus can be used” described in the claims corresponds to, for example, “user authentication information used by the user when logging in” described later To do. The print setting screen described in the claims corresponds to, for example, a print setting screen 110 described later. A user authentication information change screen described in the claims corresponds to, for example, a user authentication information change screen 120 described later.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve security and prevent a printed material printed on the image forming apparatus from being referred to by a third party.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of a printing system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system includes a plurality of PCs 10 and an image forming apparatus 20 that are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 5. In FIG. 1, the LAN 5 is shown as an example of the network. However, the network is not limited to the LAN 5, and may be the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

  The hardware configuration of an example of the PC 10 is shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a PC.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 10 includes an input device 11, a display device 12, a drive device 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 15, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that are mutually connected by a bus. 16, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 17, an interface device 18, and a hard disk device 19.

  The input device 11 includes a keyboard and a mouse that are operated by a user (user) of the PC 10 and is used to input various operation signals to the PC 10. The display device 12 includes a display used by the user of the PC 10 and displays various types of information. The interface device 18 is an interface that connects the PC 10 to a network.

  A program (hereinafter simply referred to as an image forming apparatus driver program) corresponding to each function of the image forming apparatus driver 50 described later or each process executed by the image forming apparatus driver 50 is, for example, a PC 10 by a recording medium 14 such as a CD-ROM. Or downloaded over the network. The recording medium 14 is set in the drive device 13, and the image forming apparatus driver program is installed from the recording medium 14 to the hard disk device 19 via the drive device 13.

  The ROM 15 stores data and the like. For example, when the image forming apparatus driver program is installed in the hard disk device 19 or the like, the RAM 16 reads the image forming apparatus driver program from the hard disk device 19 and stores it. The CPU 17 executes processing in accordance with the image forming apparatus driver program read and stored in the RAM 16.

  The hard disk device 19 stores an image forming device driver program, print data to be transmitted to the image forming device 20, and the like.

  The hardware configuration of an example of the image forming apparatus 20 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes an input / display device 21, a drive device 22, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, a CPU 26, an interface device 27, and a hard disk, which are mutually connected by a bus. A device 28, a reading device 29, and a printing device 30 are included.

  The input / display device 21 includes an operation panel or the like, and is used by the user to input various operation signals to the image forming apparatus 2 and to display various information to the user by the image forming apparatus 2. The interface device 27 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 2 to a network or the like.

  A program corresponding to each function of the image forming apparatus 20 to be described later or each process executed by the image forming apparatus 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as an image forming apparatus program) is stored in the image forming apparatus 2 by a recording medium 23 such as a CD-ROM. Or downloaded over the network. The recording medium 23 is set in the drive device 22, and the image forming apparatus program is installed in the hard disk device 28 from the recording medium 23 via the drive device 22.

  The ROM 24 stores data and the like. The RAM 25 reads and stores the image forming apparatus program and the like from the hard disk device 28 when the server 1 is started up. The CPU 26 executes processing in accordance with the image forming apparatus program and the like read and stored in the RAM 25.

  The hard disk device 28 stores an image forming apparatus program, user authentication information received from the PC 10, print data, and the like.

  The reading device 29 is composed of a scanner or the like, and reads a set paper document. The printing apparatus 30 is configured by a printer or the like, and prints designated print data or the like under designated printing conditions.

  The functional configuration of an example of the image forming apparatus driver 50 is shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus driver.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus driver 50 includes an image forming apparatus search unit 51, a user authentication information acquisition unit 52, a user authentication information registration screen control unit 53, a user authentication information transmission unit 54, and a print. A setting screen control unit 55, a print data transmission unit 56, a user authentication information change screen control unit 57, and a changed user authentication information transmission unit 58 are included.

  The image forming apparatus search unit 51 searches for the image forming apparatus 20 connected to the network when the image forming apparatus driver 50 is installed in the PC 10 or the like.

  The user authentication information acquisition unit 52 acquires user authentication information (for example, a user ID and a password) used by the user when logging in to the PC 10, for example, from the RAM 16 or the like, for example, to the user authentication information registration screen control unit 53. hand over. Here, it is assumed that the user authentication information used when logging in is stored in the RAM 16 or the like. The user authentication information is not limited to a combination of a user ID and a password, but will be described below using a user ID and a password for simplification of description.

  The user authentication information registration screen control unit 53 performs control related to a user authentication information registration screen 100 to be described later, and includes user authentication information including, as a default value, user authentication information passed from the user authentication information acquisition unit 52 in response to a request, for example. An information registration screen 100 is created and displayed on the display of the PC 10 or received (for example, user authentication information) input by the user on the user authentication information registration screen 100 (for example, user authentication information). 54.

  The user authentication information transmission unit 54 transmits, for example, a user authentication information registration request including user authentication information passed from the user authentication information registration screen control unit 53 or the like to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20.

  The print setting screen control unit 55 performs control related to the print setting screen 110 to be described later. For example, the print setting screen 110 is created according to a request and displayed on the display of the PC 10 or selected by the user on the print setting screen 110. The selected result (selection result) or the like is received, and for example, the selection result is transferred to the print data transmission unit 56 or the like.

  The print data transmission unit 56 converts, for example, document data stored in the PC 10 or the like into print data, for example, along with a selection result passed from the print setting screen control unit 55, a user ID, and the corresponding image forming apparatus. 20 to send.

  The user authentication information change screen control unit 57 performs control related to a user authentication information change screen 120 to be described later. For example, the user authentication information change screen 120 creates the user authentication information change screen 120 in response to a request and displays it on the display of the PC 10 or user authentication. For example, an old password or a new password input by the user on the information change screen 120 is passed to the changed user authentication information transmission unit 58 together with the user ID.

  The changed user authentication information transmission unit 58 sends a user authentication information change request including, for example, the user ID passed from the user authentication information change screen control unit 57, the old password, and the new password to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20. Send.

  A functional configuration of an example of the image forming apparatus 20 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a user authentication information reception unit 61, a user ID duplication determination unit 62, a user authentication information storage unit 63, a print data reception unit 64, and a print data storage unit 65. A print data selection screen control unit 66, an authentication necessity determination unit 67, a password input screen control unit 68, a user authentication unit 69, a printing unit 70, a changed user authentication information receiving unit 71, and an old password verification. Unit 72 and changed user authentication information storage unit 73.

  The user authentication information receiving unit 61 receives a user authentication information registration request including user authentication information from the PC 10. The user ID duplication determination unit 62 refers to the hard disk device 28 or the like based on the user ID included in the user authentication information received by the user authentication information receiving unit 61, and the user ID and the password corresponding to the user ID It is determined whether the combination of is already stored in the hard disk device 28 or the like.

  The user authentication information storage unit 63 stores the user authentication information received by the user authentication information receiving unit 61 in, for example, the hard disk device 28 or the like in response to the request.

  The print data receiving unit 64 receives the print data from the PC 10, the selection result transmitted along with the print data, the user ID, and the like. The print data storage unit 65 stores the print data received by the print data receiving unit 64, the selection result, the user ID, and the like in association with each other, for example, in the hard disk device 28 or the like.

  The print data selection screen control unit 66 performs control related to the print data selection screen used to select print data to be printed by the user. For example, the print data selection screen control unit 66 creates a print data selection screen in response to a request, and operates the image forming apparatus 20. Receives information displayed on the panel or selected by the user on the print data selection screen (for example, information for identifying print data selected by the user), etc., and passes the information to, for example, the authentication necessity determination unit 67 Or

  The authentication necessity determination unit 67 refers to the hard disk device 28 or the like based on the selection information delivered from the print data selection screen control unit 66 or the like, for example, and displays the selection result stored in association with the corresponding print data. Based on this, it is determined whether user authentication using a password or the like is necessary. For example, if the authentication necessity determination unit 67 determines that user authentication is necessary, it requests the password input screen control unit 68 to create a password input screen, which will be described later.

  The password input screen control unit 68 performs control related to the password input screen used for the user to input a password, for example, creates a password input screen in response to a request and displays it on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 20, A password input by the user on the password input screen is received, and the password is passed to the user authentication unit 69, for example.

  For example, the user authentication unit 69 compares the password passed from the password input screen control unit 68 with the password included in the user authentication information stored in the hard disk device 28 or the like corresponding to the user. Authenticate.

  In response to the request, the printing unit 70 acquires print data stored in the hard disk device 28 or the like, passes the acquired print data to the printing device 30 or the like, and requests printing.

  The changed user authentication information receiving unit 71 receives a user authentication information change request including a user ID, an old password, and a new password from the PC 10. The old password verification unit 72 refers to the hard disk device 28 or the like based on the user ID received by the changed user authentication information receiving unit 71, and the password of the corresponding user authentication information stored in the hard disk device 28 is the PC 10. Determine whether it matches the old password received from.

  For example, when the old password verification unit 72 determines that the passwords match, the changed user authentication information storage unit 73 changes the password of the corresponding user authentication information stored in the hard disk device 28 to the new password received from the PC 10. .

  An example of user authentication information transmission processing at the time of installation in the image forming apparatus driver 50 is shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication information transmission processing at the time of installation in the image forming apparatus driver. When installed in the PC 10, the image forming apparatus driver 50 starts the following processing.

  In step S <b> 10, the image forming apparatus driver 50 determines whether the image forming apparatus 20 exists on the network. If image forming apparatus driver 50 determines that image forming apparatus 20 exists on the network (YES in step S10), it proceeds to step S11 and determines that image forming apparatus 20 does not exist on the network (NO in step S10). Then, the user authentication information transmission process is terminated.

  In step S11, the image forming apparatus driver 50 acquires user authentication information used when the user logs in to the PC 10, for example, from the RAM 16 or the like. Progressing to step S12 following step S11, the image forming apparatus driver 50 creates a user authentication information registration screen 100 including the user authentication information acquired in step S11 as a default value, and displays it on the display of the PC 10 or the like.

  Progressing to step S13 following step S12, the image forming apparatus driver 50 sends a user authentication information registration request including user authentication information input or selected by the user on the user authentication information registration screen 100 to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20. Send to.

  An example of the user authentication information registration screen 100 is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user authentication information registration screen.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user ID and password used when the user logs in to the PC 10 are entered as default values in the user ID input field 101 and password input field 102 of the user authentication information registration screen 100. Has been. The user may press the OK button 103 with the default value and register it as user authentication information, or change it using the input device 11 and register the changed value as user authentication information.

  An example of print setting processing in the image forming apparatus driver 50 is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print setting processing in the image forming apparatus driver. The image forming apparatus driver 50 is called when the user performs a predetermined operation using the input device 11 or the like, and starts the following processing.

  In step S <b> 20, the image forming apparatus driver 50 creates the print setting screen 110 and displays it on the display of the PC 10. Progressing to step S21 following step S20, the image forming apparatus driver 50 receives a result (selection result) selected by the user on the print setting screen 110 and, for example, displays both the selection result, print data, user ID, and the like. To the corresponding image forming apparatus 20.

  An example of the print setting screen 110 is shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the print setting screen 110 includes a confidential printing (printing with user authentication) request check column 111, a password authentication unnecessary check column 112, a password change button 113, an OK button 114, and the like. included.

  When the confidential printing request check column 111 is checked and the OK button 114 is pressed, the image forming apparatus driver 50 sends the confidential printing request command as a selection result by the user together with the print data, the user ID, and the corresponding image forming apparatus. When the password authentication unnecessary check column 112 is checked and the OK button 114 is pressed, the image forming apparatus driver 50 sends a password authentication unnecessary command as a selection result by the user together with the print data, the user ID, and the like. The image is transmitted to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20.

  When the password change button 113 is pressed, the image forming apparatus driver 50 starts the following user authentication information change process, and creates and displays a user authentication information change screen 120 shown in FIG. 11 to be described later.

  An example of user authentication information change processing in the image forming apparatus driver 50 is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication information change processing in the image forming apparatus driver. As described above, when the password change button 113 is pressed on the print setting screen 110, the image forming apparatus driver 50 starts the following process.

  In step S30, the image forming apparatus driver 50 creates a user authentication information change screen 120, which will be described later, and displays it on the display of the PC 10. Proceeding to step S31 following step S30, the image forming apparatus driver 50 transmits the old password or new password input by the user on the user authentication information change screen 120 to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20 together with the user ID.

  An example of the user authentication information change screen 120 is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user authentication information change screen.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the user authentication information change screen 120 includes a user ID input field 121, an old password input field 122, a new password input field 123, and an OK button 124.

  The user inputs the current user ID in the user ID input field 121, the current password in the old password input field 122, the new password in the new password input field 123, and presses an OK button 124.

  An example of user authentication information registration processing in the image forming apparatus 20 is shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication information registration processing in the image forming apparatus. When receiving the user authentication information registration request from the PC 10, the image forming apparatus 20 starts the following processing.

  In step S <b> 40, the image forming apparatus 20 refers to the hard disk device 28 or the like based on the user ID included in the user authentication information registration request received from the PC 10, and determines the user ID and the password corresponding to the user ID. It is determined whether the combination is already stored in the hard disk device 28 or the like. If the image forming apparatus 20 determines that the combination of the user ID and the password is already stored in the hard disk device 28 or the like (YES in step S40), the image forming apparatus 20 ends the user authentication information registration process, and the user ID and the password. If the combination is not yet stored in the hard disk device 28 or the like (NO in step S40), the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, the image forming apparatus 20 stores the user authentication information included in the user authentication information registration request received from the PC 10 in the hard disk device 28 or the like.

  An example of user authentication / print execution processing in the image forming apparatus 20 is shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication / print execution processing in the image forming apparatus. When the user performs a predetermined operation using the operation panel or the like, the image forming apparatus 20 starts the following processing.

  In step S50, the image forming apparatus 20 creates a print data selection screen used for selecting print data to be printed by the user and displays it on the operation panel.

  Progressing to step S51 following step S50, the image forming apparatus 20 determines the hard disk device 28 and the like based on information selected by the user on the print data selection screen (for example, information for identifying print data selected by the user). Referring to FIG. 5, based on the selection result stored in association with the corresponding print data, it is determined whether or not user authentication using a password or the like is necessary to print the print data.

  If the image forming apparatus 20 determines that user authentication is required (YES in step S51), the process proceeds to step S52. If determined that user authentication is not required (NO in step S51), the image forming apparatus 20 proceeds to step S54. In step S52, the image forming apparatus 20 creates a password input screen used for the user to input a password, and displays it on the operation panel.

  Progressing to step S53 following step S52, the image forming apparatus 20 includes the password input by the user on the password input screen and the user authentication information stored in the hard disk device 28 corresponding to the user who requests printing. The password is compared with the password to authenticate the user, and it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful. If the image forming apparatus 20 determines that the authentication has succeeded (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S54. If the image forming apparatus 20 determines that the authentication has failed (NO in step S53), the user authentication / print execution process ends.

  In step S54, the image forming apparatus 20 prints the print data.

  An example of user authentication information change processing in the image forming apparatus 20 is shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example of user authentication information change processing in the image forming apparatus. When receiving the user authentication information change request from the PC 10, the image forming apparatus 20 starts the following processing.

  In step S60, the image forming apparatus 20 refers to the hard disk device 28 or the like based on the user ID included in the user authentication information change request received from the PC 10, and stores the corresponding user authentication information stored in the hard disk device 28. It is determined whether or not the password matches the old password included in the user authentication information change request. If the image forming apparatus 20 determines that the passwords match (YES in step S60), the process proceeds to step S61. If the image forming apparatus 20 determines that the passwords do not match (NO in step S60), the user authentication information change process ends.

  In step S61, the image forming apparatus 20 refers to the hard disk device 28 or the like based on the user ID included in the user authentication information change request, and sets the password for the corresponding user authentication information stored in the hard disk device 28. Change to a new password included in the user authentication information change request.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus driver 50 sends the user authentication information to the image forming apparatus 20 at the time of installation on the PC 10, and the image forming apparatus 20 holds the received user authentication information so that the user can perform the image formation. By using it for user authentication when printing data is printed using the apparatus 20, the chance of leaking user authentication information is reduced (that is, security is improved), and a printed matter printed on the image forming apparatus 20 is used. Reference to a third party can be prevented.

  In the above-described embodiment, although omitted for simplification of description, communication between the PC 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 may be performed using appropriate encryption or the like.

  Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus driver 50 displays the user authentication information registration screen 100 on a display or the like, so that the user specifies various and complicated user authentication information using the input device 11 or the like. be able to.

  Further, the image forming apparatus driver 50 displays the user authentication information registration screen 100 including the user authentication information used by the user for logging in to the PC 10 as a default value on a display or the like, thereby inputting a user ID, a password, or the like to the user. It is possible to reduce the time and effort required to manage user IDs in the PC 10 and the image forming apparatus driver 50 in an overlapping manner.

  Further, the image forming apparatus driver 50 displays the print setting screen 110 on a display or the like, and transmits a user selection result or the like to the image forming apparatus 20, so that the user can print the confidential document when the image forming apparatus 20 prints the confidential document. Enter the password etc. using the operation panel and print it, but you can choose to print without entering the password etc. when printing a normal document. Rise.

  Further, the image forming apparatus driver 50 displays the user authentication information change screen 120 on a display or the like, and transmits user input information or the like to the image forming apparatus 20 to periodically change the user authentication information, thereby performing user authentication. Unauthorized use of information can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve security and prevent a third party from referring to a printed material printed on the image forming apparatus.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of a printing system. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of PC. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus driver. FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication information transmission processing during installation in an image forming apparatus driver. It is a figure which shows an example of a user authentication information registration screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print setting processing in an image forming apparatus driver. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication information change processing in the image forming apparatus driver. It is a figure which shows an example of a user authentication information change screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication information registration processing in the image forming apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of user authentication / print execution processing in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart of an example of user authentication information change processing in the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Image forming apparatus 50 Image forming apparatus driver 51 Image forming apparatus search part 52 User authentication information acquisition part 53 User authentication information registration screen control part 54 User authentication information transmission part 55 Print setting screen control part 56 Print data transmission part 57 User authentication information Change screen control unit 58 Change user authentication information transmission unit 61 User authentication information reception unit 62 User ID duplication determination unit 63 User authentication information storage unit 64 Print data reception unit 65 Print data storage unit 66 Print data screen control unit 67 Authentication necessity determination Unit 68 Password input screen control unit 69 User authentication unit 70 Printing unit 71 Changed user authentication information receiving unit 72 Old password verification unit 73 Changed user authentication information storage unit 100 User authentication information registration screen 110 Print setting screen 120 User authentication information change screen

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus via a network,
Image forming apparatus control means for controlling the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus control means, when installed in the information processing apparatus, transmits user authentication information used for user authentication when the image forming apparatus performs printing to the image forming apparatus. Information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus control unit displays a user authentication information registration screen related to registration of the user authentication information.   The image forming apparatus control means acquires user authentication information used by a user when making the information processing apparatus usable, and displays the user authentication information as default information on the user authentication information registration screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.   The image forming apparatus control means omits user authentication in the image forming apparatus, displays a print setting screen that allows selection of whether or not to perform printing, and displays a selection result together with print data according to the user's selection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus transmits the information to the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus control unit displays a user authentication information change screen related to the change of the user authentication information in response to a request from the user, and transmits the user authentication information changed by the user to the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. An image forming apparatus having an operation panel connected to an information processing apparatus requesting printing via a network,
User authentication information storage means for storing user authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus in a storage means;
User authentication by comparing the user authentication information input via the operation panel when the user prints the print data with the user authentication information stored in the storage unit corresponding to the user. User authentication means for performing
An image forming apparatus comprising: An information processing apparatus that requests printing and an image forming apparatus are connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Image forming apparatus control means for controlling the image forming apparatus;
When the image forming apparatus control unit is installed in the information processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus control unit transmits user authentication information used for user authentication when the image forming apparatus executes printing to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
User authentication information storage means for storing user authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus in a storage means;
User authentication by comparing the user authentication information input via the operation panel when the user prints the print data with the user authentication information stored in the storage unit corresponding to the user. User authentication means for performing
A printing system comprising: Computer
Operate as an image forming apparatus control means for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to an information processing apparatus via a network,
The image forming apparatus control means, when installed in the information processing apparatus, transmits user authentication information used for user authentication when the image forming apparatus performs printing to the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus control program. A computer included in an image forming apparatus having an operation panel connected to an information processing apparatus requesting printing via a network;
User authentication information storage means for storing user authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus in a storage means;
The user authentication is performed by comparing the user authentication information input via the operation panel when the user executes printing of the print data with the user authentication information stored in the storage unit corresponding to the user. User authentication means for performing
An image forming apparatus program which is operated as described above.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image forming apparatus control program according to claim 8 is recorded.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image forming apparatus program according to claim 9 is recorded.

Images