JP2011081593A - Information processor and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing system capable of executing a printing process with a high security level is provided.
In a printing system, a client PC includes an operation unit that accepts a print instruction, a LAN I / F that transmits image data to any one of a plurality of MFPs in response to the print instruction, A control unit having a first determination function for determining whether or not the distance between the client PC 20 and the destination MFP 30 is large, and a second determination function for determining whether or not image data is important; Before transmission of image data, at least when the first determination function determines that the distance is large, or when the second determination function determines that the image data is important, the image data The MFP 30 includes a printer unit that prints an image based on the image data.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a printing system, and more particularly to a technique for improving a security level.

  Conventionally, a printing system including a client PC (Personal Computer) and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the client PC via a network is known. In such a printing system, a user of a client PC selects a desired image forming apparatus from a plurality of image forming apparatuses and issues a print instruction for requesting printing of desired image data to the selected image forming apparatus. Thus, the printing process can be executed.

  In recent years, various techniques for improving the security level in the above-described printing system have been proposed. For example, in the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 described later, when an image forming apparatus is selected by a user's input operation from a computer and a printing instruction is given, the selected image forming apparatus is the computer. It is determined whether or not it exists within a predetermined network range including. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus does not exist within the predetermined network range, that is, if the distance between the image forming apparatus and the computer is long, there is a possibility that an incorrect selection has been made. A warning to that effect is made.

JP 2006-251863 A

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, only the distance between the image forming apparatus and the computer is considered, and a sufficient security level cannot be achieved.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a printing system capable of executing a printing process with a high security level.

  An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses that print an image based on image data, an information processing apparatus connected via a network, and a receiving unit that receives a print instruction. In response to the print instruction, whether or not the distance between the transmission unit that transmits image data to any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the information processing apparatus and the destination image forming apparatus is large. A first determination unit for determining, a second determination unit for determining whether or not the image data is important, and determination that the distance is large by at least the first determination unit before transmission of the image data; Or warning means for giving a warning to the transmission of the image data when the second determination means determines that the image data is important.

  As described above, before transmission of image data, at least when the distance between the information processing apparatus that issued the print instruction and the image forming apparatus that is the transmission destination of the image data is large, or the image data to be transmitted is important. In such a case, a warning is issued for the transmission of the image data. Therefore, the user can prevent the image forming apparatus installed in the distance by mistake from performing the printing process or easily printing important printed matter. As described above, since a warning is given in consideration of not only the distance between the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus but also the importance of the image data, printing processing with a high security level can be executed.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus includes a change receiving unit that receives an instruction for requesting to change the destination image forming apparatus, and a change receiving unit that receives an instruction and the change receiving unit does not receive the instruction. Display means for displaying a message recommending execution of authentication processing for determining whether or not the user of the image forming apparatus as the transmission destination is a regular user before printing.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus as the transmission destination is not changed despite the warning, a message recommending that the authentication process be executed is displayed. Therefore, the probability that the authentication process is executed is increased, and the printing process with a higher security level can be executed.

  More preferably, when the change receiving unit receives an instruction, the information processing apparatus displays the positional relationship between the information processing apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the operation status of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Further, candidate display means for displaying an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for the change destination is further included.

  Thus, since the positional relationship between the information processing apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the operation status of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are displayed, the user can select the destination image forming apparatus according to the user's intention. Can be easily selected. Therefore, user convenience is further improved.

  More preferably, the candidate display unit displays information regarding the power ON / OFF state and information regarding whether or not the authentication processing is recommended as the operation status of the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the user can select the image forming apparatus as the transmission destination based on the information on the power ON / OFF state and the information on whether or not the authentication process is recommended. The destination image forming apparatus can be more easily selected.

  More preferably, the candidate display unit executes authentication processing for all of the image forming apparatuses in the power-on state when all of the image forming apparatuses in the power-on state are located far from the information processing apparatus. Is displayed as a recommended image forming apparatus. This increases the probability that the authentication process is executed when the image forming apparatus installed far away performs the printing process. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus installed at a distance is to perform the printing process, the user goes to the image forming apparatus and performs the authentication process. Can be more reliably avoided, and the security level is further improved.

  More preferably, the candidate display means displays an image forming apparatus that is located far from the information processing apparatus and takes a long time to start printing as an image forming apparatus that does not recommend authentication processing.

  Even if the image forming apparatus is likely to not start printing until the user visits even if it is installed far away, the third party can execute the printing process without executing the authentication process. There is a low possibility of obtaining printed matter. Accordingly, displaying an image forming apparatus that is far away and takes a long time to start printing as an image forming apparatus that does not recommend authentication processing increases the probability that the authentication processing will not be executed. Thus, the labor required for the authentication process can be saved.

  More preferably, the candidate display means displays the positional relationship between the information processing apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses as map information, and the information processing apparatus selects an area indicating the position of the image forming apparatus in the map information. The image forming apparatus further includes a change destination accepting unit that accepts the selected image forming apparatus as the change destination image forming apparatus.

  Thus, since map information indicating the positional relationship between the information processing apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses is displayed, the user can easily recognize the positional relationship visually. Further, the user can select the image forming apparatus as the change destination by selecting the area indicating the position of the image forming apparatus in the map information. Therefore, the user can more easily select the image forming apparatus as the transmission destination according to the user's intention. can do. Therefore, user convenience is further improved.

  A printing system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a printing system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network. A receiving unit that receives a print instruction, a transmission unit that transmits image data to one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses in response to the print instruction, the information processing apparatus, and a destination image forming apparatus. First determination means for determining whether or not the distance is large, second determination means for determining whether the image data is important, and before transmission of the image data, at least the first Warning means for giving a warning for transmission of image data when the determination means determines that the distance is large or when the second determination means determines that the image data is important. form The apparatus includes a printing means for printing an image based on image data.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus, at least when the distance between the information processing apparatus that has issued the print instruction and the image forming apparatus that is the transmission destination of the image data is large, or before the image data is transmitted. If the data is important, a warning is sent for the transmission of the image data. Therefore, the user can prevent the image forming apparatus installed in the distance by mistake from performing the printing process or easily printing important printed matter. As described above, since a warning is given in consideration of not only the distance between the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus but also the importance of the image data, printing processing with a high security level can be executed.

  According to the present invention, before transmission of image data, at least when the distance between the information processing apparatus that issued the print instruction and the image forming apparatus that is the transmission destination of the image data is large, or the image data to be transmitted is important If it is, a warning is given to the transmission of the image data. Therefore, the user can prevent the image forming apparatus installed in the distance by mistake from performing the printing process or easily printing important printed matter. As described above, since a warning is given in consideration of not only the distance between the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus but also the importance of the image data, printing processing with a high security level can be executed.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of client PC. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a management server. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the program for implement | achieving a printing judgment process in the flowchart format. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the program for implement | achieving a printing judgment process in the flowchart format. It is a figure which shows an example of a 1st security warning screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting change screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a distance warning screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd security warning screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing destination change screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing warning screen.

  In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals and names are assigned to the same components. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated each time.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, printing system 10 includes client PCs 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> I, a digital multi-function peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multifunction Printer)”) 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> C, and a management server 40.

  Client PCs 20A to 20E and MFP 30A are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) line 11A. The client PCs 20F to 20I and the MFPs 30B and 30C are connected to the LAN line 11B. The management server 40 is connected to the LAN line 11C. The LAN line 11C is connected to the LAN lines 11A and 11B via a gateway (not shown).

  1 illustrates the client PCs 20A to 20I, the MFPs 30A to 30C, and the management server 40 as the components of the printing system 10, but other peripheral devices, information terminals, and the like may be included.

  Hereinafter, in the present specification, when parts having the same configuration are distinguished from each other, the alphabets representing the parts are distinguished by attaching to the end of the reference signs.

<Hardware configuration>
[Client PC20]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client PC 20. With reference to FIG. 2, the client PC 20 includes a control unit 100, an HDD 112, an operation unit 114, a display unit 116, and a LAN I / F 118.

  The control unit 100 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU 122, a ROM 124, and a RAM 126. A BUS line 128 is connected to the CPU 122, and a ROM 124 and a RAM 126 are electrically connected to the BUS line 128. The CPU 122 executes various computer programs (hereinafter may be simply referred to as “programs”) in response to instructions from external devices such as the MFP 30 and the management server 40 or the operation unit 114, thereby configuring each component of the client PC 20. Desired processing such as the operation of the unit and communication with an external device.

  The various computer programs are stored in the ROM 124 in advance, and are read from the ROM 124 and transferred to the RAM 126 when desired processing is executed. The CPU 122 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 126 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 122. CPU 122 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 126, the HDD 112, and the CPU 122.

  The HDD 112 stores various data including image data and the like. In the image data stored in the HDD 112, importance is set for each image data. The importance is a numerical value indicating the degree of importance of the image data, and is set in advance by the owner of the image data or the like by an input operation from the operation unit 114. In a print determination process described later, whether or not the image data is important is determined based on whether or not the importance of the image data is higher than a predetermined set value.

  In the present embodiment, the HDD 112 stores a program for realizing a general operation of the client PC 20 and a program for realizing a print determination process described later. The program structure for realizing the print determination process in this program will be described later.

  Further, the HDD 112, the operation unit 114, the display unit 116, and the LAN I / F 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 128.

  The operation unit 114 includes a keyboard that is an input device that performs various inputs and character inputs in accordance with user instructions and the like, and a mouse that is a pointing device. The display unit 116 is a display device including a liquid crystal display or the like for displaying a processing result or the like in the client PC 20. The operation unit 114 and the display unit 116 are connected to the BUS line 128 via an interface (not shown).

  The client PC 20 is connected to the LAN line 11 via the LAN I / F 118 and can perform data communication with various external devices connected on the LAN line 11.

  A power supply (not shown) is connected to each component of the client PC 20, and power is supplied from this power supply, so that each component of the client PC 20 can operate.

  A user of the client PC 20 who desires printing processing inputs information regarding various settings in the printer mode such as selection of the MFP 30 as a printing destination and security settings by an input operation from the operation unit 114. Next, image data desired to be printed is selected and a print execution instruction is issued. As a result, a print determination process described later is executed, and various types of information including image data are transmitted to the selected MFP 30 according to the processing result. The security settings described above are settings related to authentication processing executed by the MFP 30 when performing printing processing. This authentication process is a process for determining whether or not the user of the MFP 30 is a legitimate user, and is performed by either personal authentication or password authentication. The personal authentication is authentication processing performed by authentication using an IC card that stores a user ID, biometric authentication using a fingerprint, or the like.

[Management Server 40]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 40. The management server 40 includes a control unit 200, HDD 212, operation unit 214, display unit 216, and LAN I / F 218. The control unit 200 includes a CPU 222, a ROM 224, and a RAM 226. A BUS line 228 is connected to the CPU 222. The ROM 224 and the RAM 226 are electrically connected to the BUS line 228, and the HDD 212, the operation unit 214, the display unit 216, and the LAN I / F 218 are electrically connected. Connected.

  The function of each component described above in the management server 40 is the same as the function of each component of the client PC 20 except that the data stored in the HDD 212 is different.

  The HDD 212 stores various data including positional relationship data and the like together with a program for realizing a general operation of the management server 40. The positional relationship data described above is data indicating the positional relationship between the MFP 30 and the client PC 20. Table 1 shows an example of positional relationship data.

  Referring to Table 1, in the positional relationship data, the floor name indicating the installation location of the MFP 30 and the client PC 20, the X and Y coordinate values indicating the position in the floor, the IP address, and the type of the device, Each is associated and stored in a table format. Various types of information stored in the positional relationship data are input by an input operation from the operation unit 214 by the user, for example. Alternatively, sensors may be installed in advance in the MFP 30 and the client PC 20 and may be automatically input based on the output results of each sensor.

  When the management server 40 receives an inquiry from the client PC 20 regarding the distance between the client PC 20 and the MFP 30 selected as the printing destination, the management server 40 determines whether the client PC 20 and the selected MFP 30 are based on the positional relationship data stored in the HDD 212. Calculate the distance. Then, the distance information including the calculation result is transmitted to the inquiry source client PC 20.

  When the management server 40 is requested to transmit the positional relationship data from the client PC 20, the management server 40 transmits the positional relationship data stored in the HDD 212 to the requesting client PC 20.

[MFP30]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 30. As shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, MFP 30 includes a control unit 300, a scanner unit 302, an image processing device 304, a printer unit 306, an operation panel 308, a LAN I / F 310, and a power supply control unit 312.

  The control unit 300 is substantially a computer and includes a CPU 322, a ROM 324, a RAM 326, and an HDD 328. A BUS line 330 is connected to the CPU 322, and a ROM 324, a RAM 326, and an HDD 328 are electrically connected to the BUS line 330. The CPU 322 executes various computer programs in response to instructions from an external device such as the client PC 20 and the management server 40 or the operation panel 308, thereby performing desired operations such as operation of each component of the MFP 30 and communication with the external device. Execute the process.

  The above-described various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 324 or the HDD 328, and are read from the ROM 324 or the HDD 328 and transferred to the RAM 326 when desired processing is executed. The CPU 322 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 326 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 322. CPU 322 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 326, the HDD 328, and the CPU 322.

  Further, the scanner unit 302, the image processing device 304, the printer unit 306, the operation panel 308, the LAN I / F 310, and the power supply control unit 312 are electrically connected to the BUS line 330.

  The scanner unit 302 includes a document scanning unit including a light source, a reflection mirror, an optical lens, and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (all of which are not shown). The document scanning unit irradiates light from a light source onto an image surface of a document placed on a document placement table (not shown) manually by a user or by an automatic document feeder (not shown). Thus, a reflected light image is obtained. The reflection mirror and the optical lens form the resulting reflected light image on the CCD line sensor. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing device 304 as image data.

  The image processing device 304 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing apparatus 304 performs various image processing such as region separation processing and gradation reproduction processing on image data input from the scanner unit 302 or the client PC 20 to generate printing image data with a predetermined gradation. Created and output to the printer unit 306.

  The printer unit 306 includes an image memory 332 and a printing unit 334. The image memory 332 includes a RAM, and temporarily stores image data in units of pages. The image memory 332 temporarily stores image data for printing to be transmitted to the printing unit 334 according to an instruction from the control unit 300 or the like, and stores the stored printing image data by the printing unit 334. The data is output to the printing unit 334 in synchronization with the formation.

  The printing unit 334 includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, an LSU, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, a fixing device (none of which is shown), and a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to the MFP 30. The printing unit 334 further includes a manual paper feed tray, a first paper feed tray, and a second paper feed tray (all of which are not shown) that are detachably attached to the MFP 30. These paper feed trays are installed so as to be lined up and down in this order, hold the recording paper, and feed the recording paper to a paper transport unit (not shown). The manual paper feed tray is a tray for a user to manually place desired recording paper, and the first paper feed tray and the second paper feed tray are trays for holding recording papers of different sizes. . In response to an instruction from the control unit 300 or the like, the printing unit 334 prints an image based on image data transmitted from the image memory 332 onto a recording sheet conveyed from any of the above-described paper feed trays via the sheet conveyance unit. To print.

  The operation panel 308 includes a display output unit including a liquid crystal display and an operation interface unit including operation buttons and a touch panel. The display output unit provides the user with information about the state of the MFP 30 and the state of various processes. The operation interface unit provides an interface for the user to operate the MFP 30. The operation panel 308 also provides an interactive operation interface for the user, which is configured by overlapping a liquid crystal display and a touch panel. This interactive operation interface accepts user instructions for the overall operation of the MFP 30 from the touch panel, displays the contents of the instructions on the liquid crystal display, and sends a control signal corresponding to the instructions to the control unit 300 or the image processing apparatus 304. Output to the MPU.

  The MFP 30 is connected to the LAN line 11 via the LAN I / F 310 and can perform data communication with various external devices connected on the LAN line 11.

  The power control unit 312 is electrically connected to the external power source 336. The power supply control unit 312 acquires power necessary for the operation of each component of the MFP 30 from the external power supply 336 and supplies the acquired power to each component of the MFP 30.

  The MFP 30 operates each of the above-described components to copy a document image and print an image on a recording sheet in accordance with an instruction by a user input operation from the operation panel 308 or an instruction from the client PC 20 or the like. One of various modes, such as a printer mode for receiving image data transmitted from the client PC 20 or the like and printing an image on recording paper, or a scanner mode for reading a document image and transmitting the image data to the client PC 20 or the like, is executed. To do.

<Software configuration>
[Client PC20]
5 and 6 are diagrams showing a control structure of a program for realizing the print determination process in a flowchart format. A program for realizing the print determination process is input after information related to various settings in the printer mode (including selection of the printing destination MFP 30 and security settings, etc.) is input by the user through the operation unit 114. This is activated when image data desired to be printed is selected and a print execution instruction is given.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the program inquires the management server 40 about the distance between the client PC 20 and the selected MFP 30, and waits until it receives distance information from the management server 40. including.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S102 that distance information has been received (in the case of YES). Based on the received distance information, the distance between the client PC 20 and the selected MFP 30 is determined in advance. Step S103 for determining whether or not the distance is within the predetermined distance is included. The predetermined distance is arbitrarily set by the user so that the distance between the PC 20 and the selected MFP 30 is determined to be close when the distance between the client PC 20 and the selected MFP 30 is within the predetermined distance. It is what is done.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S103 that the distance is within a predetermined distance (in the case of YES), that is, when the distance between the client PC 20 and the selected MFP 30 is short, and the image data It includes step S104 for determining whether or not the image data is important by determining whether or not the importance is higher than a predetermined set value.

  This program is further executed when it is determined that the importance is higher than the predetermined set value in step S104 and is important (in the case of YES), and the first security warning screen is displayed on the display unit 116. Is included in step S105.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the first security warning screen 600. Referring to FIG. 7, the first security warning screen 600 notifies that the importance of the image data is high, a message 602 that recommends changing the security setting, a “print as it is” button 604, and “reset”. ”Button 606.

  This program is further executed in step S106 for determining whether or not the “reset” button 606 has been pressed, and if it is determined in step S106 that the “reset” button 606 has been pressed (in the case of YES). And step S107 for displaying the setting change screen on the display unit 116.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting change screen 700. Referring to FIG. 8, setting change screen 700 is a screen for changing information relating to a security setting that is set in advance. The setting change screen 700 includes a check box 702 for selecting activation of the personal authentication mode, a check box 704 for selecting password setting, a text field 706 for inputting a password to be set, and an OK button. 708.

  The program further includes step S108 that waits until the OK button 708 is pressed.

  If it is determined in step S108 that the OK button 708 has been pressed (in the case of YES), this program is determined in step S104 that the importance is equal to or less than a predetermined set value and is not important. (In the case of NO), or when it is determined in step S106 that the “reset” button 606 has not been pressed (in the case of NO), that is, when the “print as it is” button 604 is pressed, Step S109 is included in which image data is transmitted to the selected MFP 30.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the program further determines in step S103 that the distance is not within a predetermined distance (in the case of NO), that is, if the distance between client PC 20 and selected MFP 30 is long. Step S110 is executed to determine whether the image data is important by determining whether the importance of the image data is higher than a predetermined set value.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S110 that the importance is equal to or less than a predetermined set value and is not important (in the case of NO), and the distance warning screen is displayed on the display unit 116. S111 is included.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the distance warning screen 800. Referring to FIG. 9, the distance warning screen 800 includes a message 802 for notifying that the selected MFP 30 is installed far away, a “print as it is” button 804, and a “print destination change” button 806. Including.

  The program further determines whether or not the “print destination change” button 806 has been pressed, and if it is determined in step S112 that the “print destination change” button 806 has not been pressed (in the case of NO). That is, it is executed when the “print as it is” button 804 is pressed, and includes a step S113 for displaying the second security warning screen on the display unit 116.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second security warning screen 900. Referring to FIG. 10, the second security warning screen 900 notifies that the selected MFP 30 is installed at a distance, a message 902 that recommends changing the security settings, and a “print as it is” button 904. , “Reset” button 906.

  The program further includes step S114 for determining whether or not the “reset button” 906 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S114 that the “reset button” 906 has been pressed (YES), the control proceeds to step S107. If it is determined in step S114 that the “reset” button 906 has not been pressed (NO), that is, if the “print as it is” button 904 is pressed, the control proceeds to step S109.

  This program is further executed in step S112 when it is determined that the “print destination change” button 806 has been pressed (in the case of YES), and the management server 40 is requested to transmit positional relationship data. Step S116 that waits until the positional relationship data is received, and if it is determined in step S116 that the positional relationship data has been received (in the case of YES), the received positional relationship is displayed on the display unit 116. And a step S117 of displaying a printing destination change screen based on the data.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print destination change screen 1000. Referring to FIG. 11, print destination change screen 1000 includes map information 1002. The map information 1002 displays the positional relationship between the client PC 20 and the MFP 30 and the operation status of the MFP 30 on the floor where the client PC 20 is installed. In the map information 1002 shown in FIG. 11, the above-described positional relationship and operation status on the floor A are displayed.

  In the map information 1002 shown in FIG. 11, an area 1003 indicates the position of the client PC 20 that issued the print execution instruction. An area 1004 indicates the position of the MFP 30 that cannot be used because the power is off. Areas 1005A and 1005B indicate the positions of the MFPs 30 that are not recommended to perform the authentication process when the print process is executed. An area 1006 indicates the position of the MFP 30 where the authentication process is essential when the print process is executed. An area 1007 indicates the position of the MFP 30 that is recommended to perform the authentication process when the print process is executed. The user can select a desired MFP 30 by clicking an area indicating the position of the desired MFP 30.

  The determination as to whether or not to recommend the authentication process is made based on the distance information between the client PC 20 and the MFP 30 and the importance of the image data to be printed. For example, when all of the power-on MFPs 30 are located far away from the client PC 20, they are displayed as MFPs 30 that are recommended to execute the authentication process. In addition, although the MFP 30 shown in the area 1005B is located far from the client PC 20, it accepts many jobs and takes a long time for the printing process, and is displayed as an MFP 30 that does not recommend the authentication process.

  This program is further executed in step S118 that waits until the MFP 30 is selected, and when it is determined in step S118 that the MFP 30 has been selected (in the case of YES), based on the operation status of the selected MFP 30. And S119 for determining whether or not the security setting needs to be changed. If it is determined in step S119 that a change is necessary (YES), control proceeds to step S107. If it is determined in step S119 that no change is necessary (in the case of NO), the control proceeds to step S109.

  This program is further executed in step S110 when the importance is higher than a predetermined set value and is determined to be important (in the case of YES), and causes the display unit 116 to display a print warning screen. Step S120 is included.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print warning screen 1100. Referring to FIG. 12, the print warning screen 1100 notifies that the selected MFP 30 is installed far away and the importance of the image data is high, and changes the security settings and the print destination. A message 1102 for recommending, a “print as it is” button 1104, and a “reset” button 1106.

  The program further includes step S121 for determining whether or not the “reset button” 1106 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S121 that the “reset button” 1106 has been pressed (in the case of YES), the control proceeds to step S115. If it is determined in step S121 that the “reset” button 1106 has not been pressed (NO), that is, if the “print as it is” button 1104 has been pressed, control proceeds to step S109.

<Operation>
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, the printing system 10 operates as follows. The general operation of the printing system 10 other than the operation described below is the same as the operation of the conventional printing system. In the operation described below, it is assumed that the user uses the client PC 20A shown in FIG.

-When the distance between the client PC 20A and the MFP 30 is short-
The user inputs information related to various settings in the printer mode (including selection of the printing destination MFP 30 and security settings) by an input operation from the operation unit 114 of the client PC 20A, and then selects image data desired to be printed. And issue a print execution instruction. At this time, the user selects the MFP 30A installed in “Floor A” where the client PC 20A is installed as the printing destination MFP. The security setting is set so that personal authentication and password authentication are not performed.

  When a print execution instruction is given, the CPU 122 of the client PC 20A inquires of the management server 40 about the distance between the client PC 20A and the selected MFP 30A (S101).

  In response to the inquiry, the management server 40 calculates the distance between the client PC 20A and the selected MFP 30A based on the positional relationship data stored in the HDD 212. Then, distance information including the calculation result is transmitted to the client PC 20A.

  When CPU 122 receives distance information from management server 40 (YES in S102), CPU 122 determines whether or not the distance between PC 20A and selected MFP 30A is within a predetermined distance based on the received distance information. (S103).

  Since the selected MFP 30A is installed on the same floor as the PC 20A and the distance between the two is close, the CPU 122 determines that the distance between the PC 20A and the selected MFP 30A is within a predetermined distance (YES in S103). ). Then, it is determined whether or not the image data is important by determining whether or not the importance of the image data is higher than a predetermined set value (S104).

  If the importance of the image data is higher than a preset value and the image data is important (YES in S104), display unit 116 displays first security warning screen 600 (see FIG. 7) (see FIG. 7). S105). When “reset” button 606 is pressed by the user who has confirmed first security warning screen 600 (YES in S106), display unit 116 displays setting change screen 700 (see FIG. 8). (S107). The user who confirms the setting change screen 700 presses the OK button 708 after checking the check box 702 or checking the check box 704 and entering the password in the text field 706.

  When OK button 708 is pressed (YES in S108), CPU 122 transmits the selected image data to MFP 30A (S109). After the transmission, the user goes to the MFP 30A to perform personal authentication or password authentication. When the personal authentication or password authentication is passed, the MFP 30 executes a printing process based on the received image data.

  On the other hand, when “print as it is” button 604 is pressed by the user who confirmed first security warning screen 600 (NO in S106), CPU 122 transmits the selected image data to MFP 30A. (S109). The MFP 30A executes print processing based on the received image data.

  If the importance of the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined set value (NO in S104), that is, if the image data is not important, CPU 122 transmits the selected image data to MFP 30A (S109). ). The MFP 30 executes print processing based on the received image data.

-When the distance between the client PC 20A and the MFP 30 is long-
The user inputs information related to various settings in the printer mode (including selection of the printing destination MFP 30 and security settings) by an input operation from the operation unit 114 of the client PC 20A, and then selects image data desired to be printed. And issue a print execution instruction. At this time, the user selects the MFP 30B installed in “floor B”, which is a different floor from the floor A where the client PC 20A is installed, as the MFP to be printed. The security setting is set so that personal authentication and password authentication are not performed.

  When a print execution instruction is given, the CPU 122 of the client PC 20A inquires of the management server 40 about the distance between the client PC 20A and the selected MFP 30B (S101).

  In response to the inquiry, the management server 40 calculates the distance between the client PC 20A and the selected MFP 30B based on the positional relationship data stored in the HDD 212. Then, distance information including the calculation result is transmitted to the client PC 20A.

  When CPU 122 receives distance information from management server 40 (YES in S102), CPU 122 determines whether or not the distance between PC 20A and selected MFP 30B is within a predetermined distance based on the received distance information. (S103).

  Since the selected MFP 30B is installed in a floor B different from the floor A on which the client PC 20A is installed, and the distance between the two is far, the CPU 122 determines that the distance between the PC 20A and the selected MFP 30B is within a predetermined distance. (No at S103). Then, it is determined whether or not the image data is important by determining whether or not the importance of the image data is higher than a predetermined set value (S110).

  If the importance of the image data is equal to or less than a preset value and the image data is not important (NO in S110), display unit 116 displays distance warning screen 800 (see FIG. 9).

  When “print as it is” button 804 is pressed by the user who has confirmed distance warning screen 800 (NO in S112), display unit 116 displays second security warning screen 900 (see FIG. 10) (S113). ).

  When “reset” button 906 is pressed by the user who has confirmed second security warning screen 900 (YES in S114), display unit 116 displays setting change screen 700 (see FIG. 8). (S107). The user who confirms the setting change screen 700 presses the OK button 708 after checking the check box 702 or checking the check box 704 and entering the password in the text field 706.

  When OK button 708 is pressed (YES in S108), CPU 122 transmits the selected image data to MFP 30B (S109). The user goes to the MFP 30B and authenticates himself / herself or uses a password. When the personal authentication or password authentication is passed, the MFP 30B executes a printing process based on the received image data.

  As described above, when the user tries to continue printing despite the fact that the selected MFP 30 is installed far away on the distance warning screen 800, the CPU 122 is far away from the selected MFP 30. Is displayed, and a second security warning screen 900 including a message 902 that recommends changing the security setting is displayed. Therefore, it becomes even easier to avoid an image based on highly important image data from being transferred to the hands of a third party.

  On the other hand, when “print as it is” button 904 is pressed by the user who has confirmed second security warning screen 900 (NO in S114), CPU 122 transmits the selected image data to MFP 30B. (S109). The MFP 30B executes print processing based on the received image data.

  If “print destination change” button 806 is pressed by the user who has confirmed distance warning screen 800 (YES in S112), CPU 122 requests management server 40 to transmit positional relationship data (S115). ).

  The management server 40 transmits positional relationship data to the CPU 122 in response to the request from the CPU 122. When the positional relationship data is received (YES in S116), display unit 116 displays print destination change screen 1000 based on the received positional relationship data (S117).

  The user confirms the print destination change screen 1000 and clicks an area indicating the position of the desired MFP 30 to select the desired MFP 30.

  When MFP 30 is selected (YES in S118), CPU 122 determines whether or not security settings need to be changed based on the operation status of selected MFP 30 (S119). If the selected area is, for example, the area 1007 indicating the position of the MFP 30 that recommends the authentication process, and it is determined that the change is necessary (YES in S119), the display unit 116 displays the setting change screen 700 ( 8) is displayed (S107). The user who confirms the setting change screen 700 presses the OK button 708 after checking the check box 702 or checking the check box 704 and entering the password in the text field 706.

  When OK button 708 is pressed (YES in S108), CPU 122 transmits the image data to selected MFP 30 (S109). The user goes to the selected MFP 30 and performs personal authentication or password authentication. If the user authentication or password authentication is passed, the selected MFP 30 executes print processing based on the received image data.

  On the other hand, if the selected area is, for example, one of areas 1005A and 1005B indicating the position of MFP 30 that does not recommend authentication processing, and it is determined that no change is necessary (NO in S119), CPU 122 Data is transmitted to the selected MFP 30 (S109). The selected MFP 30 executes print processing based on the received image data.

  If the importance of the image data is higher than a preset value and the image data is important (YES in S110), display unit 116 displays a print warning screen 1100 (see FIG. 12) (S120). ). When “print as it is” button 1104 is pressed by the user who has confirmed print warning screen 1100 (NO in S121), CPU 122 transmits the selected image data to MFP 30B (S109). The MFP 30B executes print processing based on the received image data.

  On the other hand, when “reset” button 1106 is pressed by the user who has confirmed print warning screen 1100 (YES in S121), CPU 122 requests management server 40 to transmit the positional relationship data ( S115).

  The management server 40 transmits positional relationship data to the CPU 122 in response to the request from the CPU 122. When the positional relationship data is received (YES in S116), display unit 116 displays print destination change screen 1000 based on the received positional relationship data (S117). At this time, since the image data is important, all areas except for the area 1004 indicating the position of the MFP 30 that cannot be used because the power is OFF are recommended to be subjected to the authentication process when the print process is executed. Displayed to indicate position.

  The user confirms the print destination change screen 1000 and clicks an area indicating the position of the desired MFP 30 excluding the area 1004 to select the desired MFP 30.

  When MFP 30 is selected (YES in S118), CPU 122 determines whether or not security settings need to be changed based on the operation status of selected MFP 30 (S119). CPU 122 determines that a change is necessary (YES in S119), and display unit 116 displays setting change screen 700 (see FIG. 8) (S107). The user who confirms the setting change screen 700 presses the OK button 708 after checking the check box 702 or checking the check box 704 and entering the password in the text field 706.

  When OK button 708 is pressed (YES in S108), CPU 122 transmits the image data to selected MFP 30 (S109). The user goes to the selected MFP 30 and performs personal authentication or password authentication. If the user authentication or password authentication is passed, the selected MFP 30 executes print processing based on the received image data.

<Action and effect>
According to the above embodiment, the printing system 10 is a printing system that includes a plurality of MFPs 30 and a client PC 20 connected to the plurality of MFPs 30 via the LAN line 11. The client PC 20 receives the print instruction, the LAN I / F 118 that transmits image data to any of the plurality of MFPs 30 in response to the print instruction, and the client PC 20 and the destination MFP 30. Before the transmission of the image data, and a control unit 100 having a first determination function for determining whether or not the distance to the image data is large and a second determination function for determining whether or not the image data is important. When at least the distance is determined by the first determination function, or when the image data is determined to be important by the second determination function, a screen for warning the transmission of the image data And a display unit 116 for displaying. The MFP 30 includes a printer unit 306 that prints an image based on the image data.

  As described above, in the client PC 20, before the image data is transmitted, at least when the distance between the client PC 20 that has issued the print instruction and the MFP 30 that is the image data transmission destination is large, or the image data to be transmitted is important. In some cases, a screen for warning about transmission of image data is displayed. Therefore, the user can prevent the MFP 30 installed in the distance by mistake from performing a printing process or easily printing important printed matter. As described above, since the warning is made in consideration not only of the distance between the client PC 20 and the MFP 30 but also the importance of the image data, printing processing with a high security level can be executed. In particular, since a warning screen is displayed even when an important printed matter is printed on the MFP 30 installed nearby, the security level is further improved.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, in the client PC 20, the print destination change screen 1000 and the operation unit 114 accept an instruction requesting to change the MFP 30 as a transmission destination, and the display unit 116 has received a warning. If the operation unit 114 does not accept the change instruction, it is recommended to execute an authentication process for determining whether or not the user of the destination MFP 30 is a regular user before printing. Display a message.

  As described above, when the MFP 30 as the transmission destination is not changed in spite of the warning, a message recommending that authentication processing such as personal authentication or password authentication is executed is displayed. Therefore, the probability that the authentication process is executed is increased, and the printing process with a higher security level can be executed.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when the operation unit 114 receives an instruction to change the transmission destination MFP 30, the print destination change screen 1000 displays the positional relationship between the client PC and the plurality of MFPs 30. In addition, by displaying the operation status of the plurality of MFPs 30, the MFP 30 that is a candidate for the change destination is displayed.

  As described above, since the positional relationship between the client PC and the plurality of MFPs 30 and the operation status of the plurality of MFPs 30 are displayed, the user can easily select the destination MFP 30 according to the user's intention. it can. Therefore, user convenience is further improved.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the print destination change screen 1000 displays the information regarding the power ON / OFF state and the information regarding whether or not the authentication process is recommended as the operation status of the MFP 30. Accordingly, the user can select the destination MFP 30 based on the information on the power ON / OFF state and the information on whether or not the authentication process is recommended, so that the destination according to the user's intention can be selected. The MFP 30 can be selected more easily.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the printing destination change screen 1000 displays the authentication processing for all the MFPs 30 in the power-on state when all the power-on MFPs 30 are located far from the client PC 20. Is displayed as the MFP 30 that recommends the execution of. This increases the probability that the authentication process is executed when the MFP 30 installed far away performs the printing process. Therefore, when the MFP 30 installed at a distance is to perform the printing process, the user goes to the MFP 30 and the printing process is performed after the authentication process is performed, so that a third party obtains the printed matter. Can be avoided more reliably, and the security level is further improved.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the print destination change screen 1000 displays the MFP 30 that is located far from the client PC 20 and takes a long time to start printing as an MFP 30 that does not recommend authentication processing. To do.

  Even if the MFP 30 is likely to not start printing until the user visits even if it is installed far away, a third party can print the printed matter without executing the authentication process. Less likely to get. Therefore, since the MFP 30 that is far away and takes a long time to start printing is displayed as the MFP 30 that does not recommend the authentication process, the probability that the authentication process will not be performed is increased. This saves time and effort.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the print destination change screen 1000 displays the positional relationship between the client PC 20 and the plurality of MFPs 30 as the map information 1002, and the operation unit 114 is an area indicating the position of the MFP 30 in the map information 1002. By clicking, the selected MFP 30 is accepted as the change destination MFP 30.

  Thus, since the map information 1002 indicating the positional relationship between the client PC 20 and the plurality of MFPs 30 is displayed, the user can easily recognize the positional relationship visually. Further, since the user can select the MFP 30 as the change destination by selecting the area indicating the position of the MFP 30 in the map information 1002, it is possible to more easily select the MFP 30 as the transmission destination according to the user's intention. Therefore, user convenience is further improved.

  In the above embodiment, whether or not the image data is important is determined based on whether or not the importance of the image data is higher than a predetermined set value. It is not limited to the form. For example, it may be determined whether the image data is important by recognizing and determining the content of the printed matter.

  The method for recognizing and judging the contents of the printed matter is not particularly limited as long as it is a method generally used in the field. For example, a method for determining that image data is important when copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data and a two-dimensional barcode are added to the image data, and character recognition of the character area of the image data by OCR (Optical Character Reader), For example, when the recognized character string includes predetermined characters such as “important” and “copy prohibited”, a method for determining that the image data is important can be used.

  In the above embodiment, when the “reset” button 1106 is pressed by the user who has confirmed the print warning screen 1100 (YES in S121), the MFP 30 that is in the power-off state on the print destination change screen 1000 is displayed. All the areas except for the area 1004 indicating the position of the MFP 30 are displayed so as to indicate the positions of the MFP 30 that are recommended to perform the authentication process at the time of executing the print process, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. . For example, all the areas other than the area 1004 indicating the position of the MFP 30 in the power OFF state may be displayed to indicate the positions of the MFP 30 that are required to perform the authentication process when executing the printing process. As described above, when the image data is important, it is recommended that all areas except the area 1004 indicating the position of the MFP 30 in the power-off state be subjected to the authentication process when the print process is executed, or essential. Since it is displayed so as to indicate the position of the MFP 30, the security level can be further improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 30 as the printing destination is manually changed. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the client PC 20 transmits information indicating the importance of the image data to the management server 40, and the management server 40 is based on the distance information between the client PC 20 and the MFP 30, the importance of the image data to be printed, and the like. It may be configured to automatically change the printing destination MFP 30.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the scope of claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

10 Printing System 11 LAN Line 20 Client PC
30 MFP
40 Management server 100, 200, 300 Control unit 112, 212, 328 HDD
114, 214 Operation unit 116, 216 Display unit 118, 218, 310 LAN I / F
122, 222, 322 CPU
124,224,324 ROM
126,226,326 RAM
128, 228, 330 BUS line 302 Scanner unit 304 Image processing device 306 Printer unit 308 Operation panel 312 Power source control unit 332 Image memory 334 Printing unit 336 External power source

Claims (8)

A plurality of image forming apparatuses that print images based on image data, and an information processing apparatus connected via a network,
A receiving means for receiving a print instruction;
A transmission unit that transmits the image data to any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses in response to the print instruction;
First determination means for determining whether or not the distance between the information processing apparatus and the destination image forming apparatus is large;
Second determination means for determining whether the image data is important;
Before the transmission of the image data, at least when the first determination means determines that the distance is large, or the second determination means determines that the image data is important A warning means for warning the transmission of the image data. Change accepting means for accepting an instruction to change the destination image forming apparatus;
After the warning is issued, if the change accepting unit does not accept the instruction, it is determined whether or not the user of the image forming apparatus as the transmission destination is a regular user before performing the printing. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit that displays a message recommending that the authentication process for determining is executed.   When the change accepting unit accepts the instruction, by displaying the positional relationship between the information processing apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the operation status of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, candidates for the change destination The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising candidate display means for displaying the image forming apparatus.   4. The information according to claim 3, wherein the candidate display unit displays information regarding a power ON / OFF state and information regarding whether or not to execute the authentication process is recommended as an operation status of the image forming apparatus. Processing equipment.   When all of the image forming apparatuses in the power-on state are located far from the information processing apparatus, the candidate display unit executes all of the image forming apparatuses in the power-on state to execute the authentication process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is displayed as a recommended image forming apparatus.   The candidate display means displays an image forming apparatus that is located far from the information processing apparatus and takes a long time to start printing as an image forming apparatus that does not recommend authentication processing. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus according to claim 5. The candidate display means displays the positional relationship between the information processing apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses as map information,
The apparatus further comprises a change destination accepting unit that accepts the selected image forming apparatus as a change destination image forming apparatus by selecting an area indicating the position of the image forming apparatus in the map information. 6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 6. A printing system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A receiving means for receiving a print instruction;
A transmission unit that transmits the image data to any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses in response to the print instruction;
First determination means for determining whether or not the distance between the information processing apparatus and the destination image forming apparatus is large;
Second determination means for determining whether the image data is important;
Before the transmission of the image data, at least when the first determination means determines that the distance is large, or the second determination means determines that the image data is important A warning means for warning the transmission of the image data,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing system including printing means for printing an image based on image data.

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