JP2014179030A - Printing system, data storage device, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a system in which target data to be printed is easily transmitted to a data storage device to simplify a printing operation.
A mail management unit including a data management system and a data storage device that is a print server, the data management system acquiring an email including target data and user specifying information for specifying a user. A data conversion unit that converts the target data included in the e-mail into output data in a format that can be output by the image forming apparatus, and the output data is managed in association with the user identification information included in the corresponding e-mail The data storage device acquires the output data in association with the user identification information from the data management system, and identifies the user included in the acquired authentication information from the acquired output data Management corresponding to the user identification information.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a data storage device, a method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pull print system is known in which a print server stores print data, an image forming apparatus accesses the print server, acquires the stored print data, and executes printing. Such a pull print system is used in, for example, companies and universities.

  For example, there is a case where a pull print system is realized in a university network such as a university. However, because the campus network restricts access from the external network by a firewall, it was not possible to send print data from a computer on the external network to the print server. Also, when printing from a computer on the campus network, it was necessary to install a printer driver on the computer. For this reason, for example, in order to print an assignment created at home on the campus image forming apparatus, the student must access the campus network and transfer the data to a computer on which the printer driver is installed. The work was troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a system, a data storage device, a method, and a program that easily transmit target data to be printed to a data storage device to simplify printing work. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a system according to the present invention is a system including a data management system including one or more information processing devices and a data storage device, and the data management The system converts the target data included in the e-mail into output data in a format that can be output by the image forming apparatus, and a mail acquisition unit that acquires the e-mail including target data and user specifying information for specifying the user. A data conversion unit; and a first management unit that manages the output data in association with the user identification information included in the corresponding e-mail, and the data storage device includes the data management system An output data acquisition unit for acquiring the output data in association with the user identification information, and for user authentication based on the user identification information. And a second management unit that manages the acquired output data in association with user identification information for identifying a user included in the acquired authentication information. .

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that the target data to be printed can be easily transmitted to the data storage device to simplify the printing work.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a data management server, a print server, an image forming apparatus, and an authentication server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the print server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic mail transmitted to the mail server of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the print server according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of the printing system according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output data list screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the print server according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of the printing system according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a flow of user ID identification processing in the print server according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a print server according to a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the print server according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server according to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server according to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the print server according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a data management server and a print server according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of ID correspondence information stored in the print server according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server of the fifth modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence until the print server acquires output data in the printing system according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic mail transmitted from the print server according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment to the data management server. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a data management server and a print server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of area ID management information stored in the data management server of the second embodiment. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server of the second embodiment. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence until the print server acquires output data in the printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the data management server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic mail transmitted to the mail server of the second embodiment. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the area ID management information stored in the data management server according to the modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a processing sequence until the data management server records output data in the printing system according to the modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the service providing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a print server, an image forming apparatus, and a service providing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of organization management information stored in the management information storage unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user management information stored in the management information storage unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of device management information stored in the management information storage unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the scheme information stored in the scheme information storage unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information when the user specifying method is mail information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information when the user identification method is a user ID according to the third embodiment. FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence until the print service application records output data in the printing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when data is input to the service providing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence when the print server of the campus network acquires output data from the service providing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence when the image forming apparatus in the corporate network according to the third embodiment acquires output data from the service providing system.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The printing system 10 includes a mail server 11, a data management server 12 (data management system), a firewall 21, at least one print server 22 (data storage device), at least one image forming device 23, and an authentication server 24. And at least one client terminal 25 and at least one portable terminal 26.

  The printing system 10 is a system that enables pull printing to an image forming apparatus 23 provided in the campus network 20 using electronic mail. In other words, in the printing system 10, when a user (for example, a student or a teacher) belonging to a school sends an e-mail attached with target data from the client terminal 25 to the mail server 11, the target data can be printed by the data management server 12. Converted to data. Subsequently, in the printing system 10, output data is transferred from the data management server 12 to the print server 22, and the print server 22 accumulates the output data. In the printing system 10, the image forming apparatus 23 acquires and prints printable output data stored in the print server 22 in accordance with a user operation.

  The on-campus network 20 is an internal network that restricts access from devices on an external network. That is, a device provided in the campus network 20 can access a server or the like outside the campus network 20, but cannot access a device provided in the campus network 20 from an external device.

  In this example, the on-campus network 20 will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the on-campus network, and may be an in-company network or the like as long as the internal network is restricted from outside.

  The mail server 11 is provided on the Internet outside the campus network 20. The mail server 11 receives and accumulates e-mail transmitted from the client terminal 25 to a preset address.

  Here, the e-mail transmitted from the client terminal 25 includes target data to be printed and user specifying information for specifying the user. For example, the target data is included in the electronic mail as an attached file. The target data is data in a file format created by an application program or the like, and is data before being converted into print data by the printer driver. The target data is, for example, a file created by a word processor application program, a file created by a spreadsheet application program, a file created by a presentation program, or the like.

  The user specifying information is a number that uniquely identifies a user of the campus network 20 and is a number that is not confidential (that is, can be known by other users). In this example, the user specifying information is a student ID number uniquely assigned to each student of the school where the on-campus network 20 is used. The student ID number is also called a study number or a student number.

  The user specifying information is included in text at a predetermined position in the e-mail. For example, the user specifying information is included in the subject of the e-mail.

  The data management server 12 is provided on the Internet outside the campus network 20. The data management server 12 is composed of one or more information processing devices.

  The data management server 12 is an example of a data management system, and periodically acquires e-mails including target data and user identification information from the mail server 11. Then, the data management server 12 converts the target data into output data in a format printable by the image forming apparatus 23, and stores the converted output data and user specifying information in association with each other. Here, the output data in a format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 23 is data that is a source of an image formed by the image forming apparatus 23. For example, the output data is printed by the printer driver for the image forming apparatus 23. This is the data after conversion.

  The firewall 21 restricts access from an external device to a device provided in the campus network 20. That is, the firewall 21 can access the external mail server 11 and the data management server 12 from a device provided in the campus network 20, but from the mail server 11 and the data management server 12 to a device provided in the campus network 20. Restrict access.

  The print server 22 is an example of a data storage device and is provided in the campus network 20. The print server 22 is composed of one or more information processing apparatuses.

  The print server 22 acquires the output data from the data management server 12 in association with the user specifying information. Subsequently, the print server 22 accesses the authentication server 24, acquires authentication information specified by the acquired user specifying information, and acquires user identification information for identifying a user included in the authentication information.

  Here, the authentication information is information for using the image forming apparatus 23 and the like, and is information that the user should keep secret from other users. For example, the authentication information includes user identification information (user ID) and a password for identifying the user.

  The authentication server 24 manages authentication information (user ID and password) and user identification information (student ID number) in association with each other. The print server 22 acquires user identification information (user ID) by transmitting user specifying information (student ID number) to the authentication server 24.

  Then, the print server 22 stores the output data acquired from the data management server 12 in association with the corresponding user identification information (user ID).

  The image forming apparatus 23 is provided in the campus network 20. The image forming apparatus 23 is an apparatus having a printing function and a function of connecting to the campus network 20. The image forming apparatus 23 may be a multifunction machine having at least one of a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a copy function in addition to a printing function.

  The image forming apparatus 23 receives input of authentication information (user ID and password) from the user, and causes the authentication server 24 to perform user authentication. When the user authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus 23 acquires a list of output data associated with the user identification information (user ID) of the user who has been successfully authenticated from the print server 22 and displays the list. Then, the image forming apparatus 23 acquires output data selected by the user's operation from the list from the print server 22 and prints the acquired output data.

  The authentication server 24 is provided in the campus network 20. The print server 22 is composed of one or more information processing apparatuses. The authentication server 24 manages authentication information (user ID and password) and user identification information (student ID number) in association with each user.

  The client terminal 25 is a terminal such as a computer used by a user. When the client terminal 25 performs pull printing using an e-mail, the e-mail with the target data attached and the user specific information (student ID number) written in a predetermined position (for example, subject) is sent to the mail server. Send to 11 preset addresses. In this case, the client terminal 25 may be connected to the campus network 20 or may be connected to the Internet outside the campus network 20.

  The mobile terminal 26 is a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like used by the user. The portable terminal 26 is an example of the client terminal 25 and can be used in the same manner as the client terminal 25 as long as it is approved by the administrator.

  The mail server 11 and the data management server 12 may be realized by a single information processing apparatus or a plurality of information processing apparatuses. In addition, the print server 22 and the authentication server 24 may be realized by a single information processing apparatus and a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the data management server 12, the print server 22, the image forming apparatus 23, and the authentication server 24 according to the first embodiment.

  The data management server 12 includes a mail acquisition unit 31, a data conversion unit 32, a first management unit 33, and a first storage unit 34. The mail acquisition unit 31 acquires an email including target data and user specifying information for specifying a user from the mail server 11. In this case, the mail acquisition unit 31 acquires an e-mail at regular intervals.

  The data conversion unit 32 converts the target data included in the email into output data in a format that can be output by the image forming apparatus 23. For example, the data conversion unit 32 extracts an attached file from an e-mail, determines the file format, and executes conversion processing.

  The first management unit 33 detects the user specifying information included in the e-mail. For example, the first management unit 33 detects a student ID number included in the subject of the e-mail. Then, the first management unit 33 associates the output data converted by the data conversion unit 32 with the detected user identification information (student ID number) and stores them in the first storage unit 34 for management. The first storage unit 34 stores output data and user identification information (student ID number).

  The print server 22 includes an output data acquisition unit 35, a user information acquisition unit 36, a second management unit 37, and a second storage unit 38. The output data acquisition unit 35 acquires the output data from the data management server 12 in association with the user identification information. As an example, the output data acquisition unit 35 periodically acquires output data.

  When the output data is acquired by the output data acquisition unit 35, the user information acquisition unit 36 accesses the authentication server 24 and acquires user information corresponding to the user identification information (student ID number) associated with the output data. To do.

  The second management unit 37 acquires authentication information corresponding to the user specifying information (student ID number) associated with the output data from the acquired user information. Subsequently, the second management unit 37 specifies user identification information (user ID) included in the acquired authentication information. The second management unit 37 stores the output data acquired by the output data acquisition unit 35 in the second storage unit 38 in association with the user identification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 36 from the authentication server 24. to manage. The second storage unit 38 stores output data and user identification information.

  The image forming apparatus 23 includes an authentication processing unit 41, an acquisition unit 42, and an output unit 43. The authentication processing unit 41 receives input of authentication information (user ID and password) from the user, and requests user authentication from the authentication server 24. The acquisition unit 42 acquires a list of output data of authenticated users from the print server 22 in response to successful user authentication. Further, the acquisition unit 42 acquires output data selected from the output data list from the print server 22. The output unit 43 prints out the output data acquired by the acquisition unit 42.

  The authentication server 24 includes an authentication unit 44 and a user information storage unit 45. The authentication unit 44 performs user authentication in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 23. Specifically, the authentication unit 44 matches the authentication information (user ID and password) input to the image forming apparatus 23 with the authentication information of any user stored in the user information storage unit 45. Authenticate whether or not. The user information storage unit 45 stores user information (authentication information (user ID and password) and user identification information (student ID number)) of each user.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server 24 according to the first embodiment. The authentication server 24 stores user information as shown in FIG. 3 as an example. That is, the authentication server 24 stores, for each user, user information in which a user ID, a password, and a student ID number are associated with each other.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the print server 22 according to the first embodiment. As an example, the print server 22 stores output data management information as shown in FIG. That is, the print server 22 stores output data management information in which output data ID, user ID, and bibliographic information are associated with each other for each output data.

  The bibliographic information includes the file name of the output data, the data size, and the like. The bibliographic information is information that inherits the bibliographic information of the target data, for example. Further, the print server 22 can specify the storage location of the actual output data by the output data ID or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the first embodiment. As an example, the data management server 12 stores output data management information as shown in FIG. That is, the data management server 12 stores, for each output data, output data management information in which the output data ID, the student ID number, and the bibliographic information are associated with each other. The data management server 12 can specify the storage location of the output data entity by the output data ID.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

  First, the client terminal 25 transmits an e-mail including target data and a student ID number to the mail server 11 (S111). Here, the client terminal 25 includes the target data in the attached file of the e-mail and includes the student ID number in the subject of the e-mail.

  Subsequently, the mail acquisition unit 31 of the data management server 12 requests the mail server 11 to acquire an e-mail (S112). Subsequently, the mail server 11 returns the electronic mail accumulated so far to the data management server 12 in response to the request (S113).

  Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 extracts an attached file (target data) from the acquired e-mail (S114). Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 converts the data format of the extracted target data to generate output data (S115).

  Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires a student ID number from the subject of the acquired electronic mail (S116). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 records the output data (S117). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 generates output data management information including the student ID number, and records it in association with the output data (S118).

  Subsequently, the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 requests the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 to acquire output data (S119). Subsequently, in response to the request, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 returns the output data and output data management information accumulated so far to the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 (S120).

  Subsequently, the user information acquisition unit 36 of the print server 22 transmits the student ID number included in the output data management information to the authentication server 24 and requests acquisition of user information (S121). If the received student ID number exists, the authentication server 24 returns corresponding user information to the user information acquisition unit 36 of the print server 22 in response to the request (S122).

  Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 specifies the user ID corresponding to the student ID number based on the user information acquired from the authentication server 24 (S123). Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 stores the output data and the user ID in association with each other (S124).

  Subsequently, when receiving an input of a user ID and a password from the user, the image forming apparatus 23 transmits an authentication request to the authentication server 24 (S125). The authentication server 24 authenticates the user ID and password in response to the authentication request (S126). Subsequently, when the authentication is successful, the authentication server 24 returns an authentication result to the image forming apparatus 23 (S127).

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 23 transmits an output data acquisition request together with the user ID to the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 (S128). Subsequently, in response to the acquisition request, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 returns output data corresponding to the user ID to the image forming apparatus 23 (S129). Note that the print server 22 may transmit a list of output data corresponding to the user ID to the image forming apparatus 23, and may transmit output data selected by the user. Then, the image forming apparatus 23 prints out the received output data (S130).

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, by sending an e-mail to the mail server 11, printing is performed on the image forming apparatus 23 in the campus network 20 where access from the outside is restricted. be able to. Thereby, according to the printing system 10, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus 23 in the campus network 20 to print the target data transmitted from the client terminal 25 outside the campus network 20. Further, according to the printing system 10, since the target data may be included in the e-mail, the client terminal 25 may not include a printer driver or the like.

  In addition, although the method which inputs a student ID number to an email as an example is shown, this invention is not limited to this. For example, since authentication is performed using a user ID and a password, a method of inputting only the user ID into an e-mail may be used. When the user information stores the user name in association with the user ID, the user name may be used. That is, it is not preferable for security reasons to use the authentication information (in the embodiment, user ID and password) used for determining success or failure of the authentication outside the campus network 20. The output data is managed using a part of the authentication information or other types of user information instead of the authentication information itself.

  However, when a user name is used, there is a possibility that a problem may occur when there is a user with the same name, so it is necessary to ensure the uniqueness of the user name. Therefore, it is desirable to use at least information that can identify the user and not the authentication information itself, and the student ID number is shown as a preferred example that is used as information that can uniquely identify the user within the university.

  Further, as an example, the authentication using the user ID and the password is shown, but the authentication method is not limited to this. For example, authentication using only a user ID, password only, or card authentication using an IC card may be used, and the application of the present invention is not limited by the authentication method. That is, in any authentication method, security is improved by not managing highly confidential information such as authentication information used for authentication in the external network.

  Therefore, the reason for adopting the student ID number as the information for managing the output data outside the campus network 20 is that the student ID number alone cannot identify the user and is not used for authentication. It is assumed that the information is determined to be at least not confidential compared to the authentication information. Furthermore, the student ID number is information that is easy for students to remember and is easy for students to use. In addition, when it is not desired to use the student ID number with highly confidential information, information that can identify another user may be used. For example, another ID may be prepared for each user and made known to each user.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic mail transmitted to the mail server 11 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the example which inputs user specific information (student ID number) to the subject of an email was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as the student ID number can be acquired from a predetermined area of the e-mail. For example, the student ID number may be included in the text.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which an attached file is extracted from an e-mail and the attached file is converted into output data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the text data of the e-mail may be converted into output data, or both the text data and the attached file may be converted into output data.

(First modification of the first embodiment)
Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. Since the first modification of the first embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the basic configuration of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the member has substantially the same function and configuration. Are given the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the print server 22 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

  In the first modification, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires information from a predetermined position in the e-mail, and includes the acquired information in the bibliographic information of the output data. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first management unit 33 acquires comments (characters such as a chemical report, a physical report, and a club meeting) described in the body of the e-mail and outputs the output data. Include in bibliographic information. Then, the image forming apparatus 23 displays bibliographic information in the display of the output data list.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of the printing system 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. First, in the first modification, the processing from step S111 to step S115 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires the student ID number from the subject of the acquired e-mail and acquires the comment of the text (S211). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 records the output data (S117). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 generates output data management information including the text comment in the bibliographic information, and records the output data management information in association with the output data (S118).

  Subsequently, the processing from step S119 to S127 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 23 transmits an output data list acquisition request together with the user ID to the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 (S212).

  Subsequently, in response to the acquisition request, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 transmits a list of output data corresponding to the user ID to the image forming apparatus 23 (S213). Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 23 transmits an output data acquisition request selected from the list to the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 together with the output data ID (S128). Subsequently, in response to the acquisition request, the print server 22 returns output data corresponding to the output data ID to the image forming apparatus 23 (S129). Then, the image forming apparatus 23 prints out the received output data (S130).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output data list screen displayed by the image forming apparatus 23 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. When the image forming apparatus 23 acquires the list in step S213, the image forming apparatus 23 displays a screen as shown in FIG. In this case, the image forming apparatus 23 displays a comment (for example, a chemical report) included in the bibliographic information together with the file name of the output data.

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, the user operating the image forming apparatus 23 can easily understand the contents of the output data.

(Second modification of the first embodiment)
Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. Since the second modification of the first embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the basic configuration of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the member has substantially the same function and configuration. Are given the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described. The second modification may be applied in combination with the first modification.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server 24 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the print server 22 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

  In the second modified example, the user specifying information is different in the description format of the users in the first group and the description format of the users in the second group. As an example, when the user is a student (in the case of the first group), the user identification information is a student ID number, and when the user is a teacher (in the case of the second group), for example, an arbitrary character string .

  When the user information acquisition unit 36 of the print server 22 acquires the output data, the user information acquisition unit 36 determines the description format of the user identification information. Then, the user information acquisition unit 36 determines the user group according to the description format of the user specifying information and acquires the authentication information of the corresponding group.

  For example, in the second modification, the authentication server 24 stores, for each user, user information in which a user ID, a password, a role, a student ID number, and a teacher user name are associated with each other as shown in FIG. To do. Here, the role is information for identifying whether the user is a student or a teacher. The teacher user name is an arbitrary character string that uniquely specifies the teacher.

  When the user is a teacher, the student ID number is blank (indicated by a horizontal bar in the figure). If the user is a student, the teacher user name is blank (indicated by a horizontal bar in the figure).

  In the second modification, the print server 22 stores output data management information in which output data ID, user ID, and bibliographic information are associated with each other as shown in FIG. In this case, the description format of the user ID does not change between the student and the teacher.

  In the second modification, the data management server 12 stores, for each output data, output data management information in which the output data ID, user identification information, and bibliographic information are associated with each other as shown in FIG. . In this case, the description of user-specific information differs between students and teachers.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of the printing system 10 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

  First, the processing from step S111 to step S115 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires user identification information (student ID number or teacher user name) from the acquired subject of the email (S311).

  Subsequently, the processing from step S117 to step S120 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. Subsequently, the user information acquisition unit 36 of the print server 22 specifies the student ID number or teacher user name from the user specifying information, and transmits the specified student ID number or teacher user name to the authentication server 24 to acquire user information. A request is made (S312). Subsequently, the authentication server 24 returns user information corresponding to the student ID number or the teacher user name to the user information acquisition unit 36 of the print server 22 in response to the request (S313).

  Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 specifies the user ID corresponding to the student ID number or the teacher user name based on the user information acquired from the authentication server 24 (S314). Then, the processing from step S124 to step S130 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a user ID specifying process in the print server 22 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

  First, in step S <b> 351, the print server 22 receives output data and output data management information from the data management server 12. Subsequently, in step S352, the print server 22 acquires user information from the authentication server 24, assuming that the user specifying information of the output data management information is a student ID number or a teacher user name.

  Subsequently, in step S353, the print server 22 determines whether or not the user ID can be acquired from the acquired user information using the student ID number as a key. If the user ID can be acquired using the student ID number as a key (Yes in step S353), in step S354, the print server 22 specifies the user ID from the student ID number and advances the process to step S358.

  If the user ID cannot be acquired using the student ID number as a key (No in step S353), in step S355, the print server 22 determines whether the user ID can be acquired using the teacher user name as a key. When the user ID cannot be acquired using the teacher user name as a key (No in step S355), in step S356, the print server 22 performs error processing (for example, deletes the corresponding output data), and this flow Exit.

  If the user ID can be acquired using the teacher user name as a key (Yes in step S355), in step S357, the print server 22 specifies the user ID from the teacher user name and advances the process to step S358. In step S358, the print server 22 manages the acquired user ID and output data in association with each other.

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the target data transmitted from the client terminal 25 outside the campus network 20 is sent to the student and the teacher respectively. The image forming apparatus 23 can be printed. In addition, according to the printing system 10 according to the second modification, since the institutional network 20 is used for a long period of time unlike teachers, particularly for teachers, the system can be used with a name that is easier to use.

(Third Modification of First Embodiment)
Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described. Since the third modification of the first embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the basic configuration of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the member has substantially the same function and configuration. Are given the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described. The third modification may be applied in combination with one or more of the first modification and the second modification.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a print server 22 according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

  The print server 22 of the third modified example further includes an upper limit management unit 51 and an upper limit setting storage unit 52 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The upper limit management unit 51 restricts the output from the image forming apparatus 23 when the number of output data output by the user exceeds a preset upper limit value. The upper limit setting storage unit 52 stores the upper limit value of the output number of each user's output data and the usage value up to now. The upper limit value and the usage value may be included in the user information of the authentication server 24 and stored.

  For example, there are cases where the user pays a fee in advance and registers an upper limit that can be printed. In such a case, every time the user performs a printing operation, the upper limit management unit 51 determines whether or not the total value of the current usage value and the current usage value exceeds the upper limit value. The upper limit management unit 51 prohibits printing by the user if the upper limit value is exceeded, and permits printing by the user if the upper limit value is not exceeded. The print server 22 may increase the maximum number of printable prints when the user newly pays a fee.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server 24 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the authentication server 24 may store, for each user, user information in which a user ID, a password, a role, a student ID number or a teacher user name, an upper limit value, and a current usage value are associated with each other. .

  Further, when the user is a teacher, the upper limit may not be set. Thereby, the upper limit setting storage unit 52 can perform printing without limitation when the user is a teacher.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the print server 22 according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

  First, in step S <b> 411, the print server 22 receives an output data acquisition request and a user ID from the image forming apparatus 23. Subsequently, in step S412, the print server 22 determines whether the role corresponding to the acquired user ID indicates a student or a teacher. If the role is a teacher (teacher in step S412), in step S413, the print server 22 transmits the corresponding output data to the image forming apparatus 23, and this flow ends.

  When the role is a student (student in step S412), in step S414, the print server 22 acquires an upper limit value and a current usage value corresponding to the user ID. Subsequently, in step S415, the print server 22 determines whether or not the use exceeds the upper limit value by the current printing process. If the usage does not exceed the upper limit (No in step S415), in step S413, the print server 22 transmits the corresponding output data to the image forming apparatus 23, and this flow ends.

  When the usage exceeds the upper limit (Yes in Step S415), in Step S416, the print server 22 restricts the usage by switching to, for example, cash accounting or prohibiting the output. Then, when the process of step S416 is completed, the print server 22 ends this flow.

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the third modification of the first embodiment, the upper limit value can be set and the printing can be restricted.

(Fourth modification of the first embodiment)
Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described. Since the fourth modification of the first embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the basic configuration of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the member has substantially the same function and configuration. Are given the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described. The fourth modification may be applied in combination with one or more of the first to third modifications.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user information stored in the authentication server 24 according to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment.

  For example, a part of the student ID number may be fixed information. For example, in the case of FIG. 20, the student ID number is fixed information with the first three characters “P00”, and the fourth and subsequent characters are numbers that uniquely identify students. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 21, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 of the fourth modified example associates at least some information that can identify the user in the user specifying information with the target data. Manage.

  Further, the print server 22 of the fourth modified example uses the student ID number after removing the standard information, even if the user identification information included in the subject of the email is the student ID number with the standard information added. Even if it exists, user information can be acquired.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the print server 22 according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

  First, in step S511, the print server 22 receives output data and output data management information. Subsequently, in step S512, the print server 22 adds fixed form information (for example, “P00”) to the user specifying information of the output data management information. Subsequently, in step S <b> 513, the print server 22 acquires user information corresponding to the user specifying information to which the fixed information is added from the authentication server 24.

  Subsequently, in step S514, the print server 22 determines whether or not the user information has been acquired using the user specifying information to which the fixed information is added as a key. When the user information can be acquired using the user specifying information with the fixed information added as a key (Yes in step S514), in step S515, the print server 22 specifies the user ID from the acquired user information. In step S516, the print server 22 manages the identified user ID and output data in association with each other, and ends this flow.

  On the other hand, if the print server 22 cannot acquire user information using the user specifying information with the fixed information added as a key (No in step S514), the print server 22 supports the user specifying information to which the fixed information is not added in step S517. User information to be acquired is acquired from the authentication server 24. Subsequently, in step S518, the print server 22 determines whether or not the user information can be acquired using the user specifying information to which the fixed information is not added as a key. If the user information can be acquired using the user specifying information to which the fixed information is not added as a key (Yes in step S518), in step S515, the print server 22 specifies the user ID from the acquired user information. In step S516, the print server 22 manages the identified user ID and output data in association with each other, and ends this flow.

  When the user information cannot be acquired using the user specifying information without adding the fixed information as a key (No in Step S518), the print server 22 performs error processing (for example, deletes the corresponding output data) in Step S519. This flow is finished.

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment, when a part of the student ID number is the standard information, or when the student ID number excluding the standard information is input to the e-mail, Printing can also be performed when a student ID number with standard information is entered.

(Fifth Modification of First Embodiment)
Next, a fifth modification of the first embodiment will be described. Since the fifth modification of the first embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the basic configuration of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the member has substantially the same function and configuration. Are given the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described. Note that the fifth modification may be applied in combination with one or more of the first to fourth modifications.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 10 according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. In the printing system 10 according to this modification, the mail server 11 is provided in the campus network 20. Therefore, the data management server 12 is restricted by the firewall 21 and cannot access the mail server 11 from itself.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the data management server 12 and the print server 22 according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment.

  The data management server 12 includes a data conversion unit 32, a first management unit 33, and a first storage unit 34. That is, the data management server 12 does not have the mail acquisition unit 31 as compared with the configuration of FIG. In this modification, the data conversion unit 32 converts the target data transmitted from the print server 22 into output data in response to a request from the print server 22. Then, the data conversion unit 32 returns the converted output data to the print server 22.

  The print server 22 includes a mail acquisition unit 31, a data generation request unit 61, an output data acquisition unit 35, a user information acquisition unit 36, a second management unit 37, and a second storage unit 38. That is, the print server 22 further includes a mail acquisition unit 31 and a data generation request unit 61 as compared with the configuration of FIG.

  The mail acquisition unit 31 periodically acquires e-mails including target data and user identification information from the mail server 11 provided in the campus network 20. The data generation request unit 61 transmits the target data included in the electronic mail acquired by the mail acquisition unit 31 to the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 and requests conversion to output data. The output data acquisition unit 35 acquires the output data returned from the data management server 12 in response to a request from the data generation request unit 61.

  The user information acquisition unit 36, the second management unit 37, and the second storage unit 38 have the same functions as the configuration shown in FIG.

  In this modification, the print server 22 acquires an e-mail from the mail server 11 instead of the data management server 12 acquiring an e-mail from the mail server 11. The print server 22 requests the data management server 12 to convert the target data into output data, and acquires the output data from the data management server 12. Thereby, the print server 22 can acquire output data even when the mail server 11 is provided in the campus network 20.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of ID correspondence information stored in the print server 22 according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. Each time the print server 22 requests the data management server 12 to convert the target data, the print server 22 generates and records ID correspondence information in which the alternative ID is associated with the user identification information (student ID number). The substitute ID is a number arbitrarily assigned by the print server 22 and is a value that does not overlap with other substitute IDs.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the first embodiment. As an example, the data management server 12 stores output data management information as shown in FIG. That is, the data management server 12 stores output data management information in which output data IDs, alternative IDs, and bibliographic information are associated with each other for each output data.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence until the print server 22 obtains output data in the printing system 10 according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic mail transmitted from the print server 22 to the data management server 12 according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment.

  First, the client terminal 25 transmits an e-mail including target data and a student ID number to the mail server 11 (S611). Subsequently, the mail acquisition unit 31 of the print server 22 requests the mail server 11 to acquire an e-mail (S612). Subsequently, the mail server 11 returns the electronic mail accumulated so far to the print server 22 in response to the request (S613).

  Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 acquires a student ID number from the subject of the acquired e-mail (S614). Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 generates an alternative ID for identifying an electronic mail (S615). Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 generates and records ID correspondence information in which the alternative ID and the student ID number are associated (S616).

  Subsequently, the data generation request unit 61 of the print server 22 replaces the subject of the e-mail with an alternative ID and transmits the e-mail to the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 to request data conversion (S617). ). For example, the data generation request unit 61 transmits an e-mail in which an alternative ID (“AAA”) is written in the subject as shown in FIG. As a result, the print server 22 converts the e-mail into meaningless characters that are not information that can be used to specify a user or to specify campus asset information such as a destination to a device in the campus network 20. Can be sent. Therefore, the print server 22 can improve security.

  Subsequently, the user information acquisition unit 36 of the print server 22 transmits the student ID number to the authentication server 24 and requests acquisition of user information (S618). If the received student ID number exists in the user information, the authentication server 24 returns the corresponding user information to the user information acquisition unit 36 of the print server 22 (S619).

  Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 specifies the user ID corresponding to the student ID number based on the user information acquired from the authentication server 24 (S620). Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 rewrites the student ID number of the ID correspondence information with the user ID, and updates the ID correspondence information in which the alternative ID and the user ID are associated with each other (S621).

  On the other hand, when receiving the electronic mail from the print server 22, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 extracts an attached file (target data) from the received electronic mail (S622). Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 converts the data format of the extracted target data to generate output data (S623).

  Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires an alternative ID from the subject of the acquired electronic mail (S624). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 records the output data (S625). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 generates output data management information including an alternative ID and records the output data in association with the output data (S626).

  Subsequently, the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 requests the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 to acquire output data (S627). Subsequently, in response to the request, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 returns the output data and output data management information accumulated so far to the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 (S628).

  Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 specifies the user ID from the alternative ID and the ID correspondence information included in the output data management information (S629). Subsequently, the second management unit 37 of the print server 22 stores the output data and the user ID in association with each other (S630).

  Thereafter, processing similar to that from step S125 to step S130 shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the present modification, even if the mail server 11 is provided in the campus network 20, the target data transmitted in the email is included in the campus network 20. The image forming apparatus 23 can perform printing.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment. Since the second embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the first embodiment, members having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the differences.

  The printing system 10 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of campus networks 20 (for example, the campus network 20-A and the campus network 20-B), a mail server 11, and a data management server 12. Each of the mail server 11 and the data management server 12 is provided in common for the campus networks 20-A and 20-B of a plurality of schools.

  Note that the plurality of on-campus networks 20 may correspond to a plurality of different schools, or may correspond to different faculties or school buildings (campus) in the same school. In the figure, two on-campus networks 20 are shown, but the printing system 10 may have three or more on-campus networks 20.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the data management server 12 and the print server 22 according to the second embodiment.

  In the second modification, the data management server 12 further includes a region ID management information storage unit 71. The area ID management information storage unit 71 associates the area ID for identifying each of the plurality of campus networks 20-A and 20-B with the area name for identifying each school (for example, school name, school building name, etc.). Remember.

  The print server 22 further includes an area ID storage unit 72. The area ID storage unit 72 stores an area ID assigned to its own campus network 20.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of area ID management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31, the data management server 12 of the second embodiment stores region ID management information in which region IDs and region names are associated with each other on the campus network 20.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32, the print server 22 of the second embodiment stores, for each output data, output data management information in which an output data ID, a region ID, a student ID number, and bibliographic information are associated with each other.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence until the print server 22 acquires output data in the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment.

  First, the client terminal 25 transmits an e-mail including target data, a region ID, and a student ID number to the mail server 11 (S711). The area ID and the student ID number are included in a specific area of the e-mail (for example, a character at a predetermined position in the subject).

  Subsequently, the mail acquisition unit 31 of the data management server 12 requests the mail server 11 to acquire an electronic mail (S712). Subsequently, the mail server 11 returns the electronic mail accumulated so far to the data management server 12 in response to the request (S713).

  Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 extracts an attached file (target data) from the acquired electronic mail (S714). Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 converts the data format of the extracted target data to generate output data (S715).

  Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires data on the subject of the acquired electronic mail (S716). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires a student ID number from a predetermined area of the acquired subject data (S717). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires an area ID from a predetermined area of the acquired subject data (S718).

  Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 records the output data (S719). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 generates output data management information including the area ID and the student ID number, and records the output data management information in association with the output data (S720).

  Subsequently, for example, the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 of the school A designates an area ID (for example, “ID123”) corresponding to itself to the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 and outputs it. Data acquisition is requested (S721). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 specifies output data corresponding to the designated area ID (S722). Subsequently, in response to the request, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 returns output data and output data management information corresponding to the designated area ID to the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 (S723). ). At this time, the output data management information may not include the area ID.

  On the other hand, for example, the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 of the school B designates an area ID (for example, “ID456”) corresponding to itself to the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 to output data. Is requested (S724). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 specifies output data corresponding to the designated area ID (S725). Subsequently, in response to the request, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 returns output data and output data management information corresponding to the designated area ID to the output data acquisition unit 35 of the print server 22 (S726). ).

  After step S726, the printing system 10 prints output data by executing the same processing as in steps S121 to S130 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the data management server 12 according to the second embodiment. First, in step S741, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 of the second embodiment acquires the first specific area data of the acquired email. Note that the first specific area data is, for example, data on the subject of an e-mail. The data is not limited to the subject but may be data at a predetermined position in the text.

  Subsequently, in step S742, the first management unit 33 acquires second specific area data from the first specific area data. The second specific area data is data at a predetermined position in the first specific area data. For example, the second specific area data is data of a predetermined number of characters (for example, three characters from the top) from the top. The second specific area data is data at a position where the area ID is included.

  Subsequently, in step S743, the first management unit 33 collates the area ID. Subsequently, in step S744, the first management unit 33 determines whether or not the area ID exists as a result of the collation. If the area ID does not exist (No in step S744), in step S745, the first management unit 33 performs error processing (for example, deletion of output data) and ends this flow.

  If the area ID exists (Yes in step S744), in step S746, the first management unit 33 acquires the third specific area data from the first specific area data. The third specific area data is data at a predetermined position in the first specific area data. For example, characters from the next to the end of the second specific area data (for example, from the fourth character to the end from the beginning) Character) data. The third specific area data is data of a position where the student ID number is included.

  Subsequently, in step S747, the first management unit 33 manages the output data, the area ID, and the student ID number in association with each other, and ends this flow.

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment, by sending an e-mail including the area ID to the mail server 11, each image forming apparatus 23 of the plurality of campus networks 20 performs printing. be able to.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic mail transmitted to the mail server 11 of the second embodiment. In the e-mail transmitted to the mail server 11 of the second embodiment, for example, characters obtained by combining a domain ID (“123”) followed by a student ID number (“001”) are written in the subject. Note that the present invention is not limited to this example, and in the e-mail, characters obtained by combining the area ID after the student ID number may be entered in the subject. Further, for example, the student ID number may be entered in the subject and the area ID may be entered at a predetermined position in the text. The method of entry is determined in advance as an operation rule.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the area ID management information stored in the data management server 12 according to the modification of the second embodiment.

  In the example described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 35, the example in which the area ID is included in the e-mail has been shown. A configuration may be adopted in which an e-mail is transmitted to an address associated with 20. Thereby, the client terminal 25 does not need to enter the area ID in the electronic mail.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 36, the data management server 12 of the second embodiment stores area ID management information in which an area ID, a school name, and a corresponding mail address are associated for each campus network 20. .

  FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a processing sequence until the data management server 12 records output data in the printing system 10 according to the modification of the second embodiment. First, the client terminal 25 transmits an e-mail including target data and a student ID number to the mail server 11 with the address assigned to its own campus network 20 as a destination (S811).

  Subsequently, the mail acquisition unit 31 of the data management server 12 requests the mail server 11 to acquire an electronic mail (S812). Subsequently, the mail server 11 returns the electronic mail accumulated so far to the data management server 12 in response to the request (S813).

  Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 extracts an attached file (target data) from the acquired e-mail (S814). Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 of the data management server 12 converts the data format of the extracted target data to generate output data (S815).

  Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires a student ID number from the subject of the acquired electronic mail (S816). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires the address of the acquired electronic mail (S817). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 acquires an area ID from the acquired address (S818).

  Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 records the output data (S819). Subsequently, the first management unit 33 of the data management server 12 generates output data management information including the area ID and the student ID number, and records the output data management information in association with the output data (S820).

  After step S820, the printing system 10 executes the same processing as the processing after step S721 shown in FIG. 33, and prints the output data.

  As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the modification of the second embodiment, even if the area ID is not included in the e-mail, a plurality of e-mails can be transmitted by sending e-mails to addresses assigned to each campus network 20. It is possible to cause each image forming apparatus 23 of the campus network 20 to print.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment. Since the third embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as those of the first embodiment, members having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and differences will be mainly described. The contents of the second embodiment may be combined with the third embodiment.

  A printing system 10 according to the third embodiment includes an on-campus network 20, an in-company network 100, a mail server 11, and a service providing system 110.

  In the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment, a pull print service using electronic mail is provided to users of the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100. Furthermore, the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment also provides a normal pull print service to users of the corporate network 100.

  The campus network 20 has the same configuration as the campus network 20 shown in FIG. That is, the campus network 20 is a network (first network) in which the image forming apparatus 23 and the print server 22 are provided.

  The in-company network 100 is, for example, a network that connects devices in the company and restricts access from devices from an external network. Note that the network is not limited to a company but may be a network of another organization (such as a public organization or a convenience store chain).

  The corporate network 100 includes a firewall 21, an image forming apparatus 23, a client terminal 25, a mobile terminal 26, a projector 101, and other output devices 102. The projector 101 projects and displays an image. The other output device 102 is not limited to a printing device or a projection device, and is a generic name for other output devices. The corporate network 100 is a network (second network) that includes the image forming apparatus 23 but does not include the print server 22.

  The service providing system 110 is connected to each of the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100 via the Internet. The service providing system 110 provides a function as the data management server 12 to devices provided in the campus network 20. That is, the service providing system 110 provides a pull print service using electronic mail to devices provided in the campus network 20.

  Further, the service providing system 110 provides a function as the authentication server 24 to devices provided in the corporate network 100. At the same time, the service providing system 110 provides a pull print service using e-mail to devices provided in the corporate network 100.

  The service providing system 110 includes an access control device 111 and at least one service providing device 112.

  The access control device 111 performs authentication for each device in the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100 to access the service providing system 110. Each device in the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100 can access the service providing device 112 when the access control device 111 is successfully authenticated.

  Each of the plurality of service providing apparatuses 112 provides a predetermined service to the accessed device. One of the plurality of service providing apparatuses 112 functions as a print service providing apparatus. The print service providing apparatus provides a pull print service using electronic mail to devices provided in the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100.

  Each service providing device 112 may be configured by a plurality of information processing devices, or a plurality of internal devices may be configured by one information processing device.

  Note that some functions of the service providing system 110 may be provided in the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100. Moreover, some functions of the campus network 20 or the corporate network 100 may be provided on an external network.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the service providing system 110 according to the third embodiment. The service providing system 110 includes a service application unit 210, a platform 220, and a management data unit 230.

  The service application unit 210 provides a plurality of service applications. The service application unit 210 provides, for example, a print service application 241 and other service applications 242 and 243.

  A print service application 241 that is one of a plurality of service applications is used for a device in the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100 for a pull print service using email and a device in the corporate network 100. Provide normal pull print service. The other service applications 242 and 243 provide various services such as a scan service to devices in the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100, for example.

  Each service application can use each other's functions within a public range via a platform API (Application Programming Interface).

  The platform 220 includes functions common to a plurality of service applications and basic functions used by the plurality of service applications. The platform 220 includes, for example, a device communication unit 251, an authentication processing unit 252, a management information acquisition unit 253, a mail acquisition unit 31, a data conversion unit 32, and the like.

  The device communication unit 251 transmits and receives data to and from each device in the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100 via the Internet. For example, the device communication unit 251 transmits and receives data to and from the client terminal 25, the mobile terminal 26, and the print server 22. For example, the device communication unit 251 transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 23, the projector 101, and the other output apparatuses 102 in the corporate network 100.

  The authentication processing unit 252 authenticates a device that accesses the service providing system 110. The authentication processing unit 252 authenticates a user who uses a device in the corporate network 100. The management information acquisition unit 253 acquires output data information.

  The mail acquisition unit 31 and the data conversion unit 32 provide functions similar to those provided in the data management server 12.

  The management data unit 230 manages and stores various data. As an example, the management data unit 230 includes a management information storage unit 254 and a first storage unit 34. The management information storage unit 254 accumulates information acquired by the platform 220. The first storage unit 34 stores the output data converted by the data conversion unit 32.

  In such a service providing system 110, the print service application 241 requests processing from each processing unit of the platform 220.

  FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating the print server 22, the image forming apparatus 23, and the service providing system 110 according to the third embodiment.

  The print server 22 further includes a service use application 261 and a login information holding unit 264 in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment. The service use application 261 is an application program for using the service providing system 110 and includes a login request unit 262 and a service use request unit 263. The login request unit 262 requests the service providing system 110 for authentication and logs in. The service use request unit 263 receives service from the service providing system 110 after logging in. Specifically, the service use request unit 263 acquires output data from the print service application 241.

  The login information holding unit 264 holds information for the print server 22 to log in to the service providing system 110. The login information holding unit 264 stores, for example, the administrator's user ID and password and device authentication information, and is used when the login request unit 262 logs in.

  The image forming apparatus 23 in the corporate network 100 includes a service use application 261, a reception unit 265, an output unit 266, and a setting information holding unit 267. The service use application 261 is the same as that of the print server 22.

  The accepting unit 265 accepts a user ID and password input by the user at the time of login, and passes them to the login request unit 262. The output unit 266 prints the output data acquired from the service providing system 110. The setting information holding unit 267 stores device authentication information and setting data necessary for login.

  The print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 includes a method determination unit 271, a first management unit 33, a processing request unit 272, a method information storage unit 273, and an output data management information storage unit 274.

  When accessed from the print server 22 or the image forming apparatus 23, the method determination unit 271 determines whether the user's specific method is mail information (for example, a subject) or a user ID.

  The first management unit 33 manages output data and user identification information in association with each other. Specifically, the first management unit 33 manages output data and user identification information (student ID number) in association with each other for users of the campus network 20. Further, the first management unit 33 manages the output data and the user ID in association with each other for the user of the corporate network 100.

  The processing request unit 272 requests the platform 220 for processing. The method information storage unit 273 stores a method of associating output data with user information for each output data. The output data management information storage unit 274 stores output data.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of organization management information stored in the management information storage unit 254 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 41, the management information storage unit 254 of the management data unit 230 stores organization management information in which organization codes, organization names, and address information are associated with each organization.

  The organization code is a code for identifying the organization of the campus network 20 or the corporate network 100 and is used for authentication. The organization name is a name representing the organization of the campus network 20 or the corporate network 100. The address information is an address serving as an e-mail destination when using a pull print service using e-mail.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of user management information stored in the management information storage unit 254 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 42, the management information storage unit 254 of the management data unit 230 stores user management information in which an organization code, a user ID, a password, a role, address information, and output settings are associated with each other. Remember every time.

  The role is identification information indicating whether the role is an administrator or a general user. The address information is the user's mail address. The output setting is a print setting associated with the user, for example, a setting such as double-sided printing / single-sided printing, color / black and white, and aggregate printing.

  For school A, printing is performed using a pull print service using electronic mail. Accordingly, the print server 22 accesses the service providing system 110. Therefore, in the management information storage unit 254, only the user management information of the administrator is registered for the school A. The print server 22 logs in to the service providing system 110 using the administrator's user ID and password.

  FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of device management information stored in the management information storage unit 254 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 43, the management information storage unit 254 of the management data unit 230 stores, for each device, device management information in which an organization code, device authentication information, and a device type are associated with each other. The device authentication information is authentication information set for each device. The service providing system 110 rejects the login from the device even if the user can be authenticated if the device authentication is not successful.

  FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the scheme information stored in the scheme information storage unit 273 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 44, the method information storage unit 273 of the print service application 241 stores method information in which an organization code, user identification information, and a data providing method are associated with each organization. The user specifying information describes a method for specifying a user. Specifically, the user specifying information describes whether the user is specified from the mail information (subject) or whether the user is specified from the user ID.

  The data providing method indicates a unit for providing output data to the print server 22 or the image forming apparatus 23. As an example of the data providing method, there are a method of transferring output data of the same organization code in a batch and a method of transferring output data having the same organization code and user ID in a batch.

  FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information when the user specifying method is mail information according to the third embodiment. When the user specifying method is from mail information, the first management unit 33, as shown in FIG. 45, the output data ID, organization code, user specifying information (student ID number), and output data storage location (URL) ) Is managed for each output data.

  FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of output data management information when the user identification method is a user ID according to the third embodiment. When the user specifying method is based on the user ID, the first management unit 33, as shown in FIG. 46, the output data ID, the organization code, the user specifying information (user ID), and the output data storage location (URL ) Is managed for each output data.

  FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a processing sequence until the print service application 241 records output data in the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment.

  First, the client terminal 25 transmits an e-mail including target data to the mail server 11 (S911). At this time, the user of the campus network 20 enters the user identification information (student ID number) in the subject of the e-mail. The user of the corporate network 100 does not need to make any special entry.

  Subsequently, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 instructs the mail acquisition unit 31 to acquire mail (S912). Subsequently, the mail acquisition unit 31 of the service providing system 110 requests the mail server 11 to acquire an electronic mail (S913). Subsequently, in response to the request, the mail server 11 returns the electronic mail accumulated so far to the mail acquisition unit 31 of the service providing system 110 (S914). Subsequently, the mail acquisition unit 31 passes the acquired mail data to the print service application 241 (S915).

  Subsequently, the print service application 241 passes the mail data and the output data ID to the data conversion unit 32 and requests data conversion (S916). Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 extracts an attached file (target data) from the acquired electronic mail, converts the data format of the extracted target data, and generates output data (S917). Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 records the output data and acquires the URL of the output data (S918). Subsequently, the data conversion unit 32 passes the output data ID and URL to the print service application 241 and notifies the completion of data conversion (S919).

  Subsequently, the print service application 241 acquires the transmission source address of the acquired mail data (S920). Subsequently, the print service application 241 passes the transmission source address to the management information acquisition unit 253 and requests acquisition of the organization code (S921). Subsequently, the management information acquisition unit 253 specifies the organization code from the transmission source address (S922). Subsequently, the management information acquisition unit 253 passes the identified organization code to the print service application 241 (S923).

  Subsequently, the print service application 241 determines a user identification method from the acquired organization code (S924). Specifically, if the print service application 241 is an e-mail from a user of the campus network 20, the print service application 241 determines that the method identifies the user from the mail information (the subject in this example), and the corporate network 100 In the case of an e-mail from the user, it is determined that the method identifies the user from the user ID.

  When the user is specified from the mail information, the print service application 241 acquires subject data (S925). Subsequently, the print service application 241 records output data using the user identification information as subject data (S926).

  On the other hand, when the user is specified from the user ID, the print service application 241 passes the organization code and the transmission source address to the management information acquisition unit 253 and requests acquisition of the user ID (S927). Subsequently, the management information acquisition unit 253 specifies a user ID corresponding to the transmission source address (S928). Subsequently, the management information acquisition unit 253 passes the acquired user ID to the print service application 241 (S929). Then, the print service application 241 records output data using the user identification information as a user ID (S930).

  FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when data is input to the service providing system 110 according to the third embodiment.

  First, when the user of the corporate network 100 inputs the data to be printed into the service providing system 110 by the normal pull printing method, the process starts from step S951. In this case, first, in step S951, the service providing system 110 determines whether or not login authentication (authentication of the organization code, user ID, and password) has succeeded. When the login authentication fails (failure in step S951), the service providing system 110 ends the process as it is and exits this flow.

  If the login authentication is successful (success in step S951), then in step S952, the service providing system 110 acquires the target data from the user's client terminal 25 or the like. Subsequently, in step S953, the service providing system 110 determines whether data conversion is necessary for the acquired target data.

  If conversion is not necessary (No in step S953), the service providing system 110 uses the target data as output data as it is, and advances the processing to step S955. If conversion is necessary (Yes in step S953), in step S954, the service providing system 110 converts the target data into output data, and the process proceeds to step S955. In step S955, the service providing system 110 manages the output data in association with the organization code and the user ID, and ends this flow.

  On the other hand, when the user of the campus network 20 or the corporate network 100 receives provision of a pull print service using electronic mail, the process starts from step S956. In this case, first, in step S956, the service providing system 110 acquires an e-mail.

  Subsequently, in step S957, the service providing system 110 acquires target data added as an attached file to the electronic mail. Subsequently, in step S958, the service providing system 110 converts the target data into printable output data.

  Subsequently, in step S959, the service providing system 110 determines the user specifying method. If the user identification method is a user ID (user ID in step S959), the service providing system 110 advances the process to step S955.

  When the user specifying method is mail information (mail information in step S959), in step S960, the service providing system 110 manages the output data in association with the organization code and the mail information, and ends this flow. .

  FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence when the print server 22 of the campus network 20 acquires output data from the service providing system 110 according to the third embodiment.

  First, in step S <b> 971, the login request unit 262 of the print server 22 transmits an organization code, a user ID, a password, and device authentication information to the authentication processing unit 252 of the service providing system 110 to request authentication. Here, the organization code, user ID, password, and device authentication information are stored in advance in the login information holding unit 264 of the print server 22.

  Subsequently, in step S972, the authentication processing unit 252 of the service providing system 110 performs authentication. Subsequently, in step S973, the authentication processing unit 252 of the service providing system 110 returns an authentication result (success) to the login request unit 262 of the print server 22.

  Subsequently, in step S974, the service use request unit 263 of the print server 22 transmits an output data acquisition request to the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110. Subsequently, in step S975, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 determines a data providing method. When the print server 22 accesses, a method for transferring the output data of the same organization code in a batch is selected.

  Subsequently, in step S976, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 acquires all output data of the corresponding organization code. In step S977, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 transmits all the acquired output data and output data management information to the print server 22.

  Thereafter, the print server 22 executes processing similar to that in step S121 and subsequent steps in FIG. 6 to print output data from the image forming apparatus 23.

  FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence when the image forming apparatus 23 of the corporate network 100 according to the third embodiment acquires output data from the service providing system 110.

  First, in step S981, the receiving unit 265 of the image forming apparatus 23 of the corporate network 100 receives a login request (input of a user ID and a password) from a user. Subsequently, in step S982, the login request unit 262 of the image forming apparatus 23 transmits an organization code, a user ID, a password, and device authentication information to the authentication processing unit 252 of the service providing system 110 to request authentication. To do.

  Subsequently, in step S983, the authentication processing unit 252 of the service providing system 110 performs authentication. Subsequently, in step S984, the authentication processing unit 252 of the service providing system 110 returns an authentication result (success) to the login request unit 262 of the image forming apparatus 23.

  Subsequently, in step S985, the service usage request unit 263 of the image forming apparatus 23 transmits an output data acquisition request to the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110. Subsequently, in step S986, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 determines a data providing method. When the image forming apparatus 23 accesses, a method for transferring the output data of the same organization code and the same user ID is selected.

  Subsequently, in step S987, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 acquires output data of a corresponding organization code and a corresponding user ID. In step S988, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 returns a list of acquired output data to the image forming apparatus 23.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 989, the reception unit 265 of the image forming apparatus 23 receives selection of output data from the list based on a user operation. Subsequently, in step S990, the service use request unit 263 of the image forming apparatus 23 transmits an acquisition request for the selected output data.

  Subsequently, in step S991, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 acquires the selected output data. Subsequently, in step S992, the print service application 241 of the service providing system 110 transmits the acquired output data to the image forming apparatus 23. In step S993, the output unit 266 of the image forming apparatus 23 prints the received output data.

  As described above, the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment can provide printing by the pull print service using electronic mail to each of the campus network 20 and the corporate network 100.

  The print server 22 and the data management server 12 of the present embodiment include a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device, and a display device. And a display device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  The programs executed by the print server 22 and the data management server 12 of the present embodiment are files in an installable format or executable format, and are CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). And the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by the print server 22 and the data management server 12 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Good. Further, the program executed by the print server 22 and the data management server 12 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the print server 22 of the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (output data acquisition unit 35, user information acquisition unit 36, and second management unit 37), and actual hardware As the CPU (processor) reads out the program from the storage medium and executes it, the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the output data acquisition unit 35, the user information acquisition unit 36, and the second management unit 37 store the main memory. It is generated on the device. The output data acquisition unit 35, the user information acquisition unit 36, and the second management unit 37 may be partially or entirely configured by hardware.

  In addition, the program executed by the data management server 12 apparatus according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (mail acquisition unit 31, data conversion unit 32, and first management unit 33). As hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes a program from the storage medium, whereby the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the mail acquisition unit 31, the data conversion unit 32, and the first management unit 33 store the main memory. It is generated on the device. The mail acquisition unit 31, the data conversion unit 32, and the first management unit 33 may be partially or entirely configured by hardware.

  Although the present invention has been described as using print as a preferred embodiment, the present invention is not limited to printing and can be applied. In other words, for example, in an environment where access to the campus network is restricted from the user's home PC or mobile terminal, a device on the campus network accesses a specific device on the external network and acquires information. Thus, if a PC or a portable terminal whose access is restricted transmits data to a specific device, the device on the campus network can acquire the data. The present invention can be applied not only to printing applications, but also to use data created on a home PC or tablet terminal, such as a Word file or PDF file, from a specific device on the campus network. Furthermore, the term is not limited to the terms “university” or “company” used in the network system, and is not applicable unless the network system configuration is as described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing system 11 Mail server 12 Data management server 20 Campus network 21 Firewall 22 Print server 23 Image forming apparatus 24 Authentication server 25 Client terminal 26 Mobile terminal 31 Mail acquisition part 32 Data conversion part 33 1st management part 34 1st memory | storage part 35 Output data acquisition unit 36 User information acquisition unit 37 Second management unit 38 Second storage unit 41 Authentication processing unit 42 Acquisition unit 43 Output unit 44 Authentication unit 45 User information storage unit 51 Upper limit management unit 52 Upper limit setting storage unit 61 Data generation request Unit 71 Area ID management information storage unit 72 Area ID storage unit 100 Corporate network 101 Projector 102 Other output device 110 Service providing system 111 Access control device 112 Service providing device 210 Service application unit 22 0 platform 230 management data unit 241 print service application 242 other service application 243 other service application 251 device communication unit 252 authentication processing unit 253 management information acquisition unit 254 management information storage unit 261 service use application 262 login request unit 263 service use request unit 264 Login information holding unit 265 Reception unit 266 Output unit 267 Setting information holding unit 271 Method determination unit 272 Processing request unit 273 Method information storage unit 274 Output data management information storage unit

JP 2005-202723 A

Claims (18)

A system comprising a data management system composed of one or more information processing devices and a data storage device,
The data management system includes:
A mail acquisition unit for acquiring an email including target data and user specifying information for specifying a user;
A data conversion unit that converts the target data included in the e-mail into output data in a format that can be output by an image forming apparatus;
A first management unit that manages the output data in association with the user identification information included in the corresponding e-mail;
Have
The data storage device includes:
An output data acquisition unit that acquires the output data in association with the user identification information from the data management system;
A user information acquisition unit that acquires authentication information used for user authentication based on the user identification information;
A second management unit that manages the acquired output data in association with user identification information for identifying a user included in the acquired authentication information;
Having system. A firewall that restricts access from external devices to devices provided in the internal network;
The system according to claim 1, wherein the data management system is provided outside the internal network, and the data storage device is provided in the internal network. An image forming apparatus configured to acquire the output data corresponding to the user identification information of the user authenticated by the user from the data storage device and form an image corresponding to the output data;
The system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided in the internal network. A mail server that receives and accumulates e-mail including the target data and the user specifying information;
The data management system acquires the email from the mail server,
The system according to claim 2, wherein the mail server is provided outside the internal network. The system according to claim 4, further comprising an authentication server that manages the authentication information and the user identification information in association with each other. The internal network is a campus network that connects devices used in schools,
The authentication information is information that the user should manage confidentially to other users,
The system according to claim 5, wherein the user identification information is a student ID number uniquely assigned to each student of the school. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the output data acquisition unit acquires the electronic mail at regular intervals. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first management unit acquires information from a predetermined position in the electronic mail and includes the acquired information in the bibliographic information of the output data. In the user identification information, the description format of the users in the first group is different from the description format of the users in the second group.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the user information acquisition unit determines a group of users according to a description format of the user specifying information and acquires authentication information of a corresponding group. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the data storage device further includes an upper limit management unit that limits output from the image forming apparatus when the number of output data output by a user exceeds an upper limit value. . The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first management unit manages in association with at least a part of information that can identify a user in the user specifying information and the target data. The mail acquisition unit acquires an email including an area ID that identifies the target data, the user identification information, and the internal network,
The first management unit manages the target data in association with the area ID and the user identification information included in the email,
The system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the output data acquisition unit acquires, from the data management system, the output data of a corresponding area ID in association with the user specifying information. The mail acquisition unit acquires the email transmitted with an address associated with the internal network as a destination,
The first management unit manages the target data in association with the area ID and the user identification information associated with the destination of the electronic mail,
The system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the output data acquisition unit acquires, from the data management system, the output data of a corresponding area ID in association with the user specifying information. A system comprising a data management system composed of one or more information processing devices and a data storage device,
The data management system includes:
In response to a request from the data storage device, a data conversion unit that converts target data included in the e-mail into output data in a format that can be output by the image forming device,
Have
The data storage device includes:
A mail acquisition unit for acquiring an email including target data and user specifying information for specifying a user;
A data generation request unit that requests the data conversion unit to convert the target data included in the e-mail to the output data;
An output data acquisition unit for acquiring the output data from the data management system;
A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information used for user authentication based on the user identification information;
A second management unit that manages the acquired output data in association with user identification information for identifying a user included in the acquired user information;
Having system. A first network provided with an image forming apparatus and a data storage device;
A second network provided with an image forming apparatus;
A service providing apparatus that is provided outside the first network and the second network and includes one or more information processing apparatuses that are accessed from devices inside the first network and the second network. There,
The service providing apparatus includes:
A mail acquisition unit that acquires first e-mail including target data and user specifying information for specifying a user and second e-mail including target data;
A data conversion unit that converts target data included in the e-mail into output data in a format that can be output by the image forming apparatus;
An authentication processing unit for authenticating a user of the second network;
The output data of the first e-mail is managed in association with the user specifying information, and the output data of the second e-mail is managed in association with user authentication information to manage the output data of the second network. A first management unit that transmits in response to a user request;
Have
The data storage device includes:
An output data acquisition unit that acquires output data of the first e-mail from the service providing apparatus in association with the user specifying information;
A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information used for user authentication based on the user identification information;
A second management unit that manages the acquired output data in association with user identification information for identifying a user included in the acquired user information;
Having system. A data storage device that stores output data in a format that can be output by an image forming apparatus,
From a data management system, an output data acquisition unit that acquires the output data in association with user specifying information for specifying a user;
A user information acquisition unit that acquires authentication information used for user authentication based on the user identification information;
A second management unit that manages the acquired output data in association with user identification information for identifying a user included in the acquired authentication information;
A data storage device. A method executed in a system including a data management system including one or more information processing devices and a data storage device,
A mail acquisition step in which the data management system acquires an email including target data and user specifying information for specifying a user;
A data conversion step in which the data management system converts the target data included in the e-mail into output data in a format that can be output by an image forming apparatus;
A first management step in which the data management system manages the output data in association with the user identification information included in the corresponding e-mail;
An output data acquisition step in which the data storage device acquires the output data in association with the user identification information from the data management system;
A user information acquisition step in which the data management system acquires authentication information used for user authentication based on the user identification information;
A second management step of managing the acquired output data in correspondence with user identification information for identifying a user included in the acquired authentication information;
Having a method. A program for causing an information processing apparatus to function as a data storage apparatus that stores output data in a format that can be output by an image forming apparatus,
An output data acquisition step of acquiring output data in association with user specifying information for specifying a user from the data management server;
A user information acquisition step of acquiring authentication information used for user authentication based on the user identification information;
A second management step of managing the acquired output data in correspondence with user identification information for identifying a user included in the acquired authentication information;
A program that executes

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